Urns

Abstract

Double urn (1) for storing ashes from a first and second ashes resulting from a cremation a second person wherein the double urn (1) has at least one closable cavity (5) for receiving the ashes or an ash capsule containing the ashes, characterized by that the double urn (1) has at least two personalization sections (P1, P2), that the two personalization sections (P1, P2) each extend over a predetermined height (h1, h2), are arranged at approximately the same height and extend on opposite sides of the urn (1) over approximately the same angular range (Ω1, Ω2) around a common axis of rotation (R), and that the outer contour of the double urn (1) in each personalization section (P1, P2) is designed as a body of revolution with a profile flank (4a, 4b) that remains the same when rotated around the axis of rotation (R) and thus appears identical from different viewing directions, wherein the profile flank (4a) of a first personalization section (P1) is essentially the contour of the facial profile (2a) of the first person and the profile flank (4b) of the second personalization section (P2) essentially corresponds to the contour of the facial profile (2b) of the second person.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a double urn for storing ashes of a first and a second person resulting from a cremation, and to a method for manufacturing such a double urn, wherein the double urn has at least one closable cavity for receiving the ashes or an ash capsule containing the ashes.

[0002] Urns are known in a wide variety of designs according to current technology, the main purpose of which is to permanently preserve the ashes of a specific person after cremation. Urns are not necessarily kept underground, but – depending on country-specific customs and laws – also above ground.

[0003] There is clearly a need for personalization of urns so that—for example, at funeral services for the deceased and / or during the subsequent above-ground storage of the urn—it is identifiable from the outside whose ashes are contained within. Therefore, it is not uncommon to inscribe suitable information about the person whose ashes are kept in the urn on its exterior or on a plaque attached to the outside. This information often includes the person's name and dates of birth and death, and it is also known to attach photographs of the person to the outside of the urn. Furthermore, so-called face urns, on which a face is sculpted, have been known since antiquity.

[0004] US design patent US D621,571S discloses an urn of the type described above, which has at least one personalization section extending over a predetermined height and over a predetermined angular range around an axis of rotation. In this section, the outer contour of the urn is designed as a solid of revolution with a profile flank that remains constant when rotated around the axis of rotation and thus appears identical from different viewing directions. The profile flank essentially follows the contour of a facial profile. However, no information is provided indicating that this design principle, or a modified version thereof, could also be suitable for designing the outer contour of a double urn.

[0005] From US 2010 / 0043187 A1, urns of the type described above are known, which are designed as double urns and comprise two independent, interlocking single urns.

[0006] Since urns, especially during funeral services – and possibly also during subsequent above-ground storage – are viewed by people from different angles and distances, and since there is also a need for double urns, the object of the present invention is to provide a novel double urn of the type mentioned above, which is designed to store the ashes of two people and which is personalized in a specific and clearly recognizable way with regard to both people.

[0007] This problem is solved with a double urn according to claim 1. The double urn is designed for storing the ashes of a first and a second person resulting from a cremation and has at least two personalization sections, each extending over a predetermined height and over a predetermined angular range around an axis of rotation. wherein the two personalization sections are arranged at approximately the same height and extend on opposite sides of the double urn over approximately the same angular range around a common axis of rotation. The outer contour of the double urn in each personalization section is designed as a solid of revolution with a profile flank that remains constant when rotated around the axis of rotation and thus appears identical from different viewing directions, wherein the profile flank of a first personalization section essentially corresponds to the contour of the facial profile of the first person, and the profile flank of the second personalization section essentially corresponds to the contour of the facial profile of the second person.

[0008] In other words, due to the specific characteristics of the respective personalization section, the double urn has a personalization feature that is equally recognizable from different angles (within a given angular range), which consists in the fact that at least one outer flank of the double urn (in particular, arranged laterally on the urn) is designed to be rotationally symmetrical at least over a certain angular and vertical range, wherein the outer flank of the double urn in this angular range (viewed in a longitudinal section through the double urn including the axis of rotation) follows the contour of a facial profile.

