CIRCLE OF LIFE MEMORIAL SPHERE

URNE FUNERAIRE « CIRCLE OF LIFE MEMORIAL SPHERE »

English Abstract

The Circle of Life Memorial Sphere consists of a 4.5 inch diameter art glass
hollow
sphere, with a 2 inch diameter round opening on the bottom, which is fitted
with a 2 inch
brass threaded metal closure, allowing the sphere to be opened and closed by
turning
the inner threaded component of the plug with a brass key. The sphere sits in
a circular
wooden stand.

The purpose of the invention/sphere is to be a vessel for cremated remains
that is a
memorial, and that is also a piece of art that is beautiful enough to display
in one's
home.

The "Circle of Life Memorial Sphere" has an iridescent finish in the glass in
colours such
as golden, green, blue, purple, pink or mercury. The brass metal closure is
meant to be
engraved with the loved one's name, birth & death dates, and a short line of
remembrance eulogy.

Claims

2


CLAIMS

The "Circle of Life Memorial Sphere" is a unique vessel and memorial to store
cremated
remains and bring comfort to a grieving person. Many different types of urns
exist, but
the Circle of Life Memorial Sphere is a uniquely designed urn in its spherical
shape, its
size and its characteristics. The circular shape and feel of the iridescent
art glass,
combined with the high quality brass metal memorial closure and cherry wooden
stand,
aesthetically provides a grieving person some comfort after the death of a
loved one.
The circular shape and size of the memorial sphere allows a grieving person to
hold it in
their hands and think about/commiserate with their departed loved one.

The name "Circle of Life" is an important element in reconciling the death of
a loved one.
The tactile feeling from holding the Memorial Sphere (Fig.1)) helps the
healing process.
The memorial brass metal closure (Fig.1, part 2) is named for its effect in
bringing
closure. In its cherry wood stand (Fig.3), the artistic beauty of the sphere
can be closely
kept on a mantle at home or in a display case in a mausoleum.

The size of the sphere is too small to hold all the ashes from a cremation.
The size of
4.5 inches in diameter is the most pleasing size to look at, cherish and hold
in one's
hands. The remaining ashes are meant to be scattered in a memorial service at
a
favourite place in nature, at sea, in a garden, or alternatively, divided into
multiple
spheres for several family members. Funeral homes operate under strict
guidelines
regarding cremation and the transfer of remains and these guidelines must
always be
followed.

The spherical shape is unique for an urn. The size of 4.5 inches in diameter
is unique for
an urn. The sphere's 3/8' th of an inch glass thickness is unique for an urn.
The iridescent
finish is unique for an urn. The brass metal closure (Fig.1, part 2) with an
engraved
memorial are unique for an urn. The brass metal key (Fig. 2) to open and close
the brass
metal memorial (Fig.1, part 2) and the cherry wooden stand (Fig.3) are unique
for an
urn. The name of the invention, "Circle of Life Memorial Sphere" is unique for
an urn.





3


CLAIMS (continued)

All these characteristics together are unique in creating a healing and coping
value when
one holds it, displays it, and shares it. Combining all these unique elements
creates a
new and unique vessel in which to store cremated remains. This is my invention
and
forms the boundaries of my patent application.

I request, through this patent application, my new idea be accepted in its
entirety to
protect my idea from being copied. Samples are now being made and I am ready
to take
the product to market. After extensive worldwide research I have found nothing
like this
to exist. My patent application is for this new and unique urn design and
concept.

Description

CA 02539083 2006-06-20
DESCRIPTION
The "Circle of Life Memorial Sphere" is a permanent vessel and memorial for
cremated
remains.
The glass sphere (Fig. 1 ) is 4.5 inches in diameter, and is 3/8~" of an inch
in thickness
and hollow inside where the cremated remains are stored. At the bottom of the
glass
sphere (Fig.1, part 1) is a 2 inch in diameter brass metal closure(Fig.l,
parts 2A 8~ 2B)
which snugly fits into the opening and is glued in with high performance, long
lasting
glass-to-metal glue(Fig.1, part 3). The threaded inner sleeve (Fig.1, part 2B)
of the
closure opens and closes the sphere with a key (Fig.2, parts 5 & 6). On the
outside of
the closure (Fig.1, part 2) the surtace is flat and allows for memorial
engraving.
The iridescent finish and colour of the glass sphere is not transparent. A
person cannot
see through it. Memorial spheres will be made in iridescent colours such as,
but not
limited to, purple, blue, golden, rose-pink, green and mercury. Special
requests may
include designs from artists such as, but not limited to, flower fields,
space, gardens and
patriotic designs.
A view of the top of the brass metal closure (Fig. 1, parts 2A & 2B), shows
two small key
holes (Fig.1, part 4) for the closure key to turn the inner sleeve. The brass
key (Fig.2)
has a bottom band of nylon-coated brass with two prongs (Fig.2, part 5) which
fit into the
small holes in the closure. The purpose of the nylon coating (Fig.2, parts) is
to prevent
scratching of the brass surface of the closure (Fig. 1, part 2B) while closing
and sealing
it.
The cherry wood base (Fig. 3) is 1 and'/ inches high and 5 and'/ inches in
diameter
and includes high quality lathe-turned wood (Fig.3, part 7), and a circle of
dark purple felt
(Fig.3, part 8) which is fitted and glued onto the bottom of the wood base.

Representative Drawing