Importance

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Abstract

The rotary paddle latch of the present invention has a latched position, an intermediate safety position and an unlatched position and includes an assembly for locking the external rotary paddle while permitting an optional internal handle to override the lock to move the latch to its unlatched position. The rotary paddle latch assembly includes a pivotally mounted latch bar pivotally actuated by the external rotary paddle, a spring biased, pivotally mounted tripping pawl selectively pivotally actuated by the latch bar or by the optional internal handle, a pivotally mounted stepped cam having an abutment surface engaged by said tripping pawl, and a spring biased, pivotally mounted latch plate having a throat therein for receiving a striker bar. The latch plate includes a cam follower riding along the stepped cam when the tripping pawl is moved to allow pivotal movement of the latch plate between the three latch positions. The rotary paddle latch includes a support bracket for mounting the latch plate and cam and a shield mounted on said bracket including a groove cooperating with the latch plate throat to surround the striker bar in the latched and intermediate positions. All components of the latch are universally configured for left or right hand doors.

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First Claim