Funeral casket for cremation

Abstract

The funeral coffin (1) for cremation comprises boundary walls (2) made of a biopolymer material, comprising: a bottom wall (3); peripheral walls (4) which together with the bottom wall (3) define an internal volume (5) for accommodating a corpse; and a lid (6) intended to close the internal volume (5) at the top. The biopolymer material is of a non-biodegradable type.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a funeral casket for cremation. [Background technology]

[0002] As is well known, a funeral casket is a container, typically made of solid wood, designed for the storage, transportation and burial of the body placed within it.

[0003] Specifically, a conventional funeral casket has a bottom wall and a number of peripheral walls, surrounded by a lid, to define an interior volume within which the body is placed.

[0004] It should be noted that sizing of a funeral casket is highly related to the physical characteristics of the corpse, including, for example, height and body size.

[0005] In particular, the interior volume should be large enough to accommodate the size of the body to be placed inside.

[0006] This inevitably results in conventional funeral caskets being provided with larger overall dimensions, which results in significant transportation and storage costs.

[0007] This fact is particularly inconvenient considering that unless the body is placed inside the funeral casket, the large internal volume leads to unnecessary hassle in moving the funeral casket itself.

[0008] Furthermore, the use of solid wood makes the funeral casket very heavy, making it even more cumbersome to transport and store.

[0009] In this regard, it is worth mentioning that this particular choice of material also poses major environmental problems, including a large amount of tree felling (in Europe alone it is thought that 700,000 large trees are cut down each year).

[0010] In addition to causing deforestation of large areas of forests and woodlands, it is also known to be associated with a decrease in the capacity to absorb carbon dioxide produced by human activities.

[0011] In addition to this, the burning of funeral coffins for the cremation of the body results in the release of carbon dioxide absorbed by the wood over its lifespan, as well as many other pollutants, into the atmosphere, further exacerbating the negative environmental consequences caused by such known coffins.

[0012] Furthermore, wood processing produces a lot of waste, which necessarily requires proper disposal and ultimately leads to further carbon dioxide production.

[0013] To solve at least part of the aforementioned problems, a funeral coffin is known, constructed according to the teachings of the Italian patent application 20120062 A1.

[0014] This document shows in particular a funeral casket made in part from biodegradable biopolymers derived in part from plant and / or animal biomass.

[0015] The unique physical properties of these materials make it possible to create, in fact, lightweight, waterproof, airtight, as well as aesthetically pleasing funeral caskets, which show decency and provide dignity to the corpse placed inside.

[0016] Notwithstanding this, the funeral casket shown in the aforementioned patent is believed to be susceptible to a number of improvements.

[0017] In fact, making funeral caskets from biodegradable biopolymer materials has proven to be a very poor choice, since in the case of cremation, it also leads to the production of large amounts of polluting compounds and greenhouse gases (e.g. carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, etc.).

[0018] In other words, the funeral coffin described in patent application IT 20120062 A1 causes great ecological damage as a result of its combustion, since it is unable to effectively mitigate many of the environmental problems outlined above.

[0019] Moreover, patent document IT 20120062 teaches how to carry out the assembly of the peripheral and bottom walls using permanent fixing elements, which are of the adhesive, dowel and / or screw type.

[0020] However, this fact is particularly inconvenient as it requires resorting to experts, who, in addition to the risk of repeated injuries in the assembly of the funeral casket, have been found to disadvantageously increase the cost of constructing the funeral casket and therefore the final purchase price of the assembled product.

[0021] Finally, it is worth noting that the patent document IT 20120062 shows a funeral coffin provided in most parts with the same overall dimensions as a conventional wooden funeral coffin and therefore fails to solve the related problems already mentioned. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0022] [Patent Document 1] Italian Patent Application Publication No. 20120062 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0023] The main object of the present invention is to devise a funeral casket for cremation that allows a small environmental impact, i.e. less release of carbon dioxide and pollutants, than known types of funeral caskets.

[0024] Within this main aim, the object of the present invention is to devise a funeral casket for cremation that is lightweight, easy and intuitive to assemble.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to devise a funeral casket for cremation that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within a configuration that is simple, rational, easy, effective to use, and also affordable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0026] The aforementioned goal is achieved by a funeral casket for cremation having the features of patent claim 1.

