Patent AU-2019390994-A1 (AU)
Title: Improved interment system
Inventor: KAMALEDINE AHMAD
IPC: E04H13/00
Filed: 2019-03-22
Abstract: INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) 
(19) World Intellectual Property 
(1) Organization11111111111111111111111I1111111111111i1111liiiii 
International Bureau (10) International Publication Number 
(43) International Publication Date W O 2020/191425 Al 
01 October 2020 (01.10.2020) W IPOI PCT 
(51) International Patent Classification: MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, 
E04H 13/00 (2006.01) A61G 17/00 (2006.01) TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, 
(21) International Application Number: KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).  
PCT/AU2019/050255 Declarations under Rule 4.17: 
(22) International Filing Date: - as to the identity ofthe inventor (Rule 4.17(i)) 
22 March 2019 (22.03.2019) - as to applicant's entitlement to applyfor and be granted a 
(25) Filing Language: English patent (Rule 4.17( 7v 
of inventorship (Rule 4. 7(iv} 
(26) Publication Language: English Published: 
(72) Inventor; and - with international search report (Art. 21(3)) 
(71) Applicant: KAMALEDINE, Ahmad [AU/AU]; 32 Shan
non Street, Greenacre, New South Wales 2190 (AU).  
(74) Agent: ALDER IP PTY LTD; Suite 202, 24 Thomas 
Street, Chatswood, New South Wales 2067 (AU).  
(81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every 
kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, 
AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, BZ, 
CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DJ, DK, DM, DO, 
DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, Fl, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, 
HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, I, IS, JO, JP, KE, KG, KH, KN, KP, 
KR, KW, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, 
MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, 
OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA, 
SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, 
TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW.  
(84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every 
kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH, 
GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, ST, SZ, TZ, 
UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, TJ, 
TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, 
EE, ES, Fl, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV, 
(54) Title: IMPROVED INTERNMENT SYSTEM 
16 
20 
16 
FIGURE 6D 
CA (57) Abstract: A system for internment, the system comprising; a vault assembly comprising a plurality of vaults mounted on a raft; 
each of the plurality of vaults comprising a respective removable wall which can be selectively removed from the vault; and wherein
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IMPROVED INTERNMENT SYSTEM 
TECHNICAL FIELD 
[0001] The present invention relates to an improved internment system. More 
particularly, the present invention is directed towards an internment system which is a 
renewable, sustainable and/or affordable.  
BACKGROUND 
[0002] There are two common methods of care used in relation to deceased persons; 
burials and cremation. However, cremation services may not be suitable for a particular 
religion, or may be undesired, but due to shortages in grave plots availability and the high 
cost of burials customers are opting for cremation as alternative method. As such, 
traditional in ground burials are still a common method for laying to rest a deceased 
person., and in fact this may be the only methods for specific religions due to limited 
available space.  
[0003] There are also two common type of burials methods; in a coffin and out of coffin, 
in-coffin type of burial is a deceased person lay to rest in a coffin, in bottom of the trench 
and soil is backfilled. In contrast, out of coffin requires that the deceased person be 
wrapped in cloth (shroud) and lay to rest in pre-built chamber (tomb).  
[0004] However, with growing populations and larger numbers of deceased persons 
annually, the space for which to bury these persons is increasingly coming more and 
more scarce and therefore more expensive. Further, as population increases within 
popular cities and suburban areas through high density living, no expansion planning to 
cemeteries to equal population growth, this has put a strain on old and existing cemeteries 
to keep up with demand and in fact, cemeteries with high populated cities and suburban 
areas are closed or facing closure.  
[0005] An attempt by cemetery operators to revive and extend the life of cemeteries by 
re-using grave plots (a common practice overseas) was unsuccessful, restricted by the 
type soils within cemeteries and unsustainable burials practices. Interred human remains
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can take up to 100 years in clay soils to fully decomposed, this is due to the nature of clay 
soil preserving interred human remains and not assisting in decomposition process, and 
therefore the re-opening of grave poses many ethical challenges and a health hazard.  
[0006] The most common form of burial is a trench burial system in which a vertical 
trench is dug and a casket can be placed in the bottom of the trench. Another, less used, 
form of burial is an Al-Lahad type burial, in which a trench is dug in an L shape which 
comprises a vertical trench and a portion of the wall is undercut allowing for placement in 
the undercut portion of the trench.  
[0007] Currently, some countries are wrapping bodies with plastics and using plastic for 
the inner lining of coffins or other similar materials to improve hygiene when handling 
the body or being near to the body up until burial. This has also been found to drastically 
decrease the decomposition times after burial.  
[0008] Another system currently proposed to deal with the increasing deceased and the 
reduced cemetery spacing is to construct high-rise structures which can accommodate a 
plurality of caskets. In this way these structures are more similar to above-group crypts, 
however these structures are incredibly expensive and again may not be desired by 
particular cultures or religion and neither satisfies tradition "dust to dust" beliefs.  
Further, the time required to construct these above ground structures is significant and 
may not effectively deal with growing numbers of deceased, and therefore not a 
sustainable permanent solution.  
[0009] There are also systems which allow for stacking caskets to be mounted on each 
other to form a stacked burial arrangement. Such a stacked burial arrangement is 
discussed in US 3,230,674 which discloses a combination burial liner and vault and 
method of burial. This particular device does not resolve the problems faced with 
common systems, as the device does not promote decomposition of a body, but rather 
would increase the time for decomposition.
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[0010] As such, there is a need to resolve the consumption of cemetery space, and also 
improve current systems for burials. There may also be a need for a more effective 
internment system which is more sustainable relative to known systems.  
[0011] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be 
considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common 
general knowledge in the field.  
SUMMARY 
[0012] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED 
[0013] It may be advantageous to provide for an improve internment system which 
allows for faster decomposition.  
