Panels of the invention are used to form large capacity enclosure
sidewalls. Trailers, trucks and cargo vans are examples of such
enclosures. Intermediate framing support is not needed. Each panel has a
polymeric core with a first metal cladding and a second metal cladding.
The core has opposed longitudinal configured ends, each of which has a
stepped shoulder which extends the length of the panel. The metal
claddings follow the contour of the stepped shoulder. The stepped
shoulders are offset from the first face of the core approximately
one-half the thickness of the panel. In assembling a walled enclosure
sidewall, the panels are positioned so that adjacent stepped shoulders
mate together to create a flush face surface. Joining means are used in
the stepped shoulder areas to permanently join together adjacent panels.
The joint formed by the attachment has a total of four metal cladding
layers and two interposed polymeric cores to give the joint sufficient
rigidity for the sidewall to withstand normal forces during use.