CN105658887A - A short backset mortice lock assembly operable in an anti lockout condition - Google Patents

Abstract

The short door edge mortise lock assembly (2) includes: an actuator (22) operable to move a spring pin assembly (35); and a locking device (56) that, when in an active state, prevents the actuator (22) from operating. The short door edge mortise lock assembly (2) also includes a selector device (33) adjustable at the front wall (31), and when in an operable state, the movement of the spring pin (35) prevents the locking device (56) from operating.

Description

Short backset mortice lock assembly capable of operating in the anti-lock condition

technical field

The present invention relates to a short backset mortice lock assembly for use with a door and a lockset comprising the short backback mortice lock assembly. The short backset mortice lock assembly is of the type comprising an actuator for retracting the latchbolt and locking means for controlling operation of the actuator.

Background technique

A short backset mortice lock assembly is a type of lock assembly that sits within a mortice cavity formed in the side edge of the door panel. Openings to the mortise cavity are formed from the inside and outside of the door so that inner and outer door fixtures can be connected to the lock assembly. The door fixture may include a manually operable lever handle or turn knob for operating the actuator. A cylinder lock for controlling the operation of the locking means may also be included.

A latchbolt is a latch that is actuated by a spring to assume a latched state when, for example, a door is in a closed position. The actuator may include an inner hub and an outer hub, either of which may be rotated to retract the latchbolt from the latched state. When the locking device is in the active state, rotation of the inner or outer hub can be prevented.

The latchbolt may have a beveled or bullnosed head that slides over a strike plate located in the door jamb as the door moves toward the closed position. The latchbolt can thus be moved to the retracted position regardless of the state of the locking device. Thus, the locking device may be active while the door can still be moved to the closed position. This could result in the user being accidentally locked inside or out, it doesn't matter if the user has the key to operate the cylinder lock. However, the lock may be installed in an environment where not all users are likely to carry a key, or at least not always carry a key.

One such environment is a storage room, where it is desired that the locking device be active when the storage facility is left unattended, but not necessarily active when it is attended. A user may enter the storage room, accidentally close the door after entering, and the user may be locked inside if the locking mechanism is active. This is generally considered to be undesirable.

It is generally not desirable for lock suppliers and installers to maintain more inventory than they need to be able to run their business profitably. They are generally willing to stock locks suitable for a variety of environments. If space within the housing is limited, it may be difficult to provide adjustability in the function of the lock assembly. This is especially the case for short backset mortice locks as the space between the front and rear walls is usually less than 50mm.

Reference herein to a patent document or other material given as prior art should not be taken as an admission that such document or material was known in Australia before the priority date of any claim or that it contained information is part of the common general knowledge.

Contents of the invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a short backset mortice lock assembly for use with a door, the short backset mortice lock assembly comprising: a housing having a front wall and a rear wall , the distance between the front wall and the rear wall is less than 50mm; the latchbolt, the latchbolt includes a head that can move relative to the housing between an extended position and a retracted position, in which the extended an out position, the head protrudes from the front wall, and in the retracted position, the head is substantially retracted within the housing; an actuator is operable to cause the bumper to a spring pin moves from said extended position to said retracted position; a locking device for controlling the operation of said actuator, the locking device being adjustable between an active state and a non-active state, in said active state , causing the actuator to be inoperable, and in said inactive state, causing said actuator to be operable, said locking means comprising a sliding detent, when said locking means is in said inactive state and said active When adjusting between the states, the sliding latch slides relative to the housing between a first position and a second position; a selector device, the selector device can be in an operable state and an inactive state on the front wall Adjustment between operating states, when said selector means is operable, movement of said latchbolt to said retracted position prevents said locking means from remaining in said active state, said selector means and said The slide lock key is associated.

The selector means may take any form and in one form the selector means comprises a selector member which is activated when the selector means is operable and the latchbolt is moved to the retracted position. The selector member engages the slide detent. The selector member may interact with the slide detent in any suitable manner, and the slide detent may include a lug that the selector member engages to place the slide detent on the slide detent. moving between the second position and the first position. It is further preferred that the selector means comprises a selector axis about which the selector member pivots when the latchbolt is moved from the extended position to the retracted position. Preferably, the selector axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the latchbolt. It is further preferred that said selector member moves in substantially the same direction as said latchbolt moves when said selector arrangement is adjusted between said operative state and said inoperable state.

Preferably, said selector means includes a switch which is adjustable relative to said housing when said selector means is adjusted between said operable state and said inoperable state. It is further preferred that said selector means includes switch biasing means to render said switch bistable, whereby said selector means is urged to assume said operative or inoperative state.

