Patent Publication Number: US-2023151639-A1

Title: Indicator lever

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Embodiments of the present application generally relate to locks and levers for entryway devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present application relate to lock assemblies having adjustable status indicators. 
     Certain types of entryway devices and/or locksets can include a status indicator that can provide visual information regarding a status of the lockset and/or a room or passageway associated with the entryway device and/or lockset. The type of status information communicated by such status indicators can vary. For example, the status indicator can provide information indicating whether a door and/or the associated lockset is locked or unlocked, and/or whether a room or area associated with that door and/or lockset is occupied or unoccupied, among other types of information. 
     With respect to at least certain types of mechanical status indicators, the status indicator can often be mechanically coupled to the associated latch bolt, such as, for example, via a direct drive mechanism. However, use of such direct drive mechanisms, among other forms of mechanical coupling, can result in such locksets being susceptible at least to unauthorized unlocking via illicit physical manipulation of the status indicator. For example, if an individual were to forcibly move or otherwise displace a status indicator from displaying an indicator associated with a locked status to an unlocked status, such movement or displacement of the status indicator can be translated, via the mechanical coupling of the direct drive mechanism, to a bolt or latch of the lockset such that the bolt or latch can be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position. Further, the components associated with mechanical coupling of a status indicator to the lockset, such as the components of a direct drive mechanism, can contribute to an increase in the bulk, size, cost, and/or complexity of the lockset. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     An aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an apparatus comprising a lever and an activation carrier that can be displaced within the lever between an activated position and an inactivated position. The apparatus can further include a first magnet that is coupled to the activation carrier and an indicator barrel that is rotatable about the lever from a first position to a second position. Further, when in the first position, at least a portion of a first side of the indicator barrel can be viewable through at least an opening in an external surface of the lever. Additionally, when in the second position, at least a portion of a second side of the indicator barrel can be viewable through the opening in the external surface. The apparatus can also include a second magnet that is coupled to the indicator barrel. Further, the displacement of the activation carrier from the inactivated position to the activated position can bring the first magnet within a distance of the second magnet that facilitates, via a magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, the rotation of the indicator barrel from the first position to the second position. 
     Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an apparatus that includes a lever and an activation carrier having a first end, a second end, and an outer wall, the outer wall including a helical grove. Additionally, the first end of the activation carrier can be coupled to a first magnet. The apparatus can also include an actuator having an activation pin, the activation pin positioned to abut the second end of the activation carrier to transmit a pushing force to the activation carrier to displace the activation carrier at least in a first linear direction to an activation position in the lever as the actuator is displaced in the first linear direction. The apparatus can also include a stationary pin that can extend into at least a portion of the helical grove and which can be structured to engage the helical grove to facilitate rotation of the activation carrier at least as the activation carrier is displaced in the first linear direction. The apparatus can also include an indicator barrel that can be rotably coupled to the lever and connected to a second magnet. The indicator barrel can be rotatable from a first position to a second position by a magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet when the first magnet is displaced to the activated position. 
     Additionally, an aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an apparatus that includes an activation carrier having an outer wall that includes a helical grove, and a first magnet that is connected to the activation carrier, and which can have a first pole and a second pole, the first pole having a different polarity than the second pole. The apparatus can further include a stationary pin that can extend into at least a portion of the helical grove. The stationary pin can be structured to engage the helical grove to facilitate rotation of the activation carrier as the activation carrier is linearly displaced to an activation position. Additionally, the apparatus can include a second magnet having a first pole and a second pole, a polarity of the first pole of the second magnet being the same as the polarity of the first pole of the first magnet, and a polarity of the second pole of the second magnet being the same as the polarity of the second pole of the first magnet. An indicator barrel can be connected to the second magnet and can be rotatable from a first position to a second position by a repelling magnetic force generated between the first and second magnets as the first magnet is displaced to the activation position. The first magnet can be oriented relative to the activation carrier for the first pole of the first magnet to be rotably displaced into closer proximity than the second pole of the first magnet to the second magnet when activation carrier is displaced to the activation position. Further, the second magnet can be oriented relative to the indicator barrel so that, when the indicator barrel is in the first position, at least a portion of the first pole of the second magnet is in closer proximity than the second pole of the second magnet to the first magnet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description herein makes reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective side view of a portion of an exemplary lock assembly according to an illustrated embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates an exploded side view of a portion of an exemplary lock assembly according to an illustrated embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of an exemplary lock assembly according to an illustrated embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an exploded side view of a portion of an exemplary indicator assembly according to an illustrated embodiment of the subject application. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a rear side perspective view of an exemplary first lever according to an illustrated embodiment of the subject application. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective side view of a portion of an activation pin that is extending through a spring cage spindle, and which is engaging an activation carrier of an exemplary indicator assembly according an illustrated embodiment of the subject application. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a rear side perspective view of an exemplary activation carrier according to an illustrated embodiment of the subject application. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a side view of an exemplary activation carrier according to an illustrated embodiment of the subject application that is housing at least a portion of a first magnet and a biasing member, and which is engaged with a stationary pin. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a first side perspective view of a first side of an indicator barrel having a plurality of first indicator symbols according to an illustrated embodiment of the subject application. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a second side perspective view of a second side of an indicator barrel having a plurality of second indicator symbols according to an illustrated embodiment of the subject application. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a front side view of an unrolled sidewall of an indicator barrel having different sized first and second indicator symbols arranged in different patterns on different backgrounds, as well as arranged at least in a non-centered orientation. 
         FIG.  12 A  illustrates a cross sectional view of a lock assembly in an unlocked condition and which includes an exemplary indicator assembly to an illustrated embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG.  12 B  illustrates a magnified cross sectional view of the portion of the indicator assembly encircled in  FIG.  12 A  by the area identified as “ 12 B”. 
         FIG.  13 A  illustrates a cross sectional view of a lock assembly of  FIG.  12 A  in a locked position. 
         FIG.  13 B  illustrates a magnified cross sectional view of the portion of the indicator assembly encircled in  FIG.  13 A  by the area identified as “ 13 B”. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates an exploded front side perspective view of an indicator mechanism assembly according to an illustrated embodiment of the subject application. 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a front side view of a portion of the indicator mechanism assembly shown in  FIG.  14    coupled to a portion of a thumb turn assembly. 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a rear side view of the indicator mechanism assembly shown in  FIG.  14    coupled to a portion of a thumb turn assembly. 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a rear side perspective view of an exemplary cam and ferromagnetic body of the indicator mechanism assembly shown in  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  18 A  illustrates a bottom side perspective side view of an exemplary cam of the indicator mechanism assembly shown in  FIG.  14    coupled to a ferromagnetic body in the form of a hairpin clip. 
         FIG.  18 B  illustrates a bottom side perspective side view of the exemplary cam shown in  FIG.  18 A . 
         FIGS.  19 A and  19 B  illustrate a bottom side view and a bottom side perspective view, respectively, of an exemplary rear case coupled to a magnet and a clear cover of the indicator mechanism assembly shown in  FIG.  14   . 
         FIG.  20    illustrates an exploded front side perspective view of an indicator mechanism assembly according to an illustrated embodiment of the subject application. 
         FIGS.  21 A and  21 B  illustrate a portion of the assembled indicator mechanism assembly of  FIG.  20    in a locked indication position and an unlocked indication position, respectively. 
         FIG.  22    illustrates an exploded front side perspective view of an indicator mechanism assembly according to an illustrated embodiment of the subject application. 
         FIG.  23    illustrates an exploded front side perspective view of a portion of the indicator mechanism assembly shown in  FIG.  22   . 
         FIGS.  24 A and  24 B  illustrate a front side view of a portion of the indicator mechanism assembly shown in  FIG.  22    in an unlocked position and a locked position, respectively. 
         FIG.  25    illustrates an exploded front side perspective view of an indicator mechanism assembly according to an illustrated embodiment of the subject application. 
         FIG.  26    illustrate a front side view of a portion of the indicator mechanism assembly shown in  FIG.  25    in both an unlocked indicator position and a locked indicator position. 
         FIG.  27    illustrates a rear side perspective view of the indicator mechanism assembly shown in  FIG.  25    being positioned for attachment to an exemplary plate punch that is attached to an entryway device. 
