Shipping panel and packaging system for transporting temperature-sensitive products

Abstract

An insulated panel for a packaging system for shipping a temperature-sensitive product is provided. The insulated panel includes one or more inserts or spacers defining a network of interconnecting void spaces therein and a flexible overwrap that completely covers the insert or inserts and is vacuum sealed about the insert or inserts. A packaging system including at least one of the insulated panels is also provided.

1 . An insulated panel for a packaging system for shipping a temperature-sensitive product, comprising:
 an insert having an openwork body of a predetermined shape and thickness and defining a network of void spaces extending therein; and   a flexible overwrap that completely covers the insert and is vacuum sealed about the insert;   wherein the insert maintains the predetermined shape and thickness when vacuum sealed within the overwrap.   
     
     
         2 . The insulated panel according to  claim 1 , wherein said panel includes a plurality of separate inserts. 
     
     
         3 . The insulated panel according to  claim 2 , wherein said plurality of separate inserts are positioned spaced apart and in an array formation within the panel. 
     
     
         4 . The insulated panel according to  claim 3 , wherein each of the inserts are of an identical size and shape. 
     
     
         5 . The insulated panel according to  claim 1 , wherein a seal extends in the overwrap along at least three side edges of the insert. 
     
     
         6 . The insulated panel according to  claim 1 , wherein a seal extends in the overwrap along four or less side edges of the insert. 
     
     
         7 . The insulated panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the overlap is in the form of a pouch and a seal extends along one side edge of the insert. 
     
     
         8 . The insulated panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the insert is formed of plastic having a plurality of interconnecting elements with void spaces therebetween. 
     
     
         9 . The insulated panel according to  claim 8 , wherein the interconnecting elements include openwork funnel shaped elements and hour-glass shaped posts formed by two of said funnel shaped elements. 
     
     
         10 . The insulated panel according to  claim 9 , wherein the insert includes upper and lower perimeter walls having a series of spaced indentions such that opposed indentations of the upper and lower perimeter walls contact and provide a post structure. 
     
     
         11 . The insulated panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the overwrap is made of at least one of paper, plastic, or metallic film or foil and is the form of a sleeve or pouch. 
     
     
         12 . The insulated panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the insulated panel includes the insert and at least one intermediate layer vacuumed sealed within the overwrap. 
     
     
         13 . The insulated panel according to  claim 12 , wherein the at least one intermediate layer includes at least one layer of cardboard, corrugated paperboard, molded pulp, chipboard, or layer of foam, plastic, or metal. 
     
     
         14 . The insulated panel according to  claim 12 , wherein said at least one intermediate layer includes two layers in which the insert is sandwiched. 
     
     
         15 . The insulated panel according to  claim 12 , wherein said insert is adhesively secured to the at least one intermediate layer. 
     
     
         16 . The insulated panel according to  claim 12 , wherein said at least one intermediate layer includes two pairs of layers, and wherein each pair is made of a different material. 
     
     
         17 . A packaging system, comprising at least one insulated panel according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         18 . The packaging system according to  claim 17 , further comprising a shipping box containing the at least one insulated panel such the at least one insulated panel lines at least one wall of the box within the box. 
     
     
         19 . The packaging system according to  claim 18 , wherein the at least one insulated panel includes six separate insulated panels that line all walls of the box within the box. 
     
     
         20 . The packaging system according to  claim 15 , wherein the at least one insulated panel includes multiple interconnected insulated panels, and wherein the multiple insulated panels form a standalone box structure with sealed edges and with an integral or separate lid.