Frame reinforcement for a window assembly and window assembly including same

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a frame reinforcement removably insertable in an elongated frame channel defined in a peripheral frame of a window assembly. The frame reinforcement comprises: an inner reinforcement made of reinforcement material and an outer shell bonded to and at least partially covering outer surfaces of the inner reinforcement. The outer shell is made of an outer shell material having a lower strength than the reinforcement material. The present disclosure also concerns a window assembly frame comprising the frame reinforcement and a window assembly comprising the window assembly frame.

Description

FRAME REINFORCEMENT FOR A WINDOW ASSEMBLY AND WINDOW ASSEMBLY INCLUDING SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35USC§119(e) of US provisional patent application 63 / 557,093 filed on February 23, 2024, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technical field generally relates to window assemblies including a window frame and a sash frame, and more particularly to frame reinforcements that can be selectively added to the window frame and / or to the sash frame. It also relates to a window assembly frame.BACKGROUND

[0003] Window and sash frames can be made of rigid plastic profiles, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), for heat insulation purposes. For some applications, the frame can be reinforced to enhance its mechanical properties.

[0004] One known technique to reinforce a window frame or a sash frame is to insert metallic components, usually steel, into receiving channels of the frame. However, metals such as steel are relatively heavy and have a high heat transfer coefficient, which is contradictory with the heat insulation requirements of a window assembly.

[0005] Another known technique to reinforce a window frame or a sash frame consists of including the reinforcements within the window or frame, directly during extrusion, i.e. , the reinforcements are co-extruded with the window frame or sashframes and form a singular piece. For instance, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) can be coextruded with the PVC.

[0006] However, co-extrusion renders the recycling process of the frames difficult since they must be sent to specialized recycling plants that can effectively separate the two materials before further processing in the recycling process. Furthermore, specific frames must be designed and manufactured when reinforcements are needed.

[0007] In view of the above, there is a need for modular reinforcements that can be inserted into window and sash frames, easily removed for recycling purpose, and have good heat insulating properties.SUMMARY

[0008] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address the above- mentioned issues.

[0009] According to a general aspect, there is provided a frame reinforcement removably insertable in an elongated frame channel defined in a peripheral frame of a window assembly. The frame reinforcement comprises: an inner reinforcement made of a reinforcement material and having longitudinal outer surfaces; and an outer shell bonded to and at least partially encapsulating the inner reinforcement or covering the longitudinal outer surfaces of the inner reinforcement, the outer shell being made of an outer shell material having a lower strength than the reinforcement material.

[0010] In an embodiment, the inner reinforcement and the outer shell are coextruded simultaneously.

[0011] In an embodiment, the outer shell material is characterized by a lower friction coefficient than a friction coefficient of the reinforcement material.

[0012] In an embodiment, the frame reinforcement is a solid profile and the outer shell covers the inner reinforcement at least along longitudinal surfaces thereof. The outer shell can at least partially encapsulate the inner reinforcement.

[0013] In an embodiment, the solid profile of the frame reinforcement is one of : a L-shaped profile, a U-shaped profile, and a flat bar. The frame reinforcement can have a profile that is one of: a square-shaped profile, a L-shaped profile, a U- shaped profile, and a flat-shaped profile.

[0014] In an embodiment, the frame reinforcement has a solid profile, and the outer shell covers the inner reinforcement at least along the longitudinal outer surfaces thereof.

[0015] In an embodiment, the frame reinforcement is a hollow profile, wherein the outer shell has an inner surface defining an elongated channel and the inner reinforcement comprises an inner reinforcement liner bonded to the inner surface of the outer shell and covering at least a portion thereof, at least one of the inner surface of the outer shell and the inner reinforcement liner delimits a reinforcement elongated channel extending along the frame reinforcement. The inner reinforcement liner can cover entirely the inner surface of the outer shell and delimits the reinforcement elongated channel. The inner reinforcement liner can cover entirely the inner surface of the outer shell and can fully delimit the reinforcement elongated channel. The frame reinforcement can further comprise at least one reinforcement partition wall extending inside the reinforcement elongated channel and dividing the same into consecutive or adjoining channel segments.

