Modular window frame assembly and window assembly including same

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a guillotine window frame assembly comprising: a head jamb, two side jambs, and a window sill connected together to define a sash receiving opening, each one having an outer and an inner side. Each one of the two side jambs comprises: an outer jamb frame having an outer wall on the outer side and an inner wall on the inner side, the outer wall delimiting outwardly the respective one of the side jambs, and the outer jamb frame comprising guide track connectors on the inner side. Elongated guide tracks can be engageable with a respective one of the guide track connectors to define at least two elongated sash-engaging channels on the inner side of the respective one of the side jambs when engaged therewith. The present disclosure also concerns a window assembly, a kit, a side jamb and a method for assembling a guillotine window frame.

Description

MODULAR WINDOW FRAME 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 / 557,088 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, and more particularly to guillotine window frame assemblies having a modular construction.BACKGROUND

[0003] Typical guillotine windows include a window frame defining a sash receiving opening and two or more window sashes mounted to the window frame, inside the sash receiving opening. Each one of the window sashes includes a sash frame and a glass panel mounted to the respective one of the sash frames. More particularly, the window sash defines a glass panel receiving opening into which the respective glass panel is received.

[0004] For a window assembly including two sashes, the window assembly can be a single-hung window or a double-hung. A single-hung window, also known as a single-sash window, is a type of window with a lower, operable sash and an upper, fixed sash. This means that the lower sash of the window translates vertically, i.e. , slides up and down, while the upper sash remains stationary. A double-hung window, also commonly referred to as a double-sash window, is a type of window that has two operable sashes that translate vertically, i.e., slide up and down. There are two main operable parts of a double-hung window: the upper sash and the lower sash.

[0005] To allow and ease vertical displacement of the window sash(es) with respect to the window frame, guide tracks are defined along side jambs of the window frame, on inner sides thereof. Window balances are also inserted in the guide tracks.

[0006] Understandably, minimizing heat transfer is a requirement for window conception, especially in environments where there is a significant temperature difference between two sides of a window. Cold climates with a heated building interior and hot climates with an air-conditioned building interior are two examples of such environments with significant temperature difference, in which a window can be installed between the outside of the building and the interior of the same. As such, it is necessary to avoid using heat conducting materials extending continuously between the interior side and exterior side of the window, also referred to as thermal bridges. Furthermore, materials having a low heat conductivity, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are favoured for the structural components.

[0007] However, for aesthetic purposes, there is also a need to have a certain material or finish exposed on the interior side or the exterior side of the window. For example, it may be desirable to have a PVC finish or material exposed on the interior side of the window and an aluminum finish or material exposed on the exterior side of the same window. The overall appearance of the window includes the material or finish exposed on interior and exterior surfaces of the window frame and sash frames.

[0008] In view of the above, there is a need for a window assembly, with good thermal insulation properties and which overall appearance can be easily and quickly modified without substantially modifying the dimensions of the window.SUMMARY

[0009] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address the above- mentioned issues.

[0010] According to a general aspect, there is provided a guillotine window frame assembly comprising: a head jamb, two side jambs, and a window sill connected together to define a sash receiving opening, each one having an outer side and an inner side; each one of the two side jambs including: an outer jamb frame having an outer wall on the outer side and an inner wall on the inner side, the outer wall delimiting outwardly the respective one of the side jambs, and the outer jamb frame including guide track connectors on the inner side; and elongated guide tracks, each one being engageable with a respective one of the guide track connectors to define at least two elongated sash-engaging channels on the inner side of the respective one of the side jambs when engaged therewith.

[0011] In an embodiment, the inner wall of each one of the two side jambs has an inner wall profile defining at least two elongated indentations extending inwardly, the at least two elongated indentations extending parallel to and spaced-apart from one another, each one of the at least two elongated indentations defining at least partially a respective one of the guide track connectors with a respective one of the elongated guide tracks being engageable in a corresponding one of the at least two elongated indentations.

[0012] In an embodiment, the elongated guide tracks are detachably engageable with the respective one of the guide track connectors.

[0013] In an embodiment, each one of the elongated guide tracks has an inner side and an outer side and wherein each one of the elongated guide tracks is substantially a T-track defining a respective one of the at least two elongated sashengaging channels provided on the inner side and comprising an outer jamb frame coupling, on the outer side, engageable in the respective one of the guide track connectors.

[0014] In an embodiment, the outer jamb frame coupling comprises an elongated male member protruding outwardly on the outer side of the respective one of the elongated guide tracks.

[0015] In an embodiment, the respective one of the elongated guide tracks is insertable in a corresponding one of the at least two elongated indentations.

[0016] In an embodiment, the outer jamb frame comprises a first outer section and a second inner section engageable with the first outer section, the first outer section being wider than the second inner section, each one of the first outer section and the second inner section including at least one of the guide track connectors.

[0017] In an embodiment, the at least one guide track connector of the second inner section protrudes inwardly with respect to the least one guide track connector of the first outer section.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first outer section defines the outer wall of the outer jamb frame, extending continuously between the inner side and the outer side.

[0019] In an embodiment, the guillotine window frame assembly further comprises elongated guide track covers detachably engageable with a respective one of the elongated guide tracks to conceal the respective one of the elongated sashengaging channels. In an embodiment, the guillotine window frame assembly further comprises at least one elongated guide track cover superposable inwardly to a respective one of the elongated guide tracks to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels

[0020] In an embodiment, the at least one elongated guide track cover is detachably engageable to the respective one of the elongated guide tracks.

[0021] In an embodiment, the guillotine window frame assembly further comprising at least one of an interior side covering and an exterior side covering engageable with a respective one of the two side jambs to conceal at least the outer jamb frame on the respective one of an interior side and an exterior side thereof.

[0022] In an embodiment, the interior side covering covers a section of the inner side of the respective one of the two side jambs.

[0023] In an embodiment, the interior side covering is substantially L-shaped.

[0024] In an embodiment, the guillotine window frame assembly further comprises sealing joints mounted to each one of the side jambs between the at least two elongated sash-engaging channels, each one of the sealing joints comprising at least two joint segments, wherein at least one of the at least two joint segments is made of a material having a lower heat conductivity than the other of the at least two joint segments and extends along a section of the side jambs substantially aligned with a sash junction section of each one of the two side jambs.

[0025] According to another general aspect, there is provided a window assembly comprising: the guillotine window frame assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments; and at least two window sashes received in the sash receiving opening, at least one of the window sashes being slidably engaged with a pair of the elongated guide tracks, each one of the pair of the elongated guide tracks being located on a respective one of the side jambs.

[0026] According to another general aspect, there is provided a kit for assembling a guillotine window frame, the kit comprising: a head jamb; a window sill; two side jambs, each one having two opposed ends securable to a respective one of the head jamb and the window sill to define a sash receiving opening when secured together, each one of the head jamb, the window sill, and the two side jambs having an outer side and an inner side; each one of the two side jambs including:an outer jamb frame having an outer side, an inner side, and guide track connectors on the inner side; and elongated guide tracks, each one being selectively engageable with a respective one of the guide track connectors to define at least two elongated sash-engaging channels on the inner side of the respective one of the side jambs when engaged therewith.

[0027] In an embodiment, the kit further comprises elongated guide track covers detachably engageable with a respective one of the elongated guide tracks to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels. In an embodiment, the kit further comprises elongated guide track covers superposable inwardly to a respective one of the elongated guide tracks to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels

[0028] In an embodiment, the elongated guide track covers are detachably engageable to the respective one of the elongated guide tracks.

