Abstract:
A burial casket shaped as a capsule opened by sliding two (2) halves of the capsule lid outwardly, thereby allowing the option of a half-open, fully-open, or fully-closed configuration. The capsule lids would be provided a securing means to prevent inadvertent opening and carrying handles would be provided. These features provide for a casket that is of a lower cost and smaller size, yet still provides a respectful viewing means for the deceased.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/269,260 filed Jun. 23, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to burial vessels, and in particular, to a coffin adapted for ease of manipulation and efficient use of space. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Ceremonies associated with death have constituted some of the most important rituals in human existence. While many various traditions, observations, and methods of interment exist around the world, perhaps one of the most popular is the use of coffins and similar interment vessels utilized to contain and protect the bodies of the deceased. Such coffins are commonly associated with burial rituals such as placement under coffins, in graveyards or other burial sites, and the like. 
     While such burial vessels are of significant cultural and spiritual significance, many practical problems result from their use. One (1) of the most prominent growing issues with such devices is that of their size and shape. It is considered important that such sites remain sacred and undisturbed for an indefinite period of time. However, the placement of large or bulky interment vessels accelerates the pace at which burial sites are filled up. Due to the finite nature of space on earth, this problem becomes more and more significant as time goes on. Furthermore, such vessels are inconvenient or undesirable with regards to transportation, cost associated with expensive burial space, cost associated with materials of the vessel itself, and the like. While alternate methods of corporal preservation, such as cremation, have become popular alternatives to mitigate these types of problems, many persons consider coffin-type vessels to be an important symbolic or spiritual aspect of an interment ceremony. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide interment vessels such as coffins. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 2,579,756; U.S. Pat. No. 2,835,955; U.S. Pat. No. 3,924,309; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,281. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for a coffin exist, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. D 420,193 and D 551,425. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Traditionally, many such coffins take the form of large, generally rectangular shapes which are large and difficult to maneuver. Also, many such traditional coffins are heavy which aggravates these types of difficulties. Furthermore, many such vessels are cost prohibitive due to their size, materials, construction, or ornamentation. In addition, many such devices are of a construction which makes them difficult to use, position, or configure in a desired manner. Accordingly, there exists a need for a burial coffin without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a burial vessel which makes efficient and comfortable use of space in a manner which allows for ease of use and configuration while providing features and advantages of a traditional coffin. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means to display, secure, and transport deceased remains in the manner of a traditional coffin. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for an economical retention and burial enclosure which is cost and space efficient. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to adapt closely to a human form, providing comfortable securement to a body as well as requiring less burial ground. The device takes a generally cylindrical form of a length similar to a conventional coffin. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide various configurations such as open, partially open, or closed in order to allow various desired states during ceremonial proceedings. The device comprises a top portion which is slidingly removably attachable to a bottom portion. The top portion further comprises two (2) separable lid portions covering the head and foot portions of an interred person, respectively, and allowing for selective exposure of neither, either or both halves of the interior of the device as desired. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide secure closure to an enclosed corpse via a latching means between the two (2) lids of the top portion. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide further secure closure to an enclosed corpse via a tongue-and-groove type sliding fitting connection between the top and bottom portions and a cap for locking the lids in place, thereby providing a unitary circular or ovular profile to the device. The sliding fitting connection further comprises a gasket for airtight closure. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable convenient lifting and movement of the device in a conventional manner via integrally molded handles. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable the device to be displayed in a desired level location for traditional viewing or burial ceremonies via a base support which provides a flat bottom surface and a sliding fitting means for the bottom portion of the device. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a horizontal surface interior to the bottom portion for positioning of the deceased remains. The interior of the bottom portion may further house a variety of ceremonial items or the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of removing the caps and lid portions, positioning deceased remains and ceremonial items with the bottom portion and the contained horizontal surface, disposing the lids in a desired configuration for various ceremonial proceedings, providing a means for positioning the device on a flat surface via engagement of the bottom portion with the base support, providing secure closure to the device via the sliding attachments, latches, and caps, easily transporting the device in a conventional manner via the handles, and providing space efficient interment as a result of the shape of the device. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a burial capsule  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the burial capsule  10  depicting a closed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the burial capsule  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded front view of the burial capsule  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of the burial capsule  10  taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a close-up perspective view of a latching means  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7  is a section view of the latching means  40  taken along line B-B (see  FIG. 6 ) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 burial capsule 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 top portion 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 lower portion 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 first lid 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 second lid 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 side handle 
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 end handle 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 latch means 
               
