US20070227081A1

US20070227081A1 - Article of manufacture for covering a grave site

Info

Publication number: US20070227081A1
Application number: US11/732,800
Authority: US
Inventors: Eddie Allen Ratliff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-04
Filing date: 2007-04-04
Publication date: 2007-10-04

Abstract

An article of manufacture for covering a grave site with solid construction, made of ABS plastic covered with acrylic, will show epitaph, name and picture if desired of deceased loved one, can be made to remain flush with top of ground or protrude up out of the ground to a desired height, has outward tab around bottom to hold it securely underground, and can be made of other plastics covered by acrylic to resemble many materials including marble and granite.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 60/788,884, filed on Apr. 4, 2006.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of memorial monuments and more specifically to an article of manufacture for covering a grave site.
With the death of my niece, I was looking for some way to beautify her gravesite and be able to memorialize her more. With the grave cover I can add pictures of her and an epitaph. Grave Cover was created to replace the standard ledger or slab that is normally fitted atop a gravesite. The design of this unit is easy to personalize and will add a look of distinction to any plot. With attractive choices that are simple to maintain, this cover can be placed in any cemetery.
Standard grave covers, ledgers or slabs simply lie atop the ground. These heavy stone pieces commonly crack and break making the site difficult to maintain. Others may fade, warp or split due to weather, further wearing the already plain appearance. Grave Cover is a more attractively designed aboveground monument resembling a tomb that also offers a means for personalization. The lighter weight unit will prove more cost effective and will outlast other products as this sturdy design is partially fitted beneath the ground.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide an attractive design to memorialize a deceased loved one.
Another object of the invention is make it simple to maintain.
Another object of the invention is to be cheaper than grave ledgers.
Yet another object of the invention is be lighter so it is easier to install.
Still yet another object of the invention is to be easy to personalize.
Another object of the invention is can be produced to resemble many materials including marble or granite.
Another object of the invention is that it can be engraved with text and pictures.
A further object of the invention is to make grounds keeping easy around the grave cover.
Yet another object of the invention is more room to memorialize loved ones.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an article of manufacture for covering a grave site comprising: solid construction, made of ABS plastic covered with acrylic, which will show epitaph, name and picture if desired of deceased loved one, can be made to remain flush with top of ground or protrude up out of the ground to a desired height, it has an outward tab around the bottom to hold it securely underground, and can be made of other plastics covered by acrylic to resemble many materials including marble and granite.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the grave cover.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the grave cover.

FIG. 3 is an angle view of the grave cover.

FIG. 4 is an engraved grave cover with text and picture.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the grave cover.

FIG. 6 is an grave cover in place at ground level.

FIG. 7 is an upside down view of the grave cover.

FIG. 8 is an underneath view of the grave cover.

FIG. 9 is various texture views of the grave cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
Grave Cover is an attractive and decorative covering for a grave specially designed so that 12-inches will actually sit beneath the ground (as shown in FIG. 6). The solid acrylic capped ABS plastic molded cover measuring about 6′ long by 1′ high by 3′ wide is simply set atop the desired area and the specified portion is then buried (FIG. 6). This lightweight cover is also securely held into place with a six-inch wide tab extending outward around the base (shown in most drawings). With this portion also covered with dirt and earth, the cover will remain in place even during questionable weather conditions. This design can be produced to resemble many materials including marble and granite (FIG. 9) and can be engraved with names, pictures and epitaphs (FIG. 4) or adorned with plaques or other sentimental ornaments. The weather resistant material could be fashioned in various styles, colors, designs, and with angles, corners, and additions as determined by the manufacturer or consumer.
Grave Cover is shown in a variety of designs and colors (FIG. 9). A portion of the entire Grave Cover unit will rest below ground for additional security in placement. The lighter weight unit will prove more cost effective and will outlast other products as this sturdy design is partially fitted beneath the ground. Also it will be about half the cost and weight of a ledger. Grave Cover is an attractive addition to any gravesite.
With a lot of public cemeteries not allowing anything above ground level, the smaller grave cover is designed to be buried in the ground with only the top of the unit showing. This allowing for mowing or grounds keeping without any trouble. This design would allow people who have until this point only been able to put a simple marker upon the grave more freedom to memorialize their loved one. Also this design allows people who already have a headstone more room for a detailed epitaph.
It will be solid molded construction with no openings or gaps. It will be made of a acrylic capped ABS plastic. Also could be made of a different plastic covered with acrylic. This material will resist weathering, fading, warping, splitting and insects. The grave cover will cut maintenance time and expense and it will beautify the grave site. There will also be a large grave cover that will be 2 and 3 feet in height so that a portion of the grave cover will stick up above ground for people who desire a look similar to a mausoleum.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An article of manufacture for covering a grave site comprising:

solid construction;

made of ABS plastic covered with acrylic;

will show epitaph, name and picture if desired of deceased loved one,

can be made to remain flush with top of ground or protrude up out of the ground to a desired height;

has outward tab around bottom to hold it securely underground; and

can be made of other plastics covered by acrylic to resemble many materials including marble and granite.