Abstract:
A laminate panel is provided for forming an aesthetically pleasing fire worthy exterior surface on an object; for example, a decorative interior panel used in a commercial aircraft. A first film layer forms an exterior surface of the panel, and an embossing resin layer is disposed adjacent to the first film layer. A second film layer is disposed adjacent to the embossing resin layer. The second film layer is impregnated with at least one heat sink material to enhance the fire worthiness of the laminate panel by operating to absorb thermal energy released by the panel in the event the panel is exposed to fire or to a high temperature sufficient to otherwise cause combustion of a conventional laminate panel. Accordingly, the laminate panels serve to provide an aesthetically pleasing surface on the associated object and also act as a mechanism to increase the fire worthiness of the associated object.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/688,414, filed on Jun. 8, 2005, which is related in general subject matter to pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/882,047, filed Jun. 30, 2004, assigned to The Boeing Company, and hereby incorporated by reference into the present application. Additionally, the subject matter of the present application is related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/688,414, filed concurrently with the provisional of this application on Jun. 8, 2005 (now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/194,498, filed Aug. 1, 2005), also assigned to The Boeing Company, the disclosure of which is also hereby incorporated by reference into the present application. 
     
    
     FIELD  
       [0002]     The present disclosure relates to laminate panels, and more particularly to a system and method for forming laminate panels with improved fire worthiness.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Certain mobile platforms, such as aircraft, trains and automobiles, generally employ laminate panel structures to form various surfaces. Laminate panel structures serve to provide visually appealing surfaces to the objective viewer. For example, in a commercial aircraft, a plurality of laterally aligned overhead stowage bin doors is typically included along the port and starboard sides of the passenger cabin of the aircraft. These stowage bin doors each generally include a laminate panel disposed on the front of the stowage bin door to create a visually appealing interface for the customer. In addition, many other surfaces can be coated with a laminate panel to increase the visual appeal of the surface, such as doors, ceiling tiles and the like. Further, in some instances, laminate panels can also be used to display information to potential viewers, such as safety hazards or use instructions.  
         [0004]     As many mobile platforms are subject to fire worthiness standards, it would be advantageous if the laminate panels could absorb thermal energy in the event of a fire. Such laminate panels could be affixed to any desired structure to reduce the amount of thermal energy released by the desired structure during a combustion event. Thus, the laminate panels increase the fire worthiness of the desired structure while providing an aesthetically pleasing surface.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]     The present disclosure is directed to a laminate panel for forming an aesthetically pleasing, fire worthy exterior surface on an object. A first film layer forms an exterior surface of the object, and an embossing resin layer is disposed adjacent the first film layer. A second film layer is disposed adjacent the embossing resin layer. At least one of the embossing resin layer and second film layer is impregnated with a heat sink material to provide a fire worthy laminate panel.  
         [0006]     The present disclosure also includes providing a laminate panel adapted for use in connection with a plurality of functional panels on a mobile platform for displaying an image. The laminate panel comprises a first film layer that forms an exterior surface of the panels and an ink layer forming at least a portion of the image. The ink layer is disposed adjacent the first film layer. An embossing resin layer is disposed adjacent the ink layer, and a second film layer is disposed adjacent the embossing resin layer. At least one of the embossing resin layer and second film layer is impregnated with a heat sink material to provide a fire worthy laminate panel. The laminate panel also has an aesthetically pleasing appearance and is ideally suited for interior use in various types of mobile platforms and especially in commercial aircraft.  
         [0007]     In addition, also provided is a laminate panel adapted for use in connection with a plurality of functional panels on a mobile platform for displaying an image. The laminate panel comprises a first film layer that forms an exterior surface of the panels and an ink layer forming at least a portion of the image. The ink layer is disposed adjacent the first film layer. A second film layer is disposed adjacent the ink layer, and a third film layer is disposed adjacent the second film layer and an exterior surface of the functional panels. The second film layer and third film layer are impregnated with a heat sink material to provide a fire worthy laminate panel. The laminate panel also has an aesthetically pleasing appearance and is ideally suited for interior use on various surfaces of mobile platforms and especially in commercial aircraft. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]     The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an interior passenger cabin area of a commercial aircraft illustrating a laminate panel disposed on a plurality of overhead stowage bin doors, in accordance with the present disclosure;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective, enlarged view of one of the stowage bin doors shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2  taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  showing the various layers of a fixed laminate panel secured to the bin door;  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2  taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  having secured thereto a strippable laminate layer according to various embodiments;  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2  taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  showing the various layers of the fixed laminate panel of  FIG. 3  according to an alternative composition;  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2  taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  showing the various layers of the fixed laminate panel of  FIG. 5  according to a second alternative composition;  
         [0015]      FIG. 7  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2  taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  showing the various layers of the fixed laminate panel of  FIG. 5  according to a third alternative composition;  
         [0016]      FIG. 7   a  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2  taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  showing the various layers of the fixed laminate panel of  FIG. 5  according to a fourth alternative composition;  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2  taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  showing the various layers of the fixed laminate panel of  FIG. 3  according to a fifth alternative composition;  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2  taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  showing a sixth alternate composition of the various layers of the fixed laminate panel of  FIG. 3  according to various embodiments;  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2  taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  showing a seventh alternate composition of the various layers of the fixed laminate panel of  FIG. 3  according to various embodiments;  
         [0020]      FIG. 11  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2  taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2  showing an eighth alternate composition of the various layers of the fixed laminate panel of  FIG. 3  according to various embodiments;  
         [0021]      FIG. 12  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2 , taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3 , illustrating the strippable laminate panel of  FIG. 4  in accordance with one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure;  
         [0022]      FIG. 13  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2 , taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3 , illustrating the various layers of the strippable laminate panel of  FIG. 4  in accordance with a second alternative composition;  
         [0023]      FIG. 14  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2 , taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3 , illustrating the various layers of the strippable laminate panel of  FIG. 4  in accordance with a third alternative composition;  
         [0024]      FIG. 14   a  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2 , taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3 , illustrating the various layers of the strippable laminate panel of  FIG. 4  in accordance with a fourth alternative composition;  
         [0025]      FIG. 15  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2 , taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3 , illustrating the various layers of the strippable laminate panel of  FIG. 4  in accordance with a fifth alternative composition;  
         [0026]      FIG. 16  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2 , taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3 , illustrating the various layers of the strippable laminate panel of  FIG. 4  in accordance with a sixth alternative composition;  
         [0027]      FIG. 17  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2 , taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3 , illustrating the various layers of the strippable laminate panel of  FIG. 4  in accordance with a seventh alternative composition;  
         [0028]      FIG. 18  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2 , taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3 , illustrating the various layers of the strippable laminate panel of  FIG. 4  in accordance with an eighth alternative composition;  
         [0029]      FIG. 19  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2 , taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3 , illustrating the various layers of the laminate panel of  FIG. 3  in accordance with an alternate construction; and  
         [0030]      FIG. 20  is a side, cross sectional view of the stowage bin door of  FIG. 2 , taken in accordance with section line  3 - 3 , illustrating the various layers of the strippable laminate panel of  FIG. 4  in accordance with an alternative construction. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0031]     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.  