[0029] In an embodiment, the kit further comprises interior side coverings engageable with a respective one of the two side jambs to conceal at least an interior side of the outer jamb frame.

[0030] In an embodiment, each one of the interior side coverings covers a section of the inner side of the respective one of the two side jambs.

[0031] In an embodiment, each one of the interior side coverings is substantially L- shaped.

[0032] In an embodiment, the kit further comprises exterior side coverings engageable with a respective one of the two side jambs to conceal at least an exterior side of the outer jamb frame.

[0033] In an embodiment, each one of the two side jambs comprises an inner wall with an inner wall profile defining at least two elongated indentations extendinginwardly, the at least two elongated indentations extending parallel to and spacedapart from one another, each one of the at least two elongated indentations defining at least partially a respective one of the guide track connectors with a respective one of the elongated guide tracks being insertable in a corresponding one of the at least two elongated indentations.

[0034] In an embodiment, the outer jamb frame comprises a first outer section and a second inner section engageable with the first outer section, the first outer section being wider than the second inner section, each one of the first outer section and the second inner section comprising at least one of the guide track connectors.

[0035] In an embodiment, the at least one guide track connector of the second inner section protrudes inwardly with respect to the at least one guide track connector of the first outer section.

[0036] In an embodiment, the kit further comprises sealing joints engageable with each one of the side jambs between the at least two elongated sash-engaging channels, each one of the sealing joints comprising at least two joint segments, wherein at least one of the at least two joint segments is made of a material having a lower heat conductivity than the other of the at least two joint segments and extends along a section of the side jambs substantially aligned with a sash junction section of each one of the two side jambs.

[0037] According to another general aspect, there is provided a side jamb for a window assembly, the side jamb having an outer side and an inner side, the side jamb comprising: an outer jamb frame having guide track connectors on the inner side; and at least two elongated guide tracks, each one being engageable with a respective one of the guide track connectors to define at least two elongated sashengaging channels on the inner side of the side jamb when engaged therewith.

[0038] In an embodiment, the side jamb further comprises an elongated guide track cover detachably engageable with a respective one of the elongated guide tracks to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels. In an embodiment, the side jamb further comprises an elongated guide track cover superposable inwardly a respective one of the elongated guide tracks to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels.

[0039] In an embodiment, the elongated guide track cover is detachably engageable to the respective one of the elongated guide tracks.

[0040] In an embodiment, the side jamb further comprises an interior side covering engageable with at least the outer jamb frame on an interior side thereof.

[0041] In an embodiment, the interior side covering covers a section of the inner side of the side jamb.

[0042] In an embodiment, the interior side covering is substantially L-shaped.

[0043] In an embodiment, the side jamb further comprises an exterior side covering engageable with at least the outer jamb frame on an exterior side thereof.

[0044] In an embodiment, the side jamb further comprises an inner wall with an inner wall profile defining at least two elongated indentations extending inwardly, the at least two elongated indentations extending parallel to and spaced-apart from one another, each one of the at least two elongated indentations defining at least partially a respective one of the guide track connectors with a respective one of the elongated guide tracks being insertable in a corresponding one of the at least two elongated indentations.

[0045] In an embodiment, the outer jamb frame comprises a first outer section and a second inner section engageable with the first outer section, the first outer section being wider than the second inner section, each one of the first outersection and the second inner section comprising at least one of the guide track connectors.

[0046] In an embodiment, the at least one guide track connector of the second inner section protrudes inwardly with respect to the least one guide track connector of the first outer section.

[0047] In an embodiment, the side jamb further comprises a sealing joint engageable with the side jamb between the at least two elongated sash-engaging channels, the sealing joint comprising at least two joint segments, wherein at least one of the at least two joint segments is made of a material having a lower heat conductivity than the other of the at least two joint segments and extends along a section of the side jamb substantially aligned with a sash junction section of the side jamb.

[0048] According to another general aspect, there is provided a method for assembling a guillotine window frame, the method comprising: selecting two first elongated guide tracks of a first material; selecting two second elongated guide tracks of a second material; engaging the first elongated guide tracks with first guide track connectors provided on an inner side of two outer jamb frames of two side jambs; engaging the second elongated guide tracks with second guide track connectors provided on the inner side of the two outer jamb frames of the two side jambs; securing a window sill to lower ends of the two side jambs; and securing a head jamb to upper ends of the two side jambs.

[0049] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: selecting two elongated guide track covers made of the first material; and engaging the selected two elongated guide track covers with the first elongated guide tracks of the two side jambs to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels.

[0050] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: selecting two elongated guide track covers made of the first material; and engaging the selected two elongated guide track covers with at least one of the first elongated guide tracks and the outer jamb frames of the two side jambs to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels.

[0051] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: selecting two interior side coverings made of one of the first material and the second material; and engaging the selected interior side coverings with the two side jambs to conceal at least an interior side of the outer jamb frames of the two side jambs.

[0052] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: selecting two interior side coverings made of one of the first material and the second material; and engaging the selected interior side coverings with the outer jamb frames to conceal at least an interior side of the outer jamb frames of the two side jambs.

[0053] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: selecting two exterior side coverings made of one of the first material and the second material; and engaging the selected exterior side coverings with the two side jambs to conceal at least an exterior side of the outer jamb frames of the two side jambs.

[0054] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: selecting two exterior side coverings made of one of the first material and the second material; and engaging the selected exterior side coverings with the outer jamb frames to conceal at least an exterior side of the outer jamb frames of the two side jambs.

[0055] In an embodiment, securing the window sill and the head jamb to the two side jambs is carried out after engaging the first and the second elongated guide tracks with the first and the second guide track connectors.

[0056] According to another general aspect, there is provided guillotine window frame assembly configured to receive at least two consecutive window sashes, theguillotine window frame assembly comprising: a head jamb, two side jambs, and a window sill connected together to define a sash receiving opening, each one having an outer side and an inner side; each one of the two side jambs including an outer jamb frame having an outer wall on the outer side and an inner wall on the inner side, the outer wall delimiting outwardly the respective one of the side jambs, each one of the side jambs having at least two elongated sash-engaging channels on the inner side thereof; and sealing joints mounted each one of the side jambs between the at least two elongated sash-engaging channels, each one of the sealing joints including at least two joint segments, wherein at least one of the at least two joint segments is made of a material characterized by a lower heat conductivity than the other of the at least two joint segments and extends along a section of the side jambs substantially aligned with a sash overlapping portion of the at least two consecutive window sashes when mounted to the guillotine window frame assembly and configured in a closed configuration.

[0057] In an embodiment, each one of the sealing joints comprises three joint segments, vertically aligned, comprising a first joint segment substantially aligned with a first one of the window sashes, a second joint segment substantially aligned with a second one of the window sashes, and a junction joint segment substantially aligned with the sash overlapping portion, wherein the junction joint segment is the at least one of the joint segments made of the material having the lower heat conductivity than at least one of the first and the second joint segments.

[0058] In an embodiment, the first one of the window sashes is a lower window sash and the second one of the window sashes is an upper window sash.

[0059] In an embodiment, each one of the at least two joint segments has a substantially T-shaped profile comprising a web insertable in a corresponding recess defined in a respective one of the side jambs and a flange superposable to the inner side of the respective one of the side jambs between the two elongated sash-engaging channels.

