Therapeutic methods and apparatuses for processing an emotion triggering event

• US 7,891,125 B1
• Filed: 09/06/2002
• Issued: 02/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Emily H. Piccirillo
• Original Assignee: Emily H. Piccirillo
• Inventors: Piccirillo, Emily H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Silbermann; Joanne
• Application Number:
  US10/235,568
• Time in Patent Office: 3,091 Days
• Field of Search: 407/99, 406/610.5, 406/61
• US Class Current: 40/799
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 1/0616 Ornamental frames, e.g. with illumination, speakers or decorative features
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 33/00 Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use

Abstract

Therapeutic methods and apparatuses for processing emotions and cognitions relating to an event of substantial significance to a person, including but not limited to: death of another person or animal; loss of another person, an animal, or an object; separation from another person, an animal, or an object; relocation, graduation, adoption, incarceration, retirement, transitioning between employers, caregivers, etc., and other significant events. Some of the methods and apparatuses allow a person who experiences an emotion triggering event to impart a personalized message to a token, to transfer the token to another person, an animal, or an object, and to affix a memento to a frame, thereby assisting the person to let go or to hold on. Other methods and apparatuses allow a person—such as a professional therapist, friend, relative, caregiver, neighbor, co-worker, pastor, or acquaintance—to provide therapy to another person by assisting the other person to let go or to hold on. The methods and apparatuses may include assistance in selecting the personalized message or the memento, display or preservation of the memento, instructions for use of the methods or apparatus, terms suggesting a personalized message, identifiers, decorations including common cultural images and symbolic connections, inscriptions, symbolic shapes, means to display, means to attach, means to affix, means to preserve, means to protect, mounts, and other features.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a. a token having a surface configured for imparting a personalized message relating to a source of an emotion triggering event;

b. a frame detachably attached to the token, wherein the frame is configured for affixing a memento relating to the source; and

c. a mount detachably attached to the frame.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the token forms a symbolic shape.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the frame forms a substantially circular border with the token.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mount further comprises a backer.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mount further comprises means, detachably attached to the mount, for preserving the memento.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mount further comprises means, detachably attached to the mount, for displaying the memento.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises means for displaying the memento.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises means for preserving the memento.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the preserving means comprises a transparent covering.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

a. the token forms a symbolic shape;

b. the frame forms a substantially circular border with the token;

c. the token further comprises a decoration on a face of the token;

d. the frame further comprises a decoration on a face of the frame;

e. the mount further comprises a backer;

f. the mount further comprises means, detachably attached to the mount, for preserving the memento;

g. the preserving means further comprises a transparent covering;

h. the mount further comprises means, detachably attached to the mount, for displaying the memento;

i. the displaying means further comprises a hangtag; and

j. the token and the frame are constructed substantially of plant fibers.

11. An apparatus, comprising:

a. a token having a surface configured for imparting a personalized message relating to a source of an emotion triggering event;

b. a frame configured for affixing a memento relating to the source;

c. wherein the token is detachable from the frame; and

d. a memento affixed to the frame.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the frame is situated in a location to display the memento.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the frame further comprises means for displaying the memento.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the frame further comprises means for preserving the memento.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a mount detachably attached to the frame.