Insulated cargo containers

• US 20070034110A1
• Filed: 02/13/2004
• Published: 02/15/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Martin Marietta Materials Incorporated (Martin Marietta Composites Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Martin Marietta Materials Incorporated (Martin Marietta Composites Incorporated)
• Inventors: Zupancich, Ronald, Seiter, Joseph
• Granted Patent: US 7,748,172 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 105/355
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/06 as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material next to a layer of a particular substance B32B9/045; next to a bituminous or tarry layer B32B11/046; next to a water setting substance layer B32B13/12; next to a metal layer B32B15/08; next to a glass layer B32B17/10; next to a layer formed of natural mineral fibres or particles B32B19/045; next to a wood layer B32B21/08; next to a cellulosic plastic layer B32B23/08; next to a natural or synthetic rubber layer B32B25/08
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/2295 Means for heating, cooling, or insulating tanks or equipments for tank containers B65D88/748
• CPC Class Codes: B61D 27/0081 of wagons for transporting refrigerated goods vehicles for transporting refrigerated goods B60P3/20
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 33/048 for refrigerated goods vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/12 specially adapted for transport associated with vehicles, see the relevant subclasses of B60 - B64
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/008 Doors for containers, e.g. ISO-containers locking E05B83/12
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/022 Laminated structures B65D90/029 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 30/00 Transportation of goods or passengers via railways, e.g. energy recovery or reducing air resistance
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/31678 Of metal

Abstract

The present invention relates to an insulated cargo container that may have, in combination, an interior panel covering a layer of thermal insulation that has an air-impermeable layer thereon. The thermal insulation is attached to the exterior panel of the container, which may have structural supports on its interior surface. In one embodiment, the insulated cargo container is an insulated railroad boxcar.

Claims

1. An insulated wall panel for a cargo container comprising:

an exterior panel having an interior surface;

at least one structural member attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material; and

an interior panel attached to the interior surface of the vacuum insulated panel, wherein the interior panel and exterior panel form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel.

2. The insulated wall panel of claim 1, wherein the at least one structural member is aligned along the vertical axis of the metal panel.

3. The insulated wall panel of claim 1, wherein the porous insulating material comprises an open-cell foam core material.

4. The insulated wall panel of claim 3, wherein the open-cell foam core material comprises a micro-cellular, open-cell polystyrene foam.

5. The insulated wall panel of claim 1, wherein the porous insulating material comprises a fine fiberglass web core material.

6. The insulated wall panel of claim 1, wherein the air impermeable layer comprises a metal-coated polymer film.

7. The insulated wall panel of claim 1, further comprising a foam insulation layer between the exterior panel and the interior panel.

8. The insulated wall panel of claim 1, wherein the interior panel is a composite panel.

9. The insulated wall panel of claim 8, wherein the composite panel is a fiber-reinforced plastic skin.

10. The insulated wall panel of claim 1, wherein the interior panel includes two opposing side portions extending vertically on the interior panel, wherein the first and second side portions include a joint allowing the insulated wall panel to be joined with a second insulated wall panel.

11. The insulated wall panel of claim 1, wherein the interior panel includes a plurality of corrugations.

12. An insulated wall panel for a cargo container comprising:

an exterior panel having an interior surface and a vertical axis;

at least one structural member attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel and aligned along the vertical axis of the exterior panel;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

a foam insulation layer having an interior surface and exterior surface and wherein the exterior surface is attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel; and

a fiber-reinforced plastic skin attached to the interior surface of the vacuum insulated panel and the interior surface of the foam insulation layer, wherein;

the fiber-reinforced plastic skin and exterior panel form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel and foam insulation layer and

the fiber-reinforced plastic skin includes two opposing side portions extending vertically on the fiber-reinforced plastic skin, wherein the first and second side portions include an interlocking joint allowing the insulated wall panel to be joined with a second insulated wall panel.

13. The insulated wall panel of claim 12, wherein the porous insulating material comprises an open-cell foam core material.

14. The insulated wall panel of claim 13, wherein the open-cell foam core material comprises a micro-cellular, open-cell polystyrene foam.

15. The insulated wall panel of claim 12, wherein the porous insulating material comprises a fine fiberglass web core material.

16. The insulated wall panel of claim 12, wherein the air impermeable layer comprises a metal-coated polymer film.

17. The insulated wall panel of claim 12, wherein the fiber-reinforced plastic skin includes a plurality of corrugations.

18. A side wall of a cargo container comprising a first and second insulated wall panel for a cargo container, each insulated wall panel comprising:

an exterior panel having an interior surface;

at least one structural member attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material; and

an interior panel attached to interior surface of the vacuum insulated panel, wherein;

the interior panel and exterior panel form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel and foam insulation layer and

the interior panel includes two opposing side portions extending vertically on the interior panel, wherein the first and second side portions include a joint; and

wherein the joint of the first side portion of the first insulated wall panels is attached the joint of the second side portion of the second insulated wall panels.

19. An insulated floor system for a cargo container comprising:

a bottom skin having a longitudinal axis and a top surface having a first end and a second end opposite said first end;

a first side channel having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the first side channel is attached to the top surface of the bottom skin at the first end and wherein the first side channel is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bottom skin;

a second side channel having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the second side channel is attached to the top surface of the bottom skin at the second end and wherein the second side channel is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bottom skin;

at least one structural tube having a top and bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the structural tube is attached to the top surface of the bottom skin, and wherein the structural tube extends from the first side channel to the second channel and is aligned perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the bottom skin;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having a top and bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the bottom skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

a top skin having a top and bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the top skin is attached to the top surfaces of the at least one vacuum insulated panel, the at least one structural tube, and the first and second side channels, and wherein the top skin and bottom skin form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel;

a support layer having a top and bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the top skin; and

a tread plate sheet having a bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the support layer.

20. The insulated floor system of claim 19, wherein the first and second side channels have a C-shaped cross section.

21. The insulated floor system of claim 20, wherein an insulation foam block is disposed on the first and second side channels.

22. The insulated floor system of claim 19, wherein the first and second side channels are fiber-reinforced plastic side channels.

23. The insulated floor system of claim 19, wherein the at least one structural tube is a fiber-reinforced plastic tube.

24. The insulated floor system of claim 19, wherein the porous insulating material comprises an open-cell foam core material.

25. The insulated floor system of claim 24, wherein the open-cell foam core material comprises a micro-cellular, open-cell polystyrene foam.

26. The insulated floor system of claim 19, wherein the porous insulating material comprises a fine fiberglass web core material.

27. The insulated floor system of claim 19, wherein the air impermeable layer comprises a metal-coated polymer film.

28. The insulated floor system of claim 19, further comprising a foam insulation layer between the bottom skin and the top skin.

29. An insulated floor system for a cargo container comprising:

a bottom skin having a longitudinal axis and a top surface having a first end and a second end opposite said first end;

a first fiber-reinforced plastic side channel having a C-shaped cross-section and a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the first side channel is attached to the top surface of the bottom skin at the first end and wherein the first side channel is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bottom skin;

a second fiber-reinforced plastic side channel having a C-shaped cross-section and a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the second side channel is attached to the top surface of the bottom skin at the second end and wherein the second side channel is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bottom skin;

at least one fiber-reinforced plastic structural tube having a top and bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the structural tube is attached to the top surface of the bottom skin, and wherein the structural tube extends from the first side channel to the second channel and is aligned perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the bottom skin;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having a top and bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the bottom skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel has a comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

a foam insulation layer having a top and bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the bottom skin;

a top skin having a top and bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the top skin is attached to the top surfaces of the at least one vacuum insulated panel, the at least one structural tube, the first and second side channels, and the foam insulation layer, and wherein the top skin and bottom skin form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel;

a support layer having a top and bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the top skin; and

a tread plate sheet having a bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the plurality of l-beams.

30. The insulated floor system of claim 29, wherein the first and second side channels have a C-shaped cross section.

31. The insulated floor system of claim 29, wherein an insulation foam block is disposed on the first and second side channels.

32. The insulated floor system of claim 29, wherein the porous insulating material comprises an open-cell foam core material.

33. The insulated floor system of claim 32, wherein the open-cell foam core material comprises a micro-cellular, open-cell polystyrene foam.

34. The insulated floor system of claim 29, wherein the porous insulating material comprises a fine fiberglass web core material.

35. The insulated floor system of claim 29, wherein the air impermeable layer comprises a metal-coated polymer film.

36. An insulated roof system for a cargo container comprising:

a roof plate having a bottom surface;

an exterior skin having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the exterior skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

an interior skin having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the at least one vacuum insulated panel;

at least one structural tube having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin; and

a bottom sheet having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the at least one structural tube, wherein the interior skin, at least one structural tube, and bottom sheet form a plenum.

37. The insulated roof system of claim 36, wherein the exterior skin is a fiber-reinforced plastic skin.

38. The insulated roof system of claim 36, wherein the porous insulating material comprises an open-cell foam core material.

39. The insulated roof system of claim 38, wherein the open-cell foam core material comprises a micro-cellular, open-cell polystyrene foam.

40. The insulated roof system of claim 36, wherein the porous insulating material comprises a fine fiberglass web core material.

41. The insulated roof system of claim 36, wherein the air impermeable layer comprises a metal-coated polymer film.

42. The insulated roof system of claim 36, further comprising a foam insulation layer between the exterior skin and the interior skin.

43. The insulated roof system of claim 36, wherein the interior skin is a fiber-reinforced plastic skin.

44. The insulated roof system of claim 36, wherein the at least one structural tube is a fiber-reinforced plastic tube.

45. An insulated roof system for a cargo container comprising:

a roof plate having a bottom surface;

a fiber-reinforced plastic exterior skin having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the exterior skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

a foam insulation layer having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the exterior skin;

a fiber-reinforced plastic interior skin having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surfaces of the at least one vacuum insulated panel and the foam insulation layer;

at least one fiber-reinforced plastic structural tube having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin; and

a bottom sheet having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the at least one structural tube, wherein the interior skin, at least one structural tube, and bottom sheet form a plenum.

46. The insulated roof system of claim 45, wherein the porous insulating material comprises an open-cell foam core material.

47. The insulated roof system of claim 46, wherein the open-cell foam core material comprises a micro-cellular, open-cell polystyrene foam.

48. The insulated roof system of claim 45, wherein the porous insulating material comprises a fine fiberglass web core material.

49. The insulated roof system of claim 45, wherein the air impermeable layer comprises a metal-coated polymer film.

50. An insulated roof system for a cargo container comprising:

a roof plate having a bottom surface and first and second opposing ends of the bottom surface;

an exterior skin having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate;

a first support member attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate at the first end;

a second support member attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate at the second end;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the exterior skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

an interior skin having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the at least one vacuum insulated panel, and wherein the bottom surface has a first end and a second end opposite said first end and a longitudinal axis;

a first hanger attached to the first support member and attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin at the first end;

a second hanger attached to the second support member and attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin at the second end;

at least one collapsible member having a top surface and a bottom surface, and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin; and

a bottom sheet having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the at least one collapsible member, wherein the interior skin, at least one collapsible member, and bottom sheet form a plenum.

51. The insulated roof system of claim 50, wherein the exterior skin is a fiber-reinforced plastic skin.

52. The insulated roof system of claim 50, wherein the porous insulating material comprises an open-cell foam core material.

53. The insulated roof system of claim 52, wherein the open-cell foam core material comprises a micro-cellular, open-cell polystyrene foam.

54. The insulated roof system of claim 50, wherein the porous insulating material comprises a fine fiberglass web core material.

55. The insulated roof system of claim 50, wherein the air impermeable layer comprises a metal-coated polymer film.

56. The insulated roof system of claim 50, further comprising a foam insulation layer between the exterior skin and the interior skin.

57. The insulated roof system of claim 50, wherein the interior skin is a fiber-reinforced plastic skin.

58. The insulated roof system of claim 50, wherein the at least one collapsible member has a Z-shaped cross-section.

59. An insulated roof system for a cargo container comprising:

a roof plate having a bottom surface and first and second opposing ends of the bottom surface;

a fiber-reinforced plastic exterior skin having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate;

a first support member attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate at the first end;

a second support member attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate at the second end;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the exterior skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

a foam insulation layer having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the exterior skin;

a fiber-reinforced plastic interior skin having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the at least one vacuum insulated panel, and wherein the bottom surface has a first end and a second end opposite said first end and a longitudinal axis;

a first hanger attached to the first support member and attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin at the first end;

a second hanger attached to the second support member and attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin at the second end;

at least one Z-shaped collapsible member having a top surface and a bottom surface, and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin; and

a bottom sheet having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the at least one collapsible member, wherein the interior skin, at least one collapsible member, and bottom sheet form a plenum.

60. The insulated roof system of claim 59, wherein the porous insulating material comprises an open-cell foam core material.

61. The insulated roof system of claim 60, wherein the open-cell foam core material comprises a micro-cellular, open-cell polystyrene foam.

62. The insulated roof system of claim 59, wherein the porous insulating material comprises a fine fiberglass web core material.

63. The insulated roof system of claim 59, wherein the air impermeable layer comprises a metal-coated polymer film.

64. An insulated door panel for a cargo container comprising:

an exterior panel having an exterior and interior surface;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material; and

an interior panel attached to the interior surface of the vacuum insulated panel, wherein the interior panel and exterior panel form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel.

65. The insulated door panel of claim 64, wherein the porous insulating material comprises an open-cell foam core material.

66. The insulated door panel of claim 65, wherein the open-cell foam core material comprises a micro-cellular, open-cell polystyrene foam.

67. The insulated door panel of claim 64, wherein the porous insulating material comprises a fine fiberglass web core material.

68. The insulated door panel of claim 64, wherein the air impermeable layer comprises a metal-coated polymer film.

69. The insulated door panel of claim 64, further comprising a foam insulation layer between the exterior panel and the interior panel.

70. The insulated door panel of claim 64, wherein the interior panel is a composite panel.

71. The insulated door panel of claim 70, wherein the composite panel is a fiber-reinforced plastic skin.

72. The insulated door panel of claim 64, wherein the interior panel includes a plurality of corrugations.

73. The insulated door panel of claim 64, further comprising a locking mechanism attached to the exterior surface of the exterior panel.

74. An insulated door panel for a cargo container comprising:

an exterior panel having an exterior and interior surface;

a locking mechanism on the exterior surface of the exterior panel;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material; and

a foam insulation layer having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel;

a fiber-reinforced plastic skin panel attached to the interior surfaces of the vacuum insulated panel and foam insulation layer, wherein the fiber-reinforced plastic skin and exterior panel form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel and foam insulation layer.

75. The insulated door panel of claim 74, wherein the porous insulating material comprises an open-cell foam core material.

76. The insulated door panel of claim 75, wherein the open-cell foam core material comprises a micro-cellular, open-cell polystyrene foam.

77. The insulated door panel of claim 74, wherein the porous insulating material comprises a fine fiberglass web core material.

78. The insulated door panel of claim 74, wherein the air impermeable layer comprises a metal-coated polymer film.

79. The insulated door panel of claim 74, wherein the fiber-reinforced plastic skin panel includes a plurality of corrugations.

80. An insulated end panel for a cargo container comprising:

an exterior skin having an exterior and interior surface;

a plurality of channels having an interior and exterior surface and having its interior surface attached to the exterior surface of the exterior skin;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

a middle skin having an exterior and interior surface, wherein the exterior surface is attached to the interior surface of the at least one vacuum insulated panel and wherein the exterior skin and middle skin form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel;

at least one structural member having an interior and exterior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the middle skin; and

an interior skin having an exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the at least one structural member, wherein the interior skin, at least one structural member, and middle skin form a plenum.

81. The insulated end panel of claim 80, wherein the exterior skin is a fiber-reinforced plastic skin.

82. The insulated end panel of claim 80, wherein the porous insulating material comprises an open-cell foam core material.

83. The insulated end panel of claim 82, wherein the open-cell foam core material comprises a micro-cellular, open-cell polystyrene foam.

