US 5,274,979 · Granted 1994-01-04
The Interlocking Insulation Panel That Changed Thermal Barriers
This is a building material—basically a flat insulating board with specially designed edges that lock together like puzzle pieces. The ridges and grooves on the edges let you snap multiple panels together without gaps, creating a stronger, more airtight thermal barrier in walls and ceilings.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers the specific geometry of an insulating plate with a fin and wing structure on one end, plus a complementary groove-and-ridge interlocking system on the opposite end. What's protected here is the way the upper and lower edges are shaped differently—the upper edge has a shorter fin, the lower edge extends further as a wing—and how that asymmetry creates channels and locking grooves that allow multiple plates to interlock seamlessly without external fasteners or gaps.
Why it matters
This design solves a real construction problem: insulation panels that don't stay flush against each other waste energy and create air leaks. By making the edges interlock mechanically, this patent eliminates the need for tape, caulk, or metal brackets to hold panels together. The result is faster installation, fewer gaps, and better thermal performance—benefits that appeal to both professional builders seeking efficiency and DIY home improvers wanting reliable results without special tools.
Real-world use
When a homeowner insulates an attic or basement wall by stacking rigid foam or fiberglass boards, each one slides into the grooves of its neighbor, locking tight without additional fastening.
Original USPTO abstract
An insulating plate unit comprises a first engaging end and a second engaging end. The first fin extends longitudinally from an upper edge of the first engaging end and along a length of the upper edge. A first wing extends longitudinally from a lower edge of the first engaging end and along a length of the lower edge. The first wing extends to a distance greater than that of the first fin. The first wing has an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface. A channel is defined by the first fin and the first wing. A recess is formed in the outward facing surface and extends along the length of the lower edge of the first engaging end. A ridge is formed on the inward facing surface and extends along the length of the lower edge of the first engaging end. A groove is correspondingly formed in the second engaging end for engaging with the ridge of another insulating plate unit. The second engaging end is complimentary to the first engaging end so that the insulating plate units can be interconnected.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 5,274,979
- Filing date
- 1992-12-22
- Grant date
- 1994-01-04
- Assignee
- Tsai Jui Hsing
- Inventor(s)
- TSAI; JUI-HSING
- CPC class
- E04C2/292
Want to file your own patent?
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