A memorial device

Abstract

A memorial device comprising a memorial plaque providing one or more indicia in memoriam, at least one location for insertion of a displaceable token in a fixed association with the memorial plaque, a

Description

28 03 25 Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a memorial device, in particular a device for use after death; more particularly but not exclusively a device or system to pay ongoing respects to a person who has passed. Background 10 In many societies with the increase in life expectancy there is concurrently an increased concern over the death of loved ones. It can be of great concern when a loved person or animal passes, and there are many 15 strategies for dealing with grief. For some people it can help to recognise and mark events that are a consequence with recognition of the impact of a lost loved one, marking significant events and milestones since their passing, as a legacy, so as to focus grieving on moving forward. 20 However it can be difficult to maintain such memorial devices, which may be impermanent, located in multiple locations and / or problematically variable in format, location or style. 25 Prior Art US 2010 0 299 895 (BURLAGE et al) discloses a casket comprising: a casket shell adapted to receive the remains of a deceased and having a pair of side walls, a pair of 30 end walls, and a bottom wall, a casket cap closable on said casket shell, said cap including a dish assembly mounted to an underside thereof, said dish assembly including a cap panel, and at least one medallion mounted on one of an interior surface of one of said cap and said shell and an exterior surface of one of said cap and said shell, said medallion having at least one of text and graphics representing a life aspect 35 of the deceased. 28 03 25 US 2001 0 013 183 (YAGER et al) discloses a modular memorial marker for marking a gravesite, created from a top shell having a top and a plurality of sides and a bottom shell which create a cavity into which a filler material is inserted to provide support for the top surface wherein selected external elements, such as nameplates and 5 decorative elements, are secured to the top surface of the marker and selected internal elements, such as storage compartments and bolt receiving slugs, are provided under the top surface in the filler material or metal frame. US 0 669 412 (HARRIMAN) discloses a picture-holder for tombstones and the like, 10 comprising a frame formed of an annular rim terminating at one edge in an inwardly-ex. tending annular flat face, means held within the annular rim for holding the picture, and a cover-plate, pivotally secured at one edge to the flat portion, to swing sidewise in a plane therewith, said cover, having a pendent stop member adapted to engage with the rim. 15 Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a memorial device comprising a memorial plaque providing one or more indicia in memoriam, a plurality of locations 20 arranged in relation to the plaque for insertion of a displaceable token in a fixed association with the memorial plaque, and one or more token providing a front portion for display of an event relating to the indica in memoriam, wherein each token comprises an attachment means, wherein each token is secured to the memorial device with the attachment means, and wherein the attachment means comprises a 25 flanged lock nut. In this way the device or system of the present invention enables collection and focus of memorial tokens, relating to events and / or specific memories, in a single format and in a manner easy to maintain for posterity and visiting. 30 In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a headstone, for example wherein the memorial plaque is incorporated by the headstone. The device comprises a plurality of locations arranged in relation to the plaque, for 35 example in relation to a headstone, wherein the locations may be dispersed about an area of the headstone. 28 03 25 In some such embodiments of the device the location or locations comprise perforations, for example passing through the headstone where applicable. 5 In other embodiments the location or locations may comprise ferromagnetic locations for example or clip locations, such as tolerance fitting indentations or the like. Each token comprises a front portion and an attachment means such that the attachment means locates the front portion in and over the location. 10 In some such embodiments of the device the device comprises a stalk between the front portion and attachment means. In some embodiments of the device the attachment means comprises a screw thread. 15 In other embodiments it may comprise a spring or sprung arms, or adhesive. In some embodiments of the device the front portion comprises projecting rear studs. In some embodiments of the device the front portion comprises a ceramic display 20 section. It may be envisaged that further aspects of the present invention comprise the tokens, and prepared or perforated headstones or memorial plaques, for receipt or addition of tokens similar to those described herein. 25 According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system of remembering the departed, using a device or a plurality of tokens substantially as described herein. 30 A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures 28 03 25 Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention, with a plaque and displaced token; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the token shown in the 5 embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the token shown in the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; 10 Figure 4 shows a second exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the token shown in the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the token shown in the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; 15 and Figure 6 shows a detail sectional view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention. 