               
                   
                 41a 
                 cap 
               
               
                   
                 41b 
                 aperture 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 first ledge 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 second ledge 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 first protrusion 
               
               
                   
                 45 
                 second protrusion 
               
               
                   
                 49 
                 gasket seal 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 base portion 
               
               
                   
                 51 
                 slide fitting means 
               
               
                   
                 55 
                 base support 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 horizontal surface 
               
               
                   
                 65 
                 pillow 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 7 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a burial capsule (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for an economical and contemporary retention and burial enclosure. The apparatus  10  comprises a cylindrical form which adapts more closely to a human shape, hence requiring less burial ground. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  also comprises a top portion  20  and a lower portion  21  which provides a means to display, secure, and transport deceased remains. The apparatus  10  is fabricated from durable materials such as, but not limited to: fiberglass, steel, wood or the like. The apparatus  10  is preferably available in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes to correspond to various requirements and desires of a deceased person and all others involved. The apparatus  10  is utilized similar to conventional caskets or coffins, yet comprises innovative features, enhanced functionality, and a cost effective design. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a side view of the apparatus  10  depicting a closed state,  FIG. 3 , a top view of the apparatus  10 , and  FIG. 4 , an exploded front view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. As abovementioned the apparatus  10  comprises a top portion  20  and a lower portion  21  which provides a means to display and contain deceased remains. The top portion  20  comprises a first lid  22 , a second lid  24 , and a pair of end handles  35 . Each lid  22 ,  24  comprises a semi-circular shape and is divided equally in two (2) halves. The lids  22 ,  24  enable the apparatus  10  to be orientated in an open, a partially open, or a closed position which provide various desired states during ceremonial proceedings. The first lid  22  is located above a head portion of the deceased and the second lid  24  is located above a feet portion of said deceased. The first lid  22  mirrors the second lid  24  and both are slidably removably attachable to a slide fitting means  51  (also see  FIG. 5 ). Each lid  22 ,  24  is also fastened to one (1) another via a latching means  40  (also see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). The latching means  40  comprises associated components which enable a person to secure the lids  22 ,  24  in a closed state (see  FIG. 2 ). Each lid  22 ,  24  comprises an end handle  35  which provide a means to grasp each said lid  22 ,  24  for placement or removal. The end handles  35  are integrally molded into each lid  22 ,  24  and comprise an appropriate strength, length, and circumference to support the lids  22 ,  24  and enable person&#39;s hands to grip and exert a sufficient force to pull and lift said lids  22 ,  24 . An end handle  35  is located on an outer surface of each lid  22 ,  24  in an intermediate orientation. 
     The lower portion  21  also comprises a semi-circular shape of equal dimensions of the top portion  20  and provides a means to position and display the deceased remains and attach the top portion  20 . The lower portion  21  comprises a base portion  50  and a base support  55  which provides a means to support the deceased remains and the apparatus  10 . The base portion  50  comprises the slide fitting means  51  means to each lid  22 ,  24  (see  FIG. 5 ) which enables said lids  22 ,  24  to be removed or attached. Each outer side surface of the base portion  50  comprises a pair of side handles  30  which provide a means to grasp the apparatus  10  for lifting and transporting to a desired location. Each side handle  30  is integrally molded into the base portion  50 , are equally spaced, and comprise a tubular-shape to enable the user to grasp said side handles  30  in a common manner for a desired outcome. The side handles  30  are an appropriate strength, length, and circumference to support the apparatus  10  and enable person&#39;s hands to grip and exert a sufficient force to lift and carry said apparatus  10 . The base support  55  is attached to the base portion  50  preferably via integral molding and provides a stabilizing means for