Patent Publication Number: US-2009235491-A1

Title: Casket swing handle

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/070,020, filed Mar. 19, 2008, and which is incorporated here by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to burial and cremation containers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Cremation containers are containers in which a deceased may be placed prior to cremation. Cremation containers range from elaborate hardwood caskets to simple corrugated paper cartons. Some cremation containers are intended to be consumed during cremation, and others are not. Burial containers are containers in which a deceased is placed for interment. Caskets and/or containers can in many cases be used for either purpose. 
     Cremation is often considered to be a low cost funerary option, as it eliminates the need for interment space. Extremely low funerary costs can be achieved by employing a corrugated paper cremation container, which is a fraction of the cost of hardwood or metal caskets. Even if cost is not a major consideration, corrugated paper caskets are a popular choice for cremation. Paper caskets are preferred, in part, because they are completely consumed during the cremation process so there are no metal components remaining in the ash after the cremation. 
     Many corrugated paper caskets have design elements that approximate decorative wood or steel caskets. Many people find such paper caskets to be suitable for presentation at a viewing and/or memorial service. These ornately designed paper caskets represent a cost savings over hardwood caskets, and are particularly advantageous in cases in which the casket is to be consumed during the cremation process. 
     While ornately designed paper caskets are less expensive than hardwood caskets, they still represent a significant cost that may not be practical in some cases. In such cases, the least expensive option is a simple rectangular corrugated paper container and associated simple rectangular lid that fits over the container in a manner similar to that of a common shoe box. The deceased fits within the container and then the rectangular lid is fitted over the container to close off the casket. 
     One drawback associated with the simple rectangular paper container is the perceived lack of dignity that the container provides. While the simple rectangular paper container may not be intended for elaborate funerary proceedings, there is still a need for identification of a deceased by the next-of-kin, and often a need for the closest relatives to pay last respects. Such viewings are often emotional in nature, and it desirable to provide the appearance of some dignity, even if expensive containers are not an option. 
     There is a need therefore, for a casket or cremation container that retains much or all of the economy of the simple rectangular container design while providing additional aesthetic display of the deceased for identification and viewing purposes. 
     Another problem with prior art corrugated box container caskets relates to handles for carrying the container. Typically, a handle is formed as a cut-out in the corrugated container. However, a drawback associated with this type of handle is that one lifting the casket could contact the remains located within the casket. Therefore, there is also a need for a handle that may be used with corrugated container and other relatively inexpensive caskets that allows the casket to be easily and comfortably lifted while shielding the casket bearer from the remains of the deceased. 
     In wood and metal caskets, a long bar handle is typically provided on the outside of the container. However, many of such structures are not readily compatible with a corrugated container, because of the strength requirement for the connection between that handle and the casket wall. 
     Moreover, an external handle can add to the width the container. An overly wide unit presents a number of problems including increased difficulty moving the container through doorways or other passages, and incurs additional shipment and storage costs. Accordingly, maintaining a narrow profile is beneficial. 
     SUMMARY 
     At least some embodiments of the present invention address some of the above-referenced issues by providing a rotatable handle arrangement on a casket/container wall. In general, the handle rotates upward from a non-used position to a carrying position. In these embodiments, the handle includes a connector that is configured to, in the carrying position, distribute load to strengthen the integrity of the handle and container. 
     A first embodiment of the invention is a handle arrangement for a container for a deceased, the handle arrangement including a side wall of the container, and a handle assembly, and a slidable linkage arrangement. The side wall includes at least a first opening. The handle arrangement, the handle assembly includes a gripping surface and a connector, the connector including a first connector end disposed proximate a top of the container, and a second connector end disposed proximate a bottom of a container. The connector is rotatably connected to the side wall, the rotatable connection defining a pivot point that is closer to the first connector end than to the second connector end. The slidable linkage arrangement has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The first end is operably coupled to the connector at a position closer to the second connector end than to the first connector end. The intermediate body extends through the first opening. The second end disposed such that the first end and the second end are disposed on opposite sides of the side wall. 
     The slidable linkage assembly provides a mechanism that helps distributed the load born by the handle differently than if the entire load was borne at or proximate to the pivot point of the rotatable connector. 
     The above described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a casket system incorporating casket swing arm system mounted on a casket in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a plan view of an exemplary handle assembly that may be used in the swing arm system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a cutaway view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a plan view of a second exemplary handle assembly that may be used in embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a slidable linkage element that may be used in the swing arm system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows a top plan view of the slidable linkage element of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows a side plan view of the slidable linkage element of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  shows a fragmentary plan view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 2  coupled to an end of the slidable linkage element of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  shows a fragmentary cutaway view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 2  coupled to an end of the slidable linkage element of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a retainer for the slidable linkage element of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 11  shows a plan view of an end the retainer of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows a fragmentary perspective view of an end of the slidable linkage element of  FIG. 5  disposed within the retainer of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  shows a fragmentary perspective view of the swing arm system of  FIG. 1  showing the internal and external elements of the system in a first position; 
         FIG. 14  shows a fragmentary perspective view of the swing arm system of  FIG. 1  showing the internal and external elements of the system in a second position; 
         FIG. 15  shows a fragmentary perspective view of the swing arm system of  FIG. 1  showing the internal and external elements of the system in the first position, with all elements of the casket other than the casket wall removed; 
         FIG. 16  shows a fragmentary perspective view of the swing arm system of  FIG. 1  showing the internal and external elements of the system in the second position, with all elements of the casket other than the casket wall removed; 
         FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a swing arm system according to the present invention apart from the casket or container; 
         FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of another the swing arm system of  FIG. 17  assembled into a fragmentary portion of a side wall of a casket or container. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written description. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the invention is thereby intended. It is further understood that the present invention includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a casket system  100  incorporating casket swing arm system  102  mounted on a casket  104 . The casket may be constructed of cardboard, wood or any other acceptable material. In this embodiment, the casket  104  is constructed of 32 ECT single wall and double wall kraft paper. 
     The swing arm system  102  may be more or less ornate than shown. The swing arm system  102  may be fabricated of wood or plastic for use in cremation containers. In other embodiments, metals and other materials may be used. Additionally, while swing arm system  102  is show herein in use with a casket system  100 , they may alternatively be used in any temporary container system wherein easy of carrying is desired without unduly adding to the width of the container. Such temporary container systems include containers used for packaging of appliances, e.g., dishwashers, ovens and the like. 
     As will be discussed below in detail, the swing arm system  102  coordinates with the side wall  103  of the casket system  100  to form a handle arrangement that provides at least some advantages of the invention, including, for example, distribution of weight force away from the pivot point that is defined at or near the top of the swing arm assembly  102 . 
     The swing arm system  102  includes a handle assembly or swing arm  106  shown in  FIG. 2 . The swing arm  106  includes a number of grip areas  108 , connector structures  109 , and connector ports  110 . While the embodiment of  FIG. 2  includes three grip areas  108 , more or fewer grip areas may be provided in alternative embodiments. By way of example, the swing arm  112  of  FIG. 4  includes a single grip area  114 . If desired, the end portions  116  may be used in addition to or in place of the grip area  114 . 
     The connector structures  109  form the structures that rotatably connect to the side wall  103  of the casket system  100 . It is further noted that in this embodiment, the connector structures  109  are integrally formed with the grip areas  108 , i.e. as a single piece of wood. However, in alternative embodiments, the gripping portion may be a long rigid bar that fits through holes of multiple separate connector structures. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the port  110  extends completely through the swing arm  106  and includes a lower bore  118  and a countersunk portion  120 . The port  110  is configured to receive a slidable linkage element  122  shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . The slidable linkage element  122  includes an anchor portion  124 , a shaft portion  126  and a head portion  128 . The head portion  128  includes a barbed section  130  and a flange portion  132 . The barbed section  130  and the flange portion  132  are configured such that when the slidable linkage element  122  is positioned in the swing arm  106  as depicted in  FIG. 8 , the slidable linkage element  122  is maintained within the port  110  as explained in reference to  FIG. 9 . 
     In  FIG. 9 , most of the barbed section  130  is located within the lower bore  118  and the flange portion  132  is positioned within the countersunk portion  120 . The barbed section  130  is configured such that at least a lower barb  134  is not positioned within the lower bore  118 . Rather, the lower barb  134  is positioned against an inwardly facing wall  136  of the swing arm  106 . Thus, the flange portion  132  and the lower barb  134  clamp the swing arm  106  while the remaining barbs located in the lower bore  118  frictionally engage the wall of the lower bore  118 . 
