EP0619109A1 - Matress for coffin - Google Patents

Abstract

To bed down in a coffin a person who has died, a cushion-like or mattress-like device (8) is provided. This cushion or this mattress (8) comprises an outer sheath which is produced, at least in part, from a substantially biodegradable polymer, such as for example cellulose, starch, cellulose acetate, gelatine, polycaprolactam or polyvinylalcohol. The cushion or the mattress further comprises chambers (9) or interior spaces, which are intended to be filled in particular with air or a foamable, at least partially rottable material. By means of polymer sheets, produced from the substantially biodegradable polymer, it is furthermore possible to line the coffin, and by means of a covering sheet, which is for example welded to the lining, hermetically seal the coffin off completely from the outside. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a pillow or mattress-like device comprising an outer shell for embedding a deceased person in a coffin.

In many countries, deceased people are kept or kept embedded in coffins until they are buried, before being cremated or buried. These coffins are usually lined with tar, bitumen or similar resinous coating systems on the inside due to national regulations in the healthcare sector, or lined with oil paper, plastic films or combinations of plastic and tar paper stiffeners.

Very often the deceased are placed on sacks or honeycomb mattresses filled with wood wool, sawdust or wood shavings or with absorbent cardboard material, which comprise a cover made of cloth, jute or other tissue. Most of the time, these sacks or mattresses have a side fabric edge that is used to cover the coffin walls.

It is essential with all these lining and embedding materials that they have good biodegradability when buried in the ground, ie these materials must have at least the same rotability as the wood of the coffin or the decomposition of the body in the ground. On the other hand, in the event of a cremation or cremation, problem-free burning should be possible. The materials mentioned largely meet these conditions.

Lining the coffin with tar or bitumen is a relatively expensive and labor-intensive process. In addition, the bags and mattresses mentioned, filled with wood wool, shavings and the like, are relatively voluminous and heavy, which entails high transport and storage costs.

Another problem arises in the case of cross-border transports of deceased people in coffins, in that a zinc insert has to be inserted into a coffin, which is welded or soldered to a cover made of zinc sheet. After the body has been transferred, the lid of the zinc coffin must be removed again at the destination and the body must be relocated. With people who have died normally and with short transport distances, this is possible without great difficulty, whereas with long distances, accidental death or death due to an infectious disease, such transfer is extremely problematic.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a simple and inexpensive way of lining the coffin in a hygienic manner.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a device by means of which a deceased person can be placed in a coffin in an aesthetically and hygienically flawless manner, which device is simple and inexpensive in terms of transport, storage and handling.

Finally, it is another object of the present invention to enable a deceased person to be transported across borders in a coffin without the need for a zinc insert associated therewith Zinc sheet lid, as well as the subsequent transfer after the body has been transferred.

Accordingly, a polymer film according to the wording of claim 1 is proposed according to the invention for solving the above-mentioned problems.

Such a polymer film proposed according to the invention is suitable for producing a pillow or mattress-like device for embedding a deceased person in a coffin, for lining a coffin, for closing a coffin, and for producing a sack-like cover for a deceased person, wherein the polymer film is made at least in part of a largely biodegradable polymer.

Such largely biodegradable polymers, which at the same time have sufficient water resistance, have only recently become known and are based, for example, on cellulose, starch, cellulose acetate, gelatin, polyhydroxy or valeric acid, polycaprolactone, polyvinyl alcohol and / or other biodegradable materials. The preceding list is only intended to be an excerpt of possible, for example, used materials, which is constantly being expanded due to the current intensive research in this area.

So-called thermoplastically processable starch has proven to be particularly suitable, which can be produced from native starch by mechanical and thermal conversion using plasticizers or swelling agents, such as, for example, glycerol, sorbitol or other polyalcohols. Of course, this can be thermoplastic Processable starch also in a mixture with other biodegradable components, such as polycaprolactone, cellulose and other polymers and fillers. Aggregates are mixed. The selection of the biodegradable polymer material as well as the production of the polymer mixture ultimately depends on the local requirements that are placed on such a material. It goes without saying that, for example, in southern countries due to increased moisture, higher requirements are placed on water resistance than, for example, in northern countries, while conversely biodegradability in a warm soil is less of a problem than in an earth in a northern country.