[0060] In an embodiment, each one of the at least two joint segments further comprises an extension extending from an end of the flange extending towards an interior one of the elongated sash-engaging channels.

[0061] In an embodiment, each one of the at least two joint segments is detachably engageable to a respective one of the side jambs.

[0062] In an embodiment, the at least one of the at least two joint segments made of the material having the lower heat conductivity is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0063] In an embodiment, the at least one of the at least two joint segments made of the material having the lower heat conductivity is made from a material having a thermal conductivity below about 0.52 W / mK.

[0064] According to another general aspect, there is provided a window assembly comprising: the guillotine window frame assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments; and at least two window sashes received in the sash receiving opening and aligned with a corresponding one of the at least two elongated sashengaging channels.

[0065] According to another general aspect, there is provided a guillotine window frame assembly configured to receive an upper window sash and a lower window sash, the guillotine window frame assembly comprising: a head jamb, two side jambs, and a window sill connected together to define a sash receiving opening, each one having an outer side and an inner side; each one of the two side jambs including an outer jamb frame having an outer wall on the outer side and an inner wall on the inner side, the outer wall delimiting outwardly the respective one of the side jambs, each one of the side jambs having two elongated sash-engaging channels on the inner side thereof; and sealing joints mounted each one of theside jambs between the two elongated sash-engaging channels, each one of the sealing joints comprises three joint segments including an upper joint segment vertically aligned with the upper window sash, a lower joint segment vertically aligned with the lower window sash, and a junction joint segment aligned with a sash overlapping portion of the upper and the lower window sashes configured in a closed configuration, wherein the junction joint segment is made of a material characterized by a lower heat conductivity than a material of at least one of the upper and lower joint segments.

[0066] According to another general aspect, there is provided a window assembly comprising: the guillotine window frame assembly of a preceding embodiment; and at least two window sashes received in the sash receiving opening and aligned with a corresponding one of the at least two elongated sash-engaging channels.

[0067] According to another general aspect, there is provided a window assembly comprising: the guillotine window frame assembly of a preceding embodiment; and an upper window sash and a lower window sash received in the sash receiving opening and aligned with a corresponding one of the two elongated sash-engaging channels.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, sectioned, of a guillotine window assembly comprising two window sashes in accordance with an embodiment.

[0069] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a side jamb of a window frame of the window assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment, wherein the two window sashes are vertically translatable.

[0070] FIG. 3 is sectional view of the side jamb of the window frame of the window assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment, wherein one of the window sashes is vertically translatable and the other one of the window sashes is fixed.

[0071] FIG. 4 is a sectional perspective view of the side jamb of the window frame of the window assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment, wherein only one of the window sashes is shown.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a balance system in accordance with an embodiment, wherein the balance system is engageable with a sash-engaging channel of a window assembly.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of an upper portion of the window assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment, showing the two window sashes engaged with the side jamb of the window assembly.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a sectional perspective view of a central section of the window assembly of FIG. 6, showing the side jamb, a sealing joint and portions of one of the two window sashes.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a sectional perspective view of the side jamb of the window assembly of FIG. 7, wherein a section line is a lower section thereof.

[0076] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a portion of the side jamb of the window assembly of FIG. 7, wherein the section line is the lower section thereof.

[0077] It is noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Moreover, although the embodiments of the window assembly and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitablegeometrical configurations, may be used for the window assembly, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

[0079] In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and / or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

[0080] Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “forward”, “rearward” “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and correspond to the position and orientation of the window assembly and corresponding parts when mounted to a wall structure. Positional descriptions should not be considered limiting.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 1 , there is shown an embodiment of a guillotine window assembly 20 including a window frame 22 defining a sash receiving opening 26 and two window sashes 23 mounted to the window frame 22 inside the sash receiving opening 26. The guillotine window assembly 20 can be a single-hung window or a double-hung window.

[0082] The window frame 22 includes four window frame segments 28, 29, 30 connected together at their ends to define the sash receiving opening 26. The window frame segments include a window sill 28, a head jamb 29 extendingparallel and spaced-apart from the window sill 28, and two opposed side jambs 30 (only one is shown in FIG. 1 ), extending vertically. The window frame segments 28, 29, 30 are connected to another one of the segments at each of their ends to define the sash receiving opening 26.

[0083] The window assembly 20 has an exterior side 32 and an opposed interior side 34, located respectively on the exterior side and the interior side of a wall structure where the window assembly 20 is mounted.

[0084] Each one of the window frame segments 28, 29, 30 has an outer side 36 delimitating peripherally the window frame 22 and an inner side 38 delimitating the sash receiving opening 26. Furthermore, each one of the window frame segments 28, 29, 30 has a longitudinal axis extending between two opposed ends. When the window assembly 20 is mounted to a building wall (or a wall structure), the longitudinal axes of the two side jambs 30 extend substantially vertically while the longitudinal axes of the window sill 28 and the head jamb 29 extend substantially horizontally.

[0085] Turning now to FIG. 2, a non-limitative embodiment of the side jambs 30 will be described. Since the two side jambs 30 can have a similar profile and configuration, only one will be described in the following paragraphs.

[0086] The side jamb 30 has an outer jamb frame 40 having an outer wall 41 on the outer side 36 and an inner wall 42 on the inner side 38. The outer wall 41 delimits outwardly the side jamb 30. The inner wall 42 has an inner wall profile 44 that delimits partially the sash receiving opening 26, as will be described in more details below.

[0087] In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the outer jamb frame 40 is made of two sections: a first outer section 40a and a second inner section 40b engageable with the first outer section 40a. The first outer section 40a is wider thanthe second inner section 40b. The first outer section 40a spans a width of the side jamb 30, from the interior side 34 to the exterior side 32 of the window assembly 20 and includes the outer wall 41 . The second inner section 40b is located adjacent to the exterior side 32 and is mounted to an inner side of the first outer section 40a.

[0088] It is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the outer jamb frame 40 can be made of a single section or of more than two sections engageable together.

[0089] Each one of the first outer section 40a and the second inner section 40b is defined by outer walls defining an elongated window frame channel extending longitudinally therealong. It further includes a plurality of longitudinally extending window frame partition walls 43 extending therein and dividing the elongated window frame channel into a plurality of elongated window frame sub-channels 47.

[0090] In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the first outer section 40a and the second inner section 40b are extruded profiles made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is appreciated that they can be made of other suitable metal-based or plasticbased material.

[0091] The shape and the configuration of the outer wall delimiting the first outer section 40a and the second inner section 40b can vary from the embodiment shown. Furthermore, it is appreciated that the number of window frame partition walls 43 and their configuration can also vary from the embodiment shown. In other embodiments, the first outer section 40a and the second inner section 40b can be free of partition walls 43.

[0092] Still referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the window frame assembly 20 is configured to receive two window sashes 23. Therefore, the side jamb 30 includes two elongated guide tracks 45 mounted to the outer jamb frame 40, on the inner side 38, and extending longitudinally therealong. The guide tracks 45 arespaced-apart along a width of the side jamb 30: a first one being located on the interior side 34 and associated to an interior one of the window sashes 23 and a second one being located on the exterior side 32 and associated to an exterior one of the window sashes 23. It is appreciated that if the window frame assembly 20 is configured to receive more than two window sashes, the number of guide tracks 45 can vary accordingly.

[0093] In the embodiment shown, the guide tracks 45 are engaged and, more particularly, detachably engaged with the outer jamb frame 40. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, an interior one of the guide tracks 45 is mounted to the first outer section 40a and an exterior one of the guide tracks 45 is mounted to the second inner section 40b.