[0016] In an embodiment, the peripheral frame of the window assembly and the outer shell are made from a same plastic-based material. The same plastic-based material can be polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0017] In an embodiment, the reinforcement material is polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

[0018] In an embodiment, a wall of the outer shell has a thickness ranging between about 1 mm and about 3 mm and a wall of the inner reinforcement has a thickness ranging between about 1 mm and about 12 mm.

[0019] According to another general aspect, there is provided a window assembly frame, comprising: a plurality of frame segments connected to one another to define an opening therein, each one of the frame segments having a plurality of outer walls defining an elongated frame channel extending therealong; and a frame reinforcement removably inserted in a respective one of the elongated frame channel. The frame reinforcement comprises: an inner reinforcement made of a reinforcement material and having longitudinal outer surfaces; and an outer shell bonded to and at least partially encapsulating the inner reinforcement or covering the longitudinal outer surfaces of the inner reinforcement, the outer shell being made of an outer shell material having a lower strength than the reinforcement material.

[0020] In an embodiment, the inner reinforcement and the outer shell are coextruded simultaneously.

[0021] In an embodiment, the outer shell material is characterized by a lower friction coefficient than a friction coefficient of the reinforcement material.

[0022] In an embodiment, the frame reinforcement is a solid profile and the outer shell covers the inner reinforcement at least along longitudinal surfaces thereof. The outer shell can at least partially encapsulate the inner reinforcement.

[0023] In an embodiment, the solid profile of the frame reinforcement is one of : a L-shaped profile, a U-shaped profile, and a flat bar. The frame reinforcement canhave a profile that is one of: a square-shaped profile, a L-shaped profile, a U- shaped profile, and a flat-shaped profile.

[0024] In an embodiment, the frame reinforcement has a solid profile and the outer shell covers the inner reinforcement at least along the longitudinal outer surfaces thereof.

[0025] In an embodiment, the frame reinforcement is a hollow profile, wherein the outer shell has an inner surface defining an elongated channel and the inner reinforcement comprises an inner reinforcement liner bonded to the inner surface of the outer shell and covering at least a portion thereof, at least one of the inner surface of the outer shell and the inner reinforcement liner delimits a reinforcement elongated channel extending along the frame reinforcement. The inner reinforcement can cover entirely the inner surface of the outer shell and delimits the reinforcement elongated channel. The inner reinforcement can cover entirely the inner surface of the outer shell and can fully delimit the reinforcement elongated channel. The window assembly frame can further comprise at least one reinforcement partition wall extending inside the reinforcement elongated channel and dividing the same into consecutive or adjoining channel segments.

[0026] In an embodiment, an outer perimeter of the frame reinforcement substantially corresponds to an inner perimeter of the elongated frame channel.

[0027] In an embodiment, solely the outer shell contacts the frame segment when the frame reinforcement is inserted in the respective one of the elongated frame channel.

[0028] In an embodiment, the outer walls of the frame segments and the outer shell are made from a same plastic-based material. The same plastic-based material can be polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0029] In an embodiment, the reinforcement material is polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

[0030] In an embodiment, at least one of the frame segments comprises at least one longitudinally extending partition wall extending therein and dividing the elongated frame channel into at least two elongated frame sub-channels and the frame reinforcement is engaged in at least one of the at least two elongated frame sub-channels.

[0031] In an embodiment, the window assembly frame comprises a plurality of the frame reinforcement, each one of the plurality of frame reinforcements being insertable in a respective one of at least two of the elongated frame channels.

[0032] In an embodiment, the window assembly frame is one of a window peripheral frame and a sash peripheral frame.

[0033] A window assembly comprising: a window peripheral frame defining a sash receiving opening; a sash peripheral frame inserted in the sash receiving opening of the window peripheral frame; and wherein the window assembly frame, as described above, is at least one of the window peripheral frame and the sash peripheral frame.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a window assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a sectional perspective view of a sash frame segment and a window frame segment of a window assembly, each one including frame reinforcements, in accordance with an embodiment, wherein the sash frame segment is superposed inwardly to the sash frame segment.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two window frame segments including frame reinforcements, in accordance with an embodiment, the window frame segments being configured in an adjacent and disconnected configuration.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two other window frame segments including frame reinforcements, in accordance with an embodiment, the window frame segments being configured in an adjacent and disconnected configuration.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a section of a window assembly including frame reinforcements.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a sectional perspective view of a square-shaped frame reinforcement in accordance with an embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a sectional perspective view of an L-shaped frame reinforcement in accordance with an embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a sectional perspective view of a U-shaped frame reinforcement in accordance with an embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a sectional perspective view of a flat-shaped frame reinforcement in accordance with an embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a sectional perspective view of a solid profile frame reinforcement in accordance with an embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a sectional perspective view of a frame reinforcement comprising partition walls in accordance with an embodiment.