     
    
    
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the application, there is shown in the drawings, certain embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the present application is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the attached drawings. Further, like numbers in the respective figures indicate like or comparable parts. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
     Certain terminology is used in the foregoing description for convenience and is not intended to be limiting. Words such as “upper,” “lower,” “top,” “bottom,” “first,” and “second” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. This terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Additionally, the words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically noted. The phrase “at least one of” followed by a list of two or more items, such as “A, B or C,” means any individual one of A, B or C, as well as any combination thereof. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective side view of a portion of an exemplary lock assembly  100  according to an illustrated embodiment of the present application. The lock assembly  100  is structured to be operably mounted or coupled to an entryway device, such as, for example, a door or gate, among other devices. As shown in  FIG.  1   , the lock assembly  100  includes a first lever  102  that is coupled to a lock chassis  104 , such as, for example, via a first spring cage  106  that is coupled to both the lever  102  and the lock chassis  104 . While  FIG.  1    depicts a particular type of lock assembly  100 , embodiments of the present application are adaptable to a variety of different types and designs of lock assemblies and lock chassis. The lock chassis  104  can be configured to translate rotational movement provide by rotational displacement of the first lever  102  to linear displacement that can facilitate the slideable movement of a latch bolt between extended and retracted positions. The first lever  102  can be operably coupled to the lock chassis  104 , such as, for example, attached to a first spring cage spindle  108  of the first spring cage  106  that is connected to a first chassis spindle. As discussed below, the first lever  102  can be configured to house at least a portion of an indicator assembly  110  that can be configured to communicate status information, including, for example, status information pertaining to the lock assembly  100  being in an locked or unlocked state, or a state or condition relating to the entryway device and/or an associated space, such as, for example, whether a room associated with the entryway device and lock assembly  100  is occupied or unoccupied, among other information or indications. 
       FIGS.  2  and  3    illustrate a side view and a side perspective view, respectively, of a portion of the lock assembly  1  shown in  FIG.  1   . For at least purposes of discussion, the first lever  102  and the first spring cage  106  shown in  FIG.  1    have been hidden from view in  FIG.  2   , and the first lever  102  has been hidden from view in  FIG.  3   . However, the components of the indicator assembly  110  are generally arrange as if the first lever  102  were present in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . Further, a rear side perspective view of an exemplary first lever  102  is shown in  FIG.  5   . As shown in at least  FIGS.  2 - 4   , according to the illustrated embodiment, the indicator assembly  110  can include the first lever  102 , an activation pin  112 , an actuator  114 , an activation carrier  116 , a biasing element  118 , a stationary pin  120 , a first magnet  122 , a second magnet  124 , an indicator barrel  126 , and an indicator bezel  128 . As shown by at least  FIG.  3   , the activation pin  112  can be attached to, or part of the actuator  114 , which can be coupled to a thumb or push button assembly. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the activation pin  112  can be securely received within an aperture  130  in the actuator  114 , among other manners of securely attaching the activation pin  112  to the actuator  114 . Further, the actuator  114  can be sized for slideable linear displacement within at least a portion of the first spring cage spindle  108 . As discussed below, a push button of the thumb or push button assembly of the lock assembly  100  can be configured to be accessible by a user or operator on at least a side of the entryway device that is opposite to the side of the entryway device at which the first lever  102  is positioned. Activation of the thumb turn or push button assembly by a user can facilitate generally linear displacement of the actuator  114  in a first direction generally toward the first lever  102 . Such linear displacement of the actuator  114  can thus result in similar linear displacement of the activation pin  112  in the first direction from an inactivated position to an activated position. As shown in at least  FIGS.  3  and  6   , the first spring cage spindle  108  of the first spring cage  106  can have a generally elongated slot  132  that is configured to accommodate such linear displacement of the activation pin  112  between the inactivated and activated positions. 
     As shown by at least  FIGS.  6  and  7   , according to the illustrated embodiment, the activation carrier  116  can have a generally cylindrical or tubular shape that is generally defined by an outer wall  134 . The outer wall  134  can extend from a first end  136  to a second end  138  of the activation carrier  116 . Additionally, the outer wall  134  of the activation carrier  116  can have an outer size, such as, for example, an outer diameter, that can accommodate both slideable linear and rotational displacement of the activation carrier  116  within an activation bore or chamber  140  ( FIG.  5   ) of the first lever  102 . The outer wall  134  can also generally define an inner cavity  142  of the activation carrier  116  that is sized to receive placement of the biasing element  118 , as well as at least portions of the stationary pin  120  and the first magnet  122 , as discussed below. Thus, according to the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall  134  can generally define an opening  144  at the first end  136  of the activation carrier  116  that provides an inlet for insertion of at least the biasing element  118  and first magnet  122  into the inner cavity  142  of the activation carrier  116 . 
     The second end  138  of the outer wall  134  is configured and positioned to abut the activation pin  112 . Moreover, as discussed below, linear displacement of the activation pin  112  at least in the first direction from the inactivated position to the activated position can provide a force for the linear and rotational displacement of the activation carrier  116  from an inactivated to an activated position. Further, according to the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall  134  at the second end  138  of the activation carrier  116  can include a rear wall  146  that can generally enclose the second end  138  of the activation carrier  116 . 
     According to certain embodiments, the outer wall  134  can include a helical groove  148  along at least a portion of the outer wall  134  of the activation carrier  116  that is sized to receive placement of the stationary pin  120 , and moreover which can accommodate at least a portion of the helical grove  148  sliding about the stationary pin  120  during displacement of the activation carrier  116 . Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiment, the helical groove  148  and stationary pin  120  are sized to facilitate rotational displacement of the activation carrier  116  as the activation carrier  116  is linearly displaced between inactivated and activated positions. Further, according to certain embodiments, the stationary pin  120  is positioned in a pin hole  150  ( FIGS.  1  and  4   ) in the first lever  102 , and extends through at least a portion of the activation bore or chamber  140  of the first lever  102 . According to the illustrated embodiment, the pin hole  150  can extend through one or more external surfaces of the first lever  102 . Further, the stationary pin  120  can be generally orthogonal to both the direction of linear displacement taken by the activation carrier  116  between the inactivated and activated positions of the activation carrier  116 , as well as orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the activation bore or chamber  140  ( FIG.  5   ) of the first lever  102 . Additionally, the stationary pin  120  can also be generally orthogonal to the activation pin  112 . 
     According to the illustrated embodiment, the stationary pin  120  extends through the inner cavity  142  of the activation carrier  116 , and thus through opposing sides of the helical groove  148  in outer wall  134  of the activation carrier  116 . Accordingly, the biasing element  118 , such as, for example, a spring, can be positioned within the inner cavity  142  between the portion of the stationary pin  120  that extends through the inner cavity  142  and the rear wall  146 . Thus, as the stationary pin  120  is maintained within the first lever  112  at a generally static position relative to the linear position of the activation carrier  116 , when the activation carrier  116  is displaced from inactivated position to the activated position, such as, for example, by displacement of the activation pin  112  in the first direction, the linear distance between the stationary pin  120  and the rear wall  146  in the inner cavity  142  of the activation carrier  116  decreases. Such a decrease in linear distance between the stationary pin  120  and the rear wall  146  can result in an increase in the compression of the biasing element  118  that is positioned therebetween. Accordingly, in the event the force provided by the activation pin  112  is removed, or reduced to a level below that of a biasing force provided by the biasing element  118 , the compressed biasing element  118  can provide a force as the biasing element  118  at least partially decompresses that can facilitate the linear displacement, as well as the rotational displacement, of the activation carrier  116  in a second direction that facilitates the return of the activation carrier  116  back to the inactivated position, the second direction being opposite of the first direction. As discussed below, such return of the activation carrier  116  via, at least in part, the biasing force provided by the biasing element  118  can also at least assist in facilitating the return of the activation pin  112  and the associated actuator  114  to their respective inactivated positions. 
     The first magnet  122  can comprise a diametric magnet having opposing first and second poles. According to the illustrated embodiment, the first magnet  122  is sized to be secured within the inner cavity  142  of the activation carrier  116 . For example, according to certain embodiments, the first magnet  122  can have a size and/or shape that is configured to be matingly received in a counter bore  152  ( FIG.  4   ) of the inner cavity  142  of the activation carrier  116 . Further, the first magnet  122  can be positioned within the inner cavity  142  such that a portion of the first magnet  122  is positioned adjacent to, or protrudes through, the opening  144  of the inner cavity  142  and/or the first end  136  of the activation carrier  116 . 
