Patent ID: 7273239

Claim:
A latch assembly for a sliding closure, the latch assembly comprising: a keeper; and a substantially symmetrical latch in opposition to the keeper, the latch comprising: a frame having a longitudinal frame axis; a tongue slidably mounted relative to the frame, the tongue substantially near a midpoint of the frame; a guide pin rotatably mounted relative to the frame, the guide pin substantially parallel with the axis; at least one dog extending from the guide pin and engaged with the tongue; a handle extending from the guide pin at an angle to the dog, the handle substantially near a midpoint of the frame, and wherein a movement of the handle causes a corresponding movement of the tongue; and means for biasing the handle, the biasing means being substantially symmetrically disposed about a midpoint of the frame, and wherein the biasing means rotates the guide pin such that the dog urges the tongue into the keeper.