Foundation arrangement for a grave and grave

Abstract

Foundation arrangement for a grave, such as an urn grave. The foundation arrangement has a base plate with a first attachment face for fastening a grave marker, a second attachment face, and a fixing arrangement for fastening the base plate to the ground, and in particular to soil. The foundation arrangement has a trough or a frame, and the trough or the frame is fastened detachably to the second attachment face of the base plate.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a foundation arrangement for a grave, in particular for an urn grave. The invention also relates to a grave, in particular an urn grave, having a foundation arrangement according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method for setting a foundation arrangement.

[0002] The invention is intended to improve a foundation arrangement for a grave, a grave, and a method for setting a foundation arrangement in terms of a versatile design and use.

[0003] According to the invention, to this end, a foundation arrangement for a grave having the features of claim 1, a grave having the features of claim 15, and a method having the features of claim 21 are provided. Advantageous developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0004] The invention allows a versatile design and versatile use of a foundation arrangement for a grave and of a grave, which can be adapted to the varying requirements of bereaved people. In bereavement research, a distinction is drawn between laborious grave maintenance, which is often not desired, and beneficial mourning rituals directly at the burial site. Grave maintenance is often perceived as being a duty and a burden, which people increasingly wish to be free of. Small rituals and actions, for example the laying of flowers and mementos or the lighting of candles, are important actions for mourners, in order to express their grief. Scientists who deal with bereavement research know that this is beneficial for the progress of grief and for managing grief and is extremely important as a result. However, such rituals and actions are very often prohibited by the rules of the cemetery in question, and this is accordingly counterproductive for the management of grief. This is particularly the case in relation to forms of graves for urn burials, which bereaved people choose in order to be relieved of grave maintenance. These are, for example, columbaria, anonymous burials, lawns and grass paving, semi-anonymous communal facilities, care-free communal facilities and tree burials.

[0005] The claimed foundation arrangement for a grave, in particular for an urn grave, has a base plate, wherein the base plate has a first attachment face for fastening a grave marker, and a second attachment face. The foundation arrangement also has fixing means for fastening the base plate to the ground, in particular to soil, and a trough or a frame, wherein the trough or the frame is fastened in particular detachably to the second attachment face of the base plate.

[0006] The use of a base plate with a first attachment face and a second attachment face surprisingly creates a great deal of flexibility in the design and use of the foundation arrangement and thus in the use and design of a grave. Since fixing means for fastening the base plate to the ground are provided, it is not necessary to set concrete foundations, which are laborious to produce, for gravestones, grave crosses or the like. It has been found that a stable base plate which is fastened to the ground, in particular to soil, by fixing means is entirely suitable, in terms of its stability, for fastening even heavy, very tall gravestones, for example for securely fastening stone steles with a height of approximately 1.3 m, and also, for example, for withstanding wind loads on large grave markers. The base plate may consist of metal, optionally also of plastic, in particular recycled plastic, which does not release any contaminants into the surrounding ground. However, the base plate may, for example, also consist of concrete, in particular fiber-reinforced concrete or the like. The main advantage of the base plate compared with a concrete foundation to be cast in situ is the possible series production of the base plate and the fact that it its easy for just a single worker to handle. Since the plate is fastened to the ground with fixing means, in particular to soil with ground nails or ground ankers, large excavations are not necessary. As a rule, at least three spaced-apart fixing means are used, typically ground anchors that are suitable for the substrate in question. The base plate has a first attachment face for fastening a grave marker. All kinds of grave markers can be fastened as the grave marker, for example gravestones, metal grave markers, grave crosses, memorial plaques or the like. The second attachment face of the base plate is provided for fastening a trough or a frame. The trough or the frame is fastened in particular detachably to the second attachment face of the base plate. A trough or a frame defines a clearly defined and bordered region which mourners can handle highly individually and in accordance with their needs. As a result, the mourners / bereaved people, and grave users in general, are provided with a clear region or area of action, which is clearly delimited from other graves and is also delimited from the rest of the grave, which is cared for, for example, by the cemetery administration. This prevents, from the very start, potential conflicts between the mourners / bereaved people of neighboring graves and between the cemetery administration and the mourners / bereaved people. The particular advantage here is that the region defined by the trough or frame can be used in different ways over time. Immediately after a bereavement, there is generally a need to carry out actions / rituals at the grave. This can then take place in the region defined by the trough or frame, for example by planting, laying objects, setting up lanterns and candles or the like. If such actions / rituals are no longer required after a period of time, the region defined by the trough or frame can, for example, be grassed over and the care thereof handed over to the cemetery administration, or, for example, a stone slab or permanent planting can be introduced, requiring very little care, if any. If the grave is relinquished, the cemetery administration can very easily remove a grave marker, remove any planting that is present, optionally also remove the trough, and at least use the base plate for the construction of a new grave.

[0007] The trough or frame may consist of metal or, for example, of plastic, in particular recycled plastic. Optionally, the trough or frame can also consist of concrete-like materials, for example fiber-reinforced concrete or the like, wherein this material is intended to allow a small wall thickness.

[0008] In a development of the invention, the trough has a bottom and a through-opening in the bottom.

[0009] A bottom of the trough makes for example planting in the trough easier. A through-opening in the bottom can serve as a water outlet opening. The trough has, in particular, a depth which lies in a range in which planting is possible without problems, for example 10 cm to 15 cm. The through-opening in the bottom is particularly advantageously intended for access to a recess in the ground, in which an urn can be buried or some other grave receptacle can be deposited or into which other objects can be introduced. The grave can be prepared with the foundation arrangement according to the invention as a result. Without further earthworks, an urn can be placed in the ground through the through-opening in the bottom. This also makes it possible, for example, to carry out second burials without it being necessary to dismantle or modify the grave. The bottom and / or the side wall can be perforated or provided with openings in order to provide passages for water and / or roots. The trough or a trough-like insert which is in inserted into the trough may have a water reservoir. The water reservoir may itself be trough-shaped, and trough-like inserts with a perforated bottom are placed on the water reservoir. Wicks for providing moisture from the water reservoir extend into the trough-like insert.

