MANUFACTURING SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a casket base and lid employing a fibreboard as the base material. The caskets made in accordance with the present invention have an inherent strength and require fewer, if any, framing elements or metal braces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of wood in the manufacture of caskets is well-known. However, in recent times, caskets or coffins made from corrugated fibreboard have supplanted in some situations the wooden type models since they provide numerous advantages, notably with regards to manufacturing costs.

Thus, there have been efforts to develop such fibreboard caskets. For example, U.S. patent 3,490,114 issued to R.E Connelly describes a coffin top having a dome shape. The top is described as comprising a least one brace which can be made of wood or other similar material. U.S. patent 4,730,370 issued to Bruce E. Elder also describes a fibreboard casket and a method for manufacturing same. Both the lid and the casket base comprise braces to reinforce the strength of the structure. Therefore, the casket is not entirely made of cardboard and additional strengthening elements must be provided for.

Each of the above-iαentified materials and products suffer from some type of disadvantage. The most notable is that they require the addition of transverse structural elements such as metal braces or framing elements to

increase the strength of the structure since the casket material does not have the necessary strength to support the body weight of the deceased.

In addition, it has proven difficult to provide a model which can readily be erected to give the appearance of a conventional wooden coffin.

Accordingly, there is a need for a casket made entirely of fibreboard and which uses fewer, if any, metal braces or other non-fibreboard framing elements. Moreover, a need exists for a cosmetically pleasing fibreboard casket that can be used not only in the cremation itself, but also in the funeral services, thus, eliminating the need for the traditional coffins.

OBJECTIVES AND STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved casket base made from structurally resistant fibreboard material such as corrugated cardboard, which casket base is sufficiently strong to support the body weight of the deceased.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel casket base employing novel manufacturing techniques and which can be manufactured using conventional die cutting machines.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetically pleasing fibreboard casket which is economical to manufacture, can be quickly erected, is durable and aesthetically pleasing.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a blank made of fibreboard for forming a plurality of walls of a casket base, said blank comprising:

- a first panel set including a plurality of generally rectangular panels delineated from one another by generally parallel fold lines;

- a second panel set integrally formed with said first panel set and including a plurality of generally rectangular panels delineated from one anther by generally parallel fold lines;

- a transverse fold line extending generally transversely to longitudinal axes of the panels of said first panel set, said transverse fold line extending along a boundary between said first and said second panel sets;

- the panels of said first and second panels sets being capable of being folded about said fold lines to form layers of a bottom wall, side wall and end wall of the casket base.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a blank for forming components of a casket base, said blank being made from fibreboard material and comprising:

- a first panel set including first, second, third and fourth generally rectangular panels and first, second and third generally parallel fold lines, said first fold line delineating said first and second panels, said second fold line delineating said second and third panels and said third fold line delineating said third and fourth panels;

- a second panel set joined to said first panel set and including fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth generally rectangular panels, and fourth, fifth and sixth generally parallel fold lines, said fourth fold line delineating said fifth and sixth panels, said fifth fold line delineating said sixth and seventh panels and said sixth fold line delineating said seventh and eighth panels;

- said first, second, third and fourth panels being located beside said fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth panels, respectively;

- a transverse fold line extending generally transversely to said first panel set along an intervening boundary between said first and second panel sets, whereby allowing to bend said first panel set at an angle with respect to said second panel set;

- said first and second generally rectangular panels being capable of acquiring a folded condition about said second fold line whereby said first and second panels overlie said fourth and third panels, respectively, and said first and third fold lines are in adjacency; - said first and fourth generally rectangular panels being capable of acquiring a folded condition about said first and third fold lines whereby said first and fourth panels are oriented at an angle with relation to said second and third panels;

- said fifth and sixth generally rectangular panels being capable of acquiring a folded condition about said fifth fold line whereby said fifth and sixth panels overlie said eighth and seventh panels, respectively, and said fourth and sixth fold lines are in adjacency;

