Panel and method of making same

Abstract

A decorative, light transmitting panel including opposite inner and outer faces is formed on a substrate comprising injection molded clear plastic resin having a low level of process induced internal stress and at least one optical quality surface finish underlying the outer panel surface for optimizing light transmission through the resin. A thin, hard, transparent, abrasion and chemical resistant and ultraviolet light resistant protective layer or coating of plastic resin is permanently bonded to the optical quality surface finish of the low stress substrate to form at least one outer surface of the whole panel and the coating provides a hard, tough abrasion resistant outer surface capable of lasting a long time without substantial diminishment of light transmission through the panel. The low internal stress of the molded resin substrate provides superior adhesion for permanently bonding the hard protective coating to prevent micro-cracking and/or delamination during normal thermal cycling between - 40.degree. F. and + 170.degree. F. A second panel may be assembled in spaced parallel relation with the decorative outer panel to provide outstanding thermal efficiency, safety, security and high strength.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.