Memorial Internment Vessel

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of memorial or internment vessels used to store ashes of a cremated individual, pet or other precious items. The memorial internment vessel is also equipped with a battery-operated eternal flame, illumination or other lighting feature, a speaker, wireless communication module, LED lighting and remote control capability. The candle-like memorial internment vessel of the present invention allows an individual to turn on a light located along the vessel for an extended period time, while simultaneously storing the ashes of a loved one or other precious item.

Claims

1. A remembrance vessel comprising: a body having an outer wall, a top and a bottom surface; an illumination feature disposed on the top of the body; a power source; and a base provided on the bottom surface of the body, wherein the base is comprised of an internal cavity for holding an interned material.

2. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 1 further comprising a speaker.

3. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 2 further comprising a video screen.

4. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 3 further comprising a processor, a controller, a wireless communication module and a memory.

5. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 4 further comprising a timer and a switch.

6. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 5, wherein the body further comprises a hand deformable material.

7. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 6, wherein the hand deformable material is comprised of a polyurethane foam or a rubberized material.

8. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 7, wherein the timer cycles an interval of the illumination feature.

9. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 8, wherein the video screen and the speaker are operated in sync with one another.

10. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 1, wherein the illumination feature comprises a first sequence and a second sequence.

11. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 10, wherein the illumination feature further comprises a third sequence and a fourth sequence.

12. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 11, wherein the first sequence is an illuminated light, the second sequence is a non-illuminated light, the third sequence is a flicking light and the fourth sequence is a dimmed light.

13. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 12, wherein the memory includes at least one of a video, a song, a pre-recorded message, a reading, a religious passage or a recited poem.

14. The remembrance vessel as recited in claim 13, wherein the illumination feature is operated in sync with the video screen and the speaker.

15. A memorial internment vessel comprising: a shaped body having a top end, a bottom end and a sidewall extending between the top end and the bottom end, wherein the shaped body has a geometric shape; a base having a cavity, wherein the base is sized and configured to fit on the bottom end of the shaped body; an illumination feature disposed on the top end of the shaped body, wherein the illumination feature is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode; and a memory.

16. The memorial internment vessel as recited in claim 15 further comprising a speaker and a video screen.

17. The memorial internment vessel as recited in claim 16 further comprising a processor, a controller, a timer, a wireless communication module and a switch.

18. The memorial internment vessel as recited in claim 17, wherein the timer cycles the illumination feature through the at least first and second modes.

19. The memorial internment vessel as recited in claim 18, wherein the illumination feature comprises a third mode and a fourth mode.

20. A memorial remembrance container comprising: a body having a top surface and a bottom surface; a light mimicking a flame positioned at a center of the top surface; a base having a cavity attached to the bottom surface, wherein the cavity contains at least one of a precious item, a relic or a plurality of ashes; a speaker; a switch for actuating at least one of the speaker or the light; and a memory.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the memorial internment vessel of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the vessel is placed on a hard surface and the bulb is illuminated or in a first sequence;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the memorial internment vessel of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the vessel is placed on a hard surface and the bulb is not illuminated or in a second sequence;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the memorial internment vessel of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the base of the vessel is separated from the body in an open position and ready to receive and store contents;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the memorial internment vessel of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the base of the vessel is separated from the body in an open position and ready to receive and store contents and the battery door is open to expose the batteries;

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the illumination feature of the memorial internment vessel of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential alternative embodiment of the memorial internment vessel of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the vessel further comprises a display screen and a deformable material portion; and

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagrammatic view of one potential embodiment of a control circuit of the memorial internment vessel of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0027] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a memorial internment vessel that allows a user to place the cremated ashes or other personal items of a loved one inside the vessel, while also simulating the flame of a candle. More particularly, there is a long felt need in the art for a memorial internment vessel that is both capable of illumination and that contains a space in which to place the cremated ashes or other personal items of a loved one for remembrance. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a simulated flame or other illumination device that also provides a mechanism to allow the user to listen to music, sounds, poetry, readings, religious passages or a message without requiring the user to have to purchase and then display yet another separate device. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a memorial vessel, remembrance or other keepsake device that provides a mechanism to illuminate the vessel or device through the use of a battery to avoid the safety hazard of having an actual open flame exposed for extended periods of time, and to prevent the same from becoming unintentionally extinguished. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a remembrance device that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, provides a suitable chamber for personal or precious items and that is both safe and easy to use.

[0028] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the memorial internment vessel 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the vessel 100 is placed on a hard surface 160 and the bulb 120 is illuminated or in a first sequence. The memorial internment vessel 100 is comprised of a body 110, a base 130 and at least an illumination feature or bulb 120. More specifically, the vessel 100 of the present invention has a base 130 that includes a cavity or hollow portion 135 for holding the interned materials or other items in a secured manner, wherein the base 130 is removably fastened to the body 110 to prevent the contents or other interned materials of the base 130 from spilling or falling out of the base 130.

