Structural posts for improved buildings energy conservation

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention provides a structural post that comprises a major flange and a minor flange connected through a web portion. The two flanges are configured such that a cross-sectional area of the major flange is greater than that of the minor flange. Thus, the structural post has an asymmetrical configuration due to the difference in the cross-sectional area between the two flanges. The middle portion has substantially less material thus rendering the structural post lighter in construction, which would facilitate transportation as well as make buildings lighter. Further, the minimal amount of material used in the web portion reduces thermal bridge, thus reducing heat loss from interior to exterior. The structural post of the invention can further be manufactured to predetermined dimensions to ensure that it can conveniently replace existing studs.

1 . A structural post comprising:
 a major flange;   a minor flange, opposite the major flange, and having a cross-sectional area less than a cross-sectional area of the major flange; and   a web portion connected to the major and minor flanges,   wherein, in cross-section, major axes of the major flange, minor flange, and web portion are aligned.   
     
     
         2 . The structural post of  claim 1 , wherein the major flange and the minor flange comprise a groove to receive ends of the web portion. 
     
     
         3 . The structural post of  claim 1  wherein the major flange has a width ranging from 1.3 inches to about 1.8 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The structural post of  claim 3  wherein the structural post of  claim 1  wherein the major flange has a width of about 1.5 inches. 
     
     
         5 . The structural post of  claim 1  wherein the web portion is OSB (oriented strand board). 
     
     
         6 . The structural post of  claim 1  wherein the web portion comprises crossed, diagonal wooden slats. 
     
     
         7 . The structural post of  claim 1  wherein the web portion runs continuously along a length of the flanges. 
     
     
         8 . The structural post of  claim 1  wherein the web portion is connected to the major flange and minor flange through at least one of a nail or glue. 
     
     
         9 . The structural post of  claim 1  wherein the major flange, the minor flange and the web portion are all made of wood-based materials. 
     
     
         10 . The structural post of  claim 1 , having an I-shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         11 . The structural post of  claim 1  further comprising a thermally insulating side cladding to create a flush side of the post between flanges. 
     
     
         12 . The structural post of  claim 1  wherein the major flange and minor flange are made of one of spruce, pine, or fir wood. 
     
     
         13 . The structural post of  claim 1  wherein the web portion is connected to the minor and major flanges by tapered socket connections. 
     
     
         14 . A wall frame comprising plural structural posts of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         15 . A wall frame comprising two or more interconnected structural posts, wherein each structural post has an I-shaped cross-section comprising:
 a major flange;   a minor flange, opposite the major flange, and having a cross-sectional area less than the major flange; and   a web portion connected to the major and minor flanges,   wherein, in cross-section, major axes of the major flange, minor flange, and web portion are aligned.