         [0032]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown a laminate panel  10 . The laminate panel  10  is coupled to a surface  12  of a stowage bin door  14  on a mobile platform  8  to form an exterior surface  15 ; however, the laminate panel  10  can be applied to any surface desiring an aesthetically pleasing surface. It will be appreciated that laminate panel  10  could be used to help form a variety of structural or decorative panels able to be used in a mobile platform, such as a train, automobile or aircraft, or even in a fixed (i.e., non-mobile) structure.  
         [0033]     With reference now to  FIG. 3 , laminate panel  10  is comprised of a first film layer  16  having a texture on its outer surface  16   a . The first film layer  16  comprises a very thin polyvinyl fluoride film, such as Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of about one mil. The first film layer  16  is also a clear gloss or a semi-gloss layer, but in either event it is substantially translucent or clear. Adjacent to the first film layer  16  can be an ink layer  18 .  
         [0034]     Ink layer  18  represents the ink that comprises an image  19 ; however, it will be understood that the laminate panel  10  could be formed without the ink layer  18  if so desired. The ink layer  18  is formed on an inside surface  16   b  of the first film layer  16 . This eliminates the need to place a protective, separate layer over the ink layer  18 , since the first film layer  16 , itself, forms a protective covering for the ink on its inside surface  16   b.    
         [0035]     If the ink layer  18  is desired, the ink layer  18  should be deposited by a suitable printer, such as a digital ink jet printer, directly on the first film layer  16 . Since the ink layer  18  is deposited on the inside surface  16   b , it will be appreciated that the image  19  will need to be transposed during the printing process so that it appears correct when being viewed from the opposite side (i.e., outer surface  16   a ) of first film layer  16 . Alternatively, the ink layer  18  could be formed on a second film layer  22  adjacent to the first film layer  16 , as will be described in greater detail herein, which would also eliminate the need to transpose the image  19  during the printing process.  
         [0036]     The ink used to form ink layer  18 , which makes up the image  19 , comprises an ultraviolet (UV) curable and stable ink (black or colored) that is deposited directly on the first film layer  16 . The ink is cured virtually immediately after being deposited by the ink jet printer via a UV light operably associated with the digital ink jet printer that passes over the newly deposited ink just after the ink is deposited. Companies making suitable ink jet printers or printing equipment are Vutek of Meredith, N.H. and 3M Corp. of Maplewood, Minn. Other suitable inks are available from Sericol, Inc. of Kansas City, Kans. and Sunjet of Bath, England. The color image formed by the image  19 , in one form, comprises a high contrast color image that is highly aesthetically pleasing to view. The use of UV curable ink allows the ink to be deposited directly on the first film layer  16  (or even on the second film layer  22 ) without the need for some type of receptive coating to be placed over the first film layer  16  or the second film layer  22 , which would be necessary with water or solvent based digital ink jet inks. The ability of the UV curable ink to be cured virtually immediately after being deposited on the first and second film layers  16 ,  22  also simplifies and expedites the manufacturing of the laminate panel  10 . In addition, UV curable inks allow ink loadings on the Tedlar® PVF in excess of 300%, which is difficult, or impossible, to obtain using water or solvent based digital ink jet inks.  
         [0037]     The second film layer  22  is disposed against the inside surface  16   b  of the first film layer  16 . The second film layer  22  also comprises a very thin polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, that is white in color to form a suitable background against which the colors of the ink layer  18  stand out. However, it will be appreciated that other colors could be employed depending on the color scheme used in the image  19 . Advantageously, the first and second film layers  16 ,  22  form a fire worthy material that meets Federal Aviation Administration fire safety requirements for materials used on commercial aircraft.  
         [0038]     The laminate panel  10  further includes a layer  24  comprised of an embossing resin and a third film layer  26  that is disposed against the surface  12 . The layer of embossing resin  24  can vary significantly, but in one form comprises an areal weight of 0.023 pounds/square foot (lb/ft 2 ) to 0.031 lb/ft 2 . The third film layer  26  comprises a very thin polyvinyl fluoride film, such as Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of around two mils. Third film layer  26  is generally white in color.  
         [0039]     Once the ink layer  18 , if desired, is applied to the first film layer  16  or the second film layer  22  with a suitable printer, the remaining layers of the laminate panel  10  can be arranged in a conventional multi-opening press. Generally, the laminate panel  10  is formed in a conventional multi-opening press that uses heat and pressure to laminate the individual layers making up laminate panel  10  together as a single, decorative, textured laminate structure. The textured outer surface  16   a  of the first film layer  16  is maintained by the embossing resin of layer  24  as the resin cures in the multi-opening press during manufacture. An infrared (IR) oven is then used to form the laminate panel  10  to the surface  12 .  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown an alternative form of implementation of the laminate panel  10  of the present disclosure that makes use of a strippable laminate panel secured to an associated bin door  14 . One such strippable laminate panel is designated by reference numeral  100 , and the desired application surface  102 . With this embodiment the image  19 , if included, is changed simply by removing the surface  102  from mobile platform  8  and removing each of the strippable laminate panels  100  from their respective surfaces  102 , and then applying a new strippable laminate panel having a different image. Furthermore, the strippable laminate panels  100  could also be removed, and new strippable laminate panels applied to the surfaces  102 , without removing the surfaces  102  from the mobile platform  8 .  
