Patent ID: 8820033
Filing Date: 2014-09-02
Classification: B32B,E04B,E04C,E04H,Y02B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A light-gauge, composite two-way lateral interaction structural member to provide support to a light-framed structure that exceeds a sum of individual component support, the composite member comprising: a dilating component comprising a wooden core of the composite member having a perimeter and a length, the wooden core providing support to the structure at a first magnitude, wherein the wooden core dilates and fails when subjected to a load above the first magnitude; and a confining component comprising a light-gauge metal jacket, wherein the confining component is formed by tightly wrapping the light-gauge metal jacket to a pre-stressed tension in a circumferential direction around the entire perimeter of the wooden core of the composite member and spanning the entire length, the metal jacket providing support to the structure at a second magnitude, wherein the metal jacket buckles and fails when subjected to a load above the second magnitude, wherein the pre-stressed tension of the metal jacket coupled with the wooden core provides a two-way lateral interaction normal to the interface between the metal jacket and the wooden core, that provides an amount of support to the structure surpassing the sum of amount of support provided by the metal jacket and the wooden core when being used separately, such that the first magnitude of the wooden core is increased by confinement of the metal jacket, and wherein the second magnitude of the metal jacket is increased by dilation of the wooden core, wherein a groove is slotted along the length of the wooden core, and a self-engaging clasp along the length of the metal jacket fitting within the wooden core groove to form a seal and a smooth surface when engaged, the self-engaging clasp configured to anchor opposite longitudinal edges of the metal jacket into the wooden core groove in order to develop and maintain the circumferential pre-stress, and wherein the metal jacket further comprises a pattern of pre-punched teeth configured to bind and anchor the metal jacket to the wooden core in order to develop and maintain the circumferential pre-stress.