[0010] In a development of the invention, the through-opening is closed by a removable cover.

[0011] For example, for the burial of a further urn in the same grave, all that is necessary is for the trough to be emptied and the cover to be removed, in order for it to be possible to arrange an urn under the cover.

[0012] In a development of the invention, the base plate has a through-opening for inserting the trough or the frame.

[0013] A through-opening provides an encircling edge for exactly positioning the trough or the frame.

[0014] In a development of the invention, the trough or the frame has, in its side wall, an encircling shoulder, or the trough has, in its bottom, an encircling shoulder, the outside diameter of which matches the inside diameter of the through-opening in the base plate.

[0015] In this way, the trough or the frame can be positioned exactly in relation to the base plate, without complicated measurements or the like being necessary for this purpose. This makes it easier, in particular, to exactly align a plurality of graves next to one another or in succession, each with the foundation arrangement according to the invention. As a result, the preparation and construction of graves are made much easier and cheaper by the foundation arrangement according to the invention.

[0016] In a development of the invention, the base plate has at least one threaded bore in the region of the first attachment face in order to fasten a grave marker.

[0017] A grave marker can be fastened very easily at the at least one threaded bore by means of a screw or threaded bolt. For example, threaded bolts are screwed into a plurality of threaded bores in the base plate, these threaded bolts then being anchored in blind holes in a gravestone by means of a curing plastic, for example a so-called chemical dowel. However, an adapter plate with a grave marker can also be fastened very easily to the base plate by means of the at least one threaded bore. Conversely, a grave marker can be removed very easily from the base plate again when the grave marker is no longer required. The adapter plate is advantageously provided with prepared bores for fastening wooden crosses, gravestones, lanterns or the like.

[0018] In a development of the invention, the base plate has at least one through-opening for attaching the fixing means.

[0019] In this way, statically advantageous attachment points for the fixing means can be defined, and it is possible, for example, for fixing means to be passed easily through the through-openings and then to be anchored in the ground. In the context of the invention, however, the fixing means can also be anchored in the ground before the base plate is, for example using a drilling jig. The base plate can then be placed on the still accessible ends of the fixing means and be fastened to the fixing means for example by means of nuts or wedges.

[0020] In a development of the invention, the fixing means have at least one ground anchor or at least one ground nail.

[0021] Ground anchor is the name given to screw-like, elongate fastening elements which are screwed into the ground, in particular into soil. Different ground anchors are known for different substrates. For rocky substrates, use is made for example of stone screws or concrete screws. For soil, soil screws are available, and for sandy ground, screw-like ground anchors with a very large flank height are available. In firm ground, including stony ground or loamy ground, simple ground nails may suffice, which have, for example, a length of 50 cm to 80 cm and are hammered into the ground. Surprisingly, it has been found that fastening with ground anchors or ground nails is quite sufficient for fixing a grave marker in a manner compliant with safety requirements. This is also the case, in particular, for tall and short grave steles, for example grave steles with a height of up to 1.50 m.

[0022] Fixing the base plate to the ground by means of ground anchors or ground nails makes it much easier to fix the base plate, since a concrete foundation does not need to be cast and an excavation with a depth, for example, of 15 cm to 20 cm, in which the base plate is then securely and durably fixed by simply driving in the ground anchors or ground nails, is sufficient. When laying out a burial site, the base plate can be mounted before the last humus layer is applied.

[0023] In a development of the invention, the base plate is made of steel, in particular of galvanized steel or of corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

[0024] In this way, the base plate can be embodied in a highly mechanically loadable manner and also be sufficiently corrosion-resistant to be arranged in the soil for decades. Use can also be made, for example, of cast iron or cast steel.

[0025] In a development of the invention, the base plate is provided, on at least one side edge, with a side edge projecting substantially perpendicularly from a base of the base plate.

[0026] In this way, the base plate can be reinforced, in particular in the region of the first attachment face, to which a grave marker is fastened.

[0027] In a development of the invention, a bottom of the trough is provided with water drainage holes.

[0028] In this way, the trough can either be directly planted or be provided with a plant insert without fear of a it becoming waterlogged.

[0029] In a development of the invention, the trough is made of steel, in particular of galvanized steel or of corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

[0030] In this way, the trough can be embodied in a stable manner but nevertheless with a small wall thickness, being easy to handle as a result. In order to ensure protection against theft, the trough may also, for example, be welded to the base plate. Cast material, specifically cast steel or cast iron, can also be used to produce the trough.

[0031] In a development of the invention, a side wall of the trough is provided with U-shaped incisions which form bendable tabs and / or is provided with retaining tabs that project into the interior of the trough or outwardly out of the side wall in order to retain a plate, in particular a stone slab, or other design elements.

[0032] This makes it possible to entirely or partially close the trough with a stone slab. For example, the trough is used for a period of time for planting and the laying of mourning objects. If the mourners no longer need to carry out such actions or rituals after some time, the trough can be closed very easily with a stone slab, on which it is, of course, also possible to arrange an inscription. This results in a maintenance-free grave. Outside the trough, too, design elements, for example inscriptions, decorations or the like, can be fastened to the retaining tabs.

[0033] The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a grave, in particular an urn grave, having a foundation arrangement according to the invention, wherein the base plate is installed in the ground, in particular soil, in which the grave is constructed, and is fastened to the ground by fixing means, wherein the trough or the frame is fastened to the base plate, and wherein a grave marker is fastened to the first attachment face of the base plate.

