Xpost and xbeam

Abstract

A modular frame system includes a structural member which can take the form of a vertical post or a horizontal beam. The member has a central, generally rectangular tubular body. The tubular body has four sides, two of which are connected by a substantially flat corner part. The member also has four fins extending from the tubular body in different directions for increased rigidity and stability. The fins also support floor, roof or wall panels. Holes are fabricated in the fins such that the member may be stacked on or attached to other similar structural members to create frameworks for buildings.

1 . A structural member comprising a generally rectangular tubular body having four sides, two of said sides being connected by a substantially flat corner part, and fins extending from said body. 
     
     
         2 . The member of  claim 1  wherein said body is hollow. 
     
     
         3 . The member of  claim 1  wherein said body is filled. 
     
     
         4 . The member of  claim 1  wherein said fins are integral with said body. 
     
     
         5 . The member of  claim 1  wherein each of said fins extends beyond said body by a substantially equal distance. 
     
     
         6 . The member of  claim 1  said body has a first set of two sides which intersect to form a corner and wherein said two sides in said first set of sides are elongated to form said fins. 
     
     
         7 . The member of  claim 6  wherein each of said two sides in said first set of sides are substantially equal in length. 
     
     
         8 . The member of  claim 6  wherein said two sides in said first set of sides are each elongated in opposite directions to form two of said fins. 
     
     
         9 . The member of  claim 8  wherein each of said two of said fins are substantially equal in length. 
     
     
         10 . The member of  claim 8  wherein each of said two of said fins extend beyond said body by a substantially equal distance. 
     
     
         11 . The member of  claim 1  wherein said body has a second set of sides which are joined by said corner part. 
     
     
         12 . The member of  claim 11  wherein each of said sides of said second set of sides is substantially equal in length. 
     
     
         13 . The member of  claim 1  wherein said fins extend in substantially orthogonal directions. 
     
     
         14 . The member of  claim 1  wherein said member is formed of aluminum. 
     
     
         15 . The member of  claim 1  wherein said member forms a vertical post. 
     
     
         16 . The member of  claim 1  wherein said member forms a horizontal beam. 
     
     
         17 . A modular structural frame system comprising a structural member, said member comprising a generally tubular rectangular body having four sides, two of said sides are connected by a substantially flat corner part, and fins extending from said body. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein said body has a two other sides which intersect to form a corner and wherein said two other sides are elongated to form said fins. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17  wherein said fins extend in substantially orthogonal directions. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17  further comprising two of said members and further comprising means for connecting said two members. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20  wherein said connecting means connects said two of said members in line with each other. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 20  wherein said connecting means connects said two of said members at substantially right angles with each other. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22  wherein said connecting means further comprises a brace extending between said two members. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 17  wherein said member has a plurality of holes and wherein said holes are spaced apart by an equal distance.