IMPROVEMENTS IN DOOR LOCKS AND THEIR KEYS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
IMPROVEMENTS IN DOOR LOCKS AND THEIR KEYS." A communication from
abroad by Henry Emanuel Russell, of New Britain, Connecticut, United States
of America.
Sealed the 13th October 1877, and dated the 12th July 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th July 1877.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN DOOR LOCKS AND THEIR
KEYS." [A communication from abroad by Henry Emanuel Russell, of New Britain,
Connecticut, United States of America.]
This Invention relates to various improvements in door locks and their keys, and
is designed to render the same more, safe and reliable, and more convenient than
those at present in use.
The said Invention comprises various forms of a novel contrivance, herein termed
a reversible latch bolt.
Also a novel feature in locks, termed a swinging or pivoted piece or auxiliary
latel, used in combination with an ordinary latch bolt, or with the aforesaid
reversible latch bolt.
Also a peculiar construction of the boss or hub of the follower for securing the
handle or knob of a rim lock.
And a novel piece of mechanism which acts as a keyhole guard or shield, and
greatly increases the difficulty of picking the lock.
The said Invention comprises the use of the novel devices or contrivances above
specified, or any of them in combination, in door locks of the class herein-after
more particularly described, or their separate use in combination with the parts of
ordinary door locks.
The said Invention also comprises the peculiar construction of keys for such locks,
as herein-after described.

page_text: The said reversible latch bolt is designed to furnish convenient means for obvi-
ating the difficulty experienced with regard to providing locks that will serve for
either right or left handed doors by furnishing a lock, which, by a simple adjustinent
of the latch or some part connected therewith, may be arranged to suit either of
such doors. For this purpose I construct the latch bolt with its outer end or nose
of the usual form, or nearly so, while its inner portion or shank is so formed that it
will turn freely around as on an axis, if the said bolt is projected far enough
outward for the nose to be clear of the hole in the lock face.
In one form of this device the shank of the bolt has a small collar or head, which
fits and turns in a slot in a flat sliding part of the latch, and this bridle is arranged
in connection with the follower or can on the spindle.
It is very desirable that these reversible latch bolts should be provided with
means for preventing their reversal or adjustment by mischievous or ignorant
persons, or accidentally after the lock has been fitted on the door: Therefore I
adopt the following contrivance:-The said follower or cam has an extension fitted
between two washers. These washers have small lugs or ears that fit together at
the sides of the extension on the follower. The spindle passes through the latter
and these washers, and when the said spindle is in place therein, the follower or cam
piece will not slide or move endwise, and therefore the latch bolt cannot be drawn
out and reversed. But when the spindle is taken out, the follower or cam is free to
slide forward, and permits the latch bolt to be drawn out and reversed, as above
described:
Among the modifications of which this device of the reversible latch bolt is
capable are the following, that is to say:-
In one form or modification thereof, the shank of the bolt has a collar working in
a slot or aperture of the bridle, and permitting the reversal or turning of the said
bolt when the same is projected far enough, as above described.; but instead of
arranging the same to be controlled by the spindle I employ a screw or pin, which
is inserted through the lock plate, and when in place limits the projection of the
bolt to its ordinary working distance, and thereby prevents the improper or unne-
cessary reversal of the said bolt. But on taking out this screw or pin the said bolt
can be projected far enough outward to allow its adjustment or turning to be
effected as above specified.
In another modification of this device the latch bolt is not formed with a circular
shank, and its adjustment cannot be effected without taking off the lock plate.
The flat sliding part is horse-shoe shaped and in one piece with the bolt, and has
projections so formed and fitted in combination with the follower or cam that one of
these projections will be in the proper position to be acted upon by the said follower
or cam when the bolt is turned or adjusted to either side.
The aforesaid swinging piece or auxiliary latch is designed to ease the action of
the latch bolt in the closing of the door. In one form of this device it consists of a
small piece of brass or other metal with curved edges; it is pivoted between lugs or
ears below the latch bolt within the case of the lock, but it projects through the
face plate in the proper position to strike the staple or socket in closing the door.
