Abstract: A composite panel assembly including a first panel with a first skin, a second skin, a core, and an assembly flange. A second panel includes a first skin, a second skin, a core, and an assembly flange. A fastening device is adapted to fasten the assembly flange of the first panel to the assembly flange of the second panel, wherein the core of one of the first panel or the second panel includes reinforcing pins and a high-density portion placed along the assembly flange.

Abstract: Vacuum insulation panels with a decreased thermal conductivity provide increased thermal effectiveness in a vessel of a product dispenser, when the vessel is substantially encapsulated with the vacuum insulation panels. The product dispenser including insulation having a reduced thermal conductivity provides the ability to convert existing manufacturer product lines from designs requiring foams with hydroflorocarbon blowing agents to foams that utilize non-hydroflorocarbon blowing agents. The vacuum insulation panels may be placed adjacent to the vessel walls, or may be adhered to the vessel walls. In an extension of this embodiment, multiple layers of vacuum insulation panels may be applied to the vessel to further increase the thermal effectiveness of the vessel. Still further, the layers of the vacuum insulation panels may be covered with an as-formed foam insulation, thereby creating a composite thermal barrier.

Abstract: An insert fits into the interior of a portable cooler or ice chest. The insert has a planar platform with apertures that support flanged food receptacles by their upper flanges. Attached to the platform at its perimeter is a planar flange to fit onto the inner shoulder of the cooler. This flange is spaced apart from the plane of the platform by a distance sufficient to elevate the tops of the receptacles above the upper edge of the cooler. This presents the contents of the receptacles for better visibility and accessibility by the public. An application is to provide condiments to the purchaser of fast food such as hot dogs.