GB2415424A

GB2415424A - Animal coffin

Info

Publication number: GB2415424A
Application number: GB0414326A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Deborah Lesley Orme
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-06-25
Filing date: 2004-06-25
Publication date: 2005-12-28
Also published as: GB0414326D0

Abstract

A biodegradable self assembly coffin for animals includes a container 3 and a lid 5 folded from respective blanks of cardboard. The coffin 1 defines a head portion and a body portion, with the head portion extending about one third of the length of the coffin. The coffin includes an absorbent batt attached to a cardboard insert (not shown in Figure 1). Insert and absorbent batt are located in the base of the container 3 in use to absorb fluid exuded from a dead animal placed in the coffin. The container 3 and lid 5 are provided with a fluid impermeable coating to resist passage of fluids from an animal body to the exterior of the coffin in use.

Description

1- 2415424

ANIMAL COFFIN

The present invention relates to a coffin for animals. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with a biodegradable self-assembly coffin for animals.

Although as described below, coffins in accordance with the present invention may be constructed so as to be suitable for use with a variety of different non-human animals, the invention is particularly applicable to animals typically kept as domestic pets for example aquatic animals, insects, birds, reptiles or small mammals. Such animals may include goldfish, newts, mice, rats, frogs, squir els, polecats, rabbits, reptiles, ter apins, cats, dogs, ducks, ferrets, tortoises, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, gerbils, chinchillas, hamsters, and birds e.g. parrots, canaries, 1 5 budgerigars.

It is customary for animals to be placed into some form of container after death, and prior to burial or cremation. This may facilitate burial or cremation, and also serve to conceal the body from onlookers. Animals may also be placed in a container after death to allow them to be more easily transported. For example, it may be necessary to transport a deceased animal to a burial or cremation site, such as pet cemetery or garden, or to an owner's home or a burial or cremation site following euthanasia at a veterinary surgery.

Often animal owners use any readily available receptacle, such as a refuse sack or cardboard box as a container for this purpose. However, specifically designed animal burial or cremation cases have been proposed. US 5,341,548 discloses a burial/cremation case for animals in the form of an envelope-type bag. A deceased animal is placed into the bag, which is then closed by means of a zip fastener. An absorbent layer is provided in the bag to absorb fluid which may leak from the animal after death.

Although an animal burial or cremation case of this type addresses some of the problems associated with the use of more readily available receptacles, the applicant has recognized that the case disclosed in US 5, 341,548 still undesirably resembles a body bag, and may therefore not find ready acceptance among bereaved pet owners, many of whom are children. Pet owners often wish to treat a deceased animal with the same respect they would afford a human body. - 2

Thus there remains a need for a practical container for a deceased animal, which offers more a dignified appearance, allowing owners to feel that they are treating the dead animal with respect, but which is of an economical and simple construction.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self assembly biodegradable coffin for animals comprising a container and a separate lid, the container and the lid comprising respectively first and second blanks of cellulosic sheet material folded into a three-dimensional configuration, and the coffin further comprising an absorbent for receiving fluids exuded by an animal body located in the coffin in use.

The present invention thus provides a coffin for animals, which may be simply assembled by folding lid and container components from a flat pack form into a three-dimensional configuration. The coffin is made from a biodegradable material, and includes an absorbent for absorbing fluids exuded by a dead animal placed in the coffin.

In this way, the invention provides a coffin which is economical to produce, and which may be quickly and easily assembled from a flatpack form by a pet owner, even a child, or veterinary surgeon when required. For example, it is envisaged that a veterinary surgeon may maintain a supply of blanks for erection into coffins to provide a dignified way for a pet owner to transport an animal home after euthanasia.

It will be appreciated that, in contrast to a human body, some time may elapse between the death of an animal, and its burial or cremation, during which period it may be necessary to store the animal in a domestic environment, or transport it e.g. in an owner's vehicle, which is not designed for this purpose. As the coffin includes an absorbent member, fluids which tend to exude from the body of an animal after death may be prevented from leaking out of the coffin, thus reducing the risk that the deceased animal poses to the health of those around it, and also avoiding distress to the animal's owners. The coffin of the present invention thus provides a safe and effective way of storing a dead animal in the period between death and burial/cremation, protecting the body from the environment, and also protecting the surrounding environment and people from contamination.

After cremation, the coffin may be used as a container to bring home and store the ashes of an animal which was transported in the coffin to a cremation.

