Monument device

Abstract

This invention relates generally to an assembly for ornamentation of grave monuments. This assembly is designed to be attached to a memorial vase, that is secured to a cemetery grave marker. This assembly is enabled to provide the bereaved both illuminated and non-illuminated memorials for the deceased.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to monuments. More particularly, this invention relates to a device for ornamentation of grave monuments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

More and more, people desire options for remembering their loved ones after they have passed away, especially when it comes to memorials at the cemetery. This may be in the form of one member of the deceased purchasing the grave marker, a second member of the deceased purchasing a flower vase for the grave marker, a third member of the deceased purchasing the artificial flowers for the flower vase for the grave marker, etc.

One popular item with those who want to remember the deceased is a solar lamp that is enabled for insertion into the ground adjacent to the grave marker. This solar lamp stores up energy during the day and provides a light during the night that illuminates the grave marker.

While memorials such as the solar lamp meet the needs of the bereaved to remember the deceased, cemetery maintenance staff, in order to maintain the grounds, must pick up or pull out from the ground any such memorials, then place them back in their original position. This is a time consuming process and significantly impacts the efficiency of the maintenance staff. This has resulted in an increasing number of cemetery management posting signs forbidding the placement of any memorial in the area surrounding the tombstone. Only items place directly on the memorial are allowed, such as a flower vase, with the integrated flower vase being preferred by cemetery management.

An example of a grave marker including such a flower vase is found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,312,014, issued to Pfister, which pertains to the provision of a grave marker comprising a burial plaque provided with an opening wherein a vase can be secured.

Examples of attempts to have additional memorials at the grave site include the following.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,855, issued to Salamh, pertains to a cemetery vase to hold flowers at a grave site, with the cemetery vase being enabled for insertion into the ground. The apparatus is a cemetery vase constructed as a container with a spike protruding from a hole in the bottom to permit the spike to be forced into the ground for support. The container is plastic, the spike has circumferential serrations to mechanically lock it in place, and no adhesive is required for assembly. The container is formed with surface ribs adjacent to the hole to strengthen the structure to prevent damage by insertion of the spike, and the container also has internal fins to grip a foam plug which can hold the flowers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,170, issued to Plamp, pertains to a solar powered illuminated cross-shaped memorial which has a controller which illuminates monument with number of star-like light sources when ambient light falls below threshold level, for set period as determined by a timer.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,054, issued to Rogers, pertains to a memorial light assembly used for video display monitor, which has a pair of candle assemblies provided with light source and housing to which battery source is accommodated for supplying power to light source.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,911, issued to Sittner, pertains to a grave marker and lighting apparatus, has photovoltaic cell and photoconductive cell to charge the batteries in the marker box and signals electronic circuitry to turn on during night.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,764,202, issued to Herring, pertains to an illuminator for illuminating a tombstone. It has a solar collector attached to the housing and a photocell light detector attached to rear of the enclosure to measure the amount of ambient light

U.S. Pat. No. 6,761,465, issued to Little, pertains to a mounting assembly for an illuminated cemetery headstone. It has a lower bracket assembly which cooperates with the back panel so that the lower portion of the back panel and the vertical portion of the lower bracket assembly overlap the upper portion of the headstone.

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose an assembly that can be attached to grave marking memorial infrastructure, while providing options for illuminated or non-illuminated ornaments, as well as combinations of illuminated and non-illuminated ornaments.

Also, while these and other approaches are a good start, improvements are needed to address the problem of utilizing grave marking memorial infrastructure to provide a memorial solution that permits cemetery maintenance staff to efficiently maintain the cemetery grounds.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide the bereaved options for grave marking remembrances to remember the deceased. It is a further object of the present invention to provide options for grave marking remembrances that do not interfere with cemetery maintenance activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned and other objects were achieved, and the above-mentioned disadvantages overcome, by the present invention, by providing an assembly designed to be attached to a container that is secured to a cemetery memorial. This assembly is enabled to provide both illuminated and non-illuminated memorials.

In general the memorial assembly is attached to a memorial flower vase that is securely attached to a conventional vase engaging cemetery marker. The general design is for the memorial assembly to be comprised of attaching means for removably attaching the memorial assembly to a memorial flower vase, e.g. a clamp. The memorial assembly is further comprised of means for supporting at least one ornamentation device, e.g. clamp support, rod, pole, connector, and device holder. The memorial assembly is further comprised of at least one ornament e.g., an illumination device, a wind-chime, and the like. The illumination device e.g., a solar lamp, is further comprised of illumination infrastructure containing a source of illumination, a source of power, sensors and circuitry, all operably connected to provide illumination of a cemetery marker during periods of darkness.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be obtained by means of instrumentalities in combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate a complete embodiment of the invention according to the best modes so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of a cemetery marker with a recess into which a flower vase may be secured.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a cemetery marker with a flower vase attached.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional perspective view of a solar lamp of the type normally inserted into the ground.

