Dual sliding sash security window

Abstract

A window structure is disclosed wherein the center portion includes sliding panels which have stiles in abutment in their closed positions, such stiles having plates or ribs extending from their inner surfaces which are captured and releasably held by a latch mechanism that is pivotal on one rib and slidable along it. On the exterior of the structure, one of the stiles carries a plate that spans equal areas of both abutting stiles. The latch is symmetrically contoured, whereby observation from either side of the structure does not clarify the edge portion and direction of movement of such portion of the latch that is required in order to operate the latch and permit the sashes to be moved apart. Further, the exterior plate prevents insertion of a tool between the abutting stiles when the sashes are in closed position and latched. The latch is spring biased to closed position, and has a cam surface which functions upon closing the sashes to be deflected by the rib of the other stile as it moves to stile-abutting position, and the latch moves to releasable locking relation with such camming stile after the deflection and the stiles reaching abutment. A weatherstrip is carried by the stile to which the exterior plate is not fixed, and sealingly engages such exterior plate in the closed positions of the sashes, thereby preventing entry of moisture and dirt between the abutting stiles.