RAFTER BAFFLES

Abstract

A rafter baffle includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion facing a common plane. An arched portion extends between the first plate portion and the second plate portion and defines a flow channel. The arched portion may include a plurality of hourglass shaped projections extending inwardly into and along a length of the flow channel, an upstream dome extending inwardly into the first flow channel at a position upstream of a narrowed neck region of the plurality of hourglass shaped projections, and a downstream dome extending inwardly into the first flow channel at a position downstream of the narrowed neck region.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to rafter baffles, also sometimes referred to as rafter vents, attic baffles, attic vents or the like, and to related apparatuses, processes, systems, and techniques. Rafter baffles may be utilized to provide air flow passages through insulation installed to insulate roofing structures such as rafter spaces and joist spaces. A number of rafter baffles have been proposed. Existing approaches suffer from a number of drawbacks and shortcomings including those respecting air flow, ease of installation, deformation, durability, and resilience, among others. There remains a significant need for the unique rafter vents, and related apparatuses, processes, systems, and techniques disclosed herein.

DISCLOSURE OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of clearly, concisely, and exactly describing example embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner, and process of making and using the same, and to enable the practice, making and use of the same, reference will now be made to certain example embodiments, including those illustrated in the figures, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It shall nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby created, and that the invention as set forth in the claims following this disclosure includes and protects such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the example embodiments as would occur to one skilled in the art with the benefit of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Some embodiments comprise unique rafter baffle apparatus. Some embodiments comprise unique rafter baffle systems. Some embodiments comprise unique processes relating to rafter baffles. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top view of a rafter baffle according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the rafter baffle of FIG. 1 taken along cutting plane line II.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the rafter baffle of FIG. 1 bounded by cutting line III.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bottom of the rafter baffle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the top of the rafter baffle of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are end view of the of the rafter baffle of FIG. 1 at different points in during an example installation process.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a rafter baffle according to another example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, there is illustrated a rafter baffle 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience, rafter baffle 100 is illustrated and described relative to an X-Y-Z coordinate system of which an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction, a Z-axis direction, an X-Y plane, an X-Z plane, and a Y-Z plane may be utilized in describing various structures and relationships of rafter baffle 100. Likewise, for convenience, dimensional terms and descriptors such as length, width, depth, height, bottom, top, and the like are utilized in connection with the description of rafter baffle 100. It shall be appreciated that the choice of coordinate systems and dimensional descriptions is in principle arbitrary and that various other coordinate systems and dimensional terms and descriptors may also be utilized.

Rafter baffle 100 comprises plate portion 102, plate portion 104, and plate portion 106 (also referred to herein collectively as plate portions 102, 104, 106) which are configured to face a common reference plane 91. Plate portion 102 and plate portion 104 are configured and provided as peripheral plate portions defining respective width wise peripheral extremities of rafter baffle 100. Plate portion 106 is provide as a central plate portion. In other embodiments, plate portion 102, plate portion 104, and plate portion 106 may be provided in different locations or relations to the other structures of rafter baffle 100.

Plate portion 102 comprises a plurality of embossings 112 positioned at respective locations along the length of plate portion 102 extending in the Y-axis direction. Plate portion 104 comprises a plurality of embossings 114 positioned at respective locations along the length of plate portion 104 extending in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of embossings 112 and the plurality of embossings 114 (also referred to herein as embossings 112, 114) may extend into and/or protrude out of plate portion 102 and plate portion 104, respectively, may comprise thickened and/or thinned areas of plate portion 102 and plate portion 104, respectively, and may provide a visually perceptible guide or pattern for locating fastener, such as brads, nails, stapes, tacks, screws, or other fasteners which may be utilized when installing rafter baffle 100. It shall be appreciated that the plurality of embossings 112 and the plurality of embossings 114 are depicted in an arbitrary visually perceptible shape and dimension and that various other shapes and dimensions may be utilized in other embodiments. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, plate portion 106 does not comprise embossings. In other embodiments, plate portion 106 may be provided with embossings substantially the same as or similar to embossings 112, 114.

Rafter baffle 100 comprises a substantially rectangular shape relative to the X-Y plane, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1. It shall be appreciated that other embodiments may comprise plate portions of other shapes. Plate portions 102, 104, 106 comprise substantially rectangular shapes relative to the X-Y plane, but in other embodiments may comprise plate portions of other shapes. Furthermore, plate portions 102, 104, 106 are provided in a substantially planar form, but in other embodiments may comprise plate portions which or are otherwise textured, include various other projections and/or recesses, or are otherwise not substantially planar.

