AU2017100521A4 - Removable handle for coffin - Google Patents

Abstract

A removable handle arrangement for a coffin is provided and includes at least one attachment assembly having a front plate and a back plate configured to be secured together through a wall of a coffin. The arrangement also includes at least one handle 5 assembly having a connector, a handle and means joining the handle to the connector. The arrangement further includes a releasable locking mechanism including respective formations on the front plate and the connector to enable the connector to slidingly engage with the front plate, a locking tab having a front surface with a stepped profile, wherein adjacent and below the step is an inclined front surface, and above the 10 step is an engagement section, and a locking formation for engagement with the locking tab. The locking tab is biased to engage the locking formation when the connector is engaged with the front plate, connecting the handle assembly to the attachment assembly, and whereby depression of the engagement section overcomes the bias and moves the step rearwardly wherein the locking tab can be disengaged from the locking 15 formation to remove the handle assembly from the attachment assembly. 19c

Description

2017100521 10 May 2017 P/00/011 Regulation 3.2 Australia

Patents Act 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT

Invention Title: Removable handle for coffin

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:

Removable handle for coffin

Field of the invention 2017100521 10 May 2017

The present invention relates to a removable handle mechanism, which finds particular application for use with coffins. 5 Background of the invention

Coffin handles today are often modelled on historical handles that are over one hundred years old. Many new versions still use the same fastener hole spacing, with there being huge variations in hole spacings between the different types of handles from different manufacturers. This creates a number of issues for the different people 10 involved in the manufacture and sale of coffins.

Funeral directors are required to pre-order coffins, keeping a selection of coffins in stock. Due to space restrictions they generally only have a small selection of coffins available for clients. Although a client might like a particular coffin body, there is no opportunity for the selection of a different handle than what has been selected by the 15 funeral director and installed by the manufacturer. This is due to the requirement that handles are secured at the coffin assembling factory. This is done to ensure that handles do not fail in use. If the handle is not attached properly and fails then the perceived liability would lie with the manufacturer.

The coffin maker buys handles from various different handle manufacturers. As 20 handles all require unique hole spacing, the coffin body must be drilled at the factory to suit a particular handle type. This is a manual process that incurs a labour cost. The handles need to be drilled after the coffin has been painted and lacquered, as the coffin maker does not know which handles will be selected until ordered. This drilling results in the production of dust, with coffins then needing to be cleaned afterwards. 25 It is a desired object of the present invention to provide a removable handle mechanism for use with coffins that at least in part overcomes one or more of the above problems. 2 1001800985

Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and/or combined with other pieces of prior art by a skilled person 5 in the art. 2017100521 10 May 2017

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a removable handle arrangement for a coffin, including: at least one attachment assembly having a front plate and a back plate 10 configured to be secured together through a wall of a coffin; at least one handle assembly having a connector, a handle and means joining the handle to the connector; and a releasable locking mechanism including: respective formations on the front plate and the connector to enable the 15 connector to slidingly engage with the front plate; and a locking tab having a front surface with a stepped profile, wherein adjacent and below the step is an inclined front surface, and above the step is an engagement section; and a locking formation for engagement with the locking tab; 20 wherein the locking tab is biased to engage the locking formation when the connector is engaged with the front plate, connecting the handle assembly to the attachment assembly, and whereby depression of the engagement section overcomes the bias and moves the step rearwardly wherein the locking tab can be disengaged from the locking formation to remove the handle assembly from the attachment assembly. 25 The front plate and back plate can be secured together by screws. The screws are preferably inserted through apertures in the front plate and secure into nuts embedded in the back plate. The front plate and back plate may both include bosses that project into the apertures made in the coffin wall. 3 1001800985

The front plate can have a generally rectangular body portion, with two elongate slits creating the locking tab. The slits create an integrated spring hinge, which is biased into a forward position. The locking tab may extend down the centre of the body portion. 2017100521 10 May 2017

On either side of the locking tab there may be rails extending above the front 5 surface of the body portion. The rails can have end stops. These rails define the formations on the front plate that enable the connector to slidingly engage with the front plate.