     As shown by at least  FIGS.  4 ,  9 , and  10   , the indicator barrel  126  has a size, such as, for example, an outside diameter, that is configured to be to rotably displaced within a barrel chamber  154  in the first lever  102 . According to the illustrated embodiment, the barrel chamber  154  can extend along a central longitudinal axis that is generally orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the activation bore or chamber  140  of the first lever  102 . Additionally, the barrel chamber  154  can extend through a face portion  156  of a handle portion  158  of the first lever  102  so as to provide the barrel chamber  154  with an opening  160  in the face portion  156  through which, when the indicator barrel  126  is housed within the first lever  102 , a least a portion of the indicator barrel  126  is visible to a user of the lock assembly  100  in a manner in which the user can see one or more indicator symbols that are on the indicator barrel  126 , as discussed below. 
     According to the illustrated embodiment, the indicator barrel  126  can have a sidewall  162  having generally cylindrical configuration. However, the sidewall  162  of the indicator barrel  126  can have a variety of shapes and configurations, including, for example, a circular, oval, non-circular, triangular, and polygonal cross sectional shape, and combinations thereof, among other shapes and configurations. The indicator barrel  126  can also include at least one or more openings  164  that extend between, or are positioned at, opposing first and second ends  166 ,  168  of the indicator barrel  126 . For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the opening  164  can extend between the first end  166  and second end  168  of the indicator barrel  126  such that a spindle or axle  170  about which the indicator barrel  126  can rotate, or which the indicator barrel  126  can be rotated with, extends though the indicator barrel  126 . According to the illustrated embodiment, opposing ends of the spindle  170  can be each coupled to bearings  172  that can at least assist in the rotation of the spindle  170 , and thus rotation of the indicator barrel  126 . Alternatively, the opening  164  can be sized or configured to receive separate spindles that extend into opposing ends of the opening  164  and/or the indicator barrel  126 , but which do not extend through the entire indicator barrel  126 . 
     As shown by at least  FIG.  4   , according to certain embodiments, the opening  164  at the first end  166  of the indicator barrel  126  can be sized to receive secure placement of the second magnet  124 . Similar to the first magnet  122 , according to the illustrated embodiment the second magnet  124  is a diametric magnet having opposing first and second poles. As discussed below, the first and second magnets  122 ,  124  can be arranged such that, as the activation carrier  116  is displaced in the first direction toward the activated position, the attraction or repulsion between one or more of the magnetic poles of the first and second magnets  122 ,  124  can cause rotation of second magnet  124  such that the indicator barrel  126  also rotates. Additionally, as discussed below, the indicator symbols on the indicator barrel  126  can be arranged such that the indicator barrel  126  is rotated from a position at which one or more first indicator symbols are visible to a user of the lock assembly to a position at which one or more second indicator symbols are visible to the user, the second indicator symbols including at least one indicator that conveys a different indication than the first indicator symbols. 
     The indicator bezel  128  is configured to be secured to the first lever  102  and positioned about at least a portion of the opening  160  of the barrel chamber  154 . According to the illustrated embodiment, the indicator bezel  128  includes a body portion  174  that extends between opposing first and second ends  176 ,  178  of the indicator bezel  128 . The body portion  174  can include an opening  180  through which, when the indicator bezel  128  is at least secured to the first lever  102 , can provide at least visual access to indicator symbols on the indicator barrel  126  through the indicator bezel  128 . Further, according to the illustrated embodiment, the body portion  174  of the indicator bezel  128  can include a base wall  182 , at least a portion of the base wall  182  configured to abut, or be generally adjacent to, the face portion  184  of the handle portion  186  of the first lever  102  when the indicator bezel  128  is secured to the first lever  102 . Thus, according to the illustrated embodiment, the base wall  182  can have an outer periphery having a size that is larger than the opening  160  of the barrel chamber  154 . 
     The indicator bezel  128  can further include a first leg  188   a  and the second leg  188   b  that extend downwardly from the base wall  182  of the indicator bezel  128 . According to the illustrated embodiment, the first leg  188   a  is inwardly offset from the first end  176  of the indicator bezel  128 , while second leg  188   b  is inwardly offset from the second end  178  of the indicator bezel  128  such that the first and second legs  188   a ,  188   b  extend into the barrel chamber  154  when the indicator bezel  128  is secured to the first lever  102 . According to certain embodiments, the distance that the first and second legs  188   a ,  188   b  are inwardly offset can be based on the distance between opposing end walls  190   a ,  190   b  of the barrel chamber  154 . For example, according to certain embodiments, the first and second legs  188   a ,  188   b  can be inwardly offset from the first end  176  and the second end  178 , respectively, of the indicator bezel  128 , by a distance that accommodates an outer sidewall of each of the first and second legs  188   a ,  188   b  abutting, or being generally adjacent to, the end walls  190   a ,  190   b  of the barrel chamber  154  when the indicator bezel  128  is positioned within the barrel chamber  154 . Additionally, according to the illustrated embodiment, an opening  192  in each of the first and second legs  188   a ,  188   b  can be sized to house a bearing  172  through which the spindle  170  is secured. 
     The indicator bezel  128  can be secured to the first lever  102  in a number of manners. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the indicator bezel  128  includes a skirt  194  that downwardly extends from the base wall  182 . Further, according to the illustrated embodiment, the skirt  194  generally extends along the base wall  182  along a portion of the body portion  174  that is generally adjacent, as well as generally parallel, to at least two opposing sides of the opening  180  in the body portion  174  of the indicator bezel  128 . Additionally, the skirt  194  can include a plurality of engagement tabs  196 . As shown in at least  FIG.  3   , according to the illustrated embodiment, the engagement tabs  196  can have a generally “L” shaped configuration, with a bottom protrusion  200  outwardly extending from the arm  202  of the engagement tab  196 . The protrusions  200  can be sized to be received in an adjacent recess  198  in the first lever  102 , such as, for example, a recess  198  formed by an undercut in the barrel chamber  154 . According to such an embodiment, when the indicator bezel  128  is inserted into the barrel chamber  154 , the protrusions  200  of the engagement tabs  196  can abut, or other otherwise contact, adjacent walls of the barrel chamber  154  in a manner that inwardly deforms or deflects the arms  202  of the engagement tabs  196 . When the indicator bezel  128  is inserted into the barrel chamber  154  to a depth at which the indicator bezel  128  is to be connected to the first lever  102 , the protrusions  200  of the engagement tabs  196  can be generally aligned with the mating recess(es)  198 , such as the undercut, that can receive insertion of at least a portion of the protrusions  200 . With the protrusions  200  generally aligned with the mating recess(es)  198 , the arms  202  of the engagement tabs  196  can at least partially return from their inwardly deformed or deflected positions so that at least a portion of the protrusions  200  are received in the mating recess(es)  198 , thereby securing the indicator bezel  128  to the first lever  102 . Further, such attaching of the indicator bezel  128  can occur after the indicator barrel  126  has been rotably secured about the spindle  170  in the barrel chamber  154 . Thus, when the indicator bezel  128  is secured to the first lever  102 , at least a portion of the indicator barrel  126  can be viewed through the opening  180  in the indicator bezel  128 . 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    illustrate views of opposing first and second sides  204   a ,  204   b  of the sidewall  162  of the indicator barrel  126 . As discussed below, at least the indicator barrel  126  and the first and second magnets  122 ,  172  can be arranged such that, when the activation carrier  116  is displaced at least in the first direction from the inactivated position to the activated position, the indicator barrel  126  is rotated from a first position in which one of the first and second sides  204   a ,  204   b  of the indicator barrel  126  are viewable through the opening  180  in the indicator bezel  128  to a second position at which the other of the first and second sides  204   a ,  204   b  of the indicator barrel  126  is viewable through the opening  180  in the indicator bezel  128 . 
