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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/174,058, filed Apr. 30, 2009, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to an indoor or outdoor modular crypt structure and, in particular, to a crypt structure which minimizes the need to pour concrete to construct the crypt structure. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Crypt structures, or alternatively mausoleums, are structures that comprise a plurality of chambers for the entombment of bodily remains and/or corpses. Normally, crypt structures are above-ground structures which are freestanding or located within an existing building. The exteriors of these structures are oftentimes covered with granite, marble or other various finish materials to make them aesthetically pleasing. 
         [0006]    Crypt structures are generally constructed in situ by pouring concrete into erected forms, usually constructed of wood, to form the walls and chambers of the crypt structure. This process is expensive and time consuming. The forms are removed after the concrete has cured. Oftentimes, concrete can contain excessive voids which can compromise structural integrity. Thus, skilled laborers must usually be employed to ensure proper formation of the crypt structure. Some circumstances require that the concrete crypts are precast off-site. This would require the additional expenses associated with transporting and installing concrete structures of great weight. Special installation equipment, such as large trucks, cranes, or the like may also be required to properly install such constructions. 
         [0007]    Some examples of modular crypt structures can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,772 to Gaul; U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,794 to Pikor; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,315 to Stoecklein et al. The assemblies disclosed in these patents require almost complete fabrication of the crypt chambers and chamber walls prior to erecting the resulting crypt structure at the installation site, thereby still necessitating significant expense. 
         [0008]    Therefore, a need exists to provide a modular crypt structure which overcomes the above-described deficiencies. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a modular crypt structure comprising a first frame, at least one module insert comprising a plurality of walls defining a chamber having at least one open end, and a closure panel. The insert is positioned within the first frame and the chamber adapted to receive bodily remains, which may be contained within a casket. The closure panel is attached to the first frame at an end adjacent to the at least one open end of the insert. The module insert may include both one open end and one closed end. The first frame may comprise a plurality of horizontal bars vertically aligned with one another, a plurality of vertical bars horizontally aligned with one another, and a plurality of support beams. The horizontal bars may intersect the vertical bars and the support beams may intersect the horizontal bars in a horizontal plane, thereby forming a platform. The module insert may then be positioned on the resulting platform. The crypt module may also comprise a crypt sealing cap, which is attached to the module insert at an end adjacent to the at least one end of the chamber. Additionally, the modular crypt structure may comprise a plurality of module inserts. The module inserts may each comprise a plurality of walls defining a plurality of chambers having at least one open end, wherein the inserts are situated within the first frame, and the chambers function as crypt modules for the insertion of bodily remains. The modular crypt structure may also comprise a trim plate which is attached to a bottom portion of the frame. 
         [0010]    In other embodiments, the frame may comprise a metal, such as aluminum, the module insert may comprise a plastic, fiberglass, polymer material, or a metal, and the closure panel may comprise marble or granite. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the modular crypt structure comprises an anchor assembly for attaching the closure panel to the frame. The anchor assembly may secure the periphery of the closure panel to the frame. The anchor assembly may comprise an anchor assembly body, a spring-loaded flange, an extension attached to the anchor assembly body and defining a hole therein, at least one bolt, a rosette defining a hole therein, and a screw. The bolt secures the anchor assembly body to the frame, and the screw extends through the rosette hole and the extension hole, such that the screw secures the rosette to the extension. The closure panel rests on a top surface of the extension, and the spring-loaded flange biases the rear surface of the closure panel such that the front surface of the closure panel is biased against the rosette. The anchor assembly may also comprise bronze and/or stainless steel. 
         [0012]    Yet another embodiment is directed to a modular crypt structure which comprises a second frame. The second frame may be positioned such that a back end of the second frame is adjacent to a back end of the first frame. The first frame and second frame may also be integrally formed. In these embodiments, the module insert may comprise a second open end and extend through the first and second frames. Alternatively, this embodiment may comprise at least two inserts, each comprising a plurality of walls defining chambers having at least one open end. A first insert is positioned within the first frame with the at least one open end located at an end of the first frame opposite the back end of the first frame. A second insert is positioned within the second frame with the at least one open end located at an end of the second frame opposite the back end of the second frame. The chambers are adapted to receive bodily remains or portions thereof. A second closure panel may be attached to the second frame at an end opposite the back end of the second frame. 
         [0013]    Further, the present invention is directed to an embodiment comprising a roof and at least two walls. A first wall may be positioned parallel to a first side of the first frame, and a second wall may be positioned parallel to the second side of the first frame. The roof may be positioned above the frame and supported by the first and second walls such that the first frame is surrounded by the roof and walls. The modular crypt structure may also comprise a plurality of wall support bars. The wall support bars may be positioned on the first and second sides of the frame, such that they bias an inside surface of the first and second Alternatively, when the frame comprises a plurality of vertical bars, the roof may extend across the width and length of the frame being supported by and secured directly to the vertical bars. 
