Patent Description:
After death, corpses are cremated, and the ashes are collected and put in an urn, which is called a cremation urn or funerary urn.

In the modern funeral industry, cremation urns of varying quality are offered. Human cremation urns come in a wide range of styles made from different materials including marble, wooden, alabaster, solid brass, cloisonné, ceramic, as well as biodegradable urns. In cultures, wherein the urns are left above the ground or stored inside on a mantelpiece, the urns are mostly ceramic.

Biodegradable urns are made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled or handmade paper, salt, cellulose or other natural products that are capable of decomposing back into natural elements.

The most common cremation urns buried in the ground are made of wood. Such urns are not very eco-friendly since adhesives are used in the wood material and the urns are sealed with metallic screws.

Cremation urns made of the above-mentioned materials are quite heavy to carry and their content of even <NUM> litres of ash further increases their weight. They usually are difficult to grab because of their usually broad or round form. The urns seldom comprise any carrying means but when that is the case, the means consists of a cord which either is knotted around the urn or fastened to it through holes drilled in the urn. It is unpractical and difficult to carry urns with such a thin cord.

A lighter product, which is useable as a cremation urn that has a cradle attached is presented in UK patent application <CIT>. The cradle comprises two pairs of handles.

The cremation urns of prior art might also be decorated with traditional imagery, e.g. with images of birds, crucifixes or other symbols, with not so much alternatives for the consumer.

The primary object of this invention is an improved cremation urn without the above-mentioned disadvantages of prior art.

The cremation urn of the invention comprises an outer bag, a handle for the outer bag, and an inner bag for ash with closing means. The cremation urn is mainly characterized in that the handle is covered by folds of the outer bag for the handle to bridge two opposite places at the sides of the outer bag, and in that the outer bag has first holes along its periphery for threading a first band therethrough. The sides of the handle have second holes for the first band, whereby the handle is attachable to the outer bag by means of the first band going through the second holes, and the first holes.

The method of the invention for manufacturing the cremation urn of the invention comprises the steps of providing at least one material sheet, cutting a first preform for the inner bag from said at least one material sheet, for the inner bag by folding the sheet with the opposite edges of the first preform against each other and fastening the sides to each other, providing the inner bag with closing means, before and/or after the foregoing step, cutting a second preform for the outer bag from said at least one material sheet, providing the outer bag with first holes along its periphery for threading a first band therethrough, forming the outer bag by folding it with the opposite edges of the second preform against each other and connecting the sides to each other, placing the inner bag inside the outer bag, attaching a handle with second holes to the outer bag, so that the handle bridges two opposite places at the sides of the outer bag, and attaching the handle to the outer bag by means of the first band going through at least one of the second holes and through the first holes.

The preferable embodiments of the invention have the characteristics of the subclaims.

Naturally, the order of the steps of the method claims can vary and the intention of the method claim is to cover any possible order.

In one embodiment of the invention, a second band is threaded through third holes in the upper part of the inner bag, the first band, and the third holes constituting said closing means.

The outer bag has first holes along its periphery, preferably at its upper edge, for threading a first band therethrough for closing the outer bag by strapping. The sides of the handle have second holes for the first band, whereby the handle is attached to the outer bag by means of the first band going through the second holes.

The upper part of the outer bag can have slits on two of its opposite sides for fitting the carrying handle.

The handle is a sheet-like piece, which bridges two opposite places at the sides of the outer bag. Further, the handle has an opening for fingers, whereby its upper end can be grabbed in a comfortable way.

A third band can be fastened to the handle for lowering the cremation urn to a grave.

The cremation urn of any of claims further comprises detachable decoration parts attached to the handle, the decoration parts having the form of angle wings, flowers, and/or cross symbols. These decoration parts are threaded through the handle through still more holes or notches in the handle.

