Patent Abstract:
A decorative urn for storing cremation ashes in a lighted two part container. The base section receives an ash-containing receptacle and supported thereon is a top section including a recessed wick structure and full reservoir. The sections are light transmissive so that light from the wick imparts a glow throughout the urn.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present invention is based on provisional patent application Serial No. 60/413,813 filed Sept. 25, 2002. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a novel decorative urn for storing cremation ashes in a lighted memorial display. 
     The devotion of a long term pet to its owner has created a corresponding interest in providing a suitable and tasteful way of keeping the memory of the departed pet fresh in the mind of the owner. While the display of a photograph serves as a reminder, it is generally limited in evoking a memory beyond that of the particular scene portrayed. A static display, such as a photograph or an artifact associated with a particular event, lacks the emotional impact of a memorial display containing the physical remains of the pet. 
     The retention of cremation ashes in the home environment is an ever increasing way of promoting the feeling in the owners that the pet is still with the spirit in the home. The coupling of a storage receptacle for the cremation ashes along with an active display of light is thought to broaden and enhance the impact of knowing that the remains of the pet rests therein. It is felt that the association of an active light, such as a flame, with a suitable display structure that magnifies the effect of the flame, not only draws attention to the urn but suggests life itself. As a result, the pet owner having the ashes included in an active display is continually reminded of an active pet and its activities throughout its life. 
     The present invention has as a significant object the use of a long-burning flame in combination with a receptacle for the ashes of a pet. A further object is the provision of a decorative urn that includes a partially-light transmissive surround. The surround has a glow imparted to it from the flame which magnifies the visual impact of the flame. A chamber is provided beneath the flame and fuel reservoir for receiving the contained ashes of the cremated pet. While the primary use for the urn is for the storage and memorialization of animals, it is to be noted that the device may be for the ashes of all animate or inanimate objects. 
     The subject decorative urn is a two section upright structure having a base section that is provided with a bottom surface to rest on a support such as a mantle or table. The top surface of the base section receives thereon a light-transmissive housing, which contains a fluid reservoir and the light generating flame. The housing is capable of independent use as a light source. The present invention is simple in form and attractive in appearance as befits the use for which it is intended. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The decorative urn which is the subject of this invention comprises a base section along with a housing to be supported thereon. The base section includes a cavity therein for removably receiving a receptacle dimensioned to be readily placed therein. The base section further includes a top surface that receives the housing containing a wick structure and a fluid reservoir. The base section and housing are flanged to provide engaging means for removably supporting the housing on the top surface of the base section. In the preferred embodiment, the assemblage of base section and housing thereon appear as a uniform cylinder to the observer. 
     The housing contains a centrally-located port which communicates with the fluid reservoir therein. A wick assembly is removably located in the port after the reservoir is filled. The wick extends into the fluid reservoir for drawing fuel therefrom and sustaining a lighted flame. The material of the housing is light-transmissive. A vertical flange extends around the periphery of the housing and aids in the glow imparted to the housing by the flame. If desired, an opaque material can be used to form the base section or, alternatively, an opaque shield can be used in the cavity in the base section so that the outline of the ash containing receptacle is not directly shown by the light transmitted through the material of the base section of the urn. Further features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a specific embodiment when taken in conjunction of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of one embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the wick assembly of the embodiment of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the wick assembly omitted. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, the decorative urn shown includes a base section  11  having an upper section  12  placed thereon. A wick assembly  14  is centrally located in the housing or upper section. The wick  15  is shown protruding therefrom. A peripheral rim  16 . extends about the outer edge of the upper surface of section  12 . In the embodiment shown, the base section  11  and the upper section  12  are formed of machined nylon to have the same diameter. Alternatively, the sections may be formed by a molding processes. 
     The sections comprising the urn have light-transmissive characteristics. As a result, when the wick  15  is lighted and a flame is present in the central region of the upper section  12 , the light is transmitted throughout the decorative urn. The light is brightest in the peripheral rim of the upper section and reduces in intensity in the vertical direction away from the flame. In the preferred embodiment both sections are formed of light-transmissive material, although the base section  11  may be formed by machining brass or bronze. 
     The upper section  12  is readily detached from the base section  11  as shown in FIG.  3 . The upper section contains a fuel reservoir  18  which is bounded by a mating threaded lid  19 . The lid is provided with a threaded opening  20  therein for receiving the wick assembly. The wick assembly  14  includes a wick holder  22 , typically formed of brass, that is threadably inserted into a machined nylon support  21 . The support has a downwardly extending threaded engaging end  24  with a central passageway therein for the wick to descend into fluid reservoir  18 . The particular embodiment shown has a large fluid reservoir to permit the wick to carry a flame for months at a time without refilling. 
     As shown, the base section  11  has a peripheral flange  26  which receives a mating downwardly extending flange  27  to allow the nesting of the upper section  12  upon the base section  11 . As shown in FIG. 3, the central cavity  30  contained in the base section is shown having a receptacle  31  located therein. The receptacle  31  is the container for the stored ashes and is held in position by lid  28 . In the preferred embodiment, the lid is oversize so that the edges thereof extend beyond the edge of cavity  30 . As mentioned, the device is made of light-transmissive material. However, the outline of the receptacle containing the ashes need not be directly viewed by the observer. The opaque shield  32  is positioned in slots machined into the base section segments and can be located as desired about the receptacle. If desired, the base section can be non light transmissive. 
     The uniform surface of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is especially well suited to the mounting of informational plaques containing reference material as desired. Further, the upper section can be removed and used independently as a source of light. In this situation, the base section can be utilized for the relocation of the ashes without removal of the receptacle. As shown, the receptacle is bounded by the secure nylon base section with the overlying lid  28  affixed thereto. This provides a permanent envelope for internment. 
     While the above description has been with reference to a particular embodiment of the invention, it is to be noted modifications and variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4