         [0041]     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the laminate panel  100  is similar in construction to laminate panel  10 . Laminate panel  100  includes a first film layer  104  having a texture on its outer surface  104   a . The first film layer  104  comprises a very thin polyvinyl fluoride film, such as Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of about one mil. The first film layer  104  is also a clear gloss or a semi-gloss layer, but in either event it is substantially translucent or clear. Ink layer  106  represents the ink layer that comprises the image  19 . The ink layer  106  is formed on an inside surface  108  of the first film layer  104 , and thus there is no need to place a protective, separate layer over the first film layer  104 . The inside surface  108  of the first film layer  104  typically has a very thin adhesive layer left after the backing of the first film layer  104  is removed (not specifically shown), and the ink layer  106 , if included, is generally deposited on this adhesive. As with laminate panel  10 , the ink layer  106 , if desired, is deposited by a suitable printer, such as a digital ink jet printer, directly on the first film layer  104 , as discussed previously herein. The ink used to form ink layer  106 , which makes up the image  19 , generally comprises an ultraviolet (UV) curable and stable ink (black or colored).  
         [0042]     A second film layer  110  is disposed against the inside surface  108  of the first film layer  104 . The second film layer  110  also comprises a very thin polyvinyl fluoride film, such as Tedlar® PVF film, that is colored to form a suitable background against which the colors of the ink layer  106  stand out. It should be noted that, alternatively, the ink layer  106  could be formed on the second film layer  110 .  
         [0043]     The decorative textured laminate panel  100  further includes an embossing resin layer  112 , a third film layer  114  disposed against the embossing resin layer  112 , and an adhesive layer  116  formed on the third film layer  114 . The embossing resin layer  112  comprises an areal weight of 0.023 lb/ft 2  to 0.031 lb/ft 2 . The third film layer  114  comprises a very thin polyvinyl fluoride film, such as Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of around two mils. The adhesive layer  116  is heat activated and “strippable”, meaning that it allows the laminate panel  100  to be easily and quickly removed by the application of heat from a heat gun. A suitable adhesive for this purpose is SPA 110-.4, available from Bostik-Findley, Inc., of Huntington Valley, Pa. The adhesive layer  116  can be temporarily covered, before the laminate panel  100  is applied, by a thin, removable release layer of plastic or other material. Then, once the release layer is removed, the laminate panel  100  is positioned over a desired surface  102  and carefully laid onto the surface  102 . Pressure with a roller or other implement can be used to smooth out the laminate panel  100  and to remove air pockets. Alternatively, an exposed surface  114   a  of the third film layer  114  could be left dry (i.e., no adhesive applied thereto), and at the time the laminate panel  100  is to be installed on the surface  102 , a suitable spray adhesive could be sprayed onto the exposed surface  114   a  of the third film layer  114 , or possibly directly onto the surface  102 .  
         [0044]     Stripping an installed laminate panel  100  from its associated surface  102  is accomplished simply by heating the laminate panel  100  with a heat gun or other like implement (not shown). Once heated sufficiently, the laminate panel  100  is peeled off of its surface  102 . Typically, there will be little or no residue left behind on the surface  102 . Any residual adhesive that is be left can be easily and quickly cleaned with a mild cleaning detergent, or possibly soapy water. The surface  102  is then ready to receive a new laminate panel comprising a segment of or an entire image  19 .  
         [0045]     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and additional reference to  FIG. 5 , an alternative laminate panel  200 , similar to laminate panel  10 , is applied to the surface  12  to provide the surface  12  with increased thermal resistance. As the laminate panel  200  is similar to the laminate panel  10 , the same reference numerals will be used herein to denote the same or similar components. The laminate panel  200  includes the first film layer  16  having a texture on its outer surface  16   a . The first film layer  16  comprises a very thin polyvinyl fluoride film, such as Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of about one mil. The first film layer  16  is also a clear gloss or a semi-gloss layer, but in either event it is substantially translucent or clear. Adjacent to the first film layer  16  can be an ink layer  18   a.    
         [0046]     Ink layer  18   a  represents the ink that comprises the image  19 ; however, it will be understood that the laminate panel  200  could be formed without the ink layer  18   a , if so desired. The ink layer  18   a  is formed on an inside surface  16   b  of the first film layer  16 . This eliminates the need to place a protective, separate layer over the ink layer  18   a , since the first film layer  16 , itself, forms a protective covering for the ink on its inside surface  16   b.    
         [0047]     If the ink layer  18   a  is desired, it is deposited by a suitable printer, such as a digital ink jet printer, directly on the first film layer  16 . The ink used to form ink layer  18   a , which makes up the image  19 , comprises an ultraviolet (UV) curable and stable ink (black or colored) that is deposited directly on the first film layer  16 . Since the ink layer  18   a  is deposited on the inside surface  16   b , it will be appreciated that the image  19  will need to be transposed during the printing process so that it appears correct when being viewed from the opposite side (i.e., outer surface  16   a ) of the first film layer  16 . Alternatively, the ink layer  18   a  could be formed on a second film layer  202 , as discussed previously herein. The second film layer  202  is generally disposed against the inside surface  16   b  of the first film layer  16 .  
         [0048]     The second film layer  202  comprises a polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) layer that is impregnated with aluminum oxide trihydrate, or aluminum trihydrate (ATH). The optimal loading level for ATH typically falls between 30% and 60%, but can range from 20% to 80% by weight. The addition of ATH to the PVF to form second film layer  202  serves to increase the fire worthiness of the second film layer  202  while imparting opacity to the second film layer  202 . ATH is a pigment that contains three moles of water molecules for every mole of aluminum oxide. During combustion, the water molecules will be converted from a liquid phase to a gas phase, and this conversion requires a significant amount of thermal energy, approximately 970 British thermal units per pound water (BTU/lb. water). Thus, ATH acts as a heat sink, absorbing a significant amount of thermal energy to decrease the amount of heat released by the surface  12  during a combustion event, thereby improving the fire worthiness of the laminate panel  200 .  
         [0049]     The second film layer  202  forms a suitable background against which the colors of the ink layer  18   a  stand out, such as a white background. However, it will be appreciated that other colors could be utilized depending on the color scheme used in the image  19 . It should be noted that since ATH has a different index of refraction than that of the titanium dioxide, which comprises the first film layer  16 , the same ink formulation likely will not be useable on either the first film layer  16  or the second film layer  202 . Although the ink layer  18   a  likely should have a different formulation, the reformulated ink layer  18   a , as shown in  FIG. 5 , can be composed of a UV curable ink with similar properties and characteristics as the UV curable ink that forms the ink layer  18 . The reformulated ink layer  18   a  can be disposed directly onto the second film layer  202  and cured, as described previously herein.  
         [0050]     The laminate panel  200  further includes the layer  24  comprised of an embossing resin, and a third film layer  204  that is comprised of PVF impregnated with ATH. The layer of embossing resin  24  can vary significantly in thickness, but in one form comprises an areal weight of about 0.023 pounds per square feet (lb/ft 2 ) to 0.031 lb/ft 2 . The third film layer  204  is disposed against the surface  12 . The third film layer  204  has a thickness of around two mils and is generally opaque in color, such as white.  