[0027] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a funeral casket for cremation, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying diagrams. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a general axonometric view of a coffin according to the invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed axonometric view of a part of a coffin according to the invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a detailed axonometric view of a part of a coffin according to the invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a detailed axonometric view of a part of a coffin according to the invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph comparing the amount of carbon dioxide produced in the manufacture of a funeral casket according to the present invention with the amount of carbon dioxide produced in the manufacture of a conventional funeral casket made from fossil polymers. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph comparing the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the combustion of a funeral casket according to the invention with the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the combustion of a conventional wooden funeral casket made of fossil polymers. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph comparing methane consumption by weight and volume of methane from the combustion of a funeral casket according to the invention versus the combustion of a conventional wooden funeral casket. [Figure 8]1 is a graph comparing the amount of carbon dioxide generated in the manufacture of a funeral casket according to the present invention with the amount of carbon dioxide generated in the manufacture of a conventional funeral casket made of a biodegradable biopolymer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] With particular reference to these drawings, the reference number 1 generally indicates a funeral casket for cremation.

[0030] A funeral coffin 1 for cremation comprises a number of boundary walls 2.

[0031] Advantageously, at least one of the boundary walls 2 is made at least partially hollow.

[0032] Preferably, each of the boundary walls 2 is made at least partially hollow.

[0033] This makes it possible to significantly reduce the overall weight of the coffin 1 and thereby make it much easier to move the coffin.

[0034] Specifically, Boundary Wall 2: - at least one bottom wall 3; - a number of peripheral walls 4 defining, together with a bottom wall 3, at least one internal volume 5 for containing at least one corpse; at least one lid 6 intended to close the internal volume 5 at the top, Equipped with.

[0035] The bottom wall 3 is a substantially multi-sided member intended to provide physical support for a body deposited in the interior volume 5 .

[0036] In particular, the bottom wall 3 has an overall height between 1.5 and 5.5 cm, even between 2.5 and 4.5 cm, preferably equal to 3.5 cm.

[0037] To efficiently perform its function, the bottom wall 3 comprises at least one upper surface 7 facing the internal volume 5 in which, during use, the corpse is placed.

[0038] The upper surface 7 is substantially flat and sized with an area corresponding to the area for placing a corpse in the interior volume 5.

[0039] In this regard, use of the term "corresponding to" indicates that the top surface 7 must be sized according to the exact dimensions of the corpse to be placed therein.

[0040] In particular, the top surface 7 must be wide enough to allow the bottom wall 3 to physically support the corpse along its entire length.

[0041] Additionally, the bottom wall 3 is provided with a collection structure 8 for fluids produced by the decomposition of the corpse.

[0042] In particular, the accumulation structure 8 comprises a number of cross members 8a arranged contiguously with respect to one another and defining a number of hollow compartments 8b adapted to be filled with putrefactive fluid.

[0043] In fact, the cross members 8a are arranged so as to collectively define a grid.

[0044] In other words, the particular profile in which the cross-piece 8a is arranged determines such that a gap is defined between them and that it is joined at its periphery by the cross-piece itself, so that it coincides with the section 8b.

[0045] In this case, the compartment 8a is provided with at least one through hole drilled in the bottom of the cross-piece 8a, by means of which the septic fluid can pass.

[0046] This technical measure makes it possible to equalize the average height of the putrefactive fluids within the coffin 1.

[0047] In fact, the presence of through holes makes it possible to move the septic fluids by the principle of communicating tubes between one compartment 8b and another 8b, ultimately resulting in a more uniform overall distribution.

[0048] Moreover, the particular means of providing the cross members 8a arranged relative to one another provides the coffin 1 with considerably greater rigidity and structural strength, allowing for safer transport and handling.

[0049] Preferably, the cross piece 8a has a height between 0.5 and 4.5 cm, even between 1.5 and 3.5 cm, preferably equal to 2.5 cm.

[0050] This value makes it possible to realize accumulation structures 8 capable of accumulating large amounts of embalming fluid, for example up to 28 liters, and which perform their functions efficiently, regardless of the physical characteristics of the corpse contained in the internal volume 5.

