U.S. patent application number 09/819840 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-13 for lightweight casket.
This patent application is currently assigned to Batesville Services, Inc.. Invention is credited to Tambussi, William C..
Application Number | 20010049868 09/819840 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23951221 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010049868 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tambussi, William C. |
December 13, 2001 |
Lightweight casket
Abstract
A lightweight structurally sound casket formed preferably of a
sandwich construction using a core of an open cell or honeycomb
patterned material and fluid resistant surface elements. The casket
is comprised of a body containment portion and a lid portion, each
of which has the sandwich construction as the main structural
element. The open cell material is structurally enhanced by being
sandwiched between first and second stabilizing surface elements in
both the body containment portion and the lid portion. In addition
to the stabilizing surface elements, an aesthetically pleasing
material is adhered to the outer portions of the body containment
section and lid so that the casket has an attractive appearance.
The body containment portion is constructed from rectangular pieces
of the open cell material and stabilizing surface elements by
folding the same into a box-like configuration. The lid portion is
formed from placing the open cell material and the stabilizing
surface elements into a jig, applying adhesive between the elements
and finally, applying pressure thereto for adhering the elements
together. As a final touch to the casket, ornamental features such
as corner pieces and handles are added to the casket for aesthetic
effects. The casket is environmentally safe for cremation and
interment ceremonies and is economic and lightweight.
Inventors: |
Tambussi, William C.;
(Cherry Hill, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, HERRON & EVANS, L.L.P.
2700 Carew Tower
Cincinnati
OH
45202
US
|
Assignee: |
Batesville Services, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
23951221 |
Appl. No.: |
09/819840 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09819840 |
Mar 28, 2001 |
|
|
|
09491209 |
Jan 25, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
27/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 17/02 20130101;
B32B 3/04 20130101; A61G 17/007 20130101; B32B 5/18 20130101; A61G
17/004 20161101; A61G 17/0073 20130101; B32B 3/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
27/4 |
International
Class: |
A61G 017/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A casket comprising a body containment section defined by walls
and a bottom being constructed from a core section, said core
section comprising a first layer of material arranged in an open
cell pattern wherein said pattern is comprised of a plurality of
cells arranged substantially perpendicular to the bottom and
walls.
2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said core section has
a first and a second surface, said core section being further
comprised of a first stabilizing surface element attached to said
first surface and a second stabilizing surface element attached to
said second surface, said stabilizing surface elements and said
first layer of material forming a sandwich type structure.
3. The invention according to claim 2 wherein said stabilizing
surface elements are substantially fluid resistant.
4. The invention according to claim 2 wherein said casket has an
aesthetically pleasing outer layer of material attached to said
first stabilizing surface element and decorative corners and
handles attached to said outer layer.
5. The invention according to claim 2 wherein said bottom of said
body containment section is comprised of a second layer of material
arranged in an open cell pattern and a third stabilizing surface
element attached to said second layer of material, said second
layer being attached to said first layer.
6. The invention according to claim 1 further comprising a lid
formed from a lid core section comprising said first layer of
material arranged in an open cell pattern.
7. The invention according to claim 6 wherein said lid core section
has a first and a second side, said lid core section further
comprising a first lid stabilizing surface element attached to said
first side and a second lid stabilizing surface element attached to
said second side, said lid stabilizing surface elements and said
first layer of material forming a sandwich type structure.
8. The invention according to claim 2 wherein said material is
arranged in a honey comb pattern and is lightweight and
flammable.
9. The invention according to claim 8 wherein said material is
comprised of polymer coated cellulose fibers in sheet form.
10. A casket comprising a body containment section defined by walls
and a bottom being constructed from a core section, said core
section comprising a flexible material attached to and sandwiched
between at least two flexible surface members whereby said core
section is a sandwich type structure being substantially inflexible
and exhibiting minimal torsional displacement upon application of
bending and torsional forces.
11. The invention according to claim 10 wherein said flexible
material is a solid surface type material.
12. The invention according to claim 11 wherein said material is
polystyrene foam.
