Quiet latch for a locking device

An exit device, comprising:

• a pushbar having a released position and a depressed position, the pushbar defining a longitudinal axis;
• a latchbolt assembly disposed along the longitudinal axis and having an extended position and a retracted position, wherein movement of the pushbar from the released position to the depressed position moves the latchbolt assembly from the extended position to the retracted position;
• a first bell crank mechanism operatively connected to the pushbar and disposed along the longitudinal axis at a first location, and a second bell crank mechanism operatively connected to the pushbar and disposed along the longitudinal axis at a second location, and wherein the first bell crank mechanism is located between the latchbolt assembly and the second bell crank mechanism;
• a first dampening device disposed adjacent to the latchbolt assembly, wherein the first dampening device resiliently engages the latchbolt assembly as the latchbolt assembly moves from the retracted position to the extended position;
• and
• a second dampening device disposed along the longitudinal axis between the latchbolt assembly and the first bell crank mechanism, wherein the second dampening device is configured to restrain movement of the latchbolt assembly during movement from the retracted position to the extended position.

A method for reducing noise produced by a pushbar exit device including a pushbar, a latchbolt having an extended position and a retracted position, and a latchbolt link operatively connected to the pushbar via a drive rod and configured to move the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position and back to the extended position, the method comprising:

• locating the latchbolt link at a first position to place the latchbolt at the extended position;
• pivotally moving the latchbolt link from the first position to a second position to place the latchbolt at the retracted position;
• and
• limiting pivotal movement of the latchbolt link with a flexible contact member in contact with the latchbolt link from the second position to the first position when the latchbolt moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

An exit device, comprising:

• a pushbar having a released position and a depressed position;
• a latchbolt assembly having an extended position and a retracted position;
• a first bell crank connected between the pushbar and the latchbolt assembly;
• a second bell crank connected between the pushbar and the latchbolt assembly, wherein the first bell crank is located between the latchbolt assembly and the second bell crank;
• and
• a dampening device positioned between the latchbolt assembly and the first bell crank;
• wherein movement of the pushbar from the released position to the depressed position moves the latchbolt assembly from the extended position to the retracted position;
• and
• wherein the dampening device is configured to restrain movement of the latchbolt assembly from the retracted position to the extended position.