Patent Description:
This invention relates generally to systems and methods for funerary viewing.

The cost of traditional burial-based funeral processes has led to an increase in cremation. Cremation can eliminate the need for a burial plot and full burial casket, thereby reducing costs substantially. Cremation funeral plans can have various types of ceremonial approaches. In an elaborate format, a full, decorative wood casket may be used and consumed in the cremation plans, which allows for traditional wake. In some cases, the deceased may be viewed in a rental casket, and then removed for the cremation process. In such a case, a casket insert is often used to transport the body to and from the rental casket, and hold the body within the rental casket. Examples of casket inserts are shown in <CIT> and <CIT>. The use of the insert allows the rental casket to be re-used.

Great Britain patent application publication <CIT> discloses a coffin or casket comprising a re-usable outer cover which is separable from a disposable inner compartment housed within, the inner compartment being made from a disposable material such as cardboard or the like and being adapted to fully contain a corpse.

<CIT> discloses a casket assembly which may also be employed as an insert to a rental casket.

While the use of an ornate rental casket in connection with a rental insert provides substantial cost savings, the cost of embalming remains. A traditional funerary wake or viewing is seldom possible without embalming because of the duration of such events. To avoid the costs associated with embalming, many people have chosen to eliminate the traditional wake, and instead move the body directly from the morgue or hospital to the cremation facility. This nevertheless typically involves an identification viewing, typically at the morgue or hospital. Once the identification is completed, the body is taken direction to the cremation facility.

There is an increasing need, however, for an opportunity to briefly view and say goodbye to a loved one, for example, by the immediate family, in a suitable presentation that exceeds that normally available in a morgue or hospital. Ideally, the viewing would not require embalming, but would allow for an improved viewing experience.

Another issue with inexpensive funerary arrangements is the need for a convenient way to provide fabric to cover at least some portion of the deceased, as well as otherwise visible portions of the casket insert, which is typically made of corrugated paper.

At least some embodiments of the invention employ a casket interior kit that has easy installation and removal from a reusable casket or tray.

A first embodiment is a funerary insert kit for use with reusable shell. The insert kit includes a corrugated paper container and at least one fabric segment. The corrugated paper container includes a bottom wall, first and second side walls extending upward from the bottom wall, and first and second end walls extending upward from the bottom wall. The first and second sidewalls, the first and second end walls and bottom wall form an open top container having a width and length configured to reasonably fit an adult human body in supine position. The open top container is configured to fit within the reusable shell. The first fabric segment is affixed to a first rigid substrate. The first rigid substrate configured to fit adjacent an interior surface of at least a first side panel of the reusable shell.

A second embodiment is a funerary display arrangement including a container and at least a first fabric segment affixed to a rigid substrate. The container has first and second side panels and first and second end panels coupled to a bottom panel. The container has a length and width adapted to receive and reasonably fit a deceased human body in the supine position. The rigid substrate is configured to fit adjacent an interior surface of at least the first side panel of the container. The rigid substrate includes a lengthwise folded cardboard substrate having a first portion folded over a second portion. At least a first part of the first lengthwise edge of the first fabric segment is disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the substrate.

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.

<FIG> shows an exploded, perspective view of a funerary viewing system <NUM> according to a first embodiment. The system <NUM> includes a viewing tray <NUM>, an insert <NUM> and an interior kit <NUM>. In general, the viewing tray <NUM> is a reusable tray or shell having at least some aesthetic features into which a single-use insert <NUM> may be temporarily disposed. The single-use insert <NUM> generally supports and reasonably fits (with respect to width and length, but not necessarily height) a deceased, adult human body lying in the supine position, as is typical for a funerary viewing event. Thus, the insert <NUM> have a length of at least <NUM> centimeters (<NUM>" ) and a width of at least about <NUM> centimeters (<NUM>"). The single-use insert <NUM> may suitably be constructed of an inexpensive but less aesthetically appealing material such as corrugated paper. As will be discussed below in further detail, the interior kit <NUM> in the embodiment includes one or more cloth assemblies used to cover at least part of the deceased and portions of insert <NUM>.

More specifically, the viewing tray <NUM> includes a first side panel <NUM>, a second side panel <NUM>, a first end panel <NUM>, and a second end panel <NUM>, all coupled to a bottom panel <NUM> to form a walled or rimmed tray. The panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> define an interior <NUM>. The viewing tray <NUM> has a length and width adapted to receive and reasonably fit a deceased, adult human body in the supine position. Preferably, to facilitate use of the insert <NUM>, the viewing tray <NUM> has a length and width adapted to receive and reasonably fit the insert <NUM>, which itself has a length and width adapted to receive and reasonably fit a deceased, adult human body in the supine position.

