Foundation part of tombstone

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a foundation part of a tombstone in which, by providing a water-pooling means in the foundation part of the tombstone, a gravesite of more elegant design can be achieved by utilizing the reflection of light, without requiring a special tombstone. [Solution] A foundation part 1 of a tombstone comprises a wall section 11 surrounding a plot and a foundation base section 12 covering the plot surrounded by the wall section 11 and located on the plot. Included is a water-pooling space comprising a water-pooling means 13 for pooling water W in a space, said space being within the space bounded by an inner lateral surface 111 of the wall section and the upper surface 121 of the foundation base section. The water-pooling space is located at least in front of a tombstone T and is for reflecting substantially the entirety of at least the tombstone on the upper surface of the pooled water. The foundation base section 12 further comprises a pedestal section 14 located on the upper surface 121 of the foundation base section to serve as a pedestal for the tombstone T, and the upper-surface area of the pedestal section 14 is not greater than the area of the lowermost bottom surface of the tombstone.

Description

Base of the gravestone

[0001] The present invention relates to a base part of a gravestone that utilizes light reflection to realize a grave with enhanced design.

[0002] Examples of gravestones (tombstones) with enhanced design by utilizing light reflection (reflection herein refers to regular reflection (specular reflection)) include a gravestone (see, for example, Patent Document 1) in which a mirror-finished reflective surface of the nameplate is configured so that an image of light (e.g., the sky above) appears through a through-hole formed in the gate above and facing the reflective surface. Other general-purpose products include gravestones (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1) in which the top surface of the base of the gravestone is clad in a mirror-finished black granite or other stone, creating a magnificent atmosphere between the gravestone and its reflected image. However, designs such as those in Patent Document 1 require processing or replacing the gravestone with a special stone. Furthermore, designs such as those in Non-Patent Document 1 require expensive black granite, resulting in high costs. While jet-black mirror-finished black granite provides particularly clear reflected light, it also highlights dust, dirt, and scratches, resulting in the time-consuming and costly maintenance required.

[0003] JP 2011-38252 A

[0004] "A gorgeous Japanese-style gravestone made of Indian M10 (black granite) was erected in a 6m2 Ordinary Section A of Onga Cemetery. The exterior fence was renovated to create a fully stone-clad grave that is easy to maintain," [online], [searched September 1, 2023], Kyodo Sekizai Co., Ltd., Internet <URL: https: / / www.kyodosekizai.jp / 1355 / >

[0005] To provide a base part of a gravestone that is provided with a water storage means in the base part of the gravestone in consideration of these problems, and that does not require a special gravestone and can realize a graveyard with a higher design quality at low cost by utilizing light reflection.

[0006] The gravestone base according to the first invention is characterized by having a wall surrounding the site, a base covering the site and located on the site, and a water storage space within the space enclosed by the inner side of the wall and the top surface of the base, equipped with a water storage means for storing water in the space, the water storage space being located at least in front of the gravestone and designed to reflect at least the entire gravestone on the surface of the stored water. The gravestone base according to the second invention is characterized by further having a pedestal located on the top surface of the base to serve as a base for the gravestone, the top surface area of ​​the pedestal being equal to or smaller than the area of ​​the bottom surface of the gravestone. The gravestone base according to the third invention is characterized by further having the inner surface of the water storage space being approximately black in color. The gravestone base according to the fourth invention is the gravestone base according to the second invention, further characterized in that the inner surface of the water storage space is substantially black in color. The gravestone base according to the fifth invention is the gravestone base according to the fourth invention, further characterized in that at least the front side of the base is substantially black in color. The gravestone base according to the sixth invention is the gravestone base according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, further characterized in that the water storage means is provided by covering the inner surface of the water storage space with a thin waterproof sheet.

[0007] The base of the gravestone of the present invention is equipped with a water storage means, and by storing water in the base or a part of it (i.e., the water storage space), the gravestone is reflected on the water's surface, giving the observer the impression that the gravestone is floating on the water, realizing a magnificent and highly designed grave site as a whole. This has the effect of eliminating the need for special gravestones and not requiring expensive stones such as black granite for reflection, making it possible to realize a more highly designed grave site at low cost by utilizing light reflection.