         [0014]    Lastly, other embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods for constructing a modular crypt and for encapsulating bodily remains. These methods may comprise the steps of erecting a frame; providing at least one module insert; configuring the insert to define a chamber having at least one open end adapted to receive bodily remains or portions thereof; positioning the module insert in the frame; and closing the crypt module at an end associated with the at least one open end of the module insert. The methods may also comprise attaching a closure panel to the frame at an end of the frame associated with the at least one open end of the chamber. Further, walls and a roof may be provided around the frame. The method for encapsulating bodily remains may further comprise inserting bodily remains or portions thereof into the crypt module before closing the crypt module and providing a sealing cap in the chamber near the open end of the chamber. Both methods may comprise providing a plurality of vertical bars, horizontal bars and support beams; aligning the vertical bars horizontally and the horizontal bars vertically in an intersecting manner; forming a platform by arranging the support beams in a horizontal plane with the horizontal bars such that they intersect the horizontal bars; and positioning the module insert on the platform. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  shows a modular crypt structure with schematically represented walls, roof, and base; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  shows a modular crypt structure frame with a module insert therein and attached closure panel; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a frame assembly; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of a platform formed by a frame assembly; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  shows a module insert construction; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  shows an anchor assembly; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a closure panel which is attached to a frame; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  shows two frame assemblies in a back-to-back orientation; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  shows a module insert in conjunction with a crypt sealing cap; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  shows an elongated frame assembly; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  shows a frame assembly with a roof connected directly to the frame. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]    In the following Description of the Preferred Embodiments, “crypt module” is a chamber, vault, or another space defined within a crypt structure or mausoleum for encapsulating and/or entombing bodily remains 
         [0027]    “Module insert” is a piece of material which defines a crypt module within a frame according to the present invention. The module insert may be a flexible or a rigid material. It may comprise plastic, a polymer, fiberglass, or any material sufficient to encapsulate and/or entomb bodily remains. 
         [0028]    “Bodily remains” refers to deceased persons and/or animals, human and/or animal corpse or corpses, portions of corpses and/or deceased persons, cremated remains, or any combination thereof, either enclosed in a casket and/or coffin or not. 
         [0029]    For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial orientation terms, if used, shall relate to the referenced embodiment as it is oriented in the accompanying drawing Figs. or otherwise described in the following detailed description. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments described hereinafter may assume many alternative variations and embodiments and that the specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawing Figs. and described herein are simply exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a modular crypt structure  80  comprises a frame  20 , which defines spaces, or alternatively crypt modules  60 , for insertion of bodily remains. Frame  20  sits atop a base  76 , and is covered by a roof  74 , which is supported by walls  72 . A crypt module  60  is formed by placing a module insert  30  within frame  20 , as indicated in  FIG. 2 . Module insert  30 , which is shown in  FIG. 5 , includes walls  34  with outside surfaces  32  and inside surfaces  36 . Walls  34  define a chamber  35  having a chamber opening  37  at an end of module insert  30 . Generally, an end of module insert  30  opposite chamber opening  37  is sealed, as represented by rear wall surface  38  in  FIG. 2 . Chamber  35  functions as crypt module  60  for insertion of bodily remains or portions of bodily remains when module insert  30  is placed within frame  20 . Crypt module  60  may also be closed by attaching a closure panel  50  having front face  52 , such as a stone crypt front, to an end of frame  20  adjacent to chamber opening  37  of module insert  30 , thereby encapsulating the bodily remains. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , frame  20  comprises a plurality of vertical bars  22  horizontally aligned and a plurality of horizontal cross bars  24  vertically aligned. Additionally, frame  20  may comprise a plurality of support beams  26  which are vertically aligned. Cross bars  24  are perpendicularly oriented to and intersect vertical bars  22  in a vertical plane. As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , when cross bars  24  and support beams  26  intersect and are perpendicularly oriented in a horizontal plane, cross bars  24  and support beams  26  form a platform  25  for supporting module insert  30 . Cross bars  24  may be attached to vertical bars  22  via nuts and bolts at joints  21 , and cross bars  24  and support beams  26  may be welded at joints  23 . Alternatively, horizontal cross bars  24 , vertical bars  22  and support beams  26  may be integrally formed. However, any means of attachment sufficient to support module insert  30  are contemplated. Moreover, frame  20  may comprise any material or combination of materials sufficient to support the weight of bodily remains, and preferably comprises a metal, such as steel or aluminum. The vertical bars  22  may, for example, comprise 2 inch by 5 inch tube aluminum and horizontal cross bars  24  and support beams  26  comprise 1.5 inch by 2 inch tube aluminum. 
         [0032]    As noted above and as shown in  FIG. 5 , module insert  30  comprises walls  34  having outside surfaces  32  and inside surfaces  36 , wherein walls  34  form a chamber  35  having chamber opening  37 . Module insert  30  is then placed within frame  20  on top of and supported by platform  25 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this configuration, chamber  35  of module insert  30 , functioning as a crypt module  60 , may receive bodily remains. Typically, the bodily remains take the form of a corpse encapsulated within a casket and/or coffin; however, crypt module  60  may receive other forms of bodily remains, such as cremated remains. Frame  20  may comprise a plurality of platforms  25 , as indicated in the embodiments represented by  FIGS. 2-3 . As such, a plurality of module inserts  30  may be placed within frame  20 . Module insert  30  may comprise any material sufficient to receive and retain bodily remains, such as a plastic material, a polymer material, fiberglass or a metal, for example aluminum. 
         [0033]    When module insert  30  or a plurality of module inserts  30  have been placed within frame  20 , crypt module  60  or a plurality of crypt modules  60  may be sealed by attaching a closure panel  50  or a plurality thereof to an end of frame  20  adjacent chamber opening  37 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . As illustrated, front face  52  of closure panel  50  may be larger than the chamber opening  37  of module insert  30 , thereby allowing closure panel  50  to completely conceal chamber opening  37 . The closure panel  50  biases and is attached to a front side of frame  20 . A crypt module  60  may also comprise a crypt sealing cap  55 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . A crypt sealing cap  55  closes chamber  35  at chamber opening  37 , thereby encapsulating the bodily remains prior to attaching closure panel  50  to frame  20 . A crypt sealing cap  55  may comprise a fluid-tight material for preventing leakage of fluid into and/or out of crypt module  60 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the crypt sealing cap  55  comprises a U-shaped cap, having a concave surface  53 , wherein external surfaces of lips  57  of concave surface  53  of sealing cap  55  contact inside surfaces  36  of module insert  30 , thereby fluidly sealing crypt module  60 . Line  51  indicates the depth of crypt sealing cap  55  within chamber  35 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 2 and 7  show a closure panel  50  attached to both frame  20  and a trim plate  54 , which is attached to frame  20  at a bottom portion thereof Trim plate  54  may be biased by a base plate  28  shown in  FIG. 7 . Base plate  28  biases a rear face of trim plate  54 , thereby providing a stable backing for trim plate  54 . A plurality of base plates  28  may extend around the entire perimeter of frame  20  or a portion thereof for supporting a plurality of trim plates  54  along the sides and front and back ends of frame  20 . Closure panel  50  and trim plate  54  may comprise a stone material, such as granite or marble to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, closure panel  50  and trim plate  54  are secured to frame  20  by an anchor assembly  40 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the anchor assembly  40  may include nuts  44 , bolts  42 , spring-loaded flanges  43 , rosette  46  and extension  47 . In one embodiment, extension  47  is alternatively referred to as a slide, which is removably attached to the body of anchor assembly  40  by sliding thereon. Extension  47  includes top surface  45  and a hole  41 . Rosette  46  also may include hole  49 . Anchor assembly  40  is secured to frame  20  near joints  21 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 7 , by nuts  42  and bolts  44 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , anchor assembly  40  may secure closure panel  50  at a periphery of the closure panel  50  near its corners. Closure panel  50  rests on, and is thereby supported by, top surface  45  of extension  47 . Rosette  46  biases a front face  52  of closure panel  50 , and is secured by inserting screw  48  through hole  49  of rosette  46  and hole  41  of extension  47 . A spring-loaded flange  43  biases a rear surface of closure panel  50  pushing closure panel  50  forward against rosette  46 , thereby biasing front face  52  against rosette  46  and securing closure panel  50  in the fore and aft directions. A single anchor assemble  40  may secure up to four closure panels  50 , two supported on top surface  45  of extension  47  and two below extension  47 , the spring-loaded flanges  43  and rosette  46  biasing corners of a rear surface and the front face  52 , respectively, of each closure panel  50 . The anchor assembly  40  may comprise an aesthetically pleasing material, such as bronze and/or stainless steel, for example. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an alternative embodiment of the described invention comprises a second frame  20   a.  In this embodiment, frames  20  and  20   a  are provided in tandem with back ends  27  and  27   a  oriented adjacent to one another. In this configuration, a modular crypt structure  80  is provided having two opposite ends, wherein module inserts  30  and  30   a  may be placed within frame  20  and second frame  20   a,  respectively, thereby forming two crypt modules  60  and  60   a,  back to back. Closure panels may then be attached to frames  20  and  20   a  to seal respective crypt modules  60  and  60   a.  Alternatively, two crypt modules  60  and  60   a  may be provided back to back in a single integrally formed elongated frame  20 , such as that shown in  FIG. 10 . Additionally, module insert  30  or  30   a  may be formed such that it comprises two opened ends and extends through both frames  20  and  20   a,  supported by platforms  25  and  25   a,  respectively, as shown in  FIG. 8 , or through elongated frame  20 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , thereby providing a crypt module  60  for the insertion of bodily remains of at least two persons. 