A pillow or mattress-like device is proposed, comprising an outer casing for embedding a deceased person in a coffin, at least the casing being made at least in part of a polymer that is at least largely biodegradable, and chambers or interior spaces are provided, in particular with Air or a foamable, at least partially rotten material to be filled. It is essential with this polymer used that its biodegradability or rotability is such that the material is at least as quickly, at least largely biodegraded when a coffin is buried in the earth, as the decomposition of a corpse proceeds. On the other hand, it is also essential that this polymeric material is at least insensitive to water so that any moisture in the coffin cannot attack this material. Finally, it is also important that the polymer can be easily burned if cremated.

The manufacture of pillow-like or mattress-like devices, as proposed according to the invention, takes place by means of known plastic processing techniques, such as in particular by extrusion, blowing, subsequent deep drawing, etc. The various air chambers can be produced, for example, by gluing, welding or other joining or joining techniques generated when two foils are joined together.

The inner chambers of the pillows or mattresses are preferably designed to be fillable from the outside with air or a foamable material, one or more filler necks being provided, which can either be used several times or are definitely closable after one use. The filler neck itself can also be made from the biodegradable polymer used to make the shell.

The pillow or mattress according to the invention can be designed in one or more parts and can be dimensioned in such a way that it essentially covers at least the entire coffin floor. A pillow can also be designed to be used as a head, neck, arm or foot support pillow.

It does not matter whether the air chambers are designed as tubular, diagonal, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, oval or round chambers.

The mattress according to the invention or the pillow preferably comprises laterally protruding or overlapping or welded-on edge foils or edge parts in order to be used for lining the side walls of the coffin. The mattress thus forms welded together with these or protruding edge foils, a completely water-impermeable lining of the coffin, thus eliminating the need for lining the coffin with tar or bitumen mentioned at the beginning.

Finally, it is advantageous if the mattress has groove-shaped depressions that are open at the top, preferably arranged running between the chambers, in order to absorb moisture and thus keep the surface of the mattress largely dry.

In order to meet the high aesthetic or decorative arrangements in funeral services, it is also possible to decoratively coat, print, flock or color the cover of such a pillow or mattress according to the invention, in order to at least give the exterior almost the appearance of a cloth . In addition to this "cloth touch", it is also possible to continue to meet the decorative requirements by printing motifs such as flowers and the like.

However, the device according to the invention can also be designed in the form of a duvet or a quilt, with which a deceased person can be covered lying in a coffin. There are no limits to the design of such a duvet or a quilt, in that it can be designed, for example, to overlap the coffin with outer frill-like edge parts. Again, flocking, coating, etc. give the exterior of this duvet or quilt a decorative "touch".

• Wegfall eines Spanntuches.
• Gewichtsersparnis.
• Arbeitsersparnis durch einmaliges Einlegen der Matratze mit dem vorstehenden Randpartien.
• Aesthetische und einwandfreie hygienische Aufbahrungsmöglichkeit, da der aufgebahrte, eingebettete Körper auf den erhabenen Polsterkissen trocken liegt.
• Allfällig austretende Feuchtigkeit findet zwischen den Zwischenräumen der Polster Aufnahme.
• Die optischen und pietätvollen Eigenschaften sind voll gewährleistet, da das verwendete Material aus Polymerfolien Oberflächen-veredelt werden kann, wie durch Beschichten, Prägen, Beflocken, usw.
• Die Verrottbarkeit der Matratze liegt unter den geringsten Belegungsfristen von Friedhöfen.
• Praktisch keine Rückstände sowohl bei Erdbestattung wie bei Feuerbestattung.
• Transportkostenersparnis.
• Kein Verschieben der Matratze beim allfälligen Aufrichten eines Sarges, wie dies beispielsweise bei losen Füllmaterialien geschehen kann, da die Matratze mittels den seitlich vorstehenden Randpartien im Sarg fixiert ist.
• Die Luftkissen können formlich an die verschiedensten Anforderungen angepasst werden.