Each of the side panels <NUM>, <NUM> and end panels <NUM>, <NUM> is constructed primarily (more than <NUM>% by weight and/or volume) of wood (including engineered wood products) and/or metal, and includes an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a top edge. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the first side panel <NUM> has an exterior surface 20a, an interior surface 20b (not shown but see <FIG>), and a top edge 20c. Likewise, the second side panel <NUM> has an exterior surface, not visible in <FIG>, an interior surface 22b, and a top edge 22c. Furthermore, the first end panel <NUM> has an exterior surface 24a, an interior surface, not visible in <FIG>, and a top edge 24c, and the second end panel <NUM> has an exterior surface, not visible in <FIG>, an interior surface 26b, and a top edge 26c.

The bottom panel <NUM> includes a top surface 18a. In this embodiment, the bottom panel <NUM> includes a plurality of roller assemblies <NUM> having rollers configured to support and facilitate lateral movement of the insert <NUM>, as will be discussed below. The roller assemblies <NUM> extend approximately <NUM> centimeters (one inch) upward from the top surface 18a. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments would not employ roller assemblies, and still other embodiments may employ other structures that facilitate lateral movement, for example, simple wooden skids.

In this embodiment, the second end panel <NUM> is furthermore pivotally connected to bottom panel <NUM> to allow the end panel <NUM> to open as shown in <FIG>, creating an opening <NUM> in the tray <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is sized to allow the insert <NUM> to be laterally moved into and out of the viewing tray <NUM> on the rollers <NUM> via the opening <NUM>. The top of the first end panel <NUM> may be manually latchable in the upright, closed position shown in <FIG>, by suitable latching mechanisms, not shown in <FIG>.

The viewing tray <NUM> may suitably have some level of ornate external design, including carved wood or shaped metal, and can include decorative and preferably functional handles <NUM>.

In contrast to a typical casket, the vertical distance between a top surface 18a of the bottom panel (and/or the top surface of the roller assemblies <NUM>) and the top edge 20c of the first side panel <NUM> is less than <NUM> centimeters (ten inches), and preferably less than <NUM> centimeters (nine inches). This allows for a more convenient viewing of the face of the deceased, not shown, within the tray <NUM>. In a typical casket, which has more depth, the head of the deceased is enveloped by the casket walls, thereby making it difficult for a mourner to view the deceased, particularly, for example, if the mourner is kneeling. Accordingly, prior art caskets often included mechanisms that elevate the head of the deceased, which coupled with the use of pillows can make the face of the deceased more easily seen. The embodiment described herein employs a low profile tray to allow similar viewing of the face of the deceased without the cost, and weight of an additional bed elevation mechanism.

In addition, the reduced height of the panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> increases portability and reduces shipment and storage space requirements. In this embodiment, the tray <NUM> does not include an attached lid. In some traditions, a half-lid is often used during a viewing event to cover the foot-end half of the deceased. In conditions where half-lid is desired, a complementarily designed half-lid, not shown, but which could take many designs within the knowledge of those of skill in the art, can be rested (and temporarily secured, if desired) on the top edges 20c, 22c and 26c during a viewing event. The half-lid may suitably be detachable and separately storable.

The insert <NUM> in this embodiment includes a first side wall <NUM>, a second side wall <NUM>, a first end wall <NUM>, and a second end wall <NUM> coupled to a bottom wall <NUM> to form a walled or rimmed tray having an interior <NUM>. In many embodiments, the insert <NUM> is formed from a corrugated paper blank such that the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and end walls <NUM>, <NUM> fold up from the bottom wall <NUM> to form the walled tray. The insert <NUM> has a length and width adapted to receive and reasonably fit a deceased, adult human body in the supine position, and which is adapted to be received in the viewing tray <NUM> in the manner discussed further below. The walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the insert <NUM> further have a height such that the insert <NUM>, when installed in the tray <NUM> as discussed below, does not extend to a vertical level above at least the top edge 20c of the side panel <NUM> of the tray <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the insert <NUM> may include (or contain) other structures, such as a plastic liner, or thin wooden reinforcement strips, etc., as is known in the art.

To these ends, for example, the insert <NUM> may have the design of the casket inserts shown in <CIT> and <CIT> (specifically, the low-profile third configuration of <FIG> of <CIT>). Regardless of how constructed, the insert <NUM> is configured to be consumed in a cremation process with the deceased. The insert <NUM> may suitably have a lid, not shown, and which preferably would not be used in the viewing event that involves the viewing tray <NUM>.

Each of the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> and end walls <NUM>, <NUM> is constructed primarily of corrugated paper, and includes an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a top edge. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the first side wall <NUM> has an exterior surface 34a, an interior surface, not visible in <FIG>, and a top edge 34c. Likewise, the second side wall <NUM> has an exterior surface, not visible in <FIG>, an interior surface 36b, and a top edge 36c. Furthermore, the first end wall <NUM> has an exterior surface 38a, an interior surface, not visible in <FIG>, and a top edge 38c, and the second end wall <NUM> has an exterior surface, not visible in <FIG>, an interior surface 40b, and a top edge 40c.

The interior kit <NUM> in this embodiment includes first, second, third and fourth cloth assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The interior kit <NUM> may suitably be included with (i.e. packaged with) the insert <NUM>, and is typically not reusable. The first cloth assembly <NUM> includes a first fabric segment <NUM> secured to a first rigid substrate <NUM>, and the second cloth assembly <NUM> includes a second fabric segment <NUM> secured to a second rigid substrate <NUM>. Likewise, the third cloth assembly <NUM> includes a third fabric segment <NUM> secured to a third rigid substrate <NUM>, and the fourth cloth assembly <NUM> includes a fourth fabric segment <NUM> secured to a fourth rigid substrate <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a plan view of first cloth assembly <NUM> in an unassembled state. <FIG> shows a side plan view of the first cloth assembly <NUM> fully assembled. With reference to <FIG>, the first fabric segment <NUM> has a first length l<NUM> and a first width w<NUM>, and includes a first lengthwise edge <NUM> and a second, opposite lengthwise edge <NUM>. The first fabric segment <NUM> preferably performs function of a "skirt" of a casket (partially covering the deceased), as will be discussed below. The first fabric segment <NUM> may be made up of multiple layers of flexible sheet, such as a crepe layer in combination with a woven or non-woven fabric layer and/or padding, suitably stitched together using known methods.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first rigid substrate comprises a lengthwise folded cardboard blank <NUM> having a first portion <NUM> lengthwise folded along a fold edge <NUM> over a second portion <NUM> to define a sleeve <NUM>. The first rigid substrate <NUM> in this embodiment has a length ls. The portions <NUM>, <NUM> have uneven widths in this embodiment, and each has a corresponding lengthwise edge 102a, 104a. As shown in <FIG>, the length ls is roughly equivalent to l<NUM>. The lengths l<NUM>, ls may suitably be approximately equal to, but slightly less than, the length of the first side panel <NUM>. The width of the smaller portion <NUM> defines the width of the sleeve <NUM>. The part of the second portion <NUM> that extends beyond the sleeve <NUM> to the second lengthwise edge 104a forms a stiffening panel <NUM>. To this end, the second portion <NUM> should have a width at least twice of that of the first portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, at least a part of a first lengthwise edge <NUM> of the first fabric segment <NUM> is secured to the substrate <NUM> along the substrate length ls within the sleeve <NUM>. The first lengthwise edge <NUM> is secured, preferably via a fastener <NUM> such as a staple. Specifically, the fastener <NUM> extends through the first portion <NUM>, through a portion of the first fabric segment <NUM> within <NUM> centimeters or <NUM> centimeters (an inch or two inches) of the first lengthwise edge <NUM>, and through the second portion <NUM>. The first fabric segment <NUM> is secured in position such that the second lengthwise edge <NUM> can be disposed beyond the lengthwise edge 102a of the first portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, or in other words, out of the sleeve <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The free fabric 58a that extends between the lengthwise edge 102a of the substrate <NUM> and the second lengthwise edge <NUM> of the first fabric segment <NUM> may be used to cover both the top edge 34c of the first side wall <NUM> of the insert <NUM> and at least a portion of the body of the deceased, not shown, when the first cloth assembly <NUM> and the insert <NUM> are installed in the viewing tray <NUM>. (See also <FIG>, discussed further below).

