Lockset with sliding spindle

A lockset for a barrier, the lockset comprising:

• first and second handles;
• a latchbolt;
• a main spindle coupled to the latchbolt and mounted for translation along an axis perpendicular to opposing first and second faces of the barrier with a range of travel confined between a first limit relatively closer to the first face than the second face and a second limit relatively closer to the second face than the first face;
• the main spindle also being mounted for rotational movement that, when rotated sufficiently in at least one direction, retracts the latchbolt;
• a spindle coupler, also mounted for translation along the perpendicular axis, configured for engaging or disengaging the main spindle;
• a first lock cylinder or button, incorporated in the first handle, linked to the spindle coupler that is operative to shift the spindle coupler into and out of clutching engagement with the main spindles;
• and
• a second lock cylinder or button, incorporated in the second handle, linked to the main spindle that is operative to shift the main spindle along its axis from the second limit to the first limit to engage the spindle coupler;
• wherein:
• spatial interrelationships between the main spindle, the spindle coupler, and the lockset determine whether the lockset is locked or unlocked:
• in a first state, the main spindle is positioned adjacent the first limit and engaged with the spindle coupler;
• in a second state, the spindle is positioned adjacent the second limit and also engaged with the spindler coupler;
• in a third state, the spindle is positioned adjacent the second limit and disengaged with the spindler coupler;
• and
• engagement of the spindle coupler with the main spindle unlocks the lockset and enables the first handle to retract the latchbolt, and disengagement of the spindle coupler from the main spindle locks the lockset and disables the first handle from retracting the latchbolt.

A double-latch lockset comprising:

• a latchbolt;
• a latchbolt retractor coupled to the latchbolt;
• a deadbolt;
• an inside handle;
• an outside handle;
• a lock cylinder or button in the inside handle;
• a lock cylinder in the outside handle;
• a main spindle directly coupled to the latchbolt retractor operable through turning about its axis to retract the latchbolt;
• a clutch that selectively engages and disengages the main spindle to and from the outside handle, the clutch comprising a spindle coupler and a portion of the main spindle;
• an inside cam operated by the inside handle lock cylinder or button to shift the main spindle in a first direction toward the outside handle;
• an outside cam operated by the outside handle to shift the spindle coupler in a second direction, opposite the first direction, toward the inside handle;
• wherein when the clutch is disengaged, a sufficient shift of either the main spindle in the first direction or of the spindle coupler in the second direction engages the clutch;
• and
• wherein when the clutch is engaged, a sufficient shift of the main spindle in the second direction, after the main spindle is maximally shifted to the first direction, followed by a shift of the spindle coupler in the first direction, disengages the clutch;
• wherein the lockset supports both a restricted access function and a passageway function.