[0051] Turning to the description of the peripheral walls 4, it should first be mentioned that these are members with a substantially multi-sided construction, having two faces (one facing the interior volume 5 in use and the other facing outwardly relative to the interior volume 5 in use) and a block located between these two faces.

[0052] In this respect, each of the peripheral walls 4: - at least one lower base 9 arranged to rest on the bottom wall 3 in use; - at least one upper bottom part 10 opposite the lower side 9; at least one side edge 11 arranged transversely to the bottom wall 3 so as to define the depth of the internal volume 5 in use; at least one inner surface 12, which in use faces the internal volume 5; and at least one outer surface 13, which in use faces outwards relative to the internal volume 5; Equipped with.

[0053] Each of the peripheral walls 4 comprises a lower base 9 , an upper base 10 , two side edges 11 , an inner surface 12 and an outer surface 13 .

[0054] In particular, the side edges 11 are arranged perpendicular to the lower base 9 and the upper base 10, and the lower base 9 and the upper base 10 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0055] In this case, the side edge 11 is located between the lower base 9 and the upper base 10 and together with the lower base 9 and the upper base 10 defines the periphery of the inner surface 12 and the outer surface 13 .

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the coffin 1 comprises four peripheral walls 4 .

[0057] According to this embodiment, the peripheral wall 4 further has a substantially multi-sided configuration with a rectangular base.

[0058] In this case, the coffin 1 is of so-called "parallel" / "US style" shape.

[0059] In practice this means that the lower base 9, the upper base 10, the side edges 11, the inner surface 12 and the outer surface 13 are rectangular in shape.

[0060] However, different configurations of the peripheral wall 4 cannot be excluded.

[0061] By way of example, one or more peripheral walls 4 having a substantially multi-sided configuration with a hexagonal base, or a substantially multi-sided configuration with a pentagonal base, or any other regular or irregular geometry known to a person skilled in the art, cannot be excluded.

[0062] For example, by utilizing the peripheral walls 4 of two polyhedrons with a hexagonal base and the peripheral walls 4 of two other polyhedrons with a rectangular base, it is possible to realize a coffin 1 with a so-called "shoulder" / "hexagonal" shape.

[0063] Coffins 1 provided with a different number of side walls 4, for example six, cannot be excluded.

[0064] In the latter case, a so-called "shoulder" / "hexagonal" shaped coffin 1 can be realised by utilising six multi-sided peripheral walls 4, all having a rectangular base and arranged to form a substantially hexagonal structure.

[0065] The lid 6 is a substantially multi-sided member of elongated configuration.

[0066] The lid 6 may conveniently be flat (particularly in the case of a coffin 1 made in a "parallel" / US style" shape) or curved (particularly in the case of a coffin 1 made in a "shoulder" / "hexagonal" shape).

[0067] In this case, lid 6 is: at least one lower part 14, facing towards the internal volume 5 in use and arranged to rest on each of the upper base parts 10; and at least one upper part 15, opposite the lower part 14 and external to the internal volume 5 in use; Equipped with.

[0068] This means that only the upper part 15 of the lid 6 and the outer surface 13 of the peripheral wall 4 are visible from the outside.

[0069] When introducing the various boundary walls 2, it is necessary to specify here that they are at least partially made from a biopolymer material.

[0070] In this regard, in the context of the present disclosure, the term "biopolymer" is intended to refer to a wide range of renewable materials derived from renewable raw materials (e.g., polysaccharides and / or proteins) and / or from waste materials.

[0071] Such a low density material advantageously makes the coffin 1 particularly light and easy to transport, thereby enabling the organisers to carry out the funeral procession easily and safely.

[0072] According to the present invention, the biopolymer material is of the non-biodegradable type.

[0073] Preferably, the non-biodegradable biopolymer material is selected from the list consisting of bio-polyethylene (Bio-PE), bio-polyethylene furanoate (Bio-PEF), bio-polyestradiol phosphate (Bio-PEP), bio-polyethylene terephthalate (Bio-PET), bio-polypropylene (Bio-PP).

[0074] It is emphasized that the particular measure of making the boundary wall 2 from non-biodegradable biopolymer materials allows to significantly reduce the generation of polluting compounds and greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, dioxins, furans, formaldehyde and heavy metals) during the cremation of the coffin 1.

