Abstract: A latch assembly for use with a window sash sliding mounted with a window frame. The latch includes at least one bolt (18) moveable in a body (10) between a retracted position and a projecting position. In the projecting position the bolt 18 is engageable in cavity in a strike (12). A connecting mechanism in the form of cranks (20) couple the bolt 18 to an operating member (14), which is part of latch furniture (11). A magnetic actuating element (29) and a biasing element (33) are coupled to the bolt (18) whereby when the latch body (10) is disposed relative to a strike (12) in a position where the bolt (18) can engage with the strike (12) a magnetic attraction between a magnetic part (26) of the strike and the magnetic actuating element (29) occurs to draw the bolt (18) into latching engagement with the strike (12).

Abstract: A striker plate having projections such that when the striker plate is inserted into a door surround structure the projections provide sufficient biasing to retain the striker plate in a desired lateral and vertical location whilst it is secured to the door surround structure. The projections are preferably integrally formed resilient elements adapted to engage with grooves in walls of a door surround structure. An adjustment mechanism may also be provided to adjust the spacing of the striker plate from a door surround structure.

Abstract: A latch which is suitable for latching a window in a closed and sealed position. The latch has latch furniture 10 adapted to fit into a window section S with minimal protrusion from the section. The furniture includes a sealing lever handle 17 and a latch release handle 16 located in a recess 15 in the latch furniture. The latch further includes a latch mechanism 11 adapted to engage with the latch furniture 10. The latch mechanism 11 has one or more latch bolts 65 operable by the latch release handle 16 and a latch pin 41 engageable with a striker assembly which is mounted to a section of a window frame. The latch pin 41 is coupled to the sealing lever 17 whereby operation of the sealing lever 17 moves the window section S into a sealing position relative to the striker assembly.

Abstract: 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).