The method further comprises perforating third holes at the opposite ends of the first preform and threading a second band through the third holes for forming the closing means for the inner bag, and correspondingly, perforating first holes at the opposite ends of the second preform, and threading a first band through the first holes for forming closing means for the outer bag. Still further, the method comprises cutting a cross-formed third preform for a cup for the inner bag from said at least one material sheet, and after folding joining the sides of the cross arms together by stitches.

The outer bag may be manufactured by die-cutting and sewing. Die cutting is used to cut a piece of fiber material. The piece is then folded double so that the ends face each other. The sides of the folded material piece are then connected by sewing, preferably only to a part of the distance, from the bottom and (partly) upwards for achieving an outer bag preferably with slits at opposite sides of its upper part.

The function of the outer bag is to protect and support the inner bag with the ash, and therefore, the inner bag is placed inside the outer bag. In one embodiment, the bottom or the sides of the inner bag can be fastened to the inner side of the outer bag by means of e.g. fastening latches to be attached by e.g. sewing. In some embodiments fastening means can be attached directly to the outer sides or outer bottom of the inner bag and/or to the inner sides or inner bottom of the outer bag.

Preferably, the material of the outer bag is more rigid than that of the inner bag. It should preferably be up to <NUM>% made of decomposable felt or other corresponding fiber material and having stitches of e.g. ecologic sewing thread. A fiber material is also advantageous in that the holes perforated therein do not result in fraying or unraveling the material.

Also, the outer bag protects the inner bag in the stage of filling the inner bag with ash.

The closing means of the inner bag preferably consists of a first band to be threaded through third holes perforated at certain intervals along the periphery of the inner bag close to the upper edge.

Before filling the inner bag with ash, the edge of the inner bag is preferably folded to go over the edge of the outer bag when placed in the outer bag, so the size of the inner bag should for this purpose be long enough. The edge of the inner bag can for this purpose be folded outwards and over the edge of the outer bag. When the inner bag has been filled with ash, the edge is taken up and the mouth of the inner bag is closed, and the closing is finalized by tightening the second band.

In practice, when the inner bag has to be closed, for example when ash has been inserted therein, a careful closing of the inner bag is important to avoid spreading the ash. For this purpose, a latch or cup of preferable the same material as the inner bag itself can be placed to cross over the mouth of the inner bag. The inner bag is, however, designed to keep the ash therein even without such a security latch or cap.

Also, the outer bag can have a latch or linen placed on its top, primarily for performing a blessing ritual.

The function of the inner bag is to maintain and store the ash. It preferably has a straight form with a broad bottom. The material of the inner bag is preferably ecological and up to <NUM>% made of decomposable linen, flax, wool, felt, cotton or other corresponding, preferably certified, fiber material. As an alternative, it can e.g. be made of a material produced from renewable biomass sources, such as bioplastics, vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, straw, woodchips, sawdust, recycled food waste, etc. new wood fibers that can be turned into textiles are mentioned as further alternatives.

The cremation urn of the invention may further comprise a lowering means optionally with a second handle and consisting of a cord or string or band (called here the third band for clarity), which is fastened to the carrying handle with which cord or the like the urn is laid down or lowered to the grave. For this purpose, there can be a hole in the outer bag or in the handle for the lowering cord or the like, which before use is for its major part can be inside the outer bag with one of its ends visible at the outside. There are e.g. a stop means at free end of the lowering cord to prevent the carrying cord to slide completely inside the outer bag. The other end of the lowering cord being fastened to the carrying handle to prevent it from detaching from the outer bag when being carried. The stop means can work as a decoration.

The carrying handle is a sheet-like piece of wood or cardboard with an opening for the fingers of a hand so that its upper part can be grabbed in a comfortable way.

The carrying handle further has holes for the lowering means, such as a carrying or lowering cord, and also for a second band. The outer bag has first holes along its periphery at its upper edge for attaching the carrying handle and the first band. The first holes of the outer bag are with suitable intervals for the first band to be thread through them in order to tighten or strap in the outer bag by thus closing it or in other words, to tie the outer bag by means of the first band.

