altar

Abstract

We treat the altar as a space, and by incorporating depth and three-dimensional presentation, we provide an altar that creates a space for a peaceful farewell to the deceased. [Solution] The altar 10 of this invention consists of multiple altar stands 12 that are set up in a funeral hall 1 to commemorate the deceased. These altar stands are arranged in a row with spacing in the depth direction of the funeral hall so as to secure a passageway 2 that allows funeral attendees to attend the funeral, and each is decorated with ornaments 11 such as fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or preserved flowers. Furthermore, the altar stands are arranged at least on the front, back, right, and left sides so as to surround the coffin 3 containing the deceased, and a passageway is secured between the coffin and the altar stands arranged on the back, right, and left sides, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an altar, and more particularly, to an altar installed in a funeral venue where an all-night vigil or a farewell ceremony is held to pay homage to the deceased. By regarding the altar as a space and creating a deep expression and a three-dimensional effect, it relates to an altar that becomes a space for a gentle farewell with the deceased.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an altar is a special decoration adorned with gratitude and respect for the deceased, and is said to play an important role in comforting the soul of the deceased and healing the grief of the bereaved family. Such an altar is generally a whitewood altar decorated with flowers on a stylish altar made of whitewood since ancient times. In recent years, the use of so-called "flower altars" decorated with a large amount of flowers that the deceased liked during their lifetime has been increasing.

[0003] In this flower altar, for example, a preserved flower crown obtained by subjecting fresh flowers to antiseptic treatment is provided with an artificial stem having higher rigidity than the stem of the fresh flower, and a large number of artificial flowers having artificial leaves attached to the artificial stem are attached to a slope-shaped flower stand formed downward so that the inclination gradually becomes steeper from the rear to the front. A funeral altar has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] However, conventional flower altars using fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or preserved flowers have a uniform form of flower decoration. Despite being a three-dimensional structure, when viewed from the front, they are perceived flatly, and their design and expression are limited and lack interest.

[0005] In addition, as family funerals increase in recent years, there is also a demand to provide a time for a farewell that is not restricted by form and can be truly accepted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-71015 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances in the past, and aims to provide an altar that creates a space for a peaceful farewell to the deceased by treating the altar as a space and incorporating expressions with depth and three-dimensional presentation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the first aspect of the present invention is an altar to be set up in a funeral hall to commemorate the deceased, wherein the altar is composed of a plurality of decorative items, and the decorative items are arranged in a number that are spaced apart to ensure a passage wide enough for funeral attendees to attend the funeral.

[0009] In other words, the altar of this invention is a temporary altar installed at a funeral venue, configured to accommodate multiple decorative items, and is a three-dimensional structure that provides depth to the funeral venue, ensuring a path for mourners to pass through the decorative items, thereby expanding the space of the funeral venue.

[0010] In the above-mentioned altar, the ornaments are arranged so as to surround the coffin containing the deceased, and a passageway is provided between the coffin and the ornaments arranged on its back, right, and left sides, respectively. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide the aforementioned decorative items, which are positioned at gradually higher levels as one moves towards the back wall of the funeral hall. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide the aforementioned decorative items, which are positioned at gradually increasing heights as one moves towards the right and left walls of the funeral hall. In this case, the decorations should preferably be made of fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or preserved flowers.

[0011] Furthermore, a second aspect of the present invention is an altar set up in a funeral hall to commemorate the deceased, wherein the altar is composed of a plurality of fresh flowers arranged around a coffin containing the deceased, and the fresh flowers are arranged in such a way that a passage wide enough for funeral attendees to attend is secured between the coffin and the fresh flowers arranged on its back, right, and left sides, respectively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this invention, multiple decorative items are arranged at intervals in the depth direction of the funeral venue to ensure a passageway wide enough for funeral attendees to enter. Therefore, by viewing the altar set up in the funeral venue as a space and incorporating expressions with depth and three-dimensional presentation, we can provide an altar that creates a space for a peaceful farewell to the deceased. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the altar according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view illustrating the structure of the altar according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic front view showing an altar structure illustrating another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic plan view illustrating an altar structure that shows another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] An example of an embodiment of the altar according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The altar according to this invention is intended to be used to create a space in a funeral venue that allows for a peaceful farewell to the deceased.

[0015] Note that the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention and are technically limited in various ways. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless specifically stated to the contrary in the following description.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the altar 10 in this embodiment is composed of a plurality of ornaments 11... 11 installed in the funeral venue 1 for commemorating the deceased. The ornament 11 is an item that has visual beauty and splendor to adorn the altar 10, or an item related to the deceased. For example, it can be fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or preserved flowers. FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing the altar structure in an example where the tapestry 13 is arranged, and FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view schematically showing the altar structure in an example where the tapestry 13 is arranged.

[0017] Fresh flowers refer not only to plants with flowers but also to all kinds of flowers including foliage, branches, fruits, potted plants, moss, etc. Preserved flowers are made from fresh flowers by removing moisture and subjecting them to a preservation process of absorbing a special agent, so as to maintain the freshness and softness like fresh flowers and can be enjoyed for a long time. In the case of fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or preserved flowers, the type and color of the flowers can be freely selected.