- said fifth and eight generally rectangular panels being capable of acquiring a folded condition about said fourth and sixth fold lines whereby said fifth and eighth panels are oriented at an angle with relation to said sixth and seventh panels;

- said first panel set being capable of acquiring a folded condition about said transverse fold line with relation to said second panel set whereby said first, fourth, fifth and eighth panels form layers of a bottom wall of the casket base, said second and third panels form layers of a side wall of the casket base and said sixth and seventh panels form layers of and end wall of the casket base. Preferably, said second panel set is integral with said first panel set and most preferably, when said first panel set has acquired a folded condition about said transverse fold line with relation to said second panel set, said fifth panel overlies said first panel, said fourth panel overlies said fifth panel and said eighth panel overlies said fourth panel.

The blank according to the invention may be folded to form a part of a casket base, the part comprising a double side and end wall together with a portion of a bottom wall. Thus, in another embodiment, the invention provides a casket base made from joining and folding two blanks according to the

invention and may further comprise a generally rectangular reinforcing fibreboard panel on the bottom wall of said base.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a casket base including a pair of opposite side walls, a pair of opposite end walls and a bottom wall extending between said side walls and said end walls, said walls defining a container suitable for receiving a human corpse, each of said walls including at least one panel made of fibreboard material, the panel of each side wall connecting with a respective panel in said bottom wall through a fold line.

In another aspect, the invention provides a blank for forming a lid component for closing a casket base, said blank being made from fibreboard material and comprising: - first, second and third panels;

-first and second fold lines generally parallel to one another, said first fold line delineating said first and second panels and said second fold line delineating said first and third panels;

- said second and third panels being capable of being folded about said first and second fold lines to bring the second and third panels underneath said first panel, whereby said second and third panels form a bottom of the lid component while said first panel forms an upper wall of the lid component.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a lid component for use in closing a casket base, said lid component including:

- a first panel including longitudinal side edges that connect with a second and a third panel respectively through areas of juncture, each area of juncture including a fold line;

- second and third panels made of fibreboard material and extending side by side, said second and third panels forming a base portion of said lid component;

- a spacer element located between said first panel and said second and third panels, said spacer element being located at a site intermediate said areas of juncture, said spacer element providing means to elevate a central portion of said first panel whereby donating to said first panel a non-planar configuration.

The advantages of this casket base structure made from the blank of the present invention are immediately apparent. In many instances external or internal structural members are no longer required to reinforce the casket base. If reinforcing members are needed for some applications, fewer of them are required by comparison to prior art devices. In short, the casket base constructed in accordance with the teaching herein furnishes a durable and attractive lightweight structure, possessing various advantages enumerated at the beginning of the specification.

For the purpose ofthe present specification, the expression "fibreboard" is intended to cover any type of man made (non naturally occurring) material including primarily agglomerated fibers, preferably of vegetal nature such as cellulose. The material is relatively stiff, either inherently or as a result of its internal structure (provision of corrugations, for example), yet it is pliable so it can be folded to form components of the casket. Sufficient pliability can be achieved by the provision of weakened areas such as score lines or lines of perforations, among others. Cardboard, straw-type building board, or any other materials having similar characteristics fall in the definition of "fibreboard". Corrugated cardboard has been found particularly suitable in the context ofthe present invention because it is sufficiently resistant, pliable and inexpensive.

The expression "fold line" as used herein is intended to designate an area or zone in the fibreboard where a fold is to occur. Such area or zone is weakened in order to form a preferential bending site. The weakening can be

effected by forming in the material score lines, grooves, lines or areas of perforations, among others.