[0045] It is noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1 , there is shown an embodiment of a window assembly 20 including a window peripheral frame 22 and a window sash 23 including a sash peripheral frame 24. The window peripheral frame 22 includes four window frame segments 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d connected together to define a sash receiving opening 26. The window sash 23 is located inwardly to the window peripheral frame 22 and within the sash receiving opening 26.

[0047] The window assembly 20 can be any type of window assembly, such as, and without being limited thereto: casement windows, patio windows, sliding windows, guillotine windows, and the like.

[0048] The sash peripheral frame 24 also includes four sash frame segments 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d connected together to define a glass panel receiving opening 28. Consecutive sash frame segments 24a and 24c and window frame segments 22a and 22c, are shown in FIG. 5. The window sash 23 further includes a glass panel assembly 30 mounted to the sash peripheral frame 24 and inside the glass panel receiving opening 28.

[0049] In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the window peripheral frame 22 and the sash peripheral frame 24 are extruded profiles made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is appreciated that they can be made of other suitable metal-based, plastic-based, or composite material.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown that each one of the window frame segments 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d is defined by outer walls 32 defining an elongated window frame channel 34, or elongated frame channel, extending longitudinally therealong. Each one of the window frame segments 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d being similar, only one (frame segment 22a) will be described in the following paragraphs.

[0051] In the non-limitative embodiment of FIG. 2, the window frame segment 22a includes a plurality of longitudinally extending window frame partition walls 35, or longitudinally extending partition walls, extending therein and dividing the elongated window frame channel 34 into a plurality of elongated window frame sub-channels 37.

[0052] It is appreciated that the number of window frame partition walls 35 and their configuration can vary from the embodiment shown. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the window frame segment 22a can be free of partition walls 35. The number and the configuration of the window frame partition walls 35, if any, in the frame segments defining the window peripheral frame 22 can be different in each one of the window frame segments 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d.

[0053] The window frame segments 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d are secured to one another at ends thereof to define the window peripheral frame 22, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The window frame segments 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d can be secured at their ends by any securing means known in the art, such as by soldering, gluing, etc.

[0054] Akin to the window frame segments 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, each one of the sash frame segments 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d is defined by outer walls 36 defining an elongated sash frame channel 38 extending therealong. Each one of the sash frame segments 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d being similar, only one will be described in the following paragraphs.

[0055] In the non-limitative embodiment of FIG. 2, the sash frame segment 24a includes a plurality of longitudinally extending sash partition walls 40 extending therein and dividing the elongated sash frame channel 38 into a plurality of elongated sash frame sub-channels 39.

[0056] It is appreciated that the number of sash partition walls 40 and their configuration can vary from the embodiment shown. Furthermore, in anembodiment, the sash frame segment can be free of sash partition walls 40. The number and the configuration of sash partition walls, if any, in the sash frame segments defining the sash peripheral frame 24 can be different in each one of the sash frame segments 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d.

[0057] The sash frame segments 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d are secured to one another at ends thereof to define the sash peripheral frame 24, as shown in FIG. 5. The sash frame segments 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d can be secured at their ends by any securing means known in the art, such as by soldering, gluing, etc.

[0058] Each one of the window frame channel 34 and its sub-channels 37, if any, and the sash frame channel 38 and its sub-channels 39, if any, is characterized by a peripheral shape (or profile). For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, although the shape of each one of the sub-channels 37 and 39 differ, the peripheral shapes of the sub-channels 37 and 39 is substantially rectangular. In other embodiments not shown, the channels 34 and 38 and / or sub-channels 37 and 39 could have a peripheral shape or profile that is L-shaped, U-shaped, squareshaped, circular shaped, or triangular shaped for example.