This pivoted or swinging piece has fixed on it a small pin or stud, which fits in a
hole in the latch bolt, so that by turning the said pivoted piece on its pivot the said
bolt may be caused to slide inward. This pivoted piece is so arranged that it pro-
jects in front of the latch bolt and meets the staple or socket before the said latch
bolt touches the same, and being thereby turned on its pivot it slides the said bolt
inward with a very easy movement.
The above-described arrangement may be modified by forming a slot or aperture
in the nose of the latch bolt and fitting the said pivoted or swinging piece to work
therein, but in this case its action when the door is closed will be the same, as
above described.
When the handle is turned to open the door, the latch bolt is drawn back in the usual
manner, and draws the said pivoted piece back or inward with it. The said
swinging or pivoted piece may be used in combination with the above-described

page_text: reversible latch bolts by arranging it to adjust or reverse with the said bolts, or by
50 constructing and arranging it that it will operate in either position of the said
reversible bolt.
The aforesaid improved construction of the follower for rim locks is as follows:-
On the hub or boss of the follower through which the spindle or stem of the handle
passes I form an extension which projects through the lock plate. The projecting
portion of this extended part of the hub or boss is bored out to receive the end of
the handle which enters the same when the said handle is fixed on its spindle.
This long or extended hub or boss of the follower thus affords the means for
securing and keeping the handle accurately in place, without the rosettes or washers
usually employed, and presents a much neater and more sightly appearance than
the ordinary method of securing the handles.
When
My improved keyhole guard or shield is so constructed and arranged that when
the tumblers are raised, either by the proper key or by instruments employed for
picking the lock, it will move in front of the keyhole, and thereby renders access to
the interior of the lock very difficult. The said guard or shield is a flat arm or
plate formed or fixed upon the lever or arm that draws back the lock bolt.
the door is locked the said guard or shield is clear of the keyhole, and does not
obstruct the entrance of the key; but by attempting to operate the bolt the said
guard turns or moves in front of the keyhole and closes the whole of the same;
except the small round portion into which the shank of the key enters.
My improvements in the construction of the aforesaid keys are carried into
practice as follows; that is to say:-Instead of making the key of one piece of
metal I form the same of two pieces or parts. One part is a thin flat piece of steel
or other suitable metal, comprising the bow, the stem, and the bit. The other piece
is a round piece which is slotted on one side to receive the end of the said flat
stem adjacent to the bit and is soldered or brazed thereon, the extremity of this
round piece then forming the end of the key stem. This method of manufacture.
enables me to produce a very light, inexpensive, and comparatively strong key,
which is very convenient to be carried in the pocket.
To render these keys still more convenient without impairing their strength or
efficiency, I modify their construction as follows, that is to say -I form the stem.
in two parts. One part is a short flat piece which has the bit formed thereon, and
the round slotted piece fitted and fixed on it, as above described. The other end of
the said stem is a double flat piece, with the bow at one end; at the other end this
double piece is connected to the said flat piece in such a manner as to allow the
latter to be securely held when the key is to be used, and to be released and folded
within the said double stem when the key is to be put in the pocket. The said flat
piece of the stem has a small slot cut in it, and it is connected to the double part of
the stem by a pin or pivot fixed in the sides of the latter, and passing through the
said slot. This connection allows the said flat piece to adjust freely, and fold
within the aforesaid double part of the stem. But as it is necessary to hold the
said flat piece rigidly and securely in place when it is opened or unfolded and the
key is to be used, I provide a device for locking or fixing it; for this purpose P
prefer to form a notch in the end of the said flat or adjusting part of the stem, and
fix a stop pin in the double part of the stem in such a position that by reason of
the aforesaid pin and slot the folding part of the stem can be adjusted to bring the
said notch in line with the said stop pin, and then the notch can be pushed over³
this stop pin. The two parts of the stem will then be rigidly held, and the key-
may be used in the ordinary manner.
By drawing the notch away from the said stop pin the key may be folded. These.
keys may be constructed to suit locks of any size.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
12th January 1878.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN DOOR LOCKS AND THEIR
KEYS." A communication from abroad by Henry Emanuel Russell, of New Britain,
Connecticut, United States of America.