13. The invention according to claim 10 wherein said flexible
material is comprised of a material arranged in an open cell
pattern, said pattern comprising a series of longitudinal cells
wherein said flexible surface members extend substantially
perpendicularly to said cells.
14. The invention according to claim 13 wherein said material is
arranged in a honeycomb pattern.
15. The invention according to claim 14 wherein said flexible
material is polymer coated cellulose fiber.
16. The invention according to claim 14 wherein said flexible
material is plastic.
17. A method for constructing a casket comprising the steps of:
providing a core section having a first and a second surface;
providing first and second stabilizing surface elements; attaching
said first stabilizing surface element to said first surface, and
attaching said second stabilizing surface element to said second
surface, and shaping said core section and attached stabilizing
surface elements into a body containment section.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising forming a lid from a
lid core section comprised of material arranged in an open cell
pattern.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein said core section is a material
arranged in an open cell structure comprising a plurality of cells
being positioned substantially perpendicular to said stabilizing
surface elements.
20. The method of claim 18 further comprising the steps of: shaping
said lid core section into substantially a cover-like
configuration, said lid core section having a top and a bottom
surface, and attaching lid stabilizing surface elements to said top
and bottom surfaces.
21. The method in claim 20 further comprising the steps of:
providing a jig adapted to receive pressure for shaping said lid
core section and elements into said lid; placing said lid
stabilizing surface elements along with said lid core section and
said outer layer into said jig; applying an adhesive between said
lid core section and said lid stabilizing surface elements;
applying said pressure thereto for evacuating air and for securing
said lid core section and outer layer to said lid stabilizing
surface elements via said adhesive.
22. The method according to claim 21 further comprising the step of
adhering an aesthetically pleasing outer layer of material to one
of said lid stabilizing surface elements.
23. The method of claim 17 wherein said second element is comprised
of a plurality of separate sections.
24. The method of claim 23 further comprising the steps of:
creating fold lines in said first stabilizing surface element prior
to attachment of said core section for facilitating the formation
of the containment section; attaching said plurality of separate
elements to said core section and leaving spaces therebetween for
facilitating the folding of said core section; folding said core
section and attached stabilizing surface elements along said fold
lines and spaces for forming the bottom and sides walls of said
casket, and securing said bottom and walls together for maintaining
said core section and said attached stabilizing surface elements in
an enclosure-type arrangement.
25. The method of claim 24 further comprising attaching an outer
later of material being of an aesthetically pleasing
appearance.
26. The method of claim 24 further comprising attaching an
additional layer of core section to the bottom of said casket on
the inside surface thereof.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein said additional layer of core
section is a material having a solid surface structure.
28. The method of claim 26 wherein said additional layer of core
section is a material having an open cell structure.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to caskets or coffins used to house
the remains of once living organisms. More particularly, this
invention is directed toward a lightweight yet structurally strong
casket highly suitable for cremation-type and interment ceremonies.
The casket exhibits excellent structural integrity while being
highly flammable and minimally harmful to the environment.
[0002] The riddance of the bodies of the deceased can be
accomplished in several ways, including burial and cremation.
Because of the growing concern for the world's environment, both of
these methods have been highly scrutinized. Environmental problems
include the overpopulation of cemeteries and the effects of placing
a corpse into the ground. In addition, environmental concerns arise
from cremation, which is done in part to alleviate the concerns
regarding burial, wherein harmful volatile organic compounds
(VOC's) are released to the atmosphere via the burning of
environmentally unsafe materials which are often used to
manufacture caskets or coffins.
[0003] In response to the environmental concerns surrounding
cremation and in response also to the ever-rising costs of coffins
and/or caskets for burial, inexpensive, lightweight and
environmentally safe caskets have been developed. Most of these
caskets are constructed from corrugated cardboard or the like.
Corrugated cardboard tends to absorb moisture and degrades
structurally when it is exposed thereto. However, because of the
inadequate structural integrity of corrugated cardboard caskets,
such caskets tend to twist and bend thereby threatening the
security of the corpse therein and risking the stability of the
mental health of friends and relatives who may unwantingly witness
an unscheduled viewing of the deceased should the casket fail.
[0004] In the prior art, for example, the patent to Elder, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,967,455 discloses a cardboard casket and a method of
manufacturing the same. The patent discloses a corrugated cardboard
casket constructed from multiple blanks of cardboard which are
attached and folded to create the enclosure which forms the casket.
However, as can be seen from the drawing and the text, only the use
of corrugated cardboard is disclosed. Corrugated cardboard, which
is currently and predominantly used in making lightweight caskets,
inherently lacks structural integrity and, therefore, causes things
made from it to also lack structural integrity. Therefore, the
casket in Elder poses the risk of structural failure.
[0005] For the morbid partygoer, U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,869 to
Nutting, discloses a cardboard coffin for use at parties or similar
occasions which is formed from a plurality of corrugated cardboard
blanks. Again, the coffin is constructed by folding the corrugated
cardboard into the shape of the casket or coffin. As with Elder,
the use of the corrugated cardboard fails to provide the coffin
with the necessary strength and structural rigidity of a more
expensive coffin constructed from stronger materials.
[0006] While the foregoing patents disclose the use of cardboard
for constructing a more economical and environmentally safe casket,
none of the prior patents discloses the use of polymer coated
cellulose fiber (PCCF) or other material arranged in an open cell
pattern or other patterns exhibiting similar high strength when
constructed in accordance with this invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention disclosed herein is directed toward an
economical and environmentally safe casket having excellent
structural integrity for maintaining the shape of the casket and
for exhibiting low torsional displacement during the carrying of
the deceased. These properties are exhibited even when the casket
is exposed to a high moisture environment.
[0008] In accordance with the invention, the lightweight casket
comprises a body containment compartment and a lid constructed from
a core section of polymer coated cellulose fiber (PCCF) arranged in
an open cell pattern. The core section for both the lid and for the
body containment portion is comprised of a first and a second
surface, wherein each surface is attached to a stabilizing surface
element thereby causing a sandwich-type effect. Additionally, the
core of this sandwich could be made of a solid surface structural
material such as polystyrene foam.
[0009] The core section may be comprised of a plurality of
honeycomb cells wherein each cell is substantially a cylindrically
shaped tube. The stabilizing surface elements are surface-treated
planar sheets glued or otherwise attached to the open cell
patterned core of PCCF. The combination of the open cell pattern
core and the sandwiching effect via the stabilizing surface
elements, supplies the structural rigidity of the casket. The core
material provides the shear force for carrying the sandwich
construction while the stabilizing surface elements carry the
bending forces of the sandwich. The core material having the open
cells perpendicular to the stabilizing surface elements exhibit a
much stronger and stiffer structural shear carrying member than a
longitudinally aligned corrugated configuration.
[0010] This invention also includes the method of constructing the
lightweight casket. The open cell patterned core section is first
cut into a rectangular pattern suitable in size for folding into
the body containment section. A first stabilizing surface element
is attached to the underside of the core section, and a second
stabilizing surface element comprising a plurality of sections is
similarly attached to the upper portion of the core section but
arranged in a pattern allowing the folding of the core section into
the body containment section. During bonding of the stabilizing
surface elements thereto, the core acts as a pressure transfer
mechanism to assure proper bonding. Upon folding, the walls and
bottom of the body containment section are established and are
adhered to each other for maintaining the enclosure-type structure.
Finally, a lid is formed in a similar manner from a core section
and stabilizing surface elements which are caused to form a
dome-like shape via use of a jig and the application of air
pressure.
[0011] The casket disclosed is lightweight yet structurally rigid
for supporting and carrying the contents placed therein. By using
PCCF in lieu of more expensive materials, economic and
environmental concerns are precluded while a very strong
lightweight structure is established via the use of the open cell
pattern and stabilizing surface elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the accompanying drawings one form which is presently
preferred; it being understood that the invention is not intended
to be limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities
shown.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lightweight casket
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a partial cross sectional view taken along line 2
of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3a discloses the use of a polystyrene based, solid
surface, core in lieu of the honeycomb, open cell structure,
core;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the honeycomb core and first
stabilizing surface element;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the honeycomb core attached
to the first and second stabilizing surface elements;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 with the addition of a
second layer of core section attached to the inner bottom surface
of the casket;
[0019] FIG. 6 Is a perspective view of the lightweight casket
during the folding stage;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of the casket showing
the insertion of the end inserts;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the body containment portion
of the casket prior to the addition of aesthetic features;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along line 9-9 of
FIG. 8;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the method of construction of
the casket lid using a jig;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the casket lid and jig with
the jig cover in the open position;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the jig cover and air
pressure connector, and
[0026] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of
FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like
reference numerals have been used throughout the various figures to
designate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a perspective
view of the lightweight casket constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention and designated generally as 10.
The casket 10 is comprised essentially of the body containment
portion 12 and the lid section 14. As shown in FIG. 2 for the body
containment portion, it is comprised largely of the open cell core
section 16, preferably a honeycomb pattern, being sandwiched
between a first stabilizing surface element 18 and a second
stabilizing surface element 20, both of which are formed from a
fluid resistant material. The lid 14 is constructed in a similarly
layered manner.
[0028] The formation of the body containment portion 12 is
accomplished in part as shown in FIG. 3. The honeycomb core 16 is
cut to a substantially rectangular shape and of a size adapted to
be folded into the casket. In forming the body containment portion
12, the first stabilizing surface element 18 is placed underneath
the honeycomb core 16, while the second stabilizing surface element
20 is placed on top of the honeycomb core 16, as shown in FIG. 4.
The first stabilizing surface element 18 is substantially
rectangular in shape and scored with fold lines, as shown in FIG.
3, as well as being cut in four places 24a through 24d. The first
stabilizing surface element 18, as shown, is larger in length than
the core section 16. The fold lines and the cuts 24a through 24d
function to facilitate the folding of the honeycomb core with the
stabilizing surface elements attached thereto into the enclosure as
shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. The fold lines are not shown but are
merely continuations of the cuts 24a through 24d as well as being
perpendicular to those cuts adjacent the edge of the core section
16.
[0029] The honeycomb core 16 is preferably formed from polymer
coated cellulose fiber (PCCF) sheets but environmentally safe
plastic or the like will also suffice. Tile core is comprised of a
plurality of longitudinally extending cylindrically shaped cells
interconnected and forming a honeycomb pattern. Because of their
cylindrical shape, the members have strong structural rigidity
along their longitudinal axes.
[0030] With the first stabilizing surface element 18 being scored
and cut for folding, the honeycomb core 16 is adhered to the upper
surface thereof utilizing any suitable adhesive. In addition, an
aesthetically pleasing material 26 is adhered to the underside of
the first stabilizing surface element 18 for incorporating a
pleasing texture and appearance to the casket. The second
stabilizing surface element 20 is similarly adhered to the
honeycomb core. However, the stabilizing surface element 20 is
comprised of a plurality of separate sections 28a through 28c. The
sections 28a through 28c comprise three rectangularly-shaped planer
sheets which are arranged upon the honeycomb core as shown in FIG.
4. As can be seen, the separate sections are of sizes which allow
spaces between the sections leaving rectangular portions 30a and
30b of exposed honeycomb.
[0031] In a second embodiment, these spaces of core material left
between the stabilizing elements may be cut on a forty five degree
angle from the stabilizing element edges to the middle of the
space. These angled cuts help to facilitate the folding of the core
material and stabilizing elements into the body containment
section. In a third embodiment, the core material between the
stabilizing elements is removed and inserts are placed in the
spaces for additional support.
[0032] The purpose of the sandwiching effect of the honeycomb core
between the two stabilizing sections is to provide the honeycomb
core with structural rigidity by maintaining the cells of the core
in a substantially perpendicular orientation to applied forces. The
core acts as a pressure transfer mechanism and transfers the load
to the outer stabilizing surface element 18 when a force is applied
thereto. By leaving uncovered the exposed honeycomb core sections
30a and 30b, as provided for by the separate sections, the exposed
honeycomb lacks the structural rigidity of the sandwiched honeycomb
core. These exposed and, therefore, weaker sections of honeycomb
inherently create fold lines on the core surface.