[0029] As best shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the body 110 is comprised of a sidewall 111, upper rim 112, inside base 114, inner wall 115, and an underside 117. The body 130 is preferably made of plastic, but made be made of glass, metal, composites or any other suitable material that would emulate a pillar candle or other suitable configuration. Wax may also surround the body 130 providing for a more authentic candle-like appearance. The body 110 is also preferably a cylindrical shape and of a size that is appropriate to set on a table, mantel, bookshelf, desk or other place that is easily accessible display area. Nonetheless, the shape and size of the body 110 is not so limited, and the body 110 may be of any shape and/or size that satisfies user need and/or preference. For example, the body 110 may take on a configuration of a favorite animal, pet, plant, tree, building or the like, to facilitate perpetuation of a memory.

[0030] The sidewall 111 extends upward from the underside 117 to an upper rim 112, and the upper rim 112 may be a curvature pattern around the circumference of the body 110, similar to that of a melting candle. That is, the edges may be scalloped or shaped to simulate the melting that occurs with a wax candle as the heat slowly melts the sides of the candle away. Nonetheless, the sidewall 111 is not so limited, and may be any design or configuration that suits user need and/or preference, such as a column or square. In addition, an outer shell (not shown) that is roughly the same size and shape as the sidewall 111 may be removably placed around the sidewall 111, thereby providing a changeable decorative or seasonal pattern without having to change the appearance of the sidewall 111 itself.

[0031] The vessel 100 may also include a speaker to emit music, sounds, poetry, prayers or other recorded messages from the vessel 100. In order to emit the music, sounds or a recorded message, the vessel 100 may have a switch, button, motion sensor or the user may gently touch the vessel 100 either on the body 110 or the base 130. In addition, the individual may also download a mobile application on a smartphone or other remote electronic device to operate the music, sound, video or recorded message feature of the vessel 100 via a wireless communication module contained in the vessel, as explained more fully below. Alternatively, a hand-held remote control may also be used to operate the music, sound, video or recorded message feature of the vessel 100, or any other component.

[0032] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the top of the body 110 is further comprised of a top opening 113, an inside base 114 and an inner wall 115. The inner wall 115 is preferably the same shape as the body 110, and also resembles that of the inside of a melting candle. The bulb body 121 is preferably shaped to resemble the flame on a candle, but may be any design or shape of a light that the user desires. In a preferred embodiment, the bulb 120 is located in the center of the inside base 114 and is inserted into a bulb opening 122 that is capable of receiving the bulb 120. The battery 150 powers or illuminates the bulb 120 such that when the bulb 120 is illuminated, as shown in FIG. 1, it resembles a flame or, when not illuminated, as shown in FIG. 2, the bulb 120 blends into the device 100. Furthermore, the inner walls 115 are designed to reflect the light from the bulb 120, thereby simulating a flickering candle flame and may include a reflective material, such as a prismatic film available from 3M or Avery Dennison to further reflect the light.

[0033] As further shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, in a preferred embodiment, the base 130 is of a similar shape as the body 110. The base 130 may be constructed of metal, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, plastic, alloy or other similar material that is capable of supporting the body 110 in an upright position. The base 130 may also contain dimples 134 which allow a user to securely hold or grasp the vessel 100 in a way that decreases the risk of the user dropping the vessel 100.

[0034] As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 130 is comprised of a side wall 131, an inner base 133, a hollow portion 135 and a plurality of receiving threads 132. As noted above, the sidewall 131 is preferably, but not required to be, the same size and shape as the body 110. The hollow portion 135 is capable of accepting items to be interned, such as cremated remains, mementos, precious objects or any other item the user desires to place in the space. In a preferred embodiment, the base 130 fastens to the body 110 through receiving threads 132 on the base 130 and complimentary threads 116 on the body 110. However, the base 130 may be fastened to the body 110 by any other suitable fastening means that provides a secure and tight enclosure that prohibits the contents of the base 130 from spilling or falls out of the device 100 such as a snap connection. The connection of the body 110 and the base 130 may further comprise a lock 142 to prevent unauthorized separation of the body 110 and the base 130 and access to the interior hollow portion 135.

[0035] As further shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the underside 117 includes a battery compartment 119 and battery cover 118. The battery compartment 119 is generally centrally located on the underside 117. The battery compartment 119 is a size and shape suitable to receive batteries 150 sufficient to operate the memorial internment device 100. When the battery cover 118 is in the closed position, the batteries 150 are secure and the body 110 is able to fasten to the base 130 without interference from the objects or substances placed inside the inner base 133. The battery cover 118 may also comprise a lock 142 similar to that which is used to secure the body 110 to the base 130.

[0036] The battery compartment 119 has a circuit system connecting the batteries 150 to the bulb 120 and other components of the vessel 100 that require power. The compartment may also house a processor, memory, switch, wireless module and controller to operate the memorial device and control the functions of the vessel as more fully described in relation to FIG. 7 below. When the batteries 150 are engaged, the current is open to the bulb 120 and the bulb 120 is turned on or illuminated. When the batteries 150 are not engaged, the current is cut off from the bulb 120 and the bulb 120 is turned off or not illuminated. The controller can sequence the illumination device 120 through a series of different sequences depending on the preferences of the individual user. In addition, the illumination device 120 can be synched to operate in connection with the sound or video being heard or seen.

[0037] The circuit system may also be controlled through a switch, button, or sensor located on an exterior surface of the vessel 100. For example, when the switch or button is placed in the “ON” position, the current is sent to the bulb 120, thereby illuminating the same. Conversely, when the switch or button is in the “OFF” position, the electrical current is cut off from the bulb 120, and the bulb 120 turns off (i.e., is no longer illuminated). The vessel 100 may also have a sensor that is activated when the electrical current goes directly to the bulb 120 and turns the bulb 120 on. The sensor may be motion, light or sound-activated, or may be activated by touch. The sensor may also comprise a timer setting that allows the bulb 120 to remain illuminated for a user-selectable period of time, as well as to play the video or recordings from the speaker. The vessel 100 may also have a setting that allows the user 170 to set the desired time for the bulb 120, music, video or sound, to operate. In addition, a remote control or smart phone app may also allow the user 170 to turn on the bulb 120 as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0038] As best shown in FIG. 4, the battery cover 118 is repositionably fastened to the underside 117 through a hinge mechanism or other suitable method that allows the battery cover 118 to remain attached to the underside 117 on one side when in the open position and also allows the batteries 150 to be placed inside the battery compartment 119. In addition, the battery cover 118 may be fastened through a clasping mechanism, thereby allowing the battery cover 118 to be fully removed from the device 100 and reattached after the batteries 150 are inserted into the battery compartment 119. As previously noted, regardless of the method of attachment of the battery cover 118, a lock 142 may be provided to only permit the user 170 to have access to the compartment 119.

[0039] As also shown in FIG. 4, preferably two batteries 150 are inserted into the battery compartment 119. However, the battery compartment 119 may be configured to accommodate any type of battery 150 including, but not limited to, AAA, AA, C, D or 9-volt. The batteries 150 are placed in the battery compartment 119 such that the positive and negative ends correspond to the positive and negative terminals in the battery compartment 119. Once engaged, the batteries 150 will send power through the circuit system to the bulb 120 (or any other component that requires electrical power to function), thereby allowing the user 170 to turn the bulb 120 “ON” or “OFF” as desired.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the illumination feature of the memorial internment vessel 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the bulb 120 is shown inserted approximately in the center of the inside base 114. The bulb 120 is configured to fit snugly into the bulb opening 122. In a preferred embodiment, the bulb 120 is screwed in a clockwise direction into the bulb opening 122 until the bulb 120 can no longer turn, thereby connecting the bulb 120 with a circuit, or other electronic method, connected to the battery 150 that provides for the bulb 120 to illuminate when the battery 150 is engaged. As previously stated, the bulb 120 may also be illuminated through a switch or button that allows the current from the battery 150 to reach the bulb 120 when in the “ON” position.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential alternative embodiment of the memorial internment vessel 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the vessel 100 further comprises a display screen 610 and a deformable material portion 630, 640. In this embodiment, an illumination effect 620 is also shown mimicking an flame on top of a candle. A soft, pliable or other deformable material 630, 640 is applied to different portions of the body 110 so that an individual may grasp and hold the remembrance device 100 and the material will form around the individuals hands. The pliable or deformable material 630, 640 is preferably made from a polyurethane foam or other rubberized material. As previously stated, a reflective material 650 may also be provided near the illumination device to help increase the light generated by the bulb 120 in order to provide more of a glow. In addition, when the illumination device is cycled through the various sequences, the reflective material 650 can increase the flickering of the light during one of the sequences to enhance the effect of a flickering candle. The speaker 660 may be located at any point on the body 110 or base 130 of the memorial vessel 100.

[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagrammatic view of one potential embodiment of a control circuit of the memorial internment vessel 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, a memory 700 is provided and may store sound and video images that the individual may want to display or hear from the vessel 100, and a processor 710 is included for retrieving the selected sounds or video that may be selected from a smart application downloaded to a smart phone, tablet or other electronic device. A switch 720 is included for turning the vessel 100 “ON” or “OFF”, or to operate the various modes of the vessel 100, and a controller 730 is used to cycle or sequence the illumination device through the various sequences and operation of other features as elsewhere described herein. A wireless communication module 740 is included for connecting to a wireless device, such as a smart phone, tablet or the like, and a timer circuit 750 is included to allow a selection of intervals to play the sound, video or operate the illumination device.

[0043] It is also contemplated that the color of the memorial remembrance vessel 100 can be any color that satisfied user need and/or preference, and may be changed over time by the user. As stated above, it is also contemplated that wax may also surround the body 130 providing for a more authentic candle-like appearance, with a silver base wherein the cremations or remains would be stored. The silver base would also be capable of receiving an inscription.

[0044] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the memorial remembrance vessel or “Jordyn's candle” 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the memorial remembrance vessel 100 and its various components as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that other configurations of the memorial remembrance vessel 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0046] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.