[0008] 4(a) is a perspective view showing the base of a gravestone in the first embodiment; FIG. 4(b) is a perspective view showing a case where a gravestone is placed on the base as an example of use of the base of a gravestone in the first embodiment; FIG. 4(c) is a perspective view showing a case where a gravestone is placed and water is stored in the water storage space as an example of use of the base of a gravestone in the first embodiment; FIG. 4(c) is a three-view diagram of FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a plan view, and (c) is a right side view; FIG. 4(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B' in FIG. 4(b) in the first embodiment, where (a) shows no water stored and (b) shows a case where water is stored in the water storage space as an example of use; FIG. 4(c) is a perspective view showing the base of a gravestone in the second embodiment; FIG. 4(c) is a perspective view showing a case where a gravestone is placed on the base as an example of use of the base of a gravestone in the second embodiment; 6 shows three views of the second embodiment, with (a) a front view, (b) a plan view, and (c) a right side view. Also, a cross-sectional view taken along B-B' in FIG. 9(b) of the second embodiment, with (a) no water stored and (b) water stored in the water storage space as an example of use. Also, a perspective view showing the base of a gravestone in the third embodiment. Also, a perspective view showing a gravestone placed on the base as an example of use of the base of a gravestone in the third embodiment. Also, a perspective view showing a gravestone placed and water stored in the water storage space as an example of use of the base of a gravestone in the third embodiment. Also, a three-view view of FIG. 11 shows three views of the third embodiment, with (a) a front view, (b) a plan view, and (c) a right side view. Also, a cross-sectional view taken along B-B' in FIG. 14(b) of the third embodiment, with (a) no water stored and (b) water stored in the water storage space as an example of use. 16A and 16B are perspective views showing the base of the gravestone in the fourth embodiment; FIG. 16B are perspective views showing a case where a gravestone is placed on the base of the gravestone as an example of use of the base of the gravestone in the fourth embodiment; FIG. 16C are perspective views showing a case where a gravestone is placed and water is stored in the water storage space as an example of use of the base of the gravestone in the fourth embodiment; and FIG. 16C are three-sided views of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 16A, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a plan view, and (c) is a right side view.19(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' of FIG. 19(b) in the fourth embodiment, where (a) shows a case where no water is stored and (b) shows a case where water is stored in the water storage space as an example of use. This is a perspective view showing the base of a gravestone in the fifth embodiment. This is a perspective view showing a case where a gravestone is installed on the base as an example of use of the base of a gravestone in the fifth embodiment. This is a perspective view showing a case where a gravestone is installed and water is stored in the water storage space as an example of use of the base of a gravestone in the fifth embodiment. This figure shows three views of FIG. 21 in the fifth embodiment, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a plan view, and (c) is a right side view. This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' of FIG. 25(b) in the fourth embodiment, where (a) shows a case where no water is stored and (b) shows a case where water is stored in the water storage space as an example of use.

[0009] An embodiment of the gravestone base according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the term "water storage means" refers to a means for storing water, based on the shape, structure, or combination of items. In this specification, the term "substantially the entirety" does not necessarily mean the entirety; even a partial absence of the entirety is acceptable. In this specification, the term "reflected on the surface of the stored water" refers to the appearance of a reflection (at least substantially the entirety of the gravestone) on the surface of the stored water from the angle of the observer. In this specification, the term "inner surface" refers to the inner bottom and inner side surfaces. In this specification, the term "substantially black" refers to a color that absorbs light almost uniformly in the visible range and gives the observer a dark impression. Quantitatively, this term refers to a color with a lightness of 2 or less and a saturation of 1 or less in each hue (including achromatic colors without a hue and chromatic colors with a hue) (when expressed in terms of the three attributes of color (the three elements of color): the same applies hereinafter). Here, "nearly uniformly absorbing" encompasses both "nearly uniform" and "almost absorbing." "Almost absorbing" does not necessarily mean that the color completely absorbs light, but rather that it is sufficient for the color to have a numerical lightness of 2 or less (amount of absorption: the same applies below). This is because a lightness of 2 or less is sufficient to absorb light on the object surface and enhance water surface reflection, as described below. Furthermore, a lightness of 2 or less is almost immune to the effects of shadows (the effects of reduced lightness), as described below. "Almost uniform" means that, under the condition of a lightness of 2 or less, a color with a color tint and a numerical saturation of 1 or less is acceptable. This is because, as long as the lightness is 2 or less, a color with a color tint but a saturation of 1 or less has almost no effect on the functions of absorbing light on the object surface and enhancing water surface reflection, as described below. Furthermore, a color with a color tint but a saturation of 1 or less has almost no effect on the functions of absorbing light on the object surface and enhancing water surface reflection, as described below. Furthermore, a color with a color tint but a saturation of 1 or less has almost no effect on the effects of shadows (the effects of reduced saturation), as described below.

[0010] The base portion 1 of the gravestone according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the base portion 1 of the gravestone according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of use in which a gravestone T is installed on the base portion 1 of the gravestone according to Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of use in which water W is stored in the water storage space in addition to Figure 2. Figure 4 shows three views of Figure 1, with (a) being a front view, (b) being a plan view, and (c) being a right side view. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' of Figure 4(b), where (a) shows a case in which no water is stored and (b) shows a case in which water is stored in the water storage space as an example of use. For simplicity's sake, the gravestone T is not shown in Figure 5(b).

[0011] [Configuration and Function of the Gravestone Base] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the gravestone base 1 of this embodiment comprises a wall 11 surrounding the site and a foundation 12 positioned on the site, covering the site surrounded by the wall 11. The gravestone also includes a water storage space within the space enclosed by the inner side 111 of the wall and the upper surface 121 of the foundation, which is equipped with a water storage means 13 for storing water W. The water storage space is located at least in front of the gravestone T and is designed to reflect at least the entire gravestone on the surface of the stored water. In this embodiment, the water storage space is enclosed by the inner side 111 of the wall and the upper surface 121 of the foundation, shown in gray in Figure 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the water storage means 13 in this embodiment is provided by a thin waterproof sheet 13a covering the inner surface of the water storage space, i.e., the inner side 111 of the wall and the upper surface 121 of the foundation.

[0012] The base 1 of the gravestone according to this embodiment includes a water storage means 13 (13a), which allows water W to be stored in the space enclosed by the inner side surface 111 of the wall and the upper surface 121 of the base, as shown in the examples of use in Figures 3 and 6, i.e., the water storage space, thereby enabling reflection on the water surface. To maximize the water reflection function, it is desirable to avoid placing anything other than the gravestone T on the bottom surface of the pedestal 14. However, although not shown in Figure 4, to enhance the overall design of the gravesite, flowers (such as lotus flowers, including artificial and fresh flowers) may be placed facing the water surface on the bottom of the pedestal 14 in a position that does not interfere with the water reflection of the gravestone T (e.g., near the wall on either side of the gravestone). These flowers may be either above or below the water surface. The water storage space is, for example, the gray space shown in Figure 5(a), with only the top surface open to achieve water surface reflection, and the other surfaces closed. It is preferable not to fill the water storage space to its full height, as shown in Figure 5(b), to prevent water leakage due to vibration, etc. The water storage space in this embodiment is the maximum space available for use as a water storage space. However, the water storage space according to the present invention is not limited to such a maximum space and may be smaller than the water storage space in this embodiment, such as the water tank type and enclosure type described below. In this embodiment, the fence portion 11 is shown as surrounding the site in a square shape, but this is merely because a square shape is common. In this invention, the surrounding shape is not limited to a square and may be a polygon other than a square or a circle. Furthermore, the corners of the fence portion 11 may be rounded. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the wall portion 11 shown in Figure 4(a) is approximately rectangular, but this invention is not limited to this; for example, the top surface of the wall portion may be rounded. Furthermore, the gravestone T shown in Figures 2 and 3 (as well as the perspective views corresponding to Figures 2 and 3 in Examples 2 to 5 below) is shown in dashed lines as an example of use and does not constitute the present invention. Figures 2 and 3 also show the approximate size of the base of the gravestone of the present invention in comparison with the gravestone.Furthermore, the staircase S shown at the front of the wall section 11 in Figures 1 to 4 (and similarly for the following figures corresponding to Figures 1 to 4 in Examples 2 to 5) constitutes part of the wall section 11 and is necessary for practical purposes, but is not part of the present invention and is therefore indicated by dashed lines. However, it is desirable that the top surface of the uppermost (top step) of the staircase S be at the same height as the top surfaces 112 of the other wall sections in order to realize the water storage means 13. Here, the staircase S is located on the front side of the tombstone T and is intended to provide space for observers to climb, for example, the lower or middle steps of the staircase S to offer prayers. The number of steps shown in the figures is merely an example, and any number of steps may be used. Furthermore, the seams J connecting each side of the wall section 11 in Figures 1 to 4 (and similarly for the following figures corresponding to Figures 1 to 4 in Examples 2 to 5) constitute part of the wall section 11 and are shown because it is more practical to connect each side to form the wall section 11, but are not part of the present invention and are therefore indicated by dashed lines.

[0013] As another example of the shape of the dashed-line portion corresponding to the staircase S in Figures 1 to 4, the top step may be shaped like a circular balcony (hereafter referred to as the "balcony shape"), in which the top step protrudes further toward the water reservoir than the water reservoir-facing side of the front edge of the wall 11. The balcony shape can also be considered a shape in which the worship space in the middle step, as seen in Figures 1 to 4, is extended toward the water reservoir. In the case of a balcony shape, the distance between the gravestone T and the balcony-shaped portion is preferably large enough to reflect at least the entire gravestone in the water. Furthermore, in the case of a balcony shape, the area of ​​the balcony-shaped portion may be small enough to simply place Buddhist altar implements such as the so-called three-piece Buddhist altar set or five-piece Buddhist altar set, or it may be large enough for a person to enter. Alternatively, the balcony may have a large enough area for a person to enter and an additional small area for placing Buddhist altar implements. As another example of the shape of the dashed line portion corresponding to the staircase portion S in Figures 1 to 4, etc., it may be a non-stepped shape (i.e., one without the lower and middle steps shown in Figures 1 to 4, etc.), regardless of whether it is a balcony shape or not. In the case of a non-stepped shape, there may only be a lower step and an uppermost step, and the top surface of the lower step may be aligned with the bottom surface of the wall portion 11, i.e., the lower step may be embedded in the ground. In the case of a non-stepped shape, it may be said to be a so-called barrier-free shape and have barrier-free functionality. In the case of a balcony shape but not a step-like shape, the area of ​​the balcony-shaped portion may be large enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

