Coffin specifically for burial in the ground

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention lies in the technical field of funeral services and more particularly in the techniques of burying a coffin in the ground and preserving it.

[0002] This application is not exhaustive, however, and the coffin could also be used for guarding the body in a vault or funeral home. Previous technique

[0003] Today, coffins are designed to receive bodies and include features to facilitate decomposition, notably by allowing for the drainage and treatment of bodily fluids. In particular, some coffins include a mattress on which the body rests, containing absorbent and filtering materials, including activated charcoal.

[0004] This mattress can also be placed directly above a reservoir to collect the fluids filtered by the mattress, preventing potentially polluting leaks to the outside. This type of coffin also helps limit soiling of the body and, to some extent, allows for decomposition by aerobic bacteria by removing some of the fluids. However, even with a filtering mattress, the interior of the coffin is often placed in conditions that are either too humid and anaerobic, leading to the saponification of lipids responsible for the formation of adipocere, which prevents decomposition, or too dry, resulting in mummification of the body.

[0005] It should be noted that patent document DE10116113 describes a coffin of this type.

[0006] Coffins currently lack mechanisms to accelerate the decomposition of the body under conditions comparable to natural decomposition in open air. Given the current coffin design, complete decomposition of a body takes more than eight years. This lengthy period depends on numerous factors, including the coffin's airtightness, climatic conditions, and the products used for embalming and preservation, such as formaldehyde.

[0007] This very long delay poses numerous problems, particularly for gravediggers. The incomplete decomposition of the body or corpse considerably increases the biological risks during the removal of coffins or exhumation for placement of the bones in the ossuary, an exhumation required by the municipality at the end of the burial plot concession. Indeed, in cases of incomplete decomposition, the gravedigger comes into contact with pathogens present in the body, which can lead to infectious risks.

[0008] Moreover, from an ethical point of view, the handling of corpses whose decomposition is incomplete can be traumatic for the family, who sometimes request exhumation, or even for the funeral home staff.

[0009] On a more practical level, the very slow decomposition of bodies leads to a shortage of space in cemeteries, resulting in burial requests being rejected in some cities. For example, to illustrate this phenomenon, the city of Paris carries out approximately 10,000 burials and 9,000 exhumations each year, 1,200 of which are at the request of families. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a coffin, particularly for burial in the ground, comprising a base, side walls, a lid, a mattress and collection means suitable for receiving vital fluids under the mattress, characterized in that the coffin further comprises oxygen storage means allowing oxygen to be supplied to the coffin, humidification means and heating means so as to generate over time conditions allowing rapid decomposition of the body. Benefits provided

[0011] A first objective of the present invention is to solve all or part of the technical problems related to the aforementioned prior art.

[0012] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a coffin that allows for rapid decomposition of the body, in particular in less than one year.

[0013] The present invention also aims to provide a coffin that allows for rapid decomposition of the body without any special intervention from funeral home staff once the burial has taken place.

[0014] The present invention also aims to provide a coffin that allows for rapid decomposition of the body regardless of the influence of climate or soil on the coffin.

[0015] The present invention also aims to provide a coffin that allows for rapid decomposition of the body from natural products compatible with environmental standards. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] The present invention will be better understood upon reading a detailed embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures, provided by way of non-limiting example, among which: There figure 1 represents an example of a schematic perspective drawing of a coffin conforming to the invention, The figure 2 represents the coffin of the figure 1 , in view of lateral sectioning. Description of the implementation methods

[0017] The present invention aims to protect a coffin as represented in the figures 1 and 2 By referring to the figure 1 A coffin 1, specifically designed for burial directly in the ground, conforming to the invention, is shown. This coffin comprises, in a known manner, a base 2, side walls 3, a lid 4, a mattress 5, and collection means 6 suitable for receiving vital fluids under the mattress 5.

[0018] According to the invention, the coffin 1 includes technical means for accelerating the decomposition of the body; for this purpose, the coffin 1 is further equipped with oxygen storage means 7 for supplying oxygen into the coffin, humidification means 8 and heating means 9. The combination and activation of the oxygen storage means 7, humidification means 8 and heating means 9 make it possible to generate over time conditions allowing for rapid decomposition of the body.

[0019] In this regard, it is important to note that the storage methods may include pure oxygen or a mixture containing oxygen and, for example, air. The purpose of this oxygen supply is to stimulate aerobic bacteria by increasing the oxygen level in the coffin. In current coffins, the oxygen level is very low due to decomposition gases from the body and the lack of air renewal in the hermetically sealed coffin, which leads to the rapid disappearance of aerobic necrophagous bacteria.

[0020] By referring to the figure 2illustrating a schematic cross-sectional view of the coffin 1, we see that the mattress 5 rests on a double-walled plate 10 with a perforated upper wall 11 allowing fluids to pass through and a lower wall 12 housing a fluid collection tray 13, the double wall 10 also has an intermediate sloping plate 14 for guiding the fluids towards the collection tray 13.

[0021] When the body releases its fluids, these pass through the mattress 5, whose components partially filter the fluids, then flow through the perforated upper wall 11 and come into contact with the intermediate plate 14. The fluids are then guided along the slope and fill the receiving tray 13.

[0022] Advantageously, non-return valves are provided to prevent any backflow of fluid outside the receiving tank 13.

[0023] In the example of figures 1 and 2The intermediate plate 14 has a corrugated profile with undulations roughly in the shape of a W; however, other shapes are also possible to guide the fluids towards the tank 13, for example, a simple V-shape to create a single flow channel. The advantage of an intermediate plate 14 with a corrugated profile is that it alternates between flow channels 15 forming a channel and open spaces 16 to partially accommodate the oxygen storage devices 7 and / or the humidification devices 8.

[0024] The heating elements are advantageously positioned between the bottom 2 of the coffin 1 and the double-walled plate 10. This positioning allows for the efficient production of heat to warm the body.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the oxygen storage means 7 comprise at least one oxygen pocket 17 made of a water-soluble material.

[0026] As mentioned above, the double-walled plate 10 also allows for the integration of at least some of the oxygen storage means 7 and the humidification means 8. Thus, the oxygen storage means 7 include at least one oxygen pouch 17 located within the double-walled plate 10. Other locations for the water-soluble pouches 17 are also possible, particularly along the side walls 3 of the coffin 1. Advantageously, numerous pouches 17 with varying strengths are provided to allow for successive ruptures and a continuous supply of oxygen to the coffin 1.

[0027] Advantageously, the heating means 9 include a layer of compost 18. This layer of compost 18 is advantageously arranged under the double-walled plate 10 and activated by impregnation with liquid via the humidification means 8.

[0028] The parameters relating to the type and quantity of compost are important because the compost must, on the one hand, generate significant heat to destroy pathogens and, on the other hand, generate constant heat to ensure regular warming of the body, thus facilitating decomposition. In this example, a natural compost is chosen that generates a high temperature exceeding 80°C upon activation in order to destroy pathogenic bacteria present in the coffin. This compost will ideally have a dry mass between 5 and 25 kg.

[0029] By referring to the figure 2 We see that the coffin 1 includes humidification means 8 with a reservoir 19, advantageously located at the level of the lid 4. This reservoir is suitable for containing liquids, these liquids being intended to increase the humidity level in the coffin.

[0030] Humidification methods also allow, in the case of the use of compost-based heating methods as described above, to activate the compost 18.

[0031] To transfer the liquids, at least one pipe 20 is provided. This pipe allows the transfer of the liquid from the reservoir 19 to the bottom 2 of the coffin 1. For this purpose, a valve 21 is provided between the reservoir 19 and the pipe 20 allowing a controlled transfer of the liquid into the interior of the coffin.

[0032] One of its advantages is that valve 21 is a biodegradable or putrescible valve that allows the liquid from the tank to flow into the pipe within a specific timeframe, typically between 3 and 6 months. This timeframe allows for the initial decomposition of the body, including the release of gases and some of the body's fluids.

[0033] According to a second advantageous aspect, the duct 20 allows for a drip-feed system so as not to saturate the inside of the coffin 1 with moisture while regularly supplying it.

[0034] Tank 19 can be filled by a funeral home employee before the coffin is lowered into the ground or possibly in humid regions can be filled by rainwater through cover 4, the latter being able to be fitted with a filter opening allowing liquids to pass into tank 19.

[0035] Advantageously, the base 2 and / or the side sections 3 are provided with a rupture zone, made of a putrescible material, so that when the coffin is partially or totally flooded, particularly in the event of rising groundwater, this rupture zone allows the liquids to drain out of the coffin. Advantageously, the material used for this rupture zone is a biodegradable polymer of the PLA type or its derivatives.

[0036] The functioning of the coffin as described above is as follows: when the body is placed in the coffin and the coffin is buried, the body putrefies, that is to say, its organic tissues are destroyed under the influence of bacteria mainly present in the intestinal flora, saprophytic fungi and other bacteria that invade the corpse.

[0037] In a first phase, lasting from several weeks to several months, the water-soluble pockets 17 present in the coffin break down as decomposition progresses under the effect of humidity increasing the oxygen level in the coffin 1 which promotes and maintains the activity of aerobic bacteria responsible for the decomposition of tissues.

[0038] In a second phase, the humidification means cause, once the valve 21 has broken and the liquids have been transferred through the pipe 20, the activation of the heating means 9, namely in this example the compost 18.

[0039] Compost 18 will initially release significant heat, above 100 degrees, in a relatively short period, allowing it to destroy the pathogens present and then continue to release heat at a temperature above 10 degrees for a period of 4 to 6 months, which will have the effect of heating the body and improving its decomposition.

[0040] Coffin 1 thus includes technical means to recreate optimal temperature, humidity and oxygen levels for the complete decomposition of the body.

[0041] Of course, other features of the invention could also have been considered without going outside the scope of the invention as defined by the claims below.

Claims

1. A coffin, especially for in-ground burial, comprising a bottom (2), side walls (3), a lid (4), a mattress (5) and collection means (6) capable of receiving vital fluids under the mattress, characterised in that the coffin further comprises oxygen storage means (7) for supplying oxygen to the coffin, humidifying means (8) and heating means (9) so as to generate conditions for rapid decomposition of the body over time.

2. The coffin according to claim 1 wherein the mattress (5) rests on a double-walled plate (10) with a perforated upper wall (11) through which fluids can pass and a lower wall (12) which accommodates a fluid receiving trough (13), the double-walled plate (10) furthermore having a sloping intermediate plate (14) for guiding the fluids to the receiving trough (13).

3. The coffin according to claim 2 wherein the double-walled plate (10) is corrugated and further allows the reception of at least part of the oxygen storage means and / or the humidification means at free spaces (16).

4. The coffin according to any of the preceding claims wherein the oxygen storage means include at least one oxygen bag (17) made of a water-soluble material.

5. The coffin according to claim 2 taken alone or in combination with claim 3 or 4 wherein the oxygen storage means (7) includes at least one oxygen bag (17) disposed in the double-walled plate (10).

6. The coffin according to claim 2 taken alone or in combination with any of claims 3 to 5 wherein the heating means (9) include a layer of compost (18), disposed beneath the double-walled plate (10), activatable by impregnation with liquid via the humidifying means (8).

7. The coffin according to claim 4 wherein the compost (18) is a natural compost capable of creating high heat in excess of 80°C upon activation so as to destroy pathogenic bacteria present in the coffin.

8. The coffin according to any of the preceding claims wherein the humidifying means (8) include a reservoir (19) on the lid capable of containing liquids, at least one pipe (20) for transferring the liquid to the bottom of the coffin and a valve (21) between the reservoir and the pipe for controlled transfer of liquid to the interior of the coffin.

9. The coffin of claim 8 wherein the valve (21) is a biodegradable or putrescible valve allowing the liquid to flow from the reservoir (19) into the pipe (20) within a specified time, especially between 3 and 6 months.

10. The coffin according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (2) and / or the side parts (3) have a rupture zone, made of a putrescible material, allowing the flow of liquids out of the coffin, the material used for making this rupture zone is a biodegradable polymer of the PLA type or derivatives thereof.

11. The coffin according to any of the preceding claims, wherein non-return valves prevent any fluid backflow out of the receiving tray (13).