Abstract:
A monument assembly ( 10 ) formed from: (i) a headstone component ( 12 ); (ii) a rail assembly ( 14 ) attached to the headstone component ( 12 ); and (iii) an inlay panel ( 16, 16 A) supported by and surrounded by the rail assembly ( 14 A) surrounds and open space.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a monument assembly and in one form may include a headstone component or a rail assembly which may incorporate an inscription plate. The monument assembly may be a tombstone assembly for a grave or a memorial. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Headstones, tombstones, monuments and other types of memorials are used to mark the passing of a loved one. Such memorials are traditionally carved from stone most often granite. However, several limitations exist whereby such traditional memorials and headstones decay through time and weathering. To slow these effects, cleaning of the faces and lettering is required. If proper maintenance is not undertaken, or improper cleaning methods are used, damage and decay results. Further, not all headstones can be safely cleaned. Additionally, traditional stone memorials and headstones do not provide much resistance to activities by vandals, being easily broken or chipped when struck with hard objects. Further, they require chemical treatment to remove paints applied as unwanted vandal graffiti. 
         [0003]    In addition to the decay problems, the transport and installation costs of the traditional stone headstones are high. This is due to the high weight of the headstones which requires specialist lifting machinery such as large cranes. 
         [0004]    In an effort to address the decay problems related to displaying information, bronze or otherwise metal alloy inscription plates may be fixed to the front face of stone memorials. While such inscription plates ideally should withstand weathering, these inscription plates are still subject of the unwanted activities of vandals. 
         [0005]    Typically a conventional tombstone comprises an upright headstone component attached to a concrete slab as a base. This is shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,304,076, 4,463,527 and US Patent Applications 2001/0036354 and 2003/0037492. An inscription plate is normally  10  attached to a front face of such headstones which may be hollow to contain illumination means and a suitable power source or display apparatus. However installation costs of such tombstones as set out above is usually excessive. 
         [0006]    Reference may also be made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,537 which describes a monument for a grave having a head and base made from stainless steel with the head welded to the base and provided with a recess in its front face for an inscription plate to be attached thereto. The monument is connected to a concrete anchor by pipe members secured to the undersurface of the base. However, while such a monument is cheaper to install than the conventional monuments made from stone as described above, when the monument is used as a tombstone because there is often a requirement for use of a large horizontal concrete slab to cover a burial casket. 
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a monument assembly which overcomes or alleviates one or more of the problems of the prior art or provide a useful commercial alternative. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a monument assembly including: 
         [0009]    (i) a headstone component; 
         [0010]    (ii) a rail assembly attached to the headstone component; and 
         [0011]    (iii) an inlay panel supported by and surrounded by the rail assembly or alternatively said rail assembly surrounds an open space. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment the inlay panel may be dispensed with and the rail assembly will surround an open space so that in use flowers or other forms of ornamentation may fill the space. 
         [0013]    More preferably, the headstone component includes a hollow casing having a front surface in use for displaying indicia such as inscription data which may be formed on an inscription plate. Alternatively the inscription plate may be attached to the inlay panel or comprise the inlay panel. 
         [0014]    The rail assembly may include at least one end rail and a pair of side rails, all attached to each other. Preferably the at least one end rail is distal from the headstone component. 
         [0015]    There also may be provided leveling means associated with the rail assembly for leveling each side rail and end rail so that the inlay panel when supported by the rail assembly is in a substantially horizontal plane. 
         [0016]    Preferably, each end corner of the monument assembly distal from the headstone component is subject to the leveling means which in one form may comprise a threaded bolt or stud for adjustably supporting an adjacent end of each side rail or a junction member interposed between adjoining ends of each side rail and adjacent end of the distal end rail. There also may be provided a locking nut also attached to the threaded bolt or stud. 
         [0017]    According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a tombstone to a grave site which includes the steps of: 
         [0018]    (i) placing a rail assembly in a grave site which includes a pair of side rails and at least one end rail; and 
         [0019]    (ii) adjusting the height of each corner of the rail assembly so that the pair of side rails and the at least one end rail may form a substantially level horizontal plane for supporting an inlay panel. 
         [0020]    According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a monument assembly formed by a rail assembly having a pair of side rails attached to or integral with a pair of end rails and also incorporating an inlay panel supported by and surrounded by the pair of end rails and pair of side rails. 
         [0021]    In a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided an inscription plate for a monument assembly formed by a pair of end sheets having indicia formed thereon which is aligned with each other and a transparent intermediate sheet interposed between each end sheet. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    In order that the present invention can be more readily understood and placed into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a headstone assembly in an assembled configuration. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of a  FIG. 1  showing two side rails connected to a headstone rail and the headstone component during assembly. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is an alternative embodiment of  FIG. 2  during assembly. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a fragmented view of a side rail engageable with an end rail by an aperture and pin arrangement. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a hold down bolt positioned into a preformed recess in the ground. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  shows the hold down bolt of  FIG. 5  fixed into place by adding concrete over the recess containing the hold down bolt. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  shows the side rail having a hold down bolt and end rail engageable via an aperture and pin arrangement and engageable with a junction member. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative arrangement to  FIG. 7  wherein a side rail and end rail engage a junction member having a hold down bolt. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative method of attachment to the side rails of the rail assembly to the headstone component which is different to that shown in  FIGS. 2-3 ; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  shows a rail assembly per se independent of the headstone component and an inscription plate attachable thereto also made in accordance with the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a monument assembly  10  including a headstone component  12  and a rail assembly  14 . The monument assembly  10  may also include an inlay panel or cover  16  which may function as an inscription plate if desired for containing identifying indicia relating to the deceased person. The rail assembly  14  includes a pair of side rails  18  and an end rail  22 . The end rail  22  is releasably attached to each side rail  18  at  20 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  shows a partially exploded view of the monument assembly  10  showing the two side rails  18  connected to a headstone rail  24 . The head stone  12  is attachable to the headstone rail  24  and each side rail  18   20  by a plurality of pins  28  from the bottom  12 A of the headstone  12  engaging with corresponding apertures  28  in headstone rail  24  and each side rail  26 . While a pin - aperture arrangement is shown, other releasable forms of attachment are contemplated, but not limited to, eg. screws, nuts, studs, and wedges. 
         [0035]    It may be appreciated that the headstone component  12  may be either one integral component or may comprise one or more individual parts which may releasably engage with each other. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  shows a fragmented view of an alternate embodiment of the headstone assembly  10  wherein the headstone  12  may be attached to side rails  18  by means of pins  28 A engaging in corresponding apertures  26 A. 
         [0037]    In  FIG. 3 , both apertures  26 A and pins  28 A are shown on the surfaces  12 B of headstone  12  which engages mating end plates  18 B of side rails  18 . Further, the alternating pin and aperture arrangement may be of any configuration as may be appropriate. However, it will be appreciated that other means of releasably connecting headstone  12  and each side rail  18  are contemplated. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of a side rail  18  engageable with an end rail  22  using pins  28 B engaging in corresponding apertures  26 B in a similar arrangement as shown in  FIGS. 2-3 . Apertures  26 B are included in bracket  30  which is welded to end rail  22 . 
         [0039]    To assist in achieving the desired level, the height of the headstone assembly  10  may be readily adjusted by using one or more leveling means, eg. foundation bolt or hold down bolt  32  in each corner of the headstone assembly  10 .  FIG. 4  shows a hold down bolt  32  threaded through flange  27  of side rail  18 . The height may be adjusted by movement of side rail  18  relative to hold down bolt  32 . When a desired height is achieved, nut  33 A is tightened against flange  27  by movement along threaded shank  33 B. Hold down bolt  32  is also supported by base plate  21 . 
         [0040]    In use, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the monument assembly  10  is installed over excavated recesses or holes  34 , usually formed by spade  35 . Alternatively, a post hole digger or other appropriate digging device may be used. 
         [0041]    Prior to the installation of the monument assembly  10 , a shallow trench, eg. 50 mm, is dug outlining the headstone assembly  10  perimeter (not shown). Typical perimeter dimensions are 1.2×2.4 metres and include holes  34  at each internal corner of the headstone assembly  10  site. However, it will be appreciated that the headstone assembly  10  may be installed on smaller, larger and multi-width grave sites. In use, the monument assembly  10  is installed by placing it approximately level over a prepared site. However, while this type of installation is preferred, the monument assembly may also be installed at any angle to the horizontal consistent with the overall design of the memorial. 
         [0042]    Once the desired level is achieved, earth  36  is placed into each recess or hole  34  as shown in  FIG. 5 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the monument assembly  10  may be fixed into place using a settable material  38 , e.g. concrete over the recess  34 . The settable material may optionally be reinforced using steel or like reinforcing rods. The installation may also include fitting and fixing an inlay panel or cover  16  after the site is filled. Significantly, this method of leveling the whole of the headstone assembly  10  is easy to carry out and negates the need for redistributing soil from under the headstone assembly  10  as is required for installation of the conventional cumbersome and heavy masonry memorials. 
         [0043]    If desired, the rail assembly  14  may be pre-assembled prior to or during the installation of the headstone component  12  into the ground. The headstone component  12  may alternatively be pre-assembled and permanently fixed into position prior to installation of the rail assembly  14 . 
         [0044]    If further desired, the monument assembly  10  can be permanently fixed into position after installation using concrete rendering or other means. By permanently fixing the monument assembly  10 , unwanted disassembly, eg. as caused by theft and vandalism of the various components of the headstone assembly  10  would be unlikely. 
         [0045]    It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail herein, and that a variety of other embodiments can be contemplated which are nevertheless consistent with the broad spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0046]    For example,  FIG. 7  shows another embodiment wherein there is provided a junction member  40  which has pins  28 B which engage in corresponding apertures  26 B of adjacent side rail  18  and end rail  22  as shown. There is also provided an ornamental knob  37  mounted on platform  42 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment wherein junction members  44  are supported by hold down bolts  32 . Platform  42  and knob  37  are releasably attachable to each junction member  44  by engaging with uprights  48  within the junction members  44 . Alternatively, platform  42  and junction member  44  are engaged by an interference fit or other means. 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 9  there is shown a modified rail assembly  14 A having a pair of side rails  18 A of substantially C-shaped cross section having flange  36 . Each side rail assembly  18 A is also provided with attachment plate  37  having fixture rods  38 . Each side rail  18 A has a male section or end  39  engageable in a corresponding female section or socket  40  of complementary cross section in headstone component  12  shown in phantom. Each male section  39  may be inserted into female section or socket  40  through slots  41  of similar cross section in headstone plate  42 . Each fixture rod  38  may engage a corresponding aperture  43  in headstone plate  42  and be attached thereto by suitable fasteners (not shown). 
         [0049]    In  FIG. 10  there is shown rail assembly  14 A with the headstone component  12  omitted showing that the invention also includes within its scope a monument assembly incorporating the rail assembly  14 A per se. Each side rail  18 A may be attached to a top or head end rail  22 A by any suitable means such as that shown in  FIG. 3  for example. Alternatively end rail  22 A may be welded to an adjacent side rail  14 A at  44 . There also may be incorporated support plate  45  welded to each side rail  18 A at  25 .  FIG. 10  corresponds to rail assembly  14  shown in  FIG. 2  with apertures  26  omitted. 
         [0050]    Also in  FIG. 10  there is shown an inscription plate  16 A having a pair of metal plates  46  and  47  separated by a plate  48  made of transparent material such as glass but more preferably plastics material. Each of metal plates  46  and  47  has writing or other suitable indicia  49  which is aligned with each other and viewable through transparent plate  48 . Indicia  49  may be formed by laser cutting of metal plates  46  and  47  or other suitable means. Inscription plate  16 A may be attached to top surface  50  of rail assembly  14 A. 
         [0051]    The monument assembly  10  may be manufactured by folding the required length of material, eg. stainless steel sheeting to the desired shape. Stiffening gussets (not shown) may be fastened by welding, or by other fastening means, eg. nails, screws or bolts in at appropriate locations. 
         [0052]    The headstone component  12  and side rails  18  are easily and accurately aligned prior to assembly by presetting the apertures  26  and pins  28 . 
         [0053]    Unlike the conventional stone memorials which require the various stone modules or components to be individually placed, aligned along the perimeter and then set in concrete, the monument assembly  10  does not require concreting formwork around the perimeter to hold the various headstone assembly components in place. Significantly, the consumer is provided with a new found ease of installation. Advantageously, side rails  18  may be formed from any number of modular portions or components if required. 
         [0054]    While  FIG. 1  shows a full size memorial, it will be appreciated that the shape and size may be altered to suit various needs. For example, it is anticipated that smaller stand-alone memorials, eg. headstone component  12  (alone) are suitable for use at lawn cemeteries and pet cemeteries. The headstone component  12  may be in the form of one or more individual parts. These smaller memorials may be assembled and installed manually, while larger memorials may be assembled and installed by cemetery staff or other qualified personnel using lifting devices such as vehicle-mounted cranes. 
         [0055]    The design of the monument assembly  10  is such that it could be installed prior to or shortly after the grave has been dug, provided base plate  21  is supported by stable soil. Support of the monument assembly  10  is not dependant upon the stabilization of disturbed soil within the earth burial shaft as is the case with conventional memorials. 
         [0056]    It is anticipated that a typical weight of a full sized monument assembly  10  will be about 250 kgs. Advantageously, the monument assembly  10  is relatively light weight and does not require large traditional cranes used for stone memorials to carry out installation, thereby removing or substantially reducing the costs associated with such heavy machinery presently required for transporting and installing traditional stone and otherwise solid alloy memorials. 
         [0057]    While the preferred embodiment describes the monument assembly  10  manufactured in stainless steel, it will be appreciated that other non-ferrous or ferrous materials which are far less susceptible to weathering deterioration, eg. bronze while still providing higher structural integrity than stone over time may also be used. Advantageously, stainless steel, when chosen at a suitable quality, eg. 18/8 to 18/10 chromium/nickel in the stainless steel alloy at a suitable thickness, provides improved anti-vandalism properties over stone. 
         [0058]    The headstone component  12  per se of the headstone assembly  10  may be separately manufactured (and used) to suit customer requirements to incorporate various designs which may be simple or intricate and vary in shape, configuration, pattern and/or ornamentation. 
         [0059]    Advantageously, if used, the cover or inlay panel  16  may be reversibly removed to bury subsequent individuals. Suitable inlay panel  16  materials may include, but are not limited to, granite, marble, stainless steel, concrete, moulded glass, fibreglass and plastics. Preferably, the materials used for the inlay panel  16  are stainless steel, moulded glass and granite. The inlay panel  16  may be made of one or more pieces which may be fixed together or installed independently of each other. The contact surface between the inlay panel  16  and the headstone assembly  10  may be planar or irregular, depending on the requirements of the design. The inlay panel  16  may be supported on top of the side and end rails  18  and  22  and held in place with suitable fixing and sealing means. Further, all or part of the inlay panel  16  may be hinged from the side or  20  end of the headstone assembly and held in place with a suitable locking device. One or more lockable doors may also be fitted into the inlay panel  16 . 
         [0060]    The inlay panel  16  may be flat, curved or formed to any suitable shape with any various finishes being applied to it. The inlay panel  16  may alternatively be supported by a headstone component  12  ledge (not shown). 
         [0061]    It will be appreciated that various adaptations may be made, including the partial or complete refurbishment of existing memorials; the provision of a suitable casket or coffin lowering device on or within the headstone assembly; and the complete lining of the burial excavation shaft with stainless steel or other enduring material within which multiple caskets or coffins could be laid to rest. 
         [0062]    Unlike traditional memorials, various adaptations may be made within the headstone component  12  which may have a hollow interior. For example, the headstone component  12  may include a button-activated recorded message and speaker system which provides a life account and achievements of the deceased. The recording system may be powered by a solar panel adjacent, eg. on the top of the headstone component  12  or other appropriate location. 
         [0063]    If desired, a button-activated video system may be installed to provide a visual and audio account of the deceased person&#39;s life, achievements, heritage, medical history, bequeathments and any other noteworthy information as appropriate. The account may be pre-recorded by the deceased who could leave messages for their loved ones, associates and/or present and future descendants. An additional adaptation could include reference to a web site whereby interested parties can view the above information. 
         [0064]    Another adaptation to the monument assembly  10  includes the installation of a “book” where the “pages” are made of stainless steel or other highly durable material. Life accounts, heritage and achievements of the deceased may be inscribed into the “pages” and thus be available for visitors to read. 
         [0065]    Further adaptations may include a solar powered water storage and distribution system within the headstone component  12 . The water may be used for watering vases, flower pots or plants within the headstone assembly site. 
         [0066]    Another adaptation to the monument assembly  10  includes a lockable, sealed compartment (not shown) within or on the monument assembly  10  which may serve as a time capsule for the storage of memorabilia. The compartment may contain various accessories required for the operation of various features as described herein, cremated ashes of family members or pets and the storage of accessories that could be used for graveside maintenance or worship. 
         [0067]    A further contemplated adaptation to the monument assembly  10  is the installation of a security system of various types or designs. 
         [0068]    The inscription on the headstone component  12  or inlay panel  16  may be formed in various ways, including lettering of suitable materials being attached by screws, adhesives, welding or the like. Lettering etched into the face of the headstone component  12  or inlay panel  16  may be gilded or painted on the face of the headstone component  12  or inlay panel  16 . 
         [0069]    This method of inscription using inlay panel  16 A advantageously provides means by which the inscription may be illuminated. Solar powered illumination may be provided using LED or similar lighting and may be installed behind the laser cut inscription. 
         [0070]    Also advantageously, the method of manufacture as herein described and the improved structural properties of the stainless steel or various alloy materials that may be used will provide for higher intricate designs and far greater flexibility of design to suit consumer requirements as well as allow the inclusion in the hollow cavity of the headstone  12  of many innovations not currently available with masonry memorials. 
         [0071]    It will be appreciated that the monument assembly  10  of the present invention may be assembled on site prior to the installation of the memorial. Further, the monument assembly  10  may be installed prior to the burial thereby enhancing the presentation of the burial experience to the mourners present on the day of the burial. This provides a distinct commercial advantage over the traditional heavy stone and otherwise solid alloy memorials which require specialist lifting equipment to transport and install. Further, the monument assembly  10  is comparatively lightweight and thus provides a commercial advantage due to the relative ease and economical transport to and at the site.