[0094] Each one of the guide tracks 45 defines an elongated sash-engaging channel 48 on the inner side 38 of the side jamb 30, when the guide track 45 is engaged with the outer jamb frame 40. The elongated sash-engaging channel 48 is substantially similar to a corresponding channel of a conventional guillotine window. The elongated sash-engaging channel 48 is configured to receive a window balance 24 therein, shown in FIG. 5, the window balance 24 being also engaged with a corresponding one of the sashes 23. The balance system 24 counterbalances a weight of the sash 23 when translated vertically within the sash receiving opening 26. In the embodiment shown, the window balance 24 includes constant force springs of a predetermined number based on the weight of the corresponding sash 23 to reduce the perceived weight of the sash 23 when manipulated by a user. Understandably, other types of window balances 24 can be inserted in the sash-engaging channel 48. Each one of the vertically translatable sashes 23 is mounted to the window frame 22 via a respective one of the guide tracks 45 that is engaged with its sash-engaging channel 48.

[0095] Referring back to FIG. 2, each one of the guide tracks 45 has an outer side 50 for engaging with the outer jamb frame 40 and an inner side 51 delimitating thesash-engaging channel 48. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, each one of the guide tracks 45 includes the sash-engaging channel 48 that is an elongated balance-receiving channel. It will be appreciated that the sash-engaging channel 48, with the inner side 51 of the guide track 45, can define a T-track to receive the window balance 24.

[0096] On the outer side 50, in the non-limitative embodiment shown, the guide track 45 includes an outer jamb frame coupling 52 engageable with the outer jamb frame 40, as will be described in more details below. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the outer jamb frame coupling 52 extends longitudinally along the side jamb 30. However, it is appreciated that it can differ from the embodiment shown. In some embodiment, it can include a plurality of spaced-apart sections engageable with the outer jamb frame 40.

[0097] To engage with the guide tracks 45, the outer jamb frame 40 includes two guide track connectors 46, spaced-apart along a width of the side jamb 30, on the inner side 38 thereof: a first one being located on the interior side 34 and associated to an interior one of the window sashes 23 and a second one being located on the exterior side 32 and associated to an exterior one of the window sashes 23. It is appreciated that if the window frame assembly 20 is configured to receive more than two window sashes 23, the number of guide track connectors 46 can vary accordingly.

[0098] In the embodiment shown, each one of the first outer section 40a and the second inner section 40b includes one guide track connector 46. In the non- limitative embodiment shown, the guide track connectors 46 extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the side jamb 30. However, it is appreciated that their configuration can differ from the embodiment shown. In some embodiments, the guide track connectors 46 can be spaced-apart complementary coupling members engageable with the guide tracks 45. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the guide track connector 46 provided on the second inner section 40b of the outerjamb frame 40 protrudes inwardly, i.e. , inside the sash receiving opening 26, with respect to the guide track connector 46 provided on the first outer section 40a.

[0099] In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the inner wall profile 44 of each one of the first outer section 40a and the second inner section 40b defines an elongated indentation 54 extending inwardly and along the longitudinal axis of the side jamb 30. The two elongated indentations 54 extend parallel to and spacedapart from one another. Each one of the elongated indentations 54 defines at least partially a respective one of the guide track connectors 46 with a respective one of the elongated guide tracks 45 being engageable and, more particularly, removably insertable, in a corresponding of the elongated indentations 54.

[0100] In the non-limitative embodiment show, the guide tracks 45 are removably insertable in the elongated indentations 54 and cover a portion of the inner wall 42 of the outer jamb frame 40 when inserted therein. The sash-engaging channels 48 of the guide tracks 45 are accessible on the inner side 38 of the side jamb 30 when the guide tracks 45 are inserted in the elongated indentations 54.

[0101] In the non-limitative embodiment show, the inner wall profile 44 of each one of the first outer section 40a and the second inner section 40b further defines an elongated guide track coupling 56 (i.e., a coupling recess in the non- limitative embodiment shown) located in an inner section of the respective indentation 54. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the elongated guide track coupling 56 is a recess extending in a bottom (i.e., on the outer side) of the elongated indentation 54 and being in communication therewith. The guide track coupling 56 is also part of the guide track connector 46, in the non-limitative embodiment shown. Each one of the guide track couplings 56 is configured to be engageable with a respective one of the outer jamb frame coupling 52 of the guide tracks 45 inserted in the corresponding one of the elongated indentations 54. In the embodiment shown, the outer jamb frame coupling 52 of the guide track 45 is insertable in the complementary guide track coupling 56 and, more particularly,removably insertable. The outer jamb frame coupling 52 can be snap-fitted to the complementary guide track coupling 56, when the guide track 45 is received in the respective elongated indentation 54. The guide track connector 46 can define, with the elongated indentations 54 and the guide track coupling 56, a T-track to receive the outer jamb frame coupling 52 of the guide track 45 inserted in the corresponding one of the elongated indentations 54.

[0102] In the non-limitative embodiment shown, each one of the guide tracks 45 includes a male member, i.e., the outer jamb frame coupling 52, engageable with a female member, i.e., the guide track coupling 56, defined in the outer jamb frame 40. However, it is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the guide tracks 45 can include the female members and the outer jamb frame 40 can include the complementary male members. It is also appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the guide tracks 45 and the outer jamb frame 40 can be free of complementary engageable male-female members. For instance, the guide tracks 45 can be mounted to the outer jamb frame 40 solely by inserting the guide tracks 45 into a respective one of the elongated indentation 54 defined in the outer jamb frame 40. For instance, they 45 can be secured therein via a suitable adhesive.

[0103] In still another embodiment, the outer jamb frame 40 can be free of elongated indentations 54 and the guide tracks 45 can be mounted to the outer jamb frame 40 solely by inserting the outer jamb frame coupling 52 into the complementary guide track coupling 56.

[0104] Thus, in the non-limitative embodiment shown, each one of the guide track connectors 46 includes the elongated indentation 54 and the guide track coupling 56. However, it is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, each one of the guide track connectors 46 can include solely one of the elongated indentations 54 and the guide track couplings 56. It is appreciated that the shape and configuration of the guide track connectors 46 can vary from the embodiment shown.

[0105] The side jamb 30 further includes an exterior side covering 58 and an interior side covering 60, both being detachably engageable with the outer jamb frame 40. More particularly, each one of the exterior and interior side coverings 58, 60 is engageable with the outer jamb frame 40, respectively on the exterior side 32 and the interior side 34 thereof, to conceal an exterior section and an interior section of the outer jamb frame 40 and thereby modify its appearance. Each one of the exterior and interior side coverings 58, 60 can be made of one or more sections engageable with one another and with the outer jamb frame 40. In the non-limitative embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the interior side covering 60 is substantially L-shaped with a first segment covering the interior section of the outer jamb frame 40 and a second segment covering a portion of the inner wall 42 of the outer jamb frame 40 and a portion of the interior one of the guide tracks 45 engaged with the outer jamb frame 40. In the non-limitative embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the exterior side covering 58 is made of two sections with a first one 58a covering at least the exterior section of the first outer section 40a of the outer jamb frame 40 and a second one 58b covering the exterior section of the second inner section 40b of the outer jamb frame 40 and a portion of the inner wall 42 thereof. The first one 58a and second one 58b of the exterior side covering 58 can be separate parts not engaged with one another. The first one 58a and second one 58b of the exterior side covering 58 can also be engageable with one another.

