CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF LATCHES, WHICH MAY BE USED FOR FASTENING DOORS OR GATES
Year: 1828

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, CHARLES
CHUBB, of Saint Paul's Church Yard, in the City of London, Patent Lock
Manufacturer, send greeting.
WHEREAS His present most Excellent Majesty King George the Fourth
did, by His Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain,
bearing date at Westminster, the Seventeenth day of May, in the ninth year of
His reign, give and grant unto me, the said Charles Chubb, His especial
licence that I, the said Charles Chubb, my executors, adñiors, and assigns,
and such others as I, the said Charles Chubb, my executors, administrators,
or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times during the term of years therein mentioned, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and
Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE CONSTRUCTION OF LATCHES, WHICH MAY BE USED FOR FASTENING DOORS OR
GATES;" in which said Letters Patent there is contained a proviso that I, the
Charles Chubb, shall cause a particular description of the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in
His Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and
by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large
appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Charles Chubb, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention, and

page_text: the manner in which the same is to be performed, is described and ascertained
in manner following (that is to say) :-
By the term latches I mean such fastenings as may be applied to secure
any doors or gates which swing, or are moveable upon hinges, and which are
of the following description, viz:-The moveable fastening piece that performs
the office of the bolt in a lock (and which must consequently be moved and
removed in order to fasten or unfasten the door or gate) is called the latch.
It is borne and supported by a centre pin at the inner end of the latch, about
which pin, as a centre of motion, the opposite or outer end of the latch is
moveable, and by means of a turning handle, or a key, the said outer or
moveable end of the latch can be placed in a proper position to engage with
or disengage from the hooked part or catch of the hasp which is fixed upon
the post or frame of the door or gate. In such latch fastenings the outside
part of the said fixed hasp is formed with an inclined plane or wedge-like part,
against which the moveable end of the latch is carried by the motion of the door
or gate upon its hinges when it is in the act of shutting, and the said moveable
end of the latch by acting against that inclined plane is moved (without any
action of the handle or of the key) so as to pass over the hooked catch of the
hasp, and it drops or moves by the action of gravity or of springs the instant
that the door is quito shut, and thus catches behind the hooked catch of the
hasp in a suitable manner to secure the door or gate from being opened, unless
the latch is previously lifted or moved (either by its handle or its key) into a
proper position to disengage it from the hooked catch of the hasp. Hence, when
the door or gate is in the act of closing, the latch will engage of itself, so as to
fasten the door or gate, but the latch cannot be disengaged to unfasten the
door except by applying the hand to it, or by turning its handle or its key.
The object of my improvements is to render latches of the above description
more secure (than those heretofore in use) from being lifted or unfastened from
tho outside of the door or gate by means of picklocks or false keys. In other
respects latches constructed according to my improvements have the same
properties as those in common use, viz, they can be opened or disengaged
from the inside of the door or gate by their turning handles, or from the
outside by their keys, and also my latches will fasten of themselves in the
usual manner in shutting the doors or gates, and with the same facility.
The essential principle of my improvements in the construction of latches
which may be used for fastening doors or gates consists in combining two,
three, four, or more distinct moveable latches to act in concert for one
fastening. They are applied side by side in parallel planes or one behind
the other, all being mounted on one centre pin, and being moveable about

page_text: the same, but so as that each latch may be capable of such movement
by itself quite independently of the movements of all the other latches,
and the outer or moveable ends of all the said combined latches are
adapted to engage or catch within or behind the hooked part of one fixed
hasp, and thereby to secure the door or gate from being opened in the same
manner as the single latch commonly used; but in addition to the said fixed
hasp so adapted to receive the ends of my combined latches it is formed with
two hooked or catching parts, one disposed opposite to the other in such
manner that the combined latches cannot be unfastened unless the outer end
of every one of the separate latches is previously raised, moved, or lifted (either
by the key or by picklocks, or by the handle), in such manner as will place all
those ends in one precise position; and they must all assume that position at
the same time, for in that position alone can the outer ends of the combined
latches be disengaged or unfastened so as to withdraw them from between the
opposite points of the double hooked catches or catching parts of the fixed
hasp because, by my arrangement of such combined latches and double
catches, the hasp, if the outer end of any one of the latches is moved too far or
beyond that precise position, or if any one is not moved far enough, that one
latch which so fails of being precisely placed will catch behind ono or other
of the hooked parts of the hasp in a sufficient manner to secure the door,
even though all the other latches may be properly placed so as to offer no
impediment to unfastening. For the full explanation of the manner of con-
structing latches according to my improvements I have hereunto annexed a
sheet of Drawings, in which three different combined latches are drawn to
their real size and represented in different positions.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the latch as it appears when fixed within-
side of a door.
The latch No. 1, Figure 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, is a simple construction of my
improvements. A, A, represents the frame or box within which the combined
latches are contained, and which is to be firmly fastened against the inside of
the door or gate by screws or otherwise in the usual manner of door locks.
B, B, is the fixed hasp, which is firmly fastened by screws or other means
against the frame or post of the door or gate in a proper position to receive
the extreme ends x, y, z, w, of all my combined latches, so as to catch the
same in a suitable manner to fasten the door or gate. a, b, c, d, are my
combined latches, four in number, placed flat ways side by side in parallel
planes, or one behind the other. C is the centre pin, about which all the four
latches are moveable; it is firmly fixed to the plate of the box A, A, of the
latch. The ends a, y, z, and w, of the several latches a, b, c, and d, are of

