TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to pushbutton mechanisms for locksets, and more particularly but not exclusively relates to modular pushbuttons capable of use in retrofit kits for existing locksets.

BACKGROUND

In certain existing locksets, the inside handle includes a turnpiece (e.g., a thumbturn) that is rotatable to transition the lockset between a locked state and an unlocked state. In other locksets, the inside handle includes a pushbutton, depression of which transitions the lockset from the unlocked state to the locked state. Due to the different actuating inputs (i.e., rotation vs. depression), turnpiece locksets and pushbutton locksets typically require different lock mechanisms. However, it may be desirable to provide the two formats with a common lock mechanism, for example to facilitate manufacture of both formats. Additionally, it may be desirable to convert an existing thumbturn-style lockset into a pushbutton lockset, for example in the event that the end user's preferences have changed since the time the turnpiece format lockset was installed. For these reasons among others, there remains a need for further improvements in this technological field.

SUMMARY

An exemplary pushbutton mechanism is configured for use with a lockset including a spindle and a plunger extending into the spindle, and generally includes a first component, a second component, and a cam interface. The first component is configured for rotational coupling with the plunger and for axial coupling with the spindle, and is rotatable between a locking orientation and an unlocking orientation. The second component is configured for rotational coupling with the spindle and for axial movement relative to the first component and the spindle, and is axially movable between a depressed position and a projected position. The cam interface is configured to correlate rotation of the first component with axial displacement of the second component. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