[0059] Each one of the window frame channel 34 and its sub-channels 37, if any, and the sash frame channel 38 and its sub-channels 39, if any, can have a length that can span a section or an entire height or width of its respective window frame segment 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d or sash frame segment 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d. The length of two sub-channels 37 or 39 of a same channel 34 or 38 extending along a same window frame segment 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d or sash frame segment 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d can also be different. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the channels 34 and the sub-channels 37 are accessible at the ends of the window frame segments 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d. Similarly, the channels 38 and the sub-channels 39 can be accessible at the ends of the sash frame segments 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, the window assembly 20 further includes frame reinforcements 42 received by some of the sub-channels 37 and 39 of the window frame segment 22a and of the sash frame segment 24a. The frame reinforcements 42 are configured to be received by at least one of the sub-channels 37, 39. In an alternative embodiment, the frame reinforcements 42 can be received in the channels 34, 38 if the frame segments 22a, 24a are free of partition walls 35, 40 dividing the channels 34, 38 into sub-channels 37, 39. The frame reinforcements 42 can be received in their respective channels 34, 37, 38, 39 by being slidably inserted therein. The frame reinforcements 42 are configured to provide additional strength to the frame segments 22, 24 when inserted therein and thereby to the window assembly 20.

[0061] More particularly, the frame reinforcements 42 are configured to be received in one or more of the window frame channel 34, the sash frame channel 38, the window sub-channels 37, and in the sash sub-channels 39, if there are any. Without being compulsory, the frame reinforcements 42 can therefore have a peripheral shape (or profile), i.e., an outer shape and dimensions, that substantially corresponds to an inner shape and dimensions of the channel 34, 38 or subchannel 37, 39 in which they are received. In a non-limitative embodiment, an outer perimeter of the frame reinforcements 42 substantially corresponds to an inner perimeter of the respective receiving channel 34 or 38 or sub-channel 37 or 39, also referred to as elongated frame channel or elongated frame sub-channel. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, each one of the frame reinforcements 42 has a hollow profile and, more particularly, a substantially rectangular tubular shape. In other embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the frame reinforcements 42 can have different profile shapes, such as, and without being limitative, a squareshaped profile, a L-shaped profile, a U-shaped profile, a flat-shaped profile, such as a flat bar, or any other irregular shape, for example.

[0062] The quantity and the configuration of the frame reinforcements 42 mounted to the window peripheral frame 22 and to the sash peripheral frame 24 can vary from the non-limitative embodiment of FIG. 2 shown. In some non-limitative embodiments, there may only be one frame reinforcement 42 engaged with one of the frame segments 22, 24 of the window assembly 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, two frame reinforcements 42 are inserted in the sub-channels 37 of the window peripheral frame 22 and one frame reinforcement 42 is inserted in one of the sub-channels 39 of the sash peripheral frame 24. A length of the frame reinforcements 42 can substantially correspond to the length of the respective one of the channel 34, 38 or sub-channel 37, 39 in which they are removably received.

[0063] In some non-limitative embodiments, the frame reinforcement 42 can have a width or a height ranging between about 3 mm to about 50 mm. In an embodiment, the frame reinforcement 42 can have width and height dimensions of about 10 mm by about 10 mm. In another embodiment, the frame reinforcement 42 can have width and height dimensions of about 30 mm by about 50 mm. In yet another embodiment, the frame reinforcement 42, such as a flat bar, can have width and height dimensions of about 3 mm by about 50 mm.

[0064] Still referring to the non-limitative embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each one of the frame reinforcements 42 comprises at least two layers: an outer shell 44 and at least one inner reinforcement 46. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the inner reinforcement 46 is an inner reinforcement liner bonded inwardly to the outer shell 44, as will be described in more details below. The outer shell 44 is made of an outer shell material which can generally be made of a material similar to the material of the window peripheral frame 22 or to the sash peripheral frame 24. For example, the outer shell material can be PVC. The material similarity between the outer shell 44 of the frame reinforcement 42 and the window peripheral frame 22 or of the sash peripheral frame 24 can ease insertion and removal of the frame reinforcement 42, i.e. , the frame reinforcement 42 can slide more easily within therespective channel 34, 38 or sub-channel 37, 39, specifically if such material is PVC. In further embodiments, the material of the outer shell 44 can be a material that has a low coefficient of friction and that is different from the material of the window peripheral frame 22 or of the sash peripheral frame 24. In an example, the material of the outer shell 44 can be one or a combination of PTFE (Nylon®), Nylon with additive (Nyoil®), UHMW (Tivar® 88 or Tivar® HPV), PET-P (Ertalyte® TX), PEEK (Ketron®), Acetal (Acetron® GP), etc. In a further example, the material of the outer shell 44 can be characterized by a friction coefficient lower than about 0.4. The material of the outer shell 44 can include one or more additives applied superficially to lower its coefficient of friction, e.g., silicon carbine (SiC) added superficially to PVC.

