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[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to cemetery monuments, memorials or grave markers.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] In many cultures, it is common practice for family and friends to commemorate a dearly departed through the creation and placement of a monument or grave marker at the deceased's place of burial. Typically, these memorials are constructed of materials durable enough to withstand the passage of time and effects of weather and include materials such as stone and metal.
[0005] The use of stone in the construction of monuments and memorials usually involves the cutting of a single solid flat section of marble or granite to the desired size and shape, polishing one or more of the surfaces and etching or carving into the material the relevant information about the deceased, including names, dates, inscriptions and decorative or religious elements. The design, size and thickness of the memorials constructed in this fashion can vary significantly and includes both upright monuments and ground-level markers.
[0006] The difficulties associated with using these stone materials for memorial construction arises when one considers the overall mass of the material. The weight of marble and granite makes working with these materials very difficult and can contribute to the overall cost of producing, transporting and installation of the memorial. Based on this information, it would be apparent that the creation of a monument or marker that is considerably lighter and easier to handle, yet is constructed from material that are durable in nature, would have significant advantages over solid granite or marble materials.
[0007] The construction of a monument or marker utilizing thin panels of granite, marble or metal that are joined or fastened together would prove to be a viable alternative to solid monument construction and prove to be more cost effective to produce, transport and install, yet having little effect on the overall quality, durability or appearance of the memorial.
[0008] Due to the substantial weight of prior art memorials, a stone foundation or base is usually required to support them. The cemetery monument described herein would be considerably lighter and allow a smaller supporting base to be substituted, thereby further decreasing the cost associated with this type of memorial.
[0009] It is a first objective of the present invention to create a cemetery monument, or memorial, or grave marker from stone or metal panels as an alternative to present monument, memorial or grave marker construction that would be more cost effective to produce in that it would require less specialized equipment for manufacturing and promote easier handling and workability, transporting and assembly.
[0010] Another object is to create a hollow cemetery monument or grave marker.
[0011] It is a further object of the invention to provide a cemetery monument or grave marker that would facilitate the attachment of metal inscription panels or plaques.
[0012] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a cemetery monument or grave marker with a hollowed interior chamber that can be used for the storage of memorial or commemorative items.
[0013] It is a further object of the invention to provide for a monument or grave marker with an interior solar powered light source that will provide illumination and will radiate through apertures cut or carved into the panels of the monument or grave marker, causing a radiant effect of those images, letters or designs outwardly to the surrounding area.
[0014] It is a further object of the invention to provide for a monument that facilitates the installation of a memorial display case as described in my Patent No. D436,758.
[0015] In a first embodiment, an upright monument or ground level marker is constructed of stone panels that are aligned and fastened together in a specific fashion and held in place by a bonding or sealing agent and mechanical fastening means to create a monument with a hollowed or enclosed interior space. The stone panels may be etched or carved with the relevant information about the deceased including names, dates, inscriptions and decorative or religious elements.
[0016] In another embodiment, decorative stone or metal members may be attached to the monument at its top and sides. These decorative members serve to cover any seams created by the joining of the panels. These decorative members may be secured to the monument using metal set pins.
[0017] In another embodiment, one or more of the stone panels may be substituted with a metal panel. The metal panel may have cost or engraved information relating to the deceased.
[0018] In another embodiment, an upright monument or grave marker containing a metal inscription panel or plaque mechanically fastened to one or more sides of the monument or grave marker serves as a cover to an opening that allows access to the interior of the monument or marker, thus affording heirs the opportunity to store or enclose religious, personal or commemorative items within the monument or grave marker. These items might include an urn. The metal panel, or plaque might also be engraved to include names, dates, and religious or personal information. The metal panel or plaque may also contain a gasketing material at adjoining edges to prevent moisture from leaking to the interior.
[0019] In another embodiment, a monument or grave marker is provided with an open interior space that facilitates the placement of an interior solar powered light source providing illumination that will radiate through apertures cut or carved into the panels of the monument or grave marker, causing a radiant effect to those images, letters or designs outwardly to the surrounding area. The interior surface of those panels that have carved openings or apertures may be sealed using gasketing means and a rigid translucent plastic or glass material may be colored to allow a variety of colored effects to be observed.
[0020] The term “memorial” refers to all cemetery and civic monuments and markers used for identification or commemoration.
[0021] This and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention are described or are implicit in the following detailed description or various preferred embodiments.
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[0058] A monument or grave marker
[0059] Panel members
[0060] A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.
[0061] A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.
[0062] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in
[0063] A fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in
[0064] The inside surface of the panel is fitted with a translucent glass or plastic material attached by bonding means or a bolt and anchor assembly as shown in
[0065] A sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in
[0066] A seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown in
[0067] An eighth embodiment of the present invention is shown in
[0068] A ninth embodiment of the present invention is shown in
[0069] A tenth embodiment of the present invention is shown in
[0070] Various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. It is understood, however, that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the following claims, which are to be interpreted in view of the foregoing.