[0033] In addition to the core 16, an additional layer 32 of core,
as shown in FIG. 5, is glued to the structure over the center
portion 28b of the second stabilizing surface element 20. The
additional core 32 is of substantially the same size as the center
portion 28b and in addition has a third stabilizing surface element
34 glued to the top thereof. The additional honeycomb core and
stabilizing surface further strengthens and increases the
structural rigidity of the casket bottom and provides extra
structural security.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the lightweight casket is
now ready for formation into the body containment portion 12. To
initiate this process, the sides of the casket 36a and 36b are
folded upward along the fold lines (not shown), cut lines 24a
through 24d and the rectangular and exposed honeycomb sections 30a
and 30b. By following this procedure, the formation shown in FIG. 6
is the result. Upon folding the sides 36a and 36b, the corners 38a
through 38d must be folded inward towards the center of the body
containment portion 12. As shown in FIG. 6, the corners 38a through
38d become part of the ends of the body container portion 12.
However, the ends are further completed by folding upward the end
extensions 40a and 40b toward the folded corners 38a through 38d.
Before folding the extensions 40a and 40b, adhesive is applied on
the contact surfaces thereof for adherence to the outside surfaces
of the folded corners 38a through 38d. This provides a double shear
path and increases the strength of the enclosure.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 7, the body containment portion is
ready for insert of the end inserts 42a and 42b. Each end insert is
comprised of the rectangular portion of honeycomb material having a
stabilizing surface element 44 adhered thereto. The stabilizing
surface elements 44a and 44b are adhered to the surface of the end
inserts 42a and 42b facing the inner portion of the body
containment portion 12 wherein the end extensions 40a and 40b act
as the other stabilizers for the inserts 42a and 42b, respectively.
Accordingly, the end inserts are inserted adjacent each end of the
body containment portion. The side of each end insert having no
stabilizing surface element adhered thereto is placed adjacent and
adhered to the inner surfaces of the folded corners 38a through
38d, the end insert 42a being adhered to folded corners 38a and
38d, and end insert 42b being adhered to folded corners 38b and
38c. At this point in the construction process, the lightweight
casket resembles the configuration shown in FIG. 8 wherein the body
containment portion 12 is fully constructed.
[0036] The lid of the lightweight casket is fabricated as shown in
FIGS. 10-13. Similar to the body containment portion, the lid 14 is
formed by placing a lid core section comprised of a honeycomb
portion 46 between two lid stabilizing surface elements 48a and 48b
as shown in FIG. 10. Due to the curved shape of the lid, the
construction of it requires a somewhat different process than the
construction of the body containment portion 12. The preferred
method of constructing the lid 14 is to construct a jig 50 having
an outer portion resembling the shape of the lid 14. The jig 50 is
used to construct the lid 14 in a step-like manner which includes
the application of a pressure source 52.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 10, the jig 50 has an outer section 51
which is substantially in the shape of the lid 14 shown in FIG. 1.
To initiate the lid construction process, the first stabilizing
surface element 48a is placed into the jig 50. As shown in FIG. 10,
the first stabilizing surface element is constructed from one to
three separate elements, a center element and two
triangularly-shaped end elements. These elements are placed into
jig 50. Each of the elements has an edge 54 formed into a
rectangular shape and adapted to receive perimeter stabilizing bars
56a through 56d. The perimeter stabilizing bars 56a through 56d
form the portion of the lid which contacts the body containment
portion 12. It is important that the edges which contact the body
containment portion 12 have structural rigidity as well as the lid
itself. Therefore, the perimeter bars 56a through 56d are placed
into the folded edges 54a-54d and secured therein by adhering the
edges 54a-54d thereto.
