Patent ID: 7290371

Claim:
An apparatus for use with a sliding sash closure which moves upon a casement frame in which the sliding sash closure can be moved in a sliding action, said casement frame having a sash bottom guide channel within which the sliding sash closure move and having at least one guide rail with said sash bottom guide channel, comprising: said apparatus having an elongated longitudinal shape; a top wall forming part of said apparatus, said top wall having a top surface which is smooth to prevent dirt and debris from being caught thereon and reduce risk of catching things when the apparatus is used in the casement bottom guide channel and the sliding sash closure is in an open position; a first side wall which is connected to the top wall, said first side wall having a first side wall surface which is oriented to taper inwardly toward a center of the top wall; a second side wall which is connected to the top wall, said second side wall having a second side wall surface which is oriented to taper inwardly toward said is center of the top wall; a first flange connected to the top wall and extending outwardly from said first side wall; a second flange connected to the top wall and extending outwardly from said first side wall, said second flange being; a bottom wall extending between lower edges of the first and second side wall; at least one receiver extending upwardly as part of said bottom wall to receive said at least one guide rail therein; whereby the apparatus may serve as both a locking strut when the siding sash closure is in a closed position, and as a threshold cover over the casement bottom guide channel when the sliding sash closure is in an open position.