Patent Application
20220307283
The present invention is directed to a memorial container configured to be positioned at a memorial location to secure one or more personal items or moments.
The loss of a relative or loved one can be a traumatic event in any person's life. Memorials, such as gravestones, statues, or monuments to individuals, or groups of individuals, help create a connection with those who have passed away. While such memorials can be personalized to reflect one or more individuals, they are generally static and do not present opportunities for continued engagement by relatives or loved ones that may wish to visit the memorial. As such, there exists a need for a simple and effective way to continually personalize and interact with a memorial location as a means to mourn or find inspiration from the lives of those who have passed.
As described below, the personalized memorial container of the invention may include a sealable memorial container that may be configured to permit continual engagement and personalization with a memorial site. One aspect of the memorial container of the invention is that it allows users to prepare and safely store personal items, such as notes, letters, and small cards at a memorial location, such as a headstone at a gravesite. Such personalized memorials may be collected in a memorial container of the invention such that when a user visits a loved one's memorial site, the user may add and safely store additional personalized materials, or alternatively, the user may access the box, which may further include a locking component. In this aspect, a spouse or loved one may place a memorial container at a memorial location, such as a headstone, and can later visit and unlock/unseal the memorial container and collect the personal items, such as letters or notes that have been collected inside and may further bring them to another location to read and enjoy. Alternately, a person may unlock/unseal the memorial container and collect the personal items, such as letters or notes that have been collected inside and read or share them at the memorial location, after which they can be returned to the memorial container
The memorial container of the invention provides several advantages, including but not limited to:
Increase connection: For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic and in other similar situations, public officials at the federal, state and local level prohibited funerals, memorials and large gatherings. People were not able to pay their respects to loved ones that had passed. The memorial container of the invention allows a person to continually communicate to their loved one, and also provides the ability to leave a personalized item, such as a written note, a picture, or artwork for the immediate family that can be kept as a remembrance.
Decrease unintended litter: It is common for people to leave personal items, such as flowers or other small items at memorial locations, such as gravesites. Being unsecured, such flowers, small items, and notes can be scattered into nearby streets, up against fences, or nearby fields. Moreover, such items, being exposed to the elements are degraded and lost over time.
Increase the grieving process and health: When visiting a memorial location, such as gravesite, many people wish to communicate with their loved ones that have passed away but find it difficult to express such words and emotions. Many may feel embarrassed, or simply at a loss for words. Many people in this situation prefer to leave a personal message or memento, such as a letter or picture. However, as noted above, being unsecured and exposed to the elements, such personal items are quickly scattered, destroyed, or lost. Being secured with a memorial container of the invention, such personal messages or mementos may be preserved, and revisited over time, providing a continual memorial at that location.
In addition, a visitor to that memorial location may access, for example, an unlocked memorial container of the invention and view notes, pictures or other personal items that have been left by loved ones. Such personalized experiences make the time visiting a memorial location more meaningful and memorable, adding significant meaning to the mourning process.
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for a permanent or semi-permanent memorial container (1) to be positioned in a designated location, and preferably a gravesite or other memorial (2). In one preferred embodiment, a memorial container (1) of the invention may include a securable container that may be left at a memorial location (2), such as a gravestone, statue, or other location that may carry a special meaning to one or more individuals. As shown in
In another preferred embodiment, the memorial container (1) of the invention may be secured in the ground at, or adjacent to a memorial location (2), such as a gravestone. In this embodiment, the memorial container (1) may be positioned such that the body of the container is secured in the ground while the top surface is sufficiently accessible to allow the resealable lid (3) thereby allowing access to the internal compartment of the memorial container (1). In a preferred embodiment, the top surface of the memorial container (1) may be approximately level with the ground, while in some embodiments it may be positioned slightly above ground to allow better access to the resealable lid (3). In this configuration, the top surface of the memorial container (1) may extend to a position that would be approximate a standard flat gravestone or memorial so as to allow, for example a lawn mower to pass over the memorial container (1) of the invention unimpeded.
In another embodiment, a mount (9) configured to be secured to a memorial location (2) that can secure a memorial container (1) of the invention, preferably at a coupler position (10). For example, in one embodiment a mount may be staked into the ground adjacent to a memorial container (1) of the invention, and further include a coupling surface that may secure, preferably the bottom surface of the container (1). In this embodiment, the coupling between the mount and the memorial container (1) of the invention may include an adhesive, a strap, a stake, a mount, or a coupler apparatus, such as a threaded coupler, a slide coupler, a snap coupler, or a quick release coupler and the like.