[0075] In other words, the use of such materials has proven to be particularly advantageous from the point of view of environmental impact, since it makes it possible to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the cremation of the coffin 1 (known to represent the amount of greenhouse gases emitted during all stages of the process) compared to the use of fossil-based polymers, wood and biodegradable biopolymers.

[0076] To study this in more detail, the amount of carbon dioxide released from the construction and subsequent combustion of coffin 1 is compared below with that of a conventional funeral coffin.

[0077] First, by comparing non-biodegradable biopolymers to fossil-derived polymers, it is emphasized that producing the 24 kilograms of biopolyethylene needed to construct coffin 1 would absorb 74.16 kilograms of carbon dioxide from the environment.

[0078] This is because bio-polyethylene specifically has a negative carbon footprint equal to -3.09, meaning that producing one kilogram of this material not only results in no carbon dioxide emissions, but also absorbs 3.09 kilograms of carbon dioxide from the environment.

[0079] In contrast, the production of a similar amount of fossil-based polyethylene for the construction of a conventional funeral casket would release as much as 44 kg of carbon dioxide into the environment (see graph in Figure 5).

[0080] It is thus easy to see that the use of non-biodegradable biopolymers for the manufacture of the coffin 1 allows for a significant reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide produced compared to the use of fossil-derived polymers, thus providing definite environmental benefits.

[0081] Similar observations between coffin 1 and a conventional funeral coffin made from wood can also be drawn from the comparison shown in FIG.

[0082] In fact, the combustion of each wooden coffin (with an average weight of about 70 kg) produces 128 kg of carbon dioxide, to which must be added the 26.5 kg produced by methane, giving a total of 154.5 kg of carbon dioxide.

[0083] In addition to this, it is also necessary to take into account the large amounts of pollution deriving, for example, from the combustion of the adhesives used in the construction of such conventional coffins.

[0084] In contrast, coffin 1 made from bio-polyethylene (average weight about 24 kg) produces 75.68 kg of carbon dioxide when burned. However, taking into account the negative carbon footprint of this material, the entire life cycle of coffin 1 releases only 4.3 kg of carbon dioxide into the environment (calculation made from the LCA "life cycle study" shown below).

[0085] One should take into account the fact that the cremation process, as is well known, is particularly energy intensive. In fact, the temperature of the furnace must be maintained at 850-1100 °C for an average time, which is about 70 minutes for a conventional coffin, of which 30 minutes are needed just for the combustion of the coffin itself.

[0086] In this regard, the coffin 1 made of non-biodegradable biopolymer takes about 4 minutes to burn, a saving of 26 minutes compared to a wooden coffin. It is easy to see how this fact results in a significant and substantial improvement in the efficiency of the combustion process, leading to an overall reduction in the cremation process time of about 37%.

[0087] As shown in the graph in Figure 7, this fact indicates that the 11.14 kg (16.6 m) 3 1.48 kg (2.2 m) for the burning of coffin 1 3 This also results in a significant reduction in methane gas consumption (a 87% reduction by weight) from 1000 to 1500 methane gas.

[0088] It should also be taken into account that some non-biodegradable biopolymers, such as for example biopolypropylene, have a particularly high calorific value and thereby release a lot of heat during combustion.

[0089] This property therefore makes it possible to reduce the furnace temperature required to burn the coffin 1, resulting in significant and important energy savings.

[0090] Finally, by comparing non-biodegradable biopolymers with biodegradable biopolymers (Figure 8), it is clearly seen that from an ecological point of view, the use of non-biodegradable biopolymers is much more convenient than the use of biodegradable biopolymers.

[0091] In this regard, it is worth considering that, in fact, the most widely used biodegradable biopolymer, namely polylactic acid (PLA), has a positive carbon footprint equal to 0.5, thus deviating from the values ​​stated for biopolyethylene.

[0092] This means that the construction of the coffin made from PLA results in the emission of 12 kg of carbon dioxide, while the construction of coffin 1 made from Bio-PE absorbs 74.16 kg of carbon dioxide, as can be seen in Figure 8.