The coffin structure is of a two-part lid and container construction. The use of a separate lid and container may more easily allow an animal within the coffin to - 3 be viewed when desired, while providing an enclosed space to contain the body at other times. The coffin may be left open, for example in the home, until such time as burial/cremation takes place, to allow viewing of the body, with a lid only being applied to the container prior to burial or cremation to protect the body. In this way, the construction allows children the opportunity to view a pet periodically after its death, and before its burial, enabling them to understand and come to terms with the event. The construction also enables an animal to be placed into the container of the coffin, prior to euthanasia, providing a more dignified location for the animal to die, and avoiding the need to disturb it after euthanasia has occurred. The lid may then be placed over the container to create a closed coffin when it is desired to transport the body home. The use of container and lid sections folded from separate blanks of cellulosic sheet material may also provide a coffin which is more durable and is simpler to manufacture and erect than a construction having an integrally formed lid and container, avoiding the need for hinges, etc. As it is of a biodegradable construction, the coffin of the present invention may provide a closable container in which an animal may be placed upon death, and in which it may be retained until such time as burial or cremation occurs, without the need to transfer the body at any stage to another container. On burial, the coffin will simply degrade over time, without leaving residue which may impact upon the environment. The invention may also provide a coffin suitable for use in cremation, and which may be burned without creating toxic fumes.

Preferably each of the container and lid is in the form of a tray, having a base section and walls upstanding therefrom. The lid preferably fits over the container to provide a closable coffin.

It will be appreciated that the shape of the coffin may depend upon the shape of the animal it is to contain. For example, coffins for reptiles or ferrets may generally be more elongate in shape, those for tortoises closer to an oval shape, or a shape with sides of similar lengths, while those for animals such as rabbits may need to be shaped appropriately to accommodate the wider haunches of the animal.

The coffin may be shaped to appeal to a bereaved animal owner. For example, the coffin may be of an aesthetically appealing shape not generally associated with coffins or death. For example, the coffin may be star-shaped, diamond-shaped, circular, or oval in horizontal crosssection, or may be shaped to resemble an object, such as a spaceship or a dragon. Shapes of this type may be more acceptable to children, lessening the trauma associated with the death of an animal. Other shapes may be appropriate for owners of a particular religious faith, - 4 or owners of different ages such as the elderly, teenagers, etc., or owners having a particular interest e.g. sports or music fans.

The applicant has found that many animal owners wish to treat a deceased animal in a similar way that they would a deceased human being. Bereaved animal owners often respond positively to shapes which impart the coffin with an overall appearance which is different to that of a conventional general purpose refuse disposal container, or cardboard box. In particular, it has been found that the use of a traditional "coffin" shape may provide connotations associated with a human burial or cremation. Preferably, therefore, the coffin is elongate in shape, and at least partially tapers along its length.

It has been found that although many animals may not conform to an approximately human shape, a coffin having a defined "head" portion for receiving a particular end of an animal is attractive to users, and may result in the coffin more closely resembling a human coffin. It will be appreciated that depending upon the shape of the animal, the animal may be inserted any way round in the coffin, and the end of a coffin with a shape which might be expected to receive a head of a human being in a correspondingly shaped human coffin may receive either end of the animal. However, it has been found that the provision of a defined "head" portion provides the coffin with distinct sections, and distinguishable ends, and is thus advantageous in making the coffin more closely resemble a human coffin even if the "head" portion does not receive the head of the animal in use.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the coffin comprises end walls, and a pair of side walls connecting the end walls, with the side walls diverging from one another and then reconverging between the end walls of the coffin. In this way, the coffin may be provided with a point or region of greater width, which divides the coffin into a "head" portion and a "body" portion. Preferably the "head" portion extends less than halfway along the length of the coffin from an end thereof, and preferably up to around one-third of the length of the coffin. Preferably the head portion extends from one quarter to one-third the length of the coffin. Preferably, therefore, the sidewalls diverge from one another between the ends of the coffin in a first portion along the length thereof, and reconverge with one another in a second portion of the coffin, with the length of the second portion being greater than the length of the first portion. Preferably the second portion is at least twice as long as the first portion.

In these embodiments, each sidewall may be curved to define the diverging and converging portions and/or may comprise a plurality of distinct sections joined - 5 to each other at an angle. Preferably each of the sidewalls comprises at least two sections joining each other at an obtuse angle, preferably in the range of from 120 to degrees. The sections may be straight, curved, or a combination thereof.

Preferably each sidewall is separated into a plurality of sections by means of one or more fold lines. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each sidewall comprises two sections, and the coffin is six-sided in horizontal cross-section. It has been found that this arrangement allows a traditional "coffin" shape to be more easily produced by folding. However, the coffin may have any number of sides depending upon the overall appearance to be produced. Preferably the coffin has at least five sides in horizontal cross-section. For example, the coffin may have from five to eight sides. This may provide a different impression to a conventional box. The sides may be of equal of differing lengths.

The dimensions of the coffin may be chosen as appropriate, having regard to the size of the animal to be received in the assembled coffin. It has been found that coffins in accordance with the present invention may be suitable for animals ranging in size from, for example, a goldfish or mouse to a dog or large cat.

The coffins may, for example, range in length from around 4 cm to as much as 100 cm. Preferably the length ofthe coffin is less than 100 cm, more preferably less than 44 cm, and most preferably less than 30 cm. Most preferably the length is in the range of from 10 to 30 cm.

The width of the coffin may range from around 5 cm to about 65 cm.

Preferably the width of the width of the coffin is less than 55 cm, more preferably less than 40 cm and most preferably less than 20 cm. Most preferably the width is in the range of from 10 to 20 cm.

The depth of the coffin may be within the range of from about 3 cm to about cm. Preferably the depth of the coffin is less than 20 cm, more preferably less than 15 cm and most preferably in the range of from 10 to 15 cm.

These ranges have been found to accommodate most animals commonly kept as domestic pets. However, it will be appreciated that one or more of the dimensions may be selected outside these ranges if the shape or size of an animal so dictates.

Coffins for animals in accordance with the present invention will generally exhibit a smaller length relative to depth than a human coffin. For example, the length of the coffin may be less than two times the depth. Preferably the length of the coffin is less than three times the depth of the coffin, more preferably the length - 6 of the coffin is less than 2.5 times the depth, and most preferably in the range of from 2 to 2. 5 times the depth.

The length of the coffin may be less than twice the width of the coffin, and preferably is less than 1.5 times the width of the coffin.

The container and lid sections may be constructed from any cellulosic sheet material in accordance with the invention. The basis weight of the cellulosic sheet material may be selected as appropriate with regard to the rigidity of the coffin required, and the forces which it is must be able to withstand in use. In general, these factors will depend upon the weight of the animal which the coffin is to contain. Preferably the basis weight of the cellulosic sheet material is less than 600 gsm, and preferably in the range of from 150 gsm to 600 gsm. For example, the sheet material may be paperboard, such as millboard or corrugated board, or paper.

Preferably, the cellulosic sheet material is cardboard.

The cellulosic sheet material may be smooth or may comprise corrugations.

The cellulosic sheet material may be a single layer of material, or a laminate comprising layers of similar or different cellulosic materials. For example, the material may comprise a lower basis weight material e.g. paper laminated to a higher basis weight material e.g. cardboard, to provide a material having structural integrity, but with a more attractive appearance. It will be appreciated that all parts, including, e.g. adhesives of such a laminate should be selected to be biodegradable.

The container and/or lid of the coffin may be patterned, textured or coloured on at least one surface, if desired, to render them more aesthetically appealing to a user, and appear less like a cardboard box. The coffin may be coloured or patterned according to a theme. For example, the coffin may be themed for a particular user or animal and may incorporate cultural references, such as symbols of a religious faith, or be themed to appeal to a potential animal owner in a certain age category or having a particular interest. The coffin may be customized for a particular owner.

For example, a floral pattern may be provided. In other embodiments, the lid and container sections may be constructed from different coloured cellulosic sheets.

In this way, the blanks to be used for each of the sections may be more readily distinguished from one another, facilitating their identification if a supply of such blanks is maintained. The pattern, texture or colour may be provide by coating the surface or surfaces of the coffin with a substance, e.g. a paint, or by attaching a liner layer. In a preferred embodiment at least the base of the container is lined. The lining may be in the form of a sheet of e.g. paper or fabric. In preferred 7 embodiments the lining may provide a cushioned layer on which an animal may be placed.

The coffin may incorporate decorative features such as ribbons, artificial flowers, wreaths. The coffin may have wings, to symbolize going to heaven. The wings may be integrally formed with the container and/or lid. The coffin may include formations or receptacles for receiving candles, or plants such as flower bulbs or cut flowers. For example, hooks or pockets may be provided. The coffin may include means for attaching a representation or details of a deceased animal e.g. a name plate or photo.

Preferably at least a part of the coffin is fluid impervious. By "fluid impervious" it is meant that part of the coffin resists or prevents the strikethrough of fluid from an interior to an exterior surface of the coffin. In these preferred embodiments, the fluid impervious part or parts of the coffin may cooperate with the absorbent member to provide a more effective barrier resisting the movement of fluid exuded from an animal to the exterior of the coffin, further reducing the risk of such fluid being seen by a user, or leaking onto surrounding materials.

For example, the entire coffin may be fluid impervious, or, only those regions most likely to come into contact with fluid exuded from an animal body, such as the base of the container. Preferably at least a part of the container which supports an animal body placed in the coffin in use is fluid impervious. Preferably the entire base of the container is fluid impervious. If desired, other parts of the coffin, for example the sidewalls of the container, and/or the lid may also be fluid impervious. The container and/or lid may have a fluid impervious interior and/or exterior surface or surfaces in their liquid impervious part(s), or may be fluid impervious throughout their depth.

The fluid impervious part(s) of the coffin may be provided in any suitable way. For example, the container and/or lid may be selected from inherently fluid impervious materials. However, preferably the container and/or lid are rendered fluid impervious. For example, a fluid impervious coating may be applied to a surface or surfaces of the container and/or lid. The coating may be applied by means of a roller, or by printing or spraying, for example. In some preferred embodiments a wax coating is applied. Alternatively, or additionally, a fluid impervious coating may be provided by attaching a fluid impervious material or fabric to the container and/or lid. In some preferred embodiments the container and/or lid comprises a fluid impervious liner material. Such a material may be, for example, a biodegradable plastic material. The liner may be placed in, or attached 8 to the coffin by a user, or may be supplied attached to the blanks which are folded into the container and lid. For example, a layer of fluid impervious material may be laminated to the cellulosic sheet material forming the container and/or lid. In some preferred embodiments the first and/or second blanks of cellulosic sheet material which are folded to form the lid and/or container are thus treated or formed to render them fluid impervious. However, in other preferred embodiments a separate fluid impermeable insert may be provided for insertion into the assembled coffin by a user.

The absorbent may comprise any biodegradable material. The absorbent may comprise a sheet material, but preferably comprises a halt or web of fibers. The fibres may be biodegradable artificial fibres, such as polyester fibres, but preferably are natural fibres, for example cellulosic fibers. Preferably the absorbent comprises a halt of loose fibres. By "loose" it is meant that the fibres are substantially unbended to one another. For example, the absorbent may be cotton wool or comprise wood fibres or shippings. The absorbent may comprise one or more layers of similar or different materials. An animal may be placed directly on the absorbent, or an intermediate layer may be placed on the absorbent for receiving an animal. For example, a liner layer, or cushion may be placed on the absorbent to provide a more attractive "bed" for the animal. However, it will be appreciated that the absorbent may act as a cushion itself, without the need to provide any additional layer. In some preferred embodiments a surface of the absorbent is coloured or patterned to provide an attractive surface on which an animal may placed. The basis weight and composition of the absorbent may be selected as desired, to provide a suitable absorbent capacity and rate with regard to the amount of fluid likely to be exuded by an animal of the size for which the coffin is intended.

The absorbent preferably extends over at least the part of the container which supports an animal placed in the coffin in use. Preferably the absorbent extends to cover substantially the whole of the base of the container. In this way, the likelihood of fluid leaking out of the coffin before it has been absorbed by the absorbent may be further reduced. The absorbent may also provide a more visually appealing surface onto which to place the deceased animal, e.g. appearing like a mattress or pillow. If desired, the absorbent may extend up the side walls of the container, e.g. to provide a more attractive surface, or to provide additional absorptive capacity. Similarly, if desired, the lid may comprise an absorbent.

Preferably the absorbent corresponds in shape to the shape of the base. 9

The absorbent may be a separate component, or may be provided integrally with the coffin. For example, the absorbent may be attached to a surface of the blank which is folded to produce the container and/or lid Alternatively the absorbent may be inserted into the coffin after assembly. The absorbent may be attached, e.g. adhesively to the coffin or by cooperating with retaining formations provided on the lid and/or container. In one preferred embodiment, the absorbent is located on to an insert of cellulosic sheet material corresponding in shape to the base of the coffin. The absorbent is preferably attached to the insert. In this way, the absorbent may be more easily inserted into the coffin, and the insert may provide the container with additional structural integrity, and also serve to conceal any e.g. construction flaