Initial memorial monument, device, fastening device and method for assembling a framework

Abstract

 The present invention relates to an initial memorial monument comprising at least two marking parts for forming a displaceable marking for a grave, wherein at least two parts can be positioned releasably relative to each other, wherein the memorial monument comprises positioning means for releasable positioning of the marking parts.

Description

[0001] After a deceased person has been interred a footstone is generally placed. Such a memorial monument usually comprises a vertical or horizontal stone with a text. In a large number of cases such an ornament is manufactured only after the death or even after the funeral.

[0002] There is the problem here that in the period between the funeral and the memorial monument being completed a grave has a rather uncared-for appearance. Flowers are usually placed or laid down during the funeral ceremony or afterward. These will soon wilt however, whereafter the untended appearance will become all the more noticeable.

[0003] In order to prevent such a problem, the present invention provides an initial memorial monument comprising at least two marking parts for forming a displaceable marking for a grave, wherein at least two parts can be positioned releasably relative to each other, wherein the memorial monument comprises positioning means for releasable positioning of the marking parts. By applying such an initial or temporary monument, which can be placed shortly after the burial and shortly before placing of the permanent memorial monument, a well-tended appearance of the grave is possible in the immediate period after the burial. This is important inter alia because it is precisely during this initial period of mourning that relatives visit the grave relatively frequently. In addition, the feelings of mourning are usually more intense during this period than after time has passed. A result hereof is it is precisely during this period that a well-tended appearance of a grave is greatly appreciated or offers (moral) support .

[0004] At least two parts of the initial memorial monument can preferably be positioned releasably, wherein the parts comprise fastening means for releasable fastening thereof. Such a monument has the advantage that a relatively large or relatively heavy monument can be transported in smaller and/or lighter parts and can be assembled on-site.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment the material is weather-resistant. It is important that a memorial monument which is used outside has a certain subdued quality. It is possible here to envisage, among others, a quality of solidity. A permanent memorial monument according to the prior art is generally found to be very durable. The present invention is in keeping with the expectation that a memorial monument has a durable quality.

[0006] The material preferably comprises a type of plastic, metal or stone. An example of a durable material with a suitable quality is for instance "avonite" (registered trademark). This is a plastic material which can have a 'stone-like' quality. This material is for instance available with a granite-like appearance or for instance a marble-like appearance. The material herein has the advantage that it is relatively light. This is for instance important since the initial memorial monument is placed temporarily and it is therefore advantageous that the parts are relatively light in weight and can be easily assembled. A further advantage of a plastic material is that a plastic material is unbreakable.

[0007] Alternatively, the marking parts are embodied in hollowed-out manner from for instance hollowed-out granite.

[0008] In a further preferred embodiment the fastening means are arranged for the purpose of fastening the marking parts along the periphery of a rectangle. A memorial monument disposed in this way has the advantage that the whole grave is marked, as well as that the marking parts are placed on ground that has remained firm around the grave. The marking parts are preferably fastened along the periphery of a rectangle.

[0009] In a further embodiment the fastening means comprise positioning means for positioning the marking parts. For such a placing thereof, the marking parts are preferably fixed temporarily in the position in which they are placed.

[0010] In a further embodiment the memorial monument comprises a cover plate and placing means for placing the cover plate. Since a grave tends to subside in the first months after placing of the coffin, the appearance of the grave is adversely affected by this subsidence. By temporarily providing the monument, which is temporarily employed precisely in this period, with a cover plate and placing means for placing a cover plate, whereby the plate remains correctly positioned during settling of the grave, the appearance of the grave remains up to standard during the period the temporary memorial monument is placed.

[0011] A further aspect of the invention provides a device, comprising:

• a number of first parts and second parts which can be releasably fastened in order to form a framework,
• fastening means for releasable fastening of the parts.

[0012] The fastening means preferably comprise engaging means and blocking means, wherein the engaging means engage in the blocking means by means of rotation. It hereby becomes possible to fasten first and second parts to each other in simple manner, wherein it remains possible to release them again in simple manner. This is advantageous in the case that frameworks are placed temporarily.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment the engaging means comprise a rotatable body and at least one engaging part, and the blocking means comprise an opening for receiving the rotatable body. The rotatable body is preferably cylindrical, the engaging part is preferably mounted on the outer end of the rotatable body and/or the engaging part preferably comprises at least one part which protrudes outside the rotatable body. Such a construction makes it possible to place the cylindrical rotatable body with engaging means through the opening of the blocking means, whereupon by means of rotation the engaging means are held in place by the material around the opening of the blocking means.