FIG. 4 shows a right side view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a back perspective view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a right side perspective view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of a clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a 3-way splitter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The drawings show aspects of the invention. As the drawings are described, reference will be made to the present preferred embodiments of the invention. The terminology used herein to describe the present preferred embodiments is for the purpose of clarification. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology used. Terminology used to describe each element should be understood to include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

The present invention is described in relation to a memorial grave marker. Nonetheless, the characteristics and parameters pertaining to various embodiments the apparatus and methods described herein may be applicable to other objects.

Referring to FIG. 1, grave marker 120, is shown with vase receptacle 130.

Referring to FIG. 2, grave marker 120 is shown with memorial vase 110 securely attached to grave marker 120 via vase receptacle 130.

Referring to FIG. 3, solar light ornament 90 is shown as part of a conventional solar light assembly enabled for insertion into the ground.

Referring to FIG. 4, one arrangement of clamp 10, offset rod 30, ornament-pole connector 50, ornament pole 60, ornament hook 70, and solar light ornament 90 is shown.

Referring to FIG. 5, one arrangement of clamp 10, offset rod 30, ornament-pole splitter 40, three of ornament pole, 60 and three of ornament hook 70 are shown.

Referring to FIG. 6, three of ornament eye-bolt 80 are shown.

Referring to FIG. 7, two of non-solar ornament 100 are shown, as well as a solar ornament 90.

Referring to FIG. 8, pole connector 50 is shown.

Referring to FIG. 9, clamp 10 is shown, with four of vase flange 10A disposed on clamp 10. Additionally, clamp-offset connector 20 is shown operably affixed to clamp 10.

Referring to FIG. 10, a threaded embodiment of ornament-pole splitter 40 is shown.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, pole connector 50, ornament pole 60, ornament hook 70, and solar light ornament 90.

A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, ornament-pole splitter 40, three of ornament pole 60, three of ornament hook 70, and three of solar light ornament 90.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, pole connector 50, ornament pole 60 and ornament hook 70.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of vase 110, clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, pole connector 50, ornament pole 60 and ornament hook 70.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of grave marker 120, vase receptacle 130, vase 110, clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, pole connector 50, ornament pole 60 and ornament hook 70.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, ornament-pole splitter 40, a plurality of ornament pole 60, and a plurality of ornament hook 70.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, ornament-pole splitter 40, a plurality of ornament pole 60, a plurality of ornament hook 70, at least one of solar light ornament 90 and at least one of non-solar light ornament 100, e.g. wind chimes.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of vase 110, clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, ornament-pole splitter 40, a plurality of ornament pole 60, a plurality of ornament hook 70, and a plurality of solar light ornament 90.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of vase 110, clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, ornament-pole splitter 40, a plurality of ornament pole 60, a plurality of ornament hook 70, and a plurality of non-solar light ornament 100.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of vase 110, clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, ornament-pole splitter 40, a plurality of ornament pole 60, a plurality of ornament hook 70, at least one of solar light ornament 90, and at least one of non-solar light ornament 100.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of grave marker 120, vase receptacle 130, vase 110, clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, ornament-pole splitter 40, a plurality of ornament pole 60, a plurality of ornament hook 70, and a plurality of solar light ornament 90.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of grave marker 120, vase receptacle 130, vase 110, clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, ornament-pole splitter 40, a plurality of ornament pole 60, a plurality of ornament hook 70, and a plurality of non-solar light ornament 100.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is generally comprised of grave marker 120, vase receptacle 130, memorial vase 110, clamp 10, clamp-offset connector 20, offset rod 30, ornament-pole splitter 40, a plurality of ornament pole 60, a plurality of ornament hook 70, at least one of solar light ornament 90, and at least one of non-solar light ornament 100.

The preferred material for clamp 10 is brass or any suitable material, metal or non-metal, possessing sufficient structural strength to hold any of the embodiments of the present invention. The preferred thickness of clamp 10 is approximately 8 gauge. The preferred inside diameter of clamp 10 is between 3⅝″ and 3¾″. The preferred color is bronze. In order for clamp 10 to properly seat clamp 10 to memorial vase 110, it is preferred to have at least three of flange 10A as a part of clamp 10. It is preferred that clamp 10 have a ½″ wing nut assembly permanently affixed to the tongue of clamp 10 so that the wing nut assembly enables the tightening of clamp 10 to memorial vase 110. The preferred adjustment in the diameter of clamp 10 that is accomplished by tightening the ½″ wing nut assembly is at least ¼″.

The preferred material for offset rod 30, ornament pole 60, pole connector 50, ornament pole splitter 40 is aluminum alloy having a bronze color. The preferred diameter for offset rod 30 is ⅜″ diameter and the preferred connecting means to clamp offset connector 20, pole connector 50 or ornament splitter 40 is a threaded connection. The preferred diameter for ornament pole 60 is ⅜″ and the preferred connecting means to pole connector 50 or ornament splitter 40 is a threaded connection.

While the materials listed are preferred, other materials may be used, such as plastic, wood, and the like. Similarly, while threaded connections are preferred, other commercially available connection means may be used, such as, but not limited to, spring-loaded depressible buttons on ornament pole 60 and offset rod 30 and corresponding holes into which the buttons are secured in pole connector 50. Also, while offset rod 30 and ornament pole 60 are illustrated as being non-telescoping, telescoping rods and poles may be used with means for keeping the rods and poles at the length desired. Additionally, the designs on the window panes of solar light ornament 90 may vary, e.g., crosses, stars, hearts, angels, and the like.

