Compressible Rigid Insulation Panel

Abstract

An insulation panel is described that is adapted to be installed between framing members of a building, such as a stud, joist, or rafter. The insulation panel can be installed without the use of fasteners or adhesive. The panel is made of a rigid insulation material such as expanded polystyrene. Grooves are provided along a length of the panel to allow for compression and accommodation of variations in the spacing between framing members.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A rigid insulation panel for installation between framing members, the insulation panel comprising:
 a panel body defined by a first edge, a second edge parallel to the first edge, and a pair of ends,
 wherein a thickness of the panel body is defined by a top surface and a bottom surface; and 
   a groove extending partially through the thickness of the panel body from the top surface or the bottom surface,
 wherein the groove traverses the panel body between the pair of ends, 
 wherein the groove is substantially parallel to the first edge and the second edge. 
   
     
     
         2 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 1 , wherein the groove has an S-shaped profile when viewed from one end of the pair of ends. 
     
     
         3 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 1 , wherein the groove comprises a first groove extending from the bottom surface. 
     
     
         4 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 3 , further comprising a second groove extending from the top surface,
 wherein the first groove and the second groove are adjacent to each other.   
     
     
         5 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 1 , wherein the first edge and the second edge are adapted to contact adjacent framing members. 
     
     
         6 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 1 , wherein the panel is constructed from an insulation material selected from the group consisting of expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, impregnated polystyrene, polyurethane, and polyisocyanurate. 
     
     
         7 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 1 , wherein a distance between the first edge and the second edge is greater than a distance between the framing members. 
     
     
         8 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 7 , wherein the groove collapses when installed between the framing members. 
     
     
         9 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 8 , wherein the collapsed groove exerts an force towards the first edge and the second edge, thereby creating a friction fit with the framing members. 
     
     
         10 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 1 , wherein the panel is resilient. 
     
     
         11 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 1 , further comprising a chamfer disposed on the first edge and the second edge. 
     
     
         12 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 1 , further comprising an air channel disposed on the top surface, wherein the air channel traverses the panel body between the pair of ends. 
     
     
         13 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 1 , further comprising a breakaway slot extending partially through the thickness of the panel body from the top surface or the bottom surface between the pair of ends,
 wherein a force on the breakaway slot is capable of fracturing the panel along the breakaway slot to decrease a size of the panel.   
     
     
         14 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 1 , wherein the panel is molded. 
     
     
         15 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 1 , wherein the panel is cut from a monolithic block of insulation material. 
     
     
         16 . The rigid insulation panel of  claim 1 , wherein the panel is extruded.