Patent attributes
A sliding window assembly (35) including a window frame and at least two glass panes (38, 39). At least one of the glass panes (38, 39) slides within the frame between an open position and a closed position, wherein one of the edges of each pane overlaps to form overlapping edges (42, 43). First and second rails (44, 45) are connected to the overlapping edges (42, 43) and cooperate to form a seal between them in the closed position. Each rail (44, 45) is formed from a metal component (46) and a plastic component (51) that are formed separate from each other and are assembled in nesting connection. The seal in the overlap between the overlapping edges (42, 43) in the closed position of the panes (38, 39) is formed between the plastic components (51) of the first and second rails (44, 45). The metal components (51) of the first and second rails (44, 45) are spaced from contact with each other and extend to overlie outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second panes (38, 39).