[0009] The double urn according to the invention is thus designed in such a way that the outer contour of the double urn, when placed, for example, at funeral services in front of the altar of a church, within a funeral chapel, or at its later final location, reflects the facial profiles of the persons whose ashes are kept in the double urn to people viewing it from different angles. This is clearly recognizable even from a greater distance when looking at the double urn.

[0010] For example, married couples whose respective ashes are to be buried in a shared double urn after their cremation can have a double urn designed according to the invention made during their lifetime, in which the double urn has a separate personalization section for each person to be buried in it, which shows the profile of the respective person as part of the outer contour of the double urn over a predetermined angular range.

[0011] In a double urn according to the invention, it can be achieved that when viewing the double urn from different angles, the first side flank of the double urn shows the facial profile of the first person and the second (opposite the first side flank) side flank of the double urn shows the facial profile of the second person, wherein in this case it can preferably be provided that the respective facial profile points with the nose towards the common axis of rotation of the personalization sections, so that the two facial profiles defining the lateral outer contour of the double urn are facing each other.

[0012] In this context, it should be noted that so-called switch images are already known from psychology. These images depict a vase (or chalice) in a longitudinal cross-section, with the outer contour of the vase bounded on both sides by the contour of a facial profile (usually pointing towards a central axis). When viewing such an image, a viewer often perceives either two typically facing facial profiles and identifies the area between them as empty space, or they recognize the object bounded laterally by the facial profiles as a chalice- or vase-like object. Furthermore, chalices of this type are known from applied art, but these are unsuitable for use as urns due to the lack of a closable cavity.

[0013] Typically, the present invention relates to a double urn, each chamber of which is intended to hold all the ashes produced during the cremation of a deceased person. Therefore, the cavity provided for this purpose, which is typically closable (by means of a lid), must be sufficiently large, with a volume advantageously ranging from 1 to 4.5 liters. However, the present invention can also refer to a so-called decorative urn or miniature urn, which may only need to hold a small portion of the ashes produced during cremation. Thus, an urn according to the present invention can, in principle, be realized in a wide variety of sizes.

[0014] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that a double urn according to the invention can, of course, be made from any suitable (and, where applicable, legally permissible) materials, wherein the urn can be made in particular from a natural stone such as granite, marble, sandstone, porphyry, shell limestone, travertine or serpentinite, from a metal such as iron, bronze, zinc or copper, and / or from other suitable materials such as ceramic, glass or artificial stone. Furthermore, biodegradable materials can also be used, especially if the double urn according to the invention, containing the ashes, is to be buried underground after a funeral service.

[0015] Furthermore, in a double urn according to the invention, it can be advantageously provided that the at least two personalization sections extend vertically between a base of the double urn which can be placed on a surface and an urn top, wherein it can be particularly preferred that the at least two personalization sections cover substantially the entire height of the double urn.

[0016] Typically, a facial profile used within the scope of the present invention, which the outer contour of the double urn follows in a personalization section, captures the area between the hairline / forehead and the chin / neck base of the person concerned, so that the outer contour of the double urn in the personalization section follows the course of the forehead, eye area, nose, mouth, and chin of the person concerned from top to bottom as seen in a side view. The chin area with the neck set back in comparison is generally well suited – with the nose pointing towards the axis of rotation – for forming the outer contour of a base for the double urn.

[0017] Within the scope of the present invention, it can also be provided that the double urn has several personalization sections of the type already described above, arranged in different areas of the double urn, in which the profile flank in its course follows the contour of the facial profile of the same person. For example, a first personalization section of the double urn can be provided in a lower area of ​​the double urn and a second personalization section in an upper area of ​​the double urn (e.g. on a lid of the double urn), wherein in this variant different personalization sections may optionally overlap or coincide in their height extent, provided that they then each extend over a non-overlapping angular range or provided that they are arranged with different axes of rotation in areas of the double urn that are far apart from one another.

[0018] Furthermore, the course of the outer flank of the double urn can be limited, for example, in a first personalization section by a facial profile pointing with the nose towards the axis of rotation and in a second personalization section by a facial profile pointing with the nose away from the axis of rotation.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is possible that two or more personalization sections of the double urn – possibly arranged at the same height in different angular ranges around the axis of rotation – are defined by different facial profiles of the same person, showing the profile of the person in different moods (e.g. laughing or neutral) or at different ages.

[0020] Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided that the profile flank of the outer contour of the double urn, viewed in a longitudinal section through the axis of rotation, is continuously transformed, with increasing rotation angle, from a course following the facial profile of the first person to one following the facial profile of the second person in an intermediate angular region located between the first and second personalization sections. Thus, in this intermediate angular region, a continuous or successive transformation of one facial profile into the other occurs when the viewing direction towards the double urn is constantly changing (e.g., when walking around the urn, which is positioned at a suitable height).

[0021] It may also be provided that the double urn has two lockable cavities for receiving the ashes or ash capsules containing the ashes of two people.

[0022] The at least one cavity of a double urn according to the invention can advantageously be arranged within a base forming a lower section of the double urn and can be closed by means of a lid provided on the bottom side of the double urn, whereby suitable seals etc. are intended to ensure a closure that is as tight as possible (and complies with any legal requirements).

[0023] Furthermore, it may be expediently provided that the double urn, which can be placed on a base, has a cavity on its upper side that is open from above (and advantageously designed to be watertight) for receiving plants and / or floral decorations, so that the double urn can be decorated with plants or floral decorations, for example, on certain occasions.

[0024] In addition to the double urn described above, the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a double urn according to the invention, the method comprising the following steps: (A) Obtaining the contours of the facial profiles of the two persons whose ashes are to be kept in the double urn, in particular from a side view photograph, a cast or a 3D scan of the face of the person concerned (B) Determining the external geometry for the double urn such that the double urn has at least two personalization sections, each extending over a predetermined height and over a predetermined angular range around a common axis of rotation, in which the outer contour of the double urn is designed as a body of revolution with a profile flank that remains constant when rotated around the axis of rotation and thus appears identical from different viewing directions, wherein the profile flanks, which remain constant over the predetermined angular range around the axis of rotation in the at least two personalization sections, essentially correspond to the contours of two facial profiles of two persons obtained according to step (A), whose ashes are to be kept in the double urn. (C) Manufacturing the double urn with an outer geometry according to step (B)

[0025] If a double urn according to the invention is ordered or commissioned by a person to be buried therein while still alive, a suitable photograph of the person in question can be taken in a side view as part of step (A) of the method according to the invention and, if necessary, transmitted via the Internet in an electronic ordering process, and then the contour of the facial profile can be determined from the photograph in a suitable manner.

[0026] If the double urn is commissioned only after the death of the person to be buried in it, the contour of the facial profile of that person can be obtained either from an existing photograph / cast / 3D scan (taken during their lifetime) or from a photograph / cast / 3D scan of the deceased person created specifically for this purpose. Naturally, the invention also allows for the creation of the facial profile contour purely through drawing.

[0027] As part of determining the outer contour of the double urn to be manufactured later in step (C) according to step (B), it is essential to ensure that the double urn is sufficiently large to accommodate the ashes or ash capsule within a cavity to be created and sealed using suitable means. Furthermore, it is understood that the outer geometry of the double urn determined according to step (B) is only defined in the at least two personalization sections. Therefore, the remaining outer geometry of the double urn—insofar as the personalization sections do not extend over the entire height of the double urn and over an angle of 360° around the axis of rotation—must be appropriately supplemented / specified to complete the overall outer geometry of the double urn.

[0028] The production of the double urn according to step (C) can advantageously be carried out in any manner, in particular also manually. However, it is advantageous if the double urn is produced from a blank whose outer contour in the area of ​​the at least one personalization section is machined by a CNC milling process. Furthermore, an urn according to the invention could also be produced by a 3D printing process or by other means.

[0029] Finally, it should be mentioned that the present invention is not limited to double urns for storing human ashes, but that the principle according to the invention is also applicable to double urns for storing the ashes of animals, in particular pets. In this respect, the term "person" within the scope of the present invention is intended to encompass a (domestic) animal – such as a dog or a cat – in a personifying manner, so that the outer contour of a double urn intended for storing the ashes of an animal can then follow the facial profile of the respective animal in the personalization section.

