US3801060A

US3801060A - Collapsible crypt forming system

Info

Publication number: US3801060A
Application number: US00131260A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Fratesse
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-04-05
Filing date: 1971-04-05
Publication date: 1974-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 1991-04-02

Abstract

A collapsible form for making a crypt from concrete including a back panel, two separate side panels, a top panel, header, and vertical end channels releasably secured together whereby the panels may be easily removed from the interior of a crypt which is formed by the hardening of concrete over the exterior of the assembled form.

Description

United States Patent Fratesse Apr. 2, 1974 [54] COLLAPSIBLE CRYPT FORMING SYSTEM 1,167,568 1 1916 .1011118011 249 144 X I 2,492,893 12/1949 Schopf 249/144 X [76] Inventor Joseph f BOX 2,946,111 7/1960 Francis 249/144 X Carmal, Callf. 93940 2,892,237 6/1959 Nelsen 249/186 p 5 3,433,451 3/1969 11161 249/184 [21] Appl' l31260 Primary ExaminerJ. Spencer Overholser Assistant Examiner-John S. Brown [52] U.S. Cl. 249/144, 425/63 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Bruce 8L McCoy 51 1m. 01. B29c 9/24 [58 Field of Search 249/119, 144, 120, 126,

128, 145, 20, 184-186, 264/34; 425/63 [57] ABSTRACT Z A collapsible form for making a crypt from concrete including a back panel, two separate side panels, a top [56] References Cited panel, header, and vertical end channels releasably se- UNITED STATES PATENTS cured together whereby the panels may be easily re- 2 628 403 2,1953 Garrison 249,144 X moved from the interior of a crypt which is formed by l312827 8/1919 249,123 the hardening of concrete over the exterior of the as- 3,167,839 2/1965 Gause 249 185 sembled form 3,376,012 4/1968 Grammar 249/184 1,207,697 12 1916 Atterbury 425/63 3 Clam, 17 Drawmg Flgures 859,112 7/1907 Roehr 249/144 X g] ll Z 5 3 E 101 N A A A A A PATENTEUAFR 2 I974 SHEEIIIJQFS Fig! ' Iona INVENTOR. JOSEPH 8.,FRATESSA glOS EbIOT f IOI PATENTEDAPR 2 m4 SHfiU 3 OF 5 I NVENTOR.

JOSEPH B. FRATESSA PATENIEDAPR 2 \914 v 3.801.060

sum s or 5 I INVENTOR. JOSEPH B. FRATESSA 1' COLLAPSIBLE CRYPTFORMING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the forming of crypts in a mausoleum, and more particularly to the formation of separate crypts by the means of collapsible and reusable multisectionedforms.

With the present concern over the population problem, together with the rising cost of land, and the need to utilize the land available in the most economical manner, there has been a turning away from the traditional burying of coffins in graves. In this connection, mausoleums containing a large number of crypts for holding coffins are being increasingly utilized. The mausoleums make more economical use of land and may be incorporated into presently existing cemeteries.

2. DESCRIPTIONOF THE PRIOR ART Known methods of forming mausoleums from concrete or the like utilize wooden or' metal forms to produce the crypts in the mausoleums. These forms are generally bulky, hard to manage, not'easily reusable, and require a skilled worker to spend much wasted time in constructing and preparing the forms for casting of the crypts.

A sectional crypt form composed of two lower side panels, and two combination upper side and top panels has been used to form crypts. The proposedpanels, however, are difficult to fabricate, not easily assembled on the job, and are not readily removable from the crypt after it has been formed around the outside surface of the assembled form. Furthermore, the proposed crypt form has not been found to be entirely suitable for the mass production of large numbers of crypts, nor does it contemplateother specific aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible form for making a crypt from concrete,comprising a back panel, two separate side panels, a top panel, a header, and vertical end channels. Thepanels are .releasably secured together to make a form about which concrete may be poured and which may be easily disassembled and removed from the interior of the formed crypt.

The invention also includes a method for constructing a mausoleum having a plurality of tiers of crypts by utilizing a plurality of assembled forms attached to spaced-apart vertically extending channels fixed to a base upon which the forms are supported and over which concrete is poured and allowed to harden.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an important object of the present invention to provide a collapsible crypt forming device which may be readily withdrawn from a formed crypt.

It is another object of this invention to provide a collapsible crypt form which is easily assembled and broken down on the job.

It is a further object of the invention to provide. a means whereby a mausoleum having a plurality of crypts therein may be fabricated in a short period of time by using a plurality of collapsible forms which may be reused to form additional crypts on consecutive days.

. further tiers of crypts thereon by re-using the same collapsible fonns.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a complete mausoleum having a plurality of crypts constructed therein by the utilization of collapsible crypt forms of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation showing a concrete base upon which rows of crypts are to be constructed having vertically extending channel members attached to the spaced-apart base;

FIG. 3 shows the base and channel members of FIG. 2 with collapsible forms resting on the base and fixed between the vertically extending channel members;

FIG. 4 shows the concrete base slab and channel members of FIG. 3 having two tiers of crypts of poured concretetherebetween with the crypt forms in position on the third tier of poured concrete crypts to form a further tier thereon; I

FIG. 5 shows a portion of a mausoleum formed by following the steps of FIGS. 2 through 4, with the channels and crypt forms removed therefrom;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front elevation of an assembled crypt form attached between two vertical channels of the type shown in FIGS. 2 through 4;

FIG. 7 is an inside side elevation of a side panel used in the assembled crypt form of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an outside side elevation showing the reverse sideof the side panel of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the preferred embodiment of the top panel of the instant invention;

FIG. 10 is a front end view of the side panel of FIG.

. FIG. 11 is a back end view of the right side panel of FIG. 8;

- FIG. 12 is a front end view of the top 'panel of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a rear end view of the top panel of FIG. 9;

a FIG. 14 is a top plan view of FIG. 6 showing tie rods and an exhaust line fixed thereto;

FIG. 17 is a back elevation of the back panel of the instant invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The collapsible crypt-making form of the present in- FIG.- 15 shows a front elevation of the header of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the header of FIG. 15; and

crypts. ln the present invention, when it is determined that the concrete is in a sufficiently hardened condition to support its own weight or allow a further tier of crypts to be supported thereby, the collapsible cryptmaking forms are easily disassembled and withdrawn from the formed crypts. The forms then may be reassembled on top of a tier of formed crypts for forming a further tier of crypts thereon. This time period for hardening has been reduced to a day due to the unique method of forming crypts with arched tops, which in turn provide a bridging action to support the top slab of concrete, disclosed herein. This unique construction of separate crypts having arched tops further makes it possible to substitute wire mesh for reinforcing steel mat that is normally used in the top slabs of crypts. The above brings about considerable savings in time and in money in the construction of mausoleums.

Referring to FlGS. 6 through 17 of the drawings, the preferred embodiment of a collapsible crypt-making assembly or form (21), in accordance with the present invention, will be described. The assembled cryptmaking form (21) includes four basic components: a top form or panel (23), two side forms or panels (25 and a rear form or panel (27). In the assembled position (FIG. 6), the assembly includes a header (29) attached to the front portion thereof, described more clearly hereinafter.

FIGS. 7, 8, l and 1 1 illustrate one of the side panels namely, a right side panel of the instant invention. The panel is preferably fabricated from a rectangular piece of material, such as metal or plastic, and has at least one brace or gusset member (31) attached thereto for rigidity. The rectangular sheet of material is bent or worked to provide: a substantially horizontally extending foot portion (33); a substantially vertically extending side leg portion (35); a top portion (37) connected to the vertically extending leg portion at an obtuse angle; and an attaching or lip portion (39) extending from the top portion in a direction toward the horizontally extending foot portion. Two gusset members (31, 41), having a shape which substantially conforms to the interior shape of the side panel, are preferably secured to the inside surface thereof to provide rigidity and strength. If considered desirable, further gusset members may be attached to the inside of the side panel, as by gluing or welding, at predetermined space intervals to allow the side panel to more easily support any weight applied thereto. As shown more clearly in FIG. 11, one of the gusset members (41) is secured to the side panel at the rear thereof. The rear gusset member is provided with at least two bores (43), to allow the rear panel member (27) or a further side panel (25) to be releasably secured thereto. Furthermore, the gusset (31), preferably placed at the central portion of the side panel, and any further gussets fixed thereto, are provided with bores (45) near the bottom portion thereof, to accommodate an intermediate stiffener angle (47) adding further rigidity and strength to the assembled form of FIG. 6.

The front portion of the side panel is provided with a plurality of holes (not shown) and the outside surface thereof is provided with a sealing shutter recess form (49), secured thereto, as by gluing or welding. The recess form projects from the exterior surface of the side panel so that when concrete is poured over the assembled form, a contoured groove, for accommodating a door or shutter, will be impressed into the hardened concrete. The sealing shutter recess form is preferably made from a plurality of substantially rectangular channel members having splayed or spread apart legs secured together along the outside surface of the side panel. Moreover, the front portion of the extending lip portion (39) is cut off or rounded at for safety purposes, if a worker is required to crawl into an assembled form.

Since the left or other side panel (25) shown in the assembled form of H68. 3, 4, 5 and 14 is a mirror image of the right side panel described above, it is not deemed necessary to describe the left side panel in detail.

FIGS. 9, l2 and 13 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the top panel (23) of the instant invention. The top panel is also preferably constructed from a single piece of material, such as metal or plastic, and bent or pressed into shape. As shown, the top panel has two outwardly extending end or lip portions (5] The lip portions extend parallel to and are substantially the same length as the lip portions (39) of the side panels (25). Each of the lips (51) are connected to angularly extending top portions (53,55) which meet at a centrally located peak or seam (57) forming an obtuse angle approaching ,with each other. The rear portion of the top panel is provided with an end or gusset plate (59) having the same shape as the interior portion of the top panel to which it is secured, in any suitable manner. The end plate is provided with a screed chair or support (61) located centrally thereon in alignment with a screed hole provided in the upper central portion of the top panel. The end plate is also provided with bores (65) for connection to the back plate or a further top panel. A further gusset plate (67) is provided centrally of the top panel, for reinforcement and strengthening purposes, and is of substantially the same shape as the end plate, Each lip or side edge portion (51) is provided with at least two holding pads or plates (69), fixed to the interior surface thereof. The pads or plates and the lips have at least one hole bored therethrough (not shown) for purposes of fastening which are more clearly explained hereinafter. The front portion of the top panel also has holes bored therein for fastening (not shown) and a sealing shutter recess form (71) secured thereto. The front edge portion of each of the lips (51) are rounded or cut at an angle (73) to match the cutoff end (40) of the side panel attaching lips (39).

FIG. 17 illustrates the preferred configuration of the back or rear panel (27) of the instant invention from the exterior or outside surface thereof. That is, the portion that would face the concrete poured over an assembled form. The exterior surface shown has a plurality of holes bored therein so as to be capable of passing bolts (not shown) therethrough, or studs may be fixed in these holes to accommodate nuts. Acorn nuts (77) or the like are preferably welded or sealed to the exterior surface around the holes to facilitate the securing of the back panel to the side panels and the top panel. The other side of the back panel, i.e., the side of the panel facing into the drawings and which would normally face the interior of an assembled form, is provided with a handle (79), secured near the top portion thereof, to facilitate pulling the panel out of the finished crypt. The bottom portion of the back panel is provided with an angle stiffener (81), on the same side as that of the handle, to aid in the support of the panel and to add strength to an assembled form.

FIGS. 6, and 16 illustrate the preferred form of the header (29) of the instant invention. The header is preferably fabricated from a flat shaped plate (83) having horizontally extending end and bottom plates (85,87) secured thereto. The bottom plates (87) are preferably straight and are secured together at angles so that they form a surface which is substantially the same shape as the outside top surface of an assembled form. That is, the bottom plates (87) are of varying lengths and are substantially parallel to the angularly extending top portions of the two side forms and the top form. A screed bar (89) is attached to thetop of the header (29) and extends rearwardly thereof to act as an indicator for the top surface of the concrete to be poured over the assembled form.

A mausoleum (93), such as shownin FIG. 1, having a plurality of tiers of crypts (95) formed therein, may be constructed by utilizing a plurality of assembled crypt forms (21) of the instant invention. Each crypt (97) is made by pouring concrete over an assembled crypt form, and requires no further surface finishing after the crypt form is removed. The forms of the present invention, therefore, facilitate the construction of each crypt and greatly reduce the time required to construct and finish a mausoleum. As is clearly illustrated, each of the formed crypts (97) contains an arched top which provides a bridging and strengthening action to support the top slab of the crypt.

