Wabash National, L.p.

Dwaine D Speer

A panel for a trailer and a method of making the same is provided. The trailer includes a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The first sidewall is formed by a first continuous laminate panel that extends an entire length of the first sidewall, and the second sidewall is formed by a second continuous laminate panel that extends an entire length of the second sidewall. The first continuous laminate panel and the second continuous laminate panel each comprise a first skin, a second skin opposite the first skin, and a perforated core between the first skin and the second skin.

Composite panel having perforated foam core and method of making the same

A method of forming a composite panel in-line is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a hot thermal plastic sheet of material and providing the hot thermal plastic sheet of material to a punch having punch members extending outwardly therefrom. The hot thermal plastic sheet of material is advanced through the punch in order to form apertures through the hot thermal plastic sheet of material such that each aperture extends from an outer surface of the hot thermal plastic sheet of material to an inner surface of the hot thermal plastic sheet of material. An outer metal sheet and an inner metal sheet, respectively, are coupled to opposing sides of the hot thermal plastic sheet of material.

A composite panel configured for use with a sidewall of a trailer includes an outer metal sheet, an inner metal sheet, and a core member positioned between the inner and outer metal sheets. The core member includes a plurality of apertures formed therethrough such that each aperture extends from an inner surface of the core member to an outer surface of the core member. Illustratively, the plurality of apertures is covered by the inner and outer metal sheets.

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West Lafayette, IN, United States of America

Dwaine D Speer