In another embodiment, a mount may be secured directly to a memorial location (2), such as a gravestone, and further include a coupling surface that may secure, preferably the bottom surface of the container (1). In this embodiment, the coupling between the mount and the memorial location (2) of the invention may include an adhesive, a strap, a stake, or a fitted extension coupler. In this embodiment, the coupling between the secure mount and the memorial container (1) of the invention may include an adhesive, a strap, a stake, a mount, or a coupler apparatus, such as a threaded coupler, a snap coupler, or a quick release coupler and the like.
In alternative embodiments, the memorial container (1) of the invention may also be secured in the ground next to the memorial site (2). In this example, the memorial container (1) of the invention may include one or more stake elements that may be inserted and secured in the ground maintaining the memorial container (1) of the invention in place. In an alternative embodiment, the memorial container (1) of the invention may include a secure pad that can be staked or secured in the group to an external surface of a memorial (2) such that the memorial container (1) of the invention may be removably coupled, for example through a threaded coupler positioned on the bottom surface of the container (2). As noted above, additional attachment means may be employed, for example: an adhesive, a strap, a mount, a stake, or a coupler apparatus, such as a threaded coupler, a snap coupler, or a quick release coupler and the like.
As noted above, one purpose of the memorial container (1) of the invention is to secure notes, small cards, and other personal items at the headstone site. As such, the memorial container (1) may be configured to be water-tight, and have sufficient ventilation, such that moisture and condensation do not collect in the internal compartment of the structure. As also noted above, the memorial container (1) may include a locking component that may include a key, or combination lock that may be opened only by an authorized user that has been provided the corresponding key or combination. In this embodiment, one surface of the memorial container (1) may be movable, for example through a hinge or a spring loaded apparatus, such that it may be opened and thereby allow access to the internal compartment of the container.
As noted above, the memorial container (1) may include a resealable lid (3) configured to be secured to the top surface of the container (1) through a coupler apparatus. In the preferred embodiment shown in
In some embodiments the spline (4) may be rotatable such that the resealable lid (3) may be rotated into an open position to allow access the internal compartment of the memorial container (1), and then rotated back into a closed position. Still further embodiment may include an integral joint, such as a dovetail (12) or other similar joint, formed between the resealable lid (2) and memorial container (1) of the invention. In this embodiment the lid (2) may slide between an open and closed position as generally shown in the figures.
In a preferred embodiment, a memorial container (1) of the invention may be made of a variety of materials, such as stone, weatherproof stone, metal, plastic or a composite material. Furthermore, while the memorial container (1) of the invention may include a variety of customized dimensions, as shown in
The memorial container (1) of the invention may further include one or more customizable panels that may be secured to the outside surface of the memorial container (1). For example, in one embodiment, a customizable panel may include a name plate, and preferably an engravable name plate. In alternative embodiments, a customizable panel may include a display panel where a user can insert and display on the surface of the memorial container (1) a picture, artwork, or logo that may have significance to the loved one or visitor.
The memorial container (1) of the invention may include one or more separable or integral secondary compartments (8). As shown in
Naturally, all embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and should not be construed to limit the scope of the inventive technology consistent with the broader inventive principles disclosed. As may be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present inventive technology may be embodied in a variety of ways. It generally involves systems, methods, and techniques as well as devices to accomplish a memorial container and display system. In this application, the techniques, including novel and unique uses of manufacturing methods and materials, are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural results of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.
The discussion included in this provisional application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the inventive technology and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the inventive technology is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the inventive technology and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.
It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the inventive technology. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this inventive technology. A broad disclosure encompassing both the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad apparatus, methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the inventive technology both independently and as an overall system.
Further, each of the various elements of the inventive technology and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the inventive technology, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this inventive technology is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of an “coupler” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “coupling”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “coupling”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of an “coupling method and/or technique, and or device” and even a “means for coupling.” Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the methods, apparatus, improvements and/or devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiii) all inventions described herein.
With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.
Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. The use of the phrase, “or any other claim” is used to provide support for any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a subsequently listed claim, and the like. As one clarifying example, if a claim were dependent “on claim 20 or any other claim” or the like, it could be re-drafted as dependent on claim 1, claim 15, or even claim 715 (if such were to exist) if desired and still fall with the disclosure. It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.
Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the inventive technology, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/166,384, filed Mar. 26, 2021. The entire specification and figures of the above-referenced application are hereby incorporated, in their entirety by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63166384 | Mar 2021 | US |
