Patent Application
20140366342
The present invention is directed to a receptacle or bag that is sized and shaped for containing and transporting human remains, and more particularly to such a bag that is suitable for liquid containment, body presentation, and that will decompose within the time constraints of bio-cremation processes.
Disposal of human remains is quickly becoming more challenging throughout the world based upon concerns of land usage and environmental impact. Burial in cemeteries requires more and more space, which space can be very expensive in populated areas such as within large cities. Also, burial processes utilize resources such as wood, metals, and plastics, which take away from other potential usages of these materials. Moreover, burial processes utilize embalming fluids, such as formaldehyde and methyl alcohol, which fluids may eventually be released into the ground. These chemicals are generally considered to be toxic and polluting to the environment.
Cremation by burning human remains, on the other hand, solves the problem of using more and more space for the human remains to be buried. Cremation is perceived as more environmentally friendly and convenient. However, cremation by burning human remains is actually environmentally unfriendly due to the pollution to air from the cremation emissions. Such emissions include nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, particulate matter, mercury, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, and heavy metals. In some parts of the world, it is estimated that cremation by burning bodies contributes more that ten percent of the mercury pollution within the air.
It is increasingly more difficult to build additional crematoriums because of the environmental backlash. Cities are banning further constructions due to the environmental concerns even though the demand for cremation is increasing. This increased demand is largely based upon cost since burial plots are not needed and the purchase of expensive caskets and the like can potentially be avoided.
More recently, another cremation technology has been developed that is known as alkaline hydrolysis. This technology has been in use for some time, such as by institutions that deal with bodies that have been donated to science and the like. This process is considered to be more environmentally friendly or “green” than a cremation by burning process in that toxins, as noted above, are not released into the air environment. An alkaline hydrolysis process biochemically hydrolyzes all of the human tissue leaving only the bone fragments behind.
Specifically, the process utilizes a disposition chamber, which comprises a vessel of a size sufficient for a body to be supported within an interior chamber. The vessel includes a door that is sized as well to allow a human body to pass and that also is sealable to the vessel so as to be water tight. Such a chamber includes necessary plumbing for water and chemicals, in particular potassium hydroxide, to be supplied into and circulated within the vessel, and to allow for liquid removal from the vessel. A system for heating the water mixture within the vessel is also provided. A system for pressurizing of the vessel is also provided, whereas the pressurization allows the water mixture to be heated above boiling temperature without boiling. Such systems are fully automated. Within the vessel, a body support can comprise a retaining basket that is capable of supporting a body during the process and from which the skeletal remains can be recovered. Disposition chambers, as above, are commercially available from Resomation Ltd. of Glasgow, Scotland as well as from Matthews Cremation Division of Matthews International Corporation of Pittsburgh, Pa.
A bio-cremation process typically entails loading a body into the disposition chamber followed by exposing the body to water and potassium hydroxide that is heated to around 160 degrees Celsius while the vessel is pressurized to prevent boiling for about three hours. During this exposure, the body tissues are all effectively dissolved into its chemical components, leaving what is known as “bone shadows” or bone ash, which comprises soft porous white bone material that is calcium phosphate. This bone material is then dried and pulverized as the body remains.
After a body is processed, the liquid that includes the alkaline water and dissolved organic material (containing amino acids, peptides, sugars and salts) is drained from the vessel. This liquid can be easily contained so as to provide a much “greener” process that a burning process where airborne emissions are released. Disposal and management of the liquid can be controlled so that the water can be effectively treated and ultimately released back into the environment.
The alkaline hydrolysis process dissolves protein-based materials. Moreover, it is desirable not to add anything to the process that hinders the process or is not dissolved in the process. It is, however, needed to contain the body within something to transport the body to the disposition chamber and to go with the body into the chamber. With cremation processes by burning, a wooden casket serves such purpose well. With bio-cremation, another approach is needed. One developed approach utilizes a metal structure that is reusable along with a silk covering. Silk, being protein based, can decompose during the bio-cremation process, and the metal can be recovered and used again.