This Invention relates to various improvements in door locks and their keys, and
is designed to render the same more safe and reliable, and more convenient than
those at present in use.
The said Invention comprises various forms of a novel contrivance herein termed
a reversible latch bolt.
Also a novel feature in latches, termed a swinging or pivotted piece or auxiliary
latch, used in combination with an ordinary latch bolt or with the aforesaid
reversible latch bolt.
These novel devices or contrivances, or any of them, are designed to be used in
door locks of the class herein-after more particularly described, or in combination
with the parts of ordinary door locks.
The said Invention also comprises the peculiar construction of keys for such
locks, as herein-after described.
The part of my Invention relating to the reversible latch bolt is designed to
furnish convenient means for obviating the difficulty heretofore experienced in
providing a lock that will serve for either a right or a left handed door by furnishing
a lock which, by a simple adjustment of the latch or some part connected therewith,
may be arranged to suit either of such doors.
This part of my Invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 2b of the accompanying.
Drawings.
Figure 1 is an interior view of a latch having its closing cap plate removed to
show the mechanism of the latch; Figure 2 shows at A, B, C, D, E, side views of
portions of the said mechanism detached; Figure 2a is a transverse section through
the line *,*, Figure 1.
a is the case made in the usual way; b is the latch; c is the shank rod or stem
of the latch; d, d, are pressure plates arranged upon the stem c; e is a spring
arranged upon the stem c between the plates and d, and exerting pressure
thereon. The back end of the shank or stein c is headed in any suitable manner to
hold the shank or stem in its proper place in the hole or slit h formed in the
protuberance on the front part of the slide i; this slide i is made to work freely
between the projecting piece or guide k and the rim of the case; it is also provided
with bosses m, which are acted upon by the spindle hub or follower n in the usual
manner. The parts n*, n¹, n, when fitted together form the spindle hub or
follower, which is secured firmly in its working position between the plates of the
case in the usual manner.
It will be clearly seen that the parts n*, n¹¹, are so constructed as to prevent the
turning of the one part without the other part; o, o, are bosses upon the inner face
of the part 1, so constructed as to just fill the space between the bosses o¹¹ on the
part n. The said bosses are of such a length as to allow the middle part n¹ to fit
closely but move freely between them. The piece n¹ has the usual projections or
wings for acting on the slide i; it is also provided with detents 2. With the
parts arranged and operating as above described the middle actuating piece n¹ is
allowed to move freely back and forth in the centre of the hub when it is free from
the knob spindle and is held closely and firmly in the hub or follower, when the
knob spindle is inserted into its place. In some instances I dispense with the
part n and employ the modified form of this device, shewn in Figure 2b.
The latch band shank or stem chaving a properly formed head c¹ on the back
end thereof, and pressure plates d, d, with a spring e placed between them, as above

page_text: described, are inserted through the face plate from the inside, the plate d taking its
bearing against the inside of the face plate of the latch case, and the plate against
the detents q formed on the case, while the pressure of the spring e is equal against
each of them. The inner end of the shank or stem c is placed in the slit h with its
head c behind or within the shoulder h¹, so that as the slide will be drawn back by
the turning of the knob spindle the latch will also be drawn back, taking with it
the pressure plate d, which is re-acted upon and thrown forward (when left free to
act) by the spring e. When it is desired to reverse the latch it is only necessary to
remove the knob spindle from the socket of the hub or follower and pull the outer
end or head of the latch b. The plate d', with the slide i and the actuating centre
piece of the hub or follower, will be thereby drawn forward with the latch
compressing the spring e sufficiently to bring the head of the said latch clear of the
face plate so that it may be half turned or adjusted to render the latch either right
or left handed, and when the latch is released the spring e will re-act and draw the
said latch back into its proper position.