[0093] In addition to the environmental benefits, it is also worth mentioning that the chemical and physical structure of biodegradable biopolymers makes manufactured articles made from such materials particularly brittle and therefore sensitive to impacts at temperatures below 55°C.

[0094] It can thus be easily understood that biodegradable biopolymers have proven entirely unsuitable for the manufacture of large manufactured articles, such as funeral caskets, which are known to require considerable strength and structural resistance.

[0095] In this regard, processes are known in which special compounds such as wood flour or hemp fibres (biocomposites) are added to biodegradable biopolymers in order to improve their chemical, physical and / or mechanical properties.

[0096] However, this practice is not only inappropriate for providing structural properties of biodegradable biopolymers similar to those of non-biodegradable biopolymers, but also results in a significant increase in the carbon footprint and therefore the amount of carbon dioxide produced during casket cremation.

[0097] Furthermore, it should be kept in mind that the most commonly used biodegradable biopolymers tend to crystallize during molding, thus making them heat resistant and slowing down the fabrication cycle.

[0098] This means that in addition to having the drawbacks outlined above, the use of biopolymers also brings about significant disadvantages in terms of business productivity and the quality of the produced coffins.

[0099] Finally, it is clearly understood that the use of non-biodegradable biopolymers is highly advantageous compared to the use of wood, as well as fossil-derived polymers, as well as biodegradable biopolymers, thereby effectively remedying the drawbacks complained about in the prior art.

[0100] According to a first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the coffin 1 is made as a single, integral structure.

[0101] In other words, in this first embodiment, the boundary walls 2 are rigidly connected to one another.

[0102] This therefore means that the coffin 1 can be conveniently manufactured through a single technological process.

[0103] For example, the coffin 1 can be made through a single injection molding process.

[0104] It is evident that in this way, ie by producing the coffin 1 in a single technological process, it is possible to reduce production times and costs.

[0105] Alternatively, according to a second embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4, the coffin 1 is provided with interlocking means 18, 19, 20 associated with each of the boundary walls 2 and adapted to modularly connect the boundary walls 2 to one another.

[0106] Thus, in this case, the coffin 1 is of modular construction and can be attached by assembling the boundary walls 2 by means of interlocking means 18, 19, 20.

[0107] The provision of interlocking means 18, 19, 20 brings about a number of advantages, mainly related to facilitating the transport, storage and handling of the coffin 1.

[0108] Indeed, it is easy to see that in this way it is possible to stack the boundary walls 2 together as required, for example when a body is placed in the internal volume 5 .

[0109] In other words, the boundary walls 2 can only be assembled together once the internal volume 5 is actually required.

[0110] In this way, the overall dimensions of the coffin 1 can be significantly reduced, thereby simplifying all the steps preceding the erection of the boundary wall 2.

[0111] In particular, it can be seen that the interlocking means 18 , 19 , 20 comprise a first interlocking means 18 between the peripheral wall 4 and the bottom wall 3 .

[0112] In this case, the first interlocking means 18 comprise a plurality of first interlocking elements 18 a , 18 b associated with each of the peripheral wall 4 and with the bottom wall 3 .

[0113] To be precise, the first interlocking means 18 is of the male / female type.

[0114] In other words, the first interlocking elements 18a, 18b comprise a plurality of male elements 18a and a corresponding plurality of first female elements 18b that can be coupled to the first male elements 18a by virtue of a complementary shape.

[0115] This means that the configuration of the first interlocking elements 18a, 18b is such that, upon coupling together, the first male element 18a fits in size within the first female element 18b.

[0116] In this regard, the first interlocking means 18 is selected from the list consisting of bayonet interlocking, round pin, flat pin, tenon and mortise, dovetail, sawtooth notch, key interlocking, joint notch, brick interlocking, ring interlocking, tooth and channel interlocking, tongue and groove interlocking, hook and lug.

[0117] By way of example, in the case of a first interlocking means 18 of the tenon and mortise type, the first male element 18a corresponds to the tenon and the first female element 18b corresponds to the mortise.

[0118] Preferably, a first interlocking element 18a, 18b is associated with the top surface 7 at the periphery and with each of the lower bottom surfaces 9.

[0119] In this case, a first male element 18a is associated with each of the lower bottom faces 9 and a first female element 18b is associated with the upper face 7 at the periphery.