         [0037]    A finished modular crypt structure  80  may comprise walls  72 , a base  76  and a roof,  74  as shown in  FIG. 1 , respectively. The walls  72 , base  76 , and roof  74  may comprise aesthetically pleasing materials, such as granite, marble, brick, or stucco; however, any other materials sufficient for the user&#39;s needs are contemplated. Additionally, in a finished crypt structure  80 , crypt modules  60  will include a closure panel  50 . As such, frame  20  will not be visible, as it is shown in  FIG. 1 . The walls  72  may run parallel to the sides of frame  20  and in some instances will run behind the rear of frame  20 , thereby surrounding frame  20 . Roof  74  may then be positioned above frame  20 . When a wall  72  is erected and directly attached to a side of frame  20 , frame  20  may include a wall support bar  29  or a plurality of wall support bars  29 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Wall support bar  29 , which is attached to frame  20 , provides additional stability to wall  72  by biasing an inside face of wall  72 . In such constructions, the walls may take the form of multiple plates or a continuous slab of material. Wall support bar  29 , as shown, is in a vertical position; however wall support bar  29  may be positioned in other manners, for example, horizontally. As indicated in  FIG. 3 , wall support bar  29  may be attached to frame  20  via flanges  19 . When support bar  29  is positioned in a horizontal manner it may be directly connected to vertical bars  22 . Both wall support bar  29  and flanges  19  may comprise 1.5 inch by 2 inch aluminum tube. Alternatively, a finished modular crypt structure  80  may be constructed and housed within an existing or concurrently constructed structure. For example, a frame  20 , with accompanying module insert  30  and closure panel  50 , may be directly inserted into a block wall structure comprising for example, concrete. A modular crypt structure  80  may be also attached as an extension to a preexisting structure. Referring to  FIG. 11 , the roof  74  may be secured directed to the frame  20 , wherein roof  74  rests directly upon and is supported by vertical bars  22 . 
         [0038]    On-site, at a place of installation, frame  20  may comprise a plurality of frames  20  in tandem, as discussed above and shown in  FIG. 8 , side-by-side, as shown in  FIG. 1 , or in any combination of arrangements. These arrangements may also comprise a single integrally formed frame  20 , for example, in  FIG. 1 , frame  20  may be a single, elongated frame, rather than a plurality of frames, side-by-side. The frame  20  may arrive on-site as a set of separate components, for example, as pluralities of vertical bars  22 , horizontal cross bars  24 , and support beams  26 , to be assembled at the place of installation. Alternatively, the frame  20  may arrive on-site pre-constructed, ready for installation into a pre-existing structure or for erection of new walls around the frame  20 . Upon arrival on-site, a frame  20 , may be grouped in any desirable arrangement and secured to pre-existing frames. For example, in  FIG. 8 , frame  20  may arrive on-site, subsequently to frame  20   a,  which would have been previously constructed. Frame  20  may then be arranged and secured in tandem with frame  20   a.    
         [0039]    In any of the above-discussed embodiments, time and man-power are significantly reduced in comparison to that required to build a typical crypt structure. There is no longer a need to pour excessive amounts of concrete using wood forms to construct the entire crypt structure, including each crypt module. The time to construct a modular crypt structure  80  on-site, according to the present invention, is estimated to be approximately one-third of the time required to construct and cure a typical concrete crypt structure. Additionally, with frame  20  comprising a lightweight material, such as aluminum for example, manufacturing and transportation expenses are reduced. 
         [0040]    As noted above, while specific embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. The presently preferred embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Summary:
A modular crypt structure comprising a frame, a module insert defining a chamber and a closure panel and methods of constructing the same are disclosed. The chamber functions as a crypt module and is adapted to receive bodily remains or portions thereof. The chamber is closed by attaching a closure panel, such as a stone crypt front to the frame, thereby encapsulating bodily remains. The modular crypt structure may comprise a plurality of chambers, thereby providing a plurality of crypt modules, and the frame may comprise a plurality of horizontal bars and a plurality of vertical bars. A method of constructing a modular crypt structure comprises erecting a frame, providing at least one module insert, configuring the insert to define a chamber adapted to receive bodily remains, and closing the crypt module.