resting the apparatus  10  on a level display platform or the like in a stationary position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a section view of the apparatus  10  taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The base support  55  is tangential to the base  50  and is comprised of a rectangular portion located lengthwise across an entire bottom portion of said base  50 . The base support  55  enables the apparatus  10  to be displayed in a desired level location for viewing or burial means. The base  50  comprises a horizontal surface  60  which provides an interior flat surface for positioning the deceased remains upon. The horizontal surface  60  comprises preferably upholstered bedding which would line an interior portion of the base  50  to provide an aesthetically pleasing décor. The interior of the base portion  50  may also house a variety of ceremonial or highly esteemed items to personalize the apparatus  10  such as, but not limited to: pillows  65 , photographs, or the like. The horizontal surface  60  is durable to withstand a deceased individual and may be customizable and available in a variety of fabrics. 
     An uppermost surface of the base portion  50  and a lowermost surface of a top portion  20  comprise the slide fitting means  51  which provides an interconnecting and securing the two (2) portions  20 ,  50  together. The slide fitting means  51  is achieved via a common tongue-and-groove type joint which enables the two (2) portions  20 ,  50  to join strongly together which creates a seamless circular body. A gasket seal  49  is also used in conjunction with the tongue-and-groove type joints and/or an entrapment type joints to thoroughly seal the apparatus  10  in a closed state. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a close-up perspective view of the latching means  40  and  FIG. 7 , a section view of a cap  41   a  taken along line B-B (see  FIG. 5 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. As abovementioned the lids  22 ,  24  are secured via the latching means  40  which restrict movement of said lids  22 ,  24  in an x and y axis. The latching means  40  comprises a cap  40 , a first ledge  42 , a second ledge  43 , a first protrusion  44 , and a second protrusion  45 . The first lid  22  comprises a pair of “T”-shaped first protrusions  44  which are located along each lower outer surface of said first lid  22 . Integrally molded below each first protrusion  44  is a rectangular first ledge  42 . The second lid  24  comprises a pair of second protrusions  45  which are also “T”-shaped and are located along each lower outer surface of said second lid  24 . Integrally molded below each second protrusion  45  is a rectangular second ledge  43 . When each lid  22 ,  24  is engaged upon the lower portion  21  the protrusions  44 ,  45  and ledges  42 ,  43  form a seamless body which enables a cap  41   a  to be slidably engaged to secure the lids  22 ,  24  in the x and y axis. The cap  41   a  comprises a rectangular lower structure further comprising an arcuate upper structure and further comprises a “T”-shaped aperture  41   b  which enables said cap  41   a  to engage the protrusions  44 ,  45  and rest upon the ledges  42 ,  43 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; removing each cap  41   a  from each protrusion  44 ,  45 ; sliding the first lid  22  horizontally via the slide fitting means  51 , completely removing said first lid  22 ; sliding the second lid  24  horizontally via the slide fitting means  51 , completely removing said second lid  24 ; placing a deceased individual and other highly esteemed items in an interior portion of the base  50  upon the horizontal surface  60 ; reinstalling the second lid  24  in a sliding manner to its original position; reinstalling the first lid  22  also in a sliding manner to its original position; slidably engaging each cap  41   a  with each protrusion  44 ,  45  and resting said cap  41   a  upon each ledge  42 ,  43 , thereby securing the lids  22 ,  24 ; grasping at least two (2) opposing handles  30 ,  35  by at least (2) persons to transport and position the apparatus  10  to a desired location; enabling the apparatus  10  to remain in a closed position; placing the apparatus  10  in a grave or other desired location; and, enjoying the economical and contemporary burial enclosure. 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  in a partially open state may be achieved by performing the following steps: removing each cap  41   a  from each protrusion  44 ,  45 ; sliding a desired lid  22 ,  24  horizontally, completely removing said desired lid  22 ,  24 ; reinstalling said lid  22 ,  24  as desired; and latching the latching means  40  when necessary. 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  in a fully open state may be achieved by performing the following steps: removing each cap  41   a  from each protrusion  44 ,  45 ; sliding each lid  22 ,  24  horizontally, completely removing each lid  22 ,  24 ; reinstalling each lid  22 ,  24  as desired; and latching the latching means  40  when necessary. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.