[0120] This means that a first male element 18 a protrudes from the peripheral wall 4 and a first female element 18 b is cut out from the bottom wall 3 .

[0121] In all cases alternative solutions cannot be excluded, in particular in which a first male element 18a is associated with the upper surface 7 at its periphery and a first female element 18b is associated with each of the lower bases 9.

[0122] The unique positioning of the first interlocking elements 18a, 18b allows the peripheral wall 4 to be interlocked with the bottom wall 3 easily and intuitively.

[0123] In this way, assembly of the peripheral wall 4 to the bottom wall 3 can be carried out without the need for specialists specialised for the purpose, thereby reducing the overall assembly costs.

[0124] By way of example, in the case of a coffin 1 having a "parallel" / "US style" shape, it is sufficient to grasp the peripheral wall 4, position it perpendicular to the bottom wall 3 and bring each lower bottom portion 9 closer to the peripheral edge of the upper surface 7 until the respective first interlocking elements 18a, 18b are interlocked with each other.

[0125] It is evident that by repeating these operations for each peripheral wall 4 it is possible to join it to the bottom wall 3 and define the interior volume 5 of the coffin 1 .

[0126] The detailed method described allows the peripheral wall 4 to be effectively interlocked with the bottom wall 3 .

[0127] However, depending on the size of the peripheral wall 4 and the bottom wall 3, a thin gap may be defined between them.

[0128] In this regard, it can be easily understood that the presence of such gaps may result in an impairment of decorum and dignity for the corpse placed in the interior volume 5.

[0129] In this respect, the coffin 1 comprises at least one peripheral frame 21 associated with the bottom wall 3. The peripheral frame 21 is adapted to cover at least one gap defined between the at least one peripheral wall 4 and the bottom wall 3.

[0130] Preferably, the frame 21 has a height between 3 and 7 cm, even between 4 and 6 cm, preferably equal to 5 cm.

[0131] It should be noted that the special sizing of frame 21 allows frame 21 to effectively cover the gap between at least one peripheral wall 4 and bottom wall 3, thereby preventing viewing of interior volume 5 through the gap from the outside.

[0132] Between the different peripheral walls 4 the interlocking means 18 , 19 , 20 further comprise second interlocking means 19 with second interlocking elements 19 a , 19 b associated with each of the peripheral walls 4 .

[0133] To be precise, the second interlocking means 19 is of the male / female type.

[0134] In other words, the second interlocking elements 19a, 19b comprise a plurality of second male elements 19a and a corresponding plurality of second female elements 19b that can be coupled to the second male elements 19a by virtue of a complementary shape.

[0135] This means that the configuration of the second interlocking elements 19a, 19b is such that the second male element 19a fits into the size of the second female element 19b to connect them together.

[0136] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the second interlocking elements 19a, 19b are shaped substantially like a polyhedron having a T-shaped base.

[0137] In fact, the second male element 19a is a protrusion of a substantially multi-sided shape with a T-shaped base, and the second female element 19b receives a substantially multi-sided shape with a T-shaped base.

[0138] Different configurations of the second interlocking elements 19a, 19b, such as for example a parallelepiped, cannot be excluded in all cases.

[0139] Preferably, the second interlocking elements 19a, 19b have a height substantially the same as the height of the associated peripheral wall 4.

[0140] In other words, the second interlocking elements 19 a, 19 b extend along the entire height of the peripheral wall 4 .

[0141] Additionally, each of the second interlocking elements 19 a , 19 b is associated with at least one of the inner surface 12 and the side edge 11 of the peripheral wall 4 .

[0142] In this regard, it should be emphasized that the particular arrangement of the second interlocking elements 19a, 19b on the two peripheral walls 4 to be joined determines the angle at which they are connected.

[0143] In fact, it is easily understood that the two peripheral walls 4 can be aligned and connected to each other by arranging the second interlocking elements 19a, 19b of the two peripheral walls 4 to be connected at their respective side edges 11.

[0144] Similarly, by arranging the second interlocking element 19 of one of the two peripheral walls 4 to be connected on its respective side edge 11, and by arranging the second interlocking element 19 of the other of the two peripheral walls 4 to be connected on its respective inner surface 12, the two peripheral walls 4 can be connected at an angle that defines a right angle.

[0145] For example, if the coffin 1 comprises four peripheral walls 4, the second interlocking elements 19a, 19b are associated with the inner surfaces 12 of two of the peripheral walls 4 and with the side edges 11 of the other two peripheral walls 4.

[0146] Thus, by interconnecting the four peripheral walls 4, the bottom wall 3 is joined to create an interior volume 5 of substantially three-dimensional shape.

[0147] It should be noted that the unique arrangement of the first interlocking elements 18a, 18b and the second interlocking elements 19a, 19b allows one peripheral wall 4 to be connected to another peripheral wall 4 and to the bottom wall 3 substantially simultaneously.

[0148] This obviously allows a particularly fast and intuitive modular assembly of the coffin 1.

[0149] In fact, once a peripheral wall 4 has been interlocked with the bottom wall 3, it is only necessary to grab another peripheral wall 4, place it side-by-side with the previous peripheral wall 4 and interlock the respective second interlocking elements 19a, 19b to connect the two peripheral walls 4 to each other.

[0150] In doing so, it is sufficient to repeat the operations listed above for the first interlocking elements 18a, 18b, i.e. to bring the latter peripheral wall 4 closer to the top surface 7 and also interconnect the first interlocking elements 18a, 18b, thus connecting this peripheral wall 4 to the bottom wall 3 in the same way.

[0151] The particular manner described makes it possible for the peripheral walls 4 to interlock effectively with one another.

[0152] However, depending on the size of the peripheral walls 4, thin gaps may be defined between two or more peripheral walls 4. These may result in an impairment of decorum and dignity to the corpse placed in the interior volume 5.

[0153] In this respect, as shown in FIG. 4 , the coffin 1 comprises at least one terminal end 22 associated with and protruding from at least one of the peripheral walls 4 and adapted to cover at least one gap defined between at least two peripheral walls 4 .

[0154] According to a preferred embodiment, the end portion 22 has a curved configuration.

[0155] To be precise, the terminal portion 22 has a substantially C-shaped configuration.

[0156] Furthermore, the end portion 22 has a length substantially the same as the height of the peripheral wall 4 .

[0157] In other words, the terminal end 22 extends along the entire height of the peripheral wall 4 .

[0158] Additionally, the terminal portion 22 has a radial dimension substantially the same as the thickness of the peripheral wall 4 .

[0159] It is thus easy to see that the end portion 22 constructed according to this embodiment makes it possible to cover a gap between two peripheral walls 4 arranged at right angles by overlapping of the end portion 22 in the gap itself.

[0160] In other words, the end portion 22 is shaped to completely surround the lateral thickness of the peripheral wall 4 and hide the gap from the outside view.

[0161] Terminations 22 having configurations and / or sizes different from those described cannot be excluded.

[0162] For example, an end portion 22 having a substantially rectilinear configuration cannot be excluded, thereby making it possible to cover a gap defined side-by-side between two peripheral walls 4 .

[0163] Advantageously, the interlocking means 18 , 19 , 20 comprise, between the peripheral wall 4 and the lid 6 , a third interlocking means 20 , which comprises third interlocking elements 20 a , 20 b associated with the peripheral wall 4 and the lid 6 .

[0164] To be precise, the third interlocking means 20 is of the male / female type.

[0165] In other words, the third interlocking elements 20a, 20b comprise a plurality of third male elements 20a and a corresponding plurality of third female elements 20b that can be coupled to the third male elements 20a by complementary shapes.

[0166] This means that the configuration of the third interlocking elements 20a, 20b is such that the third male element 20a fits into the third female element 20b in size to connect them together.

[0167] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the third interlocking elements 20a, 20b are shaped substantially like a polyhedron having a rectangular base.

[0168] In effect, the third male element 20a is a protrusion of a substantially multi-sided shape having a rectangular base, and the third female element 20b accommodates a substantially multi-sided shape having a rectangular base.

[0169] Different configurations of the third interlocking elements 20a, 20b, such as for example spherical third interlocking elements 20a, 20b, cannot be excluded in all cases.

[0170] Usefully, the third interlocking elements 20a, 20b are associated with the lower portion 14 of the lid 6 at the peripheral edge and with the upper base 10 of the peripheral wall 4, respectively.