[0018] By abundantly using such flowers that have a soothing effect, a gentle and warm space can be created to realize a peaceful farewell with the deceased. When the ornament 12 is fresh flowers, a block-shaped water-absorbing sponge for fresh flowers (not shown) called a floral form, which is used to insert and fix the flowers, and a container for accommodating this water-absorbing sponge for fresh flowers are used. This water-absorbing sponge for fresh flowers is made of a foamed resin material that has both water absorption sufficient to supply moisture to the fresh flowers and strength and rigidity sufficient to hold the fresh flowers.

[0019] The ornament 11 is not limited to fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or preserved flowers, and may also be a stuffed toy, a doll, a tool or an item related to sports, music, hobbies, etc., or a combination of these and flowers.

[0020] Further, the ornament 11 is arranged on the altar table 12. The altar table 12 is a pedestal for arranging the ornament 11, and is composed of, for example, a table having a flat top surface, a doll stand having a stepped mounting surface, a pedestal stand having mounting surfaces of different heights, and the like. Further, the altar table 12 can be arranged such that the position (height) of the ornament 11 is different as described later.

[0021] In addition, the altar 10 is configured such that a plurality of ornaments 11··11 are arranged at intervals in the depth direction D of the funeral venue 1 so as to secure a passageway (funeral passage) 2 wide enough for funeral attendees to pay their respects.

[0022] That is, the altar 10 is a temporary funeral altar installed in the funeral venue 1, and includes a plurality of altar tables 12··12 for arranging the ornaments 11, and secures a passageway 2 through which funeral attendees can pass between the ornaments 11, and is a three-dimensional structure configured to provide an extension in the depth direction D as the space of the funeral venue 1.

[0023] Specifically, the ornament 11 is arranged on the front side, back side, right side, and left side of the coffin 3 so as to surround the coffin 3 containing the deceased. For example, as shown by the white arrows in FIG. 2, at least between the coffin 3, the ornament 11B arranged on the back side, the ornament 11R arranged on the right side, and the ornament 11L arranged on the left side, a passageway 2 through which funeral attendees can pass is secured.

[0024] Thereby, family members and funeral attendees can pay their respects by passing through the passageways 2 provided between, for example, the coffin 3 and the ornament 11 arranged on the left side, between the coffin 3 and the ornament 11 arranged on the back side, and between the coffin 3 and the ornament 11 arranged on the right side, respectively, in order.

[0025] Therefore, the passageway 2 allows family members and mourners to naturally gather around the deceased, bringing them closer to their family and attendees. At the same time, the surrounding decorations 11 (11L, 11B, 11R) create a gentle and warm space, enabling a peaceful farewell to the deceased.

[0026] Moreover, since the altar 10 is composed of multiple decorative items 11, it is easy to create a unique altar designed according to the deceased. In other words, when funeral attendees look at the altar 10 (from the front), it is not a flat structure like a conventional altar where a coffin is simply placed in front of an altar with decorative items, but rather a three-dimensional altar that is uniquely individual and original, with a sense of depth never before seen, allowing for a mourning experience that reflects the deceased's preferences or represents the deceased themselves.

[0027] This passageway 2 does not need to be provided between all of the multiple decorative items 11··11; it is sufficient if at least one passageway for mourners is provided. Furthermore, as long as it allows funeral attendees to enter, there are no particular restrictions on the width or shape of passageway 2, and it can be set arbitrarily according to the size of the funeral venue 1 and the arrangement and design of the decorative items 11.

[0028] Furthermore, the decorative items 11 are positioned so that their height gradually increases as they move towards the back wall of the funeral hall 1. In other words, in the depth direction D of the funeral hall 1, the decorative items 11 placed on the back altar stand 12 are positioned higher than the decorative items 11 placed on the front altar stand 12. To put it another way, the decorative items 11 placed on the back altar stand 12 are positioned higher, and the decorative items 11 placed on the front altar stand 12 are positioned lower, with their heights differing depending on their position in the funeral hall 1. This makes it possible to create a three-dimensional altar 10 that extends in the height direction H within the depth direction D of the funeral venue 1.

[0029] Furthermore, the decorative items 11 are positioned so that their height gradually increases as you move towards the right and left walls of the funeral hall 1. In other words, the decorative items 11 are positioned such that the decorative items 11 on the right and left altar stands 12 are higher than the decorative items 11 on the central altar stand 12 in the right and left directions of the funeral hall 1. To put it another way, the decorative items 11R on the right altar stand 12 and the decorative items 11L on the left altar stand 12 are positioned at higher levels, while the decorative items 11 on the central altar stand 12 are positioned at lower levels, thus varying in height according to their position in the funeral hall 1. This makes it possible to create a three-dimensional altar 10 that extends in the height direction H of the space in the right direction R and left direction L of the funeral venue 1.

[0030] Furthermore, if the positions of the decorative items 11 increase in height as they move towards the back wall of the funeral hall 1, and also increase in height as they move towards the right and left walls of the funeral hall 1, then a three-dimensional altar 10 can be constructed that extends in the depth direction D, the rightward direction R, and the leftward direction L of the funeral hall 1, respectively, in the height direction H.

[0031] As a result, the decorative items 11R placed on the right altar stand 12 and the decorative items 11L placed on the left altar stand 12 become three-dimensional in the depth direction D and height direction H of the funeral hall 1, respectively, and as shown in Figure 1, when viewed from the front, it can be configured so that the deceased placed in the coffin 3 is surrounded by the decorative items 11 from both sides. Therefore, this unprecedented three-dimensional configuration creates a deeply memorable space and time where family members and mourners can come together as one.

[0032] In Figure 1, the altar 10 is shown as being composed of multiple fresh flowers as decorations 11, with multiple fresh flowers 11...11 arranged around the coffin 3 containing the deceased. Furthermore, in the rightward R and leftward L directions of the funeral hall 1, the fresh flowers (decorations) 11 placed on the right and left altar stands 12 are arranged such that their height gradually increases from the fresh flowers (decorations) 11 placed on the central altar stand 12. In addition, in the depth direction D of the funeral hall 1, the fresh flowers (decorations) 11 placed on the back altar stand 12 are arranged such that their height gradually increases from the fresh flowers (decorations) 11 placed on the front altar stand 12.

[0033] In Figure 2, the altar 10 is shown with the decorations (flowers) 11 arranged at intervals between the coffin 3 and the decorations (flowers) 11B arranged on the back side in the depth direction D, the decorations (flowers) 11R arranged on the right side, and the decorations (flowers) 11L arranged on the left side, in order to secure a passageway 2 wide enough for funeral attendees to enter.

[0034] Furthermore, it is also acceptable to use one or more of the existing funeral-related items, such as a coffin stand, memorial tablet stand, portrait stand, urn stand, offering stand, flower stand, or lighting stand, with decorative items 11 such as fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or preserved flowers placed on them. This allows for the efficient creation of a gentle and warm three-dimensional space in both the depth direction D and the height direction H of the funeral venue 1, by using existing funeral-related supplies and adjusting the spacing and arrangement of the decorative items 11, without the need to provide special stands for the decorative items 11. Furthermore, the reference numeral 13 shown in Figures 3 and 4 indicates a tapestry, and the altar may be constructed by arranging the tapestry 13 as described above.

[0035] Although this embodiment has been described above, the above-described embodiment is merely an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and any modifications, improvements, etc., within the scope that can achieve the objective of the present invention are included in the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0036] The altar of this invention is expected to meet the need for saying goodbye to the deceased without being bound by formalities, and is likely to be used, for example, in family funerals, which have been increasing in recent years. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0037] 1. Funeral venue 2. Passageway (funeral route) 3 Coffins 10 Altar 11. Decorations (fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or preserved flowers) 12 Altar stand 13 Tapestry

Claims

1. An altar set up at a funeral venue to commemorate the deceased, The aforementioned altar is composed of multiple ornaments, The aforementioned decorative items are arranged in rows, spaced apart to ensure that a passage wide enough for funeral attendees to enter the funeral hall. An altar characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned decorative items are arranged around the coffin containing the deceased, and a passageway is provided between the coffin and the decorative items arranged on its back, right, and left sides, respectively. The altar according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned funeral hall is equipped with decorative items that are positioned at gradually higher levels as you move towards the back wall. The altar according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned funeral hall is equipped with decorative items that are positioned at gradually increasing heights as you move towards the right and left walls, respectively. The altar according to feature 1.

5. The aforementioned decorations use fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or preserved flowers. The altar according to any one of the features 1 to 4.

6. An altar set up at a funeral venue to commemorate the deceased, The aforementioned altar consists of multiple fresh flowers arranged around the coffin containing the deceased. The aforementioned fresh flowers are arranged in rows, spaced apart, to ensure that a passage wide enough for funeral attendees to enter is maintained between the coffin and the flowers arranged on its back, right, and left sides, respectively. An altar characterized by the following features.

7. The aforementioned altar consists of multiple altar stands and decorative items placed on each of the altar stands. The aforementioned altar platforms are arranged in a row with spacing between them in the depth direction of the funeral hall, so as to ensure a passage wide enough for funeral attendees to gather. The altar according to feature 1.

8. The aforementioned altar is made up of tapestries, The altar according to feature 1.

9. The aforementioned altar platforms are arranged to surround the coffin containing the deceased, and a passageway is provided between the coffin and the altar platforms located at the back of the funeral hall. The altar according to feature 1.

10. The aforementioned altar platforms are arranged in front of the coffin, on the back, on the right, and on the left, respectively, and a passage is provided between the coffin and the altar platforms arranged on the back, right, and left sides, respectively. The altar according to feature 9.

11. The aforementioned altar platform is designed so that the position of the decorative items increases as you move towards the back wall of the funeral hall. The altar according to feature 1.

12. The aforementioned altar platform is designed so that the position of the decorative items increases as you move towards the left and right walls of the funeral hall. The altar according to feature 1.

13. The aforementioned decorations are fresh flowers, artificial flowers, or preserved flowers. The altar according to any one of claims 6 to 12.

Images