Headstone Socket Preserver

Abstract

A headstone socket preserver for insertion in the ground adjacent to a burial site. The headstone socket preserver has a body comprising a top surface, a bottom surface spaced from the top surface along a first axis, and at least one peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The body can have a decreasing width dimension, measured along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, between the top surface and the bottom surface.

Description

FIELD

The application is generally related to memorial markers used to indicate burial sites and, more particularly, to devices and methods of use thereof to facilitate placement of a headstone in the ground.

BACKGROUND

It is fairly common for a burial marker to not be available at the time of a memorial service. Therefore, a hole is prepared at the site to receive the remains of the individual to be interred with the understanding that the burial marker, or headstone, will be installed at the burial site when available. As such, sometime after the burial, a worker must dig a second hole at the site to receive the bottom portion of the headstone. As one may expect, the manual labor required to create the hole, or socket, to receive the headstone can be rather grueling and lead to possible injury.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosed headstone socket preserver are configured for insertion in the ground adjacent a burial site so that a socket need not be individually prepared to receive a headstone. According to one aspect, the headstone socket preserver has a body comprising a top surface, a bottom surface spaced from the top surface along a first axis, and at least one peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The body can have a decreasing width dimension, measured along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, between the top surface and the bottom surface.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a headstone socket preserver in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an isometric representation of another embodiment of a headstone socket preserver in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are isometric views of alternative wood headstone socket preservers.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a headstone socket preserver in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the headstone socket preserver of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the headstone socket preserver of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the headstone socket preserver of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

As used herein the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” can include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, unless the context dictates otherwise, use of the term “a loop” can represent disclosure of “at least one loop” and is understood to provide support for embodiments in which a single one of such loops is provided and for embodiment in which a plurality of such loops are provided.

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

As used herein, the term “at least one of” is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of.” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. In other aspects, when angular values are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that angular values within up to 15 degrees, up to 10 degrees, up to 5 degrees, or up to one degree (above or below) of the particularly stated angular value can be included within the scope of those aspects.

In the following description and claims, wherever the word “comprise” or “include” is used, it is understood that the words “comprise” and “include” can optionally be replaced with the words “consists essentially of” or “consists of” to form another embodiment.

It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

The process of digging a socket after a burial service can be improved by utilizing a plug 11 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) made of wood to preserve the socket when the first hole in which the remains are placed is filled. Specifically, after the remains are interred, a wooden plug is placed at the desired future location of the headstone, and soil is filled in around the plug as the coffin or urn is buried. When the headstone is ready, the plug is removed leaving a hollow socket in which the base of the headstone is placed. Although effective at preserving the socket, the wooden plugs are prone to deteriorate over time and can require large amounts of force to remove from the soil. Specifically, the plugs are rectangular in shape and can form a vacuum effect below the bottom surface during removal. Additionally, the sides of the plugs may cause significant resistance to removal due to friction from the roughened, deteriorated side surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 1, a headstone socket preserver 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is substantially trapezoidal in shape and includes smooth outer surfaces. Specifically, socket preserver 10 has a body 8 that includes a top surface 12 and a bottom surface 14 spaced along a first axis 2. In exemplary aspects, the top and bottom surfaces 12, 14 can be planar and parallel to each other. Optionally, the top and bottom surfaces 12, 14 can be rectangular or generally rectangular in shape. The body 8 can have a decreasing width dimension, measured along a second axis 4 that is perpendicular to the first axis 2, between the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 14. That is, in cross sectional planes perpendicular to the first axis 2, a spacing between peripheral sides of the body 8 along the second axis 4 can decrease toward the bottom surface 14. This can facilitate removal of the socket preserver from the ground, as discussed in greater detail below. Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the width dimension can decrease continuously from the top surface 12 to the bottom surface 14. In other aspects, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, the width dimension need not decrease continuously from the top surface to the bottom surface. For example, edges where the top surface, bottom surface, and peripheral surfaces meet can be rounded or chamfered.

