Decorative Container Device

Abstract

A decorative container device is disclosed that provides a multipurpose, weatherproof storage container for safely securing mementos at a gravesite. The decorative container device comprises a body component that is configured in a rectangular shape that measures approximately six inches in length and width and one to two inches in thickness. The body component would be a transparent, plastic structure that enables decorations like holiday cards and artwork to be seen through the container's surface. The body component also comprises hook and loop fasteners that allow the body component to be secured to a tombstone. Thus, each container device functions as a suitable way of showing affection to a loved one who has passed through different types of decorations inserted into the container.

Claims

1. A decorative container device that provides a user with a multipurpose, weatherproof storage container for securing mementos at a gravesite, the decorative container device comprising: a body component; a lid component; and a securing means; wherein the body component and the lid component are adapted to receive and secure a memento and protects the memento from weather; and further wherein the body component is secured to a gravestone via the securing means for display and decoration.

2. The decorative container device of claim 1, wherein the body component is a transparent, plastic structure configured in a rectangular shape.

3. The decorative container device of claim 2, wherein the body component comprises a transparent front face and a transparent rear face secured together so the memento can be seen.

4. The decorative container device of claim 3, wherein the body component has an inner recess between the front face and the rear face for holding the memento.

5. The decorative container device of claim 4, wherein a slot opening in a top of the body component communicates with the inner recess and enables the memento to be inserted and removed.

6. The decorative container device of claim 5 further comprising a gasket, and wherein the inner recess is completely enclosed around a rest of a perimeter, so that only opening is through the slot opening.

7. The decorative container device of claim 6, wherein the lid component is utilized to cover the slot opening and secure the memento inside the body component.

8. The decorative container device of claim 7, wherein the perimeter of the body component comprises a channel that runs along at least substantially all of the perimeter, to mate the front face and the rear face together to provide a weatherproof seal.

9. The decorative container device of claim 8, wherein the securing means are hook and loop fasteners.

10. The decorative container device of claim 9, wherein the memento comprises a holiday card, a picture, a photograph, or a decoration.

11. The decorative container device of claim 10, wherein the decorative container device can be utilized with a gravestone, a headstone, a tombstone, or a memorial.

12. The decorative container device of claim 11 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

13. A decorative container device that provides a user with a multipurpose, weatherproof storage container for securing mementos at a gravesite, the decorative container device comprising: a body component comprising a transparent front face and a transparent rear face secured together so a memento can be seen; a lid component; a gasket positioned between the body component and the lid component when the lid component is installed on the body component; and a plurality of hook and loop fasteners; wherein the body component is a transparent, plastic structure configured in a rectangular shape; wherein the body component has an inner recess between the transparent front face and the transparent rear face for holding the memento; wherein a slot opening in a top of the body component communicates with the inner recess and enables the memento to be inserted and removed; wherein the inner recess is completely enclosed around a rest of a perimeter, so that only opening is through the slot opening; wherein the lid component is utilized to cover the slot opening and secure the memento inside the body component; and further wherein the body component is secured to a gravestone via the plurality of hook and loop fasteners for display and decoration.

14. The decorative container device of claim 13, wherein the perimeter of the body component comprises a channel that runs along at least substantially all of the perimeter, to mate the front face and the rear face together to provide a weatherproof seal.

15. The decorative container device of claim 13, wherein the memento comprises a holiday card, a picture, a photograph, or a decoration.

16. The decorative container device of claim 13, wherein the decorative container device can be utilized with a gravestone, a headstone, a tombstone, or a memorial.

17. The decorative container device of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

18. The decorative container device of claim 13, wherein the lid component is a T-shaped slide.

19. The decorative container device of claim 18, wherein the T-shaped slide is sized and shaped to fit over a corresponding T-shaped top of the body component to secure the memento within the body component.

20. A method of decorating a tombstone with mementos, the method comprising the following steps: providing a decorative container device comprising a body component and lid component that are a transparent, plastic structure with hook and loop fasteners; inserting a holiday card, photograph, picture, etc., into the decorative container; securing the lid component to the decorative container; and securing the decorative container to the tombstone via the hook and loop fasteners.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the decorative container device of the present invention showing the device applied to a tombstone in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIGS. 2A-C illustrate a back perspective view of one embodiment of the decorative container device of the present invention showing how the lid is applied in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the decorative container device of the present invention showing how the hook and loop fasteners support the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the decorative container device of the present invention showing how a holiday card is inserted into the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the decorative container device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of decorating a tombstone with mementos in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0030] 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.

[0031] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a decorative container device that provides users with a means for storing different mementos at a gravesite. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a decorative container device that features a weatherproof structure with a lid for inserting mementos and to protect them through any type of environmental conditions. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a decorative container device that enables users to secure the container to a tombstone via matching hook and loop fasteners. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows friends and family to decorate a loved one's gravesite with holiday cards, birthday and anniversary decorations, etc. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a decorative container device that prevents any type of damage to the decorations via the weatherproof container. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a decorative container device that can be used for pets as well.

[0032] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel decorative container device. The device is a multipurpose, weatherproof storage container for safely securing mementos at a gravesite. The decorative container device comprises a body component that is configured in a rectangular shape that measures approximately six inches in length and width and one to two inches in thickness. The body component would be a transparent, plastic structure that enables decorations like holiday cards and artwork to be seen through the container's surface. The body component also comprises hook and loop fasteners that allow the body component to be secured to a tombstone. Thus, each container device functions as a suitable way of showing affection to a loved one who has passed, through different types of decorations inserted into the container. The present invention also includes a novel method of decorating a tombstone with mementos. The method includes the steps of providing a decorative container device comprising a body component and lid component that are a transparent, plastic structure with hook and loop fasteners. The method also comprises inserting a holiday card, photograph, picture, etc., into the decorative container. Further, the method comprises securing the lid component to the decorative container. Finally, the method comprises securing the decorative container to the tombstone via the hook and loop fasteners.

[0033] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the decorative container device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the decorative container device 100 is an improved decorative container device 100 that provides a user with a multipurpose, weatherproof storage container for safely securing mementos at a gravesite 110. Further, the device 100 is a transparent, plastic structure configured in a rectangular shape that enables decorations 112 like holiday cards, photographs, pictures, and artwork to be seen through the device's surface. Specifically, the decorative container device 100 comprises a body component 102 with a lid component 104 and hook and loop fasteners 106 for securing the device 100 to the tombstone 108. Thus, each container device 100 functions as a suitable way of showing affection to a loved one who has passed through different types of decorations 112 inserted into the container device 100.

[0034] Generally, the decorative container device 100 comprises a body component 102, a lid component 104, and a securing means 106. The body component 102 is adapted to receive a picture, photograph, holiday card, birthday card, artwork, decorations, anniversary card, etc., or any other suitable memento 112 as is known in the art, but the memento 112 is not a part of the invention. Further, the picture shown is a holiday card, but other flat items such as cards, letters, notes, drawings, decorations, photographs, etc., are also advantageously displayed in the body component 102 of the device 100.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2A-C, the decorative container device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is a planar receptacle for the memento 112. Further, the body component 102 comprises a transparent front face 200 so the memento 112 can be seen. All or substantially all of the front face 200 is preferably transparent so that the maximum amount of the memento 112 can be seen. The body component 102 preferably also has a transparent rear face 202 so that both sides of a two-sided memento 112 or two different mementos 112 can be displayed simultaneously. The body component 102 is preferably made of a clear material, such as polycarbonate, polystyrene, glass, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art. The most preferred clear material is polycarbonate because of its strength, cost, and ease of molding. The body component 102 is generally manufactured by attaching two pieces together (i.e., the front face 200 and the rear face 202). The attachment is preferably made by ultrasonic welding, but gluing with a waterproof glue is also suitable. The body component 102 has an inner recess 204 between the front face 200 and the rear face 202 for holding the memento 112. A slot opening 206 in the top 208 of the body component 102 communicates with the recess 204 and enables the memento 112 to be inserted and removed. The recess 204 is completely enclosed around the rest of the perimeter 210 so that the only opening 206 (and the only possible place for water to enter the recess 204) is through the slot 206.

[0036] Additionally, a lid component 104 is utilized to cover the slot 206 and secure the memento 112 inside the body component 102. Once the lid component 104 is secured to the body component 102, the device 100 is completely waterproof and/or weatherproof to protect the memento 112 within the body component 102. Any suitable lid component 104 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. In one embodiment, the lid component 104 is a T-shaped slide 212 that fits over a corresponding T-shaped top 214 of the body component 102 (i.e., the front face 200 and rear face 202 when pushed together form the T-shaped top 214). Once the memento 112 is positioned within the body component 102, the lid component 104 is aligned and then slid onto the body component 102 securing the memento 112 within the body component 102 for use and protecting the memento 112 from weather.

[0037] Generally, the body component 102 is configured in a rectangular shape, but can also be configured in any other suitable shape as is known in the art, such as square, oval, circular, etc. The body component 102 is typically rectangular in shape because most pictures, photographs, etc., are rectangular. However, other shapes are also suitable. The size of the body component 102 is a matter of choice. It generally has dimensions of height and width to accommodate standard sized photographs, pictures, etc., for example, six inches in length by six inches in width, or three and one-half by five inches, four by six inches, five by seven inches, etc. Further, the body component 102 generally has a thickness (depth) of about one to two inches. In one embodiment, the perimeter 210 of the body component 102 preferably contains a channel 216 that runs along substantially all of the perimeter 210. The purpose of the channel 216 is to mate the front face 200 and the rear face 202 together to provide a weatherproof/waterproof seal. The channel 216 is shallow and generally has a depth of less than about one-half inch and preferably, less than about one-fourth inch.

[0038] Further, the channel 216 is secured around the perimeter 210 of the body component 102 and sealed so that no water can enter the recess 204 and damage the picture, photograph, etc., (i.e., memento 112). The seal 218 is made of an elastomeric material, such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or the like, due to its flexibility and resistance to sunlight and the other elements. The shape and size of the seal 218 are determined by the shape and size of the body component 102.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the body component 102 comprises at least one set of hook and loop fasteners 106 that act to removably secure the device 100 to the gravestone 108. In this embodiment, the hook or loop part of the fasteners 106 is secured to the back 300 of the rear face 202 of the body component 102. The corresponding hook or loop part 106 is then secured to the face 302 of the gravestone 108. The hook and loop fasteners 106 are then secured together allowing the device 100 to be secured to the front face 302 of the gravestone 108 and removed as needed. Any other suitable fasteners can also be utilized, as is known in the art, such as adhesives, glue, screws, bolts, etc., depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, any suitable amount of hook and loop fasteners 106 can be secured to the body component 102, as is known in the art. For example, a strip of hook and loop fasteners 106 can be applied to each corner of the body component 102, or a large strip of hook and loop fasteners 106 can be applied to the rear and/or center of the body component 102, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user or how heavy the decorative container device 100 is.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, in use, the decorative container device 100 is assembled by first removing the lid component 104 and inserting a picture, photograph, etc., (i.e., memento 112), into the slot opening 206 of the body component 102. When the picture, photograph, etc. 112, is properly positioned, the lid component 104 is then slid onto the body component 102, sealing the picture, photograph, etc. 112, inside. The body component 102 is then secured to a gravestone 108 via hook and loop fasteners 106. The hook and loop fasteners 106 allow the decorative container device 100 to be removably secured to the gravestone 108 in use, and then removed and the picture, photograph, etc. 112, replaced and re-secured as needed. The decorative container device 100 is weatherproof/waterproof because of the transparent, plastic material of the body component 102 and the tight seal 218 made between the front face 200 and the rear face 202. Thus, a picture, photograph, etc. 112, inside the body component 102 remains dry even if the decorative container device 100 is exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as torrential rains, blizzards, extremely humid conditions, etc.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the decorative container device 100 can be utilized with any suitable gravestone, headstone, tombstone, memorial, etc. 108, as is known in the art, and even with headstones, tombstones, and memorials for pets (not shown).

[0042] In one embodiment, the decorative container device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be gravestone, memory, or brand related. In another embodiment, one or more silicone or other gaskets 114 may be included to make the device waterproof or at least water resistant. The gasket 114 may be positioned between the body component 102 and the lid component 104 when the lid component 104 is properly installed on the body component 102.

[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of decorating a tombstone with mementos. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a decorative container device comprising a body component and lid component that are a transparent, plastic structure with hook and loop fasteners. The method also comprises at 602, inserting a holiday card, photograph, picture, etc., into the decorative container. Further, the method comprises at 604, securing the lid component to the decorative container. Finally, the method comprises at 606, securing the decorative container to the tombstone via the hook and loop fasteners.

[0044] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein decorative container device, decorative device, container device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the decorative container device 100 of the present invention.

[0045] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the decorative container device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the decorative container device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the decorative container device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the decorative container device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the decorative container device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.