         [0051]     The laminate panel  200  is formed using the same process employed to form laminate panel  10 . Specifically, the laminate panel  200  is placed in a conventional multi-opening press, which uses heat and pressure to laminate the individual layers making up laminate panel  200  together as a single, decorative, textured laminate structure. The textured outer surface  16   a  of the first film layer  16  is maintained by the embossing resin of layer  24  as the resin cures in the multi-opening press during manufacture. The decorative textured laminate panel  200  is then secured to the desired surface  12  through various techniques, such as the use of a spray adhesive applied to the surface  12  or through the use of an IR oven to form the laminate panel  200  on to the surface  12 , as discussed previously. Some trimming of excess material or edge wrapping of laminate panel  200  can be required to achieve maximum aesthetic appeal.  
         [0052]     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 3, 4  and  5 , and with additional reference to  FIG. 6 , a second alternative composition of the laminate panel  200  is shown. As only the composition of the second film layer  202  and third film layer  204  have been altered, only these features will be discussed. In particular, a second alternative laminate panel  200   a  is shown to include a second film layer  202   a  and a third film layer  204   a . The second film layer  202   a  and third film layer  204   a  each comprise fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) impregnated with ATH. The optimal loading level for ATH typically falls between 30% and 60%, but can range from 20% to 80% by weight. Similar to the laminate panel  200 , the ink layer  18   a  is applied to the second film layer  202   a , but the ink employed to create the ink layer  18   a  may have to be reformulated due to the difference in the index of refraction of the second film layer  202   a  and second film layer  202 . Both the second film layer  202   a  and third film layer  204   a  are also generally opaque and typically are white. The third film layer  204   a  is disposed against the surface  12 .  
         [0053]     With additional reference to  FIG. 7 , a third alternative composition of the alterative laminate panel  200  is illustrated. In this embodiment, a third alternative laminate panel  200   b  includes a second film layer  202   b  and a third film layer  204   b . As only the compositions of the second film layer  202  and third film layer  204  have been altered in this embodiment, only these features will be discussed. The second film layer  202   b  and third film layer  204   b  each comprises a silicone type polymer including an alkyl group, such as a methyl or ethyl group, impregnated with ATH. (Dow Corning 0-3016 is one suitable polymer that could be employed.) The optimal loading level for ATH typically falls between 30% and 60%, but can range from 20% to 80% by weight. Similar to the laminate panel  200 , the ink layer  18   a  is applied to the second film layer  202   b , but the ink employed to create the ink layer  18   a  may have to be reformulated due to the difference in the index of refraction of the second film layer  202   b  and second film layer  202 . Both the second film layer  202   b  and third film layer  204   b  are also generally opaque and typically are white. The third film layer  204   b  is disposed against the surface  12 .  
         [0054]     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 7   a , a fourth alternative composition of the alternative laminate panel  200  is illustrated. As only the compositions of the first film layer  16  and third film layer  204  have been altered in this embodiment, only these features will be discussed. In this embodiment, a fourth alternative laminate panel  200   c  is shown with a first film layer  16 ′. The first film layer  16 ′ can comprise PVF impregnated with ATH, FEP impregnated with ATH or a silicone type polymer including an alkyl group and impregnated with ATH to further improve the fire worthiness of the laminate panel  200   c . The optimal loading level for ATH typically falls between 30% and 60%, but can range from 20% to 80% by weight. The second film layer  22  is disposed adjacent to the first film layer  16 ′ and comprises PVF. Similar to laminate panel  200 , the ink layer  18   a  is applied to the second film layer  22 , but the ink employed to create the ink layer  18   a  may have to be reformulated due to the difference in the index of refraction of the first film layer  16 ′. The embossing resin layer  24  is disposed between the second film layer  22  and a third film layer  204   c . The third film layer  204   c  comprises PVF impregnated with ATH, FEP impregnated with ATH or silicone type polymer including an alkyl group and impregnated with ATH. The optimal loading level for ATH typically falls between 30% and 60%, but can range from 20% to 80% by weight. Both the first film layer  16 ′ and third film layer  204   c  are also generally opaque and typically are white. The third film layer  204   c  is disposed against the surface  12 .  
         [0055]     With continuing reference to  FIG. 8 , a fifth alternative composition of a fixed laminate panel is provided. The laminate panel  300 , similar to laminate panel  200 , is shown. In this embodiment, the laminate panel  300  includes a first film layer  302  having a first side  304  that forms the outside surface of the laminate panel  300 . The first film layer  302  is generally comprised of a substantially transparent polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of approximately one mil. Adjacent to the first film layer  302  can be an ink layer  308 . The ink layer  308  forms the image  19  on the laminate panel  300 ; however, the ink layer  308  is optional. If included in the formation of the laminate panel  300 , then the ink layer  308  is comprised of metallic or pearlescent ink that is screen printed upon a second side  310  of the first film layer  302  by any appropriate screen printing process.  
         [0056]     If the ink layer  308  is employed in the formation of the laminate panel  300 , then an embossing resin layer  312  is positioned adjacent to the ink layer  308 . Otherwise, the embossing resin layer  312  is disposed against the first film layer  302 . As the embossing resin layer  312  generally includes a fire retardant (heat sink) material as part of its formulation, it is layered closer to the first film layer  302  of the laminate panel  300  to improve the overall heat resistance of the laminate panel  300 . Thus, by placing the embossing resin layer  312  closer to a possible source of flame (i.e., the exterior surface  15  of the laminate panel  300 ) the embossing resin layer  312  serves to slow the combustion process and reduce the intensity of the combustion event, resulting in a reduced heat release value for the laminate panel  300 . The embossing resin layer  312  is also disposed adjacent to a second film layer  314 . The second film layer  314  comprises opaque or white thin polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of approximately two mils.  
         [0057]     The laminate panel  300  is formed using the same process employed to form laminate panel  200 . Specifically, the laminate panel  300  is placed in a conventional multi-opening press, which uses heat and pressure to laminate the individual layers making up the laminate panel  300  together as a single textured laminate structure. The textured outside surface of the first film layer  302  is maintained by the embossing resin layer  312  as the resin cures in the multi-opening press during manufacture. The laminate panel  300  is then coupled to the surface  12  via the use of an IR oven, as discussed previously herein.  
         [0058]     An alternative composition of the laminate panel  300  is shown in  FIG. 9 . As only the composition of the second film layer  314  has been altered, only this feature will be discussed. In particular, a sixth alternative laminate panel  300   a  is shown to include a second film layer  314   a . The second film layer  314   a  comprises tetrafluoroethhylene, hexaflouropropylene and vinylidene fluoride (THV™) to further reduce the heat released by the laminate panel  300   a . The use of THV™ film reduces the heat released by the laminate panel  300   a  because the chemical composition of the THV™ film creates a material with desirable physical properties while providing a high Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) material. The LOI is a measurement of the minimum percentage of oxygen required to sustain ignition and combustion. Generally, materials with a high LOI, such as an LOI of greater than 30%, are considered to be self-extinguishing polymers.  
         [0059]     The second film layer  314   a  is generally opaque or white, and typically has a thickness of two mils. Similar to the laminate panel  300 , the second film layer  314   a  is disposed adjacent to the embossing resin layer  312 , and the alternative laminate panel  300   a  is formed in substantially the same way as the laminate panel  300 .  
         [0060]     With reference now to  FIG. 10 , a seventh alternative laminate panel  400  is shown. The laminate panel  400  is similar to laminate panel  300 . The laminate panel  400  includes a first film layer  402  having a first side  404  that forms the outside surface of the laminate panel  400 . The first film layer  402  is generally comprised of substantially transparent polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of approximately one mil and including an ultraviolet (UV) blocker. The first film layer  402  includes a texture to create an aesthetically pleasing exterior surface. Adjacent to the first film layer  402  is an ink layer  408 . The ink layer  408  is used to form the image  19  on the laminate panel  400 , however, the ink layer  408  is optional. If included in the formation of the laminate panel  400 , then the ink layer  408  is comprised of UV cured ink jet ink, which is printed on a second side  410  of the first film layer  402  using any appropriate ink jet printer, as discussed previously herein.  
         [0061]     If the ink layer  408  is employed in the formation of the laminate panel  400 , then an embossing resin layer  412  is positioned adjacent to the ink layer  408 . Otherwise, the embossing resin layer  412  is disposed against the first film layer  402 . As the embossing resin layer  412  generally includes a fire retardant (heat sink) material as part of the formulation of the embossing resin, the embossing resin layer  412  is layered closer to the outside surface of the laminate panel  400  to improve the heat resistance of the material, as discussed previously. The embossing resin layer  412  is generally white or opaque in color as the ink jet printing is a subtractive practice that requires an opaque or white background to create the image  19 . In addition, the use of the UV blocker in the first film layer  402  further serves to protect an ink jet printed image as without the UV blocker in the first film layer  402 , the exposure of the laminate panel  400  to UV light can cause the image to yellow over time.  
         [0062]     The embossing resin layer  412  is also disposed adjacent to a second film layer  414 . The second film layer  414  generally comprises an opaque or white polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of approximately two mils. The laminate panel  400  is formed using the same process employed to form laminate panel  300 . Specifically, the laminate panel  400  is placed in a conventional multi-opening press, which uses heat and pressure to laminate the individual layers making up the laminate panel  400  together as a single textured laminate structure. The textured outside surface of the first film layer  402  is maintained by the embossing resin layer  412  as the resin cures in the multi-opening press during manufacture. The laminate panel  400  is then coupled to any appropriate surface  12  through the use of an IR oven, as discussed herein.  
         [0063]     An alternative composition of the laminate panel  400  is shown in  FIG. 11 . As only the composition of the second film layer  414  has been altered, only this feature will be discussed. In particular, an eighth alternative laminate panel  400   a  is shown to include a second film layer  414   a . The second film layer  414   a  comprises THV™ film to further reduce the heat released by the laminate panel  400   a . The second film layer  414   a  is generally opaque or white and generally has a thickness of two mils. Similar to the laminate panel  400 , the second film layer  414   a  is disposed adjacent to the embossing resin layer  412 , and the laminate panel  400   a  is formed in substantially the same way as the laminate panel  400 .  
         [0064]     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the laminate panel  10  of the alternative embodiment incorporating the second film layer  202  and third film layer  204  is illustrated according to an alternative form of implementation. Specifically, a strippable laminate panel  500  is secured to the surface  102 , and as discussed previously, the image  19  is changed simply by removing the bin door  14  from the mobile platform  8  and removing each of the strippable laminate panels  500  from their respective surfaces  102 . Then, a new strippable laminate panel having a different image is applied to the surface  102 , as discussed previously herein.  
         [0065]     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the laminate panel  500  is similar in construction to laminate panel  100 . As such, the same reference numerals used to describe laminate panel  100  will be used to denote the same or similar components. The alternative laminate panel  500  includes the first film layer  104  having a texture on its outer surface. The first film layer  104  comprises a thin polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of about one mil. The first film layer  104  is also a clear gloss or a semi-gloss layer, but in either event it is substantially translucent or clear. The ink layer  106   a  comprises the image  19 . The ink layer  106   a  is formed on an inside surface  108  of the first film layer  104 , and thus, a separate, protective layer is not required. The inside surface  108  typically has a very thin adhesive layer left after the backing of the first film layer  104  is removed, and the ink layer  106   a  is deposited on this adhesive if the ink layer  106   a  is desired. The ink used to form ink layer  106   a  comprises an ultraviolet (UV) curable and stable ink (black or colored).  
         [0066]     A second film layer  504  is disposed against the inside surface  108  of first film layer  104 , and thus against the ink layer  106   a . The second film layer  504  is comprised of PVF impregnated with ATH, with the amount of ATH as necessary to form a suitable background against which the colors of the ink layer  106   a  stand out. It should be noted that, alteratively, the ink layer  106   a  could be formed on the second film layer  504 . In order to form the ink layer  106   a  on the second film layer  504 , the ink used to form the ink layer  106   a  will likely have to be reformulated, as discussed previously herein.  
         [0067]     The decorative textured laminate panel  500  further includes an embossing resin layer  112 , a third film layer  506  disposed against the embossing resin layer  112 , and an adhesive layer  116  formed on the third film layer  506 . The third film layer  506  comprises a polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) material impregnated with aluminum oxide trihydrate, or aluminum trihydrate (ATH). The optimal loading level for ATH typically falls between 30% and 60%, but can range from 20% to 80% by weight. The third film layer  506  generally has a thickness of around two mils. The embossing resin layer  112  also comprises an areal weight of about 0.023 lb/ft 2  to 0.031 lb/ft 2 . The adhesive layer  116  is heat activated and strippable to enable laminate panel  500  to be easily and quickly removed. The adhesive layer  116  is temporarily covered, before the laminate panel  500  is applied, by a thin, removable release layer of plastic or other material. Then, once the release layer is removed, the laminate panel  500  is positioned over its respective surface  102  and carefully laid onto the surface  102 . Pressure with a roller or other implement can be used to smooth out the laminate panel  500  and to remove air pockets.  
         [0068]     Alternatively, an exposed surface  506   c  of the third film layer  506  could be left dry (i.e., no adhesive applied thereto), and at the time the laminate panel  500  is to be installed on the surface  102 , a suitable spray adhesive could be sprayed onto the exposed surface  506   c  of the third film layer  506 , or possibly onto the surface  102 .  
         [0069]     With reference to  FIG. 13 , a second alternative composition laminate panel  500   a  is shown. The second alternative composition laminate panel  500   a  is substantially similar to the laminate panel  500 , except the second film layer  504  and a third film layer  506  are comprised of different materials. Thus, only the altered compositions will be discussed. The alternative composition laminate panel  500   a  includes a second film layer  504   a  and a third film layer  506   a . The second film layer  504   a  and the third film layer  506   a  each comprises fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) impregnated with ATH. The optimal loading level for ATH typically falls between 30% and 60%, but can range from 20% to 80% by weight. Similar to the laminate panel  500 , the ink layer  106   a  is applied to the second film layer  504   a  if desired, but the ink employed to create the ink layer  106   a  may have to be reformulated due to the difference in the index of refraction of the second film layer  504   a  and second film layer  504 . As discussed previously herein, the ink layer  106   a  is optional. Third film layer  506   a  is disposed against the adhesive layer  116 , or is left dry in order for a suitable spray adhesive to be sprayed onto the exposed surface  506   c ′ of the third film layer  506   a , or possibly onto the surface  102 . Both the second film  504   a  and third film  506   a  are also generally opaque and typically are white in color.  
         [0070]     With reference to  FIG. 14 , a third alternative composition laminate panel  500   b  is shown. The third alternative composition laminate panel  500   b  is substantially similar to the laminate panel  500 , except the second film layer  504  and third film layer  506  are comprised of different materials, and thus, only the altered compositions will be discussed. The second alternative composition laminate panel  500   b  includes a second film layer  504   b  and a third film layer  506   b . The second film layer  504   b  and the third film layer  506   b  each comprises a silicone type polymer including an alkyl group, such as a methyl or ethyl group, impregnated with ATH. The optimal loading level for ATH typically falls between 30% and 60%, but can range from 20% to 80% by weight. (Dow Corning 0-3016 is a specific polymer that could be employed.) Similar to the laminate panel  500 , the ink layer  106   a  is applied to the second film layer  504   b  if desired, but the ink employed to create the ink layer  106   a  may have to be reformulated due to the difference in the index of refraction of the second film layer  504   b  and second film layer  504 . As discussed previously herein, the ink layer  106   a  is optional. The third film layer  506   b  is disposed against the adhesive layer  116 , or is left dry in order for a suitable spray adhesive to be sprayed onto an exposed surface  506   c ″ of the third film layer  506   b , or possibly onto the surface  102 . Both the second film layer  504   b  and third film layer  506   b  are also generally opaque and typically are white.  
         [0071]     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 14   a , a fourth alternative composition of the alternative laminate panel  500  is illustrated. As only the compositions of the first film layer  104  and third film layer  506  have been altered in this embodiment, only these features will be discussed. In this embodiment, a fourth laminate panel  500   d  is shown with a first film layer  104 ′. The first film layer  104 ′ comprises PVF impregnated with ATH, FEP impregnated with ATH or a silicone type polymer including an alkyl group and impregnated with ATH to further improve the fire worthiness of the laminate panel  500   d . The optimal loading level for ATH typically falls between 30% and 60%, but can range from 20% to 80% by weight. The second film layer  110  is disposed adjacent to the first film layer  104 ′ and comprises PVF. Similar to alternative laminate panel  500 , the ink layer  106   a  is applied to the second film layer  110 , if the ink layer  106   a  is desired; however, the ink employed to create the ink layer  106   a  may have to be reformulated due to the difference in the index of refraction of the first film layer  104 ′. The embossing resin layer  112  is disposed between the second film layer  110  and a third film layer  506   d . The third film layer  506   d  comprises PVF impregnated with ATH, FEP impregnated with ATH or silicone type polymer including an alkyl group and impregnated with ATH. The optimal loading level for ATH typically falls between 30% and 60%, but can range from 20% to 80% by weight. The third film layer  506   d  is disposed against the adhesive layer  116 , or is left dry in order for a suitable spray adhesive to be sprayed onto an exposed surface  506   c ″″ of the third film layer  506   d , or possibly onto the surface  102 . Both the first film  104  and third film  506   d  are also generally opaque and typically are white in color.  
         [0072]     With additional reference to  FIG. 15 , another alternative implementation is shown including a fifth alternative composition strippable laminate panel  600 . Strippable laminate panel  600  is similar to laminate panel  100 , and includes a first film layer  602  having a first side  604  that forms the exterior surface  15  of the laminate panel  600 . The first side  604  can be textured if desired (not specifically shown). The first film layer  602  is generally comprised of substantially transparent polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of approximately one mil. Adjacent to the first film layer  602  is an ink layer  608 . The ink layer  608  is used to form the image  19  on the laminate panel  600 ; however, the ink layer  608  is optional. If included in the formation of the laminate panel  600 , then the ink layer  608  is comprised of metallic or pearlescent ink, which is screen printed upon a second side  610  of the first film layer  602  by any suitable screen printing process.  
         [0073]     If the ink layer  608  is employed in the formation of the laminate panel  600 , then an embossing resin layer  612  is positioned adjacent to the ink layer  608 . Otherwise, the embossing resin layer  612  is disposed against the first film layer  602 . As the embossing resin layer  612  generally includes a fire retardant (heat sink) material as part of the formulation of the embossing resin, the embossing resin layer  612  is layered closer to the outside surface of the laminate panel  600  to improve the heat resistance of the material. The embossing resin layer  612  is disposed adjacent to a second film layer  614 . The second film layer  614  comprises an opaque or white polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of approximately two mils.  
         [0074]     An adhesive layer  616  is typically formed on a second side  618  of the second film layer  614 . Adhesive layer  616  is heat activated and strippable to allow the laminate panel  600  to be easily and quickly removed. The adhesive layer  616  is temporarily covered, before the laminate panel  600  is applied, by a thin, removable release layer of plastic or other material (not specifically shown). Then, once the release layer is removed, the laminate panel  600  is positioned over the desired application surface and carefully laid onto the surface. Pressure with a roller or other implement can be used to smooth out the laminate panel  600  and to remove air pockets. Alternatively, the second side  618  of the second film layer  614  could be left dry (i.e., no adhesive applied thereto), and at the time the laminate panel  600  is to be installed on the desired surface  102 , a suitable spray adhesive could be sprayed onto the second side  618  of the second film layer  614 , or possibly onto the desired surface  102 .  
         [0075]     With reference to  FIG. 16 , a sixth alternative composition laminate panel  600   a  is shown. The alternative composition laminate panel  600   a  is substantially similar to the laminate panel  600 , except the second film layer  614  is comprised of alternative materials. Thus, only the altered composition of the second film layer  614  will be discussed. In particular, an alternative composition laminate panel  600   a  is shown to include a second film layer  614   a . The second film layer  614   a  comprises a THV™ film to further reduce the heat released by the alternative composition laminate panel  600   a . The second film layer  614   a  is generally opaque or white, and generally has a thickness of two mils. Similar to the laminate panel  600 , the second film layer  614   a  is disposed adjacent to the embossing resin layer  612 , and the alternative composition laminate panel  600   a  is formed in substantially the same way as the laminate panel  600 .  
         [0076]     With reference now to  FIG. 17 , a seventh alternative composition laminate panel  700  is shown. The laminate panel  700  includes a first film layer  702  having a first side  704  that forms an exterior surface  15  of the laminate panel  700 . The first film layer  702  is generally comprised of substantially transparent polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of approximately one mil and including an ultraviolet (UV) blocker. Adjacent to the first film layer  702  is an ink layer  708 . The ink layer  708  is used to form the image  19  on the laminate panel  700 ; however, the ink layer  708  is optional. If included in the formation of the laminate panel  700 , then the ink layer  708  is comprised of UV cured ink jet ink, which is printed on a second side  710  of the first film layer  702  by any suitable ink jet printer, as previously described herein. The use of the UV blocker in the first film layer  702  serves to protect the ink jet printed image, if included, from fading or yellowing due to UV rays.  
         [0077]     If the ink layer  708  is employed in the formation of the laminate panel  700 , then an embossing resin layer  712  is disposed adjacent to the ink layer  708 . Otherwise, the embossing resin layer  712  is disposed against the first film layer  702 . As the embossing resin layer  712  generally includes a fire retardant material as part of the formulation of the embossing resin, the embossing resin layer  712  is layered closer to the exterior surface  15  of the laminate panel  700 . The embossing resin layer  712  is white or opaque in color. The embossing resin layer  712  is disposed adjacent to a second film layer  714 . The second film layer  714  comprises opaque or white polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, with a thickness of approximately two mils. An adhesive layer  716  is typically formed on a second side  718  of the second film layer  714 .  
         [0078]     The adhesive layer  716  is heat activated and strippable. The adhesive layer  716  is temporarily covered, before the laminate panel  700  is applied, by a thin, removable release layer of plastic or other material (not specifically shown). Then, once the release layer is removed, the laminate panel  700  is positioned over the desired application surface  102  and carefully laid onto the surface  102 . Pressure with a roller or other implement can be used to smooth out the laminate panel  700  and to remove air pockets. Alternatively, the second side  718  of the second film layer  714  could be left dry (i.e., no adhesive applied thereto), and at the time the laminate panel  700  is to be installed on the desired surface  102 , a suitable spray adhesive could be sprayed onto the second side  718  of the second film layer  714 , or possibly onto the desired surface  102 .  
         [0079]     With reference to  FIG. 18 , an eighth alternative composition laminate panel  700   a  is shown. The eighth alternative composition laminate panel  700   a  is substantially similar to the laminate panel  700 , except the second film layer  714  is comprised of different materials. Thus, only the altered composition of the second film layer  714  will be discussed. In particular, the alternative composition laminate panel  700   a  includes a second film layer  714   a . The second film layer  714   a  comprises THV™ to further reduce the heat released by the alternative composition laminate panel  700   a . The second film layer  714   a  is generally opaque or white, and generally has a thickness of two mils. Similar to the laminate panel  700 , the second film layer  714   a  is disposed adjacent to the embossing resin layer  712 , and the alternative composition laminate panel  700   a  is formed in substantially the same way as the laminate panel  700 .  
         [0080]     The use of the first film layers  16 ′,  104 ′, second film layers  202 ,  202   a ,  202   b ,  504 ,  504   a ,  504   b  and third film layers  204 ,  204   a ,  204   b ,  506 ,  506   a ,  506   b ,  506   d  require the reformulation of the ink used to create the ink layer  18 ,  18   a ,  106 ,  106   a  due to the difference in the index of refraction of the ATH. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 19 , a laminate panel  800  is formed using a second film layer  802  comprised of a polyvinyl fluoride film, such as Tedlar® PVF, and a third film layer  804 . As the laminate panel  800  is of similar construction to the laminate panel  10 , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar components. The laminate panel  800  includes the first film layer  16 . The first film layer  16  is composed of a polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of about one mil. The first film layer  16  is also a clear gloss or a semi-gloss layer, but in either event it is substantially translucent or clear. The ink layer  18   a  is formed on an inside surface  16   b  of the first film layer  16  to comprise the image  19  or the ink layer  18  could be formed on a second film layer  802 , which would also eliminate the need to transpose the image during the printing process. It should be noted that the ink layer  18  is optional. The second film layer  802  is disposed against the inside surface  16   b  of first film layer  16 .  
         [0081]     The laminate panel  800  further includes the layer  24  comprised of an embossing resin and a third film layer  804 . The layer of embossing resin  24  can vary significantly, but in one form comprises an areal weight of 0.023 pounds per square feet (lb/ft 2 ) to 0.031 lb/ft 2 . The third film layer  804  is comprised of polyvinyl fluoride impregnated with ATH, similar to third film layer  204 . Alternatively, the third film layer  804  can be the third film layer  204   a , which is composed of FEP impregnated with ATH, or the third film layer  204   b , which is composed of silicone alkyl based polymer impregnated with ATH. The third film layer  804  is disposed against the surface  102 . The third film layer  804  also has a thickness of around two mils and is generally opaque in color, and typically is white. The laminate panel  800  is formed using the same process employed to form laminate panel  10 , as discussed previously. As the laminate panel  800  includes only one film layer that is impregnated with ATH, the ink comprising the ink layer  18  may not have to be reformulated to present the same image as would be found in laminate panel  10 .  
