U.S. patent application number 12/387274 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for pendant for carrying remembrances such as cremation remains.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tamara Ann Eggleston. Invention is credited to Douglas C. Eggleston.
Application Number | 20100275649 12/387274 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43029374 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100275649 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eggleston; Douglas C. |
November 4, 2010 |
Pendant for carrying remembrances such as cremation remains
Abstract
A pendant for hermetically sealing the crematory remains, hair
samples or the like of a loved one or pet, utilizing threaded
fasteners and a sealing member to fasten and seal first and second
housing elements together, preserving the contents there
within.
Inventors: |
Eggleston; Douglas C.;
(Tecumseh, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Assignee: |
Eggleston; Tamara Ann
Tecumseh
MI
|
Family ID: |
43029374 |
Appl. No.: |
12/387274 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/1.14 ;
29/896.4; 63/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 25/002 20130101;
A44C 25/005 20130101; Y10T 29/49588 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/1.14 ; 63/4;
29/896.4 |
International
Class: |
A44C 13/00 20060101
A44C013/00; A44C 11/00 20060101 A44C011/00; A44C 27/00 20060101
A44C027/00 |
Claims
1. A neck chain supported pendant for carrying organic material,
cremation remains, or hair samples, said pendant comprising: a
first housing element, having a plurality of threaded bores
disposed in a surface thereof; a second housing element disposed in
an aligned confronting relationship with said first housing element
defining an organic material chamber there between, wherein said
second housing element includes a plurality of threaded apertures;
and a sealing member disposed between said first housing element
and said second housing element for sealing said organic material
chamber, whereby said sealing member is engaged with said first
housing element and said second housing element.
2. The neck chain supported pendant of claim 1 wherein at least one
of said first housing element and said second housing element is
fabricated solely of a thin precious metal.
3. The neck chain supported pendant of claim 2 wherein said thin
precious metal is chosen from the group of karat golds, sterling
silver, titanium, palladium, and platinum.
4. The neck chain supported pendant of claim 1 wherein a continuous
shoulder portion extends from a first surface of said second
housing element, and whereby said sealing member is engaged with
said continuous shoulder portion.
5. The neck chain supported pendant of claim 4 wherein a continuous
lip portion extends from said continuous shoulder portion, and
wherein said sealing member is further disposed between said lip
portion and said second housing element.
6. The neck chain supported pendant of claim 4 wherein said sealing
member is further disposed between said plurality of threaded
apertures.
7. The neck chain supported pendant of claim 1 wherein said second
housing element includes a continuous groove formed therein, and
wherein said sealing member is further securedly disposed within
said groove.
8. The neck chain supported pendant of claim 1 wherein said first
housing element and said second housing element have a shape
selected from the group consisting of round, oval, teardrop,
rectangle, square, triangle, heart, and cross shaped.
9. The neck chain supported pendant of claim 1 wherein said organic
material chamber has a shape selected from the group consisting of
round, oval, rectangle, square, triangle, heart, and cross
shaped.
10. The neck chain supported pendant of claim 1 wherein said neck
chain is slidably attached to said pendant through a loop fixedly
attached to said first housing element.
11. The neck chain supported pendant of claim 1 wherein an inner
wall of said first housing element substantially surrounds an outer
wall of said second housing element.
12. A method of producing a neck chain supported pendant for
carrying organic material, cremation remains, hair samples, and the
like, the steps which include: fabricating a first thin metallic
housing element having a plurality of threaded bores disposed in a
surface thereof; fabricating a second thin metallic housing element
having a plurality of threaded apertures; disposing said second
housing element in an aligned confronting relationship with said
first housing element so as to define an organic material chamber
there between; placing a sealing member between said first housing
element and said second housing element, and further between said
plurality of threaded apertures for sealing said organic material
chamber; inserting an organic material into said chamber; and
threading a plurality of threaded fasteners through said threaded
apertures and into said threaded bores.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to preserving crematory
remains, a hair sample or the like. Specifically this invention
relates to hermetically preserving the organic remains in a
decorative jewelry-pendant for attachment to a neck chain,
maintaining the remains in close proximity to the holder
thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cremation of the remains of humans and animals, such as
pets, has now become a common alternative for preservation and
burial of the deceased. The ashes of the cremated decedent are
sometimes distributed in accordance with the wishes of the
decedent, but can also be deposited in urns for storage and
memorialization purposes. The urns may be retained by the family in
a home or other location, or held in permanent storage in a
mausoleum.
