GB2538767A

GB2538767A - Coffin

Info

Publication number: GB2538767A
Application number: GB1509146.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marcus Atkinson Julian
Original assignee: J C ATKINSON AND SON Ltd
Current assignee: J C ATKINSON AND SON Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-28
Filing date: 2015-05-28
Publication date: 2016-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-28
Also published as: GB201509146D0; GB2538767B

Abstract

A coffin 1 comprising a plurality of panels 6 mounted in apertures formed by a framework of rigid struts 4, 5 at least one of the struts including a groove in which the panel is releasably mounted. Preferably the one or more grooves are arranged such that external pressure (e.g. from the soil) collapses in the panel and introduces soil to the interior. Preferably the coffin has a lid 3 with some attachment means. In various embodiments one, some or all of the panels may collapse, and in another just the panel(s) 7 in the lid. Preferably handles are mounted to the frame and the coffin has a lining. The design speeds up decomposition of the corpse by immediately introducing soil to it.

Description

COFFIN

Field of the Invention

[0001]The present invention relates to a coffin which is particularly, but not exclusively, suited for use in land burials. Use of the term "coffin" herein is not limited to burial containers of a particular shape. The term "coffin" is used herein to refer to any and all shapes of burial container including, but not limited to, caskets.

Background to the Invention

[0002]The negative impact on the environment made by land burials has long been recognized and coffins fabricated using biodegradable materials are becoming increasingly popular. Such biodegradable materials include corrugated cardboard as well as environmentally sustainable materials such as, but not limited to, bamboo, willow, grasses, banana leaf, rattan, raffia, sisal, jute, vetiver, pandanus, wicker, seagrass, and water hyacinth.

[0003] One example of a cardboard coffin construction may be found in EP 1625840. The coffin construction comprises a series of cardboard panels which are attached to and overlie the outside of a wooden framework. Handles are attached through the panels to the inner framework and the panels themselves are attached to the framework using glue. The coffin framework is, in addition, paneled using cardboard on the inside to form a liquid-tight internal space in which the cadaver will be placed.

[0004] In GB 2440734 an alternative coffin construction is described. The coffin comprises a woven flexible structure provided over the outside of a wooden framework. The woven flexible structure is wrapped around the outside of the coffin framework and is held in tension over the framework by virtue of the end strands of the material used in the woven structure passing through holes provided in the framework before being secured to the inside of the framework. With this alternative coffin construction carrying handles are provided in the form of rope which extends in a loop from one side of the coffin across the bottom of the coffin to the opposite side of the coffin. In this way the weight of a cadaver in the coffin is supported by the framework and the rope and not by the covering woven structure.

[0005]With the exception of the particular material used for the covering material of the coffin, eco-friendly coffins of the types described above have been designed to retain the traditional appearance and functionality of conventional solid wood coffins.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention seeks to further reduce negative environmental impact of coffins used in land burials.

[0007] The present invention therefore provides a coffin comprising a plurality of panels and a plurality of interconnected struts which form a framework with a plurality of apertures each aperture having mounted therein a respective one of the plurality of panels, wherein at least one of the struts forming the perimeter of an aperture includes a groove and a corresponding panel is releasably mounted in the groove in the strut.

[0008] Thus the present invention provides an environmentally friendly coffin which when used in land burials has a lower, preferably minimal, negative environmental impact in contrast to conventional coffins.

[0009] Ideally the groove of the at least one strut is configured to release the 20 corresponding edge of the panel mounted in the groove towards the interior of the coffin.

[0010] Also, in a preferred embodiment at least two of the struts forming the perimeter of an aperture in the framework include a groove and corresponding edges of a panel are releasably mounted in the grooves in the struts.

[0011] Preferably the coffin includes a box framework and a plurality of box panels, a lid framework and one or more lid panels.

[0012] More preferably the groove of the strut is generally U-shaped opening towards the aperture.

[0013] Ideally, the U-shaped groove is non-symmetric along the axis of the groove with a deeper groove wall on the exterior of the coffin.

[0014] In one embodiment all of the panels of the plurality of panels are releasably mounted in grooves in the struts of the framework apertures.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment only the one or more lid panels are releasably mounted in grooves in the struts.

[0016]The coffin may additionally comprise a lining and/or one or more handles mounted on the framework. Also the box framework and the lid framework may include co-operating holding means for holding the lid framework in place on the 10 box framework.