[0014] [Regarding the Water Storage Means] The water storage means 13 of this embodiment is a means for maintaining the stored water state by preventing leakage of stored water with a waterproof sheet 13a. However, the water storage means of this invention is not limited to the means of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the waterproof sheet method), and may be other methods such as the following. Note that preventing stored water from entering the ossuary of the gravestone is a natural measure, and will not be discussed here as it is a common method.

[0015] <Water supply methods> Flow-through water supply method: A method of always storing a constant amount of water in the base of the gravestone by constantly supplying water from a water supply or river to the base of the gravestone and constantly (intentionally) draining it from the joints of the base of the gravestone. Circulating water supply method: A method of always storing a constant amount of water in the base of the gravestone by constantly (intentionally) draining it from the joints of the base of the gravestone and constantly returning the drained water using a circulation pump, etc. Appropriate water supply method: A method of automatically or manually supplying water from a water supply, etc., as needed, to replace the water that has decreased due to drainage from the joints of the base of the gravestone. <Other methods of preventing water leakage> Method using the gravestone base itself: A method of preventing water leakage from the base of the gravestone itself by integrating the wall part with the base foundation or by using a material that is leak-proof for the base of the gravestone itself. Water tank method: A method of providing a water tank of a specified height in the spatial location where water should be stored. In other words, a water tank is used instead of the waterproof sheet used in the waterproof sheet method. In the case of the water tank method, the bottom surface area of ​​the water tank may be smaller than the top surface area of ​​the foundation base. In other words, the water tank may create a water storage space with a top surface area smaller than the space enclosed by the inner side of the wall and the top surface of the foundation base. When using the water tank method, the water tank itself is the water storage means. Furthermore, the water tank must be located at least in front of the tombstone and have a top surface area large enough that at least the entire tombstone is reflected in the top surface of the stored water (the water surface of the water tank). Enclosure method: This method stores water and creates a water storage space by enclosing it with a new wall (which may be entirely new or may partially use the existing wall) located inside the wall and set on top of the foundation base. This method may require the use of other water leakage prevention methods, such as a waterproof sheet method. If an enclosure method is adopted, the enclosure should be located at least in front of the gravestone and have a surface area large enough that at least the entire gravestone is reflected in the water. Simple water leakage prevention method: This is a simple method of preventing water leakage by applying water-stopping agents, waterproofing agents, packing, and sealing tape to the joints.

[0016] Here, the water storage means in the present invention may be a combination of these methods or a combination of these methods with a waterproof sheet method.

[0017] In addition, drainage outlets may be required for each water storage means, whether using a waterproof sheet system or other systems. For example, drainage outlets may be installed at or above the desired water level in the event of rainwater or other factors causing the water level to rise above the desired level. Another drainage outlet may be installed at the joint or other location above the foundation to drain the stored water if it becomes muddy. The latter drainage outlets are normally blocked by a cover or other suitable device. For simplicity, these drainage outlets are not shown in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5 (and similarly for the following figures corresponding to Figure 5 in Examples 2 to 5), the relationship between the wall portion 11 and the base foundation 12 in this embodiment is such that the lower portion of the wall portion 11 is attached to the outer periphery of the side of the base foundation 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and in order to implement measures to prevent water leakage or to drain water using a water supply system, the wall portion 11 and the base foundation portion 12 may be integrated, or the wall portion 11 may be placed on the upper surface of the outer periphery of the base foundation portion 12.

[0018] Another example is a water storage device that utilizes a drain outlet to function as a water clock. The water clock function involves, for example, providing a drain outlet in the center of a water tank, gradually draining water from the drain outlet, allowing the elapsed time to be measured by a scale or the like provided on the wall, or by the phenomenon of the water flowing down. When implementing the water clock function in a water tank, the entire bottom of the tank may be made of a transparent material, regardless of the color of the bottom surface on the side where water is stored, thereby enhancing the design.

[0019] [Example of use and effects of the gravestone base] As an example of use of the gravestone base 1, first, as shown in Figure 2, a gravestone T is placed on the upper surface 112 of the base foundation of the gravestone base 1. Next, from the state shown in Figure 2, as shown in Figure 3, water is stored in the space surrounded by the inner side surface 111 of the wall and the upper surface 121 of the base foundation, i.e., the water storage space.