[0171] In this case, the third male element 20a is associated with the lower portion 14 and the third female element 20b is associated with the upper base 10 at the periphery.

[0172] This means that a third male element 20a protrudes from the lower portion 14 and a third female element 20b is cut out from the upper base 10.

[0173] In all cases, however, alternative solutions cannot be excluded, in particular in which the third male element 20a is associated with the upper base 10 and the first female element 18b is associated with the lower part 14.

[0174] Once the peripheral wall 4 is connected to the bottom wall 3, it is sufficient to position the lid 6 so as to close the internal volume 5 at the top, and to place the lower parts 14 on each of the upper bases 10 so as to connect the third interlocking elements 20a, 20b to each other.

[0175] The third interlocking means 20 make it possible to create a particularly secure seal between the peripheral wall 4 and the lid 6, ensuring effective isolation of the corpse from the outside.

[0176] Indeed, it has been found that the invention as described accomplishes its intended objects.

[0177] In particular, emphasis is placed on the fact that the use of non-biodegradable biopolymers for the construction of boundary walls makes it possible to realise eco-friendly coffins, characterised by reduced carbon dioxide production and a smaller environmental impact due to their combustion.

[0178] Additionally, the interlocking means provides a unique means by which connecting boundary walls together is easy and intuitive, thus eliminating the need to employ specialized professionals for the purpose.

Claims

1. A funeral casket (1) for cremation, comprising a number of boundary walls (2) made at least partially of a biopolymer material, said boundary walls (2) comprising: At least one bottom wall (3), a plurality of peripheral walls (4) defining, together with said bottom wall (3), at least one internal volume (5) for containing at least one corpse; at least one lid (6) intended to close said internal volume (5) at the top, Equipped with A coffin (1), characterized in that the biopolymer material is of the non-biodegradable type.

2. 2. The coffin (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-biodegradable biopolymer material is selected from the list consisting of bio-polyethylene, bio-polyethylene furanoate, bio-polyestradiol phosphate, bio-polyethylene terephthalate, bio-polypropylene.

3. 3. Coffin (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the boundary walls (2) is made at least partially hollow.

4. Coffin (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is made of a single, integral structure.

5. A coffin (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises interlocking means (18, 19, 20) associated with each of said boundary walls (2) and adapted to modularly connect said boundary walls (2) to one another.

6. 6. The coffin (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said interlocking means (18, 19, 20) comprise a first interlocking means (18) between said peripheral wall (4) and said bottom wall (3), said first interlocking means (18) comprising a plurality of first interlocking elements (18a, 18b) associated with each of said peripheral wall (4) and with said bottom wall (3).

7. said bottom wall (3) having at least one upper surface (7) facing said internal volume (5) in use; each of said peripheral walls (4) comprises at least one lower base (9) arranged to rest, in use, on said bottom wall (3); said first interlocking elements (18a, 18b) being associated with said top surface (7) at a periphery and with each of said bottom surfaces (9); 7. Coffin (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that

8. A coffin (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said interlocking means (18, 19, 20) comprise second interlocking means (19) between said peripheral walls (4), said second interlocking means (19) comprising second interlocking elements (19a, 19b) associated with each of said peripheral walls (4).

9. Each of the peripheral walls (4) at least one inner surface (12) facing said internal volume (5) in use; and at least one side edge (11) arranged transversely to said bottom wall (3) so as to define the depth of said internal volume (5) in use; each of said second interlocking elements (19a, 19b) being associated with at least one of said inner surface (12) or said side edge (11); 9. Coffin (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that

10. A coffin (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the interlocking means (18, 19, 20) comprise a third interlocking means (20) between the peripheral wall (4) and the lid (6), the third interlocking means (20) comprising third interlocking elements (20a, 20b) associated with the peripheral wall (4) and with the lid (6).

11. each of said peripheral walls (4) comprises at least one upper base (10) opposite said lower base (9); said lid (6) comprises at least one lower part (14) facing said internal volume (5) in use and arranged to rest on each of said upper base parts (10); said third interlocking elements (20a, 20b) being associated with said lower portion (14) at a periphery and with each of said upper bottom surfaces (10); Coffin (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that

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