Patent attributes
A latching apparatus for sliding windows or doors, comprising a striker and a latch assembly. The latch assembly comprises a support, a spring biased latch member slideably retained on the support and movable between a latching position in which it engages the striker and a non-latching position, a spring biased retainer connected to the support and movable between a retaining position in which it retains the latch member in the non-latching position and a non-retaining position in which it releases the latch member to move to the latching position. The retainer includes an actuating portion that is externally engageable by the striker as the frames of the closure are slid closed to move the retainer to the non-retaining position. An actuator is connected to the latch member by for returning the latch member to the non-latching position thereby freeing the frames and the retainer.