[0014] In a practical preferred embodiment engaging means are arranged on at least the end surfaces of two first parts and at least four blocking means are arranged in a predetermined first side and second side of two second parts, wherein the blocking means of the first side are arranged rotated through a predetermined angle relative to the blocking means in the second side. This embodiment enables a practical assembly method. This assembly method can be readily performed by only one person. This is advantageous in view of the fact that it can be expensive in practice for two people to be present at the assembly site. This assembly method is further explained hereinbelow with reference to a further aspect of the present invention.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment resistance means for temporarily holding the fastening means or the rotation means in place relative to each other are provided for the purpose of the assembly method. The advantages hereof will become apparent with reference to the description of the methods.

[0016] A further aspect of the present invention relates to an initial memorial monument as specified above, comprising a device with parts as specified above. An embodiment of such an initial monument provides an easily placeable framework which can form a suitable initial monument. A square framework can preferably be formed. Other shapes can also be applied. The framework can optionally be covered with a cover plate which can be provided with an opening, for instance for placing flowers. There can further be provided an inscription which can be arranged on an inscription plaque. Such an inscription plaque can be arranged temporarily in known manner on a framework or monument according to the present invention.

[0017] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a fastening device comprising engaging means and blocking means for releasable fastening of parts to each other, wherein:

• the engaging means can be arranged in the blocking means,
• the engaging means are rotatable in the blocking means,
• the engaging means are blocked in the blocking means after a certain rotation.

[0018] As described in the foregoing, such a fastening device can be applied in simple manner for assembling for instance a framework comprising a plurality of parts. Such a fastening device can be used in effective manner for assemblies which require a temporary use, such as for instance in the case they will be assembled and disassembled more than once.

[0019] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for assembling a framework comprising parts comprising fastening means comprising engaging means and blocking means, comprising steps for:

• inserting engaging means into blocking means on a first side of the framework,
• partly rotating the parts extending from the first side of the framework,
• inserting further engaging means in further blocking means on a second side of the framework,
• further rotating the parts extending from the first side to the second side.

[0020] An advantage of this method is that a framework can be assembled from different components in simple manner by one person, without making use of holding tools. This method is for instance very practical in the case the framework is too large to handle on both sides at once.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment this method comprises steps, between the partly rotating and the further rotating, for temporarily positioning the engaging means in efficient manner in a desired position in the blocking means by means of resistance means. In the case a single person is for instance assembling a large framework, it is efficient for this person to let go of the framework while he moves from the one side of the framework to the other. The parts, which are for instance rotated 45°, can fall back spontaneously after being released owing to ambient influences, wherein the engaging means become detached from the blocking means. The resistance means are effective in preventing this and therefore make it possible for the parts to be left briefly in the fixed position during the assembly operations.

[0022] Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be further elucidated below with reference to the annexed figures, in which:

• figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention;
• figure 2 is a further view in perspective of the assembly at different stages;
• figure 3 is a partly cut-away detail view in perspective of the embodiment of figure 2;
• figure 4a is a partly cut-away perspective view of detail IV of figure 2;
• figure 4b is a partly cut-away perspective view of detail IV of figure 2;
• figure 5 is a partly cut-away perspective view of detail IV of figure 2;
• figure 6a is a partly cut-away perspective view of detail IV of figure 2;
• figure 6b is a partly cut-away perspective view of detail IV of figure 2.
• figure 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment according to the present invention;
• figure 8 is a partly exploded view of the embodiment of figure 7;
• figure 9 is a perspective view of a further embodiment according to the present invention;
• figure 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment according to the present invention;
• figure 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment according to the present invention;
• figure 12 is a perspective view of a further embodiment according to the present invention;
• figure 13 is a perspective view of a further embodiment according to the present invention;
• figure 14 is a perspective view of a further embodiment according to the present invention;
• figure 15 is a perspective view of a further embodiment according to the present invention;
• figure 16 is a perspective view of a further embodiment according to the present invention;
• figure 17 is a perspective view of a further embodiment according to the present invention; and
• figure 18 is a perspective view of a further embodiment according to the present invention.

[0023] A preferred embodiment (figure 1) according to the present invention is a rectangular framework 1 which is assembled from beams 2,3,4,5. An alternative embodiment 6 is provided with a cover plate 7 in which an opening 8 is arranged. This opening 8 can for instance serve for placing flowers, plants and/or a plaque with for instance an inscription.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an embodiment 1 at different stages of assembly. Figures 3,4,5,6 show cut-away detail views of the corner points of this embodiment represented with III,IV,V,VI.