[0106] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the side jamb 30 is for a doublehung window wherein both sash-engaging channels 48 are open and accessible to receive at least window balances 24 configured to be engaged with the corresponding sashes 23.

[0107] FIG. 3 shows a similar embodiment of the side jamb 30 configured to receive a single-hung window. More particularly, the side jamb 30 includes an elongated guide track cover 62 detachably engaged with a respective one of the elongated guide tracks 45 and, more particularly, the one on the exterior side 32,to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels 48. Therefore, a fixed one of the sashes 23 can be mounted to the side jamb 30, aligned with the elongated guide track cover 62 by engaging mechanical fasteners, such as screws, into the guide track cover 62, the guide track 45, and the outer jamb frame 40, as it is known in the art.

[0108] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the side jamb 30 wherein the features are numbered with reference numerals in the 100 series which correspond to the reference numerals of the previous embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the side jamb 130 is configured to receive a double-hung window wherein both sash-engaging channels 148 are open and accessible to receive at least window balances 24 configured to be also engaged to corresponding sashes 23 (only one is shown). The embodiment of FIG. 4 is similar to the one shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, except that the guide track connectors 146 include the elongated indentation 154 and are free of guide track coupling 56.

[0109] Thus, the elongated guide tracks 145 are engaged with a respective one of the guide track connectors 146 by being removably inserted in a corresponding one of the elongated indentations 154.

[0110] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, each one of the guide track connectors 46, 146 provided in a respective one of the outer jamb frame 40, 140 has the same profile and dimensions, i.e., the guide track connector 46, 146 on the interior side 34 has the same profile and dimensions than the guide track connector 46, 146 on the exterior side 32. Therefore, the elongated guide tracks 45, 145 can be mounted therein interchangeably to the outer jamb frame 40, 140, either on the interior side 34 or on the exterior side 32. In other embodiments, the guide track connectors 46, 146 provided on the interior side 34 can have a different profile and dimensions than the guide track connectors 46, 146 on the exterior side.

[0111] Therefore, due to the combination of the detachable / removable guide tracks 45, 145, the exterior and interior side coverings 58, 60, 158, 160, and the guide track cover 62, it is possible to modify the appearance of the side jamb 30, 130 without modifying its external dimensions and notwithstanding the material of the outer jamb frame 40, 140. As mentioned above, the outer jamb frame 40, 140 can be made of a material characterized by a low heat transfer coefficient, such as, and without being limitative, PVC.

[0112] If a full PVC window assembly 20 is desired, both on the interior and exterior sides 34, 32 thereof, interior and exterior guide tracks 45, 145, as well as exterior and interior side coverings 58, 60, 158, 160 made of PVC can be mounted to the outer jamb frame 40, 140. Furthermore, if the window assembly 20 is a single-hung window, a guide track cover 62 made of PVC can be mounted to one of the guide tracks 45, 145 to conceal a respective one of the sash-engaging channels 48, 148, as described above. In the embodiment of a full-aluminum window assembly 20, the same guide tracks 45, 145, side coverings 58, 60, 158, 160, and guide track cover 62 made of aluminum can be selected in replacement.

[0113] In an alternative embodiment, if a window assembly having an aluminum covering on the exterior side 32 and a PVC covering on the interior side 34 is desired, a guide track 45, 145 made of PVC can be engaged with the interior guide track connector 46, 146 and a guide track 45, 145 made of aluminum can be engaged with the exterior guide track connector 46, 146. Similarly, an interior side covering 60, 160 made of PVC can be engaged with the outer jamb frame 40, 140 on the interior side 34 thereof and an exterior side covering 58, 158 made of aluminum can be engaged with the outer jamb frame 40, 140 on the exterior side 32 thereof. As for the full PVC-window embodiment described above, a guide track cover 62 made of either PVC or aluminum can be mounted to one of the guide tracks 45, 145 to conceal a respective one of the sash-engaging channels 48, 148, if the window assembly 20 is a single-hung window. In the embodiment of a windowassembly 20 having a PVC covering on the exterior side 32 and an aluminum covering on the interior side 34, similar components made of a different material can be mounted to the outer jamb frame 40, 140.

[0114] Therefore, being detachable / removable / interchangeable, the guide tracks 45, 145, the exterior and interior side coverings 58, 60, 158, 160, and the guide track cover 62 can be selected and mounted to the outer jamb frame 40, 140 depending on the desired overall appearance of the window assembly 20.

[0115] It is appreciated that the guide tracks 45, 145, the exterior and interior side coverings 58, 60, 158, 160, and the guide track cover 62 can be made of any material known in the art or may have a finish of any material known in the art. For example, it may either be made of aluminum or PVC. As mentioned above, any combination is also possible.

[0116] With the outer jamb frame 40, 140 being made of a material characterized by a low heat transfer coefficient and by having interchangeable guide tracks 45, 145, exterior and interior side coverings 58, 60, 158, 160, and guide track covers 62, it is possible to modify the overall appearance of the window frame 22 without compromising on its heat insulation properties and without modifying the overall dimensions of the side jamb 30, 130.

[0117] The above-described window frame assembly 20 can be provided as a kit including a window sill 28, a head jamb 29 and two of the above-described side jambs 30, 130. Each one of the side jambs 30, 130 has two opposed ends securable to a respective one of the head jamb 29 and the window sill 28 to define the sash receiving opening 26 when secured together. Each one of the side jambs 30, 130 includes an outer jamb frame 40, 140 with guide track connectors 46, 146 on the inner side 38, 138. The kit further includes at least two of the elongated guide tracks 45, 145. Each one of the guide tracks 45, 145 is selectively engageable with a respective one of the guide track connectors 46, 146 to defineat least two elongated sash-engaging channels 48, 148 on the inner side 38, 138 of the respective one of the side jambs 30, 130 when engaged therewith.

[0118] The kit can further include the elongated guide track covers 62 detachably engageable with a respective one of the elongated guide tracks 45, 145 to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels 48, 148, if the window 20 is a single-hung window.

[0119] The kit can further include the interior side coverings 60, 160 engageable with the two side jambs 30, 130 to conceal the outer jamb frame 40, 140, at least on the interior side 34 thereof.

[0120] The kit can further include the exterior side coverings 58, 158 engageable with the two side jambs 30, 130 to conceal the outer jamb frame 40, 140, at least on the exterior side 32 thereof.

[0121] There is also provided a method for assembling a guillotine window frame 22, which appearance can be modified during conception.

[0122] The method includes selecting two first elongated guide tracks 45, 145 of a first material and selecting two second elongated guide tracks 45, 145 of a second material. For instance, and without being limitative, the first material can be brown aluminum and the second material can be white PVC. Then, the elongated guide tracks 45, 145 are mounted to or engaged with the outer jamb frames 40, 140. More particularly, the first elongated guide tracks 45, 145, i.e. , a first pair of the elongated guide tracks 45, 145, are mounted with first guide track connectors 46, 146 of the two outer jamb frames 40, 140, the two first elongated guide tracks 45, 145 being opposed and located on opposed vertical sides of the window 20 when the window frame 22 is assembled. The second elongated guide tracks 45, 145, i.e., a second pair of the elongated guide tracks 45, 145, are mounted with second guide track connectors 46, 146 of the two outer jamb frames40, 140. As for the first guide tracks 45, 145, the second elongated guide tracks 45, 145 are opposed and located on opposed vertical sides of the window assembly 20 when the window frame 22 is assembled. As mentioned above, the guide tracks 45, 145 can be mounted to the outer jamb frames 40, 140 by engaging the guide tracks 45, 145 with complementary guide track connectors 46, 146, such as the elongated indentations 54, 154 and / or the guide track couplings 56, 156.