In some aspects, the body 8 can comprise at least one peripheral surface extending between the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 14. For example, the at least one peripheral surface can comprises a pair of side surfaces 20, 22 that are spaced along the second axis 4 and a front surface 16 and a rear surface 18 that are spaced along a third axis 6 that is perpendicular to the first and second axes 2, 4.

The front surface 16 and the rear surface 18, respectively, can be trapezoidal in shape and extend from the bottom surface 14 to the top surface 12. In some optional aspects, the front and rear surfaces 16, 18 can be parallel. In other embodiments, the top surface 12 may be larger in depth as well as in width than is the bottom surface 14, and the front and rear surfaces 16, 18 can converge toward the bottom surface 14.

The pair of side surfaces 20, 22 extend between both the top and bottom surfaces 12, 14 and the front and rear surfaces 16, 18. In some embodiments, in which the top and bottom surfaces 12, 14 have the same depth along the third axis 6, the side surfaces 20, 22 can be rectangular in shape. In some aspects, the side surfaces 20, 22 can converge as they extend downwardly from the top surface 12 to the bottom surface 14. Note, some embodiments include top and bottom surfaces 12, 14 that are identical in size so that all surfaces of the body 8 of the socket preserver 10 are rectangular in shape.

In some aspects, the pair of side surfaces 20, 22 can converge between the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 14. For example, the pair of side surfaces 20, 22 can converge between the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 14 at an angle from about 3 degrees to about 15 degrees, or from about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees, or about 7 degrees.

In some aspects, the front and rear surfaces 16, 18 can converge between the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 14. For example, the front and rear surfaces 16, 18 can converge between the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 14 at an angle from about 3 degrees to about 15 degrees, or from about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees, or about 7 degrees.

In some aspects, the body 8 can have a height along the first axis 2 from about 12 inches to about 20 inches, or about 16 inches. In some aspects, the body 8 can have a maximum width along the second axis 4 from about 15 inches to about 21 inches, or about 18 inches. In some aspects, the body 8 can have a maximum depth along the third axis 6 from about 6 inches to about 14 inches, or about 10 inches. Further dimensions are contemplated, and the dimensions can be determined based on the headstone dimensions.

In some aspects, the body 8 of the headstone socket preserver 10 can be hollow. For example, in various optional aspects, the body of the headstone socket preserver can have a wall thickness ranging from about 1/16 inch to ½ inch (e.g., optionally, about ⅛ inch). Optionally, the body of the headstone socket preserver can define an interior volume 50. The body can define an opening 52 extending through the bottom surface 14 from an exterior 54 of the headstone socket preserver to the interior volume 50, thereby permitting flow of air and liquid/moisture (e.g., water) between the interior volume 50 and the exterior 54 of the socket preserver. In exemplary aspects, the opening can have a diameter of less than 3 inches, or about 1 inch.

In some aspects, the body can weigh less than five pounds.

In some aspects, the body 8 of the headstone socket preserver 10 can comprise polymer. For example, the body 8 of the headstone socket preserver 10 can be formed of molded polymer. Optionally, said polymer can be or comprise polyethylene. For example, the polymer can be ultraviolet resistant polyethylene. In further aspects, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) or any suitable polymer can be used.

Optionally, in these aspects, the body 8 of the headstone socket preserver 10 can be formed as a unitary component. In other aspects, the body can be formed by molding two or more portions (e.g., halves) of the body and subsequently welding or otherwise securing said two or more portions together.

In use, a hole is prepared at a burial site for interment of the remains of an individual. Prior to replacing the soil over the vessel, e.g., casket, urn, and the like, in which the remains are received, the headstone socket preserver 10 is placed in the desired position. With the fill soil replaced over the vessel and around the socket preserver 10, the soil is allowed to become compacted over time until the headstone is ready for placement.