[0003] One example of a storage container for human remains is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,603 to Schorman. The '603 patent
describes a storage container for human ashes that includes a
bottom portion, a plurality of walls, a rim portion, a cover which
fits into a recessed portion of the rim portion, a retainer portion
which retains the cover within the recessed portion, and fastener
means to fasten the retainer portion to the cover. The cover can
include indicia or other decoration. One disadvantage of the
container of the '603 patent is that the boxy structure of the
container is designed for assemblage with other containers and
suitable only for use in a mausoleum type setting and would not be
desirable for a stand alone display. Furthermore, the container is
placed on a shelf or other suitable storage location wherein it is
visited on occasion by those who so desire, and cannot easily be
transported or carried around by one who may wish to retain the
remains near their person.
[0004] In the alternative, U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,116 to Sparacino et
al. discloses remembrance preserving jewelry and method for its
use, comprising a chamber for sealing a sample there within. The
invention utilizes interconnecting front and rear housing members,
wherein the ashes are placed there between and sealed by means of
either silicone sealant, or a threaded connection. Other crematory
pendants historically, have been sealed by means of a stopper, or
jewelers epoxy, and although sufficient sealing may be achieved
through these means, it is possible that the threaded cover, alone,
may not create an adequate seal, or that the silicone seal may
deteriorate, exposing the organic remains to the outside.
[0005] Furthermore, if a silicone sealant or epoxy is utilized,
during assemblage, it may come in contact with the contents
intended to be contained therein, which is undesirable. It is
therefore beneficial to create a jewelry pendant containing the
crematory ashes or other organic remembrances of a loved one
utilizing other sealing means of maintaining the contents therein,
eliminating the possibility of inadvertent exposure of the organic
remains to the outside, while preserving the integrity of the
contents during assemblage of the pendant. The present invention is
directed to meeting these needs, among others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to create a
hermetically sealed jewelry pendant, including a first housing
element, a second housing element, and a sealing member, for
containing the ashes or other organic remembrances of a loved one
or pet there within.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention is to create
a jewelry pendant which comprises a variety of aesthetical shapes,
including but not limited to hearts, crosses, or teardrop
shapes.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a sealed
container which will not damage the contents stored within during
assembly, while still providing a secure concealment.
[0009] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a
hermetically sealed jewelry pendant, which can be readily
disassembled.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
sealing means for manufacturing the hermetically-sealed jewelry
pendant, utilizing a rubber gasket and one or more fasteners, for
precisely sealing the two housing members together.
[0011] A final object of the present invention is to provide a
hermetically sealed pendant for containing the ashes or other
organic remembrances of a loved one or pet therein, whereby the
sealing member is concealed by the first and second housing
elements.
[0012] These and other objects are accomplished in the present
invention by providing a capsule comprising front and rear housing
elements, having continuous adjoining edges, that are sealed with a
rubber sealing member and fastened together once the desired
organic sample is contained there between.
[0013] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment
of the pendant;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the pendant wherein
the first and second housing elements are adjoined, prior to
fastening;
[0017] FIG. 3 shows an exploded, cross sectional side view of the
pendant, wherein the first and second housing elements are
confrontingly aligned, prior to adjoining;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the pendant
comprising an alternative second housing element wherein the first
and second housing elements are adjoined;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the pendant
comprising a further alternative second housing element and an
alternative first housing element, wherein the first and second
housing element are adjoined; and
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment
of the pendant.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a first housing element of the
second embodiment of the pendant
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The following description of the preferred embodiments is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0023] As best can be observed in FIG. 1, an exemplary pendant 10
is shown. The pendant 10 includes a bail 40 for hanging by a neck
chain or the like. The pendant 10 here shown having an oval shape,
although a plurality of shapes may be embodied by this
invention.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the pendant 10 includes a first housing
element 12, a second housing element 14, and a sealing member 15.
The first housing element 12 can be fixedly attached to the second
housing element 14 by a plurality of fasteners 17, to form a
hollow, sealed chamber 16 there between, giving the pendant a
three-dimensional shape and providing room for the placement of
crematory ashes, a lock of hair, or any other personal remembrance
so desired. As mentioned, the pendant 10 can be designed to embody
any one of a plurality of different shapes, including but not
limited to round, oval, rectangular, square, teardrop, triangular,
or cross-shaped.
[0025] The first and second housing elements 12, 14 can each be
formed from any of a number of thin precious or common metals
commonly used to create decorative jewelry, such as karat gold or
silver, and may be used in combination if so desired. It should
also be appreciated that the sealing member 15 may be composed of
any number of materials, including but not limited to various types
of rubbers and various types of plastics.
[0026] As can best be observed in FIG. 3, the first housing element
12 may include a first inner space 20 for placement of the personal
remembrance. The first inner space 20 may be defined by a first
inner surface 22 surrounded by a first inner wall 24, a resting
surface 26, and a second inner wall 28. First inner surface 22 may
be substantially concave with respect to first inner space 20, so
as to increase the size of first inner space 20. A chamfered edge
30 may extend from the first inner wall 24 to the resting surface
26 to assist in creating a seal between the first housing element
12 and the second housing element 14. The first housing element 12
may contain one or more threaded bores 32 to assist in fastening
the first housing element 12 to the second housing element 14. The
threaded bores 32 may extend from the resting surface 26 to a
bottom surface 34 of the first housing element 12.