[0038] Referring still to FIG. 10, the honeycomb portion 46,
similar to that used with the body containment portion, is now
placed into the jig 50 and over the first stabilizing surface
element 48a. Prior to the insert of the honeycomb 46, adhesive is
spread over the first stabilizing surface element 48a for causing
the honeycomb portion 46 to adhere thereto. The honeycomb portion
46 is a substantially rectangular piece of material which is cut to
a size which conforms to the lid shape and still contacts the
entire surface of the entire first stabilizing surface element, It
is not necessary to cut or provide fold lines in the honeycomb
portion 46 in any manner due to the flexibility of the same in
conforming to the general shape of the lid 14.
[0039] With the honeycomb portion 46 inserted therein, the second
stabilizing surface element 48b is placed over the top of the
inserted honeycomb portion 46. The second stabilizing surface
element 48b is rectangular but is comprised of an odd shaped
section 58 having triangularly shaped but integral end sections 59a
and 59b and having angular fold cuts as shown in FIG. 10. These
sections 58 and 59a and 59b are placed on the honeycomb portion 46
as shown in FIG. 11 and conform to the jig 50. Prior to placement
onto the honeycomb portion 46, adhesive is applied to the side of
the sections which will contact the honeycomb portion 46. With all
the elements in place, a pressure source 52 is applied to the
integrated sections.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a flexible cover 60 is hinged
to and extends from the edges of the jig 50 via a hinged door 61
and is placed over the integrated elements just discussed, forming
an air tight seal. The pressure source connector 62 extends from
the flexible portion 60 so as to connect the pressure source 52
thereto. Accordingly, the pressure source 52 is connected to the
connector 62 and pressure is applied to the lid 16. The pressure
thereby forces the integrated sections together for adhering those
which are contacting each other and forcing them into the shape of
the jig 50. In addition, an aesthetically pleasing layer 64 is
applied to the lid 16 for matching the body containment portion 12.
When the air is removed and the sections are adhered together, the
jig is disassembled and the lid can be removed, resembling the
configuration shown in FIG. 1.
[0041] The lid can also be formed in separate halves which is
desirable for viewing purposes. The formation of the lid into two
separate halves is performed essentially the same as just described
except that each half is constructed separately in the jig such
that finished edges are formed all around.
[0042] For both the body containment portion 12 and the lid 14,
materials and patterns other than PCCF arranged in a honeycomb
pattern can be used. As shown in FIG. 3a, for example, an
environmentally safe polystyrene-type material 65 can be used in
lieu of the honeycomb material where it is placed between two
stabilizing surface elements. Polystyrene foam placed between
similar stabilizing surface elements exhibits substantially the
same structural rigidity as the honeycomb portions and can be used
interchangeably. Additionally, PCCF and other materials can be
formed into truss patterns which also exhibit high structural
rigidity when sandwiched between the stabilizing surface
elements.
[0043] Upon completion of the body containment portion 12 and the
lid 14 as substantially described, the lightweight casket is
finished by attaching ornamental elements thereto which gives the
casket a richer appearance. As shown in FIG. 1, preformed corner
pieces 66a through 66d are placed onto the corners of the
lightweight casket 10. In addition to appearance, the corners
66a-66d provide extra strength in the body containment portion 12.
The corners 66a through 66d are comprised substantially of two
triangularly-shaped elements attached perpendicularly to each
other. The corners are covered with the same aesthetically pleasing
material as the rest of the lightweight casket exhibits. The
corners 66a through 66d are simply glued to the body containment
compartment corners as shown in FIG. 1. In addition to the corners,
handles 68 are securely attached to each side of the lightweight
casket for the carrying of the same. The inner portion of the
lightweight casket in its finished condition is also designed in an
aesthetically pleasing manner having linings and pillows.
[0044] The lightweight casket is used in a manner similar to any
other casket. Because of the structural rigidity providing by the
sandwiching of either the open cell or solid surface core
materials, there are no special precautions which must be
considered in handling the lightweight casket 10. The body is
simply placed in the casket as with any other casket and it can be
carried similar to any other casket. For cremation purposes, the
casket is highly flammable and, as discussed, is not harmful to the
environment and can simply be placed into the furnace without
alteration.
[0045] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof and accordingly reference should be made to the appended
claims rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *