An independently interactive interconnected lock includes an
interconnecting mechanism that retracts a latchbolt and a deadbolt when
an inner handle is moved between an up position, an intermediate position
and a down position. The deadbolt is retracted by a deadbolt lock
mechanism as the inner handle moves from the up position to the
intermediate position. The latchbolt is retracted by a latchbolt lock
mechanism as the inner handle continues to move from the intermediate
position to the down position. When the inner handle is moved to the up
position, both the latchbolt and deadbolt are extended and the deadbolt
lock mechanism is disconnected from the latchbolt lock mechanism such
that manipulation of the latchbolt lock mechanism to retract the
latchbolt does not retract the deadbolt. The inner handle operates with
low handle torque because the deadbolt and the latchbolt are not
retracted simultaneously.