Grave site protection and marking apparatus

Abstract

A grave site protection and marking apparatus comprising two longitudinal frame members and two lateral frame members; wherein each end of the lateral frame member is connected to a longitudinal frame member at one end of the longitudinal frame member, thereby forming a rectangular frame; wherein each longitudinal frame member comprises a top panel and two side panels that are perpendicular to the top panel and that extend downward; and wherein the top panel and side panels of each longitudinal frame member form an anchoring channel that anchors the frame to the ground when the apparatus is installed on a grave site. The frame formed by the longitudinal and lateral frame members lies nearly flush with the ground surface when the frame is installed on the grave site.

1 . A grave site protection and marking apparatus comprising:
 (a) a first longitudinal frame member;   (b) a second longitudinal frame member;   (c) a first lateral frame member; and   (d) a second lateral frame member;   wherein each lateral frame members comprises a first end and a second end;   wherein each longitudinal frame member comprises a first end and a second end;   wherein the first end of the first lateral frame member is connected to the first end of the first longitudinal frame member, the second end of the first lateral frame member is connected to the first end of the second longitudinal frame member, the first end of the second lateral frame member is connected to the second end of the first longitudinal frame member, and the second end of the second lateral frame member is connected to the second end of the second longitudinal frame member, thereby forming a rectangular frame;   wherein each longitudinal frame member is a metal channel comprising a web and two flanges that are perpendicular to the web;   wherein the flanges extend downward from the web;   wherein the web and flanges of each longitudinal frame member form a rigid and non-flexible anchoring channel that anchors the frame to the ground when the apparatus is installed on a grave site;   wherein the first end of the first lateral frame member lies on top of the first end of the first longitudinal frame member, the second end of the first lateral frame member lies on top of the first end of the second longitudinal frame member, the first end of the second lateral frame member lies on top of the second end of the first longitudinal frame member, and the second end of the second lateral frame member lies on top of the second end of the second longitudinal frame member to form four corner joints;   wherein each corner joint comprises two bolts and an anchoring stake; and   wherein each anchoring stake is driven through the corner joint and into the ground; and   wherein the first lateral frame member, the second lateral frame member, the first longitudinal frame member and the second longitudinal frame member are separate pieces of metal that are held together by the bolts at the corner joints.   
   
   
       2 . The grave site protection and marking apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame formed by the longitudinal and lateral frame members is situated on top of a grave site, wherein the grave site comprises a ground surface, and wherein the frame lies newly flush with the ground surface when the frame is installed on the grave site. 
   
   
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