Embodiments relate to a mausoleum/columbarium system that has reconfigurable niche spaces for interment and disinterment of miscarried and stillborn children.
Burial space in conventional cemetery mausoleums is scarce and limited. Furthermore, interment and disinterment is currently performed horizontally (moving remains in and out via a horizontally accessed interment areas and via horizontal movement of the remains). This limits the functionality of the mausoleum, and especially for disinterment operations. Not only does this require horizontal movement in compromising spaces, it also requires relocating remains in interment to obtain access to the space targeted for burial.
In addition, conventional mausoleums have a “one-size fits all” approach to accommodating burial containers of miscarried children. Yet, burial containers of miscarried children are randomly size and the size of them is unpredictable. This “one-size fits all” approach results in an inefficient use of valuable space.
The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of the above-mentioned problems, though not necessarily limited to embodiments that do.
The hybrid mausolino system includes a metal frame structure forming levels within which a crypt area (e.g., for interment and memorializing cremation urns and full body caskets) and a niche area having reconfigurable niche spaces (e.g., for temporarily interment (e.g., 13 weeks) and disinterment of miscarried stillborn caskets) are defined. The metal frame structure forms an upper level that resides just below the roof. This upper level includes a plurality of inter-locking panels that partition this level into reconfigurable niche spaces. This upper level may also have access ports for the niche spaces, wherein the access ports grant horizontal access to the niche spaces. The reconfigurable niche spaces allow for adjustment of niche spaces to provide for increased versatility and efficient use of mausolino space. The niche spaces are horizontally orientated and can be horizontally accessed via a side panel of the structure for interment or disinterment. The metal frame structure can be cladded with concrete or stone or provided with some other type of façade. While it is contemplated for the system to be configured to have four crypt spaces to inter full body caskets (e.g., 312 cremation urns) and an upper level with enough niche spaces to accommodate 90 miscarried stillborn caskets if they are 11″×5″, the system can be configured for any number of crypts spaces and niche spaces. A niche space may be referred to herein as a mausolino. The system may be referred to herein as a hybrid mausolino.
In an alternative embodiment, the roof is removable. For instance, the upper level may include a lintel structure. The lintel structure may have access ports positioned over the niche spaces and a lid secured to each access port. Thus, the lintel structure can have vertical access ports. It should be noted that embodiments with a removable roof can also have the horizontal access ports described above. Hence, with embodiments having a removable roof, the niche spaces can be accessed via a side panel or, in addition or in the alternative, the roof (or at least a panel of the roof) can be removed allowing for removal of a niche space lid for a particular niche space to gain vertical access to the niche space.
In an exemplary embodiment, a hybrid mausolino system includes a metal frame structure defining a crypt area and a niche area. A plurality of reconfigurable, inter-locking panels are included within the niche area, the inter-locking panels being reconfigurable to form a desired number of niche spaces within the niche area. The metal frame structure includes an individual access port for each individual niche space, each individual access port granting horizontal access to its respective niche space.
In some embodiments, the system includes a roof structure having at least one removable panel, wherein the metal frame structure includes at least one access port to grant vertical access to at least one niche space.
In some embodiments, the metal frame structure is configured to form a plurality of crypt spaces within the crypt area, each crypt space being configured for interment and memorializing cremation urns.
In some embodiments, each niche space is configured for temporary interment and disinterment of miscarried stillborn caskets.
In some embodiments, a plurality of inter-locking panels are used within the niche space, which permits reconfiguring the niche space into a desired number of spaces.
In some embodiments, the plurality of inter-locking panels comprises: at least one permanently secured panel having at least one notch formed therein; and at least one removably secured panel configured to engage the permanently secured panel via the at least one notch.
In some embodiments, the at least one removably secured panel has a distal end that is angled.
In some embodiments, the metal frame structure is rectangular in shape and has a front face, a rear face, a first side face, and a second side face. The plurality of inter-locking panels comprises: a first permanently secured panel extending from the front face to the rear face; a second permanently secured panel extending from the front face to the rear face; a plurality of removably secured panels, each oriented in a direction that is orthogonal to the first permanently secured panel and the second permanently secured panel.
In some embodiments, the volumes of space between the front face, the rear face, the first side face, the second side face, the first permanently secured panel, the second permanently secured panel, and the plurality of removably secured panels define the desired number of niche spaces.
In some embodiments, the metal frame structure has a first level, a second level, a third level, a fourth level, and a fifth level. A volume of space between the second level and the third level defines a first crypt space of the crypt area. A volume of space between the third level and the fourth level defines a second crypt space of the crypt area. A volume of space between the fourth level and the fifth level defines the niche area.
In some embodiments, a lintel structure having vertical supports is used to define access ports.