Preferably, the housing includes a side wall and the switch is substantially aligned with the side wall. Preferably, the housing comprises a base and a cover attached to the base, the side walls forming part of the base. Preferably, said housing includes a base plate and said side wall of said base includes an aperture for receiving said switch, said base plate being attached to said base so as to cover said base of said base. The orifice in the side wall. Preferably, the base is formed with a notch for receiving the substrate. Preferably, the housing includes a cover plate attached to the cover, the cover being formed with a slot for receiving the cover plate. Preferably, said notches of said cover and said notches of said base occupy no less than 30% of the outer surfaces of said cover and said base, respectively. Preferably, the base and cover are formed from cast zinc alloy, and the base plate and cover plate are formed from stainless steel. The use of stainless steel provides greater drill impact resistance to the housing than the use of cast zinc alloy.

Preferably, the front wall forms part of the base and includes at least one aperture through which the switch can be adjusted. Preferably, said at least one aperture comprises a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein depressing said switch through said first aperture causes said selector means to operate, and through said second aperture Depressing the switch renders the selector device inoperable. It is further preferred that the short backset mortice lock assembly includes a panel attached to said front wall of said housing to prevent access to said switch. This use of the panel prevents unauthorized access to the switch.

Preferably, said latchbolt comprises a body to which said head is attached, said body and The selector device engages. Preferably said body includes a surface on which said selector means slides when said latchbolt is moved from said extended position to said retracted position.

It is further preferred that said rear wall includes a pair of recesses, said sliding detent has a spring detent positioned in said first or second position when said sliding detent assumes said first or second position. in any one of the recesses.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a lock for use with a door, the lock comprising: a short backset mortice lock assembly as hereinbefore defined; a door appliance, the inner door appliance interacting with said actuator when installed; an outer door appliance for being installed on the outside of said door, the outer door appliance interacting with said actuator when installed an actuator interacting; and at least one cylinder lock assembly interacting with said locking device.

Description of drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below for convenience with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show preferred embodiments of the invention. The drawings and the following detailed description are only illustrative of how the invention may be practiced. The specific form and arrangement of the various features as shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting the invention.

Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a lockset incorporating a preferred embodiment of a short backset mortice lock assembly incorporating the present invention, prior to installation in a door.

2 is a perspective view of the short backset mortice lock assembly of FIG. 1 with the cover removed and the outer cylinder lock assembly secured to the base of the housing.

3 is a rear perspective view of the short backset mortice lock assembly of FIG. 1 with the cover attached to the base, the base plate removed from the base, and the inner cylinder lock assembly secured to the housing.

Figure 4 is a detailed exploded view of the face plate, latchbolt, secondary latch, deadlatch mechanism, selector device and sliding strike from a short backset mortice lock assembly.

Figure 5 is a rear view of the short backset mortice lock assembly of Figure 3 with the side walls of the base shown in ghost lines, the latchbolt extended, the locking means engaged and the selector means inactive in operating state.

Figure 6 is a rear view of the short backset mortice lock assembly of Figure 5 with the latchbolt in the retracted position.

Figure 7 is a rear view of the short backset mortice lock assembly of Figure 3 with the side walls of the base shown in ghost lines, the latchbolt in the extended position, the locking means in the active position, and the selector means in an operable state.

Figure 8 is a rear view of the short backset mortice lock assembly of Figure 7 with the latchbolt retracted and the locking mechanism in an inactive condition.

detailed description

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 , which shows an embodiment of a lockset 1 generally comprising a short backset mortice lock assembly 2 , an interior door fixture 3 and an exterior door fixture 4 . The short backset mortice lock assembly 2 comprises a housing 5 formed from a base 6 , a cover 7 , a base plate 8 and a cover plate 9 . When the short backset mortice lock assembly is installed, the housing 5 is seated in a mortice cavity 10 formed in the side edge of the door 11 . The inner door fixture 3 is positioned adjacent to the inner side of the door 11 , while the outer door fixture 4 is positioned adjacent to the outer edge of the door 11 . It should be noted that the short backset mortice lock assembly 2 is described with reference to its orientation of use and that the terms "inner" and "outer" should be interpreted in accordance with that orientation. However, it should be recognized that other orientations are equally possible, and that a proper understanding of the invention may require concomitant changes in terms such as those above in accordance with other orientations.

The inner door appliance 3 shown in FIG. 1 includes a rectangular inner escutcheon 12 , an inner lever handle 13 and an inner cylinder lock assembly 14 . The inner cylinder lock 14 is aligned with the opening 15 formed in the escutcheon 12 when the inner door appliance is installed. Similarly, the outer door appliance 4 includes an outer rectangular escutcheon 16 , an outer lever handle 17 and an outer cylinder lock assembly 18 . Likewise, the outer cylinder lock assembly 18 is seated in the opening 19 formed in the outer escutcheon 16 when the outer door appliance 4 is installed.

Both the inner lever handle 13 and the outer lever handle 17 are rotatable about the actuator axis XX, thereby rotating the inner spindle 20 and the outer spindle 21 respectively. The inner arbor 20 and outer arbor 21 interact with an actuator 22 of the short backset mortice lock assembly 2 , only part of which is visible in FIG. 1 . The actuator 22 will be described in more detail with reference to later figures. It should be appreciated that the illustrated inner handle 13 and outer handle 17 are but one preferred form of manually operable member adapted to rotate the inner mandrel 20 and outer mandrel 21 , respectively. The inner handle 13 and the outer handle 17 can be replaced by turning knobs or the like.

Both the inner cylinder lock assembly 18 and the outer cylinder lock assembly 14 include a sleeve 23 and a cylinder 24 that can be rotated within the sleeve 23 by insertion of a suitable key (not shown) (only with the inner cylinder lock assembly 14). The associated lock cylinder 24 is visible in Figure 1). A cam 25 (only the cam 25 on the outer cylinder lock 18 is visible in FIG. 1 ) can be attached to the rear of the cylinder 24 so as to rotate with it. The cam 25 interacts with features of the short backset mortice lock assembly 2 in a manner that will be described in more detail with reference to the figures later on. It should be appreciated, however, that the shape of the cam 25 may vary from that shown in FIG. 1 , depending on the features within the short backset mortice lock assembly 2 that will interact. Furthermore, although FIG. 1 suggests tumbler cylinder lock assemblies 14, 18, the present invention is also applicable to other forms of cylinder lock assemblies.

The housing shown in FIG. 1 has a cover 7 and a cover plate 9 to be attached to the base 6 by four screw fasteners 26 . The base plate 8 is also intended to be attached to the base 6 by four screw fasteners (not shown). The panel 27 can be attached to the base 6 by three screw fasteners 28 . In FIG. 1 , it should be noted that the cover 7 is formed with a rebate 29 for receiving the cover plate 9 . An equivalent notch 30 (see FIG. 3 ) is provided in the base 6 to accommodate the substrate 8 . This enables the base plate 8 and cover plate 9 to be attached to the base 7 and cover 7 respectively without increasing the overall thickness of the short backset mortice lock housing 5 . Although the dimensions of the notches 29, 30 shown in FIG. 1 occupy more than 95% of the outer surface panels of the cover 7 and base 6, it is preferred that the notches occupy the outer surface area of the cover 7 and base 6 of at least 30%.

Although housing 5 may be formed from any suitable material, preferably base 6 and cover 7 are formed as a casting, most preferably from a zinc alloy. Zinc castings are preferred because they allow various structures to be precisely positioned and accommodate the internal components of the short backset mortice lock assembly 2 with respect to ease of formation. Furthermore, it is preferred that the base plate 8 and cover plate 9 are formed from a relatively hard metal, most preferably stainless steel, as the lock is more difficult to penetrate if attacked by a drill. This enhances the security level of short backset mortice lock assemblies. Furthermore, it is preferred that the panels are also formed of stainless steel for the same reason.

A preferred aspect of the invention is that the front wall 31 of the base 6 includes at least one aperture 32 therein for adjusting the state of the selector means 33 . The selector device 33 will be described in more detail with reference to later figures. However, it can be appreciated from FIG. 1 that the front wall 31 of the base 6 includes a pair of apertures 32 adjacent a side wall 34 of the base 6 . Once the panel 27 is attached to the housing 5, access to these apertures 32, and thus to the selector means 33, will be prevented.

The present invention includes a latchbolt 35 comprising a head 36 movable relative to the housing 5 between an extended position and a retracted position in which the head is removed from the housing 5. The front wall 27 is extended, and in this retracted position, the head 36 is substantially retracted within the housing 5 . The latchbolt 35 may take any form, but FIG. 2 shows a preferred form of a latchbolt assembly 35 having a beveled head 36 and body 37 . The shape of the head 36 may differ from that shown in that, for example, the head 36 may instead have a rounded shape. The latchbolt assembly 35 also includes a latchbolt biasing means 38 in the form of a spring acting between the rear wall 39 of the base 6 and the body 37 . FIG. 2 shows the latchbolt 35 in the extended position, with the head 36 protruding through the front wall 31 . The latchbolt 35 is movable into a retracted position, as shown for example in FIG. 6 , wherein the head 36 is substantially retracted within the housing 5 .