The casket base and lid made in accordance with the present invention are preferably made from blanks of corrugated cardboard laminated with Kraft paper. A fabric or cloth may similarly be applied to the interior of the casket base and lid for appearance enhancement. A film providing the appearance of wood may be advantageously laminated to the outside surface of the blanks used for the erection of the casket and lid. Alternatively, the blanks can be printed with a design to simulate a wooden surface, rather than being laminated with a separate film. The former possibility is more expensive to put in practice, however, it may be more desirable since the added layer of material contributes to increase the structural rigidity of the cardboard. Also, textured film may be used to simulate the grain of real wood. The wood-effect film will be preferably treated to be moisture resistant to counter the effect that weather may have on the casket during transport and exposure outdoors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of illustrative embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a casket base and lid as constructed in accordance with the present invention;

- Figure 1a is a perspective view of a casket base and lid showing a lid constructed in accordance with a variant of the present invention;

- Figure 2 is a plan view of a blank cut from a sheet of corrugated cardboard material that when folded forms the casket base;

- Figure 2a is a plan view of a blank made of two sections cut from a sheet of corrugated cardboard material accordance with a variant of the present invention, that when folded forms the casket base;

- Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;

- Figure 4 to 7 are perspective views illustrating the folding of the blank to form a casket base in accordance with the invention;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of the casket base showing the inclusion of a reinforcing rectangular portion to the bottom of the casket base;

- Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 8;

- Figure 10 is a plan view of a two-piece blank cut from a sheet of corrugated cardboard to form the top portion of a two section lid;

- Figure 10a is a plan view of a three piece blank cut from a sheet of corrugated cardboard material to form the top portion of a single section lid;

- Figure 11 to 13 are perspective views illustrating the folding to the blanks to form a top portion of a lid in accordance with the invention;

- Figure 14 is a perspective view of a top portion of a lid once completely assembled;

- Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a top portion of a lid taken along line 15-15 of Figure 14;

- Figure 16 is a plan view of a blank cut from a sheet of cardboard-like material to form the bottom portion of a two section lid;

- Figure 17a is a perspective view illustrating the folding to the blank of Figure 16 to form the bottom portion of a lid in accordance with the invention;

- Figure 17b is a perspective view of the bottom portion of a lid once folded;

- Figure 18 is a plan view of a blank cut from a sheet of cardboard-like material to form a capping section of a two section lid;

- Figure 18a is a perspective view illustrating the folding of the blank of

Figure 18 to form a closing section of the two section lid;

- Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the capping section of Figure 18 folded and about to be inserted into the two section lid;

- Figure 20 is a plan view of a blank cut from a sheet of corrugated cardboard to form framing elements of the bottom portion of the lid in accordance with the present invention;

- Figure 21 is a perspective view of the framing element folding technique;

- Figure 22 is a perspective view of a framing element once erected and seamed;

- Figure 23 is a cross sectional taken along line 23-23 of Figure 10;

- Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 25 is a plan view of a blank cut from a sheet of cardboard-like material to form a closing section of the lower body covering portion;

- Figure 26 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of the closing section and lower body covering portion;

- Figures 27 and 28 show the technique used for the tests conducted on the casket base;

Identical or similar components throughout the figures are designated by the same reference numerals.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Numeral 10 denotes an embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1 generally comprising a casket base 15 and a lid 20, each of which is formed from corrugated cardboard.

The casket base

The casket base 15 is made from a blank 25 of corrugated cardboard material will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In the preferred embodiment, the blank 25 uses a double wall corrugated board designated in the trade as 500 AC flute. As shown in Figure 3, the double wall corrugated board is obtained by laminating two corrugated sheets 72 and 74 to one another. By the use of material having multi-corrugated layers, the casket exhibits a very high degree of strength and rigidity. The person skilled in the art will however realize that other types of boards which fall within the scope of the present invention may also be used.

Blank 25 may be die-cut by using a cylindrical cutting drum of the type known in the art. The cutting knives on the drum may be changed to provide blanks of different dimensions in order to fabricate caskets that may accommodate different body sizes. This type of die-cutting machine is well

known in the cardboard industry and it will not be described in details since it does not form part of the present invention.