[0034] The grave according to the invention is very versatile to employ and use and may, in particular, be adapted to the requirements of the mourners / bereaved people. The grave according to the invention is also able to be constructed with little financial outlay. In order to construct or prepare the grave, all that is necessary is to install the base plate in the ground and to fasten it to the ground with at least three fixing means. Concreting work is not necessary. The trough or the frame is fastened to the base plate and, as a result, creates a clearly defined region that is available to the mourners / bereaved people for ritual actions or generally for planting or the like. If planting is no longer desired, it is very easy for the trough or the frame either to be covered by grass or a stone slab or to be provided, for example, with permanent planting in order for there to no longer be any maintenance effort.

[0035] In a development of the invention, either an upper edge of the trough or of the frame is flush with a ground surface or the upper edge of the trough or of the frame is arranged 1 cm to 5 cm below or above the ground surface.

[0036] In this way, the region that is available to the mourners / bereaved people is clearly defined. Nevertheless, if this clearly defined region is no longer required or even if the entire grave is no longer required, ground-level planting, for example with grass, or a covering, for example with a stone slab, can be provided.

[0037] In a development of the invention, the first attachment face of the base plate is arranged below the ground surface. After the grave marker has been fastened to the first attachment face, earth or other bulk material is filled in or a covering is attached.

[0038] In this way, invisible fastening of the grave marker to the first attachment face can take place.

[0039] In a development of the invention, a recess for introducing or burying an urn or a grave receptacle or other objects is arranged below the base plate.

[0040] In this way, the grave according to the invention can also be used very easily for a second burial, if, for example, a second urn is intended to be introduced into the recess.

[0041] In a development of the invention, a side wall of the recess is formed by means of a tube in the ground, which tube is connected in particular to the trough or the frame and / or the base plate.

[0042] If the side wall of the recess in the ground is formed by means of a tube, wherein, for example, plastics tubes with a large diameter are used, the recess survives for years.

[0043] In a development of the invention, the trough has a bottom and a through-opening in the bottom, wherein the through-opening is closed by a removable cover, and wherein the recess is accessible through the trough following removal of the cover.

[0044] In this way, the recess can be used very easily, for example for a second burial. To this end, all that is necessary is to empty the trough, and then, by lifting the cover, the recess is accessible again in order, for example, to introduce a further urn.

[0045] The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a method for setting a foundation arrangement according to the invention having the features of claim 21.

[0046] To set a foundation arrangement in or on the ground, at least three fixing means are introduced into the ground and the base plate is then fastened to the fixing means.

[0047] In this way, concreting does not need to be carried out to fasten the base plate, rather simply introducing fixing means into the ground suffices. As fixing means, it is possible to provide, for example, ground nails, ground screws or the like.

[0048] In a development of the invention, the fixing means is introduced into the ground by means of a drilling jig and the base plate is fastened to the fixing means following the introduction of the fixing means.

[0049] For example, ground screws, in particular soil screws, are screwed into the ground, wherein a drilling jig is used such that the ends of the ground screws that are still accessible after screwing in are positioned exactly. The base plate is then placed on these ends and, for example, the ends of the fixing means are passed through suitable through-openings in the base plate. The base plate can then be secured to the ground screws by means of nuts. Alternatively, the fixing means, for example ground screws, ground nails or the like, can also each be provided at their upper end with a support flange and a threaded bore. The base plate is then simply placed on the flange and is secured to a respective fixing means by means of a screw screwed into the threaded bore.

[0050] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings. Individual features of the different embodiments that are illustrated and / or described can be combined as desired without exceeding the scope of the invention. This also applies to the combination of individual features without further individual features in conjunction with which they have been illustrated and / or described. In the drawings:

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a foundation arrangement according to the invention for a grave, in a view obliquely from above,

[0052] FIG. 2 shows the foundation arrangement from FIG. 1 in a side view,

[0053] FIG. 3 shows the foundation arrangement from FIG. 1 in a top view,

[0054] FIG. 4 shows a base plate for a foundation arrangement from FIG. 1,

[0055] FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of a detail of the foundation arrangement from FIG. 1, wherein individual elements have been omitted for clarity purposes,

[0056] FIG. 6 shows a view of the foundation arrangement from fig. obliquely from above in a second state,

[0057] FIG. 7 shows the foundation arrangement from FIG. 6 in a further view obliquely from above,

[0058] FIG. 8 shows an insert for the foundation arrangement from FIG. 7,

[0059] FIG. 9 shows a view of the foundation arrangement from fig. obliquely from above in a third state,

[0060] FIG. 10 shows an insert for the foundation arrangement from FIG. 9,

[0061] FIG. 11 shows a cover plate for the foundation arrangement from FIG. 9,

[0062] FIG. 12 shows a further insert for the foundation arrangement according to the invention,

[0063] FIG. 13 shows a further cover plate for the foundation arrangement according to the invention,

[0064] FIG. 14 shows foundation arrangement according to the invention according to a further embodiment,

[0065] FIG. 15 shows the trough for the foundation arrangement from FIG. 1 and FIG. 14 in a first state,

[0066] FIG. 16 shows the trough from FIG. 15 in a second state,

[0067] FIG. 17 shows the trough from FIG. 15 in a third state,

[0068] FIG. 18 shows the cover of the foundation arrangement from FIG. 14,

[0069] FIG. 19 shows the base plate of the foundation arrangement from FIG. 14,

[0070] FIG. 20 shows the adapter plate of the foundation arrangement from FIG. 14,

[0071] FIG. 21 shows the fixing means of the foundation arrangement from FIG. 14,

[0072] FIG. 22 shows a foundation arrangement according to the invention according to a further embodiment,

[0073] FIG. 23 shows the foundation arrangement from FIG. 22 in a second state, wherein individual elements have been omitted for clarity purposes,