20 Detailed Description of Figures With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment a memorial device 199 25 generally comprising a memorial plaque providing one or more indicia 10 in memoriam, and at least one 11 location for insertion of a displaceable token 99. In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a headstone 100 providing an outer surface that functions as a memorial plaque, having 30 indicia 10 in memoriam engraved into the outer surface. The embodiment has two parts, namely a first section 1 for the indicia, and a second section 2 for the locations 11 of the tokens 99 in use. 35 The locations 11 comprise perforations into and through the second section, which are arranged on the pictured embodiment in a vertical line of perforations. 28 03 25 The tokens are thereby arranged to pass through the second section through the perforations. 5 The tokens comprise a front portion 33, a securement nut 31, and a bolt 23, wherein the front portion is located in use in front of the perforation, the bolt passes through the perforation and the nut is used the distal side of the perforation so as to clamp the front portion against the second section. 10 In this way the device provides a customisation component that can be added or subtracted to a memorial headstone in the cemetery or domestic garden, over time and according to life events and / or passage of time. For example the device may allow a user to add events that are a consequence and 15 impact of a lost loved one, acting as a diary of significant events and milestones that have occurred since the passing of a person, allowing the user to have comfort in completing and customising the headstone over some time and gain comfort in attaching events that are a legacy of their lost loved one, so as to focus grieving on moving forward. 20 The pictured embodiment of the device allows the user to modify a loved one's headstone with ease. The pictured embodiment has a front portion 33 comprising a ceramic high quality and 25 premium feeling convex ‘pebble’ 21. The front portion comprises a heat sublimation printed ceramic image on the pebble, set within a stamped brass frame 22 with a stainless steel backing 29. 30 Moulded into the steel backing are two friction-drilled conical extrusions 28 to prevent the pebble from spinning when mounting, which may fit into corresponding holes in some embodiments. The attachment means comprises a long mounting threaded rod 23, a washer 24, and 35 a locking nut 31. 28 03 25 It may be envisaged that the locking nut will require a specific tool to be untightened for extra security. The image will be weather-resistant and highly resistant to fading. It may be envisaged that each perforation in the headstone is counterbored to accept 5 a flush mounting threaded plug from the rear of the plate 29, the projection of the plug used to help keep out water and keep a clean, tidy aesthetic. The flush mount threaded plug keeps out water to prevent rusting or oxidation of mounting bolts. 10 The pictured embodiment thereby comprises the following parts: Flanged Lock Nut - Cannot be undone with a conventional socket set. The user must use a special tool for extra security. 15 M10 Set Screw - Used to securely mount the pebble onto the headstone. This screws into the thread on the pebble backing plate. Stainless steel backing plate - Features stamped or friction drilled anti-spin extrusions 20 and mounting threads to mount the pebble to the headstone. Ceramic Pebble - Weather resistant and highly resistant to fading. Heat sublimation printed - commonly used for memorial images and grave markers. Premium Grade quality ceramic. 25 Stamped brass pebble casing featuring small bendable fingers 30 for assembling the pebble into the frame and securely holding it against the backing plate. In this way it may be envisaged that after the loss of a loved one, the headstone serves 30 as a canvas for a collection of tokens, each representing significant life events. The pebbles may be envisaged to be designed on a software application and produced remotely. The pebble may be produced as a part for insertion into a mount or may be provided as a front portion and attachment means similar to that shown in the indicative 35 embodiment. Once created, the pebble is delivered, ready to be added to the device. Additional pebbles may be made through the application, each marking important life events that reflect the impact of the departed loved one, and provide solace and 5 support in the grieving journey. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims. 28 03 25

Claims

28 03 251. A memorial device comprising a memorial plaque providing one or more indicia in memoriam, a plurality of locations arranged in relation to the plaque for5 insertion of a displaceable token in a fixed association with the memorialplaque, one or more tokens providing a front portion for display of an event relating to the indica in memoriam, wherein each token comprises an attachment means, wherein each token is secured to the memorial device with the attachment means, and wherein the attachment means comprises a10 flanged lock nut.

2. A memorial device according to claim 1 comprising a headstone.

3. A memorial device according to claim 2 wherein the memorial plaque is15 incorporated by the headstone.

4. A memorial device according to any preceding claim wherein the location or locations comprise perforations.20 5. A memorial device according to any preceding claim comprising a stalkbetween the front portion and attachment means.

6. A memorial device according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means comprises a screw thread.

257. A memorial device according to any preceding claim wherein the front portion comprises projecting rear studs.

8. A memorial device according to any of preceding claim wherein the front portion 30 comprises a ceramic display section.

9. Apparatus comprising a headstone and a device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more tokens.35 10. A method of memorialising a person or animal comprising apparatus accordingto claim 9.

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