Chambered cremation URN memorial with attached or integrated electronic imaging device

• US 8,419,140 B2
• Filed: 10/28/2009
• Issued: 04/16/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/28/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John William Ward
• Original Assignee: John William Ward
• Inventors: Ward, John William
• Primary Examiner(s): Jayne, Darnell
• Assistant Examiner(s): Krycinski, Stanton L
• Application Number:
  US12/589,759
• Publication Number:
  US 20100102685A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,266 Days
• Field of Search: 312/7.2, 312/117, 312/204, 312/223.5, 312/223.1, 312/223.3, 312/234, 312/234.3, 27/1, 211/1, 211/85.16, 211/85.27, 108/23
• US Class Current: 312/7.2
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 81/00 Cabinets or racks specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 11/10 Arrangements of light sources
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 3/00 Show cases or show cabinets
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 7/283 Show stands or the like having a compartment for each container

Abstract

A lighted decorative cremation urn memorial constructed of rigid interlocking paneled materials used to house and display cremation urns and the personal effects of the decedent. A multi-chambered design allows for chamber areas to be aesthetically enhanced with the addition of cut stone and fabric inserts while outfitting other chambers with electronic imaging capability such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) picture screen with integrated functions and remote control. A user can utilize chamber areas to simultaneously display cremation urn(s), personal effects, and present electronic media. Certain chambers contain lighting systems, such as light emitting diode (LED) or other, where cremation urns and personal effects can be better accentuated. Added personalization includes the ability to engrave surfaces and affix engraved panels or emblems to suit the user. Thus the family or loved ones of a decedent may be provided with multiple options.

Claims

1. A decorative device for displaying cremation urns, containers housing the cremated remains of humans or animals, and personal effects of a cremated decedent, comprising:

(a.) a rectangular flat top and a flat base of equal size constructed of rigid material held apart by two shorter rectangular side walls of similar width separating said flat top and flat base;

said flat top and flat base connected at all corners at right angles to said side walls, and a backing panel affixed to edges of said flat top, flat base, and side walls to form a structure with a recessed area on one side for housing said cremation urns, containers, and personal effects;

(b.) one or more additional walls of rigid material connected to said flat top, flat base, and backing panel to separate said recessed area into chamber areas within said recessed area for housing said cremation urns, containers, and personal effects;

(c.) illumination devices at predetermined areas on said flat base, flat top, side walls, or backing panel for providing illumination within said structure;

(d.) an opening or hole in said flat base or backing panel for inserting an electrical power supply for providing electricity;

(e.) decorative material affixed to wall surfaces of said chamber areas and a forward facing surface area of said backing panel;

(f.) at least one door constructed of rigid material attached to one of said side walls or said one or more additional side walls with one or more hinges and fasteners for allowing said door to open to expose said chamber areas;

(g.) an electronic imaging device or liquid crystal display screen with means to display electronic video, picture images, and means to produce sound;

said electronic imaging device or liquid crystal display screen attached to or integrated within a removed area of material of said door so that said electronic imaging device or liquid crystal display screen is viewable from a front facing side of said structure when said door is in a closed position; and

(h.) a plaque with writing or engraving attached to said door adjacent to said electronic imaging device or liquid crystal display screen.

2. The decorative device of claim 1, wherein the underside of said flat top has a removed area of material for allowing said illumination devices to be recessed and hidden within said flat top for illuminating said cremation urns from above within said structure.

3. The decorative device of claim 1, wherein a false wall constructed of a piece of rigid material abuts said flat top, flat base, and side walls behind said door for concealing wires, plugs, transformers, and other electronic devices from view behind said false wall.

4. The decorative device of claim 3, wherein lighting switches and/or emblems are affixed to the forward facing side of said false wall so that said lighting switches and/or emblems are visible when said door is in an opened position.

5. A decorative device for displaying cremation urns, containers housing the cremated remains of humans or animals, and personal effects of a cremated decedent, comprising:

(a.) a rectangular flat top and a flat base of equal size constructed of rigid material with recessed grooves on one side of each of said flat top and flat base;

said flat top and flat base held apart by four elongated support members of a predetermined length;

each support member inserted within a respective one of said recessed grooves;

two rectangular side walls;

one of each side walls inserted into recessed grooves of a respective pair of said support members;

each of said side walls having a similar width to said flat top and flat base, and similar length to said support members;

said flat top and flat base connected at all corners at right angles to said side walls and said support members, and a backing panel affixed to edges of said flat top, flat base, side walls and support members to form a structure with a recessed area on one side for housing said cremation urns, containers, and personal effects;

(b.) two interior separating walls constructed of rigid material interconnected through recessed grooves to said flat top, flat base, and backing panel to separate said recessed area into three chamber areas within said recessed area for housing said cremation urns, containers, and personal effects;

(c.) illumination devices recessed within grooves at predetermined areas of said flat top for providing illumination within said structure;

(d.) an opening or hole in said flat base or backing panel for inserting an electrical power supply for providing electricity;

(e.) decorative material affixed to wall surfaces of said chamber areas and a forward facing surface area of said backing panel;

(f.) at least one door constructed of rigid material attached to a front facing elongated support member with one or more hinges and fasteners for allowing said door to open to expose said chamber areas;

(g.) an electronic imaging device or liquid crystal display screen with integrated media storage and playback functions;

said electronic imaging device or liquid crystal display screen attached to or integrated within a removed area of material of said door so that said electronic imaging device or liquid crystal display screen is viewable from a front facing side of said structure when said door is in a closed position;

(h.) a catch on said door for stopping the closing motion of said door in a predetermined flush position with a forward face of said structure; and

(i.) a plaque with writing or engraving attached to said door adjacent to said electronic imaging device or liquid crystal display screen.

6. The decorative device of claim 5, wherein a false wall constructed of a piece of rigid material interconnects said flat top and flat base, and abuts said separating walls behind said door for concealing wires, plugs, transformers, and other electronic devices from view behind said false wall.

7. The decorative device of claim 6, wherein lighting switches and/or emblems are affixed to the forward facing side of said false wall so that said lighting switches and/or emblems are visible when said door is in an opened position.