[0074] FIG. 24 shows the foundation arrangement from FIG. 22 in a third state, wherein individual elements have been omitted for clarity purposes,

[0075] FIG. 25 shows the foundation arrangement from FIG. 22 in a fourth state, wherein individual elements have been omitted for clarity purposes,

[0076] FIG. 26 shows a drilling jig for setting the foundation arrangement according to the invention,

[0077] FIG. 27 shows the drilling jig from FIG. 26 with inserted soil screws,

[0078] FIG. 28 shows the drilling jig from FIG. 26,

[0079] FIG. 29 shows the fixing nail for the drilling jig from FIGS. 26 and 28,

[0080] FIG. 30 shows a foundation arrangement according to the invention with a further drilling jig,

[0081] FIG. 31 shows the foundation arrangement from FIG. 30 with a schematically indicated auger,

[0082] FIG. 32 shows the drilling jig from FIG. 30,

[0083] FIG. 33 shows a base part for a trough-like insert according to a further embodiment of the invention,

[0084] FIG. 34 shows the base part from FIG. 33 in a side view,

[0085] FIG. 35 shows the base part from FIG. 33 from below,

[0086] FIG. 36 shows a first top part for the base part from fig. in a view obliquely from above,

[0087] FIG. 37 shows the top part from FIG. 36 from the side,

[0088] FIG. 38 shows the top part from FIG. 36 from above,

[0089] FIG. 39 shows a further top part for the base part from FIG. 33 in a view obliquely from above,

[0090] FIG. 40 shows the top part from FIG. 39 in a first side view,

[0091] FIG. 41 shows the top part from FIG. 39 in a second side view, and

[0092] FIG. 42 shows the top part from FIG. 39 from above.

[0093] FIG. 1 shows a foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention for a grave. The foundation arrangement 10 has a base plate 12, which is fastened to the ground (not illustrated) by means of fixing means, by means of ground anchors 14 in the illustrated embodiment. The foundation arrangement 10 also has a trough 16, which is fastened to the base plate 12. A grave marker in the form of a stone stele 18 is fastened to the base plate 12. The foundation arrangement 10 is installed in the ground, in particular soil, such that a ground surface is flush with the upper edge of the trough 16. This is merely indicated in FIG. 1 in a region 20. The stone stele 18 thus projects above the ground surface. However, the connection of the stone stele 18 to the base plate 12, and in particular the ground anchors 14, are not visible at a grave which is constructed with the foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention.

[0094] The base plate 12 has a first attachment face 22, which is provided for the attachment of a grave marker and to which the stone stele 18 is fastened in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. The stone stele 18 is connected to an adapter plate 24, for example by threaded bolts which are screwed into the adapter plate 24 and are adhesively bonded in blind holes in the stone stele 18. The adapter plate 24 is then fastened in threaded bores in the adapter plate 12, in the region of the first attachment face 22, by means of four screws 25, of which only three can be seen in FIG. 1.

[0095] The adapter plate 24 is fastened by four bolts 25 in respective threaded bores in the base plate 12, which are not visible in FIG. 1. The bolts 25 are at a distance of somewhat more than 20 cm from one another. This ensures that any desired gravestones, which are generally not thicker or deeper than 20 cm, can be fastened to the adapter plate 24.

[0096] The stone stele 18 is fastened to the adapter plate 24, for example in a stonemason's workshop. This can be effected by means of screws with plugs or with screw anchors adhesively bonded in bores in the stone stele 18. The stone stele 18 provided with the adapter plate 24 is then, after the base plate 12 has been fixed to the soil screws 14, simply placed on the base plate 12 and then fastened to the base plate 12 by means of the bolts 25.

[0097] In FIG. 1, the ground anchors 14 are in the form of so-called soil screws, which are screwed into the soil. Depending on the substrate, instead of the ground anchors 14, it is also possible to use simple ground nails, stone nails or stone screws, for example concrete screws, which are plugged into through-openings in the base plate 12 and are then driven into the ground.

[0098] Only three ground anchors 14 are illustrated in FIG. 1. In the scope of the invention, it is, of course, possible for more ground anchors 14 to be used. Three ground anchors 14 are generally sufficient for secure fixing of the foundation arrangement, however.

[0099] The trough 16 is connected to the base plate 12 in the region of a second attachment face, which cannot be seen in FIG. 1. However, through a comparison with the illustration of the base plate in FIG. 4 and in FIG. 5, it is apparent that the second attachment face is an annular face on the top side of the base plate 12 in the embodiment illustrated. The trough 16 can be fastened to this ring face, for example by means of screws which engage in threaded bores in the base plate 12. Such screws 26 are not illustrated in FIG. 1. In the scope of the invention, the trough 16 can also merely be placed loosely on the base plate 12, or the trough 16, in contrast to being detachably connected by screws, can, for example, also be connected non-detachably to the base plate 12, for example by welding.

[0100] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the foundation arrangement 10 and reveals that the base plate 12 is provided in portions with a projecting side edge 26. It is apparent from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 that the base plate 12 is provided, at three edges which bound the first attachment face 22, with bent side edges 26. The bent side edges 26 reinforce the base plate 12 in particular in the region of the first attachment face 22. The stone stele 18 can be securely fixed as a result and there is no risk of the stone stele 18 bending the base plate or, for example, the stone stele 18 losing its vertical position over the years.

[0101] A plastics tube 28 can be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, which is arranged entirely in the ground or substrate (not illustrated) and defines the side edge of a recess 30 in the ground beneath the base plate 12. This recess 30 can be used to introduce or bury urns or other grave receptacles or other objects. In the scope of the invention, the plastics tube 28 can be omitted. The recess 30 can be formed without the aid of the plastics tube 28. In the scope of the invention, the recess 30 can also be omitted or have any desired, in particular shallow, shape.