The present invention is directed to body containment constructions, materials, and methods of use for bio-cremation processes. Preferably, the containment constructions of the present invention provide the functionality of liquid containment and also the functionality of body presentment for viewing purposes, if desired, in addition to bio-degradability. Advantageously, liquid containment is provided in a body containment construction that is sufficiently liquid impervious, allows for body transport by sufficient structural support, and is decomposable within the time period for a bio-cremation process. More preferably, the containment construction will dissolve or decompose within a normal procedural time period without leaving any component remaining from the containment construction.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a body containment bag is provided that is made from a structural material that is combined with a liquid containment material and one or more closures, wherein the body containment bag is effectively usable for bio-cremation during which all components of the body containment bag can effectively decompose by alkaline hydrolysis.
Preferably, the body containment comprises a layer of structural material and a separate layer of liquid containment material that are overlayed to one another with the structural layer being external to the liquid containment layer. The liquid containment material is preferably formed to create a head pocket, at least one side pocket, and a feet pocket for receiving a head, side, and feet of a body, respectively when positioned within the body containment bag. A plurality of closures are preferably positioned about at least a portion of the periphery of the structural layer, wherein each closure can be independently closed to close off a portion of the body containment bag. The layer of structural material can be laminated to the layer of liquid containment material.
According to one construction, a body containment bag can comprise a generally rectangular bottom panel with a head panel, side panel and feet panel provided along three edges of the bottom panel to create a head pocket, a side pocket and a feet pocket. Plural cover panels can be connected adjacent to one another along a fourth edge of the bottom panel opposite to the edge connected with the side panel with at least one overlap portion of one panel that overlaps a portion of another panel, the overlap portion being unattached to the bottom panel. Additional cover panels can be provided connected to the side panel so as to cover a body from an opposite side than the plural cover panels connected to the fourth edge of the bottom panel to allow for better body presentation.
According to another construction, a body containment bag can comprise plural strip layer portions as the layer of structural material that are connected with the layer of liquid containment material and positioned so as to extend along at least one side edge and across a body support region of a bottom panel of the body containment bag for body support for transport. Preferably, plural strip layer portions form a criss-cross pattern across the bottom panel of the body containment bag and are connected with edge strip layer portions at corners of the body containment bag and forming loop handles at the corners of the body containment bag.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of making a body containment bag includes the step of combining a structural material with a liquid containment material for creating an interior space for body and liquid containment, wherein the body containment bag is effective for supporting and transporting a body, and the step of adding one or more closures to the body containment bag, wherein all components of the body containment bag can effectively decompose by alkaline hydrolysis.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of using a body containment bag that comprises a structural material combined with a liquid containment material and one or more closures, wherein the body containment bag is effectively usable for bio-cremation during which all components of the body containment bag can effectively decompose by alkaline hydrolysis, includes the steps of positioning a body within the body containment bag, closing the body containment bag utilizing at least one closure, and decomposing the body and body containment bag by alkaline hydrolysis. The method may also include a step of manipulation one or more portions of the bag to expose one or more body parts for presentation of the body after positioning the body within the body containment bag but prior to decomposition.
a-8e illustrate construction methods of the body containment bag of
a-9s illustrate aspects of securing a body in place, closing a body containment bag along with certain specific body presentation options. Flaps of a body containment bag of the present invention can be manipulated during the closure procedure and presentation procedures to allow for total body containment and to permit versatility in body presentation in accordance with aspects of the present invention;
The present invention is directed to provide body containment constructions, materials, and methods of use for bio-cremation processes. Preferably, the containment constructions of the present invention provide the functionality of liquid containment and also the functionality of body presentment for viewing purposes, if desired. In a basic construction, liquid containment is provided in a body containment construction that is sufficiently liquid impervious, allows for body transport by sufficient structural support, and is decomposable within the time period for a bio-cremation process. More preferably, the containment construction will dissolve or decompose within a normal procedural time period without leaving any component remaining from the containment construction.
