FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a support device and corresponding support system for a grave marker. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Headstones and other grave markers are typically installed using a subterranean mounting base in the form of a large concrete foundation. The concrete foundation is arranged vertically below the headstone in an excavation, which after the placing of the concrete foundation is filled up with dirt. The headstone is secured to the concrete foundation by means of vertically arranged steel pins which are attached to the concrete foundation and which are inserted in receiving openings arranged in the bottom of the headstone. A problem that may be encountered for this type of supporting structure is that a relatively large amount of dirt must be removed from the grave site when providing a hole in the ground into which the concrete foundation is lowered, and further that the concrete foundation is quite heavy to handle. Yet another problem that may occur at a grave is that after filling up the excavation of the concrete foundation, the fill dirt eventually settles and thereby changes the contour of the ground in the excavation area, which may cause the concrete foundation to be less stable. Further, the headstone is typically placed at one end of a grave excavation in which a coffin is placed directly in the ground. As the coffin deteriorates in the ground, the ground above the coffin settles. This may cause the grave marker to shift position over time, and even to tip over. A number of people, like cemetery workers and visitors of the cemetery, have been hurt due to tipping stones. At least one serious incident is known, where a playing child caused an unstable headstone mounted on a concrete foundation to completely tip over, which unfortunately caused the death of the child. Thus, there is a need for support systems for maintaining the position of grave markers which are stable over time and therefore safer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to at least provide an improved support system for a grave marker, which maintains the position of the grave marker for the long term. It would further be advantageous to achieve a support system that is less heavy to handle, and which is easy to install. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims and in the following description and drawings. The inventive concept of the support device and system of the present invention is based on an insight that distribution of the weight of a grave marker (which is typically a quite heavy object with a small base as compared to its height, i.e. the weight distribution area is small) over a larger area in the horizontal plane increases the stability of the installed grave marker, and makes it less sensitive to changes in the ground profile over time.

Thus, in accordance with the present inventive concept, there is provided a support device and a support system for a grave marker. The support system comprises at least one support device, which herein after is referred to as support section throughout the document. Each support section comprises an elongated horizontally arranged supporting element, and a bracket element for engaging with the grave marker (or a plinth of the grave marker). The bracket element is preferably engaged with the supporting element. The support section comprises at least one horizontally arranged weight distribution plate which is arranged for distributing weight of the grave marker in a horizontal plane. According to an embodiment of the support section, the bracket element and the at least one weight distribution plate are positioned along the supporting element for providing an improved weight distribution of the grave marker in a horizontal plane, i.e. such that the weight distribution area of the grave marker arrangement is increased. The weight distribution plate may optionally be integrated with the supporting element.

The present invention thus provides a horizontally arranged support structure for a grave marker which is less sensitive to shifting of the ground caused by for instance deterioration of the coffin, general soil erosion of the ground, and thawing of frozen soil in spring. The grave marker is then less likely to tip over with time. When in use, the support section is subterranean such that fill dirt covers the weight distribution plate which helps keeping the supporting element positioned as the weight from the fill dirt acts on the weight distribution plate. This in turn helps balancing the weight of the grave marker that acts on the bracket element. The distribution of the weight of the grave marker over a larger area provides a great improvement compared to the traditional concrete foundation, which has a relatively small weight distribution area, and which is therefore sensitive to changes of the contour of the ground in the excavation area. Further, the position of the bracket and weight distribution plates may be selected so as to shift a centre of gravity of the support system and the grave marker towards a centre of the supporting element, away from the grave marker and away from the grave excavation area. This increases the stability of the arrangement, and makes it less sensitive to changes of the contour of the ground in the grave excavation area. The current support system is further less sensitive to malicious destruction, since the support section is typically subterranean and more robust to horizontally applied forces on the grave marker.

Further, the present support system requires digging of a less deep excavation then the prior art concrete foundation, and has the advantage that all of the dirt that is removed to free the excavation is subsequently used to cover the support system again. Preferably, the support system is made in corrosion protected metal, but other moisture proof materials comprising e.g. some suitable plastics like

Polyethylene (PE), or Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are applicable. The support section and system can advantageously be made fully recyclable, when manufacturing the parts of the support section and system in metal or recyclable plastics. The present support section can be made less heavy than for instance a concrete foundation, which makes it easier to handle and which is beneficial from a working environmental point of view. The support section and system according to the present invention is independent of the type of grave marker that is to be installed.

According to an embodiment of the support section, it comprises at least two weight distribution plates, and the bracket element is positioned between the two weight distribution plates. This provides a stable support for the grave marker, optimizes the weight distribution around the grave marker, and effectively prevents the grave marker from tipping over in a direction along the supporting element. This embodiment is advantageous when mounting (or remounting) a grave marker at an old grave. At graves which are typically over 5 years old, the ongoing change in the ground contour due to the deterioration of the coffin has decreased, and the need for shifting the centre of gravity of the support system and the grave marker away from the grave excavation area is less than for a new grave.

According to an embodiment of the support section, it further comprises at least one ground anchoring element engaged with the supporting element. The ground anchoring element, which for instance may be a ground anchor or an auger, is driven or bored into the ground during installation of the support section or support system, and further increases the strength of the support system keeping it in place in a horizontal direction as well as in a vertical direction. Yet an example of a ground anchoring element which is applicable for the present inventive concept includes a ground anchor plate, i.e. an earth anchor comprising a more or less short anchor rod which at a butt end thereof is provided with a horizontally extending anchor plate. During installation the ground anchoring element is buried under soil with the anchor plate downwards and the anchor rod extending vertically upwards to engage with the rest of the support structure, e.g. at an underside of a weight distribution plate, a bar or a cross-member of the support structure.

According to an embodiment of the support system, the bracket element is positioned at a first end portion of the support section, which is

advantageous.

According to an embodiment of the support system, the support system is arranged to be subterranean. That is, when installing the support system and the grave marker, first a shallow excavation is provided, into which the support system is placed. Any ground anchor of the support system is driven into the ground at the bottom of the excavation. Subsequently the support system is mainly covered with fill dirt or some other applicable fill mass, leaving the bracket element accessible. The headstone is then secured to the bracket element and thereafter the excavation is completely filled up with fill dirt.

According to an embodiment of the support section, the at least one weight distribution plate is provided with at least one flanged list, which is advantageous for reinforcing or stiffening the weight distribution plate. The one or more flanged list is in an embodiment of the support section directed downwards into the ground which further prevents the support section from moving in a horizontal direction. The list is in an embodiment of the support section directed upwards which further can be utilized to control the position of the fill dirt during installation of the support section.

According to an embodiment of the support section, the positioning of at least one of the bracket elements, the at least one weight distribution plate, and the at least one anchoring element when present, is adjustable along the supporting element. Thereby the gravity centre, or the point of balance, of the support system and the grave marker, can be shifted along the supporting element to a preferred position. This allows for adjusting the support section to optimize the balance of the support section/system when installing the grave marker and the support system. For instance, the supporting element may first be installed in the excavation, and thereafter the bracket element is adjusted to align the grave marker into a preferred position, e.g. a position in line with adjacent grave markers.

According to an embodiment of the support section/system the order of the one or more weight distribution plates and the bracket along the elongated supporting element can be selected during installation of the support system.

According to an embodiment of the support system, when comprising at least two support sections, the support sections are interconnected by means of a common socket or a cross-member, which provides a stable construction in which the relative positions of the support sections is preset to fit the dimension of a certain grave marker.

According to an embodiment of the support system, the bracket element comprises securing means comprising one of at least one securing pin, a pin socket for receiving a securing pin arranged on the grave marker or a plinth of the grave marker, and a socket for receiving the grave marker or a plinth of the grave marker. Other methods to secure the grave marker or a plinth to a bracket are applicable for the present invention. The grave marker or plinth may for instance be glued to the bracket element or into a socket of bracket element.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Fig. la) and lb) are schematic cross sectional side views of embodiments of a support system according to the present invention,

Fig. 2 - 3 are schematic perspective exploded side views of embodiments of a support system according to the present invention,

Fig. 4a) is a schematic perspective exploded side view of an embodiment of a support system according to the present invention, and 4b) and 4c) show schematic illustrations of top views of embodiments of the support section according to the present invention,

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a support system according to the present invention, Fig. 6a) is a schematic perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a support system according to the present invention, and 6b) shows a schematic illustration of a top view of an embodiment of the support section of the support system of Fig. 6a); and

Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a support system according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The below embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The invention is illustrated supporting a grave marker arranged on a plinth. The plinth is of course optional. It should also be realized that the invention is applicable for other types of grave markers, like tomb stones, or other monuments.