[0102] In order to make the recess 30 accessible from the trough 16, the trough 16 is provided with a through-opening in its bottom. The through-opening is defined by an encircling edge 32. The encircling edge 32 thus defines, in particular, the start of the side edge of the recess 30. The plastics tube 28 can be fastened to the outer side of the edge 32 of the trough 16, but the plastics tube may also only laterally surround the edge 32. The upper edge of the plastics tube 28 may, for example, also be fastened to the underside of the base plate 12.

[0103] The through-opening in the bottom of the trough 16 is able to be closed by a removable cover 60. The cover 60 rests on a horizontal annular flange of the trough 16.

[0104] In order to construct a grave, first of all the base plate 12 is inserted a short way beneath the ground surface, which is indicated by the region 20 in FIG. 1, and anchored. To this end, only a shallow depression in the ground is necessary, for example with a depth of about 15 cm. Either before or after the insertion and fixing of the base plate 12, the deeper recess 30 is created and the plastics tube 28 is inserted into this recess 30. The base plate 12 is fixed in the ground by means of the ground anchors 14. Subsequently, or previously, the trough 16 can be connected to the base plate 12. After the base plate 12 has been fixed in the ground, the adapter plate 24 with the stone stele 18 is then fixed to the first attachment face 22 of the base plate 12. Around the trough 16 and the stone stele 18, it is then possible for ground material to be filled in until the ground surface, as indicated in the region 20, is flush with the upper edge of the trough 16. The grave is now prepared. It is possible, for example, to introduce an urn into the recess 30. The through-opening in the trough 16, which leads to the recess 30, can be closed by the cover 60. The trough 16 can then, for example, be filled with earth and planted.

[0105] Defined within the edge of the trough 16 is a region which is available to the mourners / bereaved people for ritual actions or, for example, only for planting. As a result, the foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention creates a clearly defined separation not only from neighboring graves but also from a region surrounding the trough 16, i.e. the region outside the edge, which is maintained, for example, by the cemetery administration.

[0106] If, over time, the requirements of the mourners / bereaved people change and grave maintenance is no longer desired and / or there is no longer a need for ritual actions, it is possible, for example, for planting to be removed from the trough 16 and for permanent planting to be introduced, in the simplest case a patch of grass.

[0107] In the case of the foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention, it is also possible, however, to use the region within the edge of the trough 16 in some other way.

[0108] To this end, U-shaped incisions 34 are provided in the edge of the trough 16. These U-shaped incisions 34 define tabs. In the embodiment illustrated, the trough 16 is made from galvanized sheet steel or stainless sheet steel. The tabs formed by the incisions 34 can, as a result, be pushed inward, into the interior of the trough 16, or outward. If the tabs are bent through 90°, the tabs can then form supports for a stone slab or some other plate which is inserted into the trough 16. Such a stone slab may in the simplest case close the trough 16, but can also bear a memorial inscription or be used in some other way. If the tabs are bent outward, further design elements can be fastened.

[0109] Both planting in the trough 16 and a stone slab inserted into the trough 16 can easily be removed, for example in order to allow the burial of a further urn in the recess 30.

[0110] If the grave is relinquished, it is possible, for example, for the stone stele 18 to be removed, and optionally also the trough 16, and the foundation arrangement 10 can otherwise remain in the ground in order to serve, for example, for the construction of a new grave.

[0111] Overall, the foundation arrangement according to the invention creates an extremely versatile grave which can also be used in an extremely versatile manner by mourners / bereaved people.

[0112] FIG. 4 shows the base plate 12 in a schematic illustration obliquely from above. The base plate 12 has a through-opening 36 and an annular region surrounding the through-opening 36 forms a second attachment face 38 for fastening and positioning the trough 16. It is apparent from the schematic sectional view in FIG. 5 that the trough 16 is inserted very easily into the through-opening 36. A bottom of the trough 16 then rests on the second attachment face 38. The edge 32 of the trough 16, extending downward from the bottom, ensures that the trough 16 is positioned exactly relative to the base plate 12, since the outside diameter of the edge 32 is only slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the through-opening 36 in the base plate 12. As has already been stated, the trough 16 can then be fixed to the base plate 12, for example by screws which extend through the bottom of the trough 16 and are anchored in threaded bores in the base plate 12. The trough 16 can also be inserted loosely into the base plate 12, however.

[0113] FIG. 4 reveals the first attachment face 22, in which four threaded bores 44 are provided. The threaded bores 44 are provided, as has been explained, for fastening a grave marker, in particular the stone stele 18 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0114] Adjacent to the first attachment face 22 or projecting into the first attachment face 22, two further openings 46 are provided in the base plate 12, which are concealed by heads of bolts in FIG. 4. As has been explained, these through-openings 46 serve for fastening the ground anchors 14 in order to fix the base plate 12 in the ground, for example by means of bolts which are screwed into threaded bores in the ground anchors. Further through-openings 47 can be provided in the first attachment face 22 of the base plate 12 in order to create space for screw heads or nuts, with which a grave marker is fastened to the adapter plate 24.

[0115] FIG. 5 also reveals drainage holes 39 above the bottom of the trough 16, in order to allow water to drain out of the trough 16.

[0116] FIGS. 6 to 8 show a foundation arrangement 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein only the differences compared with the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 5 are described and wherein the stone stele 18 and the adapter plate 24 have been omitted for clarity purposes. In contrast to FIG. 1, inserts 48, 50 have been inserted into the trough 16. The insert 48 is formed in a trough-like manner. The insert 48 has a semicircular base. The insert 48 is provided with slots 52 in its bottom. This avoids the insert 48 becoming waterlogged. The insert 48 consists for example of plastic and can be removed from the trough 16 very easily. For example, the insert 48 can be planted at home or at a nursery and is then inserted, fully planted, into the trough 16. For example, it is also possible for inserts located in the trough 16 to be removed and replaced with freshly planted inserts 48. Of course, the insert 48 can also have other geometric shapes, for example a circular shape. Rather than the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6, it is, however, also possible, for example, for four quadrant-shaped inserts to be used in order to fill the trough 16. The insert 50 is in the form of a cover plate, for example of a stone slab. The insert 50 rests on retaining tabs of the trough 16, which are bent inward and are formed by the incisions 34.