With reference to
In
For the supporting structural layer 14, a fabric layer is preferable, such as a woven or non-woven fabric that is made of organic, and more particularly, protein-based or starch-based fibers that will effectively decompose in an alkaline solution under bio-cremation conditions. Examples of protein-based fibers include wool, or silk that can be tightly woven in order to comply with the above structural and decomposable parameters as well as leathers, which also comply with structural and decomposable needs. The thickness or weight of the fabric is chosen based upon a balancing of the need for structural strength with the ability to decompose within the time constraints of a bio-cremation process. According to the present invention, a preferable thickness range for the structural fabric layer is based upon the strength requirements for the supporting layer primarily. With the use of decomposable structural layers, an alkaline hydrolysis process can easily decompose even very thick layers within the requisite time, so thickness is not an issue. Any structural material that is presently known or developed that will hydrolyze within the temperature, pressure and pH conditions of a bio-cremation process (discussed above) by way of alkaline hydrolysis is contemplated to be useful in accordance with the present invention. A preferred fabric comprises a wool gabardine weave that is tightly woven with a diagonal weave and of 100% pure virgin worsted wool. Such fabric is sufficiently durable for structure and retains a soft drape. Garbardine fabric is also naturally water repellant.
It is also understood that the structural layer 14 may comprise any number of layers, so long as the above-noted requirements are met with respect to strength needs and decomposition needs. Such layers can be laminated with one another by any well-known technique or otherwise attached by stitching them together, or the layers can be simply overlayed one-to-another. Dark colors are preferred for the fabric to avoid visible staining, and non-toxic dyes are also preferred that do not bleed or stain when in contact with hot water. The structural layer 14 functions to provide the requisite support and strength requirements, as noted above, and preferably also provides durability, body cover appropriately, stain repellency, liquid absorption and an ability to be handled for transport, such as including handles or the like as also discussed herein. Other preferred constructions are discussed below.
As to the liquid impermeable layer 12, water or liquid impermeability is important; however, breathability of the material layer is not an important factor. Resin films (whether of polymeric or oligomeric) of one mil in thickness or less are suitable for this purpose; however, compostable resin films of such thickness can be utilized in accordance with the present invention. For purposes of this invention, compostable means that such a resin layer is decomposable within an alkaline hydrolysis bio-cremation process as described within the Background section above. Suitable compostable plastic films include those that are starch-based, such as the Cardia Compostable BF films as are commercially available from Cardia Bioplastics of Blaine, Wash., U.S.A. A preferred film is a blown film resin identified as Cardia Compostable B-F film, which is a biodegradable and compostable resin material that is based on a blend of thermoplastic starch (TPS), biodegradable polyesters and natural plasticizers. This grade of resin is compatibilised to offer a high level of mechanical strength, elongation properties and toughness. The resin is derived from renewable resources including non-GMO corn starch which is an annually renewable resource. However, any liquid (water) impermeable resin or polymeric material that is presently known or developed that will hydrolyze within the temperature, pressure and pH conditions of a bio-cremation process (discussed above) by way of alkaline hydrolysis is contemplated to be useful in accordance with the present invention.
Specifically, the liquid impermeable layer 12, such as a compostable resin material, whether provided as a film or a coating, should decompose along with a structural layer 14, such as comprising a wool or silk fabric, when subject to a mixture of water and an alkaline material such as potassium hydroxide, the mixture being at a pH of between 11 and 12 and at between 160 and 180 degrees celcius. The decomposition based upon alkaline hydrolysis of the body bag 10 along with all body tissues is expected within two to three hours under normal processing conditions. For purposes of the present invention, it has been found that by keeping the thickness of the liquid impermeable layer 12 below one mil, complete decomposition is easily accomplished under normal operating controlled conditions without any remaining residue present within a disposition chamber. The liquid impermeable layer preferably functions to not only provide for effective and adequate liquid containment, as discussed above, but also for biohazard containment, and as an odor barrier.