For headstone installation, the socket preserver 10 is removed from the ground by way of a lifting element 26, such as a wire loop 30 (FIG. 3A) or a bolt 32 (FIG. 1) including a head, that extends upwardly from the top surface of the socket preserver 10.

In additional aspects, the lifting element 26 can be a handle 34 defined by the body 8 of the headstone socket preserver 10. For example, the body can comprise first and second portions 40, 42 spaced along the second axis 4 and a bridge portion 44 extending between the first and second portions 40, 42 (and across a void space defined between the first and second portions), with the bridge portion defining the handle 34.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A headstone socket preserver for insertion in the ground adjacent to a burial site, comprising: a body comprising: a top surface;a bottom surface spaced from the top surface along a first axis; andat least one peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface,wherein the body has a decreasing width dimension, measured along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, between the top surface and the bottom surface.

2. The headstone socket preserver of claim 1, wherein the at least one peripheral surface of the body comprises: a pair of side surfaces that are spaced along the second axis; anda front surface and a rear surface that are spaced along a third axis that is perpendicular to the first and second axes.

3. The headstone socket preserver of claim 2, wherein the pair of side surfaces converge between the top surface and the bottom surface.

4. The headstone socket preserver of claim 3, wherein the pair of side surfaces converge between the top surface and the bottom surface at an angle from about 3 degrees to about 15 degrees.

5. The headstone socket preserver of claim 3, wherein the pair of side surfaces converge between the top surface and the bottom surface at an angle from about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees.

6. The headstone socket preserver of claim 2, wherein the front and rear surfaces converge between the top surface and the bottom surface.

7. The headstone socket preserver of claim 3, wherein the front and rear surfaces converge between the top surface and the bottom surface at an angle from about 3 degrees to about 15 degrees.

8. The headstone socket preserver of claim 3, wherein the front and rear surfaces converge between the top surface and the bottom surface at an angle from about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees.

9. The headstone socket preserver of claim 2, wherein the front, rear, and side surfaces are trapezoidal.

10. The headstone socket preserver of claim 1, wherein the headstone socket preserver comprises a lifting element configured to permit lifting of the body of the headstone socket preserver.

11. The headstone socket preserver of claim 10, wherein the lifting element is one of a wire loop or a bolt including a head, wherein the lifting element extends upwardly from the top surface of the body of the headstone socket preserver.

12. The headstone socket preserver of claim 10, wherein the lifting element is a handle defined by the body of the headstone socket preserver.

13. The headstone socket preserver of claim 12, wherein the body comprises first and second portions spaced along the second axis and a bridge portion extending between the first and second portions, wherein the bridge portion defines the handle.

14. The headstone socket preserver of claim 1, wherein the body of the headstone socket preserver is hollow.

15. The headstone socket preserver of claim 14, wherein the body of the headstone socket preserver defines an interior volume, wherein the body of the headstone socket preserver defines an opening extending through the bottom surface of the body from an exterior of the body of the headstone socket preserver to the interior volume.

16. The headstone socket preserver of claim 1, wherein the body of the headstone socket preserver is formed of molded polymer.

17. A method comprising: forming, by molding, at least a portion of a body of a headstone socket preserver, the body comprising: a top surface;a bottom surface spaced from the top surface along a first axis; andat least one peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface,wherein the body has a decreasing width dimension, measured along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, between the top surface and the bottom surface.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein forming, by molding, the at least a portion of the body of the headstone socket preserver comprises forming an entirety of the body as a unitary component.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein forming, by molding, the at least a portion of the body of the headstone socket preserver comprises: forming the body as at least two portions; andwelding the at least two portions together to form the body.

20. A method of creating a socket configured to receive a headstone therein adjacent to a burial site, comprising the steps of: placing a socket preserver in a hole at a burial site, the socket preserver being formed of molded plastic;following filling of an area of the hole around the socket preserver with soil, removing the socket preserver, leaving a socket recess; andplacing a bottom portion of the headstone in the socket recess.