US20100043182A1

US20100043182A1 - Decoration securing apparatus for use with tombstones

Info

Publication number: US20100043182A1
Application number: US12/230,064
Authority: US
Inventors: Samuel N. Nock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-08-22
Filing date: 2008-08-22
Publication date: 2010-02-25

Abstract

A securing apparatus is provided. The securing apparatus may include a first base portion; a second base portion pivotally coupled to the first base portion; a first side support member may include a plate portion and a pivot pin extending therefrom, the first side support member may be pivotally coupled to the first base portion; and a second side support member may include a plate portion and a pivot pin extending therefrom, the second side support member may be pivotally coupled to the base plate portion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To show respect for the departed, friends and family may place decorations, or flowers, on or near the graves of their loved ones. For example, a flower stand may be used to hang a bouquet of flowers next to a grave. In such an example, the flower stand may be inserted into the ground adjacent the grave, wherein a bouquet of flowers may be hung from the stand. In another example, flowers may be placed directly on the tombstone using a flower baskets or stand that the flowers are packaged in. In such examples, however, the stand and/or basket is not firmly attached to the tombstone. As a result, external forces, such inclement weather, other visitors, groundskeepers, and/or animals may knock the decorations off the stand or tombstone, which generally destroys the decorations. Such an event facilitates increasing the amount of money visitors spend on substitute decorations and facilitates increasing the amount of time visitors spend cleaning the grave area.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, a securing apparatus is provided. The securing apparatus may include a first base portion; a second base portion pivotally coupled to the first base portion; a first side support member may include a plate portion and a pivot pin extending therefrom, the first side support member may be pivotally coupled to the first base portion; and a second side support member may include a plate portion and a pivot pin extending therefrom, the second side support member may be pivotally coupled to the base plate portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, a securing apparatus is provided. The securing apparatus may include means for coupling a first base portion to a second base portion; means for coupling a frame to at least one of the first base portion and the second base portion; and means for coupling at least one of the first base portion and the second base portion to a tombstone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary securing device;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the securing device shown in FIG. 1, in a partially open configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the securing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the securing device shown in FIG. 1 with a frame coupled thereto;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a side support member that may be used with the securing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a side support member that may be used with the securing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the securing device of FIG. 1 with a frame coupled thereto; and

FIG. 8 is the securing device shown in FIG. 1 that includes a hook.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an exemplary apparatus for securing flowers and decorative items directly on a tombstone. Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and related figures directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary securing device 100. FIG. 2 is a top view of securing device 100 that is oriented in a partially open configuration. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of securing device 100. In the exemplary embodiment, securing device 100 may include a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. First and second portions 102 and 104 may each include a substantially triangular shape. Alternatively, first and second portions 102 and 104 may each include, but not limited to, semi-circular shape, a trapezoidal shape and/or any other shape that enables securing device 100 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, securing device 100 may be made out of materials such as, but not limited to, metal, wood, plastic, and/or any other synthetic or natural materials that enable securing device 100 to function as described herein.
Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, first portion 102 may include a first handle 106 extending therefrom, and second portion 104 may include a second handle 108 extending from second portion 104. As described in more detail below, when securing device 100 is in a substantially closed position, first and second handles 106 and 108 may overlap to form a handle portion 110. Handle portion 110 may include a locking aperture 112 defined within each first and second portion 102 and 104. Locking aperture 112 facilitates locking securing device 100 in a substantially closed position, as described in more detail below. Alternatively, locking aperture 112 may be an elongated slot to facilitate inserting a locking bolt and screw therethrough, which may enable handle portion 110 to be locked in graduated increments.
Further, first and second portions 102 and 104 may include a pivot aperture 114 defined in both first and second portions 102 and 104, and may be positioned opposite handle portion 110. A main pivot pin 116 may be inserted into pivot aperture 114 such that main pivot pin 116 pivotally couples first portion 102 to second portion 104.
In the exemplary embodiment, first portion 102 may also include a first locking slot 120 and second portion 104 may include a second locking slot 122 that is oriented such that second locking slot 122 may be substantially aligned with first locking slot 120 when securing device 100 is in the substantially closed position. A locking mechanism 124 may extend through first and second locking slots 120 and 122 to facilitate locking first portion 102 with respect to second portion 104. In the exemplary embodiment, locking mechanism 124 may include a bolt and screw. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of apertures may be defined in first and second portions 102 and 104 and may be used to facilitate locking first portion 102 with respect to second portion 104.
FIG. 4 is a top view of securing device 100 with a frame 127 coupled thereto. In the exemplary embodiment, securing device 100 may include a frame attachment mechanism 126 to facilitate attaching frame 127 to securing device 100. Attachment mechanism 126 may include a plurality of connecting objects 128 coupled to first and second portions 102 and 104, and a connector rod 130. Moreover, frame 127 may include a wire structure that includes a plurality of elongated members coupled together to form frame 127. Attachment mechanism 126 facilitates coupling frame 127 to securing device 100, as described in more detail below. In the exemplary embodiment, connecting objects 128 may be arc-shaped structures that enable connector rod 130 to be inserted therethrough. In another embodiment, connecting objects may include eyelets that enable connector rod 130 to be inserted therethrough. In yet another embodiment, connecting objects may include a plurality of hooks 131, as shown in FIG. 8, wherein hooks 131 extend away from a surface of first and second portions 102 and 104 that facilitate coupling frame 127 to securing device 100.
First portion 102 may include a first side corner 132, and second portion 104 may include a second side corner 134. First and second side corners 132 and 134 may be positioned opposite of one another when securing device 100 is in a substantially closed position, as shown in FIG. 1. Moreover, first and second side corners 132 and 134 may each include a plurality of adjustment apertures 136 defined therein. Specifically, adjustment apertures 136 may be positioned such that adjustment apertures 136 generally form a row that extends away from the corner towards the center of the respective first or second portion 102 or 104. In an alternative embodiment, adjustment apertures may include an elongated slot that extends away from the corner towards the center of the respective first or second portion 102 or 104.
In the exemplary embodiment, securing device 100 may also include a first side support member 140 and a second side support member 142. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of either first or second side support member 140 or 142. Referring to FIG. 5, first and second side support members 140 and 142 may each include a plate portion 144 and a connecting pin 146 coupled to plate portion 144 and extending away therefrom. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, first and second side support members 140 and 142 may each include a protective layer 148 coupled thereto that can facilitate protecting the tombstone from damage. In one embodiment, protective layer 148 may include, but not limited to, a rubber material, a plastic material, a cloth material and/or any other material that enables securing device 100 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, first and second side support members 140 and 142 may each be made of a material such as, but not limited to, metal, wood, rubber, plastic and/or any other synthetic or natural materials that enables securing device 100 to function as described herein.
First and second side support members 140 and 142 may be coupled to first and second side corners 132 and 134, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, first side support member 140 may be coupled to first side corner 132 using adjustment apertures 136. Specifically, connecting pin 146 may extend through one of the adjustment apertures 136 to facilitate pivotally coupling first side support member 140 to first portion 102. As a result, first side support member 140 may rotate, pivot, or otherwise move about connecting pin 146 with respect to first portion 102. In the exemplary embodiment, second side support member 142 may be coupled to second portion 104 and more specifically, second side corner 134 in a substantially similar manner as described above.
Connecting pin 146 of first and second side support members 140 and 142, may extend away from the center of first and second side support members 140 and 142. Alternatively, connecting pin 146 may be coupled to first and second side support members 140 and 142, such that connecting pin 146 may be positioned substantially off-center.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of either first or second side support member 140 or 142 that includes an angled connecting pin 150 that may have an angle, wherein connecting pin 150 may extend away from plate portion 144. The angle of connecting pin 150 may enable first and second side support members 140 and 142 to extend away from securing device 100 at an angle. Angled connecting pin 150 may also facilitate coupling securing device 100 to tombstones that include angled sidewalls, as described in more detail below. Moreover, angle connecting pin 150 may be fabricated to have any angle that enables securing device 100 to function as described herein.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of securing device 100 with frame 127 coupled thereto, wherein securing device 100 is coupled to a tombstone 151. In the exemplary embodiment, a position of first and second side support members 140 and 142 may be adjusted using adjustment apertures 136. Specifically, either first or second side support member 140 or 142 may be adjusted using adjustment apertures 136 such that a distance measured between first and second side support members 140 and 142 may be adjusted. In one non-limiting example, first side support member 140 may be coupled to an adjustment aperture 136 that is substantially closer to the center of first portion 102 than first side corner 132. As such, adjustment apertures 136 can facilitate adjusting the distance measured between first and second side support members 140 and 142 to facilitate coupling securing device 100 to tombstones that may include various widths, as described in more detail below.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of securing device 100 that includes a hook 152. In the exemplary embodiment, hook 152 may be coupled to securing device 100, and more specifically first and second portions 102 and 104. In the exemplary embodiment, hook 152 may be coupled to adjustment aperture 136 on first and second corners 132 and 134. Alternatively, hook 152 may be coupled to securing device 100 using a weld or any other coupling means known to one having ordinary skill in the art. In the exemplary embodiment, hook 152 enables a user to hang a decorative object therefrom. In one non-limiting example, hook 152 enables a user to hang a wreath therefrom.
During operation, securing device 100 may be coupled to tombstone 151. Specifically, securing device 100 may be placed onto tombstone 151 such that first and second side support members 140 and 142 may contact at least a portion of a first sidewall and a second sidewall of tombstone 151. To couple securing device 100 to tombstone 151, securing device 100 is partially opened by pivoting first portion 102 away from second portion 104 such that a partial gap is formed between first handle 106 and second handle 108. First and second side support members 140 and 142 may be adjusted using adjustment apertures 136 such that the distance (not shown) measured between first and second side support members 140 and 142 is at least partially greater than the width of tombstone 151. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, securing device 100 may be oriented on tombstone 151 such that a bottom portion (not shown) of securing device 100 does not contact tombstone 151.
Once securing device 100 is properly aligned with tombstone 151, a user may close securing device 100 by moving first and second handles 106 and 108 towards one another, such that first and second portions 102 and 104 pivot about main pivot pin 116. As a result, the gap may be reduced such that first handle portion 110 and second handle portion 110 overlap one another. In the exemplary embodiment, the user may close securing device 100 such that first and second side support members 140 and 142 apply a force to the sidewalls of tombstone 151. In the exemplary embodiment, the amount of force applied to tombstone 151 facilitates generating a friction force between that facilitates preventing securing device 100 from separating from tombstone 151.
In the exemplary embodiment, once the user has applied the desired amount of force to tombstone 151 using securing device 100, the user may lock securing device 100 into position using locking mechanism 124. Moreover, the user may also couple a lock (not shown) to handle portion 110, and more specifically, locking aperture 112, to facilitate preventing first portion 102 from sliding with respect to second portion 104.
Once securing device 100 is coupled to tombstone 151, the user may attach a bouquet of flowers thereto. In the exemplary embodiment, the user may connect frame 127 to securing device 100 using attachment mechanism 126. For example, frame 127 may be placed adjacent securing device 100, and more specifically, on top of securing device 100. Connector rod 130 may be coupled to frame 127 such that at least a portion of frame 127 is positioned between securing device 100 and connector rod 130. Moreover, connector rod 130 may be coupled to securing device 100 using connecting objects 128. As a result, frame 127 may be coupled to securing device 100. Once frame 127 is coupled to securing device 100, the user may couple a bouquet of flowers to frame 127. The bouquet of flowers may be coupled to frame 127 using any coupling means known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the user may hang a wreath, or other decorative objects, from securing device 100 using hook 152.
In a further exemplary embodiment, the bouquet of flowers may include a holder. In such an embodiment, the user may use the connector rod 130 and connecting objects 128 to facilitate coupling the flowers and holder to securing device 100.
Exemplary embodiments of securing devices are described in detail above. The securing devices described herein enable users to secure decorative materials thereto, and more specifically tombstones. Moreover, the securing devices described herein facilitate preventing the decorative materials from being displaced from the tombstones due to inclement weather, other visitors, groundskeepers, animals and/or any other external force. As a result, the securing devices facilitate preventing destruction of decorative devices and therefore facilitate reducing any expenses the users may spend of replacement decorative materials. Moreover, the securing devices facilitate reducing the amount of time users spend cleaning the grave site of fallen decorative materials.
The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A securing apparatus comprising:

a first base portion;

a second base portion pivotally coupled to said first base portion;

a first side support member comprising a plate portion and a pivot pin extending therefrom, said first side support member pivotally coupled to said first base portion; and

a second side support member comprising a plate portion and a pivot pin extending therefrom, said second side support member pivotally coupled to said base plate portion.

2. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an attachment mechanism comprising a plurality of connecting objects coupled to at least one of said first base portion and said second base portion, and a connecting rod coupled to said connecting objects.

3. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said plurality of connecting objects comprise a plurality of eyelets coupled to at least one of said first base portion and said second base portion.

4. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 2, further comprising a frame coupled to at least one of said first base portion and said second base portion using said attachment mechanism.

5. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an attachment mechanism comprising a plurality of hooks coupled to at least one of said first base portion and said second base portion.

6. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism comprising a first slot defined in said first base portion, a second slot defined in said second base portion, and a locking screw extending through said first slot and said second slot, wherein said first slot is substantially aligned with said second slot.

7. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a plurality of adjustment apertures defined in at least one of said first base portion and said second base portion.

8. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a first handle portion extending from said first base portion and a second handle portion extending from said second base portion.

9. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 8, further comprising a locking aperture extending through at least one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion.

10. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of said first side support member and said second side support member comprises a protective layer coupled thereto.

11. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of said first side support member and said second side support member comprises a pivot pin having an angle such that at least one of said first side support member and said second side support member is pivotally coupled to said securing apparatus at an angle.

12. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of said first base portion and said second base portion is comprised of metal.

13. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of said first base portion and said second base portion is comprised of plastic.

14. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of said first side support member and said second side support member is comprised of metal.

15. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of first side support member and said second side support member is comprised of plastic.

16. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a hook coupled to at least one of said first base portion and said second base portion.

17. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said securing apparatus is coupled to a tombstone.

18. A securing apparatus comprising:

means for coupling a first base portion to a second base portion;

means for coupling a frame to at least one of said first base portion and said second base portion; and

means for coupling at least one of said first base portion and said second base portion to a tombstone.

19. A securing apparatus in accordance with claim 18, further comprising:

means of preventing damage to at least one decorative object.