[0030] An embodiment of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b a method for producing a first comparative example of an urn not according to the invention, which is in Fig. 1b is shown, Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b a method for producing a second comparative example of an urn not according to the invention, which is in Fig. 2b is shown, Fig. Figures 3a - 3c illustrate the design of a double urn according to the invention with two personalization sections arranged in opposing angular areas, each of which is assigned a different facial profile. Fig. 4 - 8 further comparative examples of urns not conforming to the invention.

[0031] The two adjacent representations of Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b or 2a and Fig. 2b illustrate, for various comparative examples of an urn 1 personalized in a manner not according to the invention, how from a photograph 3, which shows a side view of a face or head of a specific (and in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 2a different) person shows, the outer geometry for the respective urn 1 is determined. The two in the Fig. 1b and Fig. 2b shows urns 1 each having a personalization section P extending over the entire height h of the urn 1, which extends by a (completely circumferential) angle of Q = 360° around the respective axis of rotation R, so that the entire urn 1 is completely rotationally symmetric about the axis of rotation R in its (lateral) outer geometry.

[0032] The Fig. 1a and Fig. Figures 2a each show a photograph 3 depicting the face of a specific person in profile view, from which the facial profile 2 of that person, which defines the edges of the face, can be determined or extracted. To obtain the specific contour of the facial profile 2, one can either simply trace the edge of the respective face or use suitable technical aids, such as edge detection software, as included in common graphics editing programs. If the respective facial profile 2 is now reflected across a central axis M positioned at a certain distance in front of the tip of the nose (which, in a 3-dimensional view, corresponds to a 180° rotation of the facial profile 2 around a rotation axis R), the following is revealed in the Fig. 1a and Fig. 2a a black colored area bounded on both sides by the facial profile 2 and its mirror image 2' on the left and right, which corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of a chalice or vase-like form.

[0033] The outer contour of the in the Fig. 1b and Fig. The urn 1 shown in Figure 2b, within the personalization section P (covering the entire lateral outer contour of the urn 1), is defined as a solid of revolution with a profile flank 4 that remains constant when rotated (within the angular range [0, 360°]) around the axis of rotation R. Thus, the outer contour of the respective urn 1 in the personalization section P always shows the contour of the respective facial profile 2 identically from every viewing angle, which is also clearly visible from a certain distance.

[0034] Insofar as it is stated here that the profile flank 4 “essentially” corresponds to the contour of the facial profile 2 of the respective person, this also includes the possible presence of minor deviations (e.g. due to manufacturing processes).

[0035] At the in Fig. In the urn shown in Figure 1b, it is further indicated by dashed lines that a cavity 5 is provided within a base forming a lower section of the urn 1 for receiving ashes (or an ash capsule containing the ashes) of the person to be buried in the urn, which - e.g. by means of a Fig. 1b lid not shown (see the examples of embodiment according to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) - can be closed in a suitable manner. Furthermore, it is again indicated by dashed lines that the in Fig. 1b shows urn 1 also having a cavity 6 on the top side that is open from above for receiving plants and / or floral decorations.

[0036] Of course, this is also the case in the Fig. 2b shows urn 1, e.g. in its base, a suitable lockable cavity for storing ashes is provided, although this is not specifically illustrated there.

[0037] The Fig. Figures 3a - 3c illustrate the design of the outer geometry of a double urn according to the invention 1.

[0038] The following show Fig. 3a and 3b each produce a vertical longitudinal section through the double urn 1, including the axis of rotation R, according to the two section lines IIIa-IIIa and IIIb-IIIb, respectively, rotated by 90° relative to each other. Fig. 3c, while the Fig. 3c a horizontal cross-section through the double urn 1 according to the section lines IIIc-IIIc in the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shows.

[0039] In this process, the course of a first profile flank 4a of the outer contour of the double urn 1 in a first personalization section P1 is defined by the facial profile 2a of a first person, while the course of a second profile flank 4b of the outer contour of the double urn 1 in a second personalization section P2 is defined by the facial profile 2b of a second person. In the given example, the first personalization section P1 extends over a height h1 corresponding to the total height h of the double urn 1 and over a first angular range Ω1.The second personalization section P2 also extends over a height h2 corresponding to the total height h of the double urn 1 and over a second angular range Ω2, wherein in this case the two personalization sections P1, P2 (in their entire height extension) are arranged at the same height of the double urn 1 and on opposite sides of the double urn 1 with respect to the axis of rotation R, and wherein in this case the two angular ranges Ω1, Ω2 are (approximately or exactly) the same size (cf. . Fig. 3a and Fig. 3c).

[0040] Between the two personalization sections P1, P2 covering the angle ranges Ω1, Ω2, in which the outer contour of the double urn 1 is rotationally symmetrical due to the constant profile flanks 4a, 4b, an intermediate area Z1 or Z2 is provided in each intermediate angle range Ω3, Ω4, so that the four angles Ω1, Ω2, Ω3, Ω4 add up to a total of 360°.

[0041] In the two – also opposing – intermediate areas Z1 and Z2, the outer contour of the double urn 1 is not defined as a solid of revolution; rather, the profile flank 4' or 4'' of the outer contour of the double urn 1 is continuously transformed with increasing rotation angle from a course following the facial profile 2a of the first person to a course following the facial profile 2b of the second person, or vice versa. Fig. Figure 3b shows the course of the respective profile flank 4' or 4'' exactly in the middle of the respective intermediate angle range Z1, Z2, whereby the continuous transition from one face profile 2a to the other face profile 2b has been designed in such a way that the profile flanks 4', 4'' located in the middle of the respective intermediate angle range Z1, Z2 correspond to each other (cf. Fig. 3b) and follow an intermediate face profile 2z, which represents a kind of averaging of the two face profiles 2a, 2b.

[0042] The double urn 1 designed in this way always shows, when viewed from the side over a large angular range, the facial profile 2a of a first person on a first side and the facial profile 2b of a second person on a second side, whose respective ashes are or are to be stored in the double urn 1, wherein, within the scope of the present invention, the individual (intermediate) angular ranges Ω1, Ω2, Q3, Ω4 can also be dimensioned differently than in the given example.

[0043] Naturally, the double urn 1, whose external geometry is based on the Fig. As illustrated in Figures 3a-3c, at least one lockable cavity, or preferably two separate and separately lockable cavities, is provided into which the ashes of the two persons to be buried therein (or two ash capsules) can be placed. For the sake of clarity, the relevant cavities have been shown in the Fig. 3a-3c not shown.

[0044] The Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows two further comparative examples of a non-inventive urn 1 in a longitudinal section including the axis of rotation R, wherein each of the in the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows urns 1 with two personalization sections P1 and P2 arranged at different heights (in this case, one above the other). The first personalization section P1 extends over a first height h1, and the second personalization section P2 extends over a second height h2. Both personalization sections P1 and P2 each extend over an angular range Ω = 360° that completely encircles the axis of rotation R. In the first personalization section P1, the rotationally symmetrical outer contour is defined by a profile flank 4a following a first facial profile 2a, which is oriented such that the nose of the facial profile 2a points towards the axis of rotation R.

[0045] In the second personalization section P2, the rotationally symmetric outer contour is defined by a profile flank 4b following a second facial profile 2b, which is oriented such that the nose of the facial profile 2b points in a direction away from the axis of rotation R.

[0046] Each of the two in the Fig. 4 and Fig. The urns 1 shown in the 5 depicted have a cavity 5 in a base area which can be closed by means of a lid 7 and which is appropriately sized to hold the ashes of the person to be buried in the respective urn.

[0047] The in Fig. The urn 1 shown in Figure 4 also has a cavity 6 on its upper side, which is closed by a second lid 8 and which – e.g., as an alternative or in addition to the cavity 5 located on the bottom – can also be designed to hold ashes or an ash capsule. The second personalization section P2 is located in the area of ​​the second lid 8 of the urn 1.