page_text: different lengths from their common centre C, and the extreme ends x, y, and
, of the three longer catches a, b, and c, are bent at right angles to the plane
of the latches, whereby each bended part extends round or beyond the cor-
responding part of the end of the adjoining shorter latch; this is fully
explained by x, y, z, and w, Figures 5 and 6. Therefore the several latches
shut up as it were one within the other, but the extreme ends x, y, z,
of the three longer latches a, b, and c, correspond with the flat surface w of
the front or shortest latch d, in order that the extreme ends x, y, z, and w, of
each latch may be adapted to catch behind one or other of the two hooked
parts e orf of the fixed hasp B, so as to fasten the door by any one latch alone,
independently of the other latches. fis the additional hooked part of the fixed
hasp B, it is disposed opposite to the ordinary hooked part e, and the clear space
between the points of the two hooked parts e and f is only wide enough to
allow the extremities x, y, z, or w, of the several latches to pass into or out of
the hasp when they are placed in a proper position for that purpose;
but any
one of the four latches will catch with its extreme end (x, y, z, or w) behind
the additional hooked part f, if that latch is moved too far; or if it is not
moved far enough, then its end will remain catched behind the ordinary
hooked part e of the hasp. Hence, if any one out of my four combined
latches is moved either two far, or not far enough, that one latch of itself will
keep the door securely fastened. This property of my combined latches
a, b, c, and d, when applied in concert with the double hooked hasp e, f,
produces security against opening the latch by picklocks or false keys, for the
bended extremities x, y, and z of all the latches correspond with the surface of
the front latch a, so as to catch properly behind the hooked parts e orf of the s
hasp, in order to keep the door completely fastened by any one, as well
as by the whole number. E, Fig. 6, is the turning handle by which the
combined latches are moved from the inside of the door or gate, in order to
unfasten the same. The axis D of the handle E is perforated at the end like
a pipe key, so as to fit upon a pin S, which is fixed fast into the cover plate of
the box A, A, as is shewn in Fig. 6. The axis D passes through a hole
in the opposite plate, and the knob handle E is fixed on the extreme end,
outside the box; but within the box a leaf or bit m, like that of a key, projects
out from the axis D, and the extremity of the bit is formed to correspond with
the edges of the several latches a, b, c, and d, so that when the handle is
turned as far as it can go, as in Figure 4, the bit m will act against the edges of
the latches, and move them all into the exact position required for disengaging
the extreme ends x, y, z, and w, from between the two opposite points e and f
of the double catches to the hasp B. F. is the spring, which is firmly fastened

page_text: at one end to the bottom plate of the box A, A, and the other end is separated
like fingers into four springs, each one of which acts upon one of the distinct
latches, so as to press it towards the bit m, in order to give each latch its own
constant tendency to catch of itself behind the hooked part e of the hasp B,
whenever the door or gate is shut. p and 2 are stops fixed into the bottom
plate of the box of the latch, in suitable positions to limit the motion of the
bit m when it is turned about by the handle E. G, Fig. 6, is the key which
is introduced through the door by a keyhole, in order to unfasten the combined
latches from the outside; the key is made with a pipe to fit upon a pin n,
which is fixed into the bottom plate of the box A. The extremity of the bit o
of the key G acts against the edges of the several latches a, b, c, and d, when
the key is turned round, and the key being turned as far as it can go (as in
Fig. 4) it will place all the different latches in the proper position for
unfastening, in the same manner as would be done by turning the handle E.
The bit o of the key must be exactly formed, so that it will not fail to place
every one of the latches in the required position, giving them neither more or
less motion than is required; for, as before stated, if any one latch is not
moved far enough, it will continue catched behind the hooked part of the
hasp, or if any one is moved too far it will then catch behind the additional
hooked part of the hasp. is a projecting part of the plate which forms the
bottom of the box A of the latch; it extends out opposite to the ends of all
the latches, and when the door is shut the plate e fits into the opening of the
hasp B, so as to cover up and conceal the ends of all the latches from
examination so long as the door continues fastened; this is explained by
Figures 1 and 2. Whenever it is desired to prevent the combined latches
from acting in or catching behind the hooked part e of the hasp, the pin R,
Figs. 1 and 4, may be inserted into holes which are perforated through the
plates of the box A, A, and through all the combined latches within it, in a
suitable direction to enable the pin R to retain them all in the position required
for unfastening. Note, I do not make claim to the invention of the additional
hooked latch f to the hasp B, Fig. 2, as a distinct part of my present improve-
ments, but only the application thereof in concert with my combined latches,
Fig. 5
The latch No. 2, Figs. 8, 9, 10, and 11, contains all the parts already
A bolt r, r,
described, and they are denoted by the same letters of reference.
is added to the latch No. 2, to make it answer the purpose of a lock as well
as that of a latch. The bolt r is moved by turning the key G in a contrary
direction and further round than is required merely to disengage the combined
latches as before described, but the bolt cannot be moved at all by the handle