[0123] If the window 20 is a single-hung window, the method can further include selecting two elongated guide track covers 62 made of the first material, and engaging the selected two elongated guide track covers 62 with the first elongated guide tracks 45, 145 of the two side jambs 30, 130 to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels 48, 148. The material of the guide track covers 62 can be the same material as the material of the guide tracks 45, 145 to which they are engaged.

[0124] The method can further include selecting two interior side coverings 60, 160 made of one of the first material and the second material; and engaging the selected interior side coverings 60, 160 with the two side jambs 30, 130 to conceal at least an interior side 34 of the outer jamb frames 40, 140 of the two side jambs 30, 130. The material of the interior side coverings 60, 160 can be the same material as the material of the guide tracks 45, 145 to which they are adjacent on the interior side 34 of the window 20.

[0125] Similarly, the method can further include selecting two exterior side coverings 58, 158 made of one of the first material and the second material; and engaging the selected exterior side coverings 58, 158 with the two side jambs 30, 130 to conceal at least an exterior side 32 of the outer jamb frames 40, 140 of the two side jambs 30, 130. The material of the exterior side coverings 58, 158 can be the same material as the material of the guide tracks 45, 145 to which they are adjacent on the exterior side 32 of the window 20.

[0126] The method can further include securing a window sill 28 to lower ends of the two side jambs 30 and securing a head jamb 29 to upper ends of the two side jambs 30. It is appreciated that the window sill 28 and the head jamb 29 can be secured to the side jambs 30 either before or after mounting at least one of the elongated guide tracks 45, 145, the elongated guide track covers or the interior or exterior side coverings 58, 60, 158, 160 to the outer jamb frames 40, 140.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown an upper portion of an embodiment of the window assembly 20 from a side sectional view. Two window sashes 23 are engaged with the side jambs 30, with only one of the side jambs 30 being shown, of the window frame 22. Each one of the window sashes 23 is engaged with the side jambs 30 via their elongated sash-engaging channels 48, located on the exterior side 32 or on the interior side 34 of the window assembly 20. It can be appreciated that when the window assembly 20 is closed, i.e. , the sashes 23 are in a closed configuration, a lower segment of a frame of an upper one 23u of the sashes 23 is positioned substantially aligned along a horizontal axis with an upper segment of a frame of a lower one 23I of the sashes 23, i.e., at a junction of the two window sashes 23. Hereinafter, the portions wherein two consecutive window sashes 23 overlap, in the closed configuration of the window assembly 20, is referred to as a sash overlapping portion 72. The sections of the side jambs 30 aligned along a vertical axis with vertical overlapping portion 72 is referred to as a sash junction section 73.

[0128] In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the upper one 23u of the window sashes 23 is located on the exterior side 32 of the window assembly 20, while the lower one 23I of the window sashes 23 is located on the interior side 34 of the window assembly 20.

[0129] Referring additionally to FIG. 7, to reduce heat exchanges between the exterior side 32 and the interior side 34 of the window assembly 20, a sealing joint 70 (also shown in FIGS. 2 to 4) is mounted to the side jamb 30, on the innerside 38 thereof, and extends longitudinally therealong, between the junction of the side jamb 30 with the head jamb 29 to the junction of the side jamb 30 with the window sill 28. The sealing joint 70 is mounted between the two sash-engaging channels 48 and extends substantially parallel thereto. Therefore, it is located between the two consecutive window sashes 23 mounted to the side jamb 30. In an embodiment, wherein the window assembly 20 includes more than two window sashes 23, one sealing joint 70 can be mounted between each pair of consecutive window sashes 23.

[0130] In FIGS. 6 to 9, the reference numerals of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is used. However, it is appreciated that the embodiment of the sealing joint 70 also applies to the embodiment of FIG. 4, or alternative embodiments thereof.

[0131] In embodiments wherein the side jamb 30 includes the detachable guide tracks 45, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the sealing joint 70 is also located between each pair of consecutive guide tracks 45. It is appreciated that the sealing joint 70 can be used with a side jamb 30 wherein the guide tracks 45 are permanently mounted or the sash-engaging channels 48 are defined directly in the outer jamb frame 40. In such embodiment, the sealing joint 70 extends between the two consecutive sash-engaging channels 48.

[0132] The sealing joint 70 is divided into three consecutive joint segments 70I, 70j, 70u along its length, as shown in FIG. 7. The consecutive joint segments 70I, 70j, 70u are vertically aligned. A first one 70I of the joint segments is substantially aligned with and extends parallel to a lower one of the window sashes 23 and located on the exterior side 32 of the window assembly 20, meaning that it is subjected to outside air conditions. A second one 70u of the joint segments is substantially aligned with and extends parallel to an upper one of the window sashes 23 and located on the interior side 34 of the window assembly 20, meaning that it is subjected to interior air conditions. A third one 70j of the joint segments islocated between the first and second joint segments 701, 70u, and is substantially aligned with the sash overlapping portion 72, i.e. , it extends along the sash junction section 73 of the side jamb 30.

[0133] Thus, a length of the joint segment 70j, at the junction of the two consecutive window sashes 23, substantially corresponds to a length of the sash overlapping portion 72 of sash frames 74 of the upper and lower sashes 23u, 23I, i.e., a length along a vertical axis.

[0134] In the non-limitative embodiment shown, each one of the upper, lower, and junction segments 70u, 70I, 70j of the sealing joint 70 has a substantially T-shaped profile, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. A web 76 of the T-shaped joint segments 70u, 70I, 70j is insertable in a corresponding recess defined in the side jamb 30, the recess being defined by either the outer jamb frame 40, the guide tracks 45, or a combination thereof. A flange 78 of the T-shaped joint segment 70u, 70I, 70j is superposed to the inner side 38 of the side jamb 30 between the two spaced-apart guide tracks 45, extending parallel to one another. It further includes an extension 80 extending from an end 82 of the flange 78 of the T-shaped profile, as shown in FIG. 9. For the joint segment 70I, the extension 80 extends from the interior end 82 of the flange 78 towards the interior one of the guide tracks 45, i.e., the one located closer to the interior side 34, or towards the recessed one of the guide tracks 45, i.e., the one located closer to the outer side 36 of the outer jamb frame 40. It is appreciated that the shape of the joint segments 70u, 70j, 70I can vary from the embodiment shown as well as their engagement with the side jamb 30.

[0135] In an embodiment, the sealing joint 70 is removably mounted to the side jamb 30, such as snap-fitted therewith. It will be appreciated that a worn sealing joint 70 can therefore be removed from the side jamb 30 and replaced with a new one.

[0136] For aesthetic reasons, since they are exposed, i.e. , visible, the upper and lower joint segments 70u, 70I can be made of materials characterized by a higher heat conductivity than the material of the junction joint segment 70j. In an embodiment, the junction joint segment 70j is made of a material characterized by a lower heat conductivity than the material of at least one of the upper and lower joint segments 70u, 70I. In another embodiment, the junction joint segment 70j is made of a material characterized by a lower heat conductivity than the material of both the upper and lower joint segments 70u, 70I. In yet another embodiment, the upper, lower and junction joint segments 70u, 70I, 70j are made of three different materials, each one being characterized by a different heat conductivity.

[0137] The junction joint segment 70j reduces a thermal bridge between the interior and the exterior sides 34, 32 of the window assembly 20 at the junction between the two window sashes 23, i.e., in the sash junction section 73, or two consecutive ones of the window sashes 23 if the guillotine window includes more than two sashes 23. For instance, and without being limitative, the junction joint segment 70j can be made from thermoplastic rubber (TPR), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or other similar materials, characterized by a thermal conductivity below about 0.52 W / mK.

[0138] In an embodiment, the sealing joint 70 can include only two segments. For instance, it can include an upper joint segment 70u substantially aligned with the upper one of the window sashes 23u and a lower joint segment 70I, starting at and including the sash junction section 73, i.e., at a junction of the upper and lower window sashes 23u, 23I, or at a height wherein the window sashes 23u, 23I overlap, and extending to a junction of the side jamb 30 with the window sill 28. In an alternative embodiment, it can include a lower joint segment 70I substantially aligned with the lower one of the window sashes 23I and an upper joint segment 70u, starting at and including the sash junction section 73, i.e., at a junction of the upper and lower window sashes 23u, 23I, or at a height wherein thewindow sashes 23u, 231 overlap, and extending to a junction of the side jamb 30 with the head jamb 29.

[0139] In the above paragraphs, the sealing joint 70 is described in reference to only one of the side jambs 30. However, it is appreciated that both side jambs 30, located on opposed sides of the window assembly 20, can include a similar sealing joint 70, extending therealong between a pair of two consecutive sash-engaging channels 48. In other embodiments, the two side jambs 30 can include different sealing joints 70.

[0140] 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 guillotine window frame assembly comprising: a head jamb, two side jambs, and a window sill connected together to define a sash receiving opening, each one having an outer side and an inner side; each one of the two side jambs comprising: an outer jamb frame having an outer wall on the outer side and an inner wall on the inner side, the outer wall delimiting outwardly the respective one of the side jambs, and the outer jamb frame comprising guide track connectors on the inner side; and elongated guide tracks, each one being engageable with a respective one of the guide track connectors to define at least two elongated sash-engaging channels on the inner side of the respective one of the side jambs when engaged therewith.

2. The guillotine window frame assembly of claim 1 , wherein the inner wall of each one of the two side jambs has an inner wall profile defining at least two elongated indentations extending inwardly, the at least two elongated indentations extending parallel to and spaced-apart from one another, each one of the at least two elongated indentations defining at least partially a respective one of the guide track connectors with a respective one of the elongated guide tracks being engageable in a corresponding one of the at least two elongated indentations.

3. The guillotine window frame assembly of claim 2, wherein the respective one of the elongated guide tracks is insertable in a corresponding one of the at least two elongated indentations.

4. The guillotine window frame assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongated guide tracks are detachably engageable with the respective one of the guide track connectors.

5. The guillotine window frame assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each one of the elongated guide tracks has an inner side and an outer side and wherein each one of the elongated guide tracks is substantially a T- track defining a respective one of the at least two elongated sash-engaging channels provided on the inner side and comprising an outer jamb frame coupling, on the outer side, engageable in the respective one of the guide track connectors.

6. The guillotine window frame assembly of claim 5, wherein the outer jamb frame coupling comprises an elongated male member protruding outwardly on the outer side of the respective one of the elongated guide tracks.

7. The guillotine window frame assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer jamb frame comprises a first outer section and a second inner section engageable with the first outer section, the first outer section being wider than the second inner section, each one of the first outer section and the second inner section comprising at least one of the guide track connectors.

8. The guillotine window frame assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one guide track connector of the second inner section protrudes inwardly with respect to the least one guide track connector of the first outer section.

9. The guillotine window frame assembly of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the first outer section defines the outer wall of the outer jamb frame, extending continuously between the inner side and the outer side.

10. The guillotine window frame assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one elongated guide track cover superposable inwardly to a respective one of the elongated guide tracks to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels.

11. The guillotine window frame assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one elongated guide track cover is detachably engageable to the respective one of the elongated guide tracks.

12. The guillotine window frame assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11 , further comprising at least one of an interior side covering and an exterior side covering engageable with a respective one of the two side jambs to conceal at least the outer jamb frame on the respective one of an interior side and an exterior side thereof.

13. The guillotine window frame assembly of claim 12, wherein the interior side covering covers a section of the inner side of the respective one of the two side jambs.

14. The guillotine window frame assembly of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the interior side covering is substantially L-shaped.

15. The guillotine window frame assembly of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising sealing joints mounted to each one of the side jambs between the at least two elongated sash-engaging channels, each one of the sealing joints comprising at least two joint segments, wherein at least one of the at least two joint segments is made of a material having a lower heat conductivity than the other of the at least two joint segments and extends along a section of the side jambs substantially aligned with a sash junction section of each one of the two side jambs.

16. A window assembly comprising: the guillotine window frame assembly of any one of claims 1 to 15; and at least two window sashes received in the sash receiving opening, at least one of the window sashes being slidably engaged with a pair of the elongated guide tracks, each one of the pair of the elongated guide tracks being located on a respective one of the side jambs.

17. A kit for assembling a guillotine window frame, the kit comprising: a head jamb; a window sill; two side jambs, each one having two opposed ends securable to a respective one of the head jamb and the window sill to define a sash receiving opening when secured together, each one of the head jamb, the window sill, and the two side jambs having an outer side and an inner side; each one of the two side jambs comprising: an outer jamb frame having an outer side, an inner side, and guide track connectors on the inner side; and elongated guide tracks, each one being selectively engageable with a respective one of the guide track connectors to define at least two elongated sash-engaging channels on the inner side of the respective one of the side jambs when engaged therewith.

18. The kit of claim 17, further comprising elongated guide track covers superposable inwardly to a respective one of the elongated guide tracks to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels.

19. The kit of claim 18, wherein the elongated guide track covers are detachably engageable to the respective one of the elongated guide tracks.

20. The kit of any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising interior side coverings engageable with a respective one of the two side jambs to conceal at least an interior side of the outer jamb frame.21 . The kit of claim 20, wherein each one of the interior side coverings covers a section of the inner side of the respective one of the two side jambs.

22. The kit of claim 20 or claim 21 , wherein each one of the interior side coverings is substantially L-shaped.

23. The kit of any one of claims 17 to 22, further comprising exterior side coverings engageable with a respective one of the two side jambs to conceal at least an exterior side of the outer jamb frame.

24. The kit of any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein each one of the two side jambs comprises an inner wall with an inner wall profile defining at least two elongated indentations extending inwardly, the at least two elongated indentations extending parallel to and spaced-apart from one another, each one of the at least two elongated indentations defining at least partially a respective one of the guide track connectors with a respective one of the elongated guide tracks being insertable in a corresponding one of the at least two elongated indentations.

25. The kit of any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the outer jamb frame comprises a first outer section and a second inner section engageable with the first outer section, the first outer section being wider than the second inner section, each one of the first outer section and the second inner section comprising at least one of the guide track connectors.

26. The kit of claim 25, wherein the at least one guide track connector of the second inner section protrudes inwardly with respect to the at least one guide track connector of the first outer section.