     The anchor portion  124  is configured to be inserted within a stop member  140  shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The stop member  140  includes a channel  142  and two inwardly extending retaining lips  144  and  146 . The retaining lips  144  and  146  define a slot portion  148 . The channel  142  and the two inwardly extending retaining lips  144  and  146  are formed complementary to the anchor  124 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the inwardly extending retaining lips  144  and  146  maintain the anchor portion  124  within the channel  142  and the shaft  126  of the slidable linkage element  122  extends outwardly through the slot portion  148 . 
     The stop member  140  is configured to be positioned within a trench  150  of the casket  104  as shown in  FIG. 13 . In  FIG. 13 , the swing arm  106  is positioned with the inwardly facing wall  136  laying against the side wall  152  of the casket  104 . In the position, a large portion of the shaft  126  is within the trench  150  and the stop member  140  is located at the rear portion  154  of the trench  150 . 
       FIG. 14  shows the location of components of the swing arm system  102  after rotation of the swing arm  106  in the direction of the arrow  156  of  FIG. 13 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the rotation of the swing arm has caused the stop member  140  to be located at a forward portion  158  of the trench  150 . The movement is discussed with reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 . As the swing arm  106  is rotated in the direction of the arrow  160  of  FIG. 15 , the swing arm presses against the flange portion  132  of the slidable linkage element member  122 . The force from the swing arm  106  is transferred through the shaft portion  126  to the anchoring portion  124 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the anchoring portion  124  is maintained within the stop member  140  by the inwardly extending retaining lips  144  and  146 . Accordingly, the stop member  140  is pulled in the direction of the arrow  162  of  FIG. 13  to the position shown in  FIG. 16  wherein the swing arm  106  has been rotated about 40 degrees off of vertical. The rotation of the swing arm  106  is limited by the length of the trench  150  and the shaft portion  126  of the slidable linkage element member  122 . Once the stop member  140  abuts the forward wall of the trench  150 , further rotation of the swing arm  106  is restricted. 
     The forty degree angle is selected to provide for ample clearance between the swing arm  106  and the side wall  152  of the casket  104  to provide for a good hand hold. Limiting the rotation of the swing arm  106  ensures that a significant amount of the force applied to the swing arm  104  by a user, such as when the casket  104  is lifted, is transferred at a relatively steep angle to the casket. This allows the swing arm  106  to be mounted to the side wall  152  using a light weight hinge. In this embodiment, the side wall  152  is cut to form a flap. The swing arm  106  is then mounted on the flap (not shown) which functions as a hinge. It will appreciated that those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise any number of suitable hingers. 
     Nevertheless, the use of a flap allows the swing arm  106  to be rotated to an angle less than 90 degrees, and most preferably within the range of 30-60 degrees. Larger angles may be provided by use of heavy duty hinges or in applications with relatively low forces. 
     In further embodiments, the side wall of the casket is not used to provide the hinge. One such embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . The swing arm system  200  includes a swing arm  202 , a slidable linkage element  204 , and a stop member  206 , each of which functions in like manner to the respective components of the swing arm system  102 . The swing arm system  200  further includes an anchor member  208  and a hinge  210  which are shown more clearly in  FIG. 18 . 
     The anchor member  208  is configured like the stop member  140 . The hinge  210  includes an anchoring portion  212  which is retained within the anchor member  208 . A shank portion  214  extends through a slot  216  in a side wall  218 . A loop portion  220  is located between the shank portion  214  and a landing portion  222 . The swing arm  202  is attached to the landing portion  222  using, for example, adhesives. Alternatively, the hinge  210  may be integrally formed with the swing arm  202 . The loop portion  202  allows for rotation of the swing arm  202  away from the side wall  218 . 
     Various elements of the swing arm system may be manufactured from alternative materials. By way of example, they may be molded from a polypropylene. The components may be manufactured in a number of methods including injection molding. Moreover, many detailed features have been disclosed herein that provide additional advantages beyond those of the present invention, or indeed enhance the present invention. It will be appreciated that many of the advantages of the present invention may be obtained without such detailed features. The principles of the present invention have widespread applications, and may be incorporated into any number of designs by those of ordinary skill in the art.