[0025] Four parts 2,3,4,5 of a framework can be seen. These parts all have an equal cross-section, such as for instance 0.1 x 0.15 metres. In the assembled state 0.1 metre is the height and 0.15 the width of each part. Parts 3,5 are provided on their outer ends with cylindrical protruding parts 11. On the upper surface 41 of protruding part 11 is arranged engaging plate 42. Engaging plate 42 and cylindrical part 11 are arranged on the end surfaces of beams 3 and 5 by means of fastening bolts 44.

[0026] The cylindrical body further comprises a blocking pin 45 for temporarily blocking the framework part 3. This blocking pin 45 co-acts with blocking recesses 13,14 during the rotation of the frame part, and thereby the cylindrical part.

[0027] For the assembly of framework 1 an embodiment of the assembly methods is now described. As can be seen in figure 2, the corners III and IV are first partly assembled. For this purpose the beams 3 and 5 are positioned with their fastening part 11 in openings 12 arranged in the side 31 of beam 4. Figure 3 clearly shows that an opening is arranged in side wall 31 of beam 4. This opening has a substantially round shape with additional protrusions 13,14,15. The rectangular protrusions 15 on both sides of opening 12 are intended for the passage of engaging plate 42. Recesses 13,14 are intended for temporarily holding the blocking pin 45 in place during rotation of the parts as will be described hereinbelow.

[0028] The fixing member 11 is placed in opening 12. Beam 5 is then rotated 45° clockwise. Blocking pin 45 will hereby come to lie in recess 13 of opening 12. This position is shown in figure 4a in respect of corner IV of the framework. After fastening means 11,12 are placed in this position relative to each other in both corners III and IV, the beams will remain temporarily in this position, even after they have been let go, since the beams are temporarily blocked in this position by means of blocking pin 45 and recess 13.

[0029] The person assembling this framework on his own can hereby let go of the partly pre-assembled framework and move to the other side of the framework in order to assemble corners V and VI. For the sake of clarity, both beams 3,5 are at this moment situated in the position of beam 3 as shown in figure 2. Both beams are thus situated substantially 45° relative to the horizontal surface relative to beam 4. In the detail views of corner 6 it can clearly be seen that beam 3 is likewise provided with a fastening member 11. Beam 2 is further provided with openings 13 which are similar to the openings 12 for receiving this fastening member 11. It is clearly shown that protrusions 16 of opening 13 are rotated 45° relative to protrusions 15 of openings 12. This has the object that the fastening members 11, in the position in which they are situated at this moment, are easily placeable in horizontal beam 2. The placing of fastening means 11 can of course take place in many positions on beams 3 and 5 if the positioning of openings 12,13 in respective beams 4,2 is adjusted such that fastening means 11 can be easily placed at a position in which the beams 3,5 are situated when an assembly method according to the invention is applied.

[0030] Since beams 3 and 5 are temporarily blocked in the oblique position by blocking pins 45, the fastening means of corner points V and VI can now be placed in the openings in simple manner. After both corner points have been thus arranged, beams 3 and 5 are rotated further through the remaining 45° in order to reach a horizontal position as shown in figure 1 and in figure 6b. The result is a framework with a formal quality which does justice to the desired appearance.

[0031] In a further embodiment (figure 1) the framework 6 is covered with a cover plate 7. In this embodiment cover plate 7 is provided with an opening 8, for instance for placing flowers or plants. This opening 8 can of course be omitted, whereby plate 7 forms one whole. Opening 8 can further take on many forms as desired for the appearance of the monument. A plurality of smaller openings is also possible.

[0032] The beams are preferably manufactured from a plastic material with a quality of solidity. The material "avonite" (registered trademark) is for instance very suitable.

[0033] Beams 2,3,4,5 are manufactured from plate material and are therefore hollow. The plate material is for instance 1 to 2 centimetres thick. The choice of thickness for such plate material can of course vary. It is likewise possible to manufacture the beams from a solid material.

[0034] The beam 4 (figure 3) is for instance assembled from lower plate 32, upper plate 33, side plates 31 (one shown) and end plates 48 (figure 4b). In order to obtain a sturdy construction with an attractive quality, a construction is chosen which only has joints in the ribs of the beams. For this purpose the plates are chamfered at the ends, which results in chamfered surfaces 34,35,36. The beams are glued along these surfaces. This results in a very strong construction of the beams. The cylindrical parts 40 are manufactured in effective manner from the same material or a material with the same thickness as the plate material from which the beams are made. This is practical, since the distance between the beams and the engaging plate is hereby the same as the thickness of the plate material behind which the engaging plate must catch. This component can hereby be made to fit in simple manner.

