Patent ID: 8403376

Claim:
A convertible latch configured for selective assembly in either of a slam latch configuration or a dead bolt latch configuration, the convertible latch comprising: a housing configured to accept a latch bolt; a latch bolt mounted at least partially within said housing for one of selected extension from said housing and retraction into said housing; a drive mechanism configured to selectively retract said latch bolt into said housing, said drive mechanism comprising an electrically operated drive mechanism including an electrically operated motor and an associated drive mechanism output, said drive mechanism output comprising a gear train, an output cam, an output cam pin, a slide engageable with said latch bolt, and a slide tab coupled to said slide, said slide tab configured for engagement with said cam pin, such that operation of said electrically operated drive mechanism permits movement of said cam pin to contact said slide tab to retract said latch bolt; and at least one electrical switch mounted within said housing and positioned such that said switch is actuated by said latch bolt upon retraction of said latch bolt into said housing; wherein, when in the slam latch configuration, said latch bolt selectively comprises a slam latch bolt having an angled cam surface, and, when in the dead bolt latch configuration, said latch bolt selectively comprises a dead latch bolt.