Referring again to <FIG>, the second cloth assembly <NUM> has substantially the same structure as the first cloth assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The third cloth assembly <NUM> similarly has substantially the same structure as the first cloth assembly <NUM>, except that the third cloth assembly <NUM> has a shorter length that corresponds to the width of the viewing tray <NUM> (i.e. length of the first end panel <NUM>, which spans the width of the viewing tray <NUM>). The fourth cloth assembly <NUM> has substantially the same structure as the third cloth assembly <NUM>, including having the same shorter length.

<FIG> shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method of conducting multiple funerary display events, according to at least one embodiment. In this embodiment, the method of <FIG> is described in reference to the funerary display arrangement <NUM> of <FIG>.

In operation, the insert <NUM> and interior kit <NUM> are often packaged together, as they are each intended for a single use. Accordingly, to prepare for the display event, the interior kit <NUM> is separated from the insert <NUM>, and the insert <NUM> is prepared to receive the deceased (step <NUM>). In step <NUM>, the deceased is positioned (directly or indirectly) on the bottom wall <NUM> of the insert <NUM>. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the deceased is unembalmed. In particular, a typical funeral viewing can be several hours, and often more than one day. Embalming delays decomposition and therefore is typically carried out for typical funeral viewing arrangements. When a body is cremated (or even buried) without a typical funeral viewing event, embalming is not necessary. As discussed above, however, it is often desirable for at least a few family members to view the body, even for a short period. Accordingly, in at least some uses, the deceased is unembalmed during the method of <FIG>.

Thereafter, in step <NUM>, the insert <NUM> is provided on the tray <NUM>, i.e. on the bottom panel <NUM>. It will be appreciated that "on the bottom panel" in this embodiment means on roller assemblies <NUM> that are disposed on and directly supported by the bottom panel <NUM>. In other embodiments, the insert <NUM> can be provided directly on the bottom panel <NUM>, provided on the bottom panel <NUM> via skids, or provided on the bottom panel <NUM> via other intermediary structures supported on the bottom panel <NUM>.

Referring again to the embodiment of <FIG>, the second end panel <NUM> of tray <NUM> is pivotably attached so that it can be rotated downward to form a side opening <NUM> in the tray, as shown in <FIG>. The insert <NUM> can then be slid onto the bottom panel <NUM> through the side opening <NUM>, as also shown in <FIG>. After, the insert <NUM> is fully disposed in the interior <NUM>, the second end panel <NUM> can be pivoted upward such that extends upward from the bottom panel <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In other embodiments, instead of a pivoting second end panel <NUM>, other arrangements for providing the insert <NUM> on the tray <NUM> may be used that avoid having to manipulate the insert <NUM> into the fully assembled tray <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Such methods typically involve at least one of the side panels <NUM>, <NUM> and/or end panels <NUM>, <NUM> being rotated or removed, and then subsequently moved so as to extend upward from the bottom panel <NUM> (i.e. complete the closed tray <NUM>).

Thereafter, in step <NUM>, the cloth assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are installed. Specifically, the first cloth assembly <NUM> is installed so that the first fabric segment <NUM> covers at least a portion of a top edge 34c of the first side wall <NUM> of the insert <NUM> and at least a portion of the deceased human body. To this end, the first lengthwise edge <NUM> the substrate <NUM> may be inserted between the interior surface 20b of the side panel <NUM> of the tray <NUM> and the exterior surface 34a of the side wall <NUM> of the insert <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a fragmentary cutaway view showing the funerary viewing arrangement <NUM> wherein the substrate <NUM> has been inserted between the side panel <NUM> of the tray <NUM> and the side wall of the insert <NUM>, after execution of step <NUM> of <FIG> (deceased not shown). In this embodiment, the substrate <NUM> is inserted such that the fold edge <NUM> is at the top, and the distal portion of the second portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> is at the bottom. In other words, the stiffening panel <NUM> is disposed below the sleeve <NUM>. Moreover, the first portion <NUM> of the folded substrate <NUM> is disposed between the second portion <NUM> and the interior surface 20b of the tray <NUM>.

The stiffening panel <NUM> is disposed adjacent the interior surface 20b of the first side panel <NUM>, and in this embodiment is trapped between the interior surface 20b and the exterior surface 34a of the first side wall <NUM> of the insert <NUM>. The stiffening panel <NUM> can deform slightly if necessary, as shown by example in <FIG>, to insert in the space between first side panel <NUM> of the viewing tray <NUM> and the first side wall <NUM> of the insert <NUM>.