[0065] In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the outer shell 44 includes an inner surface 47 defining an elongated channel which can receive the inner reinforcement 46. The inner reinforcement 46 can also include an inner surface 49 if it is hollow. The inner reinforcement 46 is bonded to the inner surface 47 of the outer shell 44 and covers a portion or the entire inner surface 49 thereof. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of layers of inner reinforcement 46 superposed directly or indirectly to the inner surface 47 of the outer shell 44. At least one of the inner surfaces 47, 49 of the outer shell 44 and of the inner reinforcement 46 delimits a reinforcement elongated channel 48 that extends along the frame reinforcement 42. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the inner reinforcement 46 entirely covers the inner surface 47 of the outer shell 44 and therefore delimits the reinforcement elongated channel 48 with its inner surface 49. In some embodiments, sections of the inner surface 47 of the outer shell 44 can be exposed and can delimit a portion of the reinforcement elongated channel 48. The reinforcement elongated channel 48 can extend along a section or the entire length of the frame reinforcement 42. The reinforcement elongated channel 48 can also have a shape and dimensions that can differ depending on the shape, size and configuration of the outer shell 44 and inner reinforcement 46. In some non-limitative embodiments, each one of the walls of the outer shell 44 can have a thickness between about 1 mm to about 3 mm and each one of the walls of the inner reinforcement 46 can have a thickness between about 1 mm to about 12 mm.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 the frame reinforcement 42 can be a solid profile in which the inner reinforcement 46 extends centrally and the outer shell 44 is bonded to and extends outwardly from the inner reinforcement 46. Therefore, the outer shell 44 at least partially encapsulates the inner reinforcement 46. In this embodiment, the frame reinforcement 42 is free of the reinforcement elongated channel 48 and can therefore be referred to as having a full profile.

[0067] In some embodiments, even if the inner reinforcement 46 is bonded to the outer shell 44, the inner reinforcement 46 and the outer shell 44 can be mechanically separated at the end of their life for recycling purposes, for instance.

[0068] In an embodiment, the outer shell 44 covers the inner reinforcement 46 at least along longitudinal outer surfaces thereof, i.e. , the surfaces extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame reinforcement 42 on the outside of the inner reinforcement 46. The inner reinforcement 46 can be exposed at one end or at opposed ends of the frame reinforcement 42. In an embodiment, solely the outer shell 44 contacts the frame segment 22, 24 when the frame reinforcement 42 is inserted in the respective one of the channels 34, 38 or the sub-channels 37, 39.

[0069] It is appreciated that the outer shell 44 and the inner reinforcement 46 can be coextruded. Therefore, the outer shell 44 and the inner reinforcement 46 can be integral, i.e., a single piece. The inner reinforcement 46 is made of a reinforcement material having a greater strength than the outer shell material. The outer shell material can be characterized by a lower friction coefficient that a material of the inner reinforcement 46. Understandably, in embodiments with a plurality of inner reinforcements 46, the inner reinforcements 46 can be made ofdifferent reinforcement materials. In a non-limitative example, a first inner reinforcement 46 can have a reinforcement material that is characterized by a greater strength than the reinforcement material of a second inner reinforcement 46. In another non-limitative embodiment, the reinforcement material can be polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). In some embodiments, the reinforcement material has a tensile strength greater than about 35 MPa and, in another embodiment, greater than about 40 MPa.

[0070] It can be appreciated that, since the window assembly 20, the window peripheral frame 22 and the sash peripheral frame 24 can comprise a plurality of sub-channels 37 or 39 extending longitudinally therein, the mechanical properties of the window assembly 20, the window peripheral frame 22 and the sash peripheral frame 24 can be adjusted by modifying the quantity of frame reinforcements 42 inserted therein, e.g., some of the sub-channels 37 or 39 may remain empty while others can receive a frame reinforcement 42. Furthermore, frame reinforcements 42 having different mechanical properties can be selectively inserted in the window assembly 20. For instance, as explained above, the thickness and the nature of the reinforcement material used in the frame reinforcements 42 can be varied.

