SELF LATCHING DEVICE

摘要

A self latching device for self-latching a sliding closure such as a window sash. The device includes a latch member ( 17 ) which is moveable between a latching position and a non-latching position. The latch member ( 17 ) when in the latching position is engaged with a strike ( 42 ). A biasing element ( 23 ) biases the latch member ( 17 ) into one of the latching and non-latching positions. A magnetic element ( 43 ) is provided for moving the latch member ( 17 ) into the other of the latching and non-latching positions. In one form the magnetic element ( 43 ) is associated with the strike ( 42 ) and a magnet element ( 33 ) is associated with the latch member ( 17 ). The magnets are preferably permanent magnets ( 33 and 43 ). A user accessible slider ( 26 ) coupled by a coupler ( 34, 35 ) to magnet slider ( 31 ) enables the magnet element ( 33 ) to be temporarily moved away from the magnetic element ( 43 ) to enable the latch member ( 17 ) to retract from the strike ( 42 ).