[0117] A further view of the foundation arrangement in FIG. 6 is illustrated in FIG. 7. In contrast to FIG. 1, a tab 54 can be seen, which projects beyond the semicircular second attachment face 38 which bounds the through-opening 36 in the base plate 12.

[0118] A further fixing means, for example a further ground anchor 14 or a simple ground nail, can be inserted into the through-opening in the tab 54.

[0119] FIG. 8 shows the trough-like insert 48.

[0120] FIG. 9 shows a detail of a further foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention obliquely from above. The trough 16 is provided with an insert 49 in the form of a quadrant-shaped trough and with an insert 51 in the form of a three-quarter-circle-shaped stone slab.

[0121] The foundation arrangement has the base plate 12. The base plate 12 is anchored in soil (not illustrated) by three fixing means 14 in the form of soil screws. The soil screws each have a support flange 200 at their upper end in FIG. 9. Each support flange 200 is provided with a threaded bore (not illustrated). A bolt 202 that has previously been passed through a through-bore in the base plate 12 is screwed into the threaded bore. By means of three bolts 202, the base plate 12 can, as a result, be securely fastened to the soil screws and thus to the soil. The soil screws are screwed into the soil with the aid of a drilling jig for example before the base plate 12 is put in place, see FIGS. 26 to 28. The drilling jig is then removed and the support flanges 200 are then located at the exactly provided points that are coordinated with the dimensions of the base plate 12.

[0122] Provided in the region of a second attachment face of the base plate 12 is a trough 16.

[0123] FIG. 10 shows the insert 49.

[0124] FIG. 11 shows the insert 51.

[0125] FIG. 12 shows an insert 53 in the form of a circular trough.

[0126] FIG. 13 shows an insert 55 in the form of a circular stone slab.

[0127] FIG. 14 shows a foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention obliquely from above with the base plate 12, the trough 16 and a stone stele 18.

[0128] FIG. 15 shows the trough 16 in a first state.

[0129] A total of eight U-shaped incisions 34 can be seen in the circumferential wall of the trough 16. Retaining tabs that can be bent inward or outward are formed in the wall of the trough 16 by the U-shaped incisions 34. The portions that can be bent outward are each provided with a through-opening in order to pass through screws or bolts.

[0130] In the state in FIG. 16, all the retaining tabs have been bent outward and it is then possible to fasten, on the retaining tabs that are then available, for example lettering, retaining arms, at the end of which a tablet is fastened, or, for example, decorations.

[0131] In the state in FIG. 17, all the retaining tabs have been bent toward the interior of the trough 16 and it is then possible to fasten, or only to place, on the retaining tabs that are then formed, for example a circular stone slab, optionally with an inscription.

[0132] FIG. 18 shows the cover 60.

[0133] FIG. 19 shows only the base plate 12 of the foundation arrangement 10 from FIG. 14. Not apparent are through-openings 46 which are provided for passing through the bolts 202 and for fastening the base plate 12 to the soil screws 14. Also apparent is the annular second attachment face 38, on which the bottom of the trough 16 is placed.

[0134] In the attachment face 38, the threaded bores 208 for the screws for fastening the trough 16 can also be seen.

[0135] Also apparent in the first attachment face 22 are four threaded bores 210, which are provided for fastening the adapter plate 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded bores 210 are arranged at the corners of a square with a side length of a little more than 20 cm. As a result, it is possible to arrange on the adapter plate 24 gravestones with a wide variety of shapes, which generally do not exceed a thickness or depth of 20 cm.

[0136] Two further through-openings 212 are arranged in the first attachment region 122 in the middle of the base plate 112. These through-openings 212 create space for nuts or heads of fastening screws which are used to secure a grave marker, in particular a gravestone, to the adapter plate 24.

[0137] FIG. 20 shows the adapter plate 24. Two through-bores 214 with a large diameter, for example in the range from 10 mm to 20 mm, are apparent in the adapter plate 24. These through-bores 214 are intended for passing through bolts or fastening bolts which are then secured in a materially bonded manner in a gravestone. For example, two blind holes are introduced into the gravestone and threaded rods are adhesively bonded in these blind holes. The adapter plate can then be placed on the underside of the gravestone and the threaded rods then project through the through-bores 214. From the underside, located at the bottom in FIG. 20, of the adapter plate 124, nuts are then screwed on in order to secure the gravestone to the adapter plate 214.

[0138] After the adapter plate 124 has been put in place, the nuts then project through the through-openings 212 in the base plate 12, cf. FIG. 19.

[0139] Provided between the two through-bores 214 are two though-openings or threaded bores 216 that are arranged next to one another. These through-openings 216 are located next to one another at a distance of a few centimeters and are intended, for example, to anchor a wooden cross on the adapter plate 24.

[0140] Four further through-openings 218 are arranged in the adapter plate 24 at the corners of an imaginary square. These through-openings 218 serve for fastening a gravestone to the adapter plate 124. Blind holes are drilled into the gravestone and the adapter plate 124 is then fastened to the underside of the gravestone for example by means of screws and plastics plugs inserted into the blind holes in the gravestone.

[0141] FIG. 21 shows the soil screws 14. Drive screws 201 have been screwed into the threaded bores in the flanges 200. A screwdriver, for example a pneumatic screwdriver or electric screwdriver, can act on these drive screws 201, in order to screw the soil screws 14 into a substrate or the ground. Before the base plate 12 is put in place, the drive screws 201 are removed.