[0035] A further embodiment (fig. 7, 8) shows an initial memorial monument 50, comprising four marking beam parts or marking beams which are arranged in a rectangle. The beams are held in place by means of a framework 58. Framework 58 serves to position and fix the beams 51-54. Framework 58 is provided with a bottom 60 as well as an inner edge 60a and an outer edge 60b. Edges 60a, 60b protrude upward relative to bottom 60. Beams 51-54 can hereby be placed in the framework. The framework forms as it were a rectangular tray. During the first month after placing of the coffin, a fresh grave will generally display a small or large measure of subsidence of the sand arranged on the coffin during the funeral. Such a subsidence will make for a less attractive appearance of the grave on which, precisely during this period, the initial memorial monument is placed. In order to prevent such an appearance the initial memorial monument can be provided with cover plate 55. Such a cover plate can be placed in this embodiment on bearing supports 59 which in this embodiment are fixed to framework 58. It is possible in alternative manner to fix such a plate 55 to one or more of the beams 51-54.

[0036] Plate 55 can be provided with an opening 56 and for instance a decorative edge 57.

[0037] Beams 51-54 are preferably hollowed-out. In the case of for instance granite beams of a length of 1.70 m, this will result in a weight-saving of substantially 40 kg. A solid beam of such a length would weight about 75 kg, in which case a hollowed-out beam will come to a weight of about 35 kg.

[0038] Placing of such an initial memorial monument takes place by first placing framework 58 correctly positioned on the grave, whereupon the beams are placed in framework 58. The beams are preferably picked up using suction cups during the placing, whereby using handgrips connected to the suction cups the beams can be easily lifted and placed in careful manner. An advantage of the framework is that the form and positioning of the beams is wholly defined by the form of the framework.

[0039] In a further embodiment (fig. 9) the framework 58 is replaced by corner elements 61, 62, 63, 64. An advantage of such corner elements is that universal corner elements can be applied, irrespective of the length of beams 51, 52, 53, 54. In this embodiment the corner elements are provided with the bearing supports 59 for the cover plate. An alternative to the framework and the corner supports of the foregoing embodiments is shown in the embodiment of fig. 10. Shown here are two U-shaped profiles which each define two corners of the rectangle and one side. A rectangular initial memorial monument can likewise be assembled using side parts 65, 66 in combination with the beams.

[0040] Alternative embodiments of fastening means are shown in figures 11-18. A part of beams 68, 69 close to the outer end is left solid. For the purpose of fixing plate 67 with fastening blocks 76a, 77a arranged thereon, a recess 76, 77 is arranged in the solid end parts of beams 68, 69. In this figure these pins and recesses are shown as rectangular. Other shapes are likewise possible. An advantage of a rectangular recesses is that they contribute toward the rectangular form of the initial monument. An advantage of an optionally round recess with round pins is that the recesses in the stone can be made in simpler manner.

[0041] Fig. 12 shows an embodiment similar to that of fig. 11, wherein however the pins arranged on fastening plate 70 take a two-fold form on both sides. Two recesses have to be arranged for this purpose in the solid end parts of beams 71, 72.

[0042] In the embodiment of fig. 13 beam 72 is provided with a hook profile comprising surfaces 73, 74. This hook profile can be positioned in a recess 75 arranged in the solid end part of beam 71.

[0043] In the embodiment of fig. 14 the end surface of beam 79 is provided with velcro tape. The end parts of the side of beam 78 are likewise provided with velcro tape. These beams can therefore be pressed against each other, wherein the velcro tape provides fastening.

[0044] In a further embodiment (fig. 15) the beams 88 and 89 are provided with holes on the inner side thereof for receiving fastening pins 91 with which bracket 90 is fixed to beams 88, 89. Corner fastening of beams 88, 89 is hereby realized. Fastening pins 91 can for instance be screws which are clamped fixedly in the holes in the beams by means of plugs. A variety of known fastening methods can be applied in this embodiment.

[0045] In a further embodiment (fig. 16) the solid end part of beam 82 is provided with two openings 86, 87. These openings serve to receive fastening pins 84, 85 of beam 82. The fastening is realized by sliding the pins 84, 85 into holes 86, 87.