With reference to Figure 1 , base 15 is generally rectangular in shape and comprises outer sides 22, 24 and end walls 21 , 23, only one side 22 and one end wall 23 being shown in Figure 1. The base 15 also comprises moulding-like decorative elements 40, 42, 44 and 46. These decorative elements are in strip form and extend along the lower and upper edges of the base 15 along their periphery. In a preferred embodiment, the lower decorative elements 40, 42 have a triangular cross-section as shown more particularly in Figure 24, the elements being also made of corrugated cardboard material. In a most preferred embodiment, the elements 40 and 42 may comprise openings (not shown) on the ground facing side that serve as handles thereby facilitating the transportation of the casket. The decorative elements may be adhesively mounted or otherwise secured to the corrugated fibreboard base 15. Preferably, the attachment is effected only when the erection of the casket is completed. A further reinforcing portion 106 may be located between the bottom portion of the casket and the decorative elements 40 (Figure 24). The decorative elements can also include corner elements 48, 50 and 52 made of corrugated cardboard material which may also include brass inserts (not shown). The casket may further comprise hardware such as an extended handrail 50 mounted along the side of the casket 15 as shown in figure 1. Figure 1a shows a casket 15 provided with a single section lid 20' and a lower body covering portion 31.

Casket base 15 is formed by folding blank 25 as described hereinafter. As shown in Figure 2, blank 25 comprises a generally rectangular main body portion having a longitudinal dimension x that exceed its transverse dimension y. The main body portion comprises a first element 76 and a second element 78, each comprising a first panel set 400 and a second panel set 402.

Elements 76 and 78 each comprise panels forming outer side walls 22, 24 and

end walls 21 , 23 respectively. The height of wall 22 is defined by a first fold line 300 and a second fold line 302, each extending along the longitudinal axis of the main body. Similarly, the height of wall 23 is defined by a fourth fold line 306 and a fifth fold line 308, each extending along the longitudinal axis of the main body. As best shown in Figure 2, elements 76 and 78 may be integral with one another. In another embodiment, shown in Figure 2a, elements 76 and 78 may be separate parts that are joined together by a tab 25 ^* using known means such a gluing, stapling or any other appropriate means. Once the two sections are secured together, the erection of casket base 15 is similar to the one-section blank casket base shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, the first and second panel sets of each element could also be separate parts that are joined together to form one of the first or second element.

With reference to Figure 2, the outer side wall panel 24 of blank 25 is provided with a lateral extension 106 which is used to join the outer side wall panel 24 of the first element 76 to the end wall panel 21 of the second element 78 by appropriate means such as by gluing or stapling so as to form a closed three dimensional body as shown in Figure 4. The lateral extension 106 extends from side wall panel 24 along the fold lines 108.

Generally rectangularly-shaped panels 90, 92 and 89, 91 extends from side wall panels 22, 24 and end wall panels 21 , 23 respectively. Panels 90,

92 and 89, 91 are configured and dimensioned so that they may be folded along the first fold lines 302 and fourth fold lines 306 to form the outer bottom portion of casket base 15.

Generally rectangularly-shaped panels 96, 98 forming the inner side walls of the casket base and generally rectangularly-shaped panels 95, 97 forming the inner end walls of the casket base extends from side wall panels 22, 24 and end wall panels 21 , 23 respectively. These panels are configured and dimensioned so that they may be folded along the second fold lines 302

and the fifth fold lines 308 to form the inner side and inner end walls of the casket base 15.

Generally rectangularly-shaped panels including bottom wall panels 101, 105 and 99, 103 extend from inner side wall panels 96, 98 and inner end wall panels 95, 97 respectively. Panels 99, 101 , 103 and 105 when folded along the third fold line 305 and the sixth fold line 311 , form the inner bottom walls of casket base 15. Securing means 104, such as staples, (see Figures 9 and 24) is provided for securing the outer and inner bottom walls of the casket base so that said walls are held in a folded relationship.

Each said element 76 and 78 thus comprises a first panel set 400 and a second panel set 402. The first panel set 400 comprises a first panel 90 or 92, a second panel 22 or 24, a third panel 96 or 98 and a fourth panel 101 or 105 and also comprises a first fold line 300, a second fold line 302 and a third fold line 304 delineating the panels. Similarly, the second panel set 402 comprises a fifth panel 89 or 91 , a sixth panel 21 or 23, a seventh panel 95 or 97 and an eighth panel 99 or 103 and comprises a fourth fold line 306, a fifth fold line 308 and a sixth fold line 310 delineating the panels.

The folding of the blank 25 to form the base 15 is illustrated in Figures 4 to 7 and includes the following steps: if they are not integral and cut from the same sheet of fibreboard material, the first and second elements 76 and 78 comprising first and second panel sets 400 and 402 are joined to one another to form a blank having two first panel sets 400 and two second panel sets 402.

Bottom wall panels 89, 91 on both ends are first inwardly folded along the fourth fold lines 306, then, bottom wall panels 90, 92 are folded along the first _ fold lines 300 and meet at the center of the casket as illustrated in Figure 5 (see also Figure 9). Inner end wall panels 95 and 97 are then inwardly folded aiong the fifth fold lines 308 and panels 99 and 103 are laid to rest on the bottom of the case after being folded along the sixth fold lines 310. Inner side

wall panel 96 is then inwardly folded along second fold line 302 so as to form one of the inner side walls of the casket, panel 101 being laid to rest on the bottom of the casket base after being folded along the third fold line 304. The opposite inner side wall panel 98 is then inwardly folded in a similar fashion to form the opposite inner wall, panel 105 also building-up the bottom portion as shown in Figure 9. A reinforcing rectangular shaped bottom panel 107 may be inserted as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 to complete the bottom portion of the casket base.

As shown in Figure 2, panels 98 and 105 may comprise other fold lines

305 and 311, adjacent the third and sixth fold lines 304 and 310 respectively, in order to take into consideration the thickness of panels 96 and 101 when folded. Alternatively, the panels 98 and 105 could be slightly smaller than panels 96 and 101 to obtain the same result.

The final arrangement of the casket base 15 is shown in cross-section in Figure 9.

The casket lid assembly

The lid assembly 20, 20' made from blanks of cardboard-like material will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 10 to 23. In the preferred embodiment, the blanks used for the lid assembly are made of a single corrugated cardboard sheet as shown in Figure 23 such as the material known in the trade by the designation 200B flute and having a thickness of 1/8".

These blanks may be cut using the same type of machine as the one used to cut the blank 25.

As shown in Figure 1 , the lid assembly of the present invention may comprise two sections 54 and 56 that are mirror images of one another. In

Figure 1 , section 54 is illustrated in an open position whereas section 56 is

in the closed position. Each section 54 and 56 comprises a top arched portion 200 and a bottom portion 240 which will be described in more detail hereinafter. As shown in Figure 1a, the casket may also comprise a single section lid assembly 20' also comprising a top portion (not shown) and a bottom portion 240'. If the casket is used to expose the deceased, it may further comprise a body covering portion 31.

The top portions

The top portion 200 of the two section lid assembly is formed by folding blanks 30 and 32 as described hereinafter. As shown in Figure 10, blank 30 comprises a first generally rectangular panel 111 comprising a generally trapezoidal-shaped indentation on one side thereof, having a longitudinal dimension that exceeds its transverse dimension and having a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction. The width W of the first panel 111 (and ofthe top portion ofthe lid) is defined by a first fold line 112 and a second fold line 114, the first and second fold lines being generally parallel and extending along the longitudinal axis of the main body portion.

Second and third generally trapezoidal-shaped panels 116 and 118 extends on each side of the first panel 111 and are capable of being folded along the first and second fold lines 112 and 114. Preferably, panels 116 and 118 are configured and dimensioned so that their combined width is slightly less than the width W of the first panel 111 so that a dome shape is formed as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 when second and third panels 116 and 118 are brought towards one another as shown in Figure 12.

A fourth panel 120 and a fifth panel 122 may extend from the second panel 116 and may be delineated by fold lines 124 and 126. Similarly, a sixth panel 128 and a seventh panel 130 may extend from the third panel 118 and may be delineated by fold lines 132 and 134. The fourth, fifth, sixth and

seventh panels, when folded, will form a spacer element providing means to elevate a central portion of the first panel 111 to provide a non-planar configuration as shown in Figure 15. Alternatively, a separate spacer element, preferably made from fibreboard material could be provided to achieve the same purpose.

An eighth panel 136 comprising openings 138 for receiving a closing portion, as explained hereinafter, also extends from the first panel 111. A fold line 140, which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first panel is provided to fold the eighth panel towards the first panel 111. As shown in Figure 10a, this panel 136 is not necessary in the embodiment that comprises a single section lid assembly.

In the preferred embodiment, the first panel 111 also comprises a tab 142 and panels 144 and 146 which are delineated by fold lines 143, 145 and

147 respectively. They are configured to be joined to corresponding parts of a blank 32 that forms a closing portion of the lid.

A second generally trapezoidal-shaped blank 32, also made of corrugated cardboard, is provided to form a preferred closing section of the top portion of the lid assembly. In the case of a single section lid assembly, two such blanks are provided as shown in Figure 10a.

As shown in Figure 10, the blank 32, is configured so that it will have a generally trapezoidal shape when folded. The blank 32 comprises a generally trapezoidal panel 160 and also comprises tab 148 and panels 150 and 152 which are delineated by fold lines 149, 151 and 153 respectively. Tab 148 and panels 150 and 152 will be joined to corresponding tab 142 and panels 144 and 146 upon the assembly of the lid as shown in Figure 12 and 13. The shape of the tabs 142 and 150 or of the panels 144, 146, 150 and 152 may vary as long as they accommodate one another. Similarly, although the

indentation of the first panel 111 and the blank 32 have been described as being of generally trapezoidal shape, they could, in other embodiments, be of triangular shape or of any other shape being recognized that the shape of the elements will influence the shape of the lid of the casket. Alternatively, blank 32 could be completely omitted and blank 25 modified accordingly and the top portion of the lid could be closed by the element described in Figures 18 to 19. Such an embodiment is however less aesthetic.

The folding of the blanks is illustrated in Figures 11 to 14 and generally comprises the steps of folding the panels inwardly along the various fold lines as shown in Figures 11 and 12 and then to secure the folded blank 32 to the folded blank 30 by any appropriate means such as stapling or gluing. If the casket comprises a single section lid, the folding operation will be as described with the exception that a blank 32 is provided for each end.

In the case of a two section lid, the opposite end will be closed by the closing member described at Figures 18 to 19.

The blank 30, once folded, will thus provide a top portion having a non- planar configuration as shown in Figure 15.

The bottom portions

The bottom portion 240 of the two section lid assembly is formed by folding a blank 242 as illustrated in Figures 16, 17a and 17b. The blank 242 comprises a generally rectangularly-shaped panel 244 whose width is defined by two generally parallel fold lines 246 and 248 and whose length is defined by another fold line 247. Second, third and fourth generally trapezoidal- shaped panels 250, 252 and 254 extend from the first panel 244 and are delineated by the fold lines 246, 247 and 248 respectively. As shown in Figure

17b, panels 250, 252 and 254 are configured so that they will provide a base

comprising sides which are slightly angled so that the bottom portion will have a generally frustro-pyramidal shape. Although more aesthetically pleasing, this feature is however not essential and the bottom portion 240 could be generally rectangular. Furthermore, in order to provide a more solid base, other panels 258, 259 and 260 delineated by fold lines 255, 256 and 257 could be added so as to provide side walls having a double thickness.

Although Figure 16, 17a and 17b illustrate an embodiment of the bottom portion which relates to the two-section lid, a bottom portion 240' for a single portion lid may be easily fabricated using the teachings of the present invention.

Once the top and bottom portions have been assembled, they are secured to one another by any appropriate means such as stapling or gluing and provide the lid assembly shown in Figure 19. One of the end of the assembly being closed by the blank 32, the other being closed by a member formed from blank 280 as shown in Figures 18 to 19.

Blank 280 comprises a first generally segmental arch-shaped panel 281. Second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth panels 282, 284, 286, 288 and 290 extend from the first panel 281 and are delineated by fold lines 281 , 283, 285, 287 and 289. Panels 292 and 294 extend at an angle from third panel 284 and are delineated by fold lines 291 and 293. Blank 280 is folded as illustrated in Figure 18a by essentially folding all the panels inwardly along the various fold lines. The closing section made from blank 280 is then secured to the lid assembly as shown in Figure 19 by any appropriate means. In order to ease the installation, blank 280 may be provided with tabs 295 which will be inserted into the openings 138 of panel 136 of the blank 30 (Figure 10). Although Figures 18 to 19 illustrate a preferred embodiment, the lid assembly could be closed simply by inserting a generally segmental arch-shaped panel. The

embodiment of Figure 18 to 19 however discloses a closing member that provides increased rigidity.

As shown in Figure 1 , the bottom portion of the lid assembly may comprise framing elements 58 and 60 that are also preferably made of corrugated cardboard. As shown in Figures 20 to 22, the framing elements are made by folding a blank 320 comprising a plurality of panels 322, 324, 326, 328, 330 and 332 and a plurality of fold lines 323, 325, 327, 329 and 331 that are dimensioned and configured to conform to the frustro-pyramidal shape of the bottom portion of the lid. In a preferred embodiment, the framing elements may comprise openings configured to receive a closing or locking mechanism (not shown).

The framing elements are secured to lid 20 by appropriate means such as gluing or stapling. The single section lid assembly may also comprises framing elements 58' and 60' similar in construction to framing elements 58 and 60 described above.

Appropriate means can be provided between lid 20 and casket base 15 to accommodate said lid. Such means can advantageously include hinge means such as the ones illustrated in Figure 1 referred to as 27.

If the casket comprises a single section assembly and is used to expose the deceased, it may comprise a lower body covering portion 31. Such lower body covering portion is illustrated in Figures 25 and 26 and is assembled by providing a blank essentially identical to blank 30, although of reduced dimension. The body covering portion 31 may be closed by a section made from a blank 350 that comprises a segment arch-shaped panel 351 from which extends a generally rectangularly-shaped panel 352 and also comprising a fold line 353 delineating the two panels. This section is inserted into the lower body covering portion 31 and is secured by any appropriate means.

Base 15 and lid 20 can be covered with a pre-printed paper shown partially by reference number 48. In addition, base 15 can preferably include hardware such as an extended handrail 50 secured to the side walls 22 of the casket base 10 as shown in Figure 1. Any other appropriate handles can also be provided to base 15 in any desired manner, such handle can be secured to the casket by bolts and nuts not shown extending through side walls 22.

The technique of securing the different elements together was described as comprising gluing and/or stapling. However, it will be appreciated that such connections may be made by butt joints, dovetails or other interlocking means.

In order to permit the casket to provide a leak proof interior, a poly bag may be placed inside the same to keep potential body fluids from escaping or seeping through bottom.

Although the present embodiment has been described using a lid assembly comprising a top and a bottom portion, a lid assembly comprising a single portion made from blanks similar to blanks 30 and 32 could be conceived, provided that appropriate modification are made to the dimensions. In such an embodiment, the framing elements 58 and 60 and the hinge 27 could be secured directly to the single portion.

Tests conducted on a casket

The following tests were conducted on a casket embodying the principles of this invention demonstrates the inherent strength of its structure.

TEST NO. 1 A casket base made in accordance with the present invention was erected as the one shown in Figure 1. The total length of the casket is 77.625" by a width of 23.25" and a height of 13".

Generally, the test shown in Figure 28 procedure consisted of placing the casket on four supports 200 (only two being shown in Figure 28), one being located at each of the corners of the casket. Each of said support 200 comprising a cylinder of 4.5" of diameter with a height of 4.75". Then, sand bags 205 were disposed as illustrated in Figure 21.

Testing was done by loading extreme amounts of weight into casket base 15 to confirm the outstanding strength of base design.

1. Casket base 15 was placed on 4 cones 200 measuring 4 V " in diameter by 4 ^a λ" high. Cones 200 were situated at each corner of casket leaving center of casket totally suspended. (See Figure 28)

2. Casket was then loaded with 11 sand bags 205 weighing 15 kg each (363 lbs). See Figure 28 for weight distribution.

3. Four hours later, a 140 lb man was seated in the center of casket on top of sand bags 205, for 15 minutes.

4. A 200 lbs man then seated in center of casket bringing the total weight load to 703 lbs. Both men were seated in casket center on top of sand bags 205 for an additional 15 minutes (See figure 28). The casket base 15 flexed by Vfe" at center proving the enormous weight capacity of this design.

5. Test was then pursued with the 363 lbs in casket base without any other weight for a 5 day period without any base flex whatsoever.

6. After the five day period, another 10 minute test was performed with the 363 lbs already in casket. Man #1 weighing 140 lbs, man #2 weighing

200 lbs and then man #3 weighing 243 lbs were added for a grand total

of 946 lbs. This test result gave no change to casket performance and no further flex at casket base.

TEST NO. 2

Using the same casket base 15, conventional casket handles were secured to base sides. Screws and T nuts (not shown) were used to secure handles 50 to casket 15.

1. Six bearers were used to lift casket, with a 198 lb load (6 lb sand bags) to waist height. There were no reaction by casket base or handles.

2. Subsequently a 180 lb man was laid on top of sand bags already weighing 198 lbs, giving a total weight of 378 lbs. Casket was lifted to waist height with no reaction by the casket base or handles.

3. Casket was then carried by six bearers over a distance of 500 ft. No reaction by handles or casket base.

4. Next, a 160 lb man was added. The two men now in casket were seated face to face on top of sand bags. The total weight was now 538 lbs. Casket was then carried 500 ft, twice, with no reaction by the casket base 15 or handles 50.

TEST NO. 3

This test was performed to determine side and bottom strength under sever weight conditions. Furthermore, this test would demonstrate performance of fastened steel handles.

As shown in Figure 27, casket base 15 was suspended by handles attaching nylon strapping 215 from ceiling beams 220 to casket handles 50. Casket was suspended 24" above floor.

1. Sand bags 205 totaling 330 lbs were placed in center of the casket 15.

2. 15 minutes later, additional sand bags totaling 110 lbs were added.

3. 15 minutes later, additional sand bags totaling 66 lbs were added at each end of casket for a total of 506 lbs.

4. After 1 hour - no casket or handled reaction.

5. After 2 hours - steel handle had bent slightly. A " flex was measured at casket base.

6. 24 hours no further reaction.

7. 3 days later no further reaction.

8. Last step testing was done by shaking casket still suspended in every possible direction, for 15 minutes with the 506 lbs load. Casket handles demonstrated a slight bend, but casket 15 bottom had no further reaction.

TEST SUMMARY

Tests No. 1, 2 and 3 were conclusive in demonstrating the enormous capacity and strength of this casket design. The funeral industry required a maximum of 360 lbs. We attained loads from 363 lbs to 946 lbs with outstanding results.

ln fact, the steel handles 50 conventionally used on wood caskets demonstrated more flex than the casket base 15.

While an illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited by the description, examples and suggestive uses herein, as modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.