US Patent 7407199 Self-latching device

A self-latching sash latch device for use with a sliding closure. The latch device has a primary bolt (15) which in use engages with a strike (12). The primary bolt (15) is coupled to an operating element (13) whereby the primary bolt is moveable from a latching position to a retracted position. A retainer (38) retains the primary bolt (15) in the retracted position. A secondary bolt (16) is moveable with or independent of the primary bolt (15) and is engageable with the retainer (38) to release the retainer and enable the primary bolt (15) to move from a retracted position to the latching position.