Fig. la) is a schematic cross sectional side view of a support system 100, which supports a grave marker, here in the form of a headstone 50. The headstone 50 is mounted adjacent to a grave excavation 20. The support system 100 is arranged in an excavation 40 provided in the ground 30 a small distance 31 from the head end of the grave in order to install the support system and the grave marker. After placing the support system 100 in the excavation 40, it is covered with fill dirt. The support system 100 comprises a support section 101, which is an elongated horizontal construction having a horizontally arranged tread area arranged for distributing the weight of the grave marker in a horizontal plane. The support section 101 comprises a bracket element 140 arranged for supporting the headstone 50. Here, the headstone 50 is assembled with a plinth 60 which is attached to the bracket element 140 by means of a glue joint 142 arranged in a bearing area of the plinth 60 (or alternatively the headstone itself) and the bracket element 140. The bracket element 140 is engaged with a horizontally arranged elongated supporting member, here a bar 110, which is placed on the bottom of the excavation 40. The bracket element 140 is arranged at a first end portion 110a of the bar 110. At an opposite second end portion 110b, the bar 110 is further engaged with a weight distribution plate, i.e. a plate 121 which may be of any applicable shape, e.g. circle shaped, rectangular, square etc., and that covers a predetermined area in the horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the weight distribution plate 121 is arranged at an underside of the bar 110 facing the bottom of the excavation 40. The bracket element 140 and the weight distribution plate 121 are positioned along the supporting element 110 for providing distribution of weight of the grave marker in a horizontal plane. Fill dirt covers the weight distribution plate 121, and thus provides a counter weight to the headstone keeping the support system 100 and the headstone in place.

According to an embodiment of invention, the support system 100 described above with reference to Fig. la) is further provided with a ground anchoring element 130, which in Fig. lb) is arranged at the second end portion 110b of the bar.

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective exploded view of a support system 200 for supporting a headstone 50 and a plinth 60. The support system 200 comprises two support sections 201, 20 arranged in parallel to support the headstone 50. The support sections have substantially the same construction. Support section 201 comprises a bracket element 140 which is engaged with a supporting element, here a bar 110, at a first end portion 110a thereof. The support section 201 further comprises a first weight distribution plate 122, which is arranged at a midsection of the bar 110, and a second weight distribution plate 120, which is arranged at a second end portion 110b of the bar 110. Both weight distribution plates 122, 120 are arranged at an underside of the bar 110, and are preferably fixated to the bar 110 by means of some applicable fastening means like for instance a bolt, a screw, a rivet, a welded joint etc.

The first and second weight distribution plates 122, 120 are substantially rectangular in shape and oriented having two edges parallel with the bar 110. The first and second weight distribution plates 122, 120 are further

asymmetrically arranged with respect to the bar 110 in that the bar 110 is positioned closer to one of the edges that are arranged in parallel with the bar 110. The weight distributing plates of the support sections 201, 20 are arranged such that a free area of each weight distributing plate (defined as the area of the respective plate which is not covered by the respective bar 110, 110 ^' ) is oriented outwardly from the common center axis c.a of the two supporting elements 110, 110.

The first and second weight distribution plates 122, 120 are provided with folded edges 125, 126 which reinforce the respective weight distribution plate. The folded edges 126 of the first weight distribution plate 122 are folded downwards, thereby providing a grip into the ground during mounting of the support section 201. The folded edges 125 of the second weight distribution plate 120 are folded upwards, thereby providing a grip towards the fill dirt in a mounted position.

Each bracket element 140, 140 ^' of the two support sections 201, 201 ^' is arranged having securing means for securing the plinth 60 (or alternatively the headstone directly). The securing means are here a respective securing pin or securing rod 141, 141 ' which is fixated in the bracket element 140, 141 ' and which extends vertically up and away from the bracket element 140 to be received in corresponding through holes 61, 61 ^' arranged in the plinth 60 and headstone 50. The dimension of the securing rods is selected according to safety regulations associated with the particular headstone which is installed. Alternatively the bracket element is arranged having a pin socket (not shown) for receiving a securing pin or rod arranged on the grave marker or a plinth of the grave marker, or a socket for receiving the grave marker or a plinth of the grave marker or some protrusion thereof. The plinth 60 is preferably a stone structure made in for instance granite or any other material matching the headstone. Alternatively, the headstone is secured to the plinth in another manner, e.g. by means of glue.

The support section 201 further comprises a ground anchoring element 130. The ground anchoring element 130 is vertically arranged and points downwards with respect to the bar 110. Here the ground anchoring element 130 is arranged at the second end portion 110b of the bar 110, and below the second weight distribution plate 120. The ground anchoring element is engaged with the bar 110 via the weight distribution plate or alternatively interconnected with the weight distribution plate which is then fixated to the bar. According to an embodiment of the support section, the ground anchoring element is engaged directly with the bar 110. The ground anchoring element 130 is preferably fixated to the bar 110 by means of some applicable fastening means like for instance a bolt, a screw, a rivet, a welded joint etc.

Referring now to Fig. 3, which is a schematic perspective exploded view of a support system 300 for supporting a headstone 50 and a plinth 60, the support system 300 comprises two support sections 301, 30 arranged in parallel to support the headstone 50. The support sections 301, 30 have substantially the same construction. Support section 301 comprises a bracket element 140 which is engaged with a supporting element, here a bar 110, at a midsection thereof. The bracket elements of the two parallel support sections 301, 301 ^' are further

interconnected by means of a bracket cross-member 149 adapted to fit the plinth 60, which is advantageous during installation of the support system, as the bracket cross- member 149 provides a measure for the positioning of the respective support section in the excavation 40, see Fig. 1.

To continue with reference to Fig. 3, the position of the bracket element 140 is adjustable along the bar 110 by means of recesses 145 arranged inside the brackets that receive edges 110c, 1 lOd arranged along the longitudinal extension of the bar 110. Alternative arrangements to provide adjustable position of the bracket elements are possible, for instance clamps, a friction joint, etc., and the invention is not intended to be limited to the shown arrangement.

The support section 301 further comprises a first weight distribution plate 123, which is arranged at a first end portion 110a of the bar 110, and a second weight distribution plate 120, which is arranged at a second end portion 110b of the bar 110. The position of the first and second weight distribution plates 120, 123, respectively, is adjustable along a track 115 arranged in the bar 110 and indicated with dotted lines in Fig. 3. Both weight distribution plates 120, 123 are arranged at an underside of the bar 110, and fixated to the selected position of the bar 110 by means of fastening means, here a respective bolt 150. Other fastening means are applicable, like a screw, a rivet etc. Alternative arrangements to provide adjustable position of the weight distribution plates along the bar are possible, e.g. clamps, and the invention is not intended to be limited to the shown arrangement.

Referring now to Fig. 4a), which is a schematic perspective

exploded view of a support system 400 for supporting a headstone 50 and a plinth 60, the support system 400 comprises two support sections 401, 40 Γ arranged in parallel to support the headstone 50. The two parallel support sections 401, 40 are interconnected by means of a cross-member 149 which is arranged at right angle between the two bracket elements 140, 140 ^' . The cross-member is here a loose part, which is mounted to the bracket elements 140, 140 ^' at the time of mounting of the support section. Alternatively, the cross-member and the brackets are integrated and form a freestanding bracket (not shown). Alternatively, the cross-member is not arranged at the bracket elements, but is arranged directly between the supporting elements, e.g. the bars 110, 110 ^' .

To continue, the support sections 401, 401 ^' have substantially the same construction. Support section 401 comprises a bracket element 140 which is engaged with a supporting element, here a bar 110, at a midsection thereof. The support section 401 further comprises a first weight distribution plate 421, which is arranged at a first end portion 110a of the bar 110, and a second weight distribution plate 420, which is arranged at a second end portion 110b of the bar 110. Both weight distribution plates 420, 421 are arranged at an underside of the bar 110, and fixated to the selected position of the bar 110 by means of fastening means, here a welded joint.