The first band is thread through second holes at both sides of the handle. The handle is secured to one part of the outer bag with knots, which facilitates the opening of the filling mouth and to retain the first band in place so that it does not slip away from the holes.

In addition to its function to work as a handle, the carrying handle can be a fastening means for the lowering means, being a cord, string or a third band. It furthermore supports the outer bag making the urn robust and steady.

Still further, detachable decoration parts can be attached to the carrying handle. The decoration parts may have the form of flowers, crosses, or angel wings or whatever forms are desired partly threaded through the carrying handle.

The cremation urn of the invention has several advantages compared to those of prior art.

First, it can up to <NUM>% be made of decomposable and ecological materials. The whole urn is soft and comfortable to carry as well as to lift up and lower down and also the cord or the like with which the urn is and laid down or may be carried can be made of comfortable material and be broad enough not to strain the hands.

All the preforms, i.e. for the inner bag, for the outer bag and also for the closing latches and for all the bands can be made of the same material and even be cut from the same material sheet. A special tool can be signed and used for the cutting.

The fiber material can furthermore be coloured and different images can be printed and/or painted on it. The seams and joints of the inner and outer bags can be made of decomposable material.

The urn of the invention also enables the creation of varying esthetic appearances, since it can be decorated with desired symbols and images. Different kind of additional decoration in the form of flowers, bands, fabric bows, or other personal items, can be fastened to the carrying handle by means of e.g. slots, cuttings, slits or the like made in the fiber material. The fastening can take place by e.g. inserting or tying.

In the following, the invention is described by means of an example embodiment by referring to figures.

The figures demonstrate the steps of manufacturing and assembling of the cremation urn of the invention by means of the method of the invention.

<FIG> illustrates a preform <NUM> for manufacturing the outer bag <NUM> of the cremation urn of the invention. A material sheet of up to <NUM>% decomposable and ecological materials, such as fiber material, is provided. Die cutting is used to cut a piece of fiber material, e.g. felt, into an e.g. rectangular piece of a material sheet to make an outer bag preform <NUM>, with first holes <NUM> are perforated at both opposite ends with certain intervals for a suitable tightening of the outer bag. The die cutting can be performed with a tool, with which the cutting into a (rectangular) material sheet and the perforation of the first holes <NUM> can be made at the same time. There is made a narrow portion in the middle of the outer bag preform <NUM>. A first closure band <NUM> for later closing of the outer bag <NUM>, after the inner bag <NUM> has been placed therein, can be cut in a similar way from the same material sheet. Any band can, however, be used, but preferable one made of <NUM>% decomposable and ecological material.

Furthermore, the outer bag preform <NUM> preferably and optionally has cut-offs <NUM> in all four corners, wherein material has been cut away. The cut-offs <NUM> are done in order to make the carrying more comfortable, since the cut-offs <NUM> give more space for the hand an facilitate grabbing and carrying. These cut-offs <NUM> as well as the cutting to make a narrow portion are also made with the same above-mentioned tool at the same time as said material cutting into a sheet and the perforation of the first holes <NUM>.

There is also an opening cut in the form of a slit or slot <NUM> for the lowering cord <NUM> described in <FIG>.

The dimensions generally in all figures are not relevant for the inventive idea but can be considered in view of what is practical for the different functions. Dimensions include e.g. the sides of the rectangular portions of the preform, the narrow portion, the first holes <NUM>, the distance between the first holes <NUM>, the length of the bands, the cut-offs etc..

<FIG> illustrates in a corresponding way a preform <NUM> for manufacturing the inner bag <NUM> of the cremation urn of the invention. Also, for the inner bag <NUM>, a material sheet of up to <NUM>% decomposable and ecological materials, such as fiber material, is provided. Preferably, the material of the inner bag <NUM>, however, is thinner than that of the outer bag <NUM> so that it would be easier to handle and be pressed inside the outer bag <NUM>. The material of the outer bag, in turn, is more rigid than that of the inner bag <NUM> since it has to work as a support for the inner bag and protect it from the environment during carrying and transport.