[0048] At the in Fig. The urn 1 shown in Figure 4 can therefore also be a double urn of a type not according to the invention, if, for example, the face profile 2b assigned to the second personalization section P2 is assigned to a different person than the face profile 2a assigned to the first personalization section P1.

[0049] The in Fig. The urn shown in Figure 5 also has a kind of upper lid 8, which can either be solid (as shown) or (as in Figure 5) be made of a thin, rounded material. Fig. 4) can close a cavity.

[0050] Finally, the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 Two further comparative examples of urns 1 not according to the invention, which in their respective external geometry are designed over their entire height as bodies of revolution with a profile flank 4 following a facial profile 2. The in Fig. The urn shown in Figure 6 is made of a natural stone, namely granite, while the one in Figure 6 is made of a different material. Fig. The urn shown in Figure 6 is made of a metal, namely bronze.

Claims

[1] Double urn (1) for storing ashes from a first and second ashes resulting from a cremation a second person wherein the double urn (1) has at least one closable cavity (5) for receiving the ashes or an ash capsule containing the ashes, characterized by , that the double urn (1) has at least two personalization sections (P1, P2), that the two personalization sections (P1, P2) each extend over a predetermined height (h1, h2), are arranged at approximately the same height and extend on opposite sides of the urn (1) over approximately the same angular range (Ω1, Ω2) around a common axis of rotation (R), and that the outer contour of the double urn (1) in each personalization section (P1, P2) is designed as a body of revolution with a profile flank (4a, 4b) that remains the same when rotated around the axis of rotation (R) and thus appears identical from different viewing directions, wherein the profile flank (4a) of a first personalization section (P1) is essentially the contour of the facial profile (2a) of the first person and the profile flank (4b) of the second personalization section (P2) essentially corresponds to the contour of the facial profile (2b) of the second person. [2] Double urn (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the at least two personalization sections (P1, P2) extend vertically in the double urn (1) between a base of the double urn (1) which can be placed on a surface and an urn top. [3] Double urn (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the at least two personalization sections (P1, P2) substantially cover the entire height of the urn (1). [4] Double urn (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the profile flank (4', 4'') of the outer contour of the urn (1) considered in a longitudinal section including the rotation axis (R) is continuously transformed with increasing rotation angle from a course following the facial profile (2a) of the first person to a course following the facial profile (2b) of the second person in an intermediate angle range (Ω3, Ω4) lying between the first personalization section (P1) and the second personalization section (P2). [5] Double urn (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the double urn (1) has two lockable cavities (5) for receiving the ashes or ash capsules containing the ashes of two persons. [6] Double urn (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one cavity (5) is arranged within a base forming a lower section of the double urn (1) and can be closed by means of a lid (7) provided on the bottom side of the double urn (1). [7] Double urn (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the double urn (1) which can be placed on a base has on its upper side a cavity (6) open from above for receiving a planting and / or floral decoration. [8] Method for manufacturing a double urn (1) according to any of the preceding claims comprising the following steps: (A) Obtaining the contours of the facial profiles (2a, 2b) of the two persons whose ashes are to be kept in the double urn (1), in particular from a side view photograph (3), a cast or a 3D scan of the face of the person concerned (B) Determining the external geometry for the double urn (1) such that the double urn (1) has at least two personalization sections (P1, P2) extending over a given height (h1, h2) and over a given angular range (Ω1, Ω2) around a common axis of rotation (R), in which the outer contour of the double urn (1) is designed as a body of revolution with a profile flank (4a, 4b) that remains the same when rotated around the axis of rotation (R) and thus appears identical from different viewing directions, wherein the profile flanks (4a, 4b) which remain constant over the specified angular range (Ω1, Ω2) around the axis of rotation (R) in the at least two personalization sections (P; P1, P2) essentially correspond to the contours of two facial profiles (2a, 2b) of two persons obtained according to step (A), whose ashes are to be kept in the double urn (1). (C) Manufacturing the double urn (1) with an outer geometry according to step (B) [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by that the double urn (1) is manufactured from a blank whose outer contour in the area of ​​at least two personalization sections (P1, P2) is machined by means of a CNC milling process.

Images