US Patent 7232162 Composite door lock plunger

An approved plunger assembly is provided for a door handle. The plunger assembly includes a metallic plunger and a plastic link, which are connected so as to slide together between extended and retracted positions. The plastic link minimizes friction between the plunger assembly and the housing of the door handle, and minimizes wear between the link and the pivot plate which moves the plunger assembly from the extended position to the retracted position. The metallic plunger provides increased wear-resistance from contact with the striker plate or frame which surrounds the door in which the door handle is mounted.