ACCOMMODATION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD THEREFOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a accommodation assembly, particularly for accommodating a human body. More particularly, the invention concerns an accommodation assembly made from light, environmentally friendly materials such as laminated wood and consequently is easily stored and transported. The invention also relates to a kit comprising such an assembly and to a method for assembling it.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Accommodation assemblies, in particular for accommodating a human body, such as beds, cribs, cradles, coffins and/or caskets are traditionally provided as assemblies of four substantially straight-edged, rectangular side panels plus a bottom and, in the case of a coffin, also a lid panel. These panels are often relatively thick and e.g. made from solid wood, form-fitted wood or medium- density fibreboard. The sides of the panels facing towards the outside are typically provided with some kind of ornamentation in order to improve the aesthetics of the assembly. These assemblies are relatively robust since the sides or panels are of a certain thickness in order to remain stable in the transverse direction. On the other hand, these types of assemblies are consequently also heavy and thus not easy to handle and may in addition require a certain expertise for being satisfactorily assembled. However panels, or whole structures of other types of materials, are also known in the art.

The use of laminated wood, such as plywood, for these kinds of applications is also known. However, in order for panels of laminated wood to remain sufficiently strong against deflections, these panels also need to be relatively thick which of course not only increases weight of the panels drastically, but also limits the potential of working the panels of laminated wood into bent or rounded shapes with relatively small radii.

GB patent application no. 2 346 137 discloses a container such as a coffin assembled from a number of blanks of sheet material, in particular cardboard. The containers may be rapidly manufactured and are easily transported in their non- assembled state.

US patent application publication no. 2005/0071965 discloses a modular casket system comprising side, end, bottom and top panels made from a kind of medium-density fibreboard covered with a veneer cover such as paper, wood, cloth or other material.

GB patent specification no. 926553 discloses wall components in or for a coffin assembly, the wall components being formed from laminated wood and having a part of a curved configuration that constitutes a corner or a shoulder of the coffin. The coffin assembly allows for easy storage and transportation and for adapting the coffin with respect to the size of the deceased.

The assemblies known from the above presented available techniques all comprise several individual sides or panels, the assembly of which requires some level of assembling expertise. Furthermore, the presented examples also require one or more custom made tools (such as one or more moulds), either for preparing the sides or panels to be ready for further processing, or for working the sides or panels into a particular shape or configuration before assembly. Even further, the known assemblies do not offer a very large degree of flexibility with respect to alternative shapes and these tend to have a somewhat bulky appearance.

Hence, an improved accommodation assembly would be advantageous, and in particular one wherein the actual assemblage is very simple thus avoiding the need for skilled labour for the assemblage and yet rapid. Furthermore, an assembly that may be manufactured and assembled without the need for any specialized or precision tools would be highly advantageous. Even further, an assembly requiring a minimum of metallic connection parts, such as screws or nails, would also be advantageous. In addition, an assembly with improved aesthetics and increased flexibility would also be advantageous.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an accommodation assembly constituted by a minimum number of sides or panels of low weight such as laminated wood, while simultaneously assuring a strong and stabile assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an accommodation assembly that requires a minimum of space in regard to storage and/or transportation before assemblage.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved method for assembling a accommodation assembly without use of precision tools and/or skilled labour.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an assembly with improved flexibility and aesthetics.

Also, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple method for assemblage of an accommodation assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the above described objects and several other objects are intended to be obtained in a first aspect of the invention by providing a substantially oval- shaped, accommodation assembly comprising:

- one or more wall panels, a substantially oval-shaped bottom panel having an indentation in a side thereof, one or more connecting elements,

wherein the one or more wall panels comprise a cord or string attached to one of the sides thereof for engagement with the indentation in the bottom panel.

The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous when using laminated wood for obtaining an accommodation assembly that is of low weight,

inexpensive, transportation and environmentally friendly and indeed very easy to assemble even to non-skilled labour.

The one or more wall panels may have dimensions that are adapted to the particular purpose for which the panels are used. In the non-assembled state the one or more wall panels are substantially level, i.e. without any curves or bends. By letting the wall panels be substantially flat before assemblage, transportation space may be highly reduced since the different parts of the assembly may all be stowed on top of each other. If considered appropriate, however, the panels may be pre-shaped before assemblage.

In embodiments of the invention, a single wall panel may be provided. This single wall panel does then 'follow' the periphery of the substantially oval bottom panel along the edge of this.

Preferably, but not exclusively, in embodiments where two or more wall panels are provided, these may be substantially identical. The wall panels may also comprise details or equipment, such as e.g. ornamentation or appliances, on the inner and/or outer sides thereof which are non-essential to the invention. However, the wall panels may also be made as individually shaped and dimensioned panels if required.

A cord or string is attached to one of the sides of a wall panel. The cord is preferably, but not exclusively, attached to the panel side by means of a glue or colloid substance activated by applying heat from a heat source to the surface thereof. In preferred embodiments, the glue or colloid substance is provided on the wall panel after the panel is manufactured into its intended dimensions. The glue or colloid substance may be activated by e.g. a heating gun prior to assemblage of the assembly or preferably even prior to shipping of the assembly. The cord or string is provided in order to engage with an indentation in a bottom panel of the assembly, this engagement being described in further detail below.

The substantially oval-shaped bottom panel provides the 'floor' of the accommodation assembly. In this application, the interpretation of the phrase 'substantially oval-shaped' is intended to mean any appropriate shape resembling

an oval; i.e. egg-shaped, ellipse-shaped, 'stretched-circle' etc. The bottom panel is preferably provided with its substantially oval shape before shipping.

The indentation in a side of the bottom panel is preferably of shape and dimensions providing easy, safe and tight engagement with the cord or string as mentioned. Preferably, the indentation is provided in the vertical (shortest) side of the bottom panel. Also preferably, the indentation may extend substantially perpendicular into the vertical side and may have a U- or V-shape. However, if applicable and/or advantageous, the bottom panel may comprise more than one indentation that may engage with more than one cord or string attached to the side of the wall panel. The indentation(s) may preferably be provided in the bottom panel by a simple milling machine or manually before shipping.

The present invention also comprises one or more connecting elements. The objective of the one or more connecting elements is to provide a safe and easily joinable connection between the ends of the one or more wall panels and/or the bottom and/or the top panel. Therefore, in embodiments with a single wall panel, only one connecting element is needed to connect the two ends of the single wall panel and the bottom panel. In embodiments with two or more wall panels, any required or appropriate number of connecting elements may be provided in order to join the panels. Preferably, but not exclusively, a connection means, such as a screw or bolt, may be driven through the bottom and/or top panel into the connecting element. The connecting elements may further in embodiments comprise one or more cut-outs or indentations for accommodating the side of the bottom and/or top panels of the assembly. Preferably, the cut-outs may be positioned near one or both ends of the connecting element.

In embodiments of the invention, the accommodation assembly may further comprise a substantially oval-shaped top panel. The top panel is particularly advantageous for providing closed off assemblies, such as in the case of a coffin or casket. Also the top panel is preferably provided with its substantially oval shape before shipping. In embodiments, the top panel may further advantageously comprise a protrusion in a side thereof. Preferably, the protrusion is provided in the vertical (shortest) side of the top panel. Also preferably, the protrusion may extend substantially perpendicular to the vertical side and may

advantageously engage with a surface of the at least one wall panel in order to fit the parts together. In embodiments wherein a top panel is provided the above mentioned connecting element may also be joined to the top panel.

The invention according to the first aspect is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous because it is significantly easier and much most cost-efficient to bend a relatively thin layer of laminated wood into the preferred oval shape during assemblage than to press-shape a relatively thick layer of solid wood into oval shape before assembly. This also facilitates a much more cost-efficient transportation since the panels can be shipped lying closely on top of each other.

In embodiments, the connecting element is a substantially H-shaped profile with a body and two transverse flanges, wherein the inner distance between the flanges corresponds substantially to the thickness of the wall panels. The connecting element may preferably be prefabricated from three individual elements. The flanges may preferably be made from laminated wood so as to not differ in appearance from the one or more wall panels. The body of the H-shaped profile is preferably, but not exclusively, made from solid wood. The individual parts of the connecting element are preferably assembled before shipping of the accommodation assembly. The inner distance between the flanges, i.e. the distance measured across the cavities defined by the flanges and the body preferably corresponds to the thickness of the wall panels. However, some tolerance - i.e. a larger distance than the thickness of the wall panels - may be provided for facilitating assemblage of these parts. The flanges may be provided with any number of pre-made bore holes so as to be able to easily fit a connection means, such as a screw, through the bore hole for penetration into the positioned end if the wall panel. In embodiments, one or more connecting elements may be connected to one end of a wall panel before shipping in order to facilitate assemblage even further. In embodiments with two or more wall panels, connecting elements may be connected to both ends of a first wall panel before shipping.

In embodiments, the invention according to the first aspect further comprises a double sided adhesive tape one side of which sticks to at least a part of one of the

sides of the wall panels, and the opposite side of which provides sticking attachment for a fabric lining.

This is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for providing a very easy way of attaching a fabric lining inside the accommodation assembly. Preferably, but not exclusively, the double sided adhesive tape is provided closer to the top edge of the wall panel than to the bottom edge (as seen in the assembled state of the assembly).

In embodiments, the cord or string attached to the side of the wall panels is made from spun cotton material. The cord or string may have any required thickness substantially matching the dimension of the indentation in the bottom panel. Preferably, but not exclusively, the cord or string is attached to the wall panels closer to the bottom edge of the wall panel than to the top edge of the wall panel (as seen in the assembled state of the assembly). A cotton cord or string is particularly advantageous because it is very light, easy to work with and very flexible.

In order to make a safe and tight connection between the wall panel(s) and the bottom panel, a filler or sealant may preferably be provided in the indentation in the bottom panel prior to the joining with the cord or string on the wall panel. The filler or sealant may preferably comprise some content of traditional wood glue in order to aid in the joining of the parts. When the spun cotton cord or string engages with the filler or sealant material it will start to swell and consequently substantially fill up the cavity of the indentation in the bottom panel.

In embodiments, the assembly may further comprise at least one membrane provided on top of the bottom panel and attached to the wall panel for sealing off the inside of the accommodation assembly.

The at least one membrane may be particularly advantageous for retaining possible bodily fluids that may stem from a person using the assembly. The membrane may comprise any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, liquid impermeable plastics or metal foils. The membrane may be attached to the wall panel in a similar manner as the fabric lining using a separate piece of double

sided adhesive tape. Alternatively, a larger part, or even the whole inner surface of the accommodation assembly may be lined with a liquid- and/or odour-tight membrane. This application may be particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous in an accommodation assembly provided as a coffin or a casket for a deceased human being.

In other embodiments, the assembly according to the first aspect of the invention has at least one wall panel that comprises a hinged door part for providing an opening into the accommodation assembly.

The hinged door may be chosen from a variety of different hinge means. Particularly, but not exclusively, the hinge may be provided as a 'soft hinge' in the shape of a leather line or lace that is drawn through a number of holes therefore in the wall panel and in the door part. A closure or locking means may also be provided on the door part and/or the wall panel. This application may be particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous in an accommodation assembly provided as a bed, crib or cradle in order to improve access to the assembly.

In embodiments, the one or more wall panels may be provided at an angle to the bottom panel differing from substantially perpendicular. Such embodiments may require an additional provision of further attachment or connection means and/or specially manufactured cut-outs and/or indentations, protrusions etc. The dimensions of the different elements may in this regard be specially adapted. In particular, but not exclusively, in the case of a bed, crib or cradle for a , the one or more wall panels may be so dimensioned and provided, that the opening thereof is significantly smaller than the basic area of the bottom panel. In other words, that a cross-section of the assembly depicts a substantially triangular shape.

In embodiments, the one or more wall panels have a thickness between 2 and 10 mm. In particularly preferred embodiments the thickness of the wall panels is approximately 4 mm. This dimensions of the panels means that the weight of the total wall panel may remain significantly lower than with wall panels of other materials while still being able to provide an accommodation assembly that is sufficiently strong for holding and carrying a person without any deflections of the

panels once it is assembled. Furthermore, with these thickness dimensions the wall panels will remain flexible enough to be easily bend into the desired oval shape during assembly, thus not requiring any special tools or skilled labour. The thickness of the top and bottom panels may vary according to needs but may typically be between 15-25 mm, such as preferably 18 mm.

In particular, but not exclusive embodiments, the accommodation assembly is a coffin or casket for a deceased human being.

In other particular, but also not exclusive embodiments, the accommodation assembly is a bed, crib or cradle.

In embodiments, an equal number of handles may be provided on the lower portion of the external periphery of the side wall panels in order to facilitate a handgrip for manual transportation of the assembly. Preferably, but not exclusively, the handles are placed in pairs diagonal to each other.

The laminated wood used for the assembly may preferably, but not exclusively, be a laminate made from birch wood. This material is found to provide an optimal balance between strength, flexibility, price and appearance.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a kit for facilitated handling and assemblage of an accommodation assembly, comprising

- an accommodation assembly corresponding to the first aspect of the invention, and instructions provided on a recorded medium for guiding an individual through the assembling steps, and/or a printed booklet containing text and/or illustrations of instructions for guiding an individual through the assembling steps.

The provision of the accommodation assembly according to the first aspect of the invention together with instructions provided on a recorded medium, such as, but not limited to, a CD-ROM, DVD, video tape, audio tape etc. and/or in an additional booklet makes it very easy to thoroughly instruct any individual of how to

assemble the accommodation assembly in the fast, easy and correct manner without the use of any special tools. This may be particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous if, for instance, a very large number of coffins or caskets or temporary beds are needed in a disaster area where only small numbers of skilled labour may be present. Furthermore, by providing a kit with the assembly of the first aspect, a large number of kits may be transported to the disaster area because each assembly only requires very little transportation space as previously described. Once on site, even a non-skilled individual may easily and quickly assemble the assembly being given the instructions applied with the kit.

In embodiments according to the second aspect of the invention the kit may further comprise one or more tools for facilitating the assemblage of the accommodation assembly. These tools may be very simple and may be made of an organic material, such as for instance corn starch, such that the tools may be easily disposed of subsequent to their use.

In a third aspect, the invention further relates to a method for assembling an oval-shaped, laminated wood accommodation assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of:

a) connecting one end of a first wall panel to at least one connecting element, b) applying a filler material in the indentation of the bottom panel, c) joining the first wall panel to the bottom panel by embedding the cord or string into the filler-filled indentation along the side of the bottom panel, thereby providing a tight and sealed joint between the wall panel and the bottom panel, and, d) connecting the other end of the first wall panel to the at least one connecting element thereby closing the side wall of the accommodation assembly.

This aspect of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous in that the method according to the present invention provides a highly simplified and quick way of assembling the accommodation assembly of the first aspect without the use of special tools, skilled labour and with a minimum of metallic connection means.

Initially, at least one connecting element is connected to an end of a first wall panel. In embodiments with a single wall panel a single connecting element is provided on one of the panel's ends. In embodiments with two wall panels, two connecting elements may preferably be connected to each end of one of the panels. In embodiments comprising more than two wall panels, any relevant number of connecting elements may be used in the sense that e.g. two connecting elements are connected to a first wall panel and a single connecting element is connected to each of the remaining wall panels. This method step may preferably, but not exclusively, be performed before shipping of the assembly from the manufacturer such that all the parts and elements are directly ready for the further steps of the method as described below.

In step b) of the method according to the third aspect of the invention, a filler or sealant material is applied in the indentation of the bottom panel. The filler material may be applied using a traditional grouting gun. The filler material is preferably provided in the indentation along the whole of the periphery of the oval-shaped bottom panel.

In step c), the first wall panel is attached to the bottom panel of the assembly. The cord or string attached to the side of the first wall panel must be fitted in the filler-filled cavity of the indentation in the side of the bottom panel. During fitting of the cotton cord or string into the indentation the relatively thin laminated wood wall panel is easily shaped to follow the oval periphery of the bottom panel due to its high flexibility. As the cotton cord or string engages with the filler or sealant in the indentation the cord will begin to swell thus filling up the indentation cavity thereby providing a tight seal and a firm connection.

In step d), the other end of the first wall panel is connected to the at least one connecting element thereby closing off the side wall of the accommodation assembly. This is preferably done by letting the end of the side of the wall panel engage with the cavity defined by the body and flanges of the H-shaped connecting element. Once positioned between the flanges the connection between the parts is secured by driving one or more connection means, such as a screw or similar, through the pre-made bore holes in the connecting element and through the end of the side of the wall panel.

In a particular embodiment of the method according to the third aspect, the method further comprises, prior to step d), a step of joining one or more additional wall panels to the bottom panel as prescribed by step c) and connecting respective ends of the wall panel(s) with one or more additional connecting elements.

In embodiments comprising more than one wall panel it may preferably be the first wall panel to which two connecting elements are connected that is firstly attached to the bottom panel. After placing the first wall panel, any subsequent wall panels may be attached to the bottom panel in a similar manner. The respective ends of a wall panel are connected to the connecting elements of the one or more neighbouring wall panels. As previously described, any additional connecting elements may preferably be connected to the wall panel before the assembling is initiated.

In other embodiments, the method further comprises a step of providing a fabric lining inside the accommodation assembly and attaching it to a sticky side of the double sided adhesive tape on the wall panel. A relevant dimensioned piece of fabric lining is provided and positioned inside the accommodation assembly. Then, any possible protecting layer on the sticky double sided adhesive tape is removed so that the fabric lining may be easily attached to the side of the wall panel.

In yet other embodiments, the method further comprises a step of placing the top panel on top of the one or more wall panels so that it rests on the one or more wall panels in fitting manner. The top panel is preferably, but not exclusively, also oval-shaped and provided either 'directly' on top of the one or more wall panels, or even more preferably, by letting a protrusion extending from the side of the top panel provide the surface on which the top panel rests on the wall panels. In this way a part of the top panel may be 'sunk' into the opening in the accommodation assembly thereby increasing stability and strength of the assembly even further.

In other embodiments, the method further comprises a step of joining the top panel to the one or more wall panels by fixed connection means. This means that the top panel may be fixedly secured to the wall panels once it is in the correct

position in order to close off the assembly and to further increase stability and strength.

The first, second and third aspects of the present invention may each be combined with any of the other aspects. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accommodation assembly according to the invention will now be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and is not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a bottom panel according to the invention and further shows an enlarged sectional view of the side of the bottom panel having an indentation therein.

Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a top panel according to the invention and further shows an enlarged sectional view of the side of the top panel in an embodiment having a protrusion extending there from.

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a first wall panel according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows respectively a schematic perspective view, a side view and a plan view of a connecting element according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the first wall panel also illustrated in figure 3, but with a connecting element connected to each of the ends of the wall panel.

Figure 6 illustrates how the first wall panel may be bent to be attached to the oval-shaped periphery of the bottom panel.

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the first wall panel attached to the oval-shaped bottom panel.

Figure 8 illustrates how another wall panel may be bent to be attached to the oval-shaped periphery of the bottom panel.

Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of an accommodation assembly according to an embodiment of the invention with two wall panels attached to the oval- shaped bottom panel and connected to each other and to the bottom panel by two connecting elements.

Figure 10 is a schematic, enlarged side view of how the cotton cord or string is connected to the bottom panel.

Figures 11 and 12 show schematic, perspective views of accommodation assemblies according to the invention in embodiments of a coffin or casket for a deceased human being, and figure 12 further depicts a kit for facilitated handling and assemblage of an accommodation assembly according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

A schematic out-line of the oval-shaped bottom panel 20 is shown in figure 1. Further, an enlarged detail shows the vertical side 21 of the bottom panel 20 in which at least one indentation 22 is provided. The indentation 22 is illustrated with a U-shaped cavity for receiving the spun cotton cord or string 12 (see figure 3) for providing tight and safe connection between bottom panel 20 and wall panel 10, 15 to which the cord 12 is attached. The U-shaped indentation 22 in the side 21 of the bottom panel 20 is in this embodiment milled into the side 21, but the indentation 22 can also be provided manually.

Figure 2 is similar to figure 1 and shows an embodiment of an oval-shaped top panel 30. Also shown is the enlarged detail of the vertical side 31 of an embodiment of the top panel 30 provided with a protrusion 32 in the side 31. The protrusion 32 provides an abutting surface 33 on which the top panel 30 substantially rests on an engaging surface of the one or more wall panels 10, 15.

A side part 34 of the protrusion 32 will be substantially flush with the outside of the wall panels 10, 15 when the assembly is assembled. The vertical side 31 of the top panel 30 will then be positioned very close to, or even abut, the inside of the wall panels, alternatively be adjacent to a fabric lining provided on the inside of the accommodation assembly.

A first wall panel 10 constituting at least a part of the side wall of the accommodation assembly is shown in figure 3. In particular embodiments the side wall of the assembly may be constituted by one, two or even further wall panels, the ends of which are connected to each other. The figure also shows a double side sticky tape 11 provided close to an upper edge of the wall panel 10, and further a spun cotton cord or string 12 provided near a lower edge of the wall panel 10. Sectional sub view A, also shown in figure 3, shows how the tape 11 and the cord 12 are provided on the inside 13 of the wall panel 10. Further indicated is the thin stretch 14 of the wall panel 10 below the cord 12. The stretch 14 ensures the possibility of providing embodiments in which the assembly is equipped with one or more handles for carrying the assembly, which is of course particularly relevant when the assembly is used as a coffin or casket for a deceased human being. Connection means, such as screws or bolts, can be driven through the stretch 14 and joined to handles on the outside of the wall panels. The distance from the position of the cord 12 to the surface on which the assembly rests, i.e. the 'height' of the stretch 14, can of course be varied according to needs.

Figure 4 shows a connecting element 40 according to the invention. The element 40 is substantially H-shaped having a body part 43 and two transverse flanges, an Outer' flange 41, and an 'inner' flange 42 defining a space for receiving an edge portion of a wall panel in the space. The inner flange 42 is discontinued by a cutout or indentation 45 near the lower, or bottom, end thereof for being able to receive and accommodate the bottom panel 20 therein. Also, the outer flange 41 is shown in an embodiment having a slightly longer extent than the inner flange 43 for leaving space 47 for the vertical side 31 of the top panel 30. For assemblage, the ends of the wall panels 10, 15 are positioned in the cavity formed by the flanges 41, 42 and the body 43 on respective sides of the body 43. Once positioned there, connection means 48 are put through pre-made bore holes 44 in

the inner flange 42 and/or the outer flange 41, thereby also penetrating the end parts of the wall panels 10, 15 for fixed joining between the wall panels and the connecting elements 40. A top panel 30 can also be fixedly connected to connecting elements 40 by driving a connection means 46 through the top panel 30 into the body 43 of the connecting element 40.

Figure 5 shows the wall panel 10 corresponding to that in figure 3, only now it is provided with a connecting element 40 in each of its ends.

Figure 6 is a perspective illustration showing how the wall panel 10 with a connecting element 40 attached to each of its sides can very easily be manually shaped to align to, or follow, at least a part of the periphery of the oval-shaped bottom panel 20. The easy adaptation of the wall panel 10 is possible at least partly due to the provision of a relatively thin laminated wood panel according to the invention.

In figure 7 it is illustrated how the wall panel 10 is attached to the bottom panel 20 and how the connecting elements 40 are connected to the bottom panel 20. The cotton cord or string attached to the inside 13 of the wall panel 10 is thereby brought to engagement with the indentation 22 in the bottom panel 20 and the filler-material 50 positioned therein for providing a safe and tight fit between the panels.

Figure 8 is similar to figure 6 and shows a perspective illustration of how another wall panel 15 without connecting elements attached thereto can very easily be manually shaped to align to, or follow, a remaining part of the periphery of the oval-shaped bottom panel 20. The ends 16 of the wall panel 15 are connected to the already positioned connecting elements 40 by firstly positioning the ends in between the flanges 41 and 42 of the connecting element 40 and then driving one or more connection means 48 through the wall panel 15 for creating a fixed joint.

Figure 9 shows an assembled embodiment of the accommodation assembly according to the invention. A top panel 30 is not provided in the depicted embodiment.

Figure 10 shows how the cotton cord or string 12 is accommodated in the indentation 22 in the vertical side wall 21 of the bottom panel 20. Also illustrated in the filler material 50 that is applied in the indentation 22 just prior to assembling of the panels by engaging the cord 12 with the indentation. Once the cord 12 is engaged therein it is more or less surrounded by filler material 50. The liquid contents of the filler material 50 will subsequently cause the cotton cord 12 to start swelling and thus resulting in an even tighter fit and seal between the panels. The wall panel 10, 15 to which the cord 12 is attached (glued) is not shown in the figure.

Figure 11 shows an accommodation assembly according to the invention in an embodiment constituting a coffin 60 for a deceased human being comprising a top panel 30. Figure 12 is similar to figure 11, but additionally shows a kit for facilitated assemblage of an accommodation assembly according to the invention comprising the assembly 70, a recordable medium containing video and/or audio instructions of how to perform the assembly, in this example illustrated as a DVD 73, and/or a printed medium in the form of a booklet 74 also containing instructions. The depicted assemblies 60, 70 are shown provided with different kinds of ornamention 62, 72 in the top panel 30 and further with examples of handles 61, 71 having different kinds of attachments to the assembly 60, 70 through the lower stretch 14 (figure 3) of the wall panels 10, 15 as previously described.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.