Plate portions 102, 104, 106 respectively comprise inner faces 102′, 104′, 106′ and outer faces 102″, 104″, 106″. In the illustrated embodiment, inner faces 102′, 104′, 106′ are substantially co-planar with one another, and outer faces 102″, 104″, 106″ are substantially co-planar with one another. Other embodiments may comprise a plurality of plate portions which are configured to face a common reference plane but comprise inner faces and/or outer faces that are not substantially co-planar and are instead arranged with various other orientations relative to one another and/or relative to the common reference plane. In some embodiments, a rafter baffle may be formed of flexible material accommodating deformation between a first configuration wherein a plurality of plate portions are not substantially co-planar with one another and a second wherein the plurality of plate portions are substantially co-planar with one another. In some such embodiments, the first configuration may comprise a pre-installation configuration and the second configuration may comprise a post-installation configuration wherein the plurality of plate portions contact a common substantially planar surface.

Rafter baffle 100 comprises an arched portion 120 (also referred to herein as arch 120) extending between plate portion 102 and plate portion 106 and defining a flow channel 121. Arched portion 120 comprises a plurality of hourglass shaped projections 122 extending inwardly into and along a length of the flow channel 121. Arched portion 120 further comprises an upstream dome 127 extending inwardly into flow channel 121 at a position upstream of a narrowed neck region 123 of the plurality of hourglass shaped projections 122, and a downstream dome 129 extending inwardly into flow channel 121 at a position downstream of a narrowed neck region 123 of the plurality of hourglass shaped projections 122.

Arched portion 120 comprises a height extending over a rise denoted by line RA and a width extending over a span denoted by line SA. Arched portion 120 comprises a segmental-type arch comprising a generally circular section and rise/span ratio preferably of ⅛ or greater, and most preferably of about ¼. Other embodiments may comprise differently dimensioned and proportioned segmental-type arches, or different types of arches, for example, semicircular, stilted, basket-handle, rampant, gothic, acute, depressed, keyhole, ogee trefoil, draped, parabolic, or other types of arches of various dimensions and proportions.

Arched portion 120 comprises a first axis of symmetry extending along line S1 and extending along the length of flow channel 121, and a second axis of symmetry extending along line S2 and extending along the width of flow channel 121 through the narrowed neck and orthogonal to the first axis of symmetry. Other embodiments may include arched portions with other axes of symmetry or asymmetrical arches lacking any axis of symmetry.

The plurality of hourglass shaped projections 122 extend along the length of flow channel 121 in the Y-axis direction and are contoured to constrict from wider portions proximate respective lengthwise ends of arched portion 120 to a narrowed neck region 123 intermediate the wider portions. The plurality of hourglass shaped projections 122 are defined by an accordion-shaped portions 125 of arched portion 120. In other embodiments, a plurality of hourglass shaped projections may be defined by other structures, for example, as projections emanating from a substantially smooth or other non-accordion-shaped portions of an arch structure or portion thereof.

Upstream dome 127 and downstream dome 129 (also referred to herein collectively as domes 127, 129) comprise ovoid-shaped domes. More particularly, domes 127, 129, comprise particular forms of ovoid-shaped domes. In one respect, domes 127, 129 comprise ovoid-shaped domes comprising a pear shape. In another respect, domes 127, 129 comprise ovoid-shaped domes comprising tapered portions extending toward narrowed neck region 123, such as tapered portion 172 illustrated in FIG. 3. In another respect, domes 127, 129 comprise ovoid-shaped domes comprising a single axis of symmetry. For example, domes 127, 129 each comprise respective axes of symmetry along line S1 and extending along the length of flow channel 121. In other embodiments, upstream dome 127 and downstream dome 129 may comprise domes of different shapes.

Domes 127, 129 extend inwardly over only a portion of the height of the flow channel 121. More particularly, domes 127, 129 comprises a height extending over a rise denoted by line RD and a width extending over a span denoted by line SD. The rise of domes 127, 129 denoted by line RD is preferably about one-half of the rise of arched portion 120 denoted by line RA. The span of domes 127, 129 denoted by line SD is preferably about one-third of and most preferably about 30% of the span of arched portion 120 denoted by line SA. Other embodiments may comprises domes of differing dimensions and proportions.

Further attributes of domes 127, 129 may be appreciated from the detailed portions of upstream dome 127 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. As therein depicted therein, upstream dome 127 comprise substantially straight angled side portions 132, a roof portion 131 comprising inward or reverse concavity or curvature. Upstream dome 127 further comprise rounded region 171 a extending from an upstream end and a tapered portion 172 extending to a downstream end. Downstream dome 129 may include substantially similar features and attributes but oriented as a mirror image of upstream dome 127.

The plurality of hourglass shaped projections 122, domes 127, 129, and their arrangement and positioning are configured and provided to impart structural strength and rigidity to arch 120 and improve crush resistance of or mitigate crush potential of arch 120 while concurrently mitigating air flow disruption or optimizing air flow that would otherwise be obstructed, for example, by domes 127, 129 extending a greater distance into or over a greater volume of flow channel 121. In one respect, the domes 127, 129 are configured and provided to extend only partially over the height of the arch 120 (depicted in the Z-axis direction in the illustrated embodiment). Preferably, the domes 127, 129 are configured and provided to extend over 50% or less of the height of the arch 120. More preferably, the domes 127, 129 are configured and provided to extend over 40% or less of the height of the arch 120. Most preferably, the domes 127, 129 are configured and provided to extend over 30% to 40% of the height of the arch 120.

The configuration and provision of domes 127, 129 to extend only partially over the height of the arch 120 is effective to provide guided or staged deformation of the arch 120 during a crushing event. For example, arch 120 may first collapse only partially to the point at which one or both of the domes 127, 129 comes into contact with an underlying surface or structure with which the rafter baffle 100 is coupled. Such partial collapse may occur prior to the state at which a more advanced or complete collapse occurs. After such a partial collapse, the configuration and provision of domes 127, 129 to extend only partially over the height of the arch 120 is effective to preserve a portion of the flow channel 121 and provide increased ability to withstand further crushing force via the opposing force of one or both of the domes 127, 129 contacting the underlying surface or structure. Such preservation of a portion of the flow channel 121 the may be further optimized by providing the aforementioned preferable (50% or less), more preferable (40% or less), and most preferable (30% to 40%) extent of domes 127, 129 over the height of the arch 120.

The plurality of hourglass shaped projections 122, domes 127, 129, and their arrangement and positioning on arch 120 are also configured and provided to direct air flow through flow channel 121. In one respect, the aforementioned features are configured and provided to direct some air flow entering the narrowed neck region 123 away from the periphery and toward the center of flow channel 121, and to direct some air flow exiting the narrowed neck region 123 away from the center and toward the periphery of flow channel 121. This arrangement may under some flow conditions mitigate eddys or regions of slowed, recirculating or turbulent air flow that might otherwise be created by one or more of the structures of arched portion 120 such as by domes 127, 129. In another respect, the plurality of hourglass shaped projections 122, domes 127, 129, and their arrangement and positioning on arch 120 may impart a Venturi effect on air flow through flow channel 121.

The plurality of hourglass shaped projections 122, domes 127, 129, and are further configured to increase rigidity of and structurally strengthen arch 120. In some embodiments, such as embodiments where rafter baffle 100 is formed by compression molding, a mold thickness may be tapered or reduced in some or all of the area of hourglass shaped projections 122 to provide a denser, more compressed region including a reduced wall thickness that may exhibit increased structural rigidity and/or strength. In some embodiments, such as embodiments where rafter baffle 100 is formed by compression molding, a mold thickness may be tapered or reduced in some or all of the area of domes 127, 129, for example to provide a denser, more compressed region including a reduced wall thickness that may exhibit increased structural rigidity and/or strength. Such embodiments may also exhibit a lesser tendency to stick together when multiple rafter baffles are stacked together.

Rafter baffle 100 comprises an arched portion 140 extending between plate portion 104 and plate portion 106 and defining a flow channel 141. Arched portion 140 comprises a plurality of hourglass shaped projections 142 extending inwardly into and along a length of the flow channel 141. Arched portion 140 further comprises an upstream dome 147 extending inwardly into the flow channel 141 at a position upstream of a narrowed neck region 143 of the plurality of hourglass shaped projections 142, and a downstream dome 149 extending inwardly into the flow channel 141 at a position downstream of a narrowed neck region 143 of the plurality of hourglass shaped projections 142.

Arched portion 140, hourglass shaped projections 142, upstream dome 147, and downstream dome 149 may comprise substantially the same of similar features as those described above in connection with arched portion 120, hourglass shaped projections 122, upstream dome 127, and downstream dome 129 including, for example, substantially the same or similar dimensions, flow characteristics, functionalities, proportions, symmetries, types, and other attributes. In other embodiments, arched portion 140, hourglass shaped projections 142, upstream dome 147, and downstream dome 149 may comprise features differing from those described above in connection with arched portion 120, hourglass shaped projections 122, upstream dome 127, and downstream dome 129.

