Abstract: A frame is provided for mounting on a molded fiberglass-honeycomb composite panel structure, said frame comprising an elongated, substantially U-shaped member having a top and a bottom wall joined by an end wall to form a lengthwise channel for receiving the edge of said panel, the end wall being convex away from the channel, whereby the panel edge is restrained from deformation and a plurality of panels having the frame mounted on the edge thereof can be placed in an edge-to-edge abutting relationship to provide snug joints therebetween. Further provided is a composite panel structure with such a frame mounted thereon. Also further provided is a process for applying a relatively thin, flexible sheet onto such a composite panel structure using the frame of the present invention.

Abstract: A sound rated flooring is provided comprising a sound attenuation layer having a composite panel structure having a core and at least one acoustically semi-transparent facing of fibrous material bonded to the core and a rigid layer positioned on the sound attenuation layer. A moisture inhibiting barrier may be positioned between the composite panel structure and the rigid layer. A method for constructing a sound rated floor is also provided, comprising the steps of positioning the composite panel structure described herein over a substantially horizontal base surface and then positioning the rigid layer over the composite panel structure. The finished covering is then placed over the rigid layer.

Abstract: A panel having a cellular core and an acoustically semi-transparent facing is provided. The core, which may be a honeycomb, has cells opening to a face of the core. The facing is bonded to the face of the core such that pillow-like portions of the facing extend into the open cells of the core to provide a mechanical interlock between the facing and the core and to improve the absorption of acoustic energy directed upon the panel. The panel may include a layer bonded to the core opposite the facing for reducing the transmission of acoustic energy through the panel or for increasing its strength and rigidity. Preferably, the facing is non-homogeneous such that the density of the pillow-like portions is less than the portions of the facing adjacent the structure of the core. The panel may be formed by heating and compressing an uncured fibrous element of relatively uniform thickness and density against a cellular core. A heated platen may be used to produce a relatively flat, hardened outer surface of the panel.

Abstract: A panel having a cellular core and an acoustically semi-transparent facing is provided. The core, which may be a honeycomb, has cells opening to a face of the core. The facing is bonded to the face of the core such that pillow-like portions of the facing extend into the open cells of the core to provide a mechanical interlock between the facing and the core and to improve the absorption of acoustic energy directed upon the panel. The panel may include a layer bonded to the core opposite the facing for reducing the transmission of acoustic energy through the panel or for increasing its strength and rigidity. Preferably, the facing is non-homogeneous such that the density of the pillow-like portions is less than the portions of the facing adjacent the structure of the core. The panel may be formed by heating and compressing an uncured fibrous element of relatively uniform thickness and density against a cellular core. A heated platen may be used to produce a relatively flat, hardened outer surface of the panel.