U.S. patent application number 10/849233 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-24 for transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert.
Invention is credited to Timms, Tamara.
Application Number | 20050257444 10/849233 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35373819 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050257444 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Timms, Tamara |
November 24, 2005 |
Transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert
Abstract
The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert is a
grave marker that resembles a traditional tombstone in shape and
size but is constructed of a block of transparent material having
three vertical slots in which three stained glass panels are
positioned. An alternative embodiment includes a stained glass
panel encased in a block of transparent material with brackets
attached to its bottom to facilitate mounting onto a traditional
tombstone. A second alternative embodiment includes a cruciform
decorative panel encased in a cruciform block of transparent
material with a mounting plate attached to its bottom for mounting
onto a traditional tombstone.
Inventors: |
Timms, Tamara; (Mobile,
AL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
35373819 |
Appl. No.: |
10/849233 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/104 ;
52/103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 13/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/104 ;
052/103 |
International
Class: |
E01F 009/011; E04H
013/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert,
comprising: a block of substantially transparent material having at
least one vertical slot, said at least one vertical slot adapted to
receive a decorative panel; and at least one decorative panel.
2. The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert
according to claim 1, further comprising a top plate and means for
attaching said top plate to the top of said block of substantially
transparent material.
3. The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert
according to claim 1, further comprising at least one solar-powered
light assembly wherein said at least one solar-powered light
assembly illuminates said at least one decorative panel.
4. The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert
according to claim 1, wherein said block of substantially
transparent material is constructed of acrylic.
5. The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert
according to claim 1, wherein each of said at least one decorative
panel is translucent.
6. The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert
according to claim 1, wherein each of said at least one decorative
panel is constructed of stained glass.
7. A transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert,
comprising: a decorative panel encased within a block of
substantially transparent material.
8. The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert
according to claim 7, wherein said block of substantially
transparent material is constructed of acrylic.
9. The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert
according to claim 7, wherein said decorative panel is
translucent.
10. The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert
according to claim 7, wherein said decorative panel is constructed
of stained glass.
11. The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert
according to claim 7, wherein said decorative panel is
substantially rectangular.
12. The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert
according to claim 7, wherein said decorative panel and said block
of substantially transparent material are cruciform.
13. The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert
according to claim 7, further comprising a means for mounting said
decorative panel encased within a block of substantially
transparent material to the top of a conventional tombstone.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to grave markers and, more
particularly, to a grave marker constructed of a block of
transparent material with a translucent decorative panel positioned
vertically within the block.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A notable drawback of conventional tombstones and other
grave markers is the high cost of materials and labor. Conventional
tombstones and other grave markers are typically formed from
granite by cutting, carving and then polishing the stone. But the
cost of raw granite and the skilled labor required to form it is
significant. Additionally, when erected in a cemetery, a
conventional tombstone or grave marker appears monotone in color
and typically presents a challenge for vandals who are thrilled by
pushing over something that projects immobility and permanency.
[0005] Given the drawbacks of conventional tombstones, a tombstone
or grave marker is desired that is less expensive to produce, more
colorful in appearance and less inviting of vandalism.
[0006] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 191,248 issued Aug. 29, 1961 to J.
Gialoreta; and U.S. Des. Pat. No. 259,369 and U.S. Pat. No.
4,304,076 issued, respectively, May 26, 1981 and Dec. 8, 1981 to J.
Splendora show grave markers that appear to be transparent blocks
with cut flowers or other items permanently encased therein.
However, because the contents of each grave marker cannot be
removed after the grave marker is manufactured, the grave markers
lack versatility.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 1,274,809 issued Aug. 6, 1918 to J. M. Storm,
Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 1,982,432 issued Jun. 10, 1933 to R. A. Hull and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,710 issued Aug. 20, 1996 to D. J. Barry each
teaches a grave marker with a recessed area covered by a window.
However, like conventional grave markers, these grave markers are
constructed of stone and therefore do not present an improvement in
cost over conventional grave markers.
[0008] Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,940 issued Nov. 22, 1977 to D.
C. McBrayer and U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,325 issued Oct. 14, 1980 to L.
Whitford teach, respectively, a stone grave marker with a
protective plastic laminate and a stone grave marker with a tubular
chamber for displaying photographs. Neither, however, avoids the
expenses associated with conventional grave markers or provides
post-manufacture versatility in terms of appearance.
[0009] Accordingly, none of the above inventions and patents, taken
either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant
invention as claimed and, thus, a grave marker solving the
aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The transparent grave marker with decorative panel insert is
a grave marker that resembles a traditional tombstone in shape and
size but is constructed of a block of transparent material having
three vertical slots in which three stained glass panels are
positioned. The invention avoids the high costs associated with
grave markers constructed of natural stone while providing a more
eye-pleasing colorful grave marker. Also, by not appearing as
imposing and immovable as a traditional stone grave marker, the
invention poses less of a challenge to vandals that seek to turn
over something projecting immobility.
[0011] An alternative embodiment includes a stained glass panel
encased in a block of transparent material with brackets attached
to its bottom to facilitate mounting onto a traditional tombstone.
