Method of placing markings on a polymer plastic grave marker

Details Method of placing markings on a polymer plastic grave marker Method of placing markings on a polymer plastic grave marker

1997-09-25

2001-03-20

Aftergut, Jeff H. (Department: 1733)

Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture

Methods

Surface bonding and/or assembly therefor

C156S257000, C040S124500, C052S103000, C264S138000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06203643

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a polymer plastic grave marker and a method of placing markings, such as letters and decorative designs, on the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In German patent application No. 23 56 378, filed in 1973, Helmut Stroede disclosed a form of polymer plastic grave marker. In his application, Stroede did not address how one would place lettering or decorative designs onto the polymer plastic grave marker. In French application No. 77 03711, filed in 1977, James Girault proposed a grave marker of a synthetic resin with one transparent surface in which was embedded decorative designs. More recently, German application No. 44 09 959, filed in 1994, for a hollow polymer plastic grave marker, Annerose and Dieter Augustin made provision for a metal plate to fit into recesses in the grave marker and be secured in position by screws.
Polymer plastic grave markers have some obvious advantages over gravestones in terms of their light weight, resistance to dirt, resistance to lichen, and low cost when compared to granite. However, in order for polymer plastic grave markers to increase in popularity, a method must be devised to place letters and decorative designs on the grave markers in a fashion that is sufficiently versatile to accommodate different styles of marking, aesthetically appealing, and durable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an improved method of placing letters and decorative designs on a polymer plastic grave marker.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of placing markings on a polymer plastic grave marker, comprising the steps of: a) providing a grave marker of a first polymer composition; b) removing material from a surface of the polymer plastic grave marker to form hollow markings; c) providing second polymer composition, having a thermal expansion coefficient and moisture absorption coefficient substantially identical to that of said first polymer composition, in fluid form and of a contrasting appearance when cured to said first polymer composition, said second polymer composition being capable of bonding with the first polymer composition; and d) filling the hollow markings in the grave marker with said liquid second polymer composition, the liquid polymer composition then being cured to bond with the first polymer composition, thereby providing integral markings of the contrasting appearance.
Also according to the invention there is provided a polymer plastic grave marker, comprising: a body of a first polymer composition; and integrally formed polymer plastic markings of a second polymer composition having a contrasting appearance to the first polymer composition, the first and second polymer compositions having a thermal expansion coefficient and a moisture absorption coefficient which are substantially identical.
Apart from a difference in coloration intended for visual contrast, the polymer plastic markings are indistinguishable from the balance of the polymer plastic grave marker. They are not subject to shrinkage over time. They will not fall out upon impact. They are integrally bonded and form part of the polymer plastic grave marker.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3310918 (1967-03-01), Taylor, Jr.
patent: 3852145 (1974-12-01), Kloweit
patent: 3938286 (1976-02-01), Mochinski
patent: 5047187 (1991-09-01), Banus
patent: 5198168 (1993-03-01), Thurston
patent: 892684 (1972-02-01), None
patent: 2244482 (1974-03-01), None
patent: 23 56 378 (1975-05-01), None
patent: 30 24 388 (1982-01-01), None
patent: 44 09 959 A1 (1995-11-01), None
patent: 77 03711 (1978-09-01), None
Lee, Henry, et al, “Epoxy Resins Their Applications and Technology,” McGraw-Hill Book Co., Jul. 31, 1957, pp. 219, 220.

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