Grave Marker System With Concealed Time Capsule

Abstract

A memorialization grave marker system includes a foundation portion at least partially below ground, a grave marker portion (headstone, footstone or similar item) supported by the foundation portion at least partially above ground. At least one of the foundation portion and the grave marker portion form an internal cavity. At least one weather-tight container or “time capsule” for storing at least one of artifacts, memorabilia, and information is concealed within the internal cavity and accessible to present and future generations.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A grave marker system comprising, in combination:
 a foundation portion at least partially below ground;   a grave marker portion supported by the foundation portion at least partially above ground;   at least one of the foundation portion and the grave marker portion forming an internal cavity; and   at least one weather-tight container located within the internal cavity for storing at least one of artifacts, memorabilia, and information.   
     
     
         2 . The grave marker system according to  claim 1 , wherein the internal cavity and the at least one weather-tight container located therein are each concealed. 
     
     
         3 . The grave marker system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the foundation portion and the grave marker portion includes an access panel selectively openable to provide access to the internal cavity. 
     
     
         4 . The grave marker system according to  claim 3 , wherein the grave marker portion includes the access panel. 
     
     
         5 . The grave marker system according to  claim 3 , wherein the access panel has at least one concealed hinge for opening and closing the access panel. 
     
     
         6 . The grave marker system according to  claim 3 , wherein the access panel has at least one concealed locking device to control access to the internal cavity 
     
     
         7 . The grave marker system according to  claim 6 , wherein the access panel has a plurality of concealed locking device to control access to the internal cavity. 
     
     
         8 . The grave marker system according to  claim 1 , wherein both the foundation portion and the grave marker portion form the internal cavity. 
     
     
         9 . The grave marker system according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one support supporting the at least one weather-tight container above a bottom of the internal cavity. 
     
     
         10 . The grave marker system according to  claim 9 , wherein the at least one support includes a plurality of parallel and spaced apart horizontally-extending rods. 
     
     
         11 . A grave marker system comprising, in combination:
 a foundation at least partially below ground;   a headstone supported by the foundation above ground;   wherein the foundation and the headstone form an internal cavity;   wherein the headstone includes an access panel selectively openable to provide access to the internal cavity; and   at least one weather-tight container for storing at least one of artifacts, memorabilia, and information located within the internal cavity.   
     
     
         12 . The grave marker system according to  claim 11 , wherein the internal cavity and the at least one weather-tight container located therein are each concealed. 
     
     
         13 . The grave marker system according to  claim 11 , wherein a front panel of the headstone forms the access panel. 
     
     
         14 . The grave marker system according to  claim 11 , wherein the access panel has at least one lock device to control access to the internal cavity. 
     
     
         15 . The grave marker system according to  claim 11 , further comprising at least one support supporting the at least one weather-tight container above a bottom of the internal cavity. 
     
     
         16 . A grave marker system comprising, in combination:
 a foundation at least partially below ground;   a footstone supported by the foundation above ground;   wherein the foundation forms an internal cavity;   wherein footstone includes an access panel selectively openable to provide access to the internal cavity; and   at least one weather-tight container for storing at least one of artifacts, memorabilia, and information located within the internal cavity.   
     
     
         17 . The grave marker system according to  claim 16 , wherein the internal cavity and the at least one weather-tight container located therein are each concealed. 
     
     
         18 . The grave marker system according to  claim 16 , wherein the entire footstone forms the access panel. 
     
     
         19 . The grave marker system according to  claim 16 , wherein the access panel has at least one lock device to control access to the internal cavity. 
     
     
         20 . The grave marker system according to  claim 16 , further comprising at least one support supporting the at least one weather-tight container above a bottom of the internal cavity.