Abstract: An insulated shipping container includes an exterior housing; an interior sleeve; and an intermediate insulating portion, wherein the intermediate insulating portion includes an open cell core material having at least about 95% open cell and a metalized barrier material sealed about the core material in an airtight manner, with a reduced pressure atmosphere in the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel comprises a barrier film and a core material and a vacuum detection indicator. The vacuum detection indicator is configured to facilitate the evaluation of the integrity of the vacuum within the vacuum insulation panel. The vacuum detection indicator may comprise a cavity in the core material which allows the barrier material to form a depression when a vacuum is drawn within the panel. Accordingly, as the vacuum is reduced or lost, the depression formed in the barrier material will be similarly reduced or lost. In addition, the vacuum detection indicator may comprise a viewing window configured with electrical contacts above the barrier material to permit the evaluator to readily determine whether the vacuum has been reduced or lost. Further, the vacuum detection indicator may comprise a spring-like device configured within the cavity to urge the barrier film against the electrical contacts.

Abstract: The packing end cap includes a collar defining an interior cavity into which an item to be packaged may extend. The collar is comprised of longitudinal leg members interconnected at opposite ends by lateral leg members. An expansion joint is integrated within each lateral and longitudinal leg member. A plurality of blocks can also be disposed within the interior cavity hinged across an interior edge of a lateral member. Each block can pivot about the interior edge, enabling it to be positionable in a first position substantially parallel to a plane defined by the collar, and a second position perpendicular to the plane.