page_text: in D. The key G, Fig. 11, can be inserted either from the outside of the
door or from the inside, and when it is turned round its bit o first acts upon
the combined latches in the manner before described, so as to move them all
into the proper position for releasing them from the hooked catch e of the
hasp, and then by turning the key further round its bit takes the talon S,
Figs. 8 and 9, and of the bolt r, and shoots or moves that bolt endways either
in or not according to the direction in which the key G is turned round. The
extremity of the bolt r is wider than the clear opening between the points of
the two hooked parts e aud f of the hasp B, see Fig. 2, and consequently that
end shoots behind both these hooked parts, so as to fasten the door in the
same manner as a bolt of a common lock would do; when the key is turned
back again as much as is necessary to remove it from the keyhole, the com-
bined latches a, b, c, and d, return by the action of their spring F, and catch
behind the hooked part e of the hasp, so as to assist the bolt in securing the
door from the outside, and, although those latches can be placed in a proper
position for opening from the inside of the door by turning the handle knob E,
still the bolt r will make a secure fastening which cannot be released except by
the aid of the key. The bolt r, r, is applied behind the four combined
latches, and is fitted to slide against the bottom plate of the box A, A,
being guided by a fixed stud t, which is fitted into a slit cut through the
bolt r, a tooth h is fixed fast into the bolt r, and projects out from the
flat surface thereof through suitable openings made in all the four combined
latches, as is shown at g, g, i, i, Figs. 8 and 9, and the tooth h is so
fitted into those openings as to prevent the bolt r from being moved until
all the four combined latches have been previously arranged in the proper
position for unfastening, as is done by the key G, which first arranges
all the latches and then takes the talon S to shoot the bolt. It is unne-
cessary to say more respecting the action of the bolt r, r, and of its tooth h,
within the opening g, g, i, i, through the combined latches, because that
action is well known by lockmakers by the name of Barron's tumblers, and
the same forms no part of my present Invention for applying the bolt r, as
shewn in the latch No. 2, along with my combined latches a, b, c, d. My
improvement is confined to the circumstance of making use of those combined
latches as tumblers in order to detain the bolt, whereby the latch No. 2 is
made to answer the purpose of a secure lock without any additional parts
(except the bolt r, r,) beyond those used in my combined latch No. 1. The
latch No. 3, Figures 12, 13, and 14, is also intended to answer the purpose of
a lock in addition to that of a latch. It contains all the same parts as No. 2,
and will answer to the preceding description, except that the bolt r, r, does not

page_text: shoot out of the box in order to make the lock fastening by the key, but
instead thereof, when the key is turned and the bolt is shot, the tooth h of the
bolt acts upon the shortest latch d of the four combined latches by means of
an inclining side g, Fig. 12, to the opening g, i, i, through that latch, and the
action is such as to raise that latch upwards. as shown at w, Figs. 12 and 13,
and then the end w of that latch catches within the additional hooked catch f
of the hasp so as to fasten the door. When the key is turned back and with-
drawn from the keyhole all the other three latches a, b, and c, will drop by
their springs and catch behind the hooked catch e of the hasp, so as to assist in
securing the door, and they also secure the tooth h of the bolt, in the manner
of tumblers, for the bolt cannot be moved unless they are all previously placed
in the position for unfastening, nor can the shortest latch d be released from
the position w, except by withdrawing the bolt.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Chubb, have hereunto set my
hand and scal, this Fifteenth day of November, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight.