Abstract: A variable interlayer laminate panel can include resin material derived from other resin panels, enabling use of waste trimmings from the manufacture of the other resin panels. Implementations therefore enable manufacturers to produce high-fashion but waste conscious resin panels that have a high degree of recycled content. In one implementation, a manufacturer forms a laminate panel by positioning a plurality of independent resin portions over a first resin substrate, and then by positioning a second resin substrate over the resin portions. The resin portions comprise embedded decorative elements, and at least two different resin portions comprise different types of decorative elements. The manufacturer then forms the laminate panel through the application of pressure and heat. The resulting panel has a variable interlayer formed from the independent resin portions. The laminate panel is usable as part of a panel system.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for finishing polymer products and producing one or more designs, textures, and/or embossment patterns on the surface thereof. At least one implementation includes a printed mold that a manufacturer can produce quickly and inexpensively by producing a three-dimensional representation of a two-dimensional image on the surface of a substrate material. The printed mold also can allow the manufacturer to customize designs, textures, and/or embossment patterns on polymer products, while reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to decorative thermoplastic resin panels, which can include one or more recesses. The recess of the thermoplastic resin panels can have texture or texture patterns that differ from the texture or texture patterns of non-recessed portions or other recesses of the decorative thermoplastic resin panel. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for forming recesses in thermoplastic panels with a flexible die.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for illumination and/or providing an aesthetically pleasing lighted structure can include a hollow core with a plurality of cover panels mounted radially thereto. In at least one implementation, a lighting fixture can incorporate a lighted core and lighted or unlighted elements surrounding the lighted core. Furthermore, the lighted core can house lighting elements, while providing substantially unimpeded access thereto.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for manufacturing aesthetically pleasing, decorative architectural resin panels having high-resolution image layers. In particular, at least one implementation includes a laminated resin panel having a decorative image layer formed from layered or cross-linked ink free from cracks, splits, or other deformation. Additional implementations relate to curved or otherwise non-planar decorative architectural resin panels having high-resolution image layers.

Abstract: A structured-core laminate panel can be made in an efficient, structurally sound manner, even without the use of adhesives (film or liquid forms) using materials with different melt or glass transition temperatures. In one implementation, a manufacturer positions one or more resin substrates about a structured core member, which comprises a relatively high melt or glass transition temperature compared with that of the one or more resin substrates. The manufacturer heats the assembly to at least the glass transition temperature of the resin substrates, but not to the melt or glass transition temperature of the structured core member. This allows the one or more resin substrates to melt and bond (mechanically, chemically, or both) to the structured core member on one side (or inner surface), while maintaining a substantially planar or original conformation on an opposing side (or outer surface).

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention comprise lighting fixture assemblies that minimize the visibility of hardware and shadows. In particular, the lighting fixture assemblies may include no supporting hardware extending through an internal space defined, in whole or in part, by the lighting fixture assembly. In addition, the lighting fixture assemblies may include a gap between a bottom/top panel and a side panel of the lighting fixture assembly. Accordingly, lighting fixture assemblies of one or more implementations of the present invention can reduce or eliminate the visibility of internal supporting hardware and shadows on the exterior surfaces of the lighting fixture assemblies.

Abstract: In general, implementations of the present invention include devices, systems, and components for mounting and/or displaying panels and panel structures with one or more post modules. The post modules, according to the present invention, can include a post, which can secure one or more panels, and covers that can conceal the post from view. Additionally, the post modules can have hollow channels between the covers and the post, which can house wires, cords, lighting elements, and other components.

Abstract: Magnetic-lock panel mounting assemblies allow mounting, dismounting, and reconfiguration of decorative architectural resin panels relative to a support structure in a quick and efficient manner. The magnetic-lock panel mounting assemblies can include a housing, a locking pin, a locking sleeve, and one or more locking elements. The housing can receive and selectively lock the locking pin therein. Placing a magnet proximate the magnetic-lock panel mounting assembly can automatically unlock the locking pin from the housing. In addition, implementations of the present invention include systems and methods for mounting panels to a support structures using one or more magnetic-lock panel mounting assemblies.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing the biopolymer panel may include positioning a plurality of biopolymer sheets adjacent to one another, and subjecting them to a laminating temperature that exceeds the glass-transition temperature of the sheets for a time period sufficient to achieve lamination. The laminate panel is then quenched at a quenching temperature that is below the glass-transition temperature. The time period during lamination, as well as any “rest” period between lamination and quenching, is sufficiently short so as to prevent clouding or hazing as a result of crystallization of the biopolymer resin materials. In addition, the panel exhibits sufficient flame retardency to meet applicable building codes, exhibits sufficient impact resistance for use as a decorative or structural panel building material, and exhibits no substantial thermally induced degradation as a result of subjection to the laminating temperature. The panels may be used as decorative or structural building materials.

Abstract: A structured-core laminate panel can be made in an efficient, structurally sound manner without the use of adhesives (film or liquid forms) using materials with different melt or glass transition temperatures. In one implementation, a manufacturer positions one or more resin substrates about a structured core, which comprises a relatively high melt or glass transition temperature compared with that of the one or more resin substrates. The manufacturer heats the assembly to at least the glass transition temperature of the resin substrates, but not to the melt or glass transition temperature of the structured core. This allows the one or more resin substrates to melt and bond (mechanically, chemically, or both) to the structured core on one side (or inner surface), while maintaining a substantially planar or original conformation on an opposing side (or outer surface).

Abstract: Low-profile fastener assemblies for mounting objects, such as decorative architectural resin panels, to a support structure at a standoff include a standoff barrel, threaded rod, and low-profile cap. The low-profile cap can have a curved profile configured to reduce its height while also allowing for one or more separated recesses to be formed therein. Implementations of the present invention also include a cap key configured to engage the one or more separated recesses of the low-profile cap for use in tightening the low-profile cap onto the threaded rod. In addition, one implementations of the present invention include systems having a plurality of panels mounted to one or more support structures using one or more low-profile fastener assemblies.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.

Abstract: Panel mounting components and systems for mounting objects, such as decorative architectural resin panels, can include one or more of a twist-lock mounting assembly and a melt-bondable panel mounting bracket. Twist-lock mounting assemblies can include a housing and locking pin configured to automatically lock together, thereby allowing a user to quickly and easily mount and dismount panels from a support structure. Melt-bondable panel mounting brackets can include one or more bonding features configured to be pressed into a resin-based panel, thereby allowing additional components, such as a twist-lock mounting assembly, to be secured directly to a single side of a panel.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a rotatable and/or slidable lighting module. The lighting module can have a lighting fixture assembly that is optionally capable of rotating with respect to a support base to allow the lighting fixture assembly to project light on a desired surface or area. The lighting fixture assembly can also slide or move relative to the support base to allow the position of the lighting fixture to be selectively varied.