To form the mausoleum (93), a base or foundation (99) must be provided upon which the crypts may be supported. The base may take the form of a slab of concrete poured directly on the ground and is provided with tie rods (101) or the like (see FIG. 14) fixed therein or arranged just above the base. The tie rods are spaced apart a predetermined distance to enable the collapsible forms of the present invention to be inserted therebetween.

Vertically extending channel members (103) are attached to the rods (101) by nuts (102) along one edge of the base, and at the base of each tier of crypts. The vertically extending channels are maintained in the vertical position and are properly spaced apart by a starter edge form that is later used as a spcer bar (105) attached to the channel members near the top portion thereof. The channel members may be of any suitable width, such as 4 inches, and include groups of three holes (101,107) bored along the centerline thereof. Two holes (107) provide for poured in place marble anchors and one hole (101) provides for control rod adjustment for alignment during concrete pour. Each of the channels is spaced apart a predetermined distance to allow a crypt to be formed therebetween, and each channel acts as part of the form when the cement is poured.

Turning to FIGS. 6-14, the means of assembling the separate panel members will be evident. The back panel (27) is positioned with the handle (79) projecting inwardly of the crypt cavity. The holes (43) bored in the gusset at the rear of each of the side panels (25) are then aligned with corresponding side holes or threaded studs contained in the rear panel. Bolts are then passed through the aligned holes and threaded into acorn nuts (77) or secured to threaded studs to secure the panels together. The top panel (23) is then bolted or secured to the back panel in the same manner by aligning the holes bored in the rear gusset plate (59) with the respective upper holes formed in. the back panel. As more clearly shown in FIG. 6, the top panel (23) is fastened to the side panels so that the top panel upper edge of lip (51) is fastened into position approximately [1 inch above the top edge of the side panel lips (39) to facilitate ease of stripping the forms.

As shown in FIG. 3, after the vertical channel members have been fixed to the concrete base slab and properly aligned and spaced, the collapsible forms (21) are removably secured between the vertically extending channel members. The front edge portion of each of the side panels are aligned with the sides of the vertically extending channel members and U-shaped holding dogs (91) are then clipped onto the aligned and adjacently disposed edges to secure the front edges of each of the side panels to the vertically extending channel members. The front header (29), having the front screed bar facing rearwardly thereof toward the rear portion of the assembled form, is then placed over the top of the form and holding dogs (91) are clipped onto the adjacently disposed and aligned edges to hold the header to the vertical channels and to the assembled form. To insure overall rigidity and stiffness of the assembled form, an intermediate stiffener angle (47) is placed between the two central gussets of the side forms and affixed thereto by holding dogs.

Additional holding dogs are utilized inside the crypt on the aligned and ad jacently disposed edges of the side and top panels to secure the side and top panels together.

After the plurality of assemblies have been secured in position between the channels, a rear screed bar is inserted into the forms. The rear screed bar is comprised of an elongated board or channel (111), having a plurality of screed chair rods (113) extending downwardly therefrom. These rods are inserted into the holes (63) formed at the back of the top form, and bottom in the screed bracket seats (61) formed in the rear plates. After the plurality of assemblies and the screed board have been properly positioned, an exhaust line (114) (FIG. 14) is placed across the top of the row of assemblies, and tied to each assembly through the exhaust line tie holes (115) bored in each assembly. Reinforcing bars (117) and wire mesh (119) are then placed over and around the outside of the assemblies. Concrete is poured over the row of crypt-making forms to the proper level, determined by the screed board and the front screed bar. The screed bar (11 1) may then be removed, and the concrete allowed to harden.

When the concrete has hardened sufficiently, normally in one day due to the arched top, the dogs (91) are removed and each of the crypt forms is released from the vertically extending channels and the header. The panels may then be taken apart and collapsed inwardly for removal from the formed crypts (97). In this manner, a tier of concrete crypts such as shown in FIG. 4 is formed on the base after pone day. Further tiers of concrete crypts are then formed by assembling the collapsible crypt forms on the roof or top slab portion of the formed crypts and repeating the steps indicated above.

After a predetermined number of tiers of crypts have been constructed, the channel members are removed therefrom, and a portion of a mausoleum, such as shown in FIG. 5, is constructed.

To form a complete mausoleum as shown in PK]. 1, the tiers of crypts (95), shown in FIG. 5, are first formed, and further tiers of crypts (121) are formed extending perpendicular thereto. The crypts (123) of the perpendicular tiers (121) are formed in the same manner as described above. The first formed crypts (97) are deep enough to hold one coffin therein, and the perpendicular crypts (123), constructed by using one of the formed side walls (125) of the first crypts, are also of such a depth that only one coffin may be contained therein. However, other crypts, such as (127), which extend beyond the rear wall of the first set of formed crypts may be formed of such a depth that a plurality of coffins may be contained therein. A tandem crypt is formed by joining two sets of panels (31,41,67) by either of two methods: (a) by the use of metal angle clips, but preferably (b) by bolting on a A inch gusset to the rear of the front form panels which is then secured by dogs to the front of the rear form panels in the same bales that are used to secure the panels to the front header and channels. The use of the gusset eliminates rocking or twisting of the form when the concrete is poured. In this manner, a rectangular building utilizing all of the available space may be formed.

In accordance with the present invention, crypts of any length may be constructed by merely fixing more than one assembled crypt form in an end-to-end or tandem relationship. The tandem forms require at least two standard assemblies, with the back panel of the front form removed and the two forms joined at their abutting ends by the use of side form clips and top form clips (not shown).

The invention includes a method of precise screeding and finishing of concrete surfaces; a method for rapid installation of a plastic venting system forcrypts; a method for providing precisely located inserts for marble hangers and a control rod system to accurately adjust the vertical channels to a plumb position during concrete pouring.

Daily re-use of the forms and the substitution of wire mesh for reinforcing bars is made possible by the arched design of the form section, which effects a bridging action in the poured concrete sectionsv It is therefore an advantage of the instant invention to utilize easily disassembled forms attached between vertically extending channel members by removable dogs and a header whereby a single or plurality of crypts in a row may be quickly and uniformly constructed.

Another advantage of the invention is that after concrete has been poured and hardened about an assembled form in one day, the form and header may be easily removed therefrom to allow further tiers of crypts to be constructed on the top of the formed tier of crypts by utilizing the same forms.

An additional advantage of the instant invention is obtained by securing at least two of the assembled forms in tandem to construct crypts capable of holding more than one coffin.

Another advantage of the invention is that a plurality of reinforced concrete crypts, having uniform size and shape, which do not require internal finishing, may be provided in tiers of any required number to enable the formation of a completed mausoleum.

By utilizing holding dogs, the assembled forms of the instant invention may be quickly and easily assembled and broken down by a single worker utilizing a minimum of tools.

Modifications and variations of the present invention are obvious in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

What is claimed is:

l. A collapsible form for making a crypt from concrete mounted on a base comprising a back panel, two separate side panels, and a top panel, each of said side panels including at least a side leg portion, an angular extending top portion, and an attaching lip portion regressing from its connection with said top portion toward said leg portion,

said top panel including a roof portion connected to two depending lip portions fixed to the free edge portions of said roof portion for mating with the lip portions of said side panels, and

said back panel being securable to the rear portion of said side panels and said top panel, and said side panels and said top panel being releasably securable together along their mating lips,

at leasttwo vertical channels fixable on said base a predetermined distance apart,

a header securable between said vertical channels,

said side panels capable of being secured to said vertical channels and the bottom of said header,

said top panel capable of being fixed to said side panels and the bottom of said header,

said back panel capable of being secured to said side panels and said top panel,

said side panels, said back panel, said top panel, said vertical channels, and said header thereby presenting a surface over which concrete may be poured and shaped to form the hardened finish of a single crypt capable of holding a coffin, and whereby said formed crypt has an arched upper portion forming a bridging member for supporting the upper slab thereof, and

means for releasably securing said back, side, and top panels together to make an assembled form whereby when concrete has been poured about the exterior surface of said assembled form and a crypt is formed thereby, said means may be released and said top panel may be dropped vertically downward into the crypt without moving the side panels, and said side panels may then be easily rotated inward into the crypt about their bottom edges and removed from the interior of the formed crypt, and said rear panel may then be pulled out of the formed crypt.

2. The collapsible form of claim 1 wherein at least a further assembly comprising two additional side panels and a top panel is releasably secured to the front end of a complete assembly to form an elongated assembly capable of forming a crypt having an interior volume within which a plurality of coffins may be inserted.

3. A collapsible form for constructing a crypt from concrete comprising, in combination,

right and left side panels each having a bottom foot portion capable of resting on a base, a side leg portion extending upward from said foot portion, a top portion connected to said side leg portion at an obtuse angle, and a depending lip regressing from its a back panel capable of being releasably secured to said side and top panels,

a header capable of being attached to said top panel and to the top portions of said side panels, and

a plurality of vertically extending channels fixed to said base with said header and said panels being fixed thereto, whereby when a crypt having an arched upper portion forming a bridging member for supporting the upper slab of said crypt has been 1 constructed'about the exterior of said assembly, said header and said vertically extending channels may be removed from said assembly, and said back panel, said side panels, and said top panel may be easily disassembled and removed from the interior of the formed crypt after allowing said crypt to dry and harden for one day NITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTEFICATIE 0F CORRECTION Patent No. 3 r 060 V Dated pril 2 1974 JOSEPH B. FRATESSA Inventor(s) It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

The inventors name is shown as "Fratesse" and should be -Fratessa-.

IN THE SPECIFICATION Column 5, line 45 "spcer" should be spacer-- Column 6, line 59 "pone should be -one Signed and sealed this 1st day of' October' 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY M. GIBSON JR, C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents

Claims

1. A collapsible form for making a crypt from concrete mounted on a base comprising a back panel, two separate side panels, and a top panel, each of said side panels including at least a side leg portion, an angular extending top portion, and an attaching lip portion regressing from its connection with said top portion toward said leg portion, said top panel including a roof portion connected to two depending lip portions fixed to the free edge portions of said roof portion for mating with the lip portions of said side panels, and said back panel being securable to the rear portion of said side panels and said top panel, and said side panels and said top panel being releasably securable together along their mating lips, at least two vertical channels fixable on said base a predetermined distance apart, a header securable between said vertical channels, said side panels capable of being secured to said vertical channels and the bottom of said header, said top panel capable of being fixed to said side panels and the bottom of said header, said back panel capable of being secured to said side panels and said top panel, said side panels, said back panel, said top panel, said vertical channels, and said header thereby presenting a surface over which concrete may be poured and shaped to form the hardened finish of a single crypt capable of holding a coffin, and whereby said formed crypt has an arched upper portion forming a bridging member for supporting the upper slab thereof, and means for releasably securing said back, side, and top panels together to make an assembled form whereby when concrete has been poured about the exterior surface of said assembled form and a crypt is formed thereby, said means may be released and said top panel may be dropped vertically downward into the crypt without moving the side panels, and said side panels may then be easily rotated inward into the crypt about their bottom edges and removed from the interior of the formed crypt, and said rear panel may then be pulled out of the formed crypt.

3. A collapsible form for constructing a crypt from concrete comprising, in combination, right and left side panels each having a bottom foot portion capable of resting on a base, a side leg portion extending upward from said foot portion, a top portion connected to said side leg portion at an obtuse angle, and a depending lip regressing from its connection with said top portion in a direction toward said foot portion; a top panel constructed of a roof portion and two flat lip portions secured to said roof portion and depending outwardly to mate with the lips of said side portions to enable said side portions and top portions to be releasably secured together, and a rear plate having a screed seat formed therein, secured to the rear end of said top panel, means for releasably securing said side and top panels together along said lips, a back panel capable of being releasably secured to said side and top panels, a header capable of being attached to said top panEl and to the top portions of said side panels, and a plurality of vertically extending channels fixed to said base with said header and said panels being fixed thereto, whereby when a crypt having an arched upper portion forming a bridging member for supporting the upper slab of said crypt has been constructed about the exterior of said assembly, said header and said vertically extending channels may be removed from said assembly, and said back panel, said side panels, and said top panel may be easily disassembled and removed from the interior of the formed crypt after allowing said crypt to dry and harden for one day.