Patent Publication Number: US-2020281375-A1

Title: Commemorative Apparatus and Method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/816,169 filed on Mar. 10, 2019. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The death of a friend or loved one is one of those events in life that few are emotionally prepared for as the situation can be extremely overwhelming. Remembering loved ones when they pass away can be difficult. People may be distraught and emotionally drained when trying to organize funeral and memorial events. Close friends and family may lack the time and energy to properly grieve. People may be unable to deliver messages and mementos to their loved ones in a discrete and timely manner. 
     It is common to send flowers, cards, statuary, pictures, or even make donations on behalf of the deceased. Ceremonies often include pictorial displays such as photographs or movies of the loved one as a way to remember and honor the deceased. However, these displays are public and visible to everyone attending the ceremony. Funeral rites, Masses, internments, and viewings are typically public, even if just limited to family. Grieving individuals, especially a spouse or parent, often have memories or mementos that they would like to use or give, but that might embarrass the griever when they are most vulnerable. Additionally, some individuals just prefer a private way to express their love and grief without the attention of others. 
     Accordingly, there is a great need for a way to provide users with a way to privately provide a memento or keepsake for a deceased family member or friend. The present invention allows users to express a heartfelt message to the recently deceased while attending a funeral or memorial service, thereby aiding in relieving stress and expressing emotions of the griever in the vulnerable time after a loved one passes away. The present invention offers a unique apparatus and method of using the apparatus to display love and friendship in the event of the death of a loved one allowing the griever to express themselves privately while remembering and honoring the deceased. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a commemorative apparatus for retaining a memento. The commemorative apparatus comprises a body, a memento retaining component, and a securing component. The body comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface. The memento retaining component is configured to define at least one pocket and comprises a plurality of sealed edges and an open edge. Each of the plurality of sealed edges are sealed or otherwise secured to the interior surface of the body. The securing component comprises a fastener such as a button and a string attached to the body. Once the commemorative apparatus is rolled up to encapsulate the memento, the string is wound around body and the button to seal the commemorative apparatus in a wrapped configuration. 
     The open edge of the memento retaining component may further comprise a retaining element. The retaining element is configured to at least partially close the open edge of the memento retaining component. The at least one pocket may be a plurality of pockets configured to accept a plurality of mementos. The exterior surface of the body may further comprise a decorative element. 
     In an additional embodiment of the present invention a method for retaining a commemorative memento comprises providing a memento and placing the memento within a memento retaining component of a commemorative apparatus. The method further comprises rolling up a body of the commemorative apparatus once the memento is retained within the memento retaining component. Once rolled, the memento is no longer visible. The method further comprises securing the commemorative apparatus once rolled with a securing component. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an overhead view of a commemorative apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an interior surface of a body and a memento retaining component of the commemorative apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of an exterior surface of the body of the commemorative apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the commemorative apparatus in a rolled up configuration secured by a securing component in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates an overhead plan view of the commemorative apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a side plan view of the commemorative apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a commemorative apparatus comprising a memento retaining component comprising a plurality of pockets in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart of a method for retaining a commemorative memento in a commemorative apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     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. 
     The present invention discloses a unique commemorative apparatus and method of using the same. The commemorative apparatus may be a commemorative cloth capable of being wrapped up to hold a memento or keepsake of a deceased family member or friend. Effectively the cloth allows a user to express a message to the recently deceased while attending a funeral or other memorial ceremony. 
     The cloth may utilize a string and button fastening combination to secure the cloth in the rolled orientation, thus securing the memento, such as a letter, picture, or other personal item within the cloth. The fabric cloth is designed to function as a memorial gift for the deceased loved ones. The cloth features an inner flap, a string, and a button, allowing the cloth to be rolled up and secured. Users can store a commemorative item inside the rolled-up cloth to recognize a friend or family member. The object may be placed within the inner flap and then rolled up to be concealed from others. The commemorative cloth may be constructed from nylon, cotton, fabric, and other suitable cloth materials. The exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary upon manufacturing based on the needs and requirements of the user. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-3 , a commemorative apparatus  100  for retaining a memento  10  comprises a body  102 . The body  102  comprises an exterior surface  106  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , and an interior surface  104  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The memento  10  may be a photograph, a written communication such as a letter, an object, a tangible reminder of someone or something, or any combination thereof. In one example, the memento  10  may be related to a recently deceased loved one such as a cherished photograph or letter expressing a lifetime of affection. However, the memento  10  could also relate to a living person, such as an object to be hidden for a later date. In another example, the memento  10  could be related to the birth of a child, such as a letter written by a new parent to a child for a later milestone such as a wedding or 18 th  birthday. 
     The body  102  is typically manufactured from a fabric material or cloth, such as cotton, polyester, or nylon, but may be also manufactured from any other flexible material as well. Additionally, the exterior surface  106  may have a water resistant or weatherproof quality, such as a coating or spray on layer as desired. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the exterior surface  106  may comprise a decorative element  108 . The decorative element  108  may be an inscription, an image, a design, or any other type of marking that is at least partially visible when the body  102  of the commemorative apparatus  100  is rolled up to encase the memento  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Additionally, the entire exterior surface  106  may be decorated as desired. 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the commemorative apparatus  100  further comprises a memento retaining component  110  attached to the interior surface  104  of the body  102 . The memento retaining component  110  comprises a plurality of sealed edges  112  and an open edge  114 . The plurality of sealed edges  112  are sealed, stitched, sewn, adhered, or otherwise attached to the interior surface  104  of the body  102 . The plurality of sealed edges  112  and the open edge  114  of the memento retaining component  110  are configured to define a pocket  118  for accepting and retaining the memento  10  within the commemorative apparatus  100 . The open edge  114  may comprise a retaining element (not shown), such as a snap or button, to at least partially close the open edge  114  once the memento  10  is placed in the pocket  118 . The memento retaining component  110  may be manufactured from similar materials as the body  102  or may be manufactured from transparent or translucent materials so that the retained memento  10  may be visible through the material when the commemorative apparatus  100  is in an unrolled configuration. 
     The commemorative apparatus  100  further comprises a securing component  120 . The securing component  120  is typically attached to the body  102  but may also be detached or partially detached as well. The securing component  120  comprises a fastener  122 . The fastener  122  is typically a button  124  and a string  126  or cord, but may be a snap/button combination, a clasp system, or any other type of fastener as is known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the button  124  is attached to the exterior surface  106  of the body  102  and the string  126  is attached to the interior surface  104 . However, the button  124  and the string  126  may be attached to the same surface or the body  102  as desired. 
     Once the memento  10  is placed in the pocket  118 , the body  102  is wrapped or rolled up so that the interior surface  104  and the memento retaining component  110  are encapsulated within the commemorative apparatus  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In the wrapped configuration, the memento  10  is no longer visible providing privacy for the user. Once the commemorative apparatus  100  is rolled up, the body  102  is secured by wrapping the string  126  around the body  102  and the button  124 . 
     In an additional embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a commemorative apparatus  200  for retaining a memento  10  comprises a body  202 . The body  202  comprises an exterior surface (similar to  106 ) and an interior surface  204 . The memento  10  may be a photograph, a written communication, an object, a tangible reminder of someone or something, or any combination thereof as discussed supra. 
     The body  202  is typically manufactured from a fabric material or cloth, such as cotton or nylon, but may be also manufactured from any flexible material as well. Additionally, the exterior surface (not shown) may have a water resistant or weatherproof quality, such as a coating or spray on layer as desired. The exterior surface (not shown) may comprise a decorative element (not shown). The decorative element (not shown) may be an inscription, an image, a design, or any other type of marking that is at least partially visible when the body  202  of the commemorative apparatus  200  is rolled up to encase the memento  10  as discussed supra. Additionally, the entire exterior surface (not shown) may be decorated as desired. 
     The commemorative apparatus  200  further comprises a memento retaining component  210  attached to the interior surface  204  of the body  202 . The memento retaining component  210  comprises a plurality of sealed edges  212  and an open edge  214 . The plurality of sealed edges  212  are sealed, stitched, sewn, adhered, or otherwise attached to the interior surface  204  of the body  202 . The plurality of sealed edges  212  and the open edge  214  of the memento retaining component  210  are configured to define at least one pocket  218 A for accepting and retaining the memento  10  within the commemorative apparatus  200 . The open edge  214  may comprise a retaining element  216 , such as a snap or button, to at least partially close the open edge  214  once the memento  10  is placed in the at least one pocket  118 A. 
     The at least one pocket  218 A may be a plurality of pockets  118 A-C. The plurality of pockets  218 A-C may be of any size or configuration as desired to accept multiple different sized mementos. For example, a photograph, a note, and a wedding ring could all be placed in the plurality of pockets  218 A-C. The memento retaining component  210  may be manufactured from similar materials as the body  202  or may be at least partially transparent and manufactured from transparent or translucent materials so that the retained memento  10  may be visible through the material. 
     The commemorative apparatus  200  further comprises a securing component  220 . The securing component  220  is typically attached to the body  202  but may also be detached or partially detached as well. The securing component  220  comprises a fastener (similar to  122 ). The fastener is typically a button  224  and a string  226  or cord, but may be a snap/button combination, a clasp system, or any other type of fastener as known to one of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the button  224  is attached to the exterior surface (not shown) of the body  202  and the string  226  is attached to the interior surface  204 . However, the button  224  and the string  226  may be attached to the same surface or the body  202  as desired. 
     Once the memento  10  is placed in the at least one pocket  218 A-C, the body  202  is wrapped or rolled up so that the interior surface  204  and the memento retaining component  210  are encapsulated within the commemorative apparatus  200 . In the wrapped configuration, the memento  10  is no longer visible providing privacy for the user. Once the commemorative apparatus  200  is rolled up, the body  202  is secured by wrapping the string  226  around the body  202  and the button  224 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart of a method  300  for retaining a commemorative memento  10  in a commemorative apparatus  100 . The method  300  begins at  310  by providing the memento  10  to be secured. At  320 , a user places the memento  10  within a pocket  118  of the memento retaining component  110  of the commemorative apparatus  100 . Next at  330 , the user rolls up a body  102  of the commemorative apparatus  100  so that the memento  10  retained within the memento retaining component  110  is encapsulated within the body  102  and is no longer visible. At  340 , the rolled up commemorative apparatus  100  is secured with a securing component  120 , such as a button  124  and string  126  combination as discussed supra. The method  300  then ends at  350  with the memento  10  secured within the commemorative apparatus  100 . 
     Notwithstanding the forgoing, it is also contemplated that commemorative apparatus  100  can be used in other settings as well, such as wedding shops, boutiques, schools, social groups, and anywhere that sharing emotions can be difficult. Stated differently, it should be appreciated that a key objective of commemorative apparatus  100  is that it enables individuals to share their emotions, experiences and thoughts with a loved one, a friend or acquaintance in a very private, tasteful and classy manner. 
     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.