[0020] The tombstone T has the effect of reflecting its image upside down along with the surrounding scenery (plants, sky, clouds, etc.; the same applies below) due to the function of the water surface reflection caused by the stored water W, or reflection from the bottom of the stored water W (referring to the inner side surface 111 of the wall and the upper surface 121 of the base below the stored water W; the same applies below). Furthermore, this reflected upside-down image of the tombstone T gives the observer the impression that it is floating on the water. The effect of the tombstone T being reflected along with the surrounding scenery as a reflected image and the effect of giving the observer the impression that it is floating on the water, when viewed together with the actual image of the tombstone T and its base 1, gives the observer the impression that the entire entity, i.e., the gravesite, is magnificent and fantastical, resulting in the realization of a highly designed gravesite (the same applies to Examples 2 to 5 below). Furthermore, because no special gravestone is required and expensive stones such as black granite are not required for reflection, it is possible to realize a low-cost grave site with a more stylish design that utilizes light reflection (the same applies to Examples 2 to 5 below). Furthermore, when the water tank method or enclosure method is adopted, it is simply installed in the existing foundation, so no extensive processing or even no modification to the existing foundation is required, which results in an even lower-cost grave site with a more stylish design that utilizes light reflection (the same applies to Examples 2 to 5 below). Furthermore, in these methods, if the water storage space is installed only in front of the gravestone, the gravestone itself is not present in the water storage space, so there is no need to prevent water leakage into the gravestone's ossuary due to water storage, which results in an even lower-cost grave site with a more stylish design that utilizes light reflection (the same applies to Examples 2 to 5 below).

[0021] The base portion 1 of the gravestone according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 6 to 10. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the base portion 1 of the gravestone according to this embodiment. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a case where a gravestone T is installed on the base foundation 12 of Figure 6 as an example of use. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a case where water W is stored in the water storage space in addition to the case shown in Figure 7 as an example of use. Figure 9 shows three views of Figure 6, with (a) being a front view, (b) being a plan view, and (c) being a right side view. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' of Figure 9(b), where (a) shows a case where no water is stored and (b) shows a case where water is stored in the water storage space as an example of use. For simplicity's sake, the gravestone T is not shown in Figure 10(b).

[0022] [Configuration and Function of Gravestone Base] The gravestone base 1 of this embodiment differs from the configuration of Example 1 in that it further includes a base 14, which is located on the upper surface 121 of the base base and serves as a base for the gravestone T. The area of ​​the top surface of the base 14 is equal to or less than the area of ​​the bottom surface of the lowest part of the gravestone T. This base 14 has the function of floating the entire gravestone T in space. Other functions are the same as in Example 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] The top surface area of ​​the base 14 is desirably large enough to stably place the gravestone T on it, but small enough so that when viewed by an observer as shown in Figure 7, the base 14 is hidden by the bottom surface of the lowest part of the gravestone T. The reason why the base 14 is hidden by the gravestone T and cannot be seen is to create the phenomenon of the gravestone appearing to float on the surface of water, which will be described later (the same applies to Example 4 below).

[0024] [Example of use and effects of the gravestone base] As an example of how to use the gravestone base 1, first, a gravestone T is placed on the pedestal 14 as shown in Figure 7. Next, from the state shown in Figure 7, water is stored in the space surrounded by the inner side surface 111 of the wall and the upper surface 121 of the base, i.e., the water storage space, as shown in Figure 8. It is desirable that the height of the water storage be approximately the same as or higher than the height of the pedestal 14, as shown in Figures 8 and 10(b), in order to achieve the effects described below.

[0025] As in Example 1, the gravestone T reflects its image upside down along with the surrounding scenery due to the reflection of the water W on its surface or the bottom of the water. Furthermore, the tombstone T gives the observer the impression of floating on the water, due to the inverted image reflected by the water and the function of the base 14, which causes the entire tombstone T to float in space. This effect of giving the observer the impression of floating on the water is even greater than in Example 1 due to the function of the base 14 (especially when the base 14 is hidden by the tombstone T). Furthermore, even when the reflection from the water surface or bottom is insufficient due to the color of the waterproof sheet 13a, weather conditions (rain, wind, etc.), or time of day (darkness, etc.), or when the reflected image is unclear or not visible, the effect of the base 14 alone still gives the observer the impression of floating on the water, making this example more advantageous than Example 1, which relies solely on reflection. 6 to 10 are diagrams showing an example in which the top surface area of ​​the base 14 is reduced to the extent that the base 14 is not visible to the observer. Among these, Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the entire graveyard when water W is stored, and shows the effect of the base 14 (the effect of giving the observer the impression that the tombstone T is floating on the water even without reflection from the water surface, etc.) (Fig. 18 is the same). The cost effect is the same as in Example 1, so a description will be omitted.

[0026] The base portion 1 of the gravestone according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 11 to 15. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the base portion 1 of the gravestone according to this embodiment. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a case where a gravestone T is installed on the base portion 1 of the gravestone according to Figure 11 as an example of use. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a case where water W is stored in the water storage space in addition to Figure 12 as an example of use. Figure 14 shows three views of Figure 11, with (a) being a front view, (b) being a plan view, and (c) being a right side view. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' of Figure 14(b), where (a) shows a case where no water is stored and (b) shows a case where water is stored in the water storage space as an example of use. For simplicity's sake, the gravestone T is not shown in Figure 15(b).

[0027] [Configuration and Function of the Gravestone Base] The gravestone base 1 of this embodiment differs from the configuration of Example 1 in that the inner surface of the water storage space, i.e., both the inner side surface 111 of the wall and the upper surface 121 of the base, are colored approximately black. Note that even if the surface of an object is approximately black, it is not suitable to use an object coated with transparent glass or resin, or to have a polished, mirror-finished surface. This is because the coated surface may cause reflection or diffused reflection, making it difficult to clearly project the image of the object, or may result in a double image of the object being projected due to reflections from the water surface and the coated surface.

[0028] In this configuration, the portion corresponding to the water bottom is approximately black in color (brightness 2 or less and saturation 1 or less), and light hitting the water surface (such as the image of a gravestone or background (sky, etc.) intended to be projected; hereinafter, abbreviated as "image of the object") is reflected almost exclusively by the water surface, without being reflected or diffused by the floor and sides (similar to Examples 4 and 5). In other words, it has the function of increasing the proportion of reflection on the water surface. Furthermore, because the water bottom is approximately black in color, it has the function of preventing the color of the water bottom from being directly visible to the observer's eyes when the water bottom is not approximately black in color. Note that when the water bottom is not approximately black in color (brightness greater than 2 and / or saturation greater than 1), light hitting the water surface is reflected or diffused by the floor and sides when it is refracted by the water W, making it less likely to be reflected exclusively by the water surface (like a water mirror), and the proportion of reflection on the water surface is low. Furthermore, due to the reflection and diffuse reflection of light from the bottom of the water, the color of the bottom of the water becomes directly visible to the observer's eyes. Figure 13 shows the case where water W is stored in the water storage space. Comparing Figure 13 with Figures 3 and 8, the boundary (edge) between the inner side surface 111 of the wall portion and the upper surface 121 of the base foundation is not shown in Figure 13. This is because the inner side surface 111 of the wall portion and the upper surface 121 of the base foundation are approximately black in color, and the high rate of reflection from the water surface makes the boundary (edge) between the inner side surface 111 of the wall portion and the upper surface 121 of the base foundation difficult to see (the same applies to Figures 18 and 23). Furthermore, the portion of the gravestone below the water W at the bottom is shown with a dashed line, indicating that it is visible to the observer. This is because the portion below the water W at the bottom of the gravestone is not approximately black in color, and therefore the low rate of reflection from the water surface makes it easily visible through the light.

[0029] Furthermore, the nearly black color of the portion corresponding to the bottom of the water prevents or reduces the shadow of a gravestone from being reflected on the bottom. The reason why the nearly black color of the portion corresponding to the bottom of the water prevents or reduces the shadow of a gravestone from being reflected on the bottom of the water is as follows. Here, a shadow is a phenomenon resulting from the directional nature of light, and refers to a dark area (here, a spatial area (including a planar area); the same applies below) that appears on a wall or ground when the progression of light (in the case of sunlight, so-called direct sunlight) is blocked by an object or other object. An area where light is blocked by an object or other object, i.e., a shadow, reduces the brightness and saturation of the color (hue) of that area, making it appear darker than the surrounding area. As stated in the definition of nearly black, a nearly black area has a brightness of 2 or less and a saturation of 1 or less. Therefore, even if the brightness and saturation are further reduced by an object or other object, the visual difference between the blocked area and the surrounding area is difficult to perceive, and the observer finds it difficult to recognize a shadow. That is, the shadow of the gravestone is not visible to the observer as it is reflected on the bottom of the water, or at least is not clearly visible. The other functions are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0030] [Example of use of the gravestone base and its effects] As an example of use of the gravestone base 1, first, as shown in Fig. 12, a gravestone T is placed on the upper surface 112 of the base foundation of the gravestone base 1. Next, from the state shown in Fig. 12, as shown in Fig. 13, water is stored in the space surrounded by the inner side surface 111 of the wall and the upper surface 121 of the base foundation, i.e., the water storage space.

[0031] The base portion 1 of the gravestone in this embodiment, which is filled with water W, has a function that increases the proportion of reflection on the water surface due to the approximately black color of the water bottom, creating a water mirror effect, where the gravestone is reflected upside down (like an upside-down Mount Fuji reflected on the surface of a lake) against the background of the sky. Compared to Examples 1 and 2, Example 3 has the effect of projecting objects as inverted images on the water surface more clearly and distinctly because light is mostly reflected only on the water surface. Furthermore, the approximately black color of the water bottom prevents the color of the water bottom from being directly visible to the observer, so the image of the entire water surface and the gravestone is not obscured by the color of the water bottom. Compared to Examples 1 and 2, this has the effect of projecting objects as inverted images on the water surface more clearly and distinctly. Furthermore, because the gravestone T is projected as an inverted image more clearly and distinctly than in Example 1, it gives the observer the impression that the gravestone T is floating on the water surface more clearly than in Example 1.

[0032] Furthermore, the nearly black color of the bottom of the water prevents or makes it difficult for the shadows of gravestones to be reflected on the bottom of the water, which has the effect of making it difficult for the image reflected on the water surface to be seen due to the influence of the shadow, or for the image of the entire cemetery, including the image reflected on the water surface, to be obstructed by unnecessary shadows (the same applies to Examples 4 and 5 below).

[0033] Furthermore, if a waterproof sheet is used for the water storage means 13, the waterproof sheet can be made substantially black in color (or a waterproof sheet of substantially black color is used), which has the effect of easily making the bottom of the water substantially black in color (the same applies to Examples 4 and 5 below). The cost effect is the same as in Example 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0034] The base portion 1 of the gravestone according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 16 to 20. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the base portion 1 of the gravestone according to this embodiment. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a case where a gravestone T is installed on the base foundation 12 of Figure 16 as an example of use. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing a case where water W is stored in the water storage space in addition to Figure 17 as an example of use. Figure 19 shows three views of Figure 16, with (a) being a front view, (b) being a plan view, and (c) being a right side view. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' of Figure 19(b), where (a) shows a case where no water is stored and (b) shows a case where water is stored in the water storage space as an example of use. For simplicity's sake, the gravestone T is not shown in Figure 10(b).

[0035] [Configuration and Function of the Gravestone Base] The gravestone base 1 of this embodiment differs from the configuration of Example 2 in that the inner surface of the water storage space, i.e., the inner side surface 111 of the wall and the upper surface 121 of the base, are both colored approximately black. The functions of this configuration are the same as those of Examples 1 to 3, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] It is desirable that the top surface area of ​​the base 14 be large enough to stably place the gravestone T on it, and small enough that the base 14 is hidden by the bottom surface of the lowest part of the gravestone T when viewed by an observer, as shown in Figure 17.

[0037] [Example of use and effects of the gravestone base] As an example of how to use the gravestone base 1, first, a gravestone T is placed on the pedestal 14 as shown in Figure 17. Next, from the state shown in Figure 17, water is stored in the space surrounded by the inner side surface 111 of the wall and the upper surface 121 of the base, i.e., the water storage space, as shown in Figure 18. It is desirable that the height of the water storage be approximately the same as or higher than the height of the pedestal 14, as shown in Figures 18 and 20(b), in order to achieve the effects described below.

[0038] The base portion 1 of the gravestone in this embodiment, which is filled with water W, functions to increase the reflection rate of the water surface due to the approximately black color of the water bottom, creating a water mirror effect, where the gravestone is reflected upside down (like an upside-down Mt. Fuji reflected on the surface of a lake) against the background of the sky. Compared to Examples 1 and 2, Example 3 reflects light almost exclusively on the water surface, resulting in a clearer and more distinct image of the object on the water surface. Furthermore, the approximately black color of the water bottom prevents the color of the water bottom from being directly visible to the observer, preventing the image of the entire water surface or the gravestone from being obscured by the color of the water bottom. Compared to Examples 1 and 2, this effectively reflects the object on the water surface more clearly and distinctly. Furthermore, the base portion 14 functions to give the observer the impression of floating on the water surface, which is more effective than Examples 1 and 3. From the above, the effect of Example 4, which gives the viewer the impression of floating on the water surface, is greater than any of Examples 1 to 3. The effect of being free from or less susceptible to the influence of shadows due to the nearly black color, has been explained in Example 3, so it will not be explained here. In addition, the effect in terms of cost is the same as in Example 1, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0039] The base portion 1 of the gravestone according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 21 to 26. Figure 21 is a perspective view of the base portion 1 of the gravestone according to this embodiment. Figure 22 is a perspective view showing a case where a gravestone T is installed on the base foundation 12 of Figure 21 as an example of use. Figure 23 is a perspective view showing a case where water W is stored in the water storage space as an example of use, in addition to Figure 22. Figure 24 is a view of Figure 23, in which the edge of the water bottom and the submerged base, which are not actually visible, are added for illustrative purposes by indicating them with dashed lines. Figure 25 shows three views of Figure 21, with (a) a front view, (b) a plan view, and (c) a right side view. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' of Figure 25(b), where (a) shows the case where no water is stored and (b) shows the case where water is stored in the water storage space as an example of use. For simplicity, the gravestone T is not shown in Figure 26(b).

[0040] [Configuration and Function of Gravestone Base] The gravestone base 1 of this embodiment differs from the configuration of Example 4 in that at least the front side of the base 14 (the entire side 141 in this example) is colored approximately black. Since the side 141 of the base is colored approximately black, it does not reflect or diffusely reflect incident light onto the water W near the side 141 of the base, and therefore has the function of increasing the proportion of water surface reflection near the side 141 of the base, and ultimately the function of increasing the proportion of water surface reflection of the entire stored water W. The other functions are the same as in Examples 1 to 3, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] As shown in Figure 21, the entire side surface 141 of the base 14 in this embodiment is colored approximately black. However, the base of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case of a water tank or enclosure type where the water storage space is located only in front of the gravestone T, it is sufficient for at least the front side surface of the base 14 to be colored approximately black. The top surface area of ​​the base 14 is preferably approximately the same as the bottom surface of the gravestone T. The side surface 141 of the base, like the inner side surface 111 of the wall and the top surface 121 of the base base, is approximately black, so it blends in with the background color of the water bottom. Furthermore, the approximately black color of the side surface 141 of the base increases the reflection of the water surface in this area, so that the base 14 is not visible to the observer even if it is approximately the same color as the bottom surface of the gravestone T. Furthermore, a larger top surface area is desirable for the stability of the gravestone placed on top. Also, Fig. 22 shows a state in which there is no water W and the side surface 141 of the base is visible to the observer, while Fig. 23 shows a state in which water W is accumulated and the side surface 141 of the base is invisible to the observer for the above-mentioned reasons. Also, as shown in Fig. 24, in reality, the boundary (edge) between the inner side surface 111 of the fence and the upper surface 121 of the base foundation, as well as the side surface 141 of the base, described in Example 3, are below the water surface (both are shown below the water surface by dashed lines). However, due to the function that increases the proportion of reflection on the water surface, these are invisible to the observer, as shown in Fig. 23.

[0042] [Example of use and effects of the gravestone base] As an example of how to use the gravestone base 1, first, a gravestone T is placed on the pedestal 14 as shown in Fig. 22. Next, from the state shown in Fig. 22, water is stored in the space surrounded by the inner side surface 111 of the wall portion and the upper surface 121 of the base, i.e., the water storage space, as shown in Fig. 23. It is desirable that the height of the water storage be approximately the same as or higher than the height of the pedestal 14, as shown in Fig. 23 and Fig. 26(b), in order to achieve the effects described below.

[0043] When compared with Examples 1 to 3, the differences in effect are the same as in Example 4. When compared with Example 4, it is more advantageous than Example 4 because it has the effect of eliminating the need for fine adjustments such as making the base 14 invisible to the observer, and the effect of allowing the gravestone placed on top to be stably installed because the upper surface area can be increased. The effect of being unaffected or less affected by shadows due to the nearly black color has been explained in Example 3, so it will not be explained here. Furthermore, the effect in terms of cost is the same as in Example 1, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0044] 1 Gravestone base 11 Fence 111 Inner side of fence 112 Top surface of fence 12 Base foundation 121 Top surface of base foundation 13 Water storage means 13a Waterproof sheet 14 Pedestal 141 Side of base T Gravestone W Water S Step J Joint

Claims

1. A gravestone base comprising a wall surrounding a site and a base foundation located on the site, covering the site surrounded by the wall, the base having a water storage space within the space surrounded by the inner side of the wall and the top surface of the base foundation, the water storage space having a water storage means for storing water in the space, the water storage space being located at least in front of the gravestone and designed to reflect at least the entire gravestone on the surface of the stored water.

2. A gravestone base as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a base section on the base foundation that is located on top of the base foundation and serves as a base for the gravestone, and the area of ​​the top surface of the base section is equal to or less than the area of ​​the bottom surface of the gravestone.

3. The base of a gravestone according to claim 1, further characterized in that the inner surface of the water storage space is substantially black in color.

4. The base of a gravestone according to claim 2, further characterized in that the inner surface of the water storage space is substantially black in color.

5. The base of a gravestone according to claim 4, further characterized in that at least the front side of the base is substantially black in color.

6. A gravestone base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further characterized in that the water storage means is provided by covering the inner surface of the water storage space with a thin waterproof sheet.

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