The first fabric segment <NUM> extends from the first lengthwise edge <NUM> out of the sleeve <NUM>, around the lengthwise edge 102a of the first portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, along the first portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, around fold edge <NUM> and then inward over at least a part of the interior <NUM> of the insert <NUM>, thus also covering the top edge 34c of the first side wall <NUM> of the insert <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the sleeve <NUM> sits in the vertical space between the top edge 34c of the first side wall <NUM> and the top edge 20c of the first side panel <NUM>. In other embodiments, however, the sleeve <NUM> may be fully or partially tucked between the first side wall <NUM> and the first side panel <NUM>. In one alternative shown in <FIG>, the first cloth assembly <NUM> may be installed in inverted fashion, such that the sleeve <NUM> is between the first side wall <NUM>, and the stiffening panel <NUM> extends upward. In such a case, the first fabric segment <NUM> extends from the first lengthwise edge <NUM>, out of the sleeve <NUM>, and then generally over the lengthwise edge 104a of the first portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> and over the interior <NUM>.

In any event, referring back to step <NUM> of <FIG>, the second cloth assembly <NUM> is similarly installed between the second side panel <NUM> of the viewing tray <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM> of the insert <NUM>. Once the second cloth assembly <NUM> is installed, the first fabric segment <NUM> and second fabric segment <NUM> are draped toward each other to overlap, and to cover the deceased. The top corners of each of the fabric segments <NUM>, <NUM> can be folded diagonally back to shown in <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> is disposed at a vertical level that is between the top edge 232c and the vertical location of the top edge 36c of the side wall <NUM> of the insert <NUM> is located when installed. The receptacle on the first side panel <NUM> (<FIG>) is located at the same vertical level. The end panels <NUM>, <NUM> have receptacles similar to the receptacle <NUM>, but having suitably reduced lengths. Accordingly, four cloth assemblies having the structure of the cloth assembly <NUM>' may be installed in corresponding receptacles <NUM> (albeit with different lengths on the end panels <NUM>, <NUM>).

It will further be appreciated that the first end panel <NUM> has a structure analogous to that of the first side panel <NUM>. The first end panel <NUM> includes an upper frame <NUM>, a lower frame <NUM>, and a plate or sheet <NUM>, all constructed and connected in the same manner as the frames <NUM>, <NUM> and plate <NUM> of the side panel <NUM>, except having a shorter length. The frames <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> thus form a similar recessed channel <NUM>. The recessed channels <NUM> and <NUM> intersect with each other (as well as with corresponding recessed channels, not shown, on the second side wall <NUM>) to define a peripheral recessed channel that extends completely around the viewing tray <NUM>.

The second end panel <NUM> has the same structure as the first end panel <NUM>, but further includes in this embodiment a hinged connection to the bottom panel <NUM> to all opening for insertion of the insert <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The bottom panel <NUM> is substantially identical to the bottom panel <NUM>, and thus suitably includes a similar plurality of roller assemblies having rollers configured to support and facilitate lateral movement of the insert <NUM>. In contrast to a typical casket, the vertical distance between a top surface <NUM> of the bottom panel (and/or the top surface of the roller assemblies or other bottom support structure) and the top edge 220c of the first side panel <NUM> is less than <NUM>.

In this embodiment, after installation of the cloth assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the viewing event may take place (step <NUM>). The face of the deceased will be visible if desired, and little or no portion of the corrugated paper insert <NUM> will be readily visible when viewing the deceased. The viewing tray <NUM> provides a pleasing aesthetic external shell, and the reduced depth of the viewing tray <NUM> enables viewing of the face of the deceased without a bed raising mechanism.

After the viewing event of step <NUM>, the insert <NUM> and the deceased human body are removed in step <NUM> using the reverse operation(s) of step <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the second end panel <NUM> is unlatched and rotated downward, and the insert <NUM> with the deceased is removed laterally through the resulting opening <NUM> on the roller assemblies <NUM>. In addition, the cloth assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are removed from the viewing tray <NUM>. In step <NUM>, the insert <NUM>, the deceased human body and cloth assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are also advanced to further processing, which may suitably be cremation. It would nevertheless be possible to inter the insert <NUM> and the deceased without cremation. One of the advantages of the cloth assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> is that they may be easily inserted and removed without tools. However, it would also be possible to use the cloth assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in a single-use casket, whereby they may be easily fixed to the casket walls using more permanent means.

Thereafter, the viewing tray <NUM> may be used again. Because the viewing tray <NUM> is relatively lightweight and portable compared to a full, ornate rental casket, the viewing tray <NUM> in step <NUM> can optionally be moved (without any insert or deceased) to location convenient to the next viewing event, whether it is in another space in the same building or another building altogether. It is also possible to move the viewing tray <NUM> to a storage location, and then return the viewing tray <NUM> to any desired location for the next display event. Once the viewing tray is in the desired location, the process starting at step <NUM> may be repeated for a second deceased human body, a second insert <NUM>, and a second interior kit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a viewing tray <NUM>, shown in context with a partially inserted insert <NUM>. Similar to the viewing tray <NUM>, the viewing tray <NUM> includes a first side panel <NUM>, a second side panel <NUM>, a first end panel <NUM>, and a second end panel <NUM> coupled to a bottom panel <NUM> to form a walled or rimmed tray. Although the second end panel <NUM> is shown in the open position in <FIG>, it will be appreciated that it can be closed to extend upward from the bottom panel <NUM> to complete the tray <NUM>. The panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> define an interior <NUM>. The viewing tray <NUM> has length and width dimensions adapted to receive and reasonably fit a deceased, adult human body in the supine position, and preferably the insert <NUM>.

The first side panel <NUM> is constructed primarily (more than <NUM>% by weight and/or volume) of wood (including engineered wood products) and/or metal, and includes an exterior surface 220a, an interior surface 220b (see <FIG>), and a top edge 220c. More specifically, the first side panel <NUM> includes an upper frame <NUM>, a lower frame <NUM>, and a wooden (or metal) plate or sheet <NUM>. Each of the frames <NUM>, <NUM> in this embodiment is a wooden beam extending the entire length of the first side panel <NUM>, with the upper frame <NUM> defining the top and top edge 220c of the first side panel <NUM>, and the lower frame <NUM> defining the bottom of the first side panel <NUM>. The wooden plate <NUM> is coupled to each of the frames <NUM>, <NUM>, and extends between them. The wooden plate <NUM> is thinner than either of the frames <NUM>, <NUM> and sits inward of the outermost surfaces of the frames <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby defining a lengthwise recessed channel <NUM>. In this embodiment, a handle <NUM>, which may be the same design as any suitable casket handle, is disposed to vertically align with the channel <NUM>.

The frames <NUM>, <NUM> provide extra reinforcement that reduces the strength requirements of the plate <NUM>, and thus reduce cost without sacrificing quality and reliability. The recessed channel <NUM> also provides an aesthetic contour.

In the embodiment described herein, one or more receptacles <NUM> are affixed to the interior surface 220b of the side panel. <FIG> shows a perspective fragmentary view of the side panel 220b with an elongated receptacle <NUM> attached thereto. The receptacle <NUM> in this embodiment is an extruded piece of material, such as plastic or polymer, that forms a hooked top channel. The receptacle <NUM> includes a first plate or wall <NUM> attached to the side panel interior surface 220b. The plate <NUM> has a length of at least half of the distance between the first end panel <NUM> and the second end panel <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> (and its plate <NUM>) on the second side wall <NUM> extends nearly the entire length of the second side wall.

Referring again to <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> also includes an inward extending portion <NUM> having a bottom wall <NUM> that extends inward from the first wall <NUM> and a retaining wall <NUM> that extends upward from the end of the bottom wall <NUM>. At the top of the retaining wall <NUM> is a hooked portion <NUM> that hooks inward (toward the first wall <NUM>) and downward (toward the bottom wall <NUM>).

In general, the receptacle <NUM> is configured to position and retain a cloth assembly having a substrate and a fabric segment similar to that of <FIG> and <FIG>. The receptacle <NUM> is positioned in this embodiment to retain a variant of the cloth assembly <NUM> having little or no stiffening panel <NUM>. <FIG> shows an exemplary embodiment of a variant of a cloth assembly <NUM>' that may be used with the viewing tray <NUM>, for example, in the receptacle <NUM> as positioned on the interior surface 220b of first side wall <NUM>. The cloth assembly <NUM>' includes the same first fabric segment <NUM> as the cloth assembly <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, but includes a modified substrate <NUM>'. As shown in <FIG>, the modified substrate <NUM>' similarly comprises a lengthwise folded cardboard blank having a first portion <NUM>' lengthwise folded along a fold edge <NUM>' over a second portion <NUM>'. The modified substrate <NUM>' differs from the substrate <NUM> in that the second portion <NUM>' has about the same width as the first portion <NUM>'. As a result, the modified substrate <NUM>' has little or no stiffening panel similar to the stiffening panel <NUM>.