In some embodiments, a stone façade is applied to the metal frame structure.
In some embodiments, at least one track and rail system is arranged within the volume of space between the second level and the third level. At least one track and rail system is arranged within the volume of space between the third level and the fourth level.
In some embodiments, a track and rail system is used within the crypt area.
In some embodiments, the track and rail system forms a shelf and is configured to extend the shelf out from the crypt area and retract the shelf into the crypt area.
In some embodiments, the shelf defines a plurality of tray areas, each tray area configured to receive a cremains container.
In some embodiments, a lock is used to facilitate locking the shelf at a desired position.
In some embodiments, a façade is applied to the metal frame structure. At least one face plate is secured to one or both of the front face and the second face.
In some embodiments, a façade is applied to the metal frame structure. At least one inscription plate secured to one or both of the first side face and the second side face.
Further features, aspects, objects, advantages, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from a study of the exemplary embodiments and examples described below, in combination with the Figures, and the appended claims.
The above and other objects, aspects, features, advantages and possible applications of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings. Like reference numbers used in the drawings may identify like components.
The following description is of exemplary embodiments that are presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles and features of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by this description.
Referring to
In an exemplary embodiment, the metal frame structure 102 comprises a first level 108a, a second level 108b, a third level 108c, a fourth level 108d, and a fifth level 108e. More or less levels 108 can be used. Each level 108 is a metal grid structure that is horizontally oriented (e.g., parallel with the ground surface) and is secured to a vertical support beam arrangement 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical support beam arrangement 110 includes four vertical pots positioned at the four corners of the metal frame structure 102. Depending on the size and desired crypt/niche space design, additional vertical posts are placed at intermediary positions between each corner post. The first level 108a is designed to rest or be attached (e.g., via rivets, bolts, mechanical anchors, epoxy, screws, etc.) to a foundation (e.g., a concrete pad) and provide foundational support and stability for the metal frame structure 102. The second level 108b rests or is attached (e.g., via rivets, bolts, mechanical anchors, epoxy, screws, etc.) to the first level 108a and/or the vertical support beam arrangement 110. The third level 108c is elevated with respect to the second level 108b and is attached (e.g., via rivets, bolts, mechanical anchors, epoxy, screws, etc.) to the vertical support beam arrangement 110. The fourth level 108d is elevated with respect to the third level 108c and is attached (e.g., via rivets, bolts, mechanical anchors, epoxy, screws, etc.) to the vertical support beam arrangement 110. The fifth level 108e is elevated with respect to the fourth level 108d and is attached (e.g., via rivets, bolts, mechanical anchors, epoxy, screws, etc.) to the vertical support beam arrangement 110.
Referring to
It is contemplated for the volume of space between the second and third levels 108 and the volume of space between the fourth and third levels 108 to be designated as crypt spaces 104. It is further contemplated for the distance between the second and third levels 108 to be equal to the distance between the fourth and third levels 108. It is contemplated for the volume of space between the fourth and fifth levels 108 to be designated as a niche area 106. A roof structure 112 is designed to rest upon and attached (e.g., via rivets, bolts, mechanical anchors, epoxy, screws, etc.) to the fifth level 108e. The roof structure 112 can be made of metal, wood, stone, etc. The roof structure 112 may also has a roof rafter to provide structural support for the roof structure 112. The roof structure 112 can be a pitched roof, a flat roof, angled roof, dome roof, etc. In some embodiments, a loft area 116 exists between the roof structure 112 and the fifth level 108e.
The fifth level 108e may serve as the roof 112 or have a roof 112 secured thereto. (See
In an alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the roof structure 112 is removable. For instance, the roof structure 112 can include roof panels 114 that are removably attached (e.g., via screws, bolts, latches, etc.) to the roof structure 112. In addition, or in the alternative, the roof panels 114 can be hingedly attached to the roof structure 112. A lintel structure 118 is elevated with respect to the fifth level 108e (e.g., the lintel structure 118 resides within the loft area 116) and is attached (e.g., via rivets, bolts, mechanical anchors, epoxy, screws, etc.) to the vertical support beam arrangement 110. The lintel structure 118 includes vertical supports 120 that span a distance between the fifth level 108e and the lintel structure 118. The spaced between these vertical supports 120 define access ports 122 to gain access to the niche spaces 107 positioned below the fifth level 108e. With embodiments having a removable roof structure 112, it is contemplated for the lintel structure 118 to be configured to receive and removably retain (e.g., via bolts or screws) lids 124 that are positioned over vertically accessible access ports 122. The lids 124 can be metal, stone, etc.
