HEADSTONE ACCESSORY CLAMP

Abstract

A monument clamp includes a two clamp frames adjustably coupled to each other with fasteners. The clamp frames each have a parallel pair of clamp arms that descend into a parallel pair of clamp legs perpendicular to the clamp arms, with a cross bar joining the clamp arms. The cross bars have an elevated notch adjacent to each of the arms. Each arm has a fastener slot aligned with the fastener slots of the other frame. The fasteners extend through the fastener slots. A method of attaching flowers to a monument includes assembling the monument clamp, attaching the clamp to the monument; adjusting the width of the clamp to the width of the monument; tightening nuts; and securing flowers to the clamp by feeding straps through the elevated notches and around the flowers. The clamp securely attaches the flowers to the monument and improves the appearance by being less visible.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a headstone accessory and, more particularly, to a clamp operative to keep flowers attached to the headstone.

When a family member or loved one passes, some people will place decorative flowers on the monument. Sometimes these flowers are stolen or more often blow off by the wind during a storm. When these arrangements are blown down into the grass, it causes trash to be free in graveyards and cemeteries, which can then be run over with equipment when the areas are mowed and cleaned. The equipment can hurl the trash through the air, causing damage to headstones and monuments.

Prior art metal wire flower “saddles” have been used for years but do not attach to the monument in any way. Rather, they slide down around the sides of the monument providing very little grip. These “saddles” can be easily removed by pulling upwards. Thus, flowers can easily blow off or be stolen.

As can be seen, there is a need for a device to securely attach flowers to a headstone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an adjustable clamp for a more secure attachment of flowers to a monument. This clamp may be tightened down around the monument with greater force and is less visible than an existing “saddle”, improving the appearance of the monument.

In one aspect of the present invention, a monument clamp is provided, comprising: a first clamp frame having a parallel pair of first clamp arms that descend into a parallel pair of first clamp legs perpendicular to the parallel pair of first clamp arms; a first cross bar joining the parallel pair of first clamp arms, said first cross bar having an elevated notch adjacent to each of the parallel pair of first clamp arms; and a second clamp frame adjustably fastened to the first clamp frame, said second clamp frame having a parallel pair of second clamp arms that descend into a parallel pair of second clamp legs perpendicular to the parallel pair of second clamp arms; a second cross bar joining the parallel pair of second clamp arms, said second cross bar having an elevated notch adjacent to each of the parallel pair of second clamp arms; wherein each arm of the parallel pair of first clamp arms has a fastener slot formed therein and each of the parallel pair of second clamp arms has a fastener slot formed therein, said fastener slots of the parallel pair of second clamp arms being aligned with the fastener slots of the parallel pair of first clamp arms; further comprising fasteners extending through the fastener slots, coupling the second clamp frame to the first clamp frame.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of attaching flowers to a monument is provided, comprising: assembling a monument clamp with a first clamp frame having a parallel pair of first clamp arms that descend into a parallel pair of first clamp legs perpendicular to the parallel pair of first clamp arms; a first cross bar joining the parallel pair of first clamp arms, said first cross bar having an elevated notch adjacent to each of the parallel pair of first clamp arms; and a second clamp frame having a parallel pair of second clamp arms that descend into a parallel pair of second clamp legs perpendicular to the parallel pair of second clamp arms; a second cross bar joining the parallel pair of second clamp arms, said second cross bar having an elevated notch adjacent to each of the parallel pair of second clamp arms; wherein each arm of the parallel pair of first clamp arms has a fastener slot formed therein and each of the parallel pair of second clamp arms has a fastener slot formed therein; nuts, and bolts, such that the second clamp frame is coupled with to the first clamp frame; attaching the monument clamp to the monument; adjusting a width of the monument clamp to a width of the monument; tightening the nuts to secure the clamp to the monument; and securing flowers to the monument clamp by feeding straps through the elevated notches and around the flowers.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view thereof, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is another sectional view thereof, taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 2, showing the clamp in an expanded position; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view thereof, taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a monument clamp comprising a first clamp frame and a second clamp frame. The first clamp frame may be attached to the second clamp frame with the first clamp frame sitting on top of the second clamp frame (when oriented with legs facing downward). The first clamp frame and the second clamp frame are not interchangeable as they are each a directional part.

The inventive clamp may be adjusted to the size of the monument and may be tightened onto the monument by way of bolts. The user may attach flowers to the clamp with zip-ties or the like.

The first clamp frame and the second clamp frame may be adjustably connected using fasteners, such as four bolts and four nuts. The four bolts may be inserted through fastener slots on the first clamp frame aligned with slots on the second clamp frame. Two of these bolts may be inserted into fastener slots on the second clamp frame and the other two bolts may be inserted into, and accommodated by, holes on the second clamp frame. The nuts may have a knurled edge for easier tightening without tools.

In some embodiments, removable feet may be provided on each of the clamp legs to provide a better grip and/or to clamp down on other monuments that do not have flat sides. The removable feet may be interchangeable. In some cases, the feet may have different patterns to enhance the grip.

In some embodiments, double-sided tape may be added to the feet or to the legs to allow even more grip depending on the stone type of the monument.