Before filling the inner bag <NUM> with ash, the edge of the inner bag <NUM> is preferably folded to go over the edge of the outer bag <NUM> when placed in the outer bag <NUM>, so the size of the inner bag should for this purpose be long enough, see also <FIG>.

Like for the outer bag preform <NUM>, cutting, such as die cutting, is used to cut a piece of the material sheet into a preferably rectangular piece to make an inner bag preform <NUM>, in which third holes <NUM> are perforated at both opposite ends with certain intervals for a suitable tightening of the outer bag. In practice, the space between the third holes <NUM> of the inner bag preform <NUM> can be smaller than the space of the first holes <NUM> in the outer bag preform <NUM>, since the material of the inner bag preform <NUM> is softer than that of the outer bag preform <NUM> and since a tight closure of the inner bag is more important than that of the outer bag to prevent ash from running out. The function of the outer bag <NUM>, in turn, is to keep the inner bag <NUM> securely therein.

A second closure band <NUM> for later closing of the inner bag <NUM>, when the ash has been placed therein, can be cut in a similar way from the same material sheet. Any band can, however, be used, but preferable one made of <NUM>% decomposable and ecological material. Again, for enabling a tighter closure than is necessary in connection with the outer bag <NUM>, the second closure band <NUM> for the inner bag can be thinner than the first closure band <NUM> for the outer bag <NUM>. The first band <NUM> for the outer bag <NUM> can also be chosen to work as a decoration.

There is a narrow portion also in the middle of the inner bag preform <NUM>.

Because of the narrow portion in both preforms <NUM>, <NUM>, each preform has an anterior rectangular portion and a rectangular posterior portion with the narrow portion therebetween. Naturally, the anterior portion is posterior if you look at the figure from the opposite side but here, they are called as seen in the presented form.

Also, for the sake of clarification the same reference number <NUM> is used for both the outer bag preform and the outer bag itself and the stages therebetween and the same reference number <NUM> is used for both the inner bag preform and the inner bag itself and the stages therebetween.

The anterior rectangular part of both preforms <NUM>, <NUM> has opposite sides A, a side C interrupted by the narrow portion, and two corners G between both sides A and C.

Correspondingly, the posterior rectangular part has opposite sides B, a side D interrupted by the narrow portion, and two corners F between both sides B and D.

The dotted line E - E is in the middle of the narrow portion, and both letters E are at the edges of the narrow portion on both free sides.

The free sides of the narrow part are constituted by H and I, H being on the posterior side of line E-E and I being at the anterior side of line E- E.

The outer bag preform <NUM>, and the first closure band <NUM> therefor, the inner bag preform <NUM>, and the second closure band <NUM> therefor, can all be of mutually different colors and material.

In <FIG> the preform of <FIG> for the outer bag <NUM> has been folded from the middle line E - E with so that corners F and G meets each other to form a corner FG and sides A and B are on both sides joined by stiches, line E-E now being now at the bottom side in this stage. Also, the material of the stiches is preferably of decomposable and ecological material.

<FIG> illustrates a step following that of <FIG> seen from the side, wherein a further folding has been made so that the corners of each end of line E - E is joined to a respective corner FG and sides D and sides C are joined by stiches to the side of the narrow part being perpendicular to line E- E. Thus, sides D being joined to sides H and sides C to sides I.

Corresponding steps as presented in <FIG> are carried out for the inner bag <NUM> preform of <FIG>, which is illustrated in <FIG>.

Thus, in <FIG> the preform of <FIG> for the inner bag has been folded from the middle line E - E with so that corners F and G meets each other to form a corner FG and sides A and B on both sides joined by stiches, line E-E now constituting a bottom side in this stage. Also, the material of the stiches is preferably of decomposable and ecological material.