The advantages of such pillows or mattresses according to the invention lie on the one hand in their biodegradability, in that there is no environmental pollution either with earth burial or with cremation. Another significant advantage is that the rotability of the polymeric material complies with the legal requirements, according to which a grave can be excavated and used again more or less without residue after a certain time. In addition, the inflatable pillows and mattresses require little storage and the transport costs are very low due to the low weight. The pillows or mattresses according to the invention are only inflated shortly before use. Furthermore, by attaching the above-mentioned welded or protruding edge parts, it is possible to do without the taring. In addition, filling materials and moisture-absorbent or binding additives are not required. Further advantages are:

• Elimination of a tension sheet.
• Weight saving.
• Labor saving by inserting the mattress once with the protruding edge parts.
• Aesthetic and impeccable hygienic laying out possibility, since the laid-out, embedded body lies dry on the raised cushion.
• Any escaping moisture is absorbed between the spaces between the upholstery.
• The optical and respectful properties are fully guaranteed, since the material used can be surface-refined from polymer films, such as coating, embossing, flocking, etc.
• The rotting property of the mattress is below the lowest occupancy times for cemeteries.
• Practically no residue from both burial and cremation.
• Savings in transport costs.
• No shifting of the mattress when erecting a coffin, as can happen, for example, with loose filling materials, since the mattress is fixed in the coffin by means of the protruding edge parts on the side.
• The air cushions can be formally adapted to a wide variety of requirements.

By means of the polymer film according to the invention mentioned at the outset, it is now also possible, as far as possible, to hermetically seal a coffin with the deceased person embedded therein, without having to use a zinc insert with a correspondingly soldered lid. For example, before the actual wooden coffin lid is put on, it is possible to weld the side edges, by means of which the side walls of the coffin are lined, with an end foil, with which the deceased person is completely closed and yet visible from the outside. This is particularly advantageous when a person has to be transported across borders by simply allowing border guards at the border to simply lift the coffin lid and inspect the inside of the coffin through the transparent film. Also at the destination, the body no longer has to be relocated, since the coffin can either be completely burned by using the rotten foil, or it can be let into the ground, since the non-combustible or rotten zinc insert is missing.

Ultimately, of course, it is also possible to pack a deceased person in a sack-like plastic cover, which is made from a polymer film according to the invention. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, not enough in epidemic areas Coffins are available so that corpses can be packed in such plastic bags and then later placed in a coffin. Since the plastic material is rotten, there is no need to remove the polymer cover, since it is rotable.

Fig. 1

schematisch in Obendraufsicht eine erfindungsgemässe Matratze eingelassen in einen Sarg,

Fig. 2

in Perspektive den Querschnitt entlang der Linie I-I aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

schematisch in Obendraufsicht eine weitere erfindungsgemässe Ausgestaltung einer Matratze,

Fig. 4

das zusätzliche Anordnen von Armstützkissen in einem Sarg,

Fig. 5

ein erfindungsgemässes Luftkissen,

Fig. 6

in Obendraufsicht eine weitere Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemässen Matratze,

Fig. 7

ein Armstützkissen,

Fig. 8

verschiedene Formen von Nackenstützen,

Fig. 9

ein erfindungsgemässes Duvet bzw. eine Steppdecke,

Fig. 10

schematisch dargestellt eine Möglichkeit für das Anstechen und Einfüllen einer erfindungsgemässen Matratze und das anschliessende wiederverschweissen der Einfüllstelle, und

Fig. 11

einen Sarg verschlossen mit einer erfindungsgemäss charakterisierten Polymerfolie.

The invention will now be explained in more detail, for example, and with reference to the accompanying figures. Show:

Fig. 1

schematically a top view of a mattress according to the invention embedded in a coffin,

Fig. 2

in perspective the cross section along the line II of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

schematically a top view of a further embodiment of a mattress according to the invention,

Fig. 4

the additional arrangement of arm support cushions in a coffin,

Fig. 5

an air cushion according to the invention,

Fig. 6

a top view of a further embodiment of a mattress according to the invention,

Fig. 7

an arm support pillow,

Fig. 8

different forms of neck supports,

Fig. 9

a duvet according to the invention or a quilt,

Fig. 10

schematically shown a possibility for piercing and filling a mattress according to the invention and then re-welding the filling point, and