Rafter baffle 100 may comprise may consist essentially of one or more thermoplastic polymeric materials, such as extruded polystyrene (XPS), fiberglass, non-woven fiber-resin composites, polyethylene, or other suitable materials as will occur to one of skill in the art with the benefit and insight of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, rafter baffle 100 is formed as a unitary structure through a molding process, for example, compression molding or heated compression molding. In other embodiments, rafter baffle 100 may be formed from multiple parts which have been coupled together to form an assembly.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, plate portion 106 comprises a perforation 126 extending along the length of rafter baffle 100 in the Y-axis direction. Perforation 126 is configured and provided to facilitate separation of rafter baffle 100 into two substantially identical or similar pieces if desired, for example, to accommodate installation of rafter baffle into smaller installation environments. In other embodiments, perforation 126 may be omitted. Other embodiments contemplate a rafter baffle such as rafter baffle 200 of FIG. 7 which is formed substantially as one-half of rafter baffle 100. Rafter baffle 200 includes substantially the same or similar features as rafter baffle 100 and the reference numerals utilized to label various features of rafter baffle 200 correspond to those utilized to label corresponding features of rafter baffle 100, but incremented by a value of one hundred. Thus, for example, arched portion 220, hourglass shaped projections 222, upstream dome 227, and downstream dome 229 may comprise substantially the same of similar features as those described above in connection with arched portion 120, hourglass shaped projections 122, upstream dome 127, and downstream dome 129.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A through 6E, there are illustrated a plurality of steps and operations of an example installation process that may be performed using rafter baffle 100. Rafter baffle 100 is configured to be installed in an installation environment 201 comprising a roof deck 202 and rafters 204 supporting roof deck 202. Rafters 204 and roof deck 202 are typically pitched at an angle relative to an underlying building structure and ground surface. For purposes of illustration, the X-Y-Z coordinate system is arranged such that the X-Y plane is parallel to the interior surface 202′ of the roof deck.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, rafter baffle 100 is configured, proportioned and positioned to be inserted in the direction generally indicated by arrow I into a space S intermediate first and second ones of rafters 204. The width of rafter baffle 100 extending in the X-axis direction may be selected to accommodate insertion into a code standard spacing of rafters 204.

As further illustrated in FIG. 6B and 6C, plate portions 102, 104, 106 rafter baffle 100 may contact the interior surface 202′ of roof deck 202 in a substantially co-planar configuration. In this configuration, flow channels 121, 141 are bounded by a combination of rafter baffle 100 and interior surface 202′ and air flow through flow channels 121, 141 may proceeds general in the X-axis direction through portions S′ of space S which are enclosed by rafter baffle 100 and interior surface 202′.

A plurality of fasteners may be utilized to a fasten rafter baffle 100 to interior surface 202′ of roof deck 202. The fasteners 182 may be aligned with embossings 112, 114, other embossings, or at other locations of plate portions 102, 104, 106. The fasteners 182 may be advanced in the directions generally indicated by arrows F to penetrate through the plate portions 102, 104, 106 to secure rafter baffle 100 to interior surface 202′ of roof deck 202. The fasteners 182 may comprise brads, nails, stapes, tacks, screws, or other fasteners as will occur to one of skill in the art with the benefit and insight of the present disclosure.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 6D and 6E, insulation 184 may be inserted into a space portion S″ of space S on the exterior of rafter baffle 100. An interior ceiling member 206 such as sheet rock or other finishing material or pre-finishing material may optionally be installed and secured to rafters 204 by additional fasteners.

The insulation 184 may comprise insulation bats or rolls, spray-on insulation, blow-in insulation, or other forms of insulation as will occur to one of skill in the art with the benefit and insight of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, insulation bats or rolls including a backer material may be utilized and may be secured by passing additional fasteners through plate portions 102, 104, 106 rafter baffle 100 to engage roof deck 202. In some embodiments, interior ceiling member 206 may be installed prior to the installation of blow-in insulation to enclose space portion S″ of space S to provide a chamber for containing blown-in insulation.

As shown by this detailed description, the present disclosure contemplates multiple and various embodiments, including, without limitation, the following example embodiments.

A first example embodiment is a rafter baffle comprising: a first plate portion and a second plate portion facing a common plane; and an arched portion extending between the first plate portion and the second plate portion and defining a flow channel, the arched portion including a plurality of hourglass shaped projections extending inwardly into and along a length of the flow channel, an upstream dome extending inwardly into the first flow channel at a position upstream of a narrowed neck region of the plurality of hourglass shaped projections, and a downstream dome extending inwardly into the first flow channel at a position downstream of the narrowed neck region.

A second example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein at least one of the upstream dome and the downstream dome comprise an ovoid-shaped dome.

A third example embodiment includes the features of the second example embodiment, wherein the ovoid-shaped dome comprises a single axis of symmetry extending along the length of the flow channel.

A fourth example embodiment includes the features of the second example embodiment, wherein the ovoid-shaped dome comprises a tapered portion extending toward the narrowed neck region.

A fifth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the upstream dome comprises a first ovoid-shaped dome including a first tapered portion extending toward the narrowed neck region, and the downstream dome comprises a second ovoid-shaped dome including a second tapered portion extending toward the narrowed neck region.

A sixth example embodiment includes the features of the fifth example embodiment, wherein the rafter baffle comprises a first axis of symmetry extending through the upstream dome and the downstream dome, and a second axis of symmetry extending through the narrowed neck region and orthogonal to the first axis of symmetry.

A seventh example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the plurality of hourglass shaped projections are defined by accordion-shaped portions of the first arched portion.

An eighth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the arched portion comprises at least one of a first axis of symmetry extending along the length of the flow channel.

A ninth example embodiment includes the features of the eighth example embodiment, wherein the arched portion comprises a second axis of symmetry orthogonal to the first axis of symmetry and extending through the narrowed neck.

A tenth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein at least one of the upstream dome and the downstream dome extends inwardly over only a portion of a height of the flow channels.

An eleventh example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, comprising: a third plate portion facing the common plane; and a second arched portion extending between the second plate portion and the third plate portion and defining a second flow channel, the second arched portion including a second plurality of hourglass shaped projections extending inwardly into and along a length of the second flow channel, a second upstream dome extending inwardly into the first flow channel at a position upstream of a second narrowed neck region of the second plurality of hourglass shaped projections, and a second downstream dome extending inwardly into the second flow channel at a position downstream of the second narrowed neck region.

A twelfth example embodiment includes the features of the tenth example embodiment, wherein the first plate portion and the third plate portion comprise peripheral plate portions.

A thirteenth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the rafter baffle is configured in an installed configuration wherein the rafter baffle in positioned in a roof rafter, the first plate portion and the second plate portion are attached to an interior roof surface by a plurality of fasteners, and the flow channel extends upward along a slope of the interior roof surface.

A fourteenth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein in a partially crushed state occurring in response to application of a crushing force to the rafter baffle against a structure with which the rafter baffle is coupled, at least one of the upstream dome and the downstream dome contacts the structure to oppose the crushing force effective to maintain a portion of an uncrushed volume of at least one of the flow channels.

A fifteenth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the upstream dome, the downstream dome, and the plurality of hourglass shaped projections are configured to and effective to direct air flow entering the narrowed neck region away from a periphery and toward a center of the flow channel, and to direct air flow exiting the narrowed neck region away from the center and toward the periphery of the flow channel.

A sixteenth example embodiment is a process comprising: providing a rafter baffle comprising a first plate portion and a second plate portion facing a common plane, and an arched portion extending between the first plate portion and the second plate portion and defining a flow channel, the arched portion including a plurality of hourglass shaped projections extending inwardly into and along a length of the flow channel, an upstream dome extending inwardly into the first flow channel at a position upstream of a narrowed neck region of the plurality of hourglass shaped projections, and a downstream dome extending inwardly into the first flow channel at a position downstream of the narrowed neck region; positioning the rafter baffle into a roof rafter; and attaching the rafter baffle to a roof surface with a plurality of fasteners.

A seventeenth example embodiment includes the features of the sixteenth example embodiment, wherein the attaching comprises passing a plurality of fasteners through the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

An eighteenth example embodiment includes the features of the seventeenth example embodiment, wherein the attaching comprises passing the plurality of fasteners through respective ones of a first plurality of embossings of the first plate portion and through a second plurality of embossings of the second plate portion.

A nineteenth example embodiment includes the features of the sixteenth example embodiment, comprising installing insulation on an exterior side of the rafter baffle.

A twentieth example embodiment includes the features of the nineteenth example embodiment, comprising installing a ceiling member to cover and substantially enclose the insulation.

While example embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain example embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the claimed inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicates that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

1. A rafter baffle comprising: a first plate portion and a second plate portion facing a common plane; andan arched portion extending between the first plate portion and the second plate portion and defining a flow channel, the arched portion including a plurality of hourglass shaped projections extending inwardly into and along a length of the flow channel, an upstream dome extending inwardly into the first flow channel at a position upstream of a narrowed neck region of the plurality of hourglass shaped projections, and a downstream dome extending inwardly into the first flow channel at a position downstream of the narrowed neck region.

2. The rafter baffle of claim 1, wherein at least one of the upstream dome and the downstream dome comprise an ovoid-shaped dome.

3. The rafter baffle of claim 2, wherein the ovoid-shaped dome comprises a single axis of symmetry extending along the length of the flow channel.

4. The rafter baffle of claim 2, wherein the ovoid-shaped dome comprises a tapered portion extending toward the narrowed neck region.

5. The rafter baffle of claim 1, wherein the upstream dome comprises a first ovoid-shaped dome including a first tapered portion extending toward the narrowed neck region, and the downstream dome comprises a second ovoid-shaped dome including a second tapered portion extending toward the narrowed neck region.

6. The rafter baffle of claim 5, wherein the rafter baffle comprises a first axis of symmetry extending through the upstream dome and the downstream dome, and a second axis of symmetry extending through the narrowed neck region and orthogonal to the first axis of symmetry.

7. The rafter baffle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hourglass shaped projections are defined by accordion-shaped portions of the first arched portion.

8. The rafter baffle of claim 1, wherein the arched portion comprises at least one of a first axis of symmetry extending along the length of the flow channel.

9. The rafter baffle of claim 8, wherein the arched portion comprises a second axis of symmetry orthogonal to the first axis of symmetry and extending through the narrowed neck.

10. The rafter baffle of claim 1, wherein at least one of the upstream dome and the downstream dome extends inwardly over only a portion of a height of the flow channels.

11. The rafter baffle of claim 1, comprising: a third plate portion facing the common plane; anda second arched portion extending between the second plate portion and the third plate portion and defining a second flow channel, the second arched portion including a second plurality of hourglass shaped projections extending inwardly into and along a length of the second flow channel, a second upstream dome extending inwardly into the first flow channel at a position upstream of a second narrowed neck region of the second plurality of hourglass shaped projections, and a second downstream dome extending inwardly into the second flow channel at a position downstream of the second narrowed neck region.

12. The rafter baffle of claim 11, wherein the first plate portion and the third plate portion comprise peripheral plate portions.

13. The rafter baffle of claim 1, wherein the rafter baffle is configured in an installed configuration wherein the rafter baffle in positioned in a roof rafter, the first plate portion and the second plate portion are attached to an interior roof surface by a plurality of fasteners, and the flow channel extends upward along a slope of the interior roof surface.

14. The rafter baffle of claim 1, wherein in a partially crushed state occurring in response to application of a crushing force to the rafter baffle against a structure with which the rafter baffle is coupled, at least one of the upstream dome and the downstream dome contacts the structure to oppose the crushing force effective to maintain a portion of an uncrushed volume of at least one of the flow channels.

15. The rafter baffle of claim 1, wherein the upstream dome, the downstream dome, and the plurality of hourglass shaped projections are configured to and effective to direct air flow entering the narrowed neck region away from a periphery and toward a center of the flow channel, and to direct air flow exiting the narrowed neck region away from the center and toward the periphery of the flow channel.

16. A process comprising: providing a rafter baffle comprising a first plate portion and a second plate portion facing a common plane, and an arched portion extending between the first plate portion and the second plate portion and defining a flow channel, the arched portion including a plurality of hourglass shaped projections extending inwardly into and along a length of the flow channel, an upstream dome extending inwardly into the first flow channel at a position upstream of a narrowed neck region of the plurality of hourglass shaped projections, and a downstream dome extending inwardly into the first flow channel at a position downstream of the narrowed neck region;positioning the rafter baffle into a roof rafter; andattaching the rafter baffle to a roof surface with a plurality of fasteners.

17. The process of claim 16, wherein the attaching comprises passing a plurality of fasteners through the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

18. The process of claim 17, wherein the attaching comprises passing the plurality of fasteners through respective ones of a first plurality of embossings of the first plate portion and through a second plurality of embossings of the second plate portion.

19. The process of claim 16, comprising installing insulation on an exterior side of the rafter baffle.

20. The process of claim 19, comprising installing a ceiling member to cover and substantially enclose the insulation.