[0046] In a further embodiment (fig. 17) beam 92 is provided with an opening 95. Beam 93 is provided with fastening pin 94. This fastening pin 94 is provided on the outer end with a thickened portion. This thickened portion can be placed into an upper part of opening 95, whereupon fastening pin 94 is urged downward. The thickened portion is then fixed in opening 95.

[0047] In a further embodiment (fig. 18) beam 96 is provided on the underside close to the end with a trapezoidal block 98 which widens as seen from the end surface of the beam. A similar block 99 is fixed to the underside of beam 97. These blocks 98, 99 can slide into fastening block 100 which is provided with correspondingly widening openings or slots 101, 102.

[0048] The embodiments according to figures 11-18 are not shown in their entirety. The shown parts of these embodiments do however form part of a rectangular initial memorial monument similar to that of the above discussed embodiments.

[0049] The features of the embodiments can of course be combined with each other and are therefore not limitative. The rights sought are described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Initial memorial monument comprising at least two marking parts for forming a displaceable marking for a grave, wherein at least two parts can be positioned releasably relative to each other, wherein the memorial monument comprises positioning means for releasable positioning of the marking parts.

2. Monument as claimed in claim 1, wherein the marking parts comprise weather-resistant material.

3. Monument as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the marking parts comprise a type of stone.

4. Monument as claimed in claim 2, wherein the material comprises a metal or plastic.

5. Monument as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the marking parts are hollow.

6. Monument as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the parts comprise a type of stone and are hollowed-out.

7. Monument as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein positioning means are disposed for the purpose of positioning the marking parts along the periphery of a rectangle.

8. Monument as claimed in claim 7, wherein four marking parts are fastened or placed along the periphery of a rectangle.

9. Monument as claimed in claim 8, wherein two parts enclose two other parts at the outer ends in the positioned situation.

10. Monument as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the positioning means comprise fastening means for fastening the marking parts.

11. Monument as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the fastening means and/or positioning means comprise support means for supporting the marking parts.

12. Monument as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the positioning means or fastening means comprise a framework for the purpose of defining the rectangle.

13. Monument as claimed in one or more of the claims 1-12, wherein the marking parts are assembled from parts of plate material.

14. Monument as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, comprising a cover plate and placing means for placing the cover plate.

15. Device, comprising:

- a number of first parts and second parts which can be releasably fastened in order to form a framework,

- fastening means for releasable fastening of the parts, wherein the fastening means comprise engaging means and blocking means, wherein the engaging means engage in the blocking means by means of rotation.

16. Device as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

- the engaging means comprise a rotatable body and at least one engaging part,

- the blocking means comprise an opening for receiving the rotatable body.

17. Device as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the rotatable body is cylindrical, the engaging part is mounted on an outer end of the rotatable body and/or comprises at least one part which protrudes outside the rotatable body.

18. Device as claimed in one or more of the claims 15-17, wherein the fastening means are arranged close to the ends of the parts.

19. Device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims 15-18, wherein at least two second parts can be fastened to the end surface of at least two first parts.

20. Device as claimed in one or more of the claims 16-19, wherein engaging means are arranged on at least the end surfaces of two first parts and at least four blocking means are arranged in a predetermined first side and second side of two second parts, wherein the blocking means of the first side are arranged rotated through a predetermined angle relative to the blocking means in the second side.

21. Device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims 15-20, wherein the fastening means or the rotation means comprise resistance means for temporarily holding the fastening means or the rotation means in place.

22. Initial memorial monument as claimed in claims 1-14, comprising parts as claimed in one or more of the claims 15-21.

23. Fastening device comprising engaging means and blocking means for releasable fastening of parts to each other, wherein:

- the engaging means can be arranged in the blocking means,

- the engaging parts are rotatable in the blocking means,

- the engaging means are blocked in the blocking means after a certain rotation.

24. Device as claimed in claim 23, comprising resistance means for holding the engaging means in place relative to the blocking means during the rotation.

25. Device as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein the resistance means comprise a pressing means under bias and at least one recess co-acting therewith.

26. Method for assembling a framework comprising parts comprising fastening means comprising engaging means and blocking means, comprising steps for:

- inserting engaging means into blocking means on a first side of the framework,

- partly rotating the parts extending from the first side of the framework,

- inserting further engaging means in further blocking means on a second side of the framework,

- further rotating the parts extending from the first side to the second side.

27. Method as claimed in claim 26, comprising steps, between the partly rotating and the further rotating, for temporarily positioning the engaging means in efficient manner in a desired position in the blocking means by means of resistance means.

28. Method as claimed in claim 26 or 27, performed on a device as claimed in one or more of the claims 1-25.

Drawing