[0017]The releasable mounting of the panels in the grooves is required to withstand internally applied forces but only to be sufficiently strong that the panels remain in place, mounted in the grooves of the framework, in the absence of externally applied forces. In particular, panels having a releasable mounting are required to separate from their mounting under the application of an externally applied force.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a coffin in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the framework of the coffin of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of part of the framework of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 illustrates the coffin of Fig. 1 in a collapsed state; and Figs. 5a and 5b are enlarged views (not to scale) of an alternative groove profile 25 for a coffin framework in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0019] An environmentally friendly coffin 1 which has a lower negative environmental impact in contrast to conventional coffins is shown in Fig. 1. The coffin 1 comprises an open box or container 2 for holding a cadaver and a lid 3. In overview the container 2 comprises a substantially rigid box framework 4 and a plurality of box panels 6 attached to the framework 4. The box framework 4 and panels 6 together form the bottom and sides of the open container 2. In Fig. 1 the coffin 1 has nine box panels: four visible and five obscured in the perspective view. Similarly, the lid 3 comprises a substantially rigid lid framework 5 with a single lid panel 7 attached to the lid framework 5. Although a single lid panel 7 and nine box panels 6 are illustrated in the figures, the lid 3 may comprise a plurality of lid panels 7 with the lid framework 5 adjusted to provide adequate support for each of the lid panels 7. Similarly, the container 2 may comprise more or fewer box panels 6 than as illustrated with the box framework 4 adjusted to provide adequate support for each of the box panels 6. Reference herein to a rigid framework and a rigid lid framework is intended as reference to the frameworks being capable of withstanding and retaining their shape under the types of loads normally encountered by a coffin.

[0020] The framework 4, 5 of the container 2 and lid 3 is made of a biodegradable material which, in addition, preferably comes from an environmentally sustainable source. Examples of suitable materials for the framework 4, 5 of the container and lid are: oak, pine or similar, preferably sustainable, woods. The individual struts 8 forming the framework 4 are connected together using any suitable conventional joints but dowel joints either alone or in combination with glue are preferred.

[0021] The panels 6, 7 of the container 2 and lid 3 are also made of biodegradable material which, in addition, preferably comes from an environmentally sustainable source. Examples of suitable materials for the panels 6, 7 of the container and lid are, but not limited to: cardboard, wool, wood, bamboo, willow, grasses, banana leaf, rattan, raffia, sisal, jute, vetiver, pandanus, wicker, seagrass, and water hyacinth. Each panel 6, 7 comprises a planar backing board 9 formed of, for example, corrugated cardboard to which a decorative material 10 may be added. The planar backing board 9 is sufficiently strong to maintain (i.e. hold) its planar shape and to maintain an interference fit with the framework 4, 5 (see below) in the absence of externally applied forces. In the illustrated embodiment the backing board 9 is not capable of withstanding the higher loads commonly encountered by coffins during use and, in general, the backing board 9 is not required to withstand such loads. The decorative material 10 may be applied on only the outer surface of the backing board 9 (i.e. the surface facing away from the interior of the coffin) or on both surfaces of the backing board 9. The decorative material 10 may be attached to the backing board 9 in any conventional manner including, but not limited to, glue, pins, stitching, through holes and knotting of the decorative material or as a sleeve.

[00221The box framework 4 is an open structure with a plurality of apertures 11 that are closed by the box panels 6. As may be more easily seen in Fig 3, each of the struts 8 forming the boundary of an aperture 11 has a groove in the form of a rebate 12 facing towards the aperture 11 and the interior of the coffin. Each rebate 12 is sized to receive one edge of a box panel 6, preferably so that the surface of the box panel 6 facing towards the interior of the coffin lies flush with the surface of the strut facing the interior of the container 2. Thus, each of the box panels 6 is mounted to and engages with the surfaces of the box framework 4 facing the interior of the container 2 resulting in the box framework 4 remaining visible on the outside of the coffin. The box panels 6 are releasably mounted in the rebates 12. For example, the box panels 6 may be sized so as to form an interference fit (friction fit) with the rebates 12 in the box framework 4 (see below). Temporary securement of the panels 6 to the box framework 4 may be provided through the use of glue, pins, tacks, cleats etc. but in all cases the box panels 6 are required to be releasably mounted within the rebates 12 of the box framework 4. The glue, pins, tacks, cleats etc. are required to fail or collapse in response to the sort of externally applied forces encountered by a coffin when buried.

[0023] The lid framework 5 is similarly an open structure with one or more apertures 11 that are closed by one or more lid panels 7. Each of the struts 8 which forms the boundary of an aperture 11 has a rebate 12 facing towards the aperture 1 and the interior of the coffin. Each rebate 12 is sized to receive one edge of a lid panel 7, preferable so that the surface of the lid panel 7 facing towards the interior of the coffin lies flush with the surface of the strut facing the interior of the coffin. As with the container 2, this results in the lid framework 5 remaining visible on the outside of the lid 3. The lid panels 7 are releasably mounted in the rebates 12 for example, but not limited to, the lid panels 7 being sized so as to form an interference fit (friction fit) with the rebates 12 in the lid framework 5 (see below). Temporary securement of the panels 7 to the lid framework 5 may be provided through the use of glue, pins, tacks, cleats etc. but in all cases the lid panels 7 are required to be releasably mounted within the rebates 12 of the lid framework 5.

[00241The lid framework 5 also includes a peripheral rebate for engagement with a cooperating peripheral rebate in the opening of the box 2 so that the lid framework 5 overlies the junction between the lid and the box opening. Ideally the outer edge of the lid 3 is coterminous with the outer edge of the box opening.

[0025]Where decorative material 10 is present on the outside of the lid panel 7, part of the backing board 9 of the lid panel 7 may be left uncovered for the backing board 9 to be inscribed or marked with the name of the person to be placed in the coffin. Alternatively a separate name plate (not shown) may be attached to the coffin lid 3.

[0026] One or more handles (not illustrated) may be provided on the outside of the container 2. The handles comprise any suitable material, commonly wood or rope, and are mounted on the box framework 4, preferably not the box panels 6.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the handles may be orientated to accommodate a coffin rod extending the length of the coffin. In addition, optionally a lining material may be provided within the coffin. The lining may be a textile or other suitable flexible material. To meet legal requirements for example relating to cremation, the lining may be waterproof and/or sealable so as to form a fluid-sealed cadaver enclosure. Also the box and lid frameworks 4, 5 may additionally include holding means such as, but not limited to, co-operating catches, clasps, toggles and buttons for closing the coffin by securing the framework of the lid 3 to the framework of the container 2.

[0027] Reference is made above to the box and lid panels 6, 7 being releasably mounted within the apertures 11 in the box and lid frameworks 4, 5. The mounting of the panels in the rebates is required to withstand internally applied forces but only to be sufficiently strong that the panels 6, 7 remain in place, mounted in the rebates 12 of the frameworks 4, 5, in the absence of externally applied forces. In particular, the mounting of the panels 6, 7 in the frameworks 4, 5 is required to release the panels under the application of an externally applied force so that the panels fall inwards away from the externally applied force. Thus, the grooves 12 are configured to release the corresponding edges of the panels mounted in the grooves towards the interior of the coffin. Where glue, pins or cleats 13 etc. are used for temporarily holding the panels in place in the frameworks, the mounting of the panels in the frameworks is still required to be releasable in response to a direct externally applied force during burial. In the case of the coffin illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, as the panels 6, 7 are mounted in inwardly facing rebates 12 in the frameworks 4, 5, outwardly directed internal forces, for example as a result of the coffin being tilted with a cadaver inside, cause the panels 6, 7 to press against the inner edge of the rebates 12 and the panels 6, 7 will remain securely within the frameworks 4, 5. In contrast, when the coffin with a cadaver inside is positioned in a burial plot and earth is thrown over the coffin, the weight of the earth on top of or against the panels 6, 7 will cause the panels to fall away from the framework 4, 5 into the interior of the coffin. The coffin is, therefore, partially collapsible with the coffin framework 4, 5 retaining its shape and structure but the panels 6, 7 being intended to collapse away from the framework in response to an externally applied force.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5a and 5b, the rebate 12 of Figs. 1 to 4 is replaced in the vertical struts of the frameworks 4, 5 by a generally U-shaped groove 12' which in each case opens towards its respective aperture in the framework 4, S. The horizontal struts of the frameworks 4, 5 may have rebates 12 facing towards the interior of the coffin or may also have generally U-shaped grooves 12'. The depth of the groove 12' is indicated in Fig. 5a by the dotted line 14. The horizontal cross-section through a panel and opposing supporting struts 8 shown in Fig. 5b more clearly illustrates the non-symmetric profile of the groove 12' in which the wall of the groove 12' forming part of the exterior of the framework is longer than the wall of the groove 12' forming part of the interior of the framework. Fig. 5b also shows how flexure of a panel 6, 7 as a result of an externally applied force results in the panel 6, 7 becoming released from its mounting in the framework 4, 5; the flexure of the panel causes the edges of the panel to be pulled away from the bottom of the groove 12' until the edge of the panel escapes from the groove opening. With the non-symmetric profile of the groove 12' flexure of the panel resulting in the panel being released from the groove 12' involves lower externally applied loads than internally applied loads. With this alternative embodiment, the coffin is constructed by sliding each panel into opposing grooves in the struts of the framework from above. Although the non-symmetric groove illustrated in Figs 5a and 5b is preferred, symmetric grooves may alternatively be employed. In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 5a, different struts surrounding an aperture may have different groove profiles.

[0029] The coffin described herein when containing a cadaver is intended to retain its shape and remain a closed coffin during transportation of the coffin with a cadaver, but is intended to partially collapse when sufficient weight of earth is put on top of and/or to the sides of the coffin. Such partial collapse of the coffin, which permits earth to penetrate the interior of the coffin, ensures that the natural process of decay of the coffin and the cadaver is greatly speeded up in contrast to conventional coffins. This is because when buried conventional coffins, including biodegradable coffins, isolate the cadaver from the earth and initial decay of such conventional coffins needs to occur before the cadaver becomes exposed to the earth. Thus the coffin described herein has a significantly lower negative environmental impact when buried in contrast to conventional coffins including known biodegradable coffins.

[0030] The panels 6, 7 of the coffin described above are all releasably mounted within the framework grooves 12, 12. In an alternative embodiment it is envisaged that at least one, but not all of the panels, are releasably mounted in the grooves. Those panels not releasably mounted in the frameworks fits are securely fixed to the frameworks and capable of withstanding internally and externally applied forces commonly encountered during use of a coffin. For example, the lid panel 7 may be the only panel releasably mounted with respect to the lid framework 5. The box panels 6 may all be permanently secured to the casket framework 4.

[0031] It will, of course, be understood that the coffin 1 described herein is not limited to the particular dimensions or outline illustrated in the figures: the coffin may be any shape capable of containing a cadaver including but not limited to a conventional coffin shape or a casket. Furthermore, the component materials of the coffin 1 may be different to the ones set above, although in all cases the component materials are biodegradable and, ideally, environmentally sustainable. Furthermore, the material used for the container framework may be different to the material used for the lid framework and similarly the material used for the box panels may be different to the material used for the lid panel or panels. Moreover different materials may be used for different panels of the container and/or of the lid. Whilst it is preferred that all of the edges of a releasable panel are releasably mounted to the struts of the coffin framework, at least one, more preferably two, edges of a panel need be releasably mounted so as to enable ingress of earth into the coffin when buried.

[0032] Changes and alterations to the embodiments described herein additional 25 to those mentioned above are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims

Claims

CLAIMSA coffin comprising a plurality of panels and a plurality of interconnected struts which form a framework with a plurality of apertures each aperture having mounted therein a respective one of the plurality of panels, wherein at least one of the struts forming the perimeter of an aperture includes a groove and a corresponding edge of a panel is releasably mounted in the groove in the strut.
2. A coffin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the groove of the at least one strut is configured to release the corresponding edge of the panel mounted in the groove towards the interior of the coffin.
3. A coffin as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 wherein the coffin includes a box framework and a plurality of box panels, a lid framework and one or more lid panels.
A coffin as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least two of the struts forming the perimeter of an aperture in the framework include a groove and corresponding edges of a panel are releasably mounted in the grooves in the struts.
A coffin as claimed in claim 4, wherein all of the struts forming the perimeter of an aperture include a groove and all edges of a panel are releasably mounted in the grooves in the struts.
6. A coffin as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of panels are all releasably mounted in grooves in the struts of all framework apertures.
7. A coffin as claimed in claim 6, wherein only the one or more lid panels are releasably mounted in grooves in the struts.
8. A coffin as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lining.
9. A coffin as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more handles mounted on the framework.A coffin as claimed in claims 3 to 9, wherein the casket framework and the lid framework include co-operating holding means for holding the lid framework in place on the casket framework 11. A coffin substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 and Figs. 5a and 5b.Amended claims have been filed as followers:-CLAIMSA coffin comprising a plurality of panels and a plurality of interconnected struts which form a framework with a plurality of apertures, each aperture having mounted therein a respective one of the plurality of panels, wherein at least one of the struts forming the perimeter of an aperture includes a non-symmetric substantially U-shaped groove releasably engaging a corresponding edge of one of said plurality of panels, said groove including a pair of inwardly facing opposing groove walls with the groove wall nearest the coffin interior being shorter than the opposing groove wall and the panel with said corresponding edge being capable of flexure under an externally applied force such that flexure of said panel causes the corresponding edge of the panel to disengage from said groove to CO form an aperture to the coffin interior.a) A coffin as claimed in claim 1 wherein the coffin includes a box framework and a plurality of box panels, a lid framework and one or more lid panels.A coffin as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein at least two of the struts forming the perimeter of an aperture in the framework each includes a non-symmetric substantially U-shaped groove and corresponding edges of a panel are releasably mounted in said grooves in the struts.A coffin as claimed in claim 3, wherein all of the struts forming the perimeter of an aperture include a non-symmetric substantially U-shaped groove and all edges of a panel are releasably mounted in said grooves in the struts.5. A coffin as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of panels are all releasably mounted in non-symmetric substantially U-shaped grooves in the struts of all framework apertures.6. A coffin as claimed in claim 2 or claims 3 to 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein only the one or more lid panels are releasably mounted in non-symmetric substantially U-shaped grooves in the struts.7. A coffin as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lining.A coffin as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more handles mounted on the framework.9. A coffin as claimed in claim 2 or claims 3 to 8 when dependent on claim 2, CO wherein the box framework and the lid framework include co-operating holding means for holding the lid framework in place on the box framework.
10. A coffin substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 5a and 5b.