Insulated Supports

Abstract

Insulated supports are provided. In this regard, representative insulated support includes: a framing member having opposing faces and opposing sidewalls extending between the faces, the framing member further having a cutout positioned along a length thereof; and an insulated plug sized and shaped to be received within the cutout such that the insulated plug, when inserted into the cutout, increases an insulation (R) value of the support.

1 . An insulated support comprising:
 a framing member having opposing faces and opposing sidewalls extending between the faces, the framing member further having a cutout positioned along a length thereof; and   an insulated plug sized and shaped to be received within the cutout such that the insulated plug, when inserted into the cutout, increases an insulation (R) value of the support.   
     
     
         2 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the framing member is a length of dimensional lumber. 
     
     
         3 . The support of  claim 2 , wherein the framing member is a length of 2″×6″ timber framing. 
     
     
         4 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the cutout extends between the opposing faces. 
     
     
         5 . The support of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the cutout is defined by inner walls of the framing member; and   at least one of the inner walls is contoured to form an interference fit with a corresponding sidewall of the plug.   
     
     
         6 . The support of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one of the inner walls exhibits a convex shape and the corresponding sidewall of the plug exhibits a concave shape. 
     
     
         7 . The support of  claim 1 , further comprising means for reinforcing the framing member adjacent to the cutout. 
     
     
         8 . The support of  claim 7 , wherein the means for reinforcing comprises a cleat plate attached to the framing member. 
     
     
         9 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the cutout is a recess formed in a first of the faces. 
     
     
         10 . The support of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the cutout is a first cutout; and   the framing member has a second cutout formed in a second of the faces, the second cutout being a recess.   
     
     
         11 . The support of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the first cutout and the second cutout are symmetric; and   the support further comprises a second insulation plug sized and shaped to be received within the second cutout.   
     
     
         12 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the insulated plug is a molded plug that is molded in place within the cutout. 
     
     
         13 . An insulated support comprising:
 a framing member formed of a length of dimensional lumber, the framing member having opposing faces and opposing sidewalls extending between the faces, the framing member further having cutouts positioned along a length thereof; and   insulated plugs sized and shaped to be received within the cutouts such that the insulated plug, when inserted into the cutouts, increase an insulation (R) value of the support.   
     
     
         14 . The support of  claim 13 , wherein each of the cutouts receives a corresponding one of the insulation plugs. 
     
     
         15 . The support of  claim 13 , further comprising a through-hole extending between the faces, the through-hole being sized and shaped to accommodate a utility run. 
     
     
         16 . The support of  claim 15 , wherein the through-hole is a lined through-hole. 
     
     
         17 . The support of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the support further comprises a segment of corrugated electrical conduit; and   the through-hole is lined with the segment of corrugated electrical conduit.   
     
     
         18 . The support of  claim 15 , wherein the through-hole passes through at least one of the plugs. 
     
     
         19 . The support of  claim 13 , wherein a space between adjacent cutouts is shorter than a space between an endwall of the framing member and an adjacent one of the cutouts. 
     
     
         20 . The support of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the cutouts is a recess formed in a first of the faces.