[0142] FIG. 22 shows a further embodiment of a foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention. In contrast to the foundation arrangement from FIG. 1, the trough 16 is provided with an insert 250 in the form of a circular insert trough. The insert trough is in the form of a plastics trough and is provided or perforated with slots in its bottom in order to allow water drainage. In the state in FIG. 22, the tabs, which are formed by the U-shaped incisions 34, have not yet been bent and are thus flush with the circumferential wall of the trough 16.

[0143] FIG. 23 shows the foundation arrangement 10 from FIG. 22, wherein, for clarity purposes, the stone stele 18 has been omitted. Two of the tabs within the U-shaped incisions 34 have now been bent outward and a holder 252 is now fastened to the resultant retaining tabs that project outward from the circumferential wall of the trough 16. The holder 252 has a first fastening flange, which is fastened to the retaining tabs of the trough 16 by screws, and an arm, at the other end of which a disk 254 is fastened. The disk 254 may, for example, bear an inscription or show a picture.

[0144] By simply bending the tabs within the U-shaped incisions 34, further design elements can thus be fastened to the trough 16. As a result, extremely versatile use of the foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention is possible.

[0145] FIG. 24 shows the foundation arrangement 10 from FIG. 24, wherein, instead of the holder 252, a different holder 256 has been fitted. The holder 256 differs from the holder 252 only in that the disk 254 is not arranged above the trough 16 but outside the latter. In the scope of the invention, provision may be made for the retaining arm of the holders 252 and 256 to be arranged rotatably in the first fastening flange, such that the retaining arm can take up either of the positions in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24.

[0146] FIG. 25 shows a further foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention. In contrast to the foundation arrangement from FIGS. 23 and 24, tabs within the U-shaped incisions 34 have been bent outward, which are located on the side of the first attachment face 22 of the base plate 12. The holder 256 from FIG. 24 is now fitted on these retaining tabs that project outward from the circumferential wall of the trough 16 as a result. The disk 254 is provided on its underside with fastening strips, which are in turn connected to a second fastening flange of the holder 256.

[0147] The holder 256 or the holder 252 may, of course, also be connected to other retaining tabs of the trough 16, in order to allow extremely versatile attachment of the disk 254 or of other design elements.

[0148] FIG. 26 shows a drilling jig 260 for setting the foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention. The drilling jig 260 has a first plate 262 with three pipe sockets 264. The pipe sockets 264 are arranged on the plate 262 such that in each case one pipe socket 264 is arranged at the position of one of the through-openings 46 in the base plate 12, cf. FIG. 19.

[0149] The plate 262 has a further, larger through-opening, into which a tubular portion with an annular flange 266 is inserted. This tubular portion serves for guiding an auger with which a recess 30, see FIG. 1, can be produced. For clarification, the plastics tube 28 is indicated, which can form a circumferential wall of the recess 30.

[0150] The drilling jig 260 is placed on a planar portion of the soil, in which a grave is intended to be constructed using the foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention. If the drilling jig 260 is oriented correctly, it is fixed in its position relative to the soil by a fixing nail 268.

[0151] After the drilling jig 260 has been fixed in place, the soil screws 14, see FIG. 27, are inserted into the pipe sockets 264, and the soil screws 14 are then screwed into the soil located beneath the drilling jig 260 by means of a suitable screwdriver, for example a cordless screwdriver or a pneumatic screwdriver. Once the soil screws 14 have been completely screwed in, it is mainly only the support flanges 200 that still project above the surface of the soil. The drive screws 201, on which the screwdriver acts, are then removed. The drilling jig 260 is also removed, and then the base plate 12 can be placed on the support flanges 200 and can be anchored to the soil screws 14 by means of bolts that are screwed into the threaded bores in the support flanges 200.

[0152] The plastics tube 28 remains in the soil.

[0153] FIG. 28 shows the drilling jig 260 from FIG. 26 without the plastics tube 28.

[0154] FIG. 29 shows the fixing nail 268.

[0155] FIG. 30 shows a foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention with a further drilling jig 270, which has been inserted into the trough 16 such that a pipe socket of the drilling jig 270 is aligned with the through-opening in the bottom of the trough 16.

[0156] If the foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention is already arranged in the soil, for example has been arranged in the soil for many years, and the recess 30 beneath the trough 16 has not yet been produced or only partially exists, if at all, after some time, the drilling jig 270 makes it easier to produce the recess 30.

[0157] To this end, see FIG. 31, a schematically indicated auger 272, the outside diameter of which is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the pipe socket of the drilling jig 270, is introduced into the drilling jig 270 such that the recess can be produced beneath the trough 16 by the auger 272.

[0158] The recess 30 beneath the foundation arrangement 10 according to the invention can, as a result, be produced very easily even after the base plate 12 has been fixed to the soil. For example, it is possible to produce a burial site with several foundation arrangements next to one another. The recess 30 can be produced very easily only when an urn burial is actually intended to take place in the grave, and a desired gravestone can then also be fastened to the base plate 12.

[0159] FIG. 32 shows the drilling jig 270. The drilling jig 270 can be fastened, by means of one or more screws 274, in appropriately arranged threaded bores in the base plate 12, for example in the threaded bores into which the screws are screwed in order to fasten the trough 16 to the base plate 12.

[0160] FIG. 33 shows a base part 300 for a trough-like insert according to a further embodiment of the invention. The trough-like insert can be inserted into the trough 16, see FIG. 1. The base part 300 would then be placed on the bottom of the trough 16 and the top parts from FIGS. 36 to 41, still to be described below, can then be placed on the top part 300 and, for example, be planted or provided with a cover plate.