Figure 3 illustrates a modification of this part of my improvements, and shews
the latch band slide i actuated and held in their proper position by a spring ell
extending forward from its axis pin el when not held by the knob spindle; one
arm ell of the said spring bears against both the inner end of the latch b and the
inside of the face plate or a projection formed upon the case; the other arm ellll
bears against both the detents q and the end of the slide i, shown detached in
Figure 3a. I thus obviate the necessity for the plates d, d. The distance between
the outside edge of the actuating or middle piece n¹ of the hub or follower and the
rear end c¹ of the stem c is about the same as the projection of the latch b from the
face plate, so that after having drawn the latch forward and given it a half turn, or
reversed its position in the face plate, I can, by simply pressing the end of the latch
back even or flush with the face plate, cause the rear end c' of the stem c to act
against the middle piece ¹ and produce a true or even or nearly even orifice in the
different parts of the hub to receive the knob spindle.
Figures 4, 5, 5, illustrate further modifications of this part of my Invention.
Figure 4 is a view of the interior of a lock.
Figure 5 is a view of the latch mechanism with part removed.
די
Figure 5 is an under side view of a sliding plate or yoke forming a part of this
latch mechanisın.
a is the case; b is the latch projecting beyond the face plate a'. In common
locks the latch bis so drawn backward that the door upon which the lock is placed
can be opened by means of a hub or follower furnished with wings in combination
with a sliding plate with which the latch is connected, the hub or follower having a
square hole through its axis for the passage of the knob spindle; this hub or
follower, when rocked by the turning of the door knob in either direction, will force
the sliding plate backward by the action of one or the other of the wings according
to the direction in which the knob spindle is turned. The spring operates to project
the latch in the usual manner.
According to this part of my Invention I do not attach the latcli bolt b'directly
to the sliding plate i as in common locks not capable of being reversed, but connect
it with a supplemental or yoke plate j, which is capable of receiving a forward
movement independently of the underlying sliding plate, whose backward move-
ment is effected by the knob spindle and hub n, as above explained; but I so
combine this yoke or supplemental plate with the underlying plate i that when
the plate i is drawn backward by the turning of the hub n, the yoke or supplemental
plate j and the latch connected therewith will also be drawn backward.
shank or rod c of the latch b is furnished with a button head or washer at c', and
the shank c is of sufficient length to allow the yoke j' on the under face of the
supplemental plate j to fit over it and permit the forward movement of the plate j
for a short distance before the front face of the said yoke will act against the
projecting lugs on the plate i. The spring e* operates to project the latch in the
usual manner. The under side of the supplemental riding or yoke plate
.
The
is

page_text: furnished with two stud pins 2 which serve as legs to support the plate. Upon the
upper surface of the plate i is a stud pin i* for holding a spring i, as shown. Let
it be supposed now that the yoke or supplemental plate j is upon the plate i, as
shown in Figure 4. The arms of the double-armed spring i should bear against
the front sides of the stud pins 2, and by their tension keep the neck of the yoke j'
hard against the button head c' of the shank rod c, thereby giving the utmost
practicable amount of clearance between the front face of the yoke and the rear
face of the lug on the plate i.
This
It is evident that if with the parts so arranged a force should be applied to the
latch to pull it forward, this latch may be drawn out against the tension of the
spring for a distance just equal to the extent of the aforesaid clearance.
capability of extension will obviously allow the head of the latch bolt to be drawn
beyond the face plate a¹, and then no obstacle will exist to the turning of the latch
and its shank rod c to reverse the said latch bolt.
When the plate is operated by the knob spindle in the usual manner, the yoke
or riding plate j, and the latch connected therewith, will be moved backward with
it, all three parts then moving as one.
To prevent the pulling forward of the latch after the lock has been attached to
the door, a sliding bolt is fitted into the case at the top edge, and unless this
bolt is drawn out it will project inward into such a position as to prevent the
pulling forward of the yoke or supplemental plate j.
If it is desired to shift or change the position of the said latch, it is only necessary,
when the lock is disconnected from the door, to hold the case in such a position
that the bolt will drop outward, as shown in Figure 5, when the latch can be
pulled forward clear of the plate, as will be readily understood.
Figure 6 shows the interior of a lock provided with a modified form of device for
permitting the adjustment or reversal of the latch bolt without opening the lock
case, while preventing the accidental or improper reversal of the said latch bolt
while the lock is in its place on the door.
Figure 6a is an under side view of the yoke or supplemental riding plate;
Figure 6b is a side view of the same.
Figure 6c is a plan of the slide; Figure 6d is a side view of the said slide.
In this modification of my Invention there is a gravity pawl, which is arranged
in combination with the riding or yoke plate j and a-spiral spring. This plate
is placed over the slide i. The said slide has a stud or pin 3, which projects through
'n slot in the said yoke or riding plate j, as shewn. The said yoke or riding plate
has a shoulder at *. When the lock is in its place on the door this gravity pawl
lies with its free extremity or head in front of the shoulder j*, and thereby prevents
the movement of the yoke or riding plate j far enough outward or forward to
permit the reversal or adjustment of the latch bolt b; but when the lock is turned
-over, or with its upper edge downward, the said gravity pawl will fall out of the
way or clear of the said shoulder, so that the said yoke or riding plate and latch
bolt can move outward far enough to permit the reversal of the latter. The slot
and pin connection of the yoke plate ; and slide i will permit the latch bolt to be
drawn out far enough to be turned or reversed. The spring is provided to
keep the riding plate and latch bolt in their proper positions when the lock is in
. . place.
In Figure 7 I have shewn an interior side view of a lock embodying another
modification of the part of my Invention relating to reversible latches, whereby I
adapt this part of my Invention to lever latches. Figure 8 shows the same with
its parts in a different position. In this lock the latch bolt bis connected with the
slide by fitting the head or collar c' on the shank of the said latch bolt into a
recess in the slide i, with a capability of turning freely in the said recess.
tension of the spring e ordinarily holds the edge of the slot in the plate i
against the stud s' of the levers, and prevents the reversal of the latch.
The
in combination with the hub or follower n I arrange the lever 8, which has on it
a projections. This projection engages with the slide i by its slot or aperture
°

page_text: .
The length of this aperture is sufficient, when the screw that passes through the
hole is removed, to permit the slide i and bolt b to be moved outward far enough
to permit the reversal of this bolt without disconnecting the slide from the said
lever. But the forward movement of the slide and latch bolt accidentally or mis-
chievously is prevented when the lock is on the door by the screw passed through
the lock at, and which is one of the ordinary screws used for attaching the lock
to the door. el is a spring, which tends to keep the slide i and latch bolt in their
proper position with reference to the lever s; 82 is a stronger spring, which forces
the slide and bolt forward, and has to be overcome in closing the door or turning
the handle; t is a device pivotted on the lock plate, and whose point or nose t' can
be adjusted or set to act as a stop to the slide i, and prevent its being drawn back-
ward, thereby forming a lock.
I am aware that locks with reversible latches have been already constructed with
a special or extra screw or pin for preventing the improper reversal of the latch
bolt, but I avoid the expense and inconvenience of an extra screw or pin, and
obtain, without any special or extra appliance, the advantage of a latch which when
on the door cannot be reversed, and which when removed froin the door can, without
unscrewing or detaching any of its parts, be reversed by simply drawing out and
turning the latch bolt.
One object of my Invention is the construction of an antifriction latch, that is to
say, a latch which works with very little friction. For this purpose I employ, in
combination with the head of an ordinary latch bolt, the aforesaid auxiliary cam or
lever, or swinging or pivotted piece, also termed an auxiliary latch, which coming in
contact with the staple acts directly, and without mechanical disadvantage, to force
back the latch bolt, and I provide a durable connection between the said lever cam
or auxiliary latch and the latch bolt, and one which will enable the lever to easily
control the bolt. This part of my Invention also relates to rendering latches of this
class reversible.
Figure 9 is a side view of a lock embodying this part of my Invention, with a
portion of its case broken away to show the latch bolt and lever.
Figure 10 shows the said latch bolt in perspective and detached from the case.
Figure 11 shows in perspective a detached sliding block and pin forming part of
the mechanism of this block.
Figure 12 shows in perspective the controlling lever for the same.