[0071] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 9, the inner reinforcements 46 have a certain thickness that leaves a longitudinally-extending hollow center defined by its inner surface 49, i.e., the reinforcement elongated channel 48, extending continuously inside their respective frame reinforcement 42 for frame reinforcement having a hollow profile. In other non-limitative embodiments, the inner reinforcements 46 can define other structures inside of their respective frame reinforcement 42. One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 11 , in which the frame reinforcement 42 includes at least one reinforcement partition wall 50 that extends inside the reinforcement elongated channel 48 and divides the same into adjoining channel segments 52. The at least one reinforcement partition wall 50 and theassociated consecutive channel segments 52 can therefore define an alveoli shape, such as a honeycomb-like structure. Understandably, the inner reinforcement 46 and the at least one reinforcement partition wall 50 may be designed for providing increased mechanical strength to the window assembly 20 without substantially increasing its weight.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of the window assembly 20 with frame reinforcements 42 inserted in vertically-extending frame segment 22c, 24c and horizontally-extending frame segments 22a, 24a of the window peripheral frame 22 and sash peripheral frame 24 is shown. The window frame segments 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d and the sash frame segments 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d can be secured at their respective ends thereof.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an example method of assembling a window peripheral frame 22 assembly is presented. Although the example is directed to a window peripheral frame 22 assembly, it can also be directed mutatis mutandis to a sash peripheral frame 24 assembly. The method comprises the steps of: selecting at least two segments from 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d of a window peripheral frame 22 assembly configured to be secured to one another; sliding at least one frame reinforcement 42 as described hereabove into a channel 34 or sub-channel 37 of the two segments 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d; abutting ends of each one of the segments 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d; and securing the abutted ends of the segments 22a, 22b or 22c, 22d to form the window peripheral frame 22 assembly. The method may also include securing the abutted ends of the segments 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d by soldering or gluing the ends thereof.

[0074] Securing the abutted ends of the segments 22a, 22b or 22c, 22d to form the window peripheral frame 22 assembly can be performed by welding. In an embodiment, the frame reinforcements 42 and the segments 22a, 22b or 22c, 22d are welded simultaneously to the adjacent frame reinforcements 42 and the segments 22a, 22b or 22c, 22d respectively.

[0075] Several alternative implementations and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The implementations described above are intended to be exemplary only. It will be appreciated that the methods described herein can be performed in the described order, or in any suitable order. A person with common technical knowledge would appreciate the features of the individual implementations, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of common technical knowledge would further appreciate that any of the implementations could be provided in any combination with the other implementations disclosed herein. It is understood that the product can have other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and implementations, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the product is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific implementations have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind. The scope of the product is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A frame reinforcement removably insertable in an elongated frame channel defined in a peripheral frame of a window assembly, the frame reinforcement comprising: an inner reinforcement made of a reinforcement material and having longitudinal outer surfaces; and an outer shell bonded to and at least partially covering the longitudinal outer surfaces of the inner reinforcement, the outer shell being made of an outer shell material having a lower strength than the reinforcement material.

2. The frame reinforcement of claim 1 , wherein the inner reinforcement and the outer shell are co-extruded simultaneously.

3. The frame reinforcement of claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer shell material has a lower friction coefficient than a friction coefficient of the reinforcement material.

4. The frame reinforcement of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer shell at least partially encapsulates the inner reinforcement.

5. The frame reinforcement of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the frame reinforcement has a profile that is one of: a square-shaped profile, a L- shaped profile, a U-shaped profile, and a flat-shaped profile.

6. The frame reinforcement of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the frame reinforcement has a solid profile, and the outer shell covers the inner reinforcement at least along the longitudinal outer surfaces thereof.

7. The frame reinforcement of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the frame reinforcement has a hollow profile, wherein the outer shell has an innersurface defining an elongated channel and the inner reinforcement comprises an inner reinforcement liner bonded to the inner surface of the outer shell and covering at least a portion thereof, and wherein at least one of the inner surface of the outer shell and the inner reinforcement liner delimits a reinforcement elongated channel extending along the frame reinforcement.

