Patent 7226243 was granted and assigned to ASPEN AEROGELS, INC. on June, 2007 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
A lightweight and compact super-insulation system that is also capable of supporting a high level of compressive load. The system utilizes spacers to provide structural support and utilize controlled buckling of a thin protective outer skin supported by spacers to form strong catenary surfaces to protect insulation material underneath. The spacers may comprise an aerogel, or an aerogel may provide insulation separate from the spacer yet contained within the thin outer skin.