A second alternative embodiment includes a cruciform decorative
panel encased in a cruciform block of transparent material with a
mounting plate attached to its bottom for mounting onto a
traditional tombstone.
[0012] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a grave marker that is less costly to produce than a
conventional tombstone.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide a grave
marker that is more colorful and eye-pleasing than a conventional
tombstone.
[0014] It is a further object of the invention to provide a grave
marker that poses less of a challenge to vandals that seek to turn
over something projecting immobility and permanence.
[0015] Further, it is an object of the invention to provide
improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes
described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in
accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0016] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transparent grave marker
with decorative panel insert according to the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the marker shown in FIG. 1
FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a transparent grave marker with decorative panel
insert according to the present invention, shown in relation to a
conventional tombstone.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a second
alternative embodiment of a transparent grave marker with
decorative panel insert according to the present invention shown in
relation to a conventional tombstone.
[0020] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The present invention is a transparent grave marker with a
decorative panel insert, designated generally as 10 in the
drawings, that is constructed in a manner that avoids the high
costs associated with stone grave markers while providing a more
colorful and eye-pleasing appearance. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2,
the grave marker 10 includes a block of transparent material 20,
three decorative panels 40, 42 and 44, three solar powered light
assemblies 38 and a top plate 32.
[0022] The block of transparent material 20 is configured to
resemble a traditional tombstone in size and shape. It 20 has an
elongated rectangular base 24 from which a headpiece 22 extends
vertically. The front, back and sides of the headpiece 22 are flat
while its 22 top is arcuate. The headpiece 22 has three co-planar
vertical slots 26, 28 and 30 which open to its 22 top.
[0023] A decorative panel 40, 42 and 44 is positioned within each
of the vertical slots 26, 28 and 30, and a top plate 32 covers the
top of the headpiece 22 to prevent moisture from entering the
vertical slots 26, 28 and 30. Each decorative panel 40, 42 and 44
is translucent and colorful, and includes textual information, an
image or both textual information and an image. The top plate 32 is
secured to the headpiece 22 with screws 50.
[0024] The three solar-powered light assemblies 38 are attached to
the base 24. Each light assembly 38 includes a light 34, a solar
panel 36 and a battery 36 that is charged by solar-power. When
natural light is absent, each light assembly 38 illuminates a
corresponding decorative panel 40, 42 and 44. An on/off switch 52,
allows the light assemblies to be turned off.
[0025] The grave marker 100 includes ground spikes 54 extending
downward from its bottom surface to anchor it 100 into the
ground.
[0026] The block of transparent material 20 is constructed of
acrylic but can also be constructed of any hard, clear plastic or
polymer. Each decorative panel 40, 42 and 44 is constructed of
stained glass but can also be constructed of other materials
including translucent plastics and polymers. The top plate 32 can
be secured to the headpiece 22 by a set of two locks, with each
lock securing an opposing end of the top plate 32 to the top of the
headpiece 22. The light assemblies 38 can be encased within the
block of transparent material 20.
[0027] By being constructed of a block of transparent material, the
grave marker 10 appears less imposing than a traditional stone
grave marker, and thereby poses less of a challenge to vandals
seeking to knock over something projecting immobility and
permanence. Each of the decorative panels 40, 42 and 44 can be
removed and replaced with a replacement panel.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment 100, the grave marker is
configured for mounting onto the top of a conventional tombstone T
as shown in FIG. 3. The grave marker 100 includes a decorative
panel 112 encased within a block of transparent material 110. The
decorative panel 112 is translucent and colorful, and includes
textual information and floral images. A set of mounting brackets
120 and 122 is attached to the bottom of the block to secure it to
a conventional tombstone T. Each mounting bracket has an elongated
main segment 130 and a vertical segment 132 and 134 extending
downward from each end of the main segment 130.
[0029] This alternative embodiment 100 is used to add color to an
existing traditional tombstone T. The block of transparent material
110 is constructed of acrylic but can also be constructed of any
hard, clear plastic or polymer. The decorative panel 112 is
constructed of stained glass but can also be constructed of other
materials including translucent plastics and polymers. Although
encased in the block of transparent material 110, the decorative
panel 112 can also be incorporated in the block of transparent
material 110 via a vertical slot.
[0030] A second alternative embodiment 200 of the grave marker,
shown in FIG. 4, is also configured for mounting onto the top of a
conventional tombstone T. In this embodiment 200, the grave marker
includes a cruciform decorative panel 212 encased within a
cruciform block of transparent material 210. The decorative panel
112 is translucent and colorful. A mounting plate 220 is attached
to the bottom of the cruciform block 210 to secure the grave marker
to a conventional tombstone. The mounting plate 220 is
substantially flat and is dimensioned such that it extends beyond
the bottom perimeter of the cruciform block 210. It has four
apertures 222 through which the threaded portions of four screws
224 are inserted to thereby secure this embodiment 200 to a
conventional tombstone T.
[0031] The cruciform block 210 is constructed of acrylic but can
also be constructed of any hard, clear plastic or polymer. The
cruciform decorative panel 212 is constructed of stained glass but
can also be constructed of other materials including translucent
plastics and polymers.
[0032] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
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