Fig. 11

a coffin closed with a polymer film characterized according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 a top view of a mattress according to the invention is shown embedded in a coffin. The coffin 1 shown schematically comprises two longitudinal side walls 2, a foot wall section 3, a head wall section 4, and the floor 6. Arranged on the floor 6 is an air mattress 8 according to the invention, for example made of thermoplastically processable starch or a polymer mixture, largely comprising thermoplastic processable starch. Thermoplastic processable starch is, for example, a starch material which is essentially melted in the dry state with, for example, 25-35% by weight glycerol or sorbitol, mechanically processed, and then brought into a mold, as is usually the case in plastics -processing industry used. The mattress is manufactured using generally customary and known techniques, such as generally known air mattresses being produced as camping pads or as swimming aids. The thermoplastically processable starch, for example in the form of granules, can easily be extruded or spray-blown to produce films or, as mentioned, the mattresses according to the invention.

The mattress 8 shown according to the invention comprises air chambers 9 which are produced, for example, by joining two foils together by welding or gluing can. Again, reference is made to the usual manufacturing technology for producing such air mattresses. It is of course essential that the wall thickness of the cover is selected such that, on the one hand, generally customary air pressures can be absorbed inside the chambers and, on the other hand, the mattress cannot be damaged. These air chambers 9 can, for example, be filled with air or also with a foamable material via a filler neck 11, wherein the filler neck itself can also be made from thermoplastically processable starch.

Advantageously, the mattress 8 on its lower support edge 18 is provided on all sides with protruding edge portions or welded-on edges 14 which can be arranged along the coffin side walls 2, 3 and 4 in an upward direction. At the upper edge of the coffin 15 these side edges 14 can be firmly connected to the coffin by means of gluing or welding. The individual edge parts 14 can also be welded in the coffin corners 16 so that the coffin 1 is lined with a completely moisture-impermeable inner shell together with the mattress.

The above-mentioned thermoplastically processable starch as a manufacturing material for the mattress according to the invention is of course only an example that can be expanded as desired. For example, it is possible to use a different, biodegradable polymer instead of the starch, but it is important that the polymer used has sufficient water resistance. For example, if thermoplastically processable starch is used, it is also possible to mix it with polycaprolactone, which makes it largely water-resistant Polymer mixture is created when polycaprolactone is known to be hydrophobic in contrast to starch. Instead of polycaprolactone, it is also possible, for example, to use a cellulose derivative, such as a cellulose ester or a cellulose acetate / butyrate mixed ester, or an aliphatic polyester, such as polyhydroxybutyric acid or a polyhydroxybutyric acid / valeric acid copolymer. Other mixing components, such as a hydrophobic protein or polyvinyl alcohol, are possible, but in most of the above-mentioned cases it is advisable to additionally use a phase mediator, such as a block copolymer, so that the thermoplastically processable starch and the hydrophobic polymer phase are sufficiently miscible, and the ones produced from them Films or mattress covers also meet the required mechanical properties and have sufficient water resistance. A polycaprolactone / polyvinyl alcohol copolymer may be mentioned as such a phase mediator. However, it is also possible to incorporate groups which are reactive with the starch into the mixture partners mentioned, such as, for example, epoxy groups or acid anhydride groups which form the required phase mediator when mixed with the starch in order to enable a homogeneous polymer mixture. In this context, reference is made to a publication in the magazine Neue Verpackung 1/91, pages 50ff, entitled "Degradable Polymers for Packaging". For a selection, please refer to the following patent publications:
WO-88/06 609, WO-90/05 161, WO-90/10 671, WO-91/02 023, WO-91/02 025, WO-91/04 278, WO-92/01 743, WO -92/02 363, WO-92/02 559, WO-92/19 680, WO-92/20 740, WO-93/00 398, DE-41 16 404, ect., Ect. Of course, co-extruded multilayer films can also be used to manufacture the mattress cover or air mattress.

It is essential in the configuration of the mattress according to the invention with the internal hollow chambers 9 that groove-shaped depressions 17 which are open at the top are formed in order to absorb any secretions or moisture escaping from the lifeless body above it, so that the body is always dry.

