Resin Encased Lead Furniture and Surfaces

Abstract

A decorative flat member comprises a rigid, substantially flat substrate having top, bottom, and lateral surfaces; a metal layer attached to the top, bottom, and lateral surfaces; and a resin layer encasing the metal layer. The decorative member can be a part of a piece of furniture, countertop, flooring, carpentry, or cabinetry. A lead layer having an epoxy resin layer thereon has been found to be of special interest for architectural or decorating purposes.

1 . A decorative flat member comprising: 
 a rigid, substantially flat substrate having top, bottom, and lateral surfaces;    a metal layer attached to said top, bottom, and lateral surfaces; and    a resin layer encasing said metal layer.    
   
   
       2 . The decorative member of  claim 1  which is a part of a piece of furniture, countertop, flooring, carpentry, or cabinetry.  
   
   
       3 . The decorative member of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises medium dense fiberboard, particle board, or plywood.  
   
   
       4 . The decorative member of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface has notched areas to receive the metal layer.  
   
   
       5 . The decorative member of  claim 4 , wherein the layer of metal with a layer of resin received in the notched area is substantially flush with the bottom surface.  
   
   
       6 . The decorative member of  claim 1 , wherein the resin is an environmentally acceptable epoxy resin.  
   
   
       7 . The decorative member of  claim 1 , wherein the top surface of the substrate has a recessed area to receive the metal layer and the resin layer.  
   
   
       8 . The decorative member of  claim 7 , wherein the recessed area extends longitudinally or laterally across the top surface of the substrate.  
   
   
       9 . The decorative member of  claim 7 , wherein the recessed area has one or more lateral notches to receive the metal layer and the resin layer.  
   
   
       10 . The decorative member of  claim 7 , wherein the bottom surface of the substrate has a corresponding recessed area.  
   
   
       11 . The decorative member of  claim 10 , wherein the corresponding recessed area has one or more notches to receive the metal layer and the resin layer.  
   
   
       12 . A decorative flat wooden member comprising: 
 a rigid, substantially flat substrate having top and bottom surfaces and having a recessed area within the top surface, the recessed area having a substantially flat bottom surface;    a metal layer attached to the substantially flat bottom surface of the recess; and    a resin layer overlaying said metal layer and substantially filling said recess.    
   
   
       13 . The decorative member of  claim 12 , wherein the substrate comprises medium dense fiberboard, particle board, or plywood.  
   
   
       14 . The decorative member of  claim 12 , wherein the resin is an environmentally acceptable epoxy resin.