Lock and handle assemblies

A multipoint lock assembly includes a casing and a latch member. The casing includes a single part 1A that provides a front face 22 including an opening to allow movement of the latch member, a first side 21 extending rearwardly from a first side edge of the front face and a second side 23 opposite the first side 21 and extending rearwardly from a second side edge of the front face 22. The second side 23 may be shorter than the first side 21 and a second casing half (1B, fig-4E) may be provided with projecting tabs cooperating with projecting tabs 26 on the first half of the casing. Also provided is a multipoint locking assembly having two elongate plates overlaying the front surface of the lock housing; the elongate plates may be of different lengths and materials to provide reinforcement. A lock assembly having a pivotal hook bolt with a tapered cross section whose width is greatest at the mid-point and narrower at the ends such that the cross section of the hook bolt may be oval shaped is also provided. A handle assembly having a biasing means to urge the handle to a neutral position is provided. Also provided is a handle assembly with detachable drive pins. A multipoint locking assembling with a deadlock element on the drive means such as rack and pinion gearing is provided.