[0027] The second housing element 14 is defined by a second inner
surface 36, an outer surface 38, and an outer wall 42. The second
housing element 14 may contain a plurality of threaded apertures 54
extending from the outer surface 38 to the second inner surface 36.
The size and placement of the threaded apertures 54 in the second
housing element 14 may correspond with the size and placement of
the threaded bores 32 in the first housing element 12 to further
assist fastening the first housing element 12 to the second housing
element 14. The outer surface 38 of the second housing element 14
may also have a plurality of countersinks 56 that are generally
concentric to, and of a larger diameter than, the plurality of
apertures 54, in order to allow a head surface 19 of fasteners 17
to rest flush with, or counter to, the outer surface 38 of the
second housing element 14.
[0028] The second housing element 14 may further include a
continuous shoulder 44, defined by a first shoulder wall 46 and a
second shoulder wall 48, protruding from, and integrally formed
with, the second inner surface 36. The shoulder 44 and the second
inner surface 36 may help secure the sealing member 15 to the
second housing element 14. In order to improve the sealing
properties of pendant 10, continuous shoulder 44 may be formed on
second inner surface 36 such that sealing member 15 is located
between the plurality of threaded apertures 54.
[0029] As shown by an alternative second housing element 60 in FIG.
4, shoulder 44 may include a lip portion 62. The lip portion 62 may
be integrally formed with, and extend from, the first shoulder wall
46 and further help secure sealing member 15 to the second housing
element 14.
[0030] An alternative pendant 70 is shown in FIG. 5. Pendant 70
includes a first housing element 72, a second housing element 74,
and a sealing member 75. A chamfered or curved edge 76 may extend
from a first inner wall 78 to a resting surface 80 of first housing
element 72 to assist in creating a seal between the first housing
element 72 and the second housing element 74. An inner surface 82
of second housing element 74 may include a groove 84. As depicted
in FIG. 5, the width of groove 84 at inner surface 82 may be
substantially smaller than the width of groove 84 at a location
between the inner surface 82 and an outer surface 86 of second
housing element 74. Sealing member 75 may be located substantially
within groove 84, such that a portion of sealing member 75 is
positioned on both sides of inner surface 82. The width of groove
84 at inner surface 82 may be smaller than the largest
cross-section of sealing member 75, such that a surface edge 88 of
groove 84 secures sealing member 75 within groove 84. An outer edge
90 of first housing element 72 may extend beyond resting surface
80, such that an inner wall 92 of first housing element 72
substantially surrounds an outer wall 94 of second housing element
74.
[0031] Another alternative pendant 100 is shown in FIG. 6. The
pendant 100 here shown is substantially cross-shaped. A
cross-shaped first housing element 102 of pendant 100 is shown in
FIG. 7. Cross-shaped first housing element 102 includes a
substantially cross-shaped cavity 104. Cross-shaped cavity 104 will
create a larger space for placement of a personal remembrance. As
shown in FIG. 7, cross-shaped first housing element 102 and
cross-shaped cavity 104 may include substantially curved corners
106 and 108, respectively. An upper edge of cross-shaped cavity 104
creates a sealing member resting surface 110. The cross-shaped
first housing element 102 may contain one or more threaded bores
112, located external to cross-shaped cavity 104, to assist in
fastening the first housing element to a second housing element
(not shown). Pendant 100 may be formed in substantially the same
manner described above with respect to pendant 10.
[0032] As can best be observed in FIG. 2, pendant 10 may be formed
by aligning the second housing element 14 with the first housing
element 12 such that the outer wall 42 of the second housing
element 14 rests substantially against the second inner wall 28 of
the first housing element 12. Upon assembling the first housing
element 12 with the second housing element 14, the second inner
surface 36 of the second housing element 14 may rest substantially
against the resting surface 26 of the first housing element 12. The
threaded apertures 54 of the second housing element 14 should be
substantially aligned with the threaded bores 32 of the first
housing element 12. The sealing member 15 may rest substantially
against the chamfered edge 30 of the first housing element 12,
thereby sealing chamber 16. The first housing element 12 may be
secured to the second housing element 14 by threading one or more
of fasteners 17 through the threaded apertures 54 and the threaded
bores 32.
[0033] To reemphasize its versatility, the invention can apply to a
plurality of various pendant designs, utilizing a plurality of
metals, with the same results. The description of the invention is
merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart
from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope
of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a
departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *