Illuminated memorial assembly
OwnerAlexander J. Arcadia, Theresa P. Northinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An illuminated memorial for use at a grave site comprised of an opaque hollow structure that defines an interior chamber. An aperture extends into said hollow structure exposing a portion of the hollow chamber. The hollow structure itself is preferably formed from metal and is shaped and reinforced in its structure to resist physical damage from vandals. A light source is contained within hollow structure proximate the aperture, whereby light emitted by said light source is directed through said aperture. The light source is powered by at least one rechargeable battery. A photovoltaic source is supported at the highest point of the hollow structure, wherein said photovoltaic source converts light into electricity and recharges the rechargeable batteries during daylight conditions.
Claims19
An illuminated memorial, comprising:
- an opaque hollow structure having a first end and a second end and defining an internal region therebetween, wherein an aperture extends into said hollow structure at a point between said first end and said second end, exposing a portion of said internal region;
- a mounting means disposed proximate said second end of said hollow structure for mounting said hollow structure to a tombstone;
- a light source contained within said internal region proximate said aperture, whereby light emitted by said light source is directed through said aperture;
- at least one rechargeable battery disposed within said hollow structure;
- photovoltaic source supported at a predetermined height by said hollow structure, wherein said photovoltaic source converts light into electricity;
- a control circuit coupled to said light source, said photovoltaic source and said rechargeable battery for selectively coupling said photovoltaic source to said rechargeable battery and said battery to said light source depending upon ambient lighting conditions.
An illuminated memorial, comprising:
- a tombstone;
- a piece of hollow tubing extending between a first end and a second end;
- a translucent window disposed between said first end and said second end, exposing a section within said hollow tubing;
- a mounting means coupled to said second end for mounting said hollow tubing in a generally vertical orientation onto said tombstone.;
- and
- a lighting means contained within said hollow tubing for producing light that shines out of said hollow tubing through said translucent window.
An illuminated memorial, comprising:
- an opaque hollow structure having a first end and a second end and defining an internal region therebetween, wherein an aperture extends into said hollow structure at a point between said first end and said second end, exposing a portion of said internal region;
- a light source contained within said internal region proximate said aperture, whereby light emitted by said light source is directed through said aperture;
- a translucent element disposed over said aperture, whereby the light from said light source passes through said translucent element;
- at least one rechargeable battery disposed within said hollow structure;
- photovoltaic source supported at a predetermined height by said hollow structure, wherein said photovoltaic source converts light into electricity;
- a control circuit coupled to said light source, said photovoltaic source and said rechargeable battery for selectively coupling said photovoltaic source to said rechargeable battery and said battery to said light source depending upon ambient lighting conditions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.