[0161] The base part 300 is trough-like with a circular cross section. From the bottom, a frustoconical central protrusion 302 extends upward. From the circumferential wall, a total of four cuboidal protrusions 304 protrude and extend in the direction of the central protrusion 302. The protrusions 304, 302 serve to support the top parts 310, 320 shown in FIGS. 36 to 39. The top part 310 has a semicircular base. This base of the top part 310 would consequently rest on three protrusions 304 and also rest on the central protrusion 302. The central protrusion 302 and two protrusions 304 that are arranged in a straight line opposite the central protrusion 302 would, given correct positioning of the top part 310, each be only half covered. A second top part 310 could then also be inserted into the base part 300 and then likewise rest on three protrusions 304 and on the central protrusion 302.

[0162] Using the example of the top part 320 in FIGS. 39 to 42, four top parts 320 could be placed on the base part 300.

[0163] Each quadrant-shaped top part 320 would then rest on two adjacent protrusions 304 and on the central protrusion 302. A total of four top parts 320 can be arranged on the base part 300, or alternatively for example one top part 310 and two top parts 320. The trough-like insert can be configured in a versatile manner as a result.

[0164] It is apparent from FIG. 36 and FIG. 38 that the top part 310 is provided in its bottom with numerous through-openings such that the bottom of the top part 310 is water permeable. If the base part 300 is filled with water, wicks can be passed through the through-openings in the bottom of the top part 310 in order to transport water from the base part 300 into the volume of the top part 310.

[0165] Furthermore, circular predetermined breaking points 312 can be seen on the bottom of the top part 310. These predetermined breaking points 312 can be broken off in order to provide larger through-openings in the bottom of the top part 310.

[0166] It is apparent from FIG. 33 that each of the protrusions 304 is provided with an orifice 306. The orifice 306 is spaced apart from the bottom of the base part 300. Water can thus be filled into the base part 300 until the water level is at the height of the orifices 306. A bottom of the top parts 310, 320 is then located only slightly above the water level. Waterlogging in the volume of the top parts 310, 320, when these are filled with earth and planted with plants, is avoided as a result. As stated above, wicks can be used in order to transport water from the base part 300 into the volume of the top parts 310, 320.

[0167] The top parts 310, 320 are each provided with a support shoulder 314 at their curved outer edge. It is possible, for example, to place a cover plate on this support shoulder 314 when the volume of the top parts 310, 320 is not required for planting.

[0168] The base part 300 and the top parts 310, 320 can be produced cost-effectively and in large numbers from plastic, for example from injection-molded plastic.

Claims

1. A foundation arrangement for a grave, wherein the foundation arrangement has a stable base plate, wherein the base plate has a first attachment face for fastening a grave marker, a second attachment face, fixing means for fastening the base plate to the ground, and a trough or a frame, wherein the trough or the frame is fastened detachably to the second attachment face of the base plate and wherein the fixing means comprises at least one ground anchor or at least one ground nail.

2. The foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trough has a bottom and a through-opening in the bottom.

3. The foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein the through-opening is closed by a removable cover.

4. The foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base plate has a through-opening for inserting the trough or the frame.

5. The foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein the trough or the frame has, in a side wall thereof, or the trough has, in a bottom thereof, an encircling shoulder, an outside diameter of the shoulder matching an inside diameter of the through-opening in the base plate.

6. The foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base plate has at least one threaded bore in a region of the first attachment face to fasten a grave marker.

7. The foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base plate has at least one opening for fastening the fixing means.

8. (canceled)9. The foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base plate is made of steel, the steel comprising galvanized steel or corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

10. The foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base plate is provided, on at least one side, with a side edge projecting substantially perpendicularly from a base of the base plate.

11. The foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a bottom and / or a side wall of the trough is provided with water drainage holes.

12. The foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trough is made of steel, the steel comprising galvanized steel or corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

13. The foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trough is provided with at least one insert that is removable from the trough.

14. The foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a side wall of the trough is provided with U-shaped incisions forming bendable tabs and / or the trough is provided with retaining tabs that project into an interior of the trough or outwardly out of the side wall to retain a plate or other design elements.

15. A grave, comprising a grave marker and a foundation arrangement, the foundation arrangement comprising a stable base plate, the base plate having a first attachment face for fastening the grave marker and a second attachment face, fixing means for fastening the base plate to the ground, and a trough or a frame, the trough or the frame being fastened detachably to the second attachment face of the base plate and the fixing means comprises at least one ground anchor or at least one ground nail, wherein the base plate being is installed in the ground, in which the grave is constructed and the base plate is fastened to the ground by the fixing means, the trough or the frame is fastened to the base plate, and the grave marker is fastened to the first attachment face of the base plate.

16. The grave as claimed in claim 15, wherein an upper edge of the trough or of the frame is either flush with a ground surface of the ground or is arranged 1 centimeter to 5 centimeters below or above the ground surface.

17. The grave as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first attachment face of the base plate is arranged below a ground surface of the ground.

18. The grave as claimed in claim 15, further including in that a recess for introducing or burying an urn or a grave receptacle or other objects, the recess being arranged below the base plate.

19. The grave as claimed in claim 18, further including a tube with a side wall, the side wall forming the recess, the tube being connected to the trough and / or the base plate.

20. The grave as claimed in claim 18, further including a removable cover, the trough having a bottom and a through-opening in the bottom, the through-opening being closed by the removable cover, and wherein the recess is accessible following removal of the removable cover.

21. A method for setting a foundation arrangement as claimed in claim 1 in or on the ground, including introducing at least three fixing means into the ground and fastening the base plate to the at least three fixing means.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, including introducing the at least three fixing means into the ground with a drilling jig and fastening the base plate to the at least three fixing means following the introduction of the at least three fixing means.

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