The constructions according to the present invention may include multiple layers, as above with layers 12 and 14, which act together to provide desired functionality of a body bag 10 for bio-cremation. Any number of layers are contemplated, which layers can be overlaid without connection to one another, or may be partially connected together such as by stitches or the like, or may be fully laminated with one another. With a resin layer for liquid impermeability, as discussed above, that is also thermoplastic, a lamination process can be easily facilitated. Rolling a support fabric like wool or silk under heat and pressure with a thermoplastic and compostable resin layer will effectively produce a suitable laminated material. For example, a resin layer can be laminated to one side of a structural support layer by the application of sufficient heat and pressure. Or, a resin layer could be similarly laminated between structural support layers. Such a construction could allow for usage of multiple thinner structural support layers. Any number of layers are contemplated with the preference that all the layers will be effectively hydrolyzed within a bio-cremation process under conditions discussed above.
Another aspect of the present invention is the provision of one or more closures to be effective to close the body containment bag 10 and thus contain any liquids and allow for human body transport. In the embodiment of
In accordance with the present invention, it is preferred that all materials of the body containment bag 10 completely decompose within the parameters of an alkaline hydrolysis bio-cremation process. It is, however, contemplated that other components could be provided that would be recovered after the bio-cremation process, much in the same manner as medical implants are recovered. For example, a closure could comprise one or more metal components or the like that can be recovered and potentially reused. With respect to effectively decomposable other components, such as could be used in making closures like a zipper, starch-based resins are also contemplated. Again, any material and component design that can effectively hydrolyze within the constraints of the bio-cremation process could be utilized. For a component, such as a zipper closure or otherwise, the components would need to be designed thin enough to decompose within the time period for bio-cremation. Resin made snaps, buttons, and other resealable zip-type closures, as well as others of similar nature are contemplated provided that they can be made thin enough or of a material that decomposes sufficiently rapidly to be useful in accordance with the present invention.
A specific embodiment of one version of a body containment bag 20 is shown in
It is noted that dimensions of the layers 12 and 14 themselves, as well as the dimensions of the various components such as pockets sizes and the like can be widely varied based upon applications. A standard disposition chamber or resonator provides an internal space that is about 80 inches long by about 29.5 inches wide. Any bag sizes that fit within such interior space and accommodate any body size are contemplated. With larger chamber space, bags could also increase if desired.
a-8e illustrate a construction method of the body containment bag 100 of
In
a-9s illustrate aspects of securing a body in place, closing a body containment bag 100 along with various body presentation options. As clearly illustrated, each of the flaps 190, 110 and 112 can be manipulated during a closure procedure and various presentation procedures to allow for total body containment and to permit versatility in body presentation, both important aspects of the present invention.
Specifically, in
h-9s shown body presentation variations. In
In
It is also noted that with certain disposition chambers that are in commercial use, a head support is sometimes provided to more effectively dissolve internal organs of the head effectively and to prevent the head from bobbing within the container. The support is a cage that maintains the head in position for directing solution directly to the head. A bag design of the present invention, as described above, is further advantageous in that the body can go into the chamber within the body bag 10 having the head uncovered to facilitate this process.
In
Bag closure straps 212 preferably extend along a back surface of the bottom panel 202 at plural longitudinally space locations to provide closure to the bag 200 and to secure the body in position at both a shoulder position and an upper leg position. The ends of the straps 212 extend from the edges of the bottom and cover panels 202 and 204 so as to be tie-able to one another for this purpose. Any number of such straps 212 are contemplated for securing a body and providing structural support as desired.
Structural support is further strategically provided by a pair of edge strips 214 and preferably a further pair of criss-cross strips 216 as shown. Ends of these strips can be connected with one another, such as by stitching, adhesive, or thermal bonding for creating loop carry handles 218 at each corner. The result is a body containment bag 200 that is effective for support and transport along with liquid containment and that is usable with a bio-cremation process as discussed above. Controlling the thickness of the reinforcing structural material, especially at areas of multiple overlaps is needed to make sure there is fully decomposition of the bag 200 within the time constraints of an alkaline hydrolysis process.
It is contemplated that many variations can be made to constructions of body containment bags in accordance with the present invention. Many different cover and flap arrangements are contemplated with any number of panels with the basic aspect of providing liquid containment as desired and to provide structural support for body transport. Arrangements for body presentation can be made based upon different cover panel shapes, sizes and designs as well.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/834,559, filed Jun. 13, 2013 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61834559 | Jun 2013 | US |