     As shown by at least  FIG.  9   , the first side  204   a  of the indicator barrel  126  can include at least a portion of one or more first indicator symbols  206 . Similarly, while, as shown by at least  FIG.  10   , the second side  204   b  of the indicator barrel  126  can include at least a portion of one or more second indicator symbols  208 . Additionally, the first indicator symbols  206  can be different than the second indicator symbols  208 , or otherwise convey to a user a different indication than the indication provided by the second indicator symbols  208 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the exemplary first indicator symbols  206  can comprise one or more images generally depicting a closed or locked padlock, while the exemplary second indicator symbols  208  comprise one or more images generally depicting an open or unlocked padlock. However, a variety of other types of symbols can be used for the first and second indicator symbols  206 ,  208 . Additionally, the first and second indicator symbols  206 ,  208  are not limited to images or illustrations, and can instead take a variety of other forms, including, for example, numbers, letter, words, characters, patterns, backgrounds, and/or colors, as well as combinations thereof, in addition to other types of symbols. Additionally, the differences between the first and second indicator symbols  206 ,  208  can include, or be limited to, differences in the size and/or arrangements of the first and second symbols  206 ,  208 . Additionally, according to certain embodiments, when assembled to the first lever  102 , the indicator barrel  126  can be biased by a secondary biasing element  125  ( FIG.  4   ) to be biased to displaying either the first side  204   a  or second side  204   b  of the indicator barrel  126 . For example, according to certain embodiments, the secondary biasing element could be a torsion spring or cam return that is operably coupled to the indicator barrel  126  and the indicator bezel  128  and/or the first lever  102 . Alternatively, the secondary biasing element  125  could include at least one magnet that utilizes magnetic forces to attract or repel the indicator barrel  126  to a rotational position that allows the indicator barrel  126  to be in the first or second position so that an associated side  204   a ,  204   b  of the indicator barrel  126  to be seen through the opening  180  in the indicator bezel  128 . 
       FIG.  11    represents a flattened version of the sidewall  162  of the indicator barrel  126 . As shown, the indicator barrel  126  has three zones, namely, a first zone  210 , a second zone  212 , and a third zone  214 . The first zone  210  can occupy at least a portion of the first side  204   a  of the sidewall  162  and include one or more first indicator symbols  206 , while the second zone  212  can occupy at least a portion of the second side  204   b  of the sidewall  162  and include the second indicator symbols  208 . As previously discussed, in the illustrated example, the one or more first indicator symbols  206  are different from the second indicator symbols  208  with respect to the padlock image, the size of each padlock image, the number of padlock images, and the arrangement of the padlock images. According to the illustrated embodiment, when the lock assembly  100  is in a locked state or condition, the indicator barrel  126  may be oriented so that the first indicator symbols  206 , and not the second indicator symbols  208 , positioned on the first zone  210  on the first side  204   a  of the indicator barrel  126  are positioned to be viewable to a user of the lock assembly  100 . Similarly, when the lock assembly  100  is in an unlocked state or condition, the indicator barrel  126  may be oriented so that second indicator symbols  208 , and not the first indicator symbols  206 , are positioned on the second zone  210  on the second side  204   b  of the indicator barrel  126  are viewable to the user. Additionally, again, the first indicator symbols  206  can have a different background than the background used with the second indicator symbols  208 , such as, for example, a different background color and/or pattern. Different arrangements or orientations could also be incorporated to further differentiate the first and second indicator symbols  206 ,  208 . For example, the one of the first and second indicator symbols  206 ,  208  could be arranged in a set pattern, such as, for example, in rows or diagonals, while the other of the first and second indicator symbols  206 ,  208  could be randomly dispersed along the associated first or second zone  210 ,  212 . Such a mixture of orientations could also at least assist in the first and second indicator symbols  206 ,  208  being arranged in a manner that is suitable for installation with lock assemblies in either one of a right handed or left handed configuration. 
     According to certain embodiments, the first and second indicator symbols  206 ,  208  can be formed on and/or with the indicator barrel  126 , such as, for example, formed during molding of the indicator barrel  126 , among other processes of fabricating the indicator barrel  126 . According to other embodiments, the first and second indicator symbols  206 ,  208  can be formed on a substrate that is configured to be positioned about the indicator barrel  126 . Thus, according to certain embodiments, the third zone  214  can provide at least a portion of an area on the substrate at one end of the substrate that can overlap at least another portion of the substrate at an opposing end of the substrate so that the substrate can be positioned in a closed configuration about the indicator barrel  126 . Accordingly, the third zone  214  can be sized to receive placement of an adhesive that is used to secure such a substrate in the closed configuration. 
     The opening  180  of the indicator bezel  128  can be sized and positioned to at least prevent portions of both the first and second zones  210 ,  212 , and the first or second indicator symbols  206 ,  208 , from being simultaneously viewable through the opening  180  of the indicator bezel  128  at least when the activation carrier  116  is at either one of the activated and inactivated positions, and/or the indicator barrel  128  is at one of the first position and the second position. Moreover, the opening  180  in the indicator bezel  128  can have a smaller size than a corresponding size of the region of the sidewall  162  of the indicator barrel  126  that is occupied by the first zone  210  and/or the second zone  212 . Such a size difference between the opening  180  in the indicator bezel  128  and the corresponding portions of the sidewall  162  of the indicator barrel  126  that are occupied by the first and second zones  210 ,  212  can result in only a portion of either the first or second zones  210 ,  212 , and the corresponding first or second indicator symbols  206 ,  208  positioned thereon, being visible through the opening  180  when the activation carrier  116  is at either one of the activated and inactivated positions. For example, the opening  180  of the indicator bezel  128  can be sized to permit a user to see through the opening  180  an area of the sidewall  162  of the indicator barrel  126  that corresponds to about 150 degrees of the periphery of the sidewall  162  of the indicator barrel  126 . If the first and second zones  210 ,  212  each encircle about 180 degrees of the sidewall  162  of the indicator barrel  126 , then each of the first and second zones  210 ,  212  encompass about thirty degrees of the sidewall  162  of the indicator barrel  126  that is not visible through the opening  180  of the indicator bezel  128  when the activation carrier  116  is at either one of the activated and inactivated positions. Such differences between the size of the opening  180  of the indicator bezel  128  and the size of the areas of the indicator barrel  126  occupied by the first and second zones  210 ,  212  can alleviate any need for the indicator barrel  126  to be completely rotated in order to prevent at portions of both the first and second zones  210 ,  212 , and associated indicator symbols  206 ,  208 , from being simultaneously viewable through the opening  180 . Moreover, in this example, by providing such size differences, the indicator barrel  126  could, for example, be rotated to a position that is up to around 30 degrees short of a complete rotation and still only one, but not both, of the first or second zones, and their corresponding indicator symbols  206 ,  208 , would be viewable through the opening  180  of the indicator bezel  128 . 
       FIGS.  12 A- 13 B  illustrate the indicator assembly  110  in use with an exemplary lock assembly  100 . As shown, the exemplary lock assembly  100  can include a first latch assembly portion  216 , a second latch assembly portion  218 , the lock chassis  104 , a latch assembly  220 , and a push button assembly  222 . While the exemplary lock assembly  100  discussed herein includes a push button assembly  222 , according to other embodiments, the lock assembly  100  can instead include a thumb turn assembly. Additionally, while specific structures are discussed herein, including structures relating to the below-discussed lock chassis  104 , the lock assembly  100  can have a variety of other designs and/or use other components to operate the lock assembly  100 , including, for example, other mechanical or motorized drive assemblies, among other types of lock assembly designs. 
     The first latch assembly portion  216  is structured to extend from one of a first and second side of an entryway device, such as, for example, an interior or exterior side of a door. Similarly, the second latch assembly portion  218  extends from the other of the first and second sides of the entryway device. The lock chassis  104  is positioned between, and coupled to, the first and second latch assembly portions  216 ,  218 . Further, according to certain embodiments, at least a portion of the first and second latch assembly portions  216 ,  218 , as well as at least a portion of the lock chassis  104 , can extend into, or otherwise be positioned within, a through hole in the entryway device that extends along a thickness of at least a portion of the entryway device between the opposing first and second sides of the entryway device. 
     According to certain embodiments, the first latch assembly portion  216  can include the first lever  102 , a first rose  224 , and the first spring cage  106 . The first rose  224  can be sized to extend over at least a portion of the first spring cage  106  so that the first rose  224  can be positioned to at least assist in covering or concealing the first spring cage  106 , among other components of the lock assembly  100 , from view at least when the lock assembly  100  is operably mounted or coupled to the entryway device. Thus, according to certain embodiments, the first rose  224  can provide a decorative plate or cover that can enhance the aesthetics of the lock assembly  100 . 
     According to certain embodiments, the lock chassis  104  includes a first chassis spindle  226  that extends through at least a portion of the first spring cage  106 , and which is sized for engagement with at least the first spring cage spindle  108 . For example, according to certain embodiments, at least a portion of the first spring cage spindle  108  can receive insertion of the first chassis spindle  226 . Further, mating portions of the first chassis spindle  226  and the first spring cage spindle  108  can have non-rounded shapes, and/or be mechanically coupled together, such as, for example, by a mechanical fastener, including, but not limited to, a pin, screw, or key, such that rotational displacement of the first spring cage spindle  108  is translated into rotational displacement of at least the first chassis spindle  226 . The first spring cage spindle  108  can also be connected to the first lever  102 , such that rotational displacement of the first lever  102  is translated by the first spring cage spindle  108  into rotational displacement of the first chassis spindle  226 . 
     Similarly, the second latch assembly portion  218  can include a second lever  228 , a second rose  230 , and a second spring cage  232 . The second rose  230  can be sized to extend over at least a portion of the second spring cage  232  so that the second rose  230  can be positioned to at least assist in covering or concealing the second spring cage  232  from view at least when the lock assembly  100  is operably mounted or coupled to the entryway device. Thus, according to certain embodiments, the second rose  230  can provide a decorative plate or cover that can enhance the aesthetics of the lock assembly  100 . 
     According to certain embodiments, the lock chassis  104  includes a second chassis spindle  234  that extends through at least a portion of a second spring cage  232 , and which is sized for engagement with at least a second spring cage spindle  236 . For example, according to certain embodiments, at least a portion of the second spring cage spindle  236  can receive insertion of the second chassis spindle  234 . Further, mating portions of the second chassis spindle  234  and the second spring cage spindle  236  can have non-rounded shapes, and/or be mechanically coupled together, such as, for example, by a mechanical fastener, including, but not limited to, a pin, screw, or key, such that rotational displacement of the second spring cage spindle  236  is translated into rotational displacement of at least the second chassis spindle  234 . The second spring cage spindle  236  can also be connected to the second lever  228 , such that rotational displacement of the second lever  228  is translated by the second spring cage spindle  236  into rotational displacement of the second chassis spindle  234 . 
     According to the illustrated embodiment, the lock chassis  104  can engage the latch assembly  220 . Moreover, the lock chassis  104  is configured such that rotation of the first or second chassis spindles  226 ,  234  can be translated into linear displacement of a latch bolt  238  of the latch assembly  220  between retracted and extended positions. 
     The push button assembly  222  can include a push button  240 , a plunger assembly  242 , a release button plunger  244 , a locking lug  246 , and a push rod  248 . Further, the push button assembly  222  can be used in conjunction with the lock chassis  104  and/or latch assembly  220  to lock or unlock the lock assembly  100 . Moreover, the push button assembly  222  can be configured to prevent the displacement of the latch bolt  238  of the latch assembly  220  from the extended position at least when the entryway device is in a closed position, and thus prevent displacement of the associated entryway device away from a closed position relative to the associated entryway. 
       FIGS.  12 A and  12 B  depict the lock assembly  100  in an unlocked condition such that the latch bolt  238  retractable via at least rotational displacement of the first lever  102 . As shown, according to the illustrated embodiment, with the lock assembly  100  in the unlocked condition, the activation carrier  116  can be at the inactive position. Additionally, according to the exemplary embodiment, the indicator barrel  126  can be at a first position within the barrel chamber  154  of the first lever  102  such that at least the one or more first indicator symbols  206  on the first zone  210  and/or first side  204   a  of the sidewall  162  of the indicator barrel  126  are visible through the opening  180  of the indicator bezel  128 . For example, as previously disused, the indicator barrel  126  can be biased by the secondary biasing element  125  so that the first side  204   a  of the sidewall  162  of the indicator barrel  126  is viewable through the opening  180  in the indicator bezel  128 . Additionally, as previously mentioned, in at least certain circumstances, at least a portion of the third zone  214  of the sidewall  162  can also be visible through the opening  180  of the indicator bezel  128  when the indicator barrel  126  is in the first position. 
     When a user elects to lock the lock assembly  100  via use of the push button assembly  222  such that the latch bolt  238  cannot be retracted using at least the first lever  102 , the user may engage, such as, for example, depress, the push button  240  that is positioned in and/or extends from the second lever  228  so that the push button  240  is displaced in the first direction toward the first lever  102 . As previously mentioned, although the exemplary embodiment of the subject application discusses use of a push button assembly  222 , other types of assemblies, including, for example, a thumb turn assembly, could instead be used. According to certain embodiments, the linear displacement of the push button  240  in the first direction can facilitate the push button  240  pushing a push rod  244  against a plunger assembly  242  to facilitate linear displacement of the plunger assembly  242  in the first direction to a locked position, as shown in  FIG.  13 A . According to the illustrated embodiment, with the plunger assembly  242  in the locked position, an enlarged portion of the plunger assembly  242  can be at a position relative to the lock chassis  104  that precludes the latch bolt  238  from being retracted from the extended, or locked position via at least use of the first lever  102 . For example, according to certain embodiments, the plunger assembly  242  can be displaced by engagement of the push button  240  to a position that prevents linear displacement of a slide assembly of the lock chassis  104  and/or precludes the latch assembly  220  from linearly displacing the latch bolt  238  from the extended position to the retracted position. 
     As the plunger assembly  242  is linearly displaced in the first direction in response to displacement of the push button  240 , the plunger assembly  242  can push against the locking lug  246 , causing the locking lug  246  to also be linearly displaced in the first direction. Such displacement of the locking lug  246  can result in the locking lug  246  pushing against the actuator  114  so that the actuator  114  is also linearly displaced in the first direction and away from the inactivated position of the actuator  114 . Additionally, as the activation pin  112  is attached, or otherwise coupled, to the actuator  114 , the activation pin  112  is also linearly displaced in the first direction with such displacement of the actuator  114 . Further, as previously discussed, according to the illustrated embodiment, such displacement of the activation pin  112  can include the activation pin  112  moving through the elongated slot  132  in the first spring cage spindle  108 . 
     Such movement of the activation pin  112  in the first direction can facilitate the displacement of the activation carrier  116  in the first direction and away from the inactivated position of the activation carrier  116 . For example, the displacement of the activation pin  112  in the first direction can facilitate the activation pin  112  providing a pushing force against the rear wall  146  of the activation carrier  116  that causes the activation carrier  116  to also be displaced. However, as previously discussed, such displacement of the activation carrier  116  includes the activation carrier  116  being both displaced in the first linear direction, as well as the activation carrier  116  being rotated via the interaction of the stationary pin  120  with the helical grove  148  in the activation carrier  116 . Additionally, as also previously discussed, as the activation carrier  116  is displaced in the first direction, the distance in the inner cavity  142  of the activation carrier  116  between the stationary pin  120  and the rear wall  146  of the activation carrier  116  decreases, thereby causing the biasing element  118  that is positioned therebetween to be further compressed. 
     According to the illustrated embodiment, the first and second magnets  122 ,  124  can be arranged such that, as activation carrier  116  approaches and/or arrives at the activation position of the activation carrier  116 , as shown in  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B , one of the first and second poles of the first magnet  122  can be oriented relative to one of the first and second poles of the second magnet  124  so that a magnetic force is provided to rotate the indicator barrel  126 . Further, the magnetic force provided between the first and second magnets  122 ,  124  can be sufficient to overcome the biasing force provided by the secondary biasing element  125 . Such rotation of the indicator barrel  126  can facilitate rotation of the indicator barrel  126  from the first position at which the first side  204   a , and at least a portion of the first indicator symbols  206  (as well as possibly a portion of the third zone  214 ) are viewable through the opening  180  of the indicator bezel  128 , to the second position at which the second side  204   b , and at least a portion of the second indicator symbols  208  (as well as possibly another portion of the third zone  214 ) are visible through the opening  180 . 
     According to certain embodiments, the first poles of the first and second magnets  122 ,  124  can be negative poles, while the second poles of the first and second magnets  122 ,  124  can be positive poles. Additionally, the helical grove  148  in the activation carrier  116  can be configured so that the activation carrier  116  rotates while being displaced from the inactivated position to the activation position. For example, according to certain embodiments, the activation carrier  116  can rotate between around 90 and around 180 degrees via the interaction between the helical grove  148  and the stationary pin  120  as the activation carrier  116  is displaced between the activated and inactivated positions. Additionally, the second magnet  124  can be oriented in the indicator barrel  126  such that, when the indicator barrel  126  is at the first position, as biased by the secondary biasing element  125 , the first pole of the second magnet  124  is generally in closer proximity to the activation carrier  116  than the second pole of the second magnet  124 . According to such an embodiment, as the activation carrier  116  is displaced toward the activation position, as shown in  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B , the activation carrier  116  is rotated so that, when the activation carrier  116  reaches the activation position, the first pole of the first magnet  122  is closer than the second pole of the first magnet  122  to the second magnet  124 . Moreover, the first pole of the first magnet  122  can be brought to a position in which the first pole of the first magnet  122  is generally adjacent to the first pole of the second magnet  124 . In such an embodiment, such displacement of the activation carrier  116  while the indicator barrel  126  is in the first position at least initially brings the first pole of the first magnet  122  into relatively close proximity to the first pole of the second magnet  124 . However, as the first poles of the first and second magnets  122 ,  124  are of similar polarity, a repelling force of sufficient strength between the first poles of the first and second magnets  122 ,  124  is provided that overcomes the biasing force of the secondary biasing element  125  that facilitates the rotation of the indicator barrel  126  from the first position to the second position so that the opposing second pole, and not the first pole, of the second magnet  124  moved to be adjacent to the first pole of the first magnet  122 . 
     According to the illustrated embodiment, the absence of a direct connection between the indicator barrel  126  and the activation carrier  116  and/or the push button assembly  222  prevents unauthorized unlocking of the lock assembly  100  via manipulation of the indicator barrel  126 . For example, as there is an absence of a direct mechanical connection between the indicator barrel  126  and the activation carrier  116 , the position of the activation carrier  116  is not adjusted by attempts to rotate the indicator barrel  126  from the second position to the first position. To the contrary, when the activation carrier  116  is at the activated position, rotation by an individual of the indicator barrel  126  from the second position and back to the first position merely temporarily adjusts the rotational position of the indicator barrel  126 , but does not result in any mechanical related adjustment in the position of the activation carrier  116 , actuator  114 , or push button assembly  222 . Further, any repelling forces between the first poles of the first and second magnets  122 ,  124  during an attempt to unlock the lock assembly  100  via manual rotation of the indicator barrel  126  back to the first position are insufficient to unlock the push button assembly  222 , including insufficient to facilitate movement of the activation carrier  116 , actuator  114 , locking lug  246 , and plunger assembly  242  to positions that can cause the unlocking of the lock assembly  100 . Further, in such situations, once the individual has release the indicator barrel  126 , the repelling forces between the first poles of the first and second magnets  122 ,  124  will return the indicator barrel  126  back to the second position, wherein the second pole of the second magnet  124  is again adjacent to the first pole of the first magnet  122 . 
     When the lock assembly  100  is to be unlocked, such as, for example, via turning of the second lever  238  or depression of the release button plunger  244  in the first lever  102 , the actuator  114 , locking lug  246 , plunger assembly  242 , push rod  248 , and push button  240  may be linearly displaced in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. Accordingly, the activation pin  112  may no longer provide a force that maintains the activation carrier  116  in the activated position ( FIG.  13 B ). Accordingly, the biasing element  118  can provide a force, such as, for example, a force associated with the decompression of the biasing element  118 , that facilitates the activation carrier  116  being at least linearly displaced in the second direction to the inactivated position ( FIG.  12 B ). Such displacement of the activation carrier  116  can also result in the activation carrier  116  being rotated via the engagement of the helical grove  148  with the stationary pin  120 . Such rotation of the activation carrier  116  as the activation carrier  116  is also displaced in the second direction can be opposite to the direction at which the activation carrier  116  rotated when the activation carrier  116  was displaced in the first direction. Such linear and rotational displacement of the activation carrier  116  can result in the repelling force between the first poles of the first and second magnets  122 ,  124  being removed and/or dissipated to a level that the secondary biasing element  125  can overcome. Thus, the secondary biasing element  125  can then facilitate the rotation of the indicator barrel  126  back to the first position. Alternatively, or additionally, the first magnet  122  can be rotated such that, when the activation carrier  116  is in the inactivated position, the second pole of the first magnet  122  is at a position that repels that second pole of the second magnet  124 , thereby at least assisting in the indicator barrel  126  being rotated back to the first position. 
     While the illustrated embodiment is discussed in terms of the activation carrier  166  being both linearly and rotably displaced between the activated and inactivated positions, according to other embodiments, the activation carrier  166  may instead just be linearly displaced. Such embodiments may therefore eliminate the use of the stationary pin  120  and the helical grove  148 . Additionally, according to such embodiments, the first magnet  122  can be positioned in the activation carrier  116 , or otherwise coupled to the activation carrier  116 , at an orientation such that the first pole of the first magnet  122  is positioned to be adjacent to second magnet  124  when the activation carrier  116  is at the activation position, and generally retains such an orientation relative to the activation carrier  116  when the activation carrier  116  is also at the inactivated position. 
       FIGS.  14 - 18 B  illustrate an indicator mechanism assembly  300  according to another illustrated embodiment of the subject application. As shown, the indicator mechanism assembly  300  can be coupled to a portion of a thumb turn assembly. Similar to the previously discussed push button assembly  222 , the thumb turn assembly can be configured to lock and/or unlock a latch bolt  238  at/from an extended position. According to the illustrated embodiment, the indicator mechanism assembly  300  includes an escutcheon  302 , a cover plate  304 , an indicator plate  306 , a cam  308 , and a rear case  310 . The escutcheon  302  can include, or otherwise be coupled to, a thumb turn  312  of the thumb turn assembly. The thumb turn  312  can be configured to be rotated by a user between an unlocked and a locked position, the locked position of the thumb turn being associated with the thumb turn assembly locking the latch bolt  238  in the extended locked position, and the unlocked position of the thumb turn  312  being associated with the thumb turn assembly not prohibiting the retraction of the latch bolt  238  from the extended position by rotation of at least one of the first and second levers  102 ,  228 . 
     As shown by at least  FIGS.  14 ,  19 A, and  19 B , the rear case  310  can be coupled to a magnet  314  such that the magnet  314  is positioned around, or at least in proximity to, at least a first side  316  of the rear case  310 . For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the rear case  310  can include an aperture  318  that is sized to receive secure placement of the magnet  314 . The rear case  310  can also include an opening  320  that extends between the first and second sides  316 ,  322  of the rear case  310 , and through which a portion of a hub  324  of the cam  308 , as well as a portion of a spindle  326  of the thumb turn assembly and/or thumb turn  312  can be positioned. Moreover, the opening  320  can be sized to at least assist in guiding the rotational displacement of the cam  308  between positions associated with the thumb turn  312  being rotated between the locked and unlocked positions. Additionally, according to the illustrated embodiment, the first side  316  of the rear case  310  can include a first indicator symbol  328 , while a second indicator symbol  330  is positioned on the cam  308 , the second indicator symbol  330  being different than the first indicator symbol  328 . For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the first indicator symbol  328  can be an image of a locked padlock, while the second indicator symbol  330  can be an image of an unlocked padlock. As shown by  FIG.  19 A , according to certain embodiments, the first side  316  of the rear case  310  can be attached to a cover  332 , such as, for example, an acrylic plate, that can be configured to at least assist in retaining a position of the magnet  314  relative to rear case  310 , including, for example, assist in retaining the magnet  314  in the aperture  318 . Additionally, according to certain embodiments, the cover  332  can be the cover plate  304 . 