• • a. Place clamp 10 around the top of memorial vase 110 with wing nuts turned to the back of memorial vase 110.
  • b. Tighten wing nut securely.
  • c. Thread the offset connector end of offset rod 30 into clamp offset connector 20 such that the offset portion faces the rear of grave marker 120 and secure offset rod 30 with clamp offset connector nut 20A.
  • d. Thread pole connector 50 into the pole connector end of offset rod 30.
  • e. Thread the pole connector end of ornament pole 60 into pole connector 50.
  • f. Thread ornament hook 70 into the ornament end of ornament pole 60.
  • g. Attach solar light ornament 90 to ornament hook 70

To make another embodiment of the present invention for a grave marker having a memorial vase:

• • a. Place clamp 10 around the top of memorial vase 110 with wing nuts turned to the back of memorial vase 110.
  • b. Tighten wing nuts securely.
  • c. Thread the offset connector end of offset rod 30 into clamp offset connector 20 such that the offset portion faces the rear of grave marker 120 and secure offset rod 30 with clamp offset connector nut 20A.
  • d. Thread ornament pole splitter 40 into the pole connector end of offset rod 30.
  • e. Thread the pole connector end of three of ornament pole 60 into each opening of ornament pole splitter 40.
  • f. Thread ornament hook 70 into the ornament end of ornament pole 60.
  • g. Attach solar light ornament 90 to ornament hook 70.

A process for making a monument assembly is comprised of the following steps:

• • a) form a clamp operable for releasable attachment to a memorial vase and to an offset rod;
  • b) form an offset rod operable for releasable attachment to said clamp and to a connector;
  • c) form said connector, operable for releasable attachment to said offset rod and to pole; and,
  • d) form at least one of said pole operable for releasable attachment to said connector.

The above description and drawings are only illustrative of preferred embodiments which achieve the objects, features and advantages of the present invention, and it is not intended that the present invention be limited thereto. Any modification of the present invention which comes within the spirit and scope of the following claims is considered part of the present invention.

Other embodiments, uses and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification and examples should be considered exemplary only.

Claims

1) A monument assembly, wherein said monument assembly is comprised of:

a) a grave marker;

b) a memorial vase;

c) an ornament system;

d) means for releasable attachment of said memorial vase to said grave marker

e) means for releasable attachment of said ornament system to said memorial vase.

2) The monument assembly of claim 1, wherein said ornament system is further comprised of:

a) a clamp, wherein said clamp is further comprised of flanges disposed on the inside diameter of said clamp to operably engage said memorial vase, a wing nut assembly for reducing the inside diameter of said clamp, an offset connector disposed adjacent to said wing nut assembly on the distal side of said wing nut assembly, wherein said clamp offset connector is permanently affixed to said clamp;

b) an offset rod operable for releasable attachment to said offset connector;

c) at least one pole;

d) means for releasable attachment of said offset rod to at least one pole;

e) at least one ornament; and,

f) means for releasable attachment of said at least one ornament to said at least one pole.

3) The monument assembly of claim 2, wherein said ornament is a wind chime.

4) The monument assembly of claim 2, wherein said ornament is a solar light.

5) The monument assembly of claim 4 wherein decorative windows are disposed on said solar light.

6) A monument assembly, wherein said monument assembly is comprised of:

a) an ornament system;

b) means for releasable attachment of said memorial vase to said grave marker

c) means for releasable attachment of said ornament system to said memorial vase.

7) The monument assembly of claim 6, wherein said ornament system is further comprised of:

a) a clamp, wherein said clamp is further comprised of flanges disposed on the inside diameter of said clamp to operably engage said memorial vase, a wing nut assembly for reducing the inside diameter of said clamp, an offset connector disposed adjacent to said wing nut assembly on the distal side of said wing nut assembly, wherein said clamp offset connector is permanently affixed to said clamp;

b) an offset rod with an offset rod first threaded end and an offset rod second threaded end wherein said offset rod first threaded end is operable for releasable attachment to said offset connector;

c) at least one pole with a pole first threaded end and a pole second threaded end;

d) a threaded connector operable for releasable attachment of said offset rod second threaded end to said pole first threaded end;

e) at least one ornament; and,

f) at least one hook operable for releasable attachment to said pole second threaded end and operable for releasable attachment to at least one ornament.

8) The monument assembly of claim 7, wherein said ornament is a wind chime.

9) The monument assembly of claim 7, wherein said ornament is a solar light.

10) The monument assembly of claim 8 wherein said solar light has decorative windows.

11) A process for making a monument assembly comprising the steps of

a) forming a clamp operable for releasable attachment to a memorial vase and to an offset rod;

b) forming an offset rod operable for releasable attachment to said clamp and to a connector;

c) forming said connector, operable for releasable attachment to said offset rod and to pole; and,

d) forming at least one of said pole operable for releasable attachment to said connector.