Compressible structural panel

Abstract

A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.

1 . A compressible structural panel comprising in combination: 
 at least one outer sheet of material having an inner and outer face,    a plurality of dividers that in a resting condition are expanded and secured to and protrude from said inner face, said dividers being compressible, and    connector means for flexibly securing said dividers together at locations distal from said outer sheet.    
     
     
         2 . The panel of  claim 1  wherein said dividers are elongated and extend in parallel relationship to each other.  
     
     
         3 . The panel of  claim 1  or  2  wherein said dividers are made of a semi-rigid material.  
     
     
         4 . The panel of  claim 3  wherein said dividers are independent of each other.  
     
     
         5 . The panel of  claim 4  wherein said dividers are foldable into said compressed condition.  
     
     
         6 . The panel of  claim 4  wherein said dividers are biased toward the resting condition.  
     
     
         7 . The panel of  claim 6  wherein said dividers are made from independent sheets of a semi-rigid but foldable material, said sheets being folded such as to define flaps that are securable to said outer sheet and said connector means and a pair of partitions extending between said outer sheet and said connector means, said partitions being collapsible.  
     
     
         8 . The panel of  claim 7  wherein said partitions are substantially elongated and planar having a longitudinally extending fold therein which allows the partition to be folded into substantially face-to-face relationship with said flaps when in the compressed condition.  
     
     
         9 . The panel of  claim 7  wherein said sheets are made of fiberglass including a plurality of glass fibers bonded together with a resin.  
     
     
         10 . The panel of  claim 9  wherein said resin is thermal setting.  
     
     
         11 . The panel of  claim 9  wherein said resin is thermal plastic.  
     
     
         12 . The panel of  claim 9  wherein said outer sheet is fiberglass.  
     
     
         13 . The panel of  claim 12  wherein said connector means is a sheet of material.  
     
     
         14 . The panel of  claim 13  wherein said connector means is a fiberglass sheet.  
     
     
         15 . The panel of  claim 12  wherein said connector means includes a plurality of flexible but non-extensible fibers connected to said dividers.  
     
     
         16 . The panel of  claim 1  or  7  wherein said panel is a ceiling panel.  
     
     
         17 . The panel of  claim 7  wherein said partitions include a longitudinal fold defining a pair of partition portions.  
     
     
         18 . The panel of  claim 17  wherein said panel portions are of the same size.  
     
     
         19 . The panel of  claim 17  wherein said panel portions are of different sizes.  
     
     
         20 . The panel of  claim 1  further including a decorative sheet secured to the outer face of said outer sheet.