     The cam  308  can include a body portion  334  that extends from the hub  324 . Additionally, the hub  324  can extend about an opening  313  in the cam  308  that is sized to receive at least a portion of the spindle  326  thumb turn  312 , or receive another portion of the thumb turn assembly. The first indicator symbol  328  can be positioned on the first side  336  of the body portion  334 . The cam  308  can also be attached to, or otherwise include, a ferromagnetic body  338 . For example, according to the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  17 - 18 B , the ferromagnetic body  338  can be a retaining clip  338   a  or hair pin clip  338   b  that is configured to be attached to a connection body  340  of the body portion  334  of the cam  308 , as such as, for example, a connection body  340  on a second side  344  of the body portion  334  of the cam  308 . Moreover, the ferromagnetic body  338  can be sized so that an opening  342  of the ferromagnetic body  338  can be at least partially expanded to a degree that accommodates placement of at least portions of the ferromagnetic body  338  about the connection body  340 . According to such an embodiment, when the ferromagnetic body  338  is matingly secured to the connection body  340 , the ferromagnetic body  338  can exert a compression force against the connection body  340  to a level that retains secure engagement between the ferromagnetic body  338  and the connection body  340 . 
     The indicator plate  306  can be coupled to the rear case  310  and includes a window  346  through which at least one of the first and second indicator symbols  328 ,  330  can be seen. Moreover, the window  346 , cam  308 , and first and second indicator symbols  328 ,  330  can be configured such that when the thumb turn  312  is at one of the a locked position or an unlocked position, one of the first and second indicator symbols  328 ,  330  is positioned to be viewed through the window  346 . Thus, the cover plate  304 , which can be a UL plate, can be positioned adjacent to the indicator plate  306 , and can thus be configured to not block at least the window indicator plate  306  from view when the indicator mechanism assembly  300  is assembled. As also illustrated, the cover plate  304  can include a plurality of apertures  348  that can at least assist in the indicator mechanism assembly  300  being horizontally mounted. The escutcheon  302  can also provide an opening through which at least the window  346  of the indicator plate  306 , and thus one of the first and second indicator symbols  328 ,  330 , can be viewed. 
     The magnet  314  and the ferromagnetic body  338  can be configured to prevent the cam  308 , and thus the first indicator symbol  328 , from being at a position at which portions of both the first and second indicator symbols  328 ,  330  are simultaneously viewable through the window  346 . For example, as indicated by at least  FIG.  16   , the opening  313  of the cam  308  and the spindle  326  of the thumb turn  312  may both have squared cross sectional shapes that can assist with the cam  308  being rotated via rotation of the thumb turn  312 . However, differences in the sizes of the cross sectional shapes of the spindle  326  of the thumb turn  312  and/or manufacturing tolerances, among other factors or possibilities, can result in the cam  308  not being rotated completely at least when the thumb turn is completely at one of its locked position or unlocked position. For example, differences in sizes between the spindle  326  and the opening  313  of the cam  308  can result in the spindle  326  being rotatable to some degree within the opening  313  of the cam  308  without the spindle  326  operably engaging the walls the define the opening  313  of the cam  308  in a manner that causes the cam  308  to rotate. Thus, to at least some degree, the spindle  326  can be rotated to some degree before the spindle  326  reaches a point at which the spindle  326  engages the cam  308  in a manner that initiates the rotation of the cam  308 . Conversely, such differences in sizes can result in the spindle  326  being fully rotated to one of the locked or unlocked position, but the cam  308  not reaching, or being placed, in a position that corresponds to the final, complete rotation position of the cam  308 . For example, such issues can result in the cam  308  being at a position that is about 10 degrees to about 15 degrees away from a position that corresponds to the fully rotated position the cam  308 . As a consequence, in at least certain situations in which the cam  308  is to be at an indicator position at which the cam  308  at least completely blocks the first indicator symbol  328  from view through the window  346 , the cam  308  may instead be at a generally intermediate position at which the user may be able to view at least portions of both the first and second indicator symbols  328 ,  330 . To prevent such issues, one or both of the magnet  314  and the ferromagnetic body  338  can be positioned and/or sized so that a magnetic force, such as an attraction force, is provided therebetween that can facilitate the cam  308  being magnetically pulled, or otherwise rotated, to the full rotation position such that the cam  308  at least blocks the first indicator symbol  328  from view through the window  346  and/or the entire second indicator symbol  330  is completely viewable. 
       FIGS.  20 - 21 B  illustrate an indicator mechanism assembly  400  according to another illustrated embodiment of the subject application. The indicator mechanism assembly  400  can include a cover  402 , an indicator plate  404 , a cam  406 , a guide plate  408 , a rear cover plate  410 , and one or more rear cover plate springs  412 . Although shown as separate components, according to certain embodiments, the cover  402  and the guide plate  408  can be a single, unitary component. The cam  406  can include a protrusion  416  that extends in a direction that is generally parallel to an axis of rotation and the cam  406 , and which is positioned in a slot  414  in the indicator plate  404 . Although the slot  414  is illustrated as having a first ramp  418  and an opposing second ramp  420  that provide the slot  414  with a generally “V” shape, the slot  414  can have a variety of other shapes. Additionally, although the slot  414  is illustrated as having both first and second ramps  418 ,  420 , according to certain embodiments the slot  414  may have one, but not both, of the first and second ramps  418 ,  420 . Moreover, as discussed below, the inclusion of first and second ramps  418 ,  420  allows the option of the cam  406  being rotated in one of two directions to lift, or otherwise upwardly displace, the indicator plate  404 . 
     The guide plate  408  is configured to be covered by the cover  402 , and can include openings  422 ,  424  that correspond to openings  426 ,  428  in the cover  402  that relate to a lock assembly. For example, an opening  422 ,  426  in each of the guide plate  408  and the cover  402  can correspond to the location of the placement of a portion of the lever, spring cage, and/or other components of the lock assembly, while another opening  424 ,  428  can correspond to components related to a thumb turn assembly, push button assembly, or lock cylinder, among other components. The guide plate  408  can also include an elongated aperture  430  that can receive placement of at least one of the indicator plate  404  and the rear cover plate  410 . According to certain embodiments, the aperture  430  is sized to accommodate and/or guide the linear vertical displacement of the indicator plate  306  between a first position and a second position. The one or more rear cover plate springs  412  can be positioned at least between an outer sidewall of the rear cover plate  410  and the guide plate  408 . 
     The indicator plate  404  can include a first indicator symbol  432  and a second indicator symbol  434  that are vertically offset from each other, and which can each provide a different information or indication. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, the first indicator symbol  432  can be the term “UNLOCKED”, while the second indicator symbol  434  can be the term “LOCKED”, and can correspond to a locked or unlocked status of the associated lock assembly. Additionally, the cover  402  can include an indicator opening  436  through which one of the first and second indicator symbols  432 ,  434  is visible from a position external to the indicator mechanism assembly  400 . 
     The cam  406  can extend through an opening  411  in the rear cover plate  410 , and can be rotated in a variety of different manners. According to the illustrated embodiment, the cam  406  can include an opening, such as, but not limited to, a square cross sectional shaped opening, that receives the spindle  326  such that rotation of the thumb turn  312  facilitates rotation of the cam  406 . As shown in  FIG.  21 A , when the cam  406  is at a first rotation position, the protrusion  416  of the cam  406  can be generally located at a base location of the slot  414  of the indicator plate  404 . With the protrusion  416  at the base location, the first indicator symbol  432 , in this example the word “LOCKED”, can be positioned to be viewable through the indicator opening  436  in the cover  402 . Accordingly, the indicator mechanism assembly  400  can be configured in the illustrated example for the cam  406  to be placed at the first rotation position when the latch bolt  238  is placed in the condition in which the latch bolt  238  is locked in the extended position. 
     If the locked latch bolt  238  is subsequently unlocked, such unlocking can facilitate the cam  406  being rotated to a second rotation position that corresponds to the indicator plate  404  being lifted to a position at which the second indicator symbol  434 , and not the first indicator symbol  432 , is viewable through the indicator opening  436  in the cover  402 . For example, as the illustrated embodiment of the indicator plate  404  accommodates bi-directional rotation of the cam  406  to the second rotation position, rotation of the cam  406  in one of a right or left direction from the first rotation position to the second rotation position can result in the protrusion  416  of the cam  406  exerting a generally upward force against an upper wall  438  of either the first or second ramp  420 . The force provided by the protrusion  416  against the upper wall  438  can generally vertically displace the indicator plate  404  in an upward direction so that the second indicator symbol  434 , in this example the word “UNLOCKED”, is lifted to a positioned to be viewable through the indicator opening  436  in the cover  402 . 