Figure 13 shows in lateral longitudinal section the said latch bolt, lever, pin, and
sliding block in their proper relative positions.
b is the latch bolt, provided with a rectangular recess b' in one side of the head
of the said latch bolt, as clearly shown in Figure 10; u is the controlling lever,
which is pivotted to the case a at u. Beneath the head of the latch bolt, and in
contact with its side, is a sliding block 62, so shaped and fitted that it will occupy
the recess in the latch bolt and freely slide therein. It is provided with a round
pin at 3, which is fitted to a hole u* in the lever u.
•
It will be seen that when these parts are connected, as in Figure 13, if the bolt
be moved in and out of the case, the sliding block 62 will travel to and fro in the
slot or recess b', and it is obvious that by means of this sliding connection of the
lever and bolt, the latter may be moved by the lever very easily and smoothly;
but in some cases I employ a simple pin or stud u², projecting from the controlling
lever or.
pivotted piece u into the slot b' in the latch bolt b. This arrangement is
shewn in Figures 13ª, 13b, 13, 13d.
Although I prefer that the bolt should be recessed as shown, it is obvious that
the lever may be recessed for the reception of the sliding block or for a pin fixed in
the bolt.
In very heavy latch bolts, sliding blocks may be applied both to the lever and the
bolt, in which case the pin may be rigidly attached to either of the blocks, or so
fitted thereto that it may rotate in both of them.
In Figures 14, 15, and 16, I have illustrated a modification of the part of my

page_text: Invention relating to the auxiliary latch, wherein I combine a latch bolt and cam
or cam lever with a link which forms the jointed connection between the said
cam lever and latch bolt, as herein-after described; Figure 14 is a view of the
interior of a lock, which embodies this part of my Invention; Figure 15 is a
horizontal section of the same on the line x, x, Figure 14; Figure 16 shows parts
of the same detached.
b is an ordinary latch bolt, which may be drawn inward by means of any suitable
mechanism, and forced outward by a spring; u is an oscillating cam lever hung to
the case a at one side of the latch bolt by means of a pin, so as to swing freely
thereon.
The lock case may be of any form adapted to the particular mechanism which it
is designed to enclose.
The outer edge of the cam lever a projects slightly in front of the bevelled end
of the latch bolt, so as to engage with the staple or striker before the latch bolt
touches the same. The oscillating cam lever is connected to the latch bolt by means
of a link u³, which is jointed at its ends to the said latch bolt and cam lever, as
shown in Figure 15. The said cam lever and link are shown in plan in
Figure 16.
When the door is "swung to," and the edge of the cam lever u engages the
staple or striker first by contact at or about the point 1, the said cain lever turns
inward on its pin, the point of engagement gradually changing along its edge from
the point 1 to the point 2 until the said lever is pushed back into the case, the
inward movement being then taken up by the link, and through the latter imparted
to the latch bolt to force the same back or into the case, as indicated by dotted
lines in Figure 15. During this action the joints at each end of the link prevent
any tendency of the turning or swinging movement of the cam lever to throw the
latch bolt out of line, and enables the cam to force the bolt inward with but little
friction, and consequently with a very free movement.
A further modification of this part of my Invention is illustrated in Figures 17
to 20.
Figure 17 is a side elevation of the interior of a door latch; Figure 18 is an
end elevation of the same; Figure 19 is a horizontal longitudinal section on line
x, x, Figure 17; Figure 20 is a similar section, but representing the latch bolt
reversed. The forms of the antifriction latch, above described, do not allow the
latch bolt to be reversed. I therefore modify this part of my Invention to render
the bolt capable of being reversed, so that it may be applied to either right or left
hand doors.
a represents the casing, and a' the face plate of the latch; b is the sliding latch
bolt, to the rear of which is connected the lever mechanism. The outer end of the
bolt is provided with an open slot b*, within which is fitted a bent lever of the
form shown in Figures 19 and 20. This lever is pivotted at its elbow directly to
the bolt by a pin ; its inner arm u³ is free, and rests directly against one of the
two stops or projections a* on the inner surface of the face plate a', these stops
being placed one on each side of the case a, and either of them serving as a fulcrum
for the lever u, according as the latch bolt is in position for a right or left hand
door. The said arm of the lever may, however, bear against a portion of the latch
case, or any suitable stationary piece or stop.