<FIG> illustrates a step following that of <FIG> seen from the side, wherein a further folding has been made so that corners each end of line E - E is joined to an own corner FG and sides D and C are joined by stiches to the side of the narrow part being perpendicular to line E- E. Thus, sides D being joined to sides H and sides C to sides I.

<FIG> illustrates the outer bag <NUM> seen from the side.

<FIG> illustrates the outer bag of <FIG> as seen from the back or front side without the first closure band <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the outer bag of <FIG> seen from the front side with the first closure band <NUM> in place. In practice, there is no functional "front" side or "back" side, but for the sake of clarification, the one wherein the knot of the first band <NUM> situates is called the front side. Naturally, the knot could be at the back side as well.

<FIG> illustrates the outer bag of <FIG> as seen from the front or back side with a cloth, such as a blessing cloth <NUM>, placed on it.

<FIG> illustrates the inner bag <NUM> of <FIG> seen from the side with its closure band <NUM> on place, i.e. the second band.

<FIG> illustrates the inner bag <NUM> of <FIG> seen from the outside with its closure band <NUM> tightened so that the inner bag <NUM> is closed.

<FIG> illustrates an opened outer bag <NUM> of <FIG>. Before filling the inner bag <NUM> with ash, the edge of the inner bag <NUM> is preferably folded to go over the edge of the outer bag <NUM> when placed in the outer bag <NUM>, so the size of the inner bag <NUM> should for this purpose be long enough.

When the inner bag <NUM> has been filled with ash, the edge is taken up and the mouth of the inner bag <NUM> is closed, and the closing is finalized by tightening the second band <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the opened outer bag of <FIG> having the inner bag of <FIG> placed therein in an upright position and the second closure band <NUM> partly tightened.

<FIG> illustrates the opened outer bag <NUM> of <FIG> having the inner bag <NUM> of <FIG> being pressed completely therein and the second closure band <NUM> tightened with a bowknot.

<FIG> illustrates the carrying handle <NUM> of the cremation urn of the invention. The way of fastening it to the cremation urn will be described in connection with <FIG>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the handle <NUM> is a sheet-like piece of e.g. wood or cardboard with an opening <NUM> for fingers, whereby its upper end can be grabbed in a comfortable way.

The handle <NUM> also has a second hole <NUM> on both sides for the first band <NUM> to be threaded therethrough, whereby the handle <NUM> is attached to the outer bag <NUM> by means of the first band <NUM> going through the second holes <NUM> (see also <FIG>).

The handle <NUM> also has a notch <NUM> or hole for a lowering cord <NUM> to be fastened to it (see <FIG>).

Furthermore, the handle <NUM> has additional slots <NUM> or notches for fastening different types of decorations (see <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates a lowering cord <NUM> for the cremation urn of the invention. It should be as long as needed for a useful and comfortable lowering of the cremation urn to the grave. The cord <NUM> is fastened to the handle <NUM> and it is the third band used in the cremation urn and can be any cord, band, rope or string useful as lowering means for lowering the cremation urn in the grave.

<FIG> illustrates a way of connecting an end of the lowering cord <NUM> of <FIG> to the carrying handle <NUM> of <FIG>. An end of the lowering cord <NUM> can be threaded through the notch <NUM> and secured by e.g. stiches (see <FIG>) or simply by means of a knot.

<FIG> illustrates a way of securing the end of the lowering cord of <FIG> to the carrying handle <NUM> by means of stiches <NUM> when having been connected thereto as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates the end of the lowering cord <NUM> in a state being joined to the carrying handle <NUM> as shown in <FIG> but without the carrying handle <NUM> of illustrative purposes.