84. The insulated end panel of claim 80, wherein the porous insulating material comprises a fine fiberglass web core material.

85. The insulated end panel of claim 80, wherein the air impermeable layer comprises a metal-coated polymer film.

86. The insulated end panel of claim 80, further comprising a foam insulation layer between the exterior skin and the middle skin.

87. The insulated end panel of claim 80, wherein the middle skin is a fiber-reinforced plastic skin.

88. The insulated end panel of claim 80, wherein the at least one structural member is a fiber-reinforced plastic structural member.

89. The insulated end panel of claim 80, wherein the interior skin is a fiber-reinforced plastic skin.

90. The insulated end panel of claim 80, further comprising at least one second structural member having an interior and exterior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the at least one vacuum insulated panel and its interior surface attached to the exterior surface of the middle skin.

91. An insulated end panel for a cargo container comprising:

a fiber-reinforced plastic exterior skin having an exterior and interior surface;

a plurality of channels having an interior and exterior surface and having its interior surface attached to the exterior surface of the exterior skin;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

a foam insulation layer having a interior and exterior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior skin;

a fiber-reinforced plastic middle skin having an exterior and interior surface, wherein the exterior surface is attached to the interior surface of the at least one vacuum insulated panel and wherein the exterior skin and middle skin form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel;

at least one fiber-reinforced plastic structural member having an interior and exterior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the middle skin; and

a fiber-reinforced plastic interior skin having an exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the at least one structural member, wherein the interior skin, at least one structural member, and middle skin form a plenum.

92. The insulated end panel of claim 91, wherein the porous insulating material comprises an open-cell foam core material.

93. The insulated end panel of claim 92, wherein the open-cell foam core material comprises a micro-cellular, open-cell polystyrene foam.

94. The insulated end panel of claim 91, wherein the porous insulating material comprises a fine fiberglass web core material.

95. The insulated end panel of claim 91, wherein the air impermeable layer comprises a metal-coated polymer film.

96. The insulated end panel of claim 91, further comprising at least one second structural member having an interior and exterior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the at least one vacuum insulated panel and having its interior surface attached to the exterior surface of the middle skin.

97. A cargo container comprising an insulated wall panel, the insulated wall panel comprising:

an exterior panel having an interior surface;

at least one structural member attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material; and

an interior panel attached to interior surface of the vacuum insulated panel, wherein the interior panel and exterior panel form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel.

98. The cargo container of claim 97, wherein the cargo container is a boxcar.

99. A cargo container comprising an insulated floor system, the insulated floor system comprising:

a bottom skin having a longitudinal axis and a top surface having a first end and a second end opposite said first end;

a first side channel having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the first side channel is attached to the top surface of the bottom skin at the first end and wherein the first side channel is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bottom skin;

a second side channel having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the second side channel is attached to the top surface of the bottom skin at the second end and wherein the second side channel is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bottom skin;

at least one structural tube having a top and bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the structural tube is attached to the top surface of the bottom skin, and wherein the structural tube extends from the first side channel to the second channel and is aligned perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the bottom skin;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having a top and bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the bottom skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel has a comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

a top skin having a top and bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the top skin is attached to the top surfaces of the at least one vacuum insulated panel, the at least one structural tube, and the first and second side channels, and wherein the top skin and bottom skin form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel;

a support layer having a top and bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the top skin; and

a tread plate sheet having a bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the support layer.

100. The cargo container of claim 99, wherein the cargo container is a boxcar.

101. A cargo container comprising an insulated roof system, the insulated roof system comprising:

a roof plate having a bottom surface and first and second opposing ends of the bottom surface;

an exterior skin having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate;

a first support member attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate at the first end;

a second support member attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate at the second end;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the exterior skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

an interior skin having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the at least one vacuum insulated panel, and wherein the bottom surface has a first end and a second end opposite said first end and a longitudinal axis;

a first hanger attached to the first support member and attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin at the first end;

a second hanger attached to the second support member and attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin at the second end;

at least one collapsible member having a top surface and a bottom surface, and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin; and

a bottom sheet having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the at least one collapsible member, wherein the interior skin, at least one collapsible member, and bottom sheet form a plenum.

102. The cargo container of claim 101, wherein the cargo container is a boxcar.

103. A cargo container comprising an insulated door panel, the insulated door panel comprising:

an exterior panel having an exterior and interior surface;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material; and

an interior panel attached to the interior surface of the vacuum insulated panel, wherein the interior panel and exterior panel form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel.

104. The cargo container of claim 103, wherein the cargo container is a boxcar.

105. A cargo container comprising an insulated end panel, the insulated end panel comprising:

an exterior skin having an exterior and interior surface;

a plurality of channels having an interior and exterior surface and having its interior surface attached to the exterior surface of the exterior skin;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

a middle skin having an exterior and interior surface, wherein the exterior surface is attached to the interior surface of the at least one vacuum insulated panel and wherein the exterior skin and middle skin form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel;

at least one structural member having an interior and exterior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the middle skin; and

an interior skin having an exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the at least one structural member, wherein the interior skin, at least one structural member, and middle skin form a plenum.

106. The cargo container of claim 105, wherein the cargo container is a boxcar.

107. A cargo container comprising at least one of:

an insulated wall panel comprising;

an exterior panel having an interior surface;

at least one structural member attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material; and

an interior panel attached to interior surface of the vacuum insulated panel, wherein the interior panel and exterior panel form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel;

an insulated floor system comprising;

a bottom skin having a longitudinal axis and a top surface having a first end and a second end opposite said first end;

a first side channel having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the first side channel is attached to the top surface of the bottom skin at the first end and wherein the first side channel is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bottom skin;

a second side channel having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the second side channel is attached to the top surface of the bottom skin at the second end and wherein the second side channel is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bottom skin;

at least one structural tube having a top and bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the structural tube is attached to the top surface of the bottom skin, and wherein the structural tube extends from the first side channel to the second channel and is aligned perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the bottom skin;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having a top and bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the bottom skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel has a comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

a top skin having a top and bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the top skin is attached to the top surfaces of the at least one vacuum insulated panel, the at least one structural tube, and the first and second side channels, and wherein the top skin and bottom skin form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel;

a support layer having a top and bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the top skin; and

a tread plate sheet having a bottom surface and having its bottom surface attached to the top surface of the support layer;

an insulated roof system comprising;

a roof plate having a bottom surface and first and second opposing ends of the bottom surface;

an exterior skin having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate;

a first support member attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate at the first end;

a second support member attached to the bottom surface of the roof plate at the second end;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the exterior skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

an interior skin having a top and bottom surface and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the at least one vacuum insulated panel, and wherein the bottom surface has a first end and a second end opposite said first end and a longitudinal axis;

a first hanger attached to the first support member and attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin at the first end;

a second hanger attached to the second support member and attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin at the second end;

at least one collapsible member having a top surface and a bottom surface, and having its top surface attached to the bottom surface of the interior skin; and

a bottom sheet having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the at least one collapsible member, wherein the interior skin, at least one collapsible member, and bottom sheet form a plenum.

an insulated door panel comprising;

an exterior panel having an exterior and interior surface;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material; and

an interior panel attached to the interior surface of the vacuum insulated panel, wherein the interior panel and exterior panel form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel;

an insulated end panel comprising;

an exterior skin having an exterior and interior surface;

a plurality of channels having an interior and exterior surface and having its interior surface attached to the exterior surface of the exterior skin;

at least one vacuum insulated panel having an exterior and interior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the exterior skin, wherein the vacuum insulated panel comprises;

an evacuated porous insulating material; and

an air impermeable layer encapsulating the porous insulating material;

a middle skin having an exterior and interior surface, wherein the exterior surface is attached to the interior surface of the at least one vacuum insulated panel and wherein the exterior skin and middle skin form a closed structure surrounding the at least one vacuum insulated panel;

at least one structural member having an interior and exterior surface and having its exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the middle skin; and

an interior skin having an exterior surface attached to the interior surface of the at least one structural member, wherein the interior skin, at least one structural member, and middle skin form a plenum.

108. The cargo container of claim 107, wherein the cargo container is a boxcar.