Patent attributes
A dead bolt latch (10) readily adjustable between forward and rear backset positions. A bolt casing (56) connects to a faceplate (48) installed on an outer face of a door (D). A bolt (15) fitting within the casing extends and retracts to latch or unlatch the door. A latch operator (12) and the bolt casing each have slots (64, 78) of a length corresponding to the distance between the backset positions, and a spring (72) seats between the bolt and latch operator. When the latch is being installed and needs to be adjusted between backset positions, the installer blocks movement of the bolt and then, by turning the latch operator, moves the relative position of the latch operator and bolt between backset positions using the force of the spring. This facilitates latch adjustment even by relatively unskilled installers.