The connector can have a central portion with outwardly extending flanges on either side. The flanges slide into the rails on the front plate. It will be appreciated that in 10 alternative embodiments, the rails may be on the connector and the flanges may be on the front plate.

The locking formation may be a crossbar with an adjacent opening. As a connector is slid into the rails on the front plate, the locking tab is deflected until the locking formation is pushed past the step. The step may then engage behind the locking 15 formation preventing the connector from being slid out of the rails.

Engagement of the locking mechanism can be achieved by upward movement of the handle assembly with respect to the attachment assembly.

The central portion of the connector may include at least two walls defining a central slot. The means to join the handle to the connector may be an arm. An end of 20 the arm can be inserted and fastened into the central slot. The arm may be fixed or hinged in the slot. The opposite end of the arm may form an integral handle. Alternatively, the opposite end of the arm attaches to handle.

Advantageously, the handle assembly may comprise two connectors spaced apart, each with an arm joined thereto. Extending between the two spaced apart arms 25 may be a generally horizontal handle, in the form of a rod. A cover may be provided that sits over the assembled front plate and connector. The cover is preferably removable. A slot may be provided in the cover to accommodate the movement of hinged arms. 4 1001800985

Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. 2017100521 10 May 2017

Brief description of the drawings 5 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a coffin having six handle arrangements according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a handle arrangement of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the handle arrangement of Figure 2;

Figures 4a and 4b are perspective views of a connector; 10 Figure 4c shows the progressive installation of the handle arm;

Figure 5 is a perspective front view of the front plate;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view through the wall of the coffin showing the installation of the front plate and back plate;

Figures 7a and 7b are cross-sectional side views of the front plate and back plate 15 installed on coffins with two different wall thicknesses;

Figures 8a and 8b are cross-sectional side views showing the installation of the handle assembly on the front plate;

Figure 9 is a perspective rear view of a cover; and

Figure 10 is a front view of the handle arrangement. 20 Detailed description of the embodiments

Figure 1 shows a coffin 10 having walls 12 defining an internal cavity 14. Fastened to the coffin walls 12 are six removable handle arrangements 16. The handle arrangements 16 are attached through the coffin walls 12, with back plates 18 being the only element within the coffin cavity 14. Back plate 18 have a curved surface to ensure 25 nothing is able to catch on them. 5 1001800985

Figure 2 shows a handle arrangement 16 fully assembled with the absence of the coffin wall 12. Handle arrangement 16 includes two attachment assemblies. Each attachment assembly having a front plate 20 and a back plate 18. The front plate is secured to the back plate via screws 22. 2017100521 10 May 2017 5 Connected to the attachment assembly is a handle assembly having a connector 24, a handle 26, and means to join the handle to the connector in the form of an arm 28. A first end 30 of the arm is secured to the connector 24 (described further below). The opposite end 32 joins to the handle 26. This can be seen in exploded view in Figure 3. The handle 26 has a central portion 34 and respective tubular ends 36. Tubular ends 36 I0 extend through apertures 38 provided on the bulbous ends 32. Handle end caps 40 are fastened to the tubular ends 36, by any suitable means, for example adhesive, or screw fastening (not shown). It will be appreciated that the handle assembly may not include an arm. The means to join the handle to the connector may involve directly screwing a handle to the connector, or the handle and arm may be integrally formed. A person 15 skilled in the art will appreciate alternative arrangements.

The connector 24 is shown in Figures 4a and 4b. The connector has a central portion that has two spaced apart opposing walls 42 and a perpendicular intermediate wall 44 defining a central slot 46. The inside surface of walls 42 include bosses 52 surrounding apertures 50. The bosses 52 have an open slot 54 underneath the >0 apertures 50. The side walls 42 extend past the intermediate wall 44 and are joined together by a front bar 58. This creates an opening 61 between the bar 58 and the intermediate wall 44. The connector has outwardly extending flanges 56 that extend along a substantive portion of walls 42.

Figure 4c shows how the arm 28 is inserted into the connector 24. First end 30 of 25 arm 28 is received in slot 46 and is secured by way of hinge pins 48 in apertures 50 formed in side walls 42. The end 30 of arm 28 is inserted through slot 46 past the rear wall and moved so that hinge pins 48 line up with the open slots 54 from the rear. Once pins 48 align with the slots 54, the arm is pulled forwards to engage in apertures 50. Bosses 52 are flexible, such that the pins 48 are held in apertures 50 by bosses 52. The 30 arm 28 is then able to rotate about hinge pins 48. It will be appreciated that apertures 50 6 1001800985 may actually be blind holes, with apertures extending through the walls 42 simply making manufacture easier. 2017100521 10 May 2017

Figure 5 shows the front plate 20, which has a generally rectangular body portion. Extending from the rear are two bosses 60. Apertures 62 extend through the 5 body portion and through bosses 60. The apertures and bosses are located on diagonally opposite corners of the body portion. This provides maximum stability whilst minimising the number of holes required to be drilled through the coffin wall.

Two elongate slits 64 define a locking tab 66. The locking tab extends down the centre of the body portion from an integral spring hinge area 68 up to an engagement 10 section in the form of projecting tab 70. Depression of the projecting tab 70 moves the locking tab rearwardly around hinge area 68. The front surface of the locking tab 66 has an inclined section 72, which is inclined forwardly (and outwardly) in a direction towards tab 70. The inclined section 72 ends with a step 74 such that the inclined section 72 is adjacent and below the step 74. 15 On either side of the locking tab 66 are forwardly projecting raised structures 76 with open slots 78 on their inner sides creating side rails. The slots lower ends are open and their upper ends are closed by end walls 86.

Back plate 18 is shown in figures 3 and 6 and is elongate having outstanding bosses 80 towards both ends. Nuts 82 (see Figure 3) are embedded inside the bosses >0 80 during manufacture. The external surface of the bosses 80 are textured to provide friction. This allows back plate 18 to be inserted into the pre-drilled coffin holes 79 and be retained in position without needing to be held in place by the installers hand.

Figure 6 shows the installation of the front plate 20 and back plate 18. Holes 79 are drilled in the coffin walls 12 using a drilling template that matches a standardised 25 hole spacing. Back plate bosses 80 are inserted into the holes 79 from inside the coffin cavity 14. Front plate 20 is then installed by inserting bosses 60 into the other ends of holes 79. Bosses 60 also have a textured surface so that they are held in place by friction before inserting the screws. Screws 22 are used to secure the front plate to the back plate through the coffin wall 12 engaging in nuts 82. This process is done by the 30 manufacturer and is how the coffin is delivered to the funeral parlour. This attachment 7 1001800985 assembly is standardised so that a range of handle assemblies can be offered that mate with the front plate. It also allows for consistent hole spacing meaning they can be laser cut in the walls during manufacture. 2017100521 10 May 2017

As can be seen from Figures 7a and 7b, different wall thicknesses can be 5 accommodated by utilising longer screws. The respective bosses 60 and 80 are of a length to receive the minimum wall thickness for coffins, as shown in Figure 7b. For a thicker coffin wall 12, as shown in Figure 7a, the bosses 60 and 80 do not meet and create a gap 84. Greater thicknesses can be accommodated by using longer screws.

At the funeral parlour, a customer may choose their desired coffin and then select 10 from a variety of custom handles. These custom handles can be kept in stock by the funeral parlour. The present invention allows handles to be selected and installed at the funeral parlour by sliding a handle assembly onto the preinstalled attachment assembly on the coffin of their choice. This is enabled by having a simple installation method and a positive locking mechanism. 15 As shown in Figures 8a and 8b, the connector 24 with attached arm 28 and handle 26 can be connected to the front plate 20. Flanges 56 slide upwardly into rail slots 78 on the front plate until they hit end walls 86. As the connector 24 is inserted under the rails it forces the projecting tab end 70 of the locking tab 66 to depress as it moves up the forwardly inclined surface 72. Once the front bar 58 of the connector >0 passes over step 74 on the locking tab 66 the forward bias provided by the spring hinge 68 returns the locking tab 66 to its natural forward position, with step 74 resting within opening 61 and locking behind and under bar 58. The handle assembly then cannot be removed by simply sliding it downwards.

The locking direction being an upward orientation means that if the handle is not 25 correctly installed before use, once a coffin is picked up the handle will be further urged in the locking direction, such that lifting will result in bar 58 engaging step 74. The step creates a physical stop that makes the connector unable to be easily removed.

Once a handle assembly is installed, a front cover 88 (Figure 9) may be placed over the assembled front plate and connector. The cover has flexible tabs 90 with ridges 30 92 on the inside, that are able to lock into cut-outs 94 provided on the side of top plate 8 1001800985 20 (see Figure 5). The cover includes a slot 96 to accommodate the hinged movement of arm 28 from the lowered position to a raised position (not shown). 2017100521 10 May 2017

Indicia of the word “SAFE” is written on the inclined surface 72 adjacent the step 74. In the installed position, as shown in Figure 10, when the bar 58 is correctly locked 5 over step 74 the word “SAFE” is clearly visible in opening 61. This provides a visual recognition that the correct installation has occurred.

To release and remove the handle assembly, a user must use both hands to depress the locking tabs 66 by pushing against both projecting tabs 70. This allows the locking tabs 66 to lower sufficiently to allow the steps 74 to disconnect from bars 58. 10 Connectors 24 can then be slid out of the rails 78 in a downward motion.

The present invention is not limited in relation to materials. The arrangement may be provided in one or more of the following materials, plastic, composite or metal, for example.

The present invention provides the opportunity for interchangeable handles that 15 the customer can see immediately on their chosen coffin at the funeral parlour. The interchangeable handles will allow the funeral parlour to hold a core range of coffins and then be able to interchange these with a variety of handle styles. This reduces the amount of stock needed to be held.

The production of the coffins is improved due to the standardised hole spacing, 20 allowing holes to be machined during the CNC process, rather than by hand later. This also removes the creation of dust post painting and finishing. This all reduces the labour cost involved in producing a coffin.

The design is such that handles are pulled into a locked position once a load is applied to them. This ensures the handles are always locked and do not fail. 25 It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. 9 1001800985

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A removable handle arrangement for a coffin, including: at least one attachment assembly having a front plate and a back plate configured to be secured together through a wall of a coffin; at least one handle assembly having a connector, a handle and means joining the handle to the connector; and a releasable locking mechanism including: respective formations on the front plate and the connector to enable the connector to slidingly engage with the front plate; and a locking tab having a front surface with a stepped profile, wherein adjacent and below the step is an inclined front surface, and above the step is an engagement section; and a locking formation for engagement with the locking tab; wherein the locking tab is biased to engage the locking formation when the connector is engaged with the front plate, connecting the handle assembly to the attachment assembly, and whereby depression of the engagement section overcomes the bias and moves the step rearwardly wherein the locking tab can be disengaged from the locking formation to remove the handle assembly from the attachment assembly.
2. 2. A removable handle arrangement for a coffin according to claim 1, wherein the front plate has a generally rectangular body portion, with two elongate slits creating the locking tab.
3. 3. A removable handle arrangement for a coffin according to claim 2, wherein the slits create an integrated spring hinge, which is biased into a forward position.
4. 4. A removable handle arrangement for a coffin according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein on either side of the locking tab rails extend above the front surface of the body portion, the rails having end stops, whereby the rails define the formations on the front plate that enable the connector to slidingly engage with the front plate.
5. 5. A removable handle arrangement for a coffin according to claim 4, wherein the connector has a central portion with outwardly extending flanges on either side, the flanges configured to slide into the rails on the front plate.
6. 6. A removable handle arrangement for a coffin according to claim 5, wherein the locking formation is a crossbar with an adjacent opening, configured such that as a connector is slid into the rails on the front plate, the locking tab is deflected until the locking formation is pushed past the step.
7. 7. A removable handle arrangement for a coffin according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle assembly comprises two connectors spaced apart, each with an arm joined thereto.
8. 8. A removable handle arrangement for a coffin according to claim 7, further including a generally horizontal handle, preferably in the form of a rod, extending between the two spaced apart arms.
9. 9. A removable handle arrangement for a coffin according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein engagement of the locking mechanism is achieved by upward movement of the handle assembly with respect to the attachment assembly.
10. 10. A removable handle arrangement for a coffin according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a removable cover is configured to sit over the attachment assembly.