[0014] It may be advantageous to provide for a burial system which may allow for re-use 
of a plot after burial.  
[0015] It may be advantageous to provide for a burial system which reduces potential 
health risks.  
[0016] It may be advantageous to provide for a system which assists with decomposition 
of a body which has been buried.  
[0017] It may be advantageous to provide for a system which reduces the need for 
expanding cemeteries.  
[0018] It may be advantageous to provide for a sustainable burial system which may 
reduce the use of resources.  
[0019] It may be advantageous to provide an affordable burial system in accordant with 
different cultures, tradition or beliefs.
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[0020] It may be advantageous to provide one resting place for family present and future 
members.  
[0021] It may be advantageous to minimize or reduce cemeteries up-keep and ongoing 
maintenance cost.  
[0022] It may be advantageous to minimize and eliminate water and soil contamination.  
[0023] It may be advantageous to eliminate the need to dispose contaminated soils left 
over from digging a grave plot.  
[0024] It may be advantageous for families to know that their loved one is NOT 
submerged in water and body partially preserved.  
[0025] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of 
the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.  
[0026] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM 
[0027] In a first aspect there may be provided a system for internment. The system 
comprising a vault assembly comprising a plurality of vaults mounted on a raft. Each of 
the plurality of vaults may comprise a respective removable wall which can be selectively 
removed from the vault; and wherein the raft may comprise a plurality of footing 
structures adapted to direct water drainage and runoff flow.  
[0028] Preferably, the footing structures may be retained in a predetermined spacing by a 
spacer. Preferably, the spacer may further comprise retaining flanges in which the 
footing structures are mounted. Preferably, the removable wall of the vault may comprise 
a plurality of panels. Preferably, the removable wall may comprise at least one access 
means. Preferably, the vault and raft may be at least partially buried by an engineering 
soil. Preferably, the engineering soil may be sand (porous) or a granular backfill to allow 
rain water to drain towards the bottom of the vault. Preferably, the vaults of the vault
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assembly may comprise two side walls, a rear wall and a ceiling which are integrally 
formed and define a vault receptacle. Preferably, the ceiling may be tapered towards the 
rear wall to direct rain water away from the removable wall. Preferably, a lip may be 
provided in the vault to mount the removable wall. Preferably, the vault may be 
constructed without a floor. Preferably, raft may elevate the vault above a natural ground 
level.  
[0029] This assembly allows supply of oxygen to the inner vault through rain water 
movement, as rain water drains through the sand, by passing outside of vaults in 
gravitational means, and water seeps sideways through the sand beneath the vaults 
releasing oxygen into the (tomb) inner vaults. Oxygen provides for a fertile environment 
for bacteria to progress body decomposition.  
[0030] In another aspect, there may be provided a system for internment. The system 
may comprise a vault assembly with a plurality of vaults mounted on a raft. The vaults 
comprising two side walls and a ceiling defining a receptacle. The vault may further 
comprise at least one removable wall to allow access to the receptacle; and wherein the 
walls are supported on at least one footing of the raft, and wherein each footing is 
retained in a predetermined position by a plurality of spacers.  
[0031] Preferably, the spacers may be perpendicular to the footings. Preferably, the vault 
may further comprise a rear wall which opposes the removable wall. Preferably, the 
removable wall may comprise a plurality of panels.  
[0032] In a further aspect, there may be provided a method for constructing an 
internment system. The method may comprise the steps of; mounting a footing structure 
on a ground surface; fixing at least one vault to the footing structure to form a vault 
assembly in which a bottom of the vault is exposed to the raft; burying the vault assembly 
with an engineering soil; and installing a topsoil section over the engineering soil 
relatively above the vault assembly.
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[0033] Preferably, the footing may be mounted on a geotextile on the ground surface.  
Preferably, a plurality of vault assemblies may be constructed in parallel in which 
respective topsoil sections are installed relatively above respective vault assemblies of the 
plurality of vault assemblies, and at least one pathways is constructed between the topsoil 
sections. Preferably, the pathways may be removable such that a trench can be excavated 
to install a resident into the vault assemblies.  
[0034] In the context of the present invention, the words "comprise", "comprising" and 
the like are to be construed in their inclusive, as opposed to their exclusive, sense, that is 
in the sense of "including, but not limited to".  
[0035] The invention is to be interpreted with reference to the at least one of the technical 
problems described or affiliated with the background art. The present aims to solve or 
ameliorate at least one of the technical problems and this may result in one or more 
advantageous effects as defined by this specification and described in detail with 
reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention.  
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
[0036] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a vault for an 
internment system which is adapted to house a casket or body; 
[0037] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of Figure 1 in which the access panels of the 
vault are removed; 
[0038] Figure 3A illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an internment system 
footing and drainage system; 
[0039] Figure 3B illustrates a side of the embodiment of Figure 3A; 
[0040] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a drainage system for 
use with the internment system;
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[0041] Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of another drainage 
system for use with the internment system; 
[0042] Figure 6A illustrates an embodiment of an internment system installed above a 
natural ground level; 
[0043] Figure 6B illustrates an embodiment which shows rain water flow and oxygen 
supply to inner vaults; 
[0044] Figure 6C illustrates an embodiment of a system and monuments with soil 
stability support; 
[0045] Figure 6D illustrates an embodiment of soil retention plantation means for water 
absorbent and sand stability support; 
[0046] Figure 7 is a flowchart an embodiment for installation of the system; 
[0047] Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of the system in which a 
trench has been excavated to access a vault; 
[0048] Figure 9 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a vault with a plurality of 
access panels; and 
[0049] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a shoring cage used when excavating, which 
may be used in a trench such as that exemplified in Figure 8.  
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
[0050] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to 
the accompanying drawings and non-limiting examples.  
[0051] List of features: 
10 System
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15 Trench 
16 Plants 
20 Vault assemblies 
25 Gap 
30 Pathway 
40 Monuments 
45 Piers 
50 Engineering soil 
60 Geotextile 
70 Topsoil 
90 Natural ground 
100 Vault 
101 Vault room 
102 Walls 
104 Ceiling 
106 Open side 
108 Removable wall 
110 Panels 
112 Access means 
114 Lip 
116 Mating arrangement 
120 Raft 
122 Footing 
124 Spacer 
126 Retaining flange 
128 Supports 
200 Method for installation of system 
202 Step 1 of method 
204 Step 2 of method 
206 Step 3 of method 
208 Step 4 of method
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210 Step 5 of method 
212 Step 6 of method 
214 Step 7 of method 
214 Step 8 of method 
[0052] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated an embodiment of a vault 100 for an 
internment system 10. A system 10 can be formed from a plurality of vaults 100 which 
form receptacles for caskets or wrapped bodies. Preferably, the plurality of vaults 100 
form vault assemblies 20 in combination with a raft 120 (see Figures 4 to 6). The vaults 
100 may be formed from concrete, stone, granite, composite, galvanised steel, coated 
steel, corrosion resistant metal, polymers, or any other material which can reside in a 
buried and/or partially submerged state for a period of at least 3 years. More preferably, 
the vaults are designed to remain in a fit for use state while buried and/or partially 
submerged for between 5 years to 100 years, or 5 years to 80 years, or 5 years to 50 
years, or 5 years to 20 years, for example. Each vault 100 of the system 10 may be 
formed separately, such that vaults100 can be replaced if a vault 100 fails during use, 
while allowing adjacent vaults 100 to remain unaffected if they are in a structurally sound 
condition.  
[0053] Each vault 100 may comprise at least two walls 102 and a ceiling 104. The two 
walls102 are connected to the ceiling, or integrally formed therewith. Preferably, the 
vault comprises three walls, with two being side walls 102 and the third being a rear wall 
102, with one side of the vault 100 defining an open side 106. The walls 102 and ceiling 
may be formed from the same material, or may be formed from different materials as the 
ceiling 104 of the vault will be designed to carry a compressional load across the length 
of the ceiling 104, while the vault walls 102 will be used to support the ceiling 104. A 
removable wall 108 can be installed in the open side 106 to allow for selective sealing of 
the vault 100, and can be removed to allow access to the interior of the vault 100 when 
desired.  
[0054] The removable wall 108, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is formed from a series of 
panels 110 which can be installed side by side to form a contiguous removable wall 108.
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Optionally, the panels 110 (110A, 110B, 11OC) may be fitted with seals or mating 
arrangements 116 to allow for a superior fit in the vault open side 106 to ensure that the 
panels 110 experience little movement within the system 10 when in use. Each panel 110 
may be fitted with a handle 112 or other access means 112 to assist with removal of the 
panels 110. The panels 110 may be fitted within a lip 114 of the vault 100 which may 
also comprise mounting means to assist with mounting the panels 110 to the open side 
106. A mating arrangement 116 may be formed at the sides of each panel 110 and 
adapted to prevent or reduce ingress of fluids and engineering soils into the receptacle of 
the vault 100 during use. In this way a constant supply of oxygen can be provided to 
inner vault to accelerate decomposition, relative to known methods.  
[0055] The bottom of the walls of the vault 100 can be supported by a raft 120.  
Preferably, the vault does not include a floor, however, the backfill of sand partially 
covering the rafts may be used as the vault floor, such that moisture or liquid entering 
into the vault 100 can saturate sand in the bottom of vault and excess water can drain 
through to the raft 120 supporting the vault 100. The raft 120 acts as a support structure 
for the vault 100 and forms a gap between the underside of the vault 100 and natural 
ground 90, bedrock or other relative ground level. The raft 120 can be secured to the 
natural ground 90 by spikes, pins, anchors, bolts, or any other desired securing means 
(not shown). In another embodiment, the vault 100 raft "floats" on a geotextile 60 which 
can be used to reduce movement of vault assemblies 20 and also reduce engineering soil 
losses.  
[0056] The ceiling 104 of the vault 100 comprises a sloped upper surface which is 
adapted to direct liquids over the ceiling and preferably away from the open side 106 (see 
Figure 6A for example). The lower ceiling portion forms part of the receptacle and is 
preferably parallel with the raft structure footings 122. The sloped upper surface of the 
ceiling may also have cannels formed therein or a textile to more effectively channel 
liquids and direct liquids. The ceiling may allow fluids to be more readily diverted from 
above the vault 100 and down towards the raft 120 of the vault assembly 20. Diverting 
fluids to the raft 120 will allow fluids to move along the natural ground 90 and out of the
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system 10 which is not known in conventional internment systems. In this way the vaults 
100 can be kept in a moist and/or oxygenated state during rain fall, which may allow for 
decomposition of residents without disruption.  
[0057] The walls 102 and ceiling 104 are preferably formed with a reinforcing structure, 
such as rebar or another common steel structure, which assists with maintaining the 
integrity of the vault, particularly for regions of the vault which experience tensile forces 
which may reduce the effectiveness of concrete structures or structures formed from 
materials with a low ultimate tensile strength.  
[0058] The walls 102 of the vault 100 are preferably pre-stressed concrete sections which 
are manufactured offsite before installation in the system 10. Optionally, post-stressed 
concrete may be used instead.  
[0059] Figure 2 illustrates the exploded embodiment of Figure 1, in which the removable 
wall 108 formed from panels 110 have been removed from the vault 100. As can be seen, 
the mating arrangement 116 of the vault is such that the middle panel 11OB is to be 
removed before the side panels 110A, 1OC can be removed. A flange at the ends of the 
middle panel 11OB mates with a respective and complimentary flange of the side panels 
11OA and 11B. The panels can be received in the lip 114 which is defines by the side 
walls 102, and optionally the ceiling 104. It will be appreciated that other panel mating 
arrangements 116 can also be used to form the removable wall 108. In one embodiment, 
the removable wall is a single panel which can be installed and removed as desired. In 
another embodiment, the removable wall 108 is a frangible or sacrificial wall which can 
be destroyed to access a receptacle when desired.  
[0060] The structure supporting the vault 100 is a raft 120, which comprises a footing 
structure 122 and a plurality of spacers 124 which retain the footings in a location relative 
to the vaults 100. The raft spacer 124 may be directly mounted onto a natural ground 
level 90 or onto a geotextile disposed on a natural ground level 90. The raft spacer 
comprises a plurality of retaining flanges 126 which are adapted to seat the footings 122 
which support the vault 100.
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[0061] The walls 102 of the vaults 100 can be directly mounted onto the footings 122 as 
shown in Figure 3A and 3B, and the footings can be retained by the spacers 124.  
Additional supports 128 can be provided to support the vault 100 if footings 122 are not 
provided. Reducing the number of footings may assist with improving liquid flows and 
drainage of the system 10. Footings 122 may be fixed to spacers 124, with the 
configuration of the raft being such that the footings 122 run perpendicular to the spacers 
124. The footings can be constructed of metals, metal alloys, concretes, polymers or any 
other desired materials. Similarly, the spacers may be constructed of metals, metal 
alloys, concretes, polymers or any other desired materials, but more preferably a metal or 
metal alloy is used. The spacers 124 of the raft 120 can be galvanised or to be protected 
from liquid corrosion.  
[0062] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, there are shown embodiments of a vault assembly 20 
with different drainage structures formed by the raft 120. In Figure 4, the direction of 
flow is perpendicular to the plane of the removable wall 108. The footings 122 are 
disposed in a direction which is substantially parallel to the flow of liquids and may assist 
with directing said liquids.  
[0063] Figure 5 represents an embodiment in which the footings are parallel to the plane 
of the removable wall 108 and also parallel to the flow of liquids. In this embodiment 
additional supports 128 are not required as the footings extend along the rear wall 102 
and the removable wall 108. Preferably, the raft 120 has a larger footprint than that of the 
vaults and acts similar to a pad footing. Optionally, weep holes or other fluid apertures 
(not shown) may be disposed in the footings 122 of the raft 120.  
[0064] A sectional view of an embodiment of the system 10 with a plurality of vault 
assemblies 20 is shown in Figure 6A. Each of the vault assemblies 20 are supported on 
respective rafts 120. The rafts 120 are preferably supported by natural ground 90, 
bedrock, or material which is not backfill. Liquids entering into the system 10 may be 
allowed to flow to the natural ground level 90 and along said ground level out of the 
system by passing from the topsoil 70 and pathways 30 through the engineering soil 50, 
as can be seen in the embodiment of Figure 6B. In this way more efficient drainage can
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be provided to the system 10. Engineering fill is preferably provided above the vault 
assemblies 20 and in the access channels (between vault assemblies). Topsoil can be 
provided above vault assemblies to allow for installation of lawn and monuments or other 
memorial devices. Monuments40 may also be used to record information about the 
burial and dates.  
[0065] Monuments 40 and other memorial structures can be supported by piers 45, which 
may be drilled holes filled with concrete into the sand and down to the top of vault, as 
seen in the example of Figure 6C, these piers 45 will contribute to sand stabilise. The 
piers 45 may be of any predetermined construction and may also assist with maintaining 
the structural integrity of the vault in the event of concrete cancer or other vault failures.  
A variety of trees and plants with the ability to thrive on sand can be planted to further 
stabilise the system, trees and plants will also play a significant role as an absorbent to 
water within the system. Further, the root structure of these plants 16 will assist with 
reduction of slope soils and soils within the system from migrating due to environmental 
factors. An example of this retention system can be seen in Figure 6D. Preferably, if 
sands are used as engineering soils, the sands can be treated with a binder or other 
product to increase the adhesion between the sand particles such that the sand stiffness or 
adhesiveness can be improved. In this way vaults may be supported by the sands in the 
event of failures after prolonged use.  
[0066] Plots or monuments 40 may be positioned to identify a burial location. Plots or 
monuments 40 may be positioned on topsoil sections of the system 10. The topsoil 
sections may be imported fill suitable for growing organic matter. When vaults are not 
being used, the topsoil may be used for growing organic matter, such as grass, trees or 
flowers, for example. Between topsoil sections a pathway 30 may be constructed. The 
pathways may cap a section which can be excavated to form a trench to access the vaults 
100 of the system 10. The pathways 30 may be constructed from paving materials, 
ceramics, concrete or other removable structures such that the pathways can be removed 
to form a trench.
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[0067] Optionally, the pathways 30 may be formed from a mesh which can be partially 
embedded within the engineering soil backfilling the system 10. The mesh may be 
formed from a durable and flexible material, such as PVC, PP, PE, aramid composites, 
rubbers or any other predetermined material. The mesh may have a thickness of between 
10mm to 150mm, depending on the structure. An embodiment of the mesh is illustrated 
in Figure 8, in which a portion of the mesh has been removed to allow a trench 15 to be 
constructed. Portions of the pathway may be removable and may align with a vault 100 
of the system such that removing predetermined a portion of the mesh or pathway will 
indicate the location of a removable wall of the vault 100. A shoring cage 300 is 
illustrated in Figure 10, in which the cage comprises four vertical walls used to retain cut 
batters of excavated walls. The cage 300 comprises corner posts 310 which can be 
hammered into the ground at a desired location. After the corner posts have been 
hammered into position, the shoring panels 320 can be hammered into position between 
respective corner posts 310. Once the panels have been hammered to the desired depth, 
the engineering soil can be excavated. After excavation, one of the walls 330 formed by 
the shoring panels can be raised to allow for access into a vault. The panels 320 can be 
locked into position during use.  
[0068] While PVC may be used for paving access channels (which can be excavated to 
form a trench 15) for the vaults 100, other materials may be used which are more resistant 
to UV radiation. For example, ceramics or composite materials may be used which are 
resistant to weather conditions, and also have suitable compressional properties for heavy 
machinery to be mounted on.  
[0069] The vaults 100 are positioned such that the open sides 106 of the vaults 100 are 
accessible when a trench 15 is dug between vault assemblies 20, or when the access 
channels are excavated. Trenches 15 will typically be dug in the region below the 
walkways of the system 10. It is preferred that any cuts are shored or retained as trenches 
15 are dug. Optionally, an anchor location may be provided on the ceiling 104 of the 
vaults 100 to which retaining means can be mounted while a trench 15 is open.
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[0070] As discussed above, the ceilings 104 of the vaults 100 preferably comprise a 
sloping upper surface to direct liquids permeating through the engineering soil to the 
vaults 100. The sloping upper surface of the ceiling 104 preferably slopes away from the 
open side 106 and down towards the rear of the vault 100 towards gap 25. The vault 
assemblies 20 of the embodiment have a rear wall, which opposes the open side 106. A 
pair of vaults 100 may be disposed in a vault assembly 20 such that the rear walls 102 are 
adjacent (see Figures 4 and 5). Optionally, the same footing 122 may be used to support 
the adjacent rear walls 102 as is illustrated in Figure 6. In this configuration, the sloping 
surfaces of the ceilings 104 direct liquids to gap 25 between the vaults 100 and the liquids 
can then flow down to the raft 120 supporting the vault 100. Liquids may drain more 
efficiently compared to known systems 10 and improve oxygen flow into the vaults in a 
relatively shorter amount of time.  
[0071] The drainage path of the liquids is preferably in the direction of natural water 
runoff, which will typically be parallel to the slope of the natural ground or underlying 
bedrock as can be seeing in Figure 6B. In this way, the footings 122 are not impeding the 
flow of liquids and inadvertently retaining fluids below the vaults 100. The footings 122 
preferably raise a vault between 50mm to 400mm from the underside of the spacer 124 to 
allow for the free movement of fluids there-under.  
[0072] A flowchart is shown in Figure 7 showing a method for constructing the system 
10. Firstly a site for the system 10 is selected and prepared 202 for system 10 
installation. The site is preferably cleared to form a generally planar top surface which is 
suitable for mounting vault assemblies 20. The planar top surface may be the natural 
ground surface stripped of organic material and/or top soil, and is referred to herein as the 
natural ground level 90. Optionally, a pit can be excavated to install the vaults and 
footing structures. Geotextiles 204 may be laid on the natural ground level 90 to form a 
base for rafts 120 to be constructed 206. The rafts 120 are used as a footing structure for 
the vault assemblies 20 and are installed over sections of the geotextile. Once the footing 
structures or rafts 120 have been constructed, the vaults 100 can be installed onto said
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structures 208. A plurality of vaults 100 installed may be referred to as a vault assembly 
20.  
[0073] Once all vaults 100 have been installed, the system 10 can be backfilled with 
engineering soil 50. The engineering soil 50 may be granular, coarse or fine material, 
such as sand, gravel, granular concrete, construction aggregate or blue metal, which 
allows for relatively consistent drainage of liquids entering into the system, such as from 
rain or irrigation systems. Preferably, the engineering soils have a predetermined particle 
size or distribution which may be used to form gaps or voids between particles of the 
engineering soil 50. Preferably, the engineering soil is at least one of; a homogenous 
material, a uniform material or uniform mixture of materials which has at least one 
desired engineering property. It is preferred that the engineering soil is substantially free 
from natural soils from the site, unless said soils meet the engineering soil properties. For 
example, a system 10 constructed in sand dunes. The desired engineering property may 
be a desired drainage, a desired compaction, a desired static effect or any other desired 
property. However, any desired engineering soil 50 backfill may be provided to the 
system to assist with directing the flow of fluids. After backfilling with engineering soil 
is complete, topsoil sections can be installed, which are generally above the buried vault 
assemblies 20 (see Figure 6, for example). Adjacent to the topsoil sections a paving or 
pathway 30 can be installed 214. The pathway 30 is preferably installed above an access 
channel, which can be excavated to form a trench 15. The trench 15 may then be used to 
access the vaults when needed. When a vault is occupied, at least one plot can be 
disposed on the topsoil section 216 indicating the occupant of a vault.  
[0074] Referring to Figure 8, there is shown an embodiment of a trench 15 what has been 
formed in the system 10. The paving of the pathway 30 has been partially removed to 
form the trench the access the vault 100. The removable wall 108 can be removed at the 
bottom of the trench 15 and an occupant can be placed within the vault and/or 
decomposed remains can be moved aside within the tomb, but preferably not removed 
from tomb and allow for another occupant to be placed within the vault. The cut batters 
of the trench 15 may be supported by any desired means, such as a retaining wall or sheet
WO 2020/191425 PCT/AU2019/050255 
-17
piles, to temporarily support a cut batter such that a person working at the bottom of a 
trench 15 is not accidentally buried if there is a collapse of the trench. In another 
embodiment, a degradable cement binder is injected into the engineering fill before 
excavation to provide a more stable trench 15.  
[0075] A bottom view of an embodiment of a vault 100 is illustrated in Figure 9. As 
shown, the bottom of the vault is free of a floor. Optionally, the engineering soil can be 
backfilled such that a floor is constructed from the engineering soil and/or the footings 
122. As such, a casket or wrapped body, or other material to decompose can be mounted 
onto sand or footings 122 or supports 128 within the receptacle. It is preferably that the 
vaults are formed without floors to increase the air flow into the vaults to assist with 
decomposition.  
[0076] The system 10 of the present disclosure may allow for decomposition of a body in 
a period of between 5 to 12 years, depending on rainfall, moisture and humidity of the 
environment. Preferably, the engineering soils 50 installed in the system 10 allow for the 
moisture to be transported out of the system relatively quickly to oxygenate the system 10 
to accelerate decomposition.  
[0077] The walls 102 and ceiling 104 of the structure are preferably formed with 
sufficient concrete cover to ensure that internal reinforcing is covered during use and 
therefore concrete cancer is less likely to occur. Preferably, the concrete cover of the 
walls is between 5mm to 100mm depending on the volume of sand above the structure.  
[0078] The volume of sand or engineering fill above the structure may be of a minimum 
depth such a requirement by the health authorities.  
[0079] Preferably, the system improves the oxygen exposure to the casket which may 
assist with decomposition of a body with a casket. Further, the system may also provide 
for moisture removal to keep caskets more dry for longer periods of time. It will be 
appreciated that drainage systems for caskets may be used to assist with drying soils 
adjacent to the casket.
WO 2020/191425 PCT/AU2019/050255 
-18
[0080] Preferably, geotextiles are laid at the surface to allow for a more stable structure 
and reduce movement of the rafts which may occur during settlement or with high 
volumes of fluids in the system 10. The geotextiles may be a woven or non-woven fabric 
which may assist in preventing the loss of sand or other engineered soil and prevent sand 
or engineered soil to mix with clay soil.  
[0081] Backfilled soils may comprise granular materials which readily allow for moisture 
to be drained through from the system 10. Preferably, the backfill materials are sands or 
gravels which can be compacted or have minimal settlement issues after backfill.  
[0082] Optionally, in-situ soils above the casket can be replaced with engineering soils 
which allows for improved drainage around the vaults 100. However, in one 
embodiment, only the trenches 15 to access vaults are replaced with engineering soils and 
the natural soils above the vaults 100 are retained in their natural position. This may 
reduce the need for removal of materials, and also reduces the overall environmental 
impact due to burial. In addition, having engineering soils within only trenches may 
assist with directing liquids from the system if the trenches comprise further drainage 
structures below the level of the raft 120. For example, drains may be installed below the 
raft 120 and be used to more efficiently direct liquids, such as water, from the system 10.  
[0083] Optionally, other drainage structures may be used to reduce moisture content, 
such as wick drains. These drainage structures may require minimal maintenance and be 
effective over a period of decomposition. Preferably, any drainage structure is replaced 
when tombs are accessed. This may allow for more effective removal of moisture within 
the system.  
[0084] After a known period of time has elapsed, a grave can be opened safely with the 
body having decomposed due to the system. For example, the period of time may be 
between 5 to 12 years, depending on experienced weather conditions of the system 10.  
The vault 100 may then be reused and the system can begin again. This allows for a 
reduction of land usage as vaults 100 can be used more than once in a relatively short
WO 2020/191425 PCT/AU2019/050255 
-19
period of time. Further, as the decomposition rate of bodies can be accelerated, the 
need 
for further land consumption can also be reduced.  
[0085] In another embodiment, the system comprises a vault stacks which can 
block 
residents of the vaults 100 in a predetermined plan vertically in addition to horizontally.  
If vaults are stacked, each vault will be positioned on a respective support structure such 
that fluids can easily be removed from the vault stacks and more readily increase oxygen 
levels to increase a rate of decomposition.  
[0086] It is preferred that the receptacles of the vaults 100 are free from, or substantially 
free from, engineering soil 50 when in use. Allowing a larger volume of oxygen near to a 
body will allow for a faster rate of decomposition and therefore the vault 
100 can be 
reused more quickly.  
[0087] It will be appreciated that accelerating the decomposition of bodies may allow 
for 
reuse of a vault 100 when the resident has decomposed such that one bones remain within 
the vault receptacle. In this way the vaults can be used more effectively and less space is 
wasted as further cemetery spaces are not required or vastly reduced.  
[0088] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it 
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in 
many other forms, in keeping with the broad principles and the spirit of the invention 
described herein.  
[0089] The present invention and the described preferred embodiments specifically 
include at least one feature that is industrial applicable.
WO 2020/191425 PCT/AU2019/050255 
-20
CLAIMS 
1. A system for internment, the system comprising; 
a vault assembly comprising a plurality of vaults mounted on a raft; 
each of the plurality of vaults comprising a respective removable wall which can 
be selectively removed from the vault; and 
wherein the raft comprises a plurality of footing structures adapted to direct fluid 
flow.  
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the footing structures are retained in a 
predetermined spacing by a spacer.  
3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the spacer further comprises retaining 
flanges in which the footing structures are mounted.  
4. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable 
wall of the vault comprises a plurality of panels.  
5. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable 
wall comprises at least one access means.  
6. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vault and 
raft are at least buried by an engineering soil.
WO 2020/191425 PCT/AU2019/050255 
-21
7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the engineering soil is a granular 
backfill to allow fluids to drain towards the bottom of the vault. .  
8. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vaults of 
the vault assembly comprises two side walls, a rear wall and a ceiling which are 
integrally formed and define a vault receptacle.  
9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the ceiling is tapered towards the rear 
wall to direct liquids away from the removable wall.  
10. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lip is 
provided in the vault to mount the removable wall.  
11. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vault is 
constructed without a floor.  
12. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the raft 
elevates the vault above a natural ground level.  
13. A system for internment, the system comprising; 
a vault assembly comprising a plurality of vaults mounted on a raft; 
the vaults comprising two side walls and a ceiling defining a receptacle;
WO 2020/191425 PCT/AU2019/050255 
-22
the vault further comprising at least one removable wall to allow access to the 
receptacle; and 
wherein the walls are supported on at least one footing of the raft, and wherein 
each footing is retained in a predetermined position by a plurality of spacers.  
14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the spacers are perpendicular to the 
footings.  
15. The system as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the vault further 
comprises a rear wall which opposes the removable wall.  
16. The system as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the removable wall 
comprises a plurality of panels.  
17. A method for constructing an internment system, the method comprising; 
mounting a footing structure on a ground surface; 
fixing at least one vault to the footing structure to form a vault assembly in which 
a bottom of the vault is exposed to the raft; 
burying at least a portion of the vault assembly with an engineering soil; and 
installing a topsoil section over the engineering soil relatively above the vault 
assembly.  
18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the footing is mounted on a 
geotextile on the ground surface.
WO 2020/191425 PCT/AU2019/050255 
-23
19. The method as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein a plurality of vault 
assemblies are constructed in parallel in which respective topsoil sections are installed 
relatively above respective vault assemblies of the plurality of vault assemblies, and at 
least one pathways is constructed between the topsoil sections.  
20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the pathways are removable such 
that a trench can be excavated to install a resident into the vault assemblies.
WO 2020/191425 1/9 PCT/AU2019/050255 
100 
114 104 
102 
110 
108 
FIGURE1I 
114 
116 
110A 
104 
116 
116 10 
110B 
112 HC 101
WO 2020/191425 2/9 PCT/AU2019/050255 
120 
104 
102 
124 
122 
110 
128 
126 
FIGURE 3A 
100 
104 
128 126 
102 124 
124 
122 
120 
FIGURE 3B
WO 2020/191425 3/9 PCT/AU2019/050255 
25 
104 20 
108 
122 
104 
124 
7 124 
120 
126 
102 
FIGURE 4 
100 
20 
100 
110 
100 
124 
122 
124 
FIGURE 5
WO 2020/191425 4/9 PCT/AU2019/050255 
Lo0 
IV
WO 2020/191425 PCT/AU2019/050255 
5/9 
C 
yw 
'"oo
WO 2020/191425 PCT/AU2019/050255 
6/9 
70 
40 
45 ~--2 
FIGURE 6C 
16 
16 
20[ 
70 
FIGURE 6D
WO 2020/191425 7/9 PCT/AU2019/050255 
200 
202 PREPARESITE 
204 LAY GEO
TEXTILE 
206 CONSTRUCT 
FOOTING 
STRUCTURE 
208 INSTALL VAULT 
ASSEMBLIES 
210 BACKFILL WITH 
ENGINEERING 
SOILS 
212 INSTALL 
TOPSOIL AND 
SURFACE LAWN 
214 INSTALL MESH 
ON ACCESS 
CHANNELS 
216 
INSTALL PLOTS 
FIGURE 7
WO 2020/191425 PCT/AU2019/050255 8/9 
15 10 
300 
FIGURE 
707 
102 
100 1IlOB 7 
110 
10 
FIGURE9
WO 2020/191425 PCT/AU2019/050255 
9/9 
3 320 300 
310 
330 
FIGURE 10
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No.  
PCT/AU2019/050255 
A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER 
E04H 13/00(2006.01) A61G 17/00(2006.01) 
According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC 
B. FIELDS SEARCHED 
Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols) 
Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched 
Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable, search terms used) 
Databases: PATENW, Google Patents, Espacenet: IPC/CPC: E04H13/00/low; A61G/17/00/low with keywords wall, partition, board, barrier, 
remove, detach, open, divider, withdraw, replace, raft, rail, platform, plank, log, foot, leg, channel, path, vent, outlet, drain, incline, slope, angle, 
gradient, slant, pitch and similar terms.  
Applicant and inventor name "KAMALEDINE, Ahmed" searched in Espacenet, Auspat and IP Australia internal databases.  
C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT 
Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevantto 
claim No.  
Documents are listed in the continuation of Box C 
WFurther documents are listed in the continuation of Box C See patent family annex 
* Special categories of cited documents: 
"A" document defining the general state of the art which is not "T" later document published after the international filing date or priority date and not in 
considered to be of particular relevance conflict with the application but cited to understand the principle or theory 
underlying the invention 
"E" earlier application or patent but published on or after the "X" document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered novel 
international filing date or cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is taken 
alone 
"L" document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or "Y" document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered to 
which is cited to establish the publication date of another involve an inventive step when the document is combined with one or more other 
citation or other special reason (as specified) such documents, such combination being obvious to a person skilled in the art 
"0" document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition 
or other means "&" documentmemberofthesamepatentfamily 
"P' document published prior to the international filing date 
but later than the priority date claimed 
Date of the actual completion of the international search Date of mailing of the international search report 
3 May 2019 03 May 2019 
Name and mailing address of the ISA/AU Authorised officer 
AUSTRALIAN PATENT OFFICE Serinel Samuel 
PO BOX 200, WODEN ACT 2606, AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIAN PATENT OFFICE 
Email address: petipaustralia.gov.au (ISO 9001 Quality Certified Service)
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No.  
C (Continuation). DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT PCT/AU2019/050255 
Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No.  
US 6105315 A (STOECKLEIN et al.) 22 August 2000 
X Abstract; figures; col. 5, lines 45-63; col. 9, lines 45-47; col. 8, lines 9-18; col. 11, lines 1, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 17, 19, 
30-45 20 
Y as above 18 
US 4099353 A (BLUNT) 11 July 1978 
X Abstract; figures; col. 1, line 14 -col. 3, line10 1-3, 5-9, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20 
Y as above 4, 10, 16, 18 
US 4648219 A (JOHNSTON, Sr.) 10 March 1987 
X Abstract; figures; col. 2, lines 25-51. 1, 12, 13, 15, 17 
Y as above 18 
US 3230674 A (CHRISTENSEN) 25 January 1966 
Y Fig. 2; col. 3, lines 11-21; col. 2, lines 56-59 4, 10, 16 
US 7637061 B2 (MURPHY et al.) 29 December 2009 
Y Col. 3, lines 45-46. 18 
US 4463484 A (VALLE ARIZPE) 07 August 1984 
A 
US 3897663 A (GAUL) 05 August 1975 
A 
US 2004/0211129 Al (SANNIPOLI, SR. et al.) 28 October 2004 
A
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No.  
PCT/AU2019/050255 
Box No. II Observations where certain claims were found unsearchable (Continuation of item 2 of first sheet) 
This international search report has not been established in respect of certain claims under Article 17(2)(a) for the following 
reasons: 
1. Claims Nos.: 
because they relate to subject matter not required to be searched by this Authority, namely: 
the subject matter listed in Rule 39 on which, under Article 17(2)(a)(i), an international search is not required to be 
carried out, including 
2. Claims Nos.: 
because they relate to parts of the international application that do not comply with the prescribed requirements to such 
an extent that no meaningful international search can be carried out, specifically: 
3. Claims Nos: 
because they are dependent claims and are not drafted in accordance with the second and third sentences of Rule 6.4(a) 
Box No. III Observations where unity of invention is lacking (Continuation of item 3 of first sheet) 
This International Searching Authority found multiple inventions in this international application, as follows: 
See Supplemental Box for Details 
1. As all required additional search fees were timely paid by the applicant, this international search report covers all 
searchable claims.  
2. As all searchable claims could be searched without effort justifying additional fees, this Authority did not invite 
payment of additional fees.  
3. As only some of the required additional search fees were timely paid by the applicant, this international search report 
covers only those claims for which fees were paid, specifically claims Nos.: 
4. No required additional search fees were timely paid by the applicant. Consequently, this international search report is 
restricted to the invention first mentioned in the claims; it is covered by claims Nos.: 
Remark on Protest F The additional search fees were accompanied by the applicant's protest and, where applicable, 
the payment of a protest fee.  
F The additional search fees were accompanied by the applicant's protest but the applicable 
protest fee was not paid within the time limit specified in the invitation.  
No protest accompanied the payment of additional search fees.
]INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No.  
PCT/AU2019/050255 
Supplemental Box 
Continuation of Box III 
This International Application does not comply with the requirements of unity of invention because it does not relate to one 
invention or to a group of inventions so linked as to form a single general inventive concept.  
This Authority has found that there are different inventions based on the following features that separate the claims into distinct 
groups: 
• Claims 1-16 are directed to a system for internment having a vault assembly mounted on a raft comprising a plurality of 
footing and each of the vaults comprising a respective removable wall.. The feature of the feature of each of the vaults 
comprising a respective removable wall is specific to this group of claims.  
• Claims 17-20 are directed to a method of constructing an internment by mounting footing structure, fixing a vault to the 
footing structure, burying a portion of the vault assembly with an engineering soil and installing a topsoil section over the 
engineering soil relatively above the vault assembly.. The feature of the feature of burying a portion of the vault assembly 
with an engineering soil and installing a topsoil section over the engineering soil relatively above the vault assembly is 
specific to this group of claims.  
PCT Rule 13.2, first sentence, states that unity of invention is only fulfilled when there is a technical relationship among the 
claimed inventions involving one or more of the same or corresponding special technical features. PCT Rule 13.2, second sentence, 
defines a special technical feature as a feature which makes a contribution over the prior art.  
When there is no special technical feature common to all the claimed inventions there is no unity of invention.  
In the above groups of claims, the identified features may have the potential to make a contribution over the prior art but are not 
common to all the claimed inventions and therefore cannot provide the required technical relationship. The only feature common to 
all of the claimed inventions and which provides a technical relationship among them is fixing a vault to the footing structure to 
form a vault assembly in which a bottom of the vault is exposed to the raft 
However this feature does not make a contribution over the prior art because it is disclosed in: 
US 5076151 A (CARRIER) 31 December 1991- See items 28, 30 and 32 of fig. 6.  
Therefore in the light of this document this common feature cannot be a special technical feature. Therefore there is no special 
technical feature common to all the claimed inventions and the requirements for unity of invention are consequently not satisfied a 
posteriori.
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No.  
Information on patent family members PCT/AU2019/050255 
This Annex lists known patent family members relating to the patent documents cited in the above-mentioned international search 
report. The Australian Patent Office is in no way liable for these particulars which are merely given for the purpose of information.  
Patent Document/s Cited in Search Report Patent Family Member/s 
Publication Number Publication Date Publication Number Publication Date 
US 6105315 A 22 August 2000 US 6105315 A 22 Aug 2000 
US 4099353 A 11 July 1978 US 4099353 A 11 Jul 1978 
US 4648219 A 10 March 1987 None 
US 3230674 A 25 January 1966 US 3230674 A 25 Jan 1966 
US 7637061 132 29 December 2009 US 2009229195 A 17 Sep 2009 
US 7637061 B2 29 Dec 2009 
US 4463484 A 07 August 1984 US 4463484 A 07 Aug 1984 
US 3897663 A 05 August 1975 US 3897663 A 05 Aug 1975 
US 2004/0211129 Al 28 October 2004 US 2004211129 Al 28 Oct 2004 
End of Annex