Adjustable backset lockset

A lock assembly, comprising:

• a housing;
• a latchbolt including an attachment member;
• means for effective lengthening of the latchbolt, the effective lengthening means being removeably engageable with the attachment member;
• means for linear reciprocating movement disposed within the housing, the linear reciprocating movement means selectively engageable in one instance with the attachment member and in another instance with the effective lengthening means for movement with the linear reciprocating movement means;
• and
• means for facilitating selective reciprocation of the retractor element for moving the latchbolt between a latched position and an unlatched position.

A method of adjusting the backset distance of a lock assembly, the method comprising:

• providing a lock assembly having a housing, a latchbolt including an attachment member, a retractor element disposed within the housing for linear reciprocating movement, and an operator operatively connected to the retractor element for facilitating selective reciprocation of the retractor element for moving the latchbolt between a latched position and an unlatched position;
• providing an extension member sized and shaped to be engageable with the attachment member and with the retractor element;
• securing the extension member to the attachment member;
• and
• engaging the extension member with the retractor element for movement with the retractor element.