Automatically locking window latch

Abstract

An automatic locking window latch including a housing for holding a handle with a fully integrated bolt for securing a window, and a catch for engaging the window to release the bolt to secure the window, as well as to hold the bolt open to open the window. The catch may include a catch body, a spring guide, and a trigger pin. The spring guide slideably fits over a post attached to the housing for guiding the catch body and positioning a catch spring. In an unlocked position, an external force acting against the trigger pin causes the catch body to slide from between the bolt and a slide surface of the housing along the post. As the catch body moves past the bolt, bolt springs push bolt extensions of the bolt through the housing and into an adjoining window molding to secure the window. The catch spring presses the catch body against the bolt until the handle pulls the bolt from the locked position.