<FIG> illustrates the cremation urn of the invention seen as a cross-section with the carrying handle <NUM> fastened to the outer bag <NUM>. The carrying handle <NUM> with its opening for fingers is covered by the folds of the outer bag <NUM> in a way explained in connection with <FIG>. The lowering cord <NUM> is thus in place threaded though both the notch <NUM> of the handle <NUM> and the slot <NUM> in the outer bag <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates angle wing decorations <NUM> to be fastened to the carrying handle <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the angel wing decorations <NUM> of <FIG> when fastened to the slots <NUM> or notches of the carrying handle <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the cremation urn of the invention seen from outside when the angel wing decorations <NUM> of <FIG> are fastened to the carrying handle <NUM> in a way shown in <FIG>. The carrying handle <NUM> can actually not be seen being covered by the folds of the outer bag <NUM>. The first closure band <NUM> of the outer bag <NUM> is in place with a bowknot.

<FIG> illustrates flower decorations <NUM> fastened to the carrying handle <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the cremation urn of the invention seen from outside when the flower decorations <NUM> are fastened to the carrying handle in a way shown in <FIG>. The first closure band <NUM> of the outer bag <NUM> is in place with a bowknot.

<FIG> illustrates a religious cross symbol decoration <NUM> to be fastened to the cremation urn of the invention.

<FIG> illustrates the cremation urn of the invention seem from the outside having slots <NUM> for fastening the cross of <FIG>. A part of the first closure band <NUM> can be seen being threaded through the first holes <NUM> of the outer bag <NUM>. The (bow)knot of the band <NUM> being on the other side and cannot be seen in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates in cross-section the cremation urn of the invention having the cross of <FIG> fastened thereto. The ends of the arms of the cross <NUM> are inserted into the slots <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates seen from outside the cremation urn of the invention having the cross <NUM> of <FIG> fastened thereto.

<FIG> illustrates the assembling of the cremation urn of the invention. The outer bag <NUM> is of illustration purposes shown in two halves so that it could see how the carrying handle <NUM> is attached to the outer bag <NUM> in the middle of the outer bag <NUM>.

The first closure band <NUM> is thread through the first holes <NUM> of the outer bag <NUM> and also through the second holes <NUM> at the sides of the carrying handle <NUM>.

The carrying handle <NUM> is now a bridge between two opposite places at the sides of the outer bag <NUM> and as it has an opening <NUM> for the fingers in its upper part it works as a comfortable handle.

Optionally, the outer bag <NUM> can have slits or vents <NUM> (see also <FIG>) for a better fit of the carrying handle <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> is stable when the first band <NUM> has knots <NUM>' close by the second holes <NUM> of the handle <NUM> (on either side of the handle <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates a preform <NUM> for manufacturing a cap <NUM> or latch for the cremation urn of the invention. The preform <NUM> has fifth holes <NUM> to coincide with the first holes <NUM> of the outer bag <NUM>. The preform <NUM> has sides A and B to be joined together.

<FIG> illustrates a step of the manufacturing of the cap for the cremation urn of the invention, wherein the preform of <FIG> for an outer bag has been double-folded and the sides A and B joined by stiches.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the cremation urn of the invention seen from outside having the first closing band <NUM> and cap <NUM> in place.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the cremation urn of the invention in cross-section when it is ready to be placed in the grave.

Claim 1:
Cremation urn, which comprises an outer bag (<NUM>), a handle (<NUM>) for the outer bag (<NUM>), and an inner bag (<NUM>) for ash with closing means, characterized in that the handle (<NUM>) is covered by folds of the outer bag (<NUM>) for the handle (<NUM>) to bridge two opposite places at the sides of the outer bag (<NUM>), and in that the outer bag (<NUM>) has first holes (<NUM>) along its periphery for threading a first band (<NUM>) therethrough, and the sides of the handle (<NUM>) has second holes (<NUM>) for the first band (<NUM>), whereby the handle (<NUM>) is attachable to the outer bag (<NUM>) by means of the first band (<NUM>) going through the second holes (<NUM>) and the first holes (<NUM>).