Door latching mechanism

A door latching mechanism comprising two oppositely-directed, vertically-slidable rods for engaging at their outer ends respectively with the top and bottom of a door frame, and a main latch member for engaging with a keeper provided on or in the side of the door frame, the latching mechanism comprising a push rod actuating assembly which is connected between the inner ends of the push rods and is engaged by the main latch member, and is so arranged, in use, to urge the push rods in opposite outward directions on latching engagement of the main latch member with the door side frame, the push rod actuating assembly comprising an actuating assembly housing in or on which is mounted first and second gear pinions that are respectively meshed with first and second racks provided in vertically slideable oppositely-directed push rod bars connected to the respective inner ends of the push rods, the pinions each including a spring anchor between which a tension spring is connected to urge the push bars in opposite directions apart, the pinions being further meshed with respective racks provided on opposite sides of a slider which is slideable substantially horizontally relative to the housing, the main latch member connecting with the slider whereby on release of the main latch member from the keeper, the slider is moved to draw the push rods towards one another.