27. The kit of any one of claims 17 to 26, further comprising sealing joints engageable with each one of the side jambs between the at least two elongated sash-engaging channels, each one of the sealing joints comprising at least two joint segments, wherein at least one of the at least two joint segments is made of a material having a lower heat conductivity than the other of the at least two joint segments and extends along a section of the side jambs substantially aligned with a sash junction section of each one of the two side jambs.

28. A side jamb for a window assembly, the side jamb having an outer side and an inner side, the side jamb comprising: an outer jamb frame having guide track connectors on the inner side; and at least two elongated guide tracks, each one being engageable with a respective one of the guide track connectors to define at least two elongated sash-engaging channels on the inner side of the side jamb when engaged therewith.

29. The side jamb of claim 28, further comprising an elongated guide track cover superposable inwardly a respective one of the elongated guide tracks to conceal the respective one of the elongated sash-engaging channels.

30. The side jamb of claim 29, wherein the elongated guide track cover is detachably engageable to the respective one of the elongated guide tracks.31 . The side jamb of claim 29 or claim 30, further comprising an interior side covering engageable with at least the outer jamb frame on an interior side thereof.

32. The side jamb of claim 31 , wherein the interior side covering covers a section of the inner side of the side jamb.

33. The side jamb of claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the interior side covering is substantially L-shaped.

34. The side jamb of any one of claims 28 to 33, further comprising an exterior side covering engageable with at least the outer jamb frame on an exterior side thereof.

35. The side jamb of any one of claims 28 to 34, further comprising an inner wall with an inner wall profile defining at least two elongated indentations extending inwardly, the at least two elongated indentations extending parallel to and spaced-apart from one another, each one of the at least two elongated indentations defining at least partially a respective one of the guide track connectors with a respective one of the elongated guide tracks being insertable in a corresponding one of the at least two elongated indentations.

36. The side jamb of any one of claims 28 to 35, wherein the outer jamb frame comprises a first outer section and a second inner section engageable with the first outer section, the first outer section being wider than the second inner section, each one of the first outer section and the second inner section comprising at least one of the guide track connectors.

37. The side jamb of claim 36, wherein the at least one guide track connector of the second inner section protrudes inwardly with respect to the least one guide track connector of the first outer section.

38. The side jamb of any one of claims 28 to 37, further comprising a sealing joint engageable with the side jamb between the at least two elongated sash-engaging channels, the sealing joint comprising at least two jointsegments, wherein at least one of the at least two joint segments is made of a material having a lower heat conductivity than the other of the at least two joint segments and extends along a section of the side jamb substantially aligned with a sash junction section of the side jamb.

39. A method for assembling a guillotine window frame, the method comprising: selecting two first elongated guide tracks of a first material; selecting two second elongated guide tracks of a second material; engaging the first elongated guide tracks with first guide track connectors provided on an inner side of two outer jamb frames of two side jambs; engaging the second elongated guide tracks with second guide track connectors provided on the inner side of the two outer jamb frames of the two side jambs; securing a window sill to lower ends of the two side jambs; and securing a head jamb to upper ends of the two side jambs.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising: selecting two elongated guide track covers made of the first material; and engaging the selected two elongated guide track covers with at least one of the first elongated guide tracks and the outer jamb frames of the two side jambs to conceal the respective one of the elongated sashengaging channels.41 . The method of claim 39 or claim 40, further comprising: selecting two interior side coverings made of one of the first material and the second material; andengaging the selected interior side coverings with the outer jamb frames to conceal at least an interior side of the outer jamb frames of the two side jambs.

42. The method of claim 39 or claim 40, further comprising: selecting two exterior side coverings made of one of the first material and the second material; and engaging the selected exterior side coverings with the outer jamb frames to conceal at least an exterior side of the outer jamb frames of the two side jambs.

43. The method of any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein securing the window sill and the head jamb to the two side jambs is carried out after engaging the first and the second elongated guide tracks with the first and the second guide track connectors.

44. A guillotine window frame assembly configured to receive at least two consecutive window sashes, the guillotine window frame assembly comprising: a head jamb, two side jambs, and a window sill connected together to define a sash receiving opening, each one having an outer side and an inner side; each one of the two side jambs comprising an outer jamb frame having an outer wall on the outer side and an inner wall on the inner side, the outer wall delimiting outwardly the respective one of the side jambs, each one of the side jambs having at least two elongated sashengaging channels on the inner side thereof; and sealing joints mounted to each one of the side jambs between the at least two elongated sash-engaging channels, each one of the sealingjoints comprising at least two joint segments, wherein at least one of the at least two joint segments is made of a material having a lower heat conductivity than the other of the at least two joint segments and extends along a section of the side jambs substantially aligned with a sash overlapping portion of the at least two consecutive window sashes when mounted to the guillotine window frame assembly and configured in a closed configuration.

45. The guillotine window frame assembly of claim 44, wherein each one of the sealing joints comprises three joint segments, vertically aligned, comprising a first joint segment substantially aligned with a first one of the window sashes, a second joint segment substantially aligned with a second one of the window sashes, and a junction joint segment substantially aligned with the sash overlapping portion, wherein the junction joint segment is the at least one of the joint segments made of the material having the lower heat conductivity than at least one of the first and the second joint segments.

46. The guillotine window frame assembly of claim 45, wherein the first one of the window sashes is a lower window sash and the second one of the window sashes is an upper window sash.

47. The guillotine window frame assembly of any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein each one of the at least two joint segments has a substantially T- shaped profile comprising a web insertable in a corresponding recess defined in a respective one of the side jambs and a flange superposable to the inner side of the respective one of the side jambs between the two elongated sash-engaging channels.

48. The guillotine window frame assembly of claim 47, wherein each one of the at least two joint segments further comprises an extension extendingfrom an end of the flange extending towards an interior one of the elongated sash-engaging channels.

49. The guillotine window frame assembly of any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein each one of the at least two joint segments is detachably engageable to a respective one of the side jambs.

50. The guillotine window frame assembly of any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein the at least one of the at least two joint segments made of the material having the lower heat conductivity is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

51. The guillotine window frame assembly of any one of claims 44 to 50, wherein the at least one of the at least two joint segments made of the material having the lower heat conductivity is made from a material having a thermal conductivity below about 0.52 W / mK.

52. A window assembly comprising: the guillotine window frame assembly of any one of claims 44 to 51 ; and at least two window sashes received in the sash receiving opening and aligned with a corresponding one of the at least two elongated sashengaging channels.

53. A guillotine window frame assembly configured to receive an upper window sash and a lower window sash, the guillotine window frame assembly comprising: a head jamb, two side jambs, and a window sill connected together to define a sash receiving opening, each one having an outer side and an inner side;each one of the two side jambs comprising an outer jamb frame having an outer wall on the outer side and an inner wall on the inner side, the outer wall delimiting outwardly the respective one of the side jambs, each one of the side jambs having two elongated sash-engaging channels on the inner side thereof; and sealing joints mounted to each one of the side jambs between the two elongated sash-engaging channels, each one of the sealing joints comprising three joint segments comprising an upper joint segment vertically aligned with the upper window sash, a lower joint segment vertically aligned with the lower window sash, and a junction joint segment aligned with a sash overlapping portion of the upper and the lower window sashes configured in a closed configuration, wherein the junction joint segment is made of a material having a lower heat conductivity than a material of at least one of the upper and lower joint segments.

54. A window assembly comprising: the guillotine window frame assembly of claim 53; and an upper window sash and a lower window sash received in the sash receiving opening and aligned with a corresponding one of the two elongated sash-engaging channels.

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