Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Land marker or monument
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-31
2001-01-16
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Land marker or monument
C052S104000, C052S745190, C040S124500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173539
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to the field of monuments. More specifically, the present invention relates to metal monuments serving as, or decorating, a gravestone or memorial.
2. Related Art
Various metal monuments for graves are shown in the prior art. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 498,506 (Cameron) discloses a cast-metal monument for graves. However, the Cameron patent does not disclose a metal monument having decorative holes cut completely through the metal of the monument.
Another metal monument is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,537 (Smith) which discloses a monument for graves. The Smith patent shows a stainless steel base and head having a front face with a recess for an engraved insert. The Smith patent does not disclose a metal monument having decorative holes cut completely through the metal of the monument.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a metal memorial marker and method of making the same wherein the marker comprises decorative holes in the marker. The marker is made of a metal, preferably non-ferrous (i.e., aluminum, copper, brass, bronze) or a steel-chromium alloy (i.e., stainless steel). A ⅛″ to ½″ plate of the metal is preferably used. Said thickness can be achieved through the use of multiple plates connected together. The use of a smooth metal or a textured metal, like diamond plate or decking, is also envisioned.
The present invention is created by taking a plate of metal and making markings upon a surface of the plate, said markings denoting a decoration. A plasma cutting torch, laser torch or other cutting equipment is then used to make cuts along the markings drawn on the surface of the plate. Rather than making marks upon the surface of the plate, a computer controlled cutting instrument could be used to follow a pattern from a preprogramed template of a program. Cutting the plate in such a manner results in the creation of openings through the plate, said openings, when viewed together, forming a decorative pattern.
Patterns that can be created using this method include lettering, silhouettes, and decorative artwork in general. For instance, a marker could be created having a silhouette cutout likeness of the person memorialized by the marker.
The markers themselves can appear to be free standing (either through mounting on the surface of the ground, upon a footer, or within the ground), can be mounted upon and extend from the top surface of an existing monument, or can be mounted on a surface of an existing monument.
Other embodiments of the present invention uses spacers or backings for creating a projected effect of the marker mounted on the surface. Another embodiment of the present invention uses solar powered lights lighting the colored backings to illuminate the decorative pattern of the marker at night.
Another embodiment of the present invention has flower pot holders cut or formed into the top or sides of the metal marker. Holders located on the sides can be cut from the side of the marker and bent upwards to a generally horizontal position for the holding of a potted plant, flowers or other item.
Benefits of the present invention include: improving the aesthetics of an existing memorial, durability, resistance to weathering, and a great cost savings in comparison to stone monuments.
REFERENCES:
patent: 241592 (1881-05-01), Bausman
patent: 498506 (1893-05-01), Cameron
patent: 1467391 (1923-09-01), McComas
patent: 1853772 (1932-04-01), McComas
patent: 1860915 (1932-05-01), Whitman
patent: 2667000 (1954-01-01), O'Connor
patent: 2917853 (1959-12-01), Lawsky
patent: 4550537 (1985-11-01), Smith
patent: 2317313 (1974-10-01), None
Glessner Brian E.
Pedersen Barbara S.
Pedersen Ken J.
Stephan Beth A.
LandOfFree
Metal memorial monument markers and method of making the same does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Metal memorial monument markers and method of making the same, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Metal memorial monument markers and method of making the same will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2509769