The various air chambers 9 can all be connected to one another, so that the mattress 8 can be completely filled via the filler neck 11. However, it is also possible to provide different chamber areas separately from one another, which are each to be filled via individual filler neck 11. This is especially the case when the mattress has to be filled differently in different areas in order to embed a deceased person on the mattress, adapted to the body dimensions.

2 shows the coffin and the mattress from FIG. 1 along the line II in section. It can now be clearly seen that a protruding edge portion or edge strip 14 is arranged laterally on the lower long edges 13 of the mattress 8 and is arranged to run along the two side walls 2 of the coffin. This edge part can either be integrally connected to the cover of the mattress 8, or it can be welded along the two edges 13. At the upper edge 15 of the coffin, these edge strips 14 can either be glued or welded on so that the inside of the coffin is completely lined. Corresponding edge parts are each arranged on the mattress 8 on the head and foot section (not shown in FIG. 2), so that the walls of the coffin are also covered on the inside in these areas. Essential to all of these Marginal parts is that they are also made of a decomposable material, such as the biodegradable polymer defined according to the invention.

3 in turn shows a further embodiment of a mattress 8 according to the invention, further comprising a pillow area 18. This pillow area 18 can either be filled with air either by means of the filler neck 11, which is used to fill the air chambers of the mattress 8, or else separately via an additional filler neck 11a. The advantage of a separate filler neck 11a is again that the pillow can be individually adapted to the body mass of the person to be embedded.

4, arm cushions 20 are additionally provided on both sides of the mattress so that the arms of the person to be embedded can be supported laterally in order to bring them into a position so that the hands can be folded. Again, the two arm cushions 20 are made of the rotting or biodegradable polymer, and the inner air chamber can be filled with air or a foamable material via a filler neck 11.

Fig. 5 shows an individual pillow 5, which is also made of the biodegradable material. The cushion 5 can also be filled via a filler neck 11. With such a pillow, the head can either be placed higher, or an elevated foot position can also be achieved.

FIG. 6 in turn shows a further embodiment of a mattress 8 according to the invention, comprising transverse tubular air chambers 9a.

Fig. 7 shows a single individual arm pillow analogous to Fig. 4, and in Fig. 8 different forms of neck, arm or foot support pillows are shown.

FIG. 9 shows a feed pillow or duvet or a quilt, again made from the biodegradable polymer. This quilt or the duvet or lining pillow preferably comprises a colored, coated, flocked and / or provided with decorative pattern outer shell so as to give this pillow the expression of a cloth-like pillow. Of course, however, it is also possible to additionally surround this pillow by means of a cloth cover, which of course then eliminates the need to color the cover material of the pillow itself.

FIG. 10 schematically shows one possibility of how a mattress or a pillow according to the invention can be filled with air or a foamable material without the need for filler necks on the air mattress or the pillow. By means of a needle-shaped organ 21, the mattress is inserted, for example, in a corner area 22, and air is filled into the mattress through this needle. After the mattress or the pillow has been filled, the area 22 is sealed by means of a weld seam 23, so that the air or the foam that has been filled in can no longer escape.

Finally, a coffin 1 is shown schematically in perspective in FIG Polymer film 25 is closed. The polymer film closing the coffin at the top is preferably welded or glued laterally at the edges 15 to the edge films covering the side walls 2, 3 and 4 of the coffin, as shown in the previous figures, so as to hermetically seal the inside of the coffin to the outside. Of course, it is also possible to glue or weld the cover film 25 to the side edges of the coffin 1. The advantage of arranging such a cover film 25 is that a deceased person can be kept in a coffin for a long time, for example in the case of longer transports, such as in particular in the case of cross-border transports. Because a body is completely hermetically sealed from the outside, there is also no need to insert the traditional zinc coffins, which are usually soldered to a zinc lid or sealed to the outside. When using the zinc coffins mentioned, the body had to be re-bedded after the transfer, which is not unproblematic in every case. Such a transfer is extremely problematic, particularly in the case of accidental or illness-related causes of death. By using the rotten cover film 25, the body is "hermetically packaged" on the one hand, and on the other hand it is visible and there is also no need for re-bedding, since the cover film 25 can be burned largely without residue, or completely rotten when buried in the ground.

The examples shown in FIGS. 1-11 serve only to explain the invention in more detail and can of course be modified, changed or supplemented by additional elements in any desired manner. So it is irrelevant whether the chambers of a mattress square, tubular, triangular, round, ect., are formed. It is also possible to divide a mattress into one, two, three, four, etc., independent chamber systems, each of which can be individually filled with air or a foam. It is also immaterial whether these mattresses are now filled with air or a foam, however, when using a foam, it is necessary that it is at least largely biodegradable. It is quite conceivable that a foamable material containing cellulose or starch is driven into the mattress, where this material then solidifies. It is also possible to fill the mattress with air and seal it hermetically during manufacture, but this variant has the disadvantage that air must also be transported during transport. Combinations with traditional methods are also possible, for example by packing the mattresses or pillows according to the invention in cloth covers, such as, for example, linen covers, with the pillows or mattresses being filled with air or a foamable material before packing into the cover or after packing in the shell can be done. According to a variant, it is even possible to deliver the mattresses or pillows wrapped in a cloth cover, which means that only the mattress has to be filled with air or foamable material.

It is essential to the invention that a polymer film or a polymer material for the production of a mattress, an air mattress, a pillow, a cover film or a sack-like cover is made of an at least almost biodegradable polymer, so that no or only insignificant residues during cremation or burial Burn or arise when the material rots.

Claims (16)

Polymer film for the manufacture of a pillow or mattress-like device for embedding a deceased person in a coffin, for lining a coffin, for closing a coffin and for producing a sack-like cover for a deceased person, characterized in that they are at least Parts are made from a largely biodegradable polymer. Polymer film, in particular according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made of a polymer based on cellulose, starch, cellulose acetate, gelatin, polyhydroxy or valeric acid, polycaprolactone, polyvinyl alcohol and / or other biodegradable materials, which has sufficient water resistance and which is biological is degradable. Polymer film, in particular according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the film consists largely of a polymer or a polymer mixture, which or at least partially comprises thermoplastically processable starch. Pillow-like or mattress-like device, comprising an outer casing for embedding a deceased person in a coffin, characterized in that at least the casing (8) is made at least in part from a largely biodegradable polymer, and chambers (9) or internal spaces are provided, in particular to be filled with air or a foamable, at least partially rotten material. Device, in particular according to claim 4, characterized in that the internal chambers (9) are designed to be fillable from the outside with air or with a foamable material, one or more filler necks (11, 11a) being provided, which can either be used several times or after a single use Use are definitely designed to be lockable. Device, in particular according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the mattress (8) is in one or more parts and is dimensioned in such a way as to substantially cover the entire coffin floor (6). Device, in particular according to one of claims 4-6, characterized in that the mattress (8) has laterally projecting or overlapping or welded-on edge foils (14) in order to line the side walls (2, 3, 4) of the coffin (1). Device, in particular according to one of claims 4-7, characterized in that the chambers (9) are tubular, triangular, quadrangular or polygonal, or largely circular or oval. Device, in particular according to one of claims 4-8, characterized in that the mattress comprises upwardly open, groove-shaped depressions (17), preferably arranged between chambers (9), in order to absorb moisture and thus keep the mattress surface largely dry. Device, in particular according to one of claims 4-9, characterized in that the device is designed in the form of a cushion (18, 20) to serve as a head, neck, arm or foot support cushion. Device, in particular according to one of claims 4 - 10, characterized in that the cover is decoratively coated, printed, flocked or colored to give the outside of the pillow or mattress at least almost the appearance of a cloth. Device, in particular according to one of claims 4-11, characterized in that the device is designed in the form of a duvet or a quilt or a feed pillow. Device, in particular according to one of claims 4 - 12, characterized in that a further envelope is provided which envelops the device and which is made of a cloth. Cover film for closing a coffin, comprising a polymer film, in particular according to one of claims 1-3. Coffin, in particular comprising a device according to one of claims 7-13, and a cover film, in particular according to claim 14, characterized in that the cover film (25) is preferably welded to the edge films (14) which protrude or overlap or are welded to the side of the mattress or glued, is connected. Sack-like cover for wrapping, preferably largely hermetically sealed arrangement of a deceased person, comprising a polymer film, in particular according to one of claims 1-3.

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