Referring to
The interior of the crypt area 104 (e.g., the volume of space between the second and third levels 108 and the volume of space between the fourth and third levels 108) has at least one track and rail system 130 (see
The interior of the niche spaces 107 can have a similarly arranged track and rail system 130 to facilitate extending and retracting similarly situated shelves 132 for the niche areas.
The size, arrangement, and number of track and rail systems 130 will depend on the architectural criteria of the mausoleum and/or a columbarium. In an exemplary embodiment, the volume of space between the second and third levels 108 has three track and rail systems 130 (forming three shelves 132) and the volume of space between the fourth and third levels 108 has three track and rail systems 130 (forming three shelves 132). Again, some embodiments may include a similarly track and rail system 130 (forming one shelf 132) within the volume of space between the fourth and the fifth levels 108.
When interment or interment or disinterment is desired in a niche space 107, the side panel is removed. This is achieved by a user climbing a ladder (if necessary) the mausoleum and/or a columbarium and releasing the fasteners that are securing the selected side panel(s) to gain access to the niche space(s) 107 via the horizontal access port(s) 122. Remains can be inserted to or removed from the niche space(s) 107 via the horizontal access port(s) 122. The user can then re-secure the side panel(s) 124.
When interment or interment or disinterment is desired in a niche space 107 for an embodiment having a removable roof structure 112, the roof structure 112 (or at least one roof panel 114) is removed. This is achieved by a user climbing (e.g., via a ladder) the mausoleum and/or a columbarium and walking along the roof to the roof panel(s) 114 to be opened. The user then releases the fasteners that are securing the selected roof panel(s) 114 to remove the roof panel(s) 114. The user then releases the fasteners that are securing the lid(s) 124 to remove the lid(s) 124 and gain access to the niche space(s) 107 via the vertical access port(s) 122. Remains can be inserted to or removed from the niche space(s) 107 via the vertical access port(s) 122. The user can then re-secure the lid(s) 124 and the roof panel(s) 114.
It should be noted that embodiments having a removable roof structure 112 can also have horizontal access ports 122. Thus, a user has an option to use the vertical or horizontal access ports 122.
Referring to
It is contemplated for the inter-locking panels 144 to have two permanently secured panels 146a running in parallel with each other so as to extend from the front face 126a to the rear face 126b. For instance, a first permanently secured panel 146a is positioned to be more proximal to a first side face 126c and extend from the front face 126a to the rear face 126b. A second permanently secured panel 146a is positioned to be more proximal to a second side face 126d and extend from the front face 126a to the rear face 126b. Each of the two permanently secured panels 146a has a plurality of notches 148 formed therein. Each notch 148 facilitates removable securement of a removably secured panel 146b. For instance, each notch 148 of the first permanently secured panel 146a facilitates removably securement of a removably secured panel 146b extending from the first permanently secured panel 146a to the first side face 126c and/or extending from the first permanently secured panel 146a to a corresponding notch 148 (corresponding meaning so that the removably secured panel 146b is orthogonal to both the first permanently secured panel 146a and the second permanently secured panel 146a) of the second permanently secured panel 146a. Each notch 148 of the second permanently secured panel 146a facilitates removably securement of a removably secured panel 146b extending from the second permanently secured panel 146a to the second side face 126d and/or extending from the second permanently secured panel 146a to a corresponding notch 148 (corresponding meaning so that the removably secured panel 146b is orthogonal to both the first permanently secured panel 146a and the second permanently secured panel 146a) of the first permanently secured panel 146a.
The volumes of space defined by each permanently secured panel 146a, removably secured panel 146b, front face 126a, rear face 126b, first side face 126c, and second side face 126d are the niche spaces 107. A user can arrange the inter-locking panels 144 so that each notch 148 has a removably secured panel 146b or provide a removably secured panel 146b for a predetermine number of notches 148. This allows a user to quickly and easily define the number and size of niche spaces 107.
The size, arrangement, and number of permanently secured panels 146a and removably secured panel 146b will depend on the architectural criteria of the mausoleum and/or a columbarium. It is contemplated for each notch 148 in a permanently secured panels 146a to be separated from each other by 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) and for the removably secured panels 146b to be 24 inches (60.96 centimeters) in length.
It should be understood that modifications to the embodiments disclosed herein can be made to meet a particular set of design criteria. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings of the disclosure. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only. Other alternative embodiments may include some or all of the features of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For instance, it is contemplated that a particular feature described, either individually or as part of an embodiment, can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described herein can therefore be combined to provide further embodiments.
Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments as may come within the true scope of this invention, which is to be given the full breadth thereof. Additionally, the disclosure of a range of values is a disclosure of every numerical value within that range, including the end points. Thus, while certain exemplary embodiments of apparatuses and methods of making and using the same have been discussed and illustrated herein, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.
This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/003,546, filed on Apr. 1, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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