Figure 2 also shows the actuator 22 which is operable to move the latchbolt 35 from the extended position to the retracted position in accordance with the invention. The actuator 22 may take any form, and in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the actuator comprises an inner hub 40 and an outer hub 41, both rotatable about an actuator axis XX (see Figure 1). Each of the inner hub 40 and the outer hub 41 may include a mandrel recess 42 that interacts with the inner mandrel 20 and the outer mandrel 21 respectively (see FIG. 3 for the mandrel recess of the outer hub 41 ). Rotation of the inner hub 40 or the outer hub 41 will cause the actuator arm 43 located between the inner hub 40 and the outer hub 41 to rotate, the actuator arm 43 also being able to rotate about the actuator axis XX. The actuator arm 43 engages the body 37 of the latchbolt 35 and further rotation of the inner hub 40 or outer hub 41 causes the body 47 to move towards the rear wall 39 . The actuator 22 also includes an actuator biasing device 44 for urging the inner hub 40, the outer hub 41 and the actuator arm 43 back to the position shown in FIG. 44 is shown in the preferred form of a spring.

FIG. 2 also shows an auxiliary latch 45 having a wedge-shaped head 46 protruding through the front wall 31 of the housing 5 . The body 47 of the auxiliary bolt 45 is positioned within the housing 5 and the auxiliary bolt biasing means 48 acts between the rear wall 39 and the body 47 of the auxiliary bolt 45 to urge the body 47 towards the extended position shown in FIG. 2 . The secondary latch 45 interacts with a deadlock mechanism 49 . The deadlock mechanism 49 is shown more clearly in FIG. The interaction between the shelves 52. The deadlock member 50 is seated in the body 37 of the latchbolt 35 and is slidable relative to the body 37 . When the locking mechanism 49 is in the inactive state, the foot 53 of the locking member 50 is positioned in a recess 54 formed in the side wall of the base 6 (see FIG. 3 ). FIG. 3 shows the deadlock mechanism in an inactive state, wherein the foot 53 is able to slide horizontally within the slot 54 . Upward movement of the deadlock member 50 from the position shown in FIG. 3 causes the foot 53 to abut against an abutment 55 in the side wall 34 of the base 6 , thereby preventing retraction of the latchbolt 35 . The deadbolt mechanism 49 can be adjusted to the non-active position by the secondary latch 45 in the extended position, the operation of the actuator 22 to retract the latchbolt 35, or the rotation of the cam 25 relative to the cylinder lock assembly 18 to retract the latchbolt 35. active state. The illustrated form of deadlock mechanism 49 is a preferred form only, and the invention is not limited to this form of deadlock mechanism 49 as shown.

The short backset mortice lock assembly 2 according to the invention comprises a locking device 56 for controlling the operation of the actuator 22, which locking device 56 is adjustable between an active state and a non-active state in which the The actuator 22 is inoperable and in an inactive state, rendering the actuator 22 operable. The locking device 56 comprises a sliding detent 57 which slides relative to the housing 5 between a first position and a second position when the locking device is adjusted between the inactive state and the active state. The locking means 56 may take any form, and FIG. 2 shows a sliding detent 57 of the locking means 56 positioned adjacent the rear wall 39 . Figure 2 shows the sliding latch in a first position. The sliding detent 57 can be moved from the first position to FIG. 6 by lowering the sliding detent 57 by rotation of the cam 25 of the outer cylinder lock assembly 18 (or the cam 25 of the inner cylinder lock assembly 14, see FIG. 3 ). The second position shown. Although the sliding detent 57 is capable of interacting directly with the actuator 22 , it is preferred that the sliding detent 57 interacts with the actuator 22 indirectly through the inner jaw 58 and the outer jaw 59 . Each of the inner pawl 58 and outer pawl 59 is independently rotatable about a pawl axis 60 to assume a latched state (see FIG. 5 ) and a released position (see FIG. 8 ).

The short backset mortice lock assembly 2 according to the invention comprises selector means 33 adjustable between an operative and an inoperative condition of the front wall 31 . Movement of the latchbolt 35 to the retracted position prevents the locking device 56 from remaining in the active state when the selector device 33 is operable and the selector device 33 is associated with the slide detent 57 . The selector means 33 may take any form which performs this function, a preferred form of the selector means 33 is shown in FIG. 4 . In summary, the selector device 33 shown in FIG. 4 includes a selector member 61 , a switch 62 and a switch biasing device 63 . FIG. 3 shows that the side wall 34 of the base is formed with an opening 64 for receiving the switch 62 . The position of the switch 62 within the opening 64 is adjustable to adjust the selector device 33 between an operative condition and an inoperative condition. Switch biasing means 63 is also located within opening 64 so that the switch is bistable.

Preferably, the selector member 61 is attached to the switch 62 in a pivotable manner about the selector axis SS (see FIG. 4 ). Furthermore, adjustment of the switch 62 results in an adjustment of the position of the selector axis SS within the housing 5 . It should also be noted from FIG. 4 that the body 37 of the latchbolt includes a shoulder 65, and that the sliding detent 57 includes a lug 66, both of which engage the selector in a manner that will be described in detail with reference to later figures. The components 61 interact.

The manner of operation of the short backset mortice lock assembly 2 or a more specific operation of the locking device 56 while the selector device 33 is in the inoperable state will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6 . Figure 5 shows the latchbolt 35 in the extended position and the locking device 56 in the active state. When the locking device 56 is in the active state, the sliding detent 57 engages the pawl 59 and causes the pawl 59 to rotate about the pawl axis 60, thereby assuming the locked position. In the locked position, the pawl 59 engages the outer hub 41 , preventing the pawl 59 and the outer hub 41 from rotating about the actuator axis XX. However, assuming the secondary latch 45 is in the extended position (as shown), the latchbolt 35 is still able to move toward the retracted position as would occur when the door 11 is moved from the open condition to the closed condition. Figure 6 shows the latchbolt 35 in the retracted position, it should be noted that the selector member 61 has pivoted about the selector axis SS when the shoulder 65 slides along the lower surface of the selector member 61 . It should also be noted that the free end 67 of the selector member 61 does not engage the lug 61 of the slide detent.

The manner of operation of the short backset mortice lock assembly 2 when the selector device 33 is in the operative state will now be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8 . Comparing FIGS. 5 and 7 , we note that the switch 62 has been adjusted to move the selector axis towards the rear wall 39 . This positions the free end 67 of the selector member 61 below the lug 66 on the slide detent 57 . As the latchbolt 35 moves towards the retracted position, the shoulder 65 on the body 37 slides on the lower surface of the selector member 61 causing the selector member 61 to pivot about the selector axis SS. Free end 67 of selector member 61 engages lug 66 on slide detent 57, so rotation of selector member 61 about selector axis SS lifts slide detent 57 from the first position shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 8 The second position shown in . This allows the position of pawl 59 to be adjusted from the latched position shown in FIG. 7 to the released position shown in FIG. 8 under the influence of pawl biasing means 68 .

Figures 7 and 8 show an embodiment of the latchbolt 35 moved to the retracted position by end pressure applied to the head 36 as would occur when the door 11 is moved to the closed position. Either the inner jaw 58 or the outer jaw 59 can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction from the release position shown in FIG. 8 to an inactive position (not shown). If the inner jaw 58 or outer jaw 59 is in this inactive position, this leaves the respective inner hub 40 or outer hub 41 free to rotate causing the latchbolt 35 to retract. Thus, with the selector device 33 in the operative state as shown in FIG. 7, if the inner pawl 58 (hidden in FIG. 7) is in the inactive position, the inner hub 40 (hidden in FIG. 7) will be free. to retract the latchbolt 35. This lifts the slide detent 57 allowing the outer pawl 59 to move to the release position shown in FIG. 8 and free the outer hub 41 .

It should also be noted from FIG. 8 that the slide detent 57 includes a ball detent 69 that interacts with a pair of recesses 70 formed in the rear wall 39 . Figure 8 shows that the ball detent 69 is located in the upper one of the two recesses 70, thereby holding the slide detent 57 in the first position. It will be appreciated that once the door 11 is in the closed position, the latchbolt 35 and auxiliary latch 45 will return to the extended position shown in FIG. 7 , while the locking device 56 will remain in the inactive condition shown in FIG. 8 .

The present invention relates to a short backset mortice lock assembly and the accompanying drawings show embodiments of the short backset mortice lock assembly. A short backset mortice lock assembly will comprise a housing that is less than 50mm from the front wall 31 to the rear wall 39, more generally in the range of 20mm to 50mm. Short backset shells are more suitable for seating in doors 11 with limited ability to form mortice cavities 10 . In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the part of the door 1 used to form the cavity may be an extruded metal part often used in security screen doors or sliding doors. These metal parts forming the frame of the door 11 often have a smaller depth than eg wooden doors, which makes the short backset mortice lock assembly 2 more suitable for this type of door 11 .

It should be appreciated from the above description that the short backset mortice lock assembly 2 according to the present invention provides a relatively simple anti-lock function within the confines of the short mortice lock assembly 2 . The use of openings in the side walls of the base for the selector means provides a unique space saving advantage.

Various modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the short backset mortice lock assembly and lockset described above without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Subsequent patent applications may be filed in Australia or a country outside Australia based on the present invention or claiming priority from the present invention. It should be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection that may be claimed in any such later application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date to further define or redefine the invention.

Claims (22)

CLAIMS 1. A short backset mortice lock assembly for use with a door, the short backset mortice lock assembly comprising: a housing having a front wall and a rear wall, the front wall being spaced less than 50 mm from the rear wall; a latchbolt including a head movable relative to the housing between an extended position and a retracted position in which the head protrudes from the front wall , and in the retracted position, the head is substantially retracted within the housing; an actuator operable to move the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position; a locking device for controlling the operation of said actuator, the locking device being adjustable between an active state, in which said actuator is rendered inoperable, and an inactive state, in which, The actuator is rendered operable, and the locking means includes a sliding detent that moves relative to the housing when the locking means is adjusted between the inactive state and the active state. slide between a first position and a second position; selector means adjustable between an operable state and an inoperable state of said front wall, movement of said latchbolt to said retracted position when said selector means is operable Preventing said locking means from remaining in said active state, said selector means is associated with said sliding detent. 2. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said selector means comprises a selector member which, when said selector means is operable and said latchbolt is moved to said retracted In the selected position, the selector member engages the slide detent. 3. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein said sliding catch includes a lug and said selector member engages said lug to place said sliding catch in said second position and the first position. 4. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said selector means comprises a selector axis which, when said latchbolt is moved from said extended position to said retracted position position, the selector member pivots about the selector axis. 5. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the selector axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the latchbolt. 6. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein when the selector means is adjusted between the operative condition and the inoperative condition, the selector member to move in substantially the same direction as the direction in which the latchbolt moves. 7. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said selector means comprises a switch for adjusting said When a selector device is used, the switch is adjustable relative to the housing. 8. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the selector means includes switch biasing means to cause the switch to be bistable, whereby the selector means is pushed to adopt said operable state or inoperable state. 9. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the housing includes a side wall and the switch is substantially aligned with the side wall. 10. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a base and a cover attached to the base, the side walls forming part of the base. 11. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein said housing comprises a base plate and said side wall of said base comprises an aperture for receiving said switch, said A base plate is attached to the base so as to cover the aperture in the side wall of the base. 12. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the base is formed with a notch for receiving the base plate. 13. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the housing includes a cover plate attached to the housing formed to accommodate the Cover notches. 14. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein said notch of said cover and said notch of said base occupy an outer surface of said cover and said base respectively. The outer surface of the seat is not less than 30%. 15. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein said base and said cover are formed from a cast zinc alloy and said base plate and said cover plate are formed from stainless steel. 16. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein the front wall forms part of the base and includes at least one aperture through which at least one The orifice enables adjustment of the switch. 17. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein said at least one aperture comprises a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein said first aperture is depressed through said first aperture. A switch renders the selector device operable, and depressing the switch through the second aperture renders the selector device inoperable. 18. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 17 comprising a panel attached to the front wall of the housing , thereby preventing access to the switch. 19. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said latchbolt comprises a body, said head being attached to said body, when in said operative condition The body engages the selector device when adjusting the selector device between the inoperable state and the inoperable state. 20. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein said body includes a surface which, when said latchbolt moves from said extended position to said retracted position, A selector device slides on said surface. 21. A short backset mortice lock assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear wall includes a pair of recesses and the sliding catch has a spring catch which, when adopted, In the first position or the second position, the spring lock button is positioned in any one of the recesses. 22. A lock for use with a door, the lock comprising: A short backset mortice lock assembly according to any one of the preceding claims; an inner door implement for mounting on the inside of said door, which when installed interacts with said actuator; an outer door appliance for mounting on the outside of said door, which when installed interacts with said actuator; and At least one cylinder lock assembly interacting with said locking means.