Similar to the cloth assembly <NUM>, the first lengthwise edge <NUM> of the first fabric segment <NUM> is secured to the substrate <NUM>' along the substrate length within a sleeve <NUM>'. The first lengthwise edge <NUM> is secured such that the second lengthwise edge, not shown in <FIG> can be disposed beyond the lengthwise sleeve <NUM>'.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> receives the substrate <NUM>', and the first fabric segment <NUM> may otherwise be used as discussed above. Specifically, the substrate <NUM>' may be inserted fully or party between the plate <NUM> and the retaining wall <NUM>. The hooked portion <NUM> flexes out and provides inward spring action to hold the substrate <NUM>' in place. Accordingly, in contrast to the embodiment of <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> secures and fixes the position of the first cloth assembly <NUM>', as opposed to trapping all or part of the substrate <NUM> between the insert <NUM> and the tray <NUM>. It will further be appreciated that the receptacle <NUM> may take other forms, such as one that does not include a hooked portion <NUM>, or one that one of multiple short clips disposed at equal heights along the length of the interior surface 220b of the first side wall <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the second side panel <NUM> has substantially the same structure as the first side panel <NUM>, and has attached thereto another receptacle <NUM>. Thus, the second side panel <NUM> also includes, among other things, an interior surface 232b and a top edge 232c. As shown in <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> is disposed at a vertical level that is between the top edge 232c and the vertical location of the top edge 36c of the side wall <NUM> of the insert <NUM> is located when installed. The receptacle on the first side panel <NUM> (<FIG>) is located at the same vertical level. The end panels <NUM>, <NUM> have receptacles similar to the receptacle <NUM>, but having suitably reduced lengths. Accordingly, four cloth assemblies having the structure of the cloth assembly <NUM>' may be installed in corresponding receptacles <NUM> (albeit with different lengths on the end panels <NUM>, <NUM>).

The bottom panel <NUM> is substantially identical to the bottom panel <NUM>, and thus suitably includes a similar plurality of roller assemblies having rollers configured to support and facilitate lateral movement of the insert <NUM>. In contrast to a typical casket, the vertical distance between a top surface <NUM> of the bottom panel (and/or the top surface of the roller assemblies or other bottom support structure) and the top edge 220c of the first side panel <NUM> is less than <NUM> centimeters (<NUM> inches). This allows for a more convenient viewing of the face of the deceased, not shown, within the tray <NUM>.

The alternative viewing tray <NUM> may be used with the insert <NUM> (or other suitable insert) and corresponding cloth assemblies in the process described above in connection with <FIG>. The receptacles <NUM> help ensure consistent arrangement of the cloth assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, and still allow for installation and removal without tools.

Claim 1:
A funerary viewing arrangement, comprising:
a reusable shell (<NUM>); and
a corrugated paper container (<NUM>) having a bottom wall (<NUM>), first and second side walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending upward from the bottom wall, and first and second end walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending upward from the bottom wall, the first and second sidewalls, the first and second end walls and bottom wall forming an open top container having a width and length configured to reasonably fit an adult human body in supine position, the open top container configured to fit within the reusable shell (<NUM>);
characterized by
a first rigid substrate (<NUM>, <NUM>), the first rigid substrate configured to fit adjacent an interior surface (20b, 22b) of at least a first side panel (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the reusable shell; and
at least a first fabric segment (<NUM>, <NUM>) affixed to the first rigid substrate (<NUM>, <NUM>), the first fabric segment (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a first length and a first width;
wherein at least a part of a first lengthwise edge (<NUM>) of the first fabric segment (<NUM>) is secured to the first rigid substrate (<NUM>) along a substrate length of the first rigid substrate (<NUM>);
wherein a second lengthwise edge of the first fabric segment can be disposed beyond at least one lengthwise edge (102a, 104a) of the first rigid substrate; and
wherein at least a portion of the first rigid substrate (<NUM>) is disposed between the interior surface (20c, 22c) of the first side panel (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the reusable shell (<NUM>), and the first side wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the corrugated paper container (<NUM>).