Features for thin composite architectural panels

Abstract

Thin composite panels with interconnection schemes that are unitized with the panels, i.e., formed integrally and substantially simultaneously with the panels, and/or that are embodied by structural elements bridging a face sheet and a liner sheet of a panel. Further contemplated is the application of an injection molding technique, such as reaction injection molding, in establishing a foam or polymeric core between laminates in thin composite panels. Additionally contemplated is the use of interchangeable laminate components in affording the capability of altering the coloring or other visual features of a reveal in a panel or panels.

1 . A thin composite architectural panel comprising: 
 a structural core;    laminates disposed about said structural core;    a first portion for interfacing and facilitating interconnection with another thin composite architectural panel; and    a second portion for interfacing and facilitating interconnection with another thin composite architectural panel;    said first interfacing portion comprising a first extension portion adapted to be interposed between a wall and an extension portion of another thin composite architectural panel in a building wall assembly; and    said second interfacing portion comprising a second extension portion adapted to flank, with a wall, an extension portion of another thin composite architectural panel in a building wall assembly;    said first and second interfacing portions comprising at least one connecting structural element disposed between at least one terminal portion of said face sheet element and at least one terminal portion of said major liner sheet element.    
   
   
       2 . The panel according to  claim 1 , wherein said panel comprises a major portion where said structural core and laminates have in sum an average thickness dimension of less than about 15 mm.  
   
   
       3 . The panel according to  claim 1 , wherein said panel comprises a major portion where said structural core and laminates have in sum an average thickness dimension of less than about 10 mm.  
   
   
       4 . The panel according to  claim 1 , wherein said laminates comprise metal sheet elements.  
   
   
       5 . The panel according to  claim 4 , wherein said metal sheet elements comprise: 
 a roll-formed face sheet element; and    a roll-formed major liner sheet element disposed primarily in spaced-apart relation with respect to said face sheet element.    
   
   
       6 . The panel according to  claim 1 , wherein said laminates comprise: 
 a face sheet element; and    a major liner sheet element disposed primarily in spaced-apart relation with respect to said face sheet element.    
   
   
       7 . The panel according to  claim 6 , wherein said face sheet element terminates in a return edge adapted to define a side of a reveal.  
   
   
       8 . The panel according to  claim 1 , wherein said first extension portion comprises a flange portion for being disposed against a wall.  
   
   
       9 . The panel according to  claim 1 , wherein a portion of said second connecting structural element is adapted to accommodate a fastening element for fastening said panel to a wall.  
   
   
       10 . The panel according to  claim 1 , wherein one said connecting structural element comprises said first extension portion.  
   
   
       11 . The panel according to  claim 1 , wherein one said connecting structural element comprises said second extension portion.  
   
   
       12 . The panel according to  claim 1 , wherein one said connecting structural element comprises said first extension portion.  
   
   
       13 . The panel according to  claim 1 , wherein said structural core comprises one of: a foam structural core and a polymeric, thermal-set structural core.  
   
   
       14 . The panel according to  claim 1 , wherein said structural core has been introduced within said laminates via reaction injection molding.  
   
   
       15 . The panel according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first and second connecting structural elements comprises an extruded element.