A method of attaching flowers to a monument may comprise assembling the inventive clamp, attaching the clamp to a monument, adjusting the clamp width to the monument width, tightening the bolts to secure the clamp to the monument, and securing flowers to the clamp using zip-ties, straps, or the like by feeding them through dips or elevated notches (providing clearance) on both the first clamp frame and the second clamp frame and then around the flowers. Once tightened down, the flowers are attached to the clamp and will hide the clamp from view on the monument.

Once the clamp is assembled, the nuts may be loosened, the clamp may be adjusted (opened or closed) to fit the user's monument, and the nuts may be retightened to the secure the clamp in place. Then, using zip-ties or another attachment method, flowers may be secured to the clamp.

The materials of manufacture are not particularly limited. For example, the fasteners may be plastic bolts and plastic nuts. Feet, or leg sleeves, may be made, e.g., from a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some embodiments, the materials are 100% recyclable.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, FIG. 1 shows a clamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a first clamp frame 10 and a second clamp frame 20, shown in use on a headstone 44 with flowers 46 shown in hidden lines for clarity.

FIGS. 2-4 show that the first clamp frame 10 is a unitary component comprising a pair of first clamp arms 12 that are parallel in a first plane and descend into a pair of parallel first clamp legs 14 that lie along a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The first clamp frame 10 further comprises a first cross bar 16 coplanar to, perpendicular to, and connecting or joining the first clamp arms 12. Each of the first clamp arms 12 has a first clamp fastener slot 30 formed therein. The first cross bar 16 has a first strap or tie notch 18 adjacent to each first clamp arm 12. Similarly, the second clamp frame 20 is a unitary component comprising a pair of second clamp arms 22 that are parallel in a third plane and descend into a pair of parallel second clamp legs 24 that lie along a fourth plane perpendicular to the third plane. The first plane is parallel to the third plane and the second plane is parallel to the fourth plane. The second clamp frame 20 further comprises a second cross bar 26 coplanar to, perpendicular to, and connecting the second clamp arms 22. Each of the second clamp arms 22 has a second clamp fastener slot 32, a fastener hole 34 adjacent to its fastener slot, and a fastener capture slot 36. The second cross bar 26 has a second tie notch 28 adjacent to each second clamp arm 22. Leg sleeves 42 removably installed on the first clamp legs 14 and the second clamp legs 24 protect the headstone 44 surface.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the first clamp frame 10 and the second clamp frame 20 are slidably coupled with fasteners 38 and knurled nuts 40 so that the clamp assembly may be adjusted to fit different sized monuments. The clamp assembly may also be extended to remove it from the monument.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A monument clamp comprising: a first clamp frame having a parallel pair of first clamp arms that descend into a parallel pair of first clamp legs perpendicular to the parallel pair of first clamp arms; a first cross bar joining the parallel pair of first clamp arms, said first cross bar having an elevated notch adjacent to each of the parallel pair of first clamp arms; anda second clamp frame adjustably fastened to the first clamp frame, said second clamp frame having a parallel pair of second clamp arms that descend into a parallel pair of second clamp legs perpendicular to the parallel pair of second clamp arms; a second cross bar joining the parallel pair of second clamp arms, said second cross bar having an elevated notch adjacent to each of the parallel pair of second clamp arms;wherein each arm of the parallel pair of first clamp arms has a fastener slot formed therein and each of the parallel pair of second clamp arms has a fastener slot formed therein, said fastener slots of the parallel pair of second clamp arms being aligned with the fastener slots of the parallel pair of first clamp arms; further comprising fasteners extending through the fastener slots, coupling the second clamp frame to the first clamp frame.

2. The monument clamp of claim 1, wherein each of the parallel pair of first clamp arms has, adjacent to its fastener slot, a fastener hole formed therein aligned with one of the fastener slots of the parallel pair of second clamp arms, each fastener hole accommodating one of the fasteners.

3. The monument clamp of claim 1, wherein the fasteners are knurled nuts and bolts.

4. The monument clamp of claim 1, further comprising sleeves removably installed on the parallel pair of first clamp legs and the parallel pair of second clamp legs.

5. The monument clamp of claim 1, further comprising double-sided tape on the parallel pair of first clamp legs and the parallel pair of second clamp legs.

6. A method of attaching flowers to a monument, comprising: assembling a monument clamp with a first clamp frame having a parallel pair of first clamp arms that descend into a parallel pair of first clamp legs perpendicular to the parallel pair of first clamp arms; a first cross bar joining the parallel pair of first clamp arms, said first cross bar having an elevated notch adjacent to each of the parallel pair of first clamp arms; and a second clamp frame having a parallel pair of second clamp arms that descend into a parallel pair of second clamp legs perpendicular to the parallel pair of second clamp arms; a second cross bar joining the parallel pair of second clamp arms, said second cross bar having an elevated notch adjacent to each of the parallel pair of second clamp arms; wherein each arm of the parallel pair of first clamp arms has a fastener slot formed therein and each of the parallel pair of second clamp arms has a fastener slot formed therein; nuts, and bolts, such that the second clamp frame is coupled with to the first clamp frame;attaching the monument clamp to the monument;adjusting a width of the monument clamp to a width of the monument;tightening the nuts to secure the clamp to the monument; andsecuring flowers to the monument clamp by feeding straps through the elevated notches and around the flowers.