Insulation barrier

A thermal insulation barrier which comprises:

• alternately stacked thermal insulation elements, said stack having a top and bottom element;
• said top and bottom elements formed of a structural material with one surface having a geometric shape of a repetitive three dimensional design which permits stacking of said element with another thermal insulation element and which locks movement of adjacent thermal insulation elements in at least one of the directions 90.degree. to the stacking direction;
• and
• at least one alternate thermal insulation element having a complementary design, whereby when said elements are stacked, any point of contact between thermal insulation elements a contact between said alternate thermal insulation element and only one of said other thermal insulation elements.

An insulation panel which comprises:

• an envelope of thin skin high gas barrier material;
• and
• a thermal insulation barrier which supports said skin, said skin surrounding said barrier and is evacuated;
• and said barrier comprising
• at least three alternately stacked thermal insulation elements, each said element formed of a structural material with a highly emittant surface having a geometric shape of a repetitive three dimensional design which permits stacking of said element with another thermal insulation element and which locks movement of adjacent insulation elements in at least one of the directions 90.degree. to the stacking direction;
• two of said insulation elements having the same design, said alternate element insulation element having different and a complementary design, whereby when said three elements are alternately stacked, any point of contact between insulation elements is a contact between said alternate insulation element and only one of said other insulation elements.