         [0082]     Alternatively, the laminate panel  800  can be formed as a strippable laminate panel  800   a , similar to strippable laminate panel  100 . As the laminate panel  800   a  is similar to the laminate panel  100 , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar components. With reference to  FIG. 20 , the laminate panel  800   a  includes the first film layer  104  having a texture on its outer surface  104   a . The first film layer  104  comprises a thin polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, having a thickness of about one mil. The first film layer  104  is also a clear gloss or a semi-gloss layer, but in either event it is substantially translucent or clear. Ink layer  106  represents the ink layer that comprises the image  19 . The ink layer  106  is formed on an inside surface  108  of the first film layer  104 , and thus, a separate, protective layer is not required. The inside surface  108  typically has a very thin adhesive layer left after the backing of the first film layer  104  is removed, and the ink layer  106  is deposited on this adhesive. The ink used to form ink layer  106  comprises an ultraviolet (UV) curable and stable ink (black or colored). A second film  802   a  is disposed against the inside surface  108  of first film layer  104 .  
         [0083]     The second film  802   a  cam be comprised of a thin polyvinyl fluoride film, such as a Tedlar® PVF film, to form a suitable background against which the colors of the ink layer  106   a  stand out. Alternatively, the ink layer  106   a  could be formed on the second film  802   a . The decorative textured laminate panel  800   a  further includes an embossing resin layer  112 , a third film layer  804   a  disposed against the embossing resin layer  112 , and an adhesive layer  116  formed on the third film layer  804   a . The embossing resin layer  112  also comprises an areal weight of 0.023 lb/ft 2  to 0.031 lb/ft 2 . The third film layer  804   a  is comprised of PVF impregnated with ATH, similar to third film layer  506 . Alternatively, the third film layer  804   a  can be the third film layer  506   a , which is composed of FEP impregnated with ATH, or the third film layer  506   b , which is composed of silicone alkyl based polymer impregnated with ATH. The third film layer  804  generally has a thickness of around two mils.  
         [0084]     The adhesive layer  116  is strippable to allow the laminate panel  800   a  to be easily and quickly removed. The adhesive layer  116  is temporarily covered, before the laminate panel  800   a  is applied, by a thin, removable release layer of plastic or other material. Then, once the release layer is removed, the laminate panel  800   a  is positioned over its respective bin door  14  and carefully laid onto the surface  12  of the bin door  14 . Pressure with a roller or other implement can be used to smooth out the laminate panel  800   a  and to remove air pockets. Alternatively, the exposed surface  804   c  of the third film layer  804   a  could be left dry (i.e., no adhesive applied thereto), and at the time the laminate panel  800   a  is to be installed on the bin door  14 , a suitable spray adhesive could be sprayed onto the exposed surface  804   c  of the third film layer  804 , or possibly onto the surface  102  itself, as discussed previously with regard to laminate panel  100 .  
         [0085]     The incorporation of ATH in the first film layer  16 ′,  104 ′, second film layer  202 ,  202   a ,  202   b ,  504 ,  504   a ,  504   b  and third film layer  204 ,  204   a ,  204   b ,  506 ,  506   a ,  506   b ,  506   d ,  804 ,  804   a  serves to increase the fire worthiness of the surface  12 ,  102  as ATH acts to absorb heat during a combustion event, thus reducing the overall heat released by the surface  12 ,  102  during combustion. Alternatively, the ATH incorporated in the first film layer  16 ′,  104 ′, second film layer  202 ,  202   a ,  202   b ,  504 ,  504   a ,  504   b  and third film layer  204 ,  204   a ,  204   b ,  506 ,  506   a ,  506   b ,  506   d  would be nano ATH. Nano ATH is aluminum oxide trihydrate that has been fashioned into long tubes or small particles at the nanometer level, and is about one-third the size of standard bulk ATH. As the particle size of nano-ATH is smaller than visible light waves, it will not impact the transparency of the first film layer  16 ,  16 ′,  104 ,  104 ′ the second film layer  202 ,  202   a ,  202   b ,  504 ,  504   a ,  504   b  or third film layer  204 ,  204   a ,  204   b ,  506 ,  506   a ,  506   b ,  506   d  if incorporated. Thus, nano-ATH is one type of endothermic pigment that is incorporated into transparent materials without impacting the transparency of the first film layer  16 ,  16 ′,  104 ,  104 ′ the second film layer  202 ,  202   a ,  202   b ,  504 ,  504   a ,  504   b  or third film layer  204 ,  204   a ,  204   b ,  506 ,  506   a ,  506   b ,  506   d  and thus the ink layer  18 ,  106 , will not require reformulation.  
         [0086]     Alternatively, instead of ATH, the second film layer  202 ,  202   a ,  202   b ,  504 ,  504   a ,  504   b  and third film layer  204 ,  204   a ,  204   b ,  506 ,  506   a ,  506   b  may comprise sodium borate tetrahydrate. Care must be taken, however, as sodium borate cannot always be used interchangeably with ATH because it requires lower processing temperatures to avoid the evolution of water, which occurs at temperatures above 250° F. Loading levels for sodium borate are also lower than those of ATH due to the ten moles of water that are within each mole of crystalline sodium borate tetrahydrate. Typically the loading level will fall between 15% and 30% by weight, but can range from 5% to 55% by weight.  
         [0087]     The apparatus and method of the present disclosure thus provides improved fire worthiness for any surface  12 ,  102  to which the laminate panel  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  300 ,  300   a ,  400 ,  400   a ,  500 ,  500   a ,  500   b ,  500   d ,  600 ,  600   a ,  700 ,  700   a ,  800 ,  800   a  is applied. In addition, the present disclosure enables images, advertising murals or messages to be implemented on various surfaces via ink jet printing, or digital ink jet printing. The images form an aesthetically pleasing appearance and add to the ambience within the passenger cabin area of a mobile platform. It will also be appreciated that while the stowage bin doors form a particularly convenient surface for presenting the image  19 , other interior surfaces, such as a ceiling area, could just as readily be employed for the purpose of presenting the image  19 . Such an area would be more suitable for presenting an image that is not intended to be changed frequently, whereas the stowage bin doors are ideally suited for images that will be changed periodically.  
         [0088]     While various embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications or variations that might be made without departing from the inventive concept. The examples illustrate the disclosure and are not intended to limit it. Therefore, the description and claims should be interpreted liberally with only such limitation as is necessary in view of the pertinent prior art.