8. The frame reinforcement of claim 7, wherein the inner reinforcement liner covers entirely the inner surface of the outer shell and fully delimits the reinforcement elongated channel.

9. The frame reinforcement of claim 7 or 8, further comprising at least one reinforcement partition wall extending inside the reinforcement elongated channel and dividing the same into adjoining channel segments.

10. The frame reinforcement of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the peripheral frame of the window assembly and the outer shell are made from a same plastic-based material.

11. The frame reinforcement of claim 10, wherein the same plastic-based material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

12. The frame reinforcement of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the reinforcement material is polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

13. The frame reinforcement of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a wall of the outer shell has a thickness ranging between about 1 mm to about 3 mm and a wall of the inner reinforcement has a thickness ranging between about 1 mm to about 12 mm.

14. A window assembly frame, comprising:a plurality of frame segments connected to one another to define an opening therein, each one of the frame segments having a plurality of outer walls defining an elongated frame channel extending therealong; and a frame reinforcement removably inserted in a respective one of the elongated frame channels and comprising: an inner reinforcement made of a reinforcement material and having longitudinal outer surfaces; and an outer shell bonded to and at least partially covering the longitudinal outer surfaces of the inner reinforcement, the outer shell being made of an outer shell material having a lower strength than the reinforcement material.

15. The window assembly frame of claim 14, wherein the inner reinforcement and the outer shell are co-extruded simultaneously.

16. The window assembly frame of claim 14 or 15, wherein the outer shell material has a lower friction coefficient than a friction coefficient of the reinforcement material.

17. The window assembly frame of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the outer shell at least partially encapsulates the inner reinforcement.

18. The window assembly frame of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the frame reinforcement has a profile that is one of : a square-shaped profile, a L-shaped profile, a U-shaped profile, and a flat-shaped profile.

19. The window assembly frame of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the frame reinforcement has a solid profile and the outer shell covers the inner reinforcement at least along the longitudinal outer surfaces thereof.

20. The window assembly frame of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the frame reinforcement has a hollow profile, wherein the outer shell has an inner surface defining an elongated channel and the inner reinforcement comprises an inner reinforcement liner bonded to the inner surface of the outer shell and covering at least a portion thereof, and wherein at least one of the inner surface of the outer shell and the inner reinforcement liner delimits a reinforcement elongated channel extending along the frame reinforcement.21 . The window assembly frame of claim 20, wherein the inner reinforcement covers entirely the inner surface of the outer shell and fully delimits the reinforcement elongated channel.

22. The window assembly frame of claim 20 or 21 , further comprising at least one reinforcement partition wall extending inside the reinforcement elongated channel and dividing the same into adjoining channel segments.

23. The window assembly frame of any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein an outer perimeter of the frame reinforcement substantially corresponds to an inner perimeter of the elongated frame channel.

24. The window assembly frame of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein solely the outer shell contacts the frame segment when the frame reinforcement is inserted in the respective one of the elongated frame channel.

25. The window assembly frame of any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the outer walls of the frame segments and the outer shell are made from a same plastic-based material.

26. The window assembly frame of claim 25, wherein the same plastic-based material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

27. The window assembly frame of any one of claims 14 to 26, wherein the reinforcement material is polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

28. The window assembly frame of any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein at least one of the frame segments comprises at least one longitudinally extending partition wall extending therein and dividing the elongated frame channel into at least two elongated frame sub-channels, and wherein the frame reinforcement is engaged in at least one of the at least two elongated frame sub-channels.

29. The window assembly frame of any one of claims 14 to 28, comprising a plurality of the frame reinforcement, each one of the plurality of frame reinforcements being insertable in a respective one of at least two of the elongated frame channels.

30. The window assembly frame of any one of claims 14 to 29, wherein the window assembly frame is one of a window peripheral frame and a sash peripheral frame.

31. A window assembly comprising: a window peripheral frame defining a sash receiving opening; a sash peripheral frame inserted in the sash receiving opening of the window peripheral frame; and wherein the window assembly frame of any one of claims 14 to 30 is at least one of the window peripheral frame and the sash peripheral frame.