     If the unlocked latch bolt  238  is to be subsequently locked in the extended position, the locking of the latch bolt  238  can facilitate the cam  406  being rotated in a direction that results in the protrusion  416  exerting a generally downward force against a lower wall  440  of one of the first and second ramps  418 ,  420  that pushes the indicator plate  404  in a generally downward vertical direction. As the protrusion reaches the base portion  442  of the slot  414 , the force provided by the protrusion  416  against the lower wall  440  can generally lower the indicator plate  404  so that the first indicator symbol  432 , and not the second indicator symbol  434 , is viewable through the indicator opening  436  in the cover  402 . 
       FIGS.  22 - 24 B  illustrate an indicator mechanism assembly  500  according to another illustrated embodiment of the subject application. The indicator mechanism assembly  500  can include an outer cover  501 , an inner cover  502 , an indicator plate  504 , a cam  506 , and a rear case  508 . According to certain embodiments, the inner cover  502  can be constructed of a transparent material. Further, the indicator plate  504  can include one or more apertures  510  that can matingly receive protrusions  512  of the rear case  508  to provide a snap fit arrangement therebetween that at least assists in retaining the inner cover  502  to rear case  508 . The outer cover  501  can be coupled to at least the rear case  508  by one or more mechanical fasteners, including, for example, screws and include an indicator opening  514  positioned to accommodate external visual access to a first indicator symbol  516  on the indicator plate  504 , or a second indicator symbol  518  on the rear case  508 . Similarly, the inner cover  502  can also include an indicator opening  515  that is positioned for alignment with the indicator opening  514  of the outer cover  501 . 
     The cam  506  can include a protrusion  520  that extends in a direction that is generally orthogonal to a central axis of rotation of the cam  506 , and which is positioned in an opening  522  in the indicator plate  504  that is generally defined by an indicator cam wall  524  of the indicator plate  504 . As shown, the indicator cam wall  524  includes a base cam wall  526  that is positioned between a pair of opposing cam wall ramps  528 . Although the cam wall ramps  528  are illustrated as each having inwardly tapered extensions  530 , the cam wall ramps  528  can have a variety of other shapes. Additionally, although the indicator cam wall  524  is illustrated as two cam wall ramps  528 , according to certain embodiments, the indicator cam wall  524  can have only one cam wall ramp. Moreover, as discussed below, the inclusion of a cam wall ramp  528  at either end of the base cam wall  526  allows for the option of the cam  506  being rotated in one of two directions to lift, or otherwise upwardly displace, the indicator plate  504 . 
     The rear case  508  includes a cavity  532  that can receive placement of the indicator plate  504 . According to certain embodiments, the cavity  532  is sized to accommodate and/or guide the linear vertical displacement of the indicator plate  504  between a first position at which the first indicator symbol  516  on the rear case  508 , and not the second indicator symbol  518 , is viewable through an indicator opening  514  in the outer cover  501 , and a second position at which the second indicator symbol  518  on the indicator plate  504 , and not the first indicator symbol  516 , is viewable through the indicator opening  514 . According to the illustrated embodiment, the first indicator symbol  516  can be the term “UNLOCKED”, while the second indicator symbol  518  can be the term “LOCKED”, and each can correspond to a locked or unlocked status of the associated lock assembly. 
     The cam  506  can extend through an opening  534  in the rear case  508 , and can be rotated in a variety of different manners. According to the illustrated embodiment, the cam  506  can include an opening, such as, but not limited to, a square cross sectional shaped opening, that receives the spindle  326  such that rotation of the thumb turn  312  facilitates rotation of the cam  506 . As shown in  FIG.  24 A , when the cam  506  is at a first rotation position, the protrusion  520  of the cam  506  can abut the base cam wall  526  of the indicator plate  504 . In such a situation, the second indicator symbol  518 , in this example the word “UNLOCKED” can be positioned to be viewable through the indicator opening  514  in the outer cover  501 . 
     If the latch bolt  238  is subsequently locked, such locking can be facilitate the cam  506  being rotated to a second rotation position that corresponds to the indicator plate  504  being generally vertically lifted to a position in which indicator plate  504  does not block the first indicator symbol  516  from view through the indicator opening  514  in the inner cover  502 . For example, as in the illustrated embodiment the indicator plate  504  includes a pair of cam wall ramps  528 , the indicator plate  504  can accommodate bi-directional rotation of the cam  506 . Moreover, rotation of the cam  506  from the first rotation position to a second rotation position can be accomplished via rotation of the cam  506  in either one of a right or left direction from the first rotation position to the second rotation position. As the cam  506  is rotated to the second rotation position, the cam wall ramp  528  is configured for the protrusion  520  of the cam  506  to exert a generally upward force against the cam wall ramp  528  that facilitates the generally upward vertically displacement of the indicator plate  504 . Such lifting of the indicator plate  504  moves the second indicator symbol  518  from view and reveals the first indicator symbol  516 , which had been behind the indicator plate  504  on the rear case  508 . 
     If the unlocked latch bolt  238  is to be subsequently locked in the extended position, the locking of the latch bolt  238  can facilitate the cam  506  being rotated to a position where the cam  506  exerts a generally downward force at least against the base cam wall  526  that results in the displacement of the indicator plate  504  in a generally downward vertical direction. Such lowering of the indicator plate  504  moves the second indicator symbol  518  into position to be viewed through the indicator opening  514  in the outer cover  501 , and results in the indicator plate  504  covering the first indicator symbol  516  so that the first indicator symbol  516  cannot be seen through the indicator opening  514  in the outer cover  501 . 
     The exemplary indicator mechanism assembly  500  shown in  FIGS.  22 - 24 B  depict an arrangement in which the first and second indicator symbols  516 ,  518  are visible through an indicator opening  514  in a lower portion of the outer cover  501 . Moreover, in the illustrated the configuration, the indicator plate  504  is lowered to cover the first indicator symbol  518  on the rear case  508 . Alternately, as shown by the exemplary indicator mechanism assembly  500 ′ shown in  FIGS.  25 - 26   , the first and second indicator symbols  516 ,  518  can be positioned at upper locations on the rear case  508 ′ and indicator plate  504 ′, respectively, such that, when the indicator plate  504 ′ is raised, the indicator plate  504 ′ is positioned to block the first indicator symbol  516  on the rear case  508 ′ from view, and the second indicator symbol  518  is viewable through the indicator opening  514 ′, which is positioned in an upper portion of the outer cover  501 ′. Conversely, when the indicator plate  504 ′ is lowered via operation of the cam  506 , such as the cam  506  engaging the base cam wall  526 , the indicator plate  504 ′ is lowered to a position at which the second indicator symbol  518  is no longer viewable through the indicator opening  514 ′. Moreover, the lowering of the indicator plate  504 ′ moves the indicator plate  504 ′ to a position at which the indicator plate  504 ′ no longer is blocking the first indicator symbol  518  from being visible through the indicator opening  514 ′. 
       FIG.  27    illustrates a rear side perspective view of the indicator mechanism assembly  500 ′ shown in  FIG.  25    being positioned for attachment to a plate punch  600  that is attached to an entryway device  550 . As shown, the plate punch  600  can include a plurality of apertures that are sized to receive a mechanical fastener, such as, for example, a screw, that secures the plate punch  600  to the entryway device  550 . As shown, an upper edge  602  of the plate punch  600  can include a plurality of pockets  604  that can each matingly receive a retention tab  536  that extends downwardly from an upper outer wall  538  of the outer cover  501 ′. Additionally, the plate punch can include a lower ledge  606  that is positioned to abut an inner lower wall  540  of the outer cover  501 ′. According to certain embodiments, the punch plate  600  can have a length between the lower ledge  606  and the upper portion of the punch plate  600  that is adjacent to the pockets  604  that can result in a compressive engagement between the outer cover  501 ′ and the punch plate  600  when assembled. Further, the indicator mechanism assembly  500 ′ can include a spring  542  that is attached to the rear case  508 , and which can abut the plate punch  600 . 
     While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment(s), but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as permitted under the law. Furthermore it should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably, or preferred in the description above indicates that feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and any embodiment lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, that scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one” and “at least a portion” are used, there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. Further, when the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item may include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.