System for delivering and relinquishing memories

Abstract

The system is a means of communicating between a user in a third-party, the third-party may be alive or deceased. In summary, the system is the recordation of a memory an apology or praise, memorialized in physical form, such as in a letter, the letter than stored in an item such as lock it and the item shared with a third party or carried by the user.

Claims

1. A method for communicating between a user and a third-party, the method comprising the steps of: prior to an event, the user places an order for a letter from a supplier; the supplier gathers and ships the letter to the user; after receiving the letter, the user writes a message on the letter to the third-party; the letter being a physical medium; the user returns the letter to the supplier; the supplier waits for the event to occur; the supplier obtains a communication container; the communication container includes: a body; a letter chamber within the body; the letter chamber shaped to hold the letter which is a rolled or folded letter; after obtaining the communication container, the supplier inserts the letter into the letter chamber of the communication container; after inserting the letter, the supplier transfers the communication container to the third-party; whereby the user can achieve lasting communication with the third-party, even though such communication may otherwise be impeded by death or hesitance to have a difficult conversation.

2. The method of claim 1, the communication container further comprising: an ash compartment; the ash compartment including an ash chamber that is accessible by way of a removable seal; whereby the ash compartment allows the third-party to hold ashes of the user.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the method comprises the following step between inserting the letter into the letter chamber and transferring the communication container: removing the removable seal of the ash compartment; inserting ashes of the user into the ash compartment; and replacing the removable seal of the ash compartment.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the event is a birthday of the third-party.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the event is a death of the user.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the message is comprised of memories, praise, or an apology.

7. The method of claim 1, the communication container further comprising: a first seal; the first seal closing an opening to the letter chamber; whereby the supplier removes the first seal, inserts the letter into the letter chamber, and then closes the first seal.

8. A method that allows a user to share a memory, praise, or apology with a third-party by allowing the user to encapsulate the memory, praise, or apology in physical form to create an encapsulated memory, praise, or apology storing the encapsulated memory, praise, or apology in a communication container, a supplier holding the communication container or transferring the communication container to the third-party, thereby allowing the user to let go of the memory, praise, or apology, the method comprising: prior to occurrence of an event, the user places an order for the communication container and a letter from the supplier; the supplier gathers and ships the communication container and the letter to the user; the communication container is ornamental and intended to displayed by the user, by the third-party, or near the third-party; the communication container includes a letter chamber to contain the letter; the communication container is not a paper envelope; the letter chamber sealing using a first seal that interfaces with a letter chamber opening; after receiving the letter, the user writes the memory, praise, or apology on the letter to the third-party; the letter being on a physical medium; after obtaining the communication container, the supplier user inserts the letter into the letter chamber of the communication container; after inserting the letter into the letter chamber, the user seals the letter chamber by inserting the first seal into the letter chamber opening; waiting until the event occurs; after the event occurs, the user transfers the communication container to the third-party; whereby the user is able to transfer the memory, apology, or praise to the third-party, thus allowing the user to communicate with the third-party.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the letter is written on a piece of paper.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the event is a birthday of the third-party.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. A method that allows a user to share a memory, praise, or apology with a third-party by allowing the user to encapsulate the memory, praise, or apology in physical form to create an encapsulated memory, praise, or apology storing the encapsulated memory, praise, or apology in a communication container, a supplier holding the communication container or transferring the communication container to the third-party party, thereby allowing the user to let go of the memory, praise, or apology, the method comprising: prior to occurrence of an event, the user writes a letter; the letter contains the memory, praise, or apology; the letter written on a piece of paper; after writing the letter, the supplier obtains the communication container; the communication container is ornamental and intended to displayed by the user, by the third-party, or near the third-party; the communication container includes a letter chamber to contain the letter; the letter chamber sealing using a first seal that interfaces with a letter chamber opening; an ash compartment within the communication container; the ash compartment including an ash chamber that is accessible by way of a removable seal; after obtaining the communication container, the supplier inserts the letter into the letter chamber of the communication container; after inserting the letter into the letter chamber, the supplier seals the letter chamber by inserting the first seal into the letter chamber opening; removing the removable seal of the ash compartment; inserting ashes of the third-party into the ash compartment; and replacing the removable seal of the ash compartment. waiting until the event occurs; after the event occurs, the supplier transfers the communication container to the third-party; whereby the user is able to transfer the memory, apology, or praise to the third-party, thus allowing the user to communicate with the third-party even after the death of the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a view of a first embodiment of a communication container.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an outer and cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a communication container.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an outer and partially-transparent view of a third embodiment of a communication container.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an outer and partially-transparent view of a fourth embodiment of a communication container.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a communication container that includes a recess for a candle.

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates the steps of executing the disclosed method.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates optional additional steps of executing the disclosed method.

[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of the disclosed method.

[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a communication container with candle.

[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates a communication container with candle, the candle removed.

[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates a view of the bottom of a communication container with candle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, a view of a first embodiment of a communication container is shown.

[0039] The communication container 10 includes a body 12, with an internal letter chamber 14. The letter chamber 14 is accessible through the letter chamber opening 16. An optional first seal 18 and second seal 20 close the letter chamber 14, and optionally engage the body 12 using threads 22.

[0040] The communication container 10 includes optional text 11, such as a message or identification of the individual giving, or receiving, the communication container 10.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, an outer and cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a communication container is shown.

[0042] The second embodiment of the communication container 10 again includes a body 12, with an internal letter chamber 14. The letter chamber 14 is accessible through the letter chamber opening 16.

[0043] A letter 2 is shown, tied with optional ribbon 3.

[0044] An ash compartment 30 includes an ash chamber 32, accessible via an ash chamber opening 33. A seal 34 closes the ash chamber 32, shown here using a plug 40.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, an outer and partially-transparent view of a third embodiment of a communication container is shown.

[0046] The third embodiment of the communication container 10 again includes a body 12, with an internal letter chamber 14. The letter chamber 14 is accessible through the letter chamber opening 16 (see FIG. 1), closed using first seal 18 and second seal 20.

[0047] An ash compartment 30 includes an ash chamber 32, sealed using a plate 36, held in place by fasteners 38.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, an outer and partially-transparent view of a fourth embodiment of a communication container is shown.

[0049] The fourth embodiment of the communication container 10 again includes a body 12, with an internal letter chamber 14. The letter chamber 14 is accessible using the hinge 24 to open the communication container 10, exposing a recess that forms the internal letter chamber 14.

[0050] A letter 2 is shown within an envelope 4 for placement within the letter chamber 14.

[0051] An ash compartment 30 includes an ash chamber 32, sealed using a plate 36, held in place by fasteners 38.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 5, a fifth embodiment of a communication container that includes a recess for a candle is shown.

[0053] The fourth embodiment of the communication container 10 again includes a body 12, with an internal letter chamber 14. The letter chamber 14 is accessible through letter chamber opening 16, accessible by removing first seal 18. First seal 18 is preferably held to body 12 using magnets (not shown).

[0054] The internal letter chamber 14 is larger than in other embodiments, allowing for the use of thicker, or more, paper.

[0055] An ash compartment 30 is sealed using a plate 36, held in place by fastener 38.

[0056] A candle depression 42 allows for insertion of a candle (not shown) to help the user remember the third-party.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6, the steps of executing the disclosed method are shown.

[0058] The method of the eternity letter communication system 1 is prompted by the occurrence of an event 100. For example, a death, an argument, or a celebration. Upon the occurrence of an event the user chooses a party 102 to receive a letter.

[0059] A letter is then drafted 104. The letter preferably includes memories, praise, or an apology.

[0060] After drafting, the letter is then optionally folded in place in an envelope 106.

[0061] Alternatively, or in addition to placing in an envelope, the letter is wrapped in a ribbon 108.

[0062] The user then obtains a communication container 110. The communication container includes a letter chamber and optionally includes an ash compartment.

[0063] The user then inserts the letter into the communication container 112.

[0064] The user then chooses the receiving party 114.

[0065] The determination of the receiving party is affected by whether or not the event in question is a death 116.

[0066] If the event is a death the user optionally adds ashes to the ash compartment 118. The user then decides whether to carry the container on her person or to place the container with the deceased third-party 120.

[0067] If the event is not a death, the user then gives the communication container to the receiving party the third-party 122.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 7, additional optional steps of executing the disclosed method are shown.

[0069] Streamlining the process of sending the communication container to the receiving party increases the chances that the user will be able to complete the process and send the letter and communication container.

[0070] Following steps of occurrence of an event 100, and choosing a party 102 to receive a letter (see FIG. 6), the user places an order for a communication container 200. The order is likely placed using the Internet, but other means of placing an order are anticipated.

[0071] The order includes the type of communication container desired, the communication container features, and contact information for the receiving party.

[0072] The supplier then gathers and ships 202 the requested items. Included is; the communication container; letter materials such as paper, ribbon, envelope; and an address label for the receiving party.

[0073] The address label may include pre-paid shipping information, avoiding the need for the user pay for shipping later.

[0074] Steps 104 of drafting the letter through step 112 of inserting the letter are followed (see FIG. 6), then the user inserts the communication container into the packaging 204, applies the address label 206, and ships the package 208.

[0075] This modification of the method disclosed in FIG. 6 eases the process of shipping the communication container by avoiding the need for the user to again locate address information for the receiving party.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 8, a second embodiment of the disclosed method is shown.

[0077] In this embodiment, the choice of a receiving party 102 and drafting the letter 104 precede the occurrence of the event 100. Choosing receiving parties 102 and drafting letters 104 is repeated as needed 105 depending upon whether the same letter is used for multiple receiving parties, or whether multiple letters are used.

[0078] Upon occurrence of an event 100, such as a death or a celebration, the letter is then optionally folded in place in an envelope 106 by the user or a supplier.

[0079] Alternatively, or in addition to placing in an envelope, the letter is wrapped in a ribbon 108 by the user or a supplier.

[0080] The supplier then obtains a communication container 110. The communication container includes a letter chamber and optionally includes an ash compartment.

[0081] The supplier then inserts the letter into the communication container 112.

[0082] The determination of the receiving party is affected by whether or not the invent in question is a death 116.

[0083] If the event is a death the supplier optionally adds ashes to the ash compartment 118. The supplier can then either send the container to a third-party place the container with the deceased third-party 120.

[0084] If the event is not a death the supplier then provides the communication container to the receiving party, or third-party, 122.

[0085] These steps following the occurrence of an event 100 may be repeated 130 as needed, if additional letters exist.

[0086] FIG. 9 illustrates a communication container with candle.

[0087] The communication container 10 includes a body 12 with candle 44, the candle 44 surrounded by a glass surround 46. The glass surround 46 can be of many different styles, including tinted, frosted, and so forth.

[0088] FIG. 10 illustrates a communication container with candle, the candle removed.

[0089] The communication container 10 is shown without candle 44 (see

[0090] FIG. 9), the body 12 including a candle depression 42. The body 12 of the communication container 10 meets with a second optional body 12, forming a heart-shaped infinity symbol.

[0091] A glass surround recess 48 holds the glass surround 44 (see FIG. 9) in a precise position with respect to the candle 44.

[0092] FIG. 11 illustrates a view of the bottom of a communication container with candle.

[0093] Viewing the bottom of the communication container 10, the body 12 includes an internal letter chamber 14 accessible by way of a letter chamber opening 16, accessible by a hinge 24. Ashes are optionally stored within the letter chamber 14 in addition to a letter.

[0094] Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

[0095] It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.