The first and second weight distribution plates 420, 421 are substantially rectangular in shape and oriented having two edges parallel with the bar 110. The first and second weight distribution plates 420, 421 are advantageously asymmetrically arranged with respect to the bar 110. That is, the bar 110 is positioned closer to one of the edges of the plates that are arranged in parallel with the bar 110. The weight distribution plates of the support sections 401, 40 are arranged such that their free areas (i.e. areas of the plates which are not covered by the respective bar 110, 110 ^' ) are oriented outwardly from a common center axis c.a. of the two supporting elements 110, 110 ^' , see Fig. 4b) for a schematic top view illustration of asymmetric positioning of the weight distribution plates 420, 421 with respect to the bar 110 according to a support system 402. As illustrated in a support system 402, Fig. 4c), the weight distribution plates 420, 421 do not have to be arranged exactly in parallel with the supporting bars 110. When the ground in the excavation contains stones or other irregularities, the weight distribution plates may have to be slightly repositioned or rotated to avoid some obstacle. The support section 401 further comprises two ground anchoring elements 130, 131, which are vertically arranged and pointing downwards with respect to the bar 110. Here the ground anchoring elements 130,131 are arranged at the first end portion 110a, and at the second end portion 110b of the bar 110, respectively, and below the second weight distribution plate 420, and the first weight distribution plate 421, respectively. The ground anchoring elements are engaged with the bar 110 via the respective weight distribution plate or alternatively interconnected with the weight distribution plate which is then fixated to the bar. According to an embodiment of the support section, the ground anchoring element is engaged directly with the bar 110. The ground anchoring elements 130, 131 are preferably fixated to the bar 110 by means of some applicable fastening means like for instance a bolt, a screw, a rivet, a welded joint etc.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a schematic perspective exploded back view of a support system 500 for supporting a headstone 50 and a plinth 60. In Fig. 5 (and in Fig. 6a)) an arrow indicates the forward direction F and the backward direction R with respect to the grave marker and support system. According to this embodiment of the invention, the support system 500 is arranged by means of a support section 501 comprising two elongated supporting elements, bars 510 and 510 ^' , which are arranged in parallel, and which are further interconnected at a rear end of the support section by means of a cross bar 530.

The support section 501 further comprises a ground anchoring element 130, which is vertically arranged and pointing downwards with respect to the bars 510 and the cross bar 530. Here the ground anchoring element 130 is arranged at centre portion of the cross bar 530. The ground anchoring element 130 is preferably fixated to the cross bar 530 by means of some applicable fastening means like for instance a bolt, a screw, a rivet, a welded joint etc.

Each one of the elongated supporting elements 510, 510 ^' is engaged with a respective weight distribution plate 520, 522 arranged at the rear of the support section 501. Support section 501 further comprises a bracket element 549 arranged with rods 141 for securing of the headstone 50 and the plinth 60. The bracket element 549 is further provided with receiving openings 550, 551 in which the bars 510, 510 ^' are engaged when in a mounted position. During mounting, the distance between the bracket element 549 and the weight distribution plates 520, 523 is adjustable in the forward and backward direction by adjusting how far the bars 510,510 ^' are inserted into the receiving openings 550, 551. Each weight distribution plate 520, 522 is arranged at an underside of its respective bar 510, 510 ^' and is here (adjustably) engaged with its respective bar 510, 510 ^' by means of a bracket element 540 comprising a through hole through which the bar is slid during mounting.

Referring now to Fig. 6, which is a schematic perspective exploded view of a support system 600 for supporting a headstone 50 and a plinth 60 according to an embodiment of the invention. The support system 600 comprises a bracket element 649 arranged with rods 141 for securing of the headstone 50 and the plinth 60, as previously described for other embodiments. In a mounted position, the bracket element 649 is arranged on top of and engaged with an elongated horizontally arranged support section 601 comprising a weight distribution plate 622 arranged for providing an increased weight distribution area of the grave marker in a horizontal plane. Receiving sockets 650 positioned on an underside of the bracket element 649 are arranged for receiving complementary vertically and upwards protruding adjustment elements 605 arranged on the weight distribution plate 622. The adjustment elements 605 are here arranged with a respective securing rod 607 which fits into a respective complementary receiving cylinder 651 arranged in the respective socket 650, which securing rods 607 after fitting are secured with a respective cotter pin 620 arranged in cotter pin openings 609 of the securing rods 607 and receiving cylinder 651 , respectively. Other means for engaging the bracket element 649 and the adjustment elements 605 are applicable, e.g. bolts, welding joints etc. In an alternative embodiment adjustment elements are integrated with the bracket element.

Referring now to Fig. 6a), the support section 601 further comprises a ground anchoring element 130, which is vertically arranged and pointing downwards with respect to the weight distribution plate 622. Here the ground anchoring element 130 is adjustably arranged at centre portion of the weight distribution plate 622. The weight distribution plate 622 is provided with a cut out track 610 along which a protrusion 131, here a bolt which is engaged with the top of the ground anchoring element 130, arranged on an upper side of the ground anchoring element 130 is allowed to run. The head of the bolt 131 is selected to be larger than the width of the track 610. During installation of the support section, the ground anchoring element 130 is first placed into the ground. The position of the weight distribution plate 622 (and a coarse adjustment of the final positioning of the headstone 50) is then adjusted with reference to the ground anchoring element 130 by placing it such that the bolt 131 is fitted into the track 610 of the weight distribution plate 622. The position of the weight distribution plate can be adjusted forwards or backwards, and/or the weight distribution plate may be rotated about the bolt into a preferred direction.

Subsequently, the bolt 131 of the ground anchoring element 130 is tightened.

Further, after installation of the weight distribution plate 622 the bracket element 649 is placed onto the weight distribution plate 622 and fixated by means of the cotter pins 620. The adjustment elements 605 are in embodiments of the invention adjustably arranged in the weight distribution plate 622. This is illustrated in more detail in an exemplifying embodiment of the support section 601 in Fig. 6b). Fig. 6b) schematically illustrates a top view of the support section 601. The weight distribution plate 622 is provided with cut out tracks 611 along which protrusions

606, e.g. bolts, arranged on an underside of the respective adjustment element 605 are allowed to run. Thereby, the position of the bracket element 649 (and the headstone 50 when mounted) can be finely adjusted forwards and backwards.

Referring now to Fig. 7, which is a schematic perspective exploded view of a support system 700 for supporting a headstone 50 and a plinth 60 according to an embodiment of the invention. The support system 700 comprises a bracket element 749 arranged with rods 141 for securing of the headstone 50 and the plinth 60, as previously described for other embodiments. Other securing means for securing the headstone is applicable. In a mounted position, the bracket element 749 is arranged on top of and engaged with an elongated horizontally arranged support section 701 comprising two weight distribution plates 722, 722' arranged for providing an increased weight distribution area of the grave marker in a horizontal plane. Adjustment elements 705 are adjustably arranged on a respective bar/slide bar 711 which are engaged with a respective weight distribution plate 722, 722. The adjustment elements 705 are further arranged as receiving sockets arranged to receive and engage with complementary vertically and downwards protruding portions of the bracket element 749. The bracket element 749 is locked to the receiving sockets 705 by means of pins 720 similar to previously described embodiments. Other means for engaging and locking the bracket element 749 and the adjustment elements 705 are applicable, e.g. bolts, welding joints etc. In an alternative embodiment adjustment elements are integrated with the bracket element.

The two weight distribution plates 722, 722 ^' are interconnected by a cross-member 750 which is secured to the respective bars 711 (or alternatively to the respective weight distribution plates 722, 722') by means of a screw 751 or other applicable fixation means. An anchoring element 730 is attached to the support structure, here by means of a mount 712 which is attached to the cross-member 750. Other positions for attaching of the anchoring element (or multiple anchoring elements) to the support structure are applicable, e.g. under the weight distributing plates etc. The anchoring element 730 is here an auger/earth borer, which is vertically arranged and pointing downwards with respect to the weight distribution plates 722, 722 ^' . Here the ground anchoring element 730 is adjustably arranged at a centre portion of the mount 712. The mount 712 may for instance be provided with a cut out track 710 along which a protrusion, e.g. a bolt which is engaged with the top of the ground anchoring element 730 or arranged on an upper side of the ground anchoring element 730 is allowed to run. The head of the bolt is selected to be larger than the width of the track 710. During installation of the support section 701, the ground anchoring element 730 is bored into the ground. The position of the weight distribution plates 722, 722' (and a coarse adjustment of the final positioning of the headstone 50) is then adjusted with reference to the ground anchoring element 730. The position of the weight distribution plate can be adjusted forwards or backwards. According to an embodiment of the support section, the supporting element, i.e. in the exemplifying embodiment shown in Fig. 7 each of the bars 711 and their

corresponding (at least one) horizontally arranged weight distribution plate 722 are integrated in a respective standalone unit. As an example, the bar and the weight distribution plate is manufactured by flanging/bending a steel plate such that the bar forms an integrated part of the weight distributing plate.

All shown embodiment of the support section and system of the present invention may advantageously be adjustable. That is, the parts (bracket element, weight distribution plates, anchors) that are included in the support section are in embodiments of the support section and system adjustably arranged on the supporting element such that the individual positions of the parts, and the distance between the parts is adjustable to match the respective grave marker, the ground in which the grave marker is installed etc. In all shown embodiments the plinth is optional.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.