In the act of closing the door the end of the outer arm of the lever u comes in
contact with the staple or striker of the door frame, and the said lever is thereby
pressed back, its inner end u bearing against the stop a*, which serves as a fulcrum;
the bolt b is thus forced in by the lever against the resistance of the spring e to
enable it to come into line with the opening in the striker as desired. The pivotting
of the lever directly to the bolt in connection with the two stops * permits the ready
removal and reversal of the said bolt to adapt the latch to right and left hand doors,
as seen in Figures 19 and 20, which reversal is not practicable where the said lever
is pivotted to the latch case.

page_text: Furthermore, this modification of my Invention simplifies and reduces the cost
of construction, one pin being dispensed with, while the labor of fitting is
diminished.
I prefer to construct the hub or follower of a rim lock, as shown in Figures 21
and 22 of the Drawings, Figure 21 being a front view, and Figure 22 a section on
the line,, Figure 21.
This part of my improvements is carried into effect as follows:-On the hub or
boss of the follower n through which the knob spindle passes I form an extension n³,
which projects through the lock plate. This extension or projection is bored or
recessed to receive and support the end v of the handle or knob when the latter is
fixed on the spindle, as shown. This clongated or extended hub or boss of the
follower affords the means whereby the handle is secured in a stronger and more
simple manner, and kept accurately in place without the rosettes or washers usually
employed, and gives the handle a much neater and more sightly appearance than
the ordinary method of securing such handles.
The peculiar construction of keys for the aforesaid and other locks, according to
this Invention, is illustrated in the following Figures of the Drawings:-
Figure 23 represents one of the said keys; Figures 24 to 26 show portions of the
same.
w is a "blank," which is cut or punched from sheet or plate steel, or other
suitable metal, and then has the scores to fit the wards of the lock afterwards
formed in the edge of the bit by suitable machinery; or for cheap locks the ward
cuts or scores of the bit may be punched out in the operation in which the bow,
stem and bit are formed from the sheet metal. The said key has a bow w', a
stem or shank w², and a bit w³ in one piece, as shewn in Figure 24.
To adapt the said key to a comnion lock it is necessary to supply it with a
shoulder or spindle y. This spindle may be made from a piece of wire turned with
a shoulder that forms a stop when the key is put into the keyhole of a lock. A
diagonal slit is cut nearly through the axis of this spindle y, leaving it separated into
two halves except at the part y¹. The top edge of the key blank wis cut away at
a corresponding angle, so that the spindle when soldered to the blank, as seen in
Figure 23, will have its axis coincide with the central axis of the shank or stem of
the blank. In this manner I am enabled to construct a steel or other metal key,
which is capable of being manufactured almost entirely by machinery, and which is
small and of light weight, and at the same time has a novel and artistic form
combined with the maximum of strength and durability.
Figures 27 to 30 illustrate a modification of my Invention, shewing the same
adapted to a folding key; Figure 27 is a side view, and Figure 28 an edge view,
shewing the said key adjusted for use; Figure 29 shews it folded as when carried
in the pocket; Figure 30 shows a portion of the said key.
This part of the said Invention comprises a peculiar construction of the joint;
whereby the key when open is kept from folding accidentally.
The shank or stem of the key is made in two parts w and w*. The portion w is
forked, and may be inost conveniently and cheaply constructed by striking up from
sheet-metal blanks two pieces, each of which forms half the bow stem and fork,
and uniting these two pieces, as in Figure 28, by means of rivets through the
bow.
The portion is provided with the stem y and bit w³, and its end is inserted
between the side pieces w² of the fork portion w. The hole in the part w* through
which the joint pin is to pass is oblong, as shown, and forms a slot whose longi-
tudinal axis is equal or nearly equal in length to two diameters of the joint pin.
Upon the end of the part w* near the upper edge I cut a score w', whose width iş
equal to the diameter of a fixed pin which passes through the two side pieces w
of the portion w. In opening the key the part when the key is adjusted for
use should be pushed inward until the score w embraces the pin w³. So long
as the parts are in this position the joint will be locked, and the key cannot be
folded.

page_text: To permit the key to be folded the portion w* should be pulled forward clear of
the pin w; it can then be folded without difficulty.
Figures 31, 32, 33 shew further improvements whereby I stiffen the shanks of
the aforesaid keys made from sheet metal.
Figures 31 and 32 are side and edge views, and Figure 33 is a transverse section
on the line 3, ³, Figure 31.
I accomplish the object of this part of my Invention by giving the parts w² of
which the shank is composed a curved or arched form, as shewn in Figure 33; or
I form corrugations parallel with each other, and with the longitudinal axis of the
blank for the same purpose. Each half of the shank has the required form imparted
to it by or between suitably formed dies. For the purpose of further stiffening the
shank I introduce between the walls of the shank a brace or braces s, in thickness
equal to the space between the sides of the fork, and secured by a rivet pin passing
through both the said sides and the brace.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,—
First. In a latch with a reversible bolt a latch, hub, or follower made in two or
more parts acting conjointly with each other, as above set forth and for the purpose
specified.
Second. The parts arranged as shewn in Figures 1 and 3, and so operating that
one spring is made to serve the double purpose of actuating and holding the latch
and slide in place, as above set forth.
Third. The combinaton of parts combining the latch bolt, the spring (with or
without the plates), the slide, and the hub or follower consisting of two or more
parts, as shewn in Figures 1 and 3, and operating as above set forth, for the purpose
specified.
Fourth. In a latch with a reversible bolt, the combination with the latch bolt and
the ordinary devices for operating the same, of the supplemental riding plate
arranged to connect the latch bolt with its operating mechanism, as above described
and for the purposes specified.
Fifth. In combination with the said yoke or supplemental riding plate a sliding
stop or cam or gravity pawl, arranged as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, to operate
in the manner described and for the purposes specified.
Sixth. In a latch with a reversible bolt connecting the follower lever with the
slide by a pin and slot, or otherwise, in such a manner that the said slide bas
sufficient "lost motion" when the tension of the spring is overcome, and the stop or
screw that limits the motion of the sliding plate is removed, to permit the latch
bolt to be drawn out and reversed, as above set forth.
Seventh. The combination of parts comprising the latch bolt, the controlling
lever operated by the striker or staple, and a pin and sliding block, by which the
lever and latch bolt are connected as above described, and as illustrated in Figures
to 13, and for the purpose specified.
Eighth. The combination of parts comprising the latch bolt and can lever
of the class above described, and the link which forms the jointed connection
between the said lever and bolt as above described, and as shewn in Figures 14, 15,
and 16, and for the purpose specified.
Ninth. The lever pivotted directly to the sliding latch bolt in combination with
two stops located at the sides of the lock case, either of which stops serves as a
fulcrum for the said lever, according to the position of the latch bolt, whereby the
latch bolt and its lever are rendered reversible as above described, and as illustrated
in Figures 17, 19, and 20.
Tenth. The combination with a latch bolt of an operating lever or cam placed
above or below the said latch bolt, having a striking face so arranged as to come in
contact with the staple or striker before the latch bolt touches the same for the
purpose specified.

page_text: Eleventh. Providing the said operating lever or cam with a pin projecting into
the slot in the latch bolt, and operating as above set forth.
Twelfth. A key whose bow, stem, and bit are made in one piece from sheet or
plate metal, and combined with another piece made separately, and fitted and
secured upon the said stem and bit, as above set forth.
Thirteenth. The construction of a folding key with the two parts of the shank
united by a joint which has a slot or oblong hole for the joint pin in combination
with a fixed pin and score for locking the said joint, as above described.
Fourteenth. The jointed forked shank or stem of a sheet metal key formed with
curved or corrugated sides, and with or without an intermediate transverse brace
as above described and for the purposes specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto. set my
hand and seal, this Eleventh day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
W. ROB. LAKE. (L.S.)