Patent attributes
The present invention is a rotary locking latch assembly including a rotary handle carrying a rotary latch bolt. The rotary handle is biased in a neutral, locked orientation that positions the bolt in engagement with a latch strike secured to a door jam, retaining the door in its closed position. Upon rotation of the handle, the bolt is misaligned with the latch strike, permitting the door to be opened. The latch assembly includes a spring biased lock plate with a locking feature. The lock plate is moveable between a unlocked position that allows the latch handle to freely rotate and a locked position that engages the spindle or handle to which the handle is secured, preventing rotation of the handle. Optional features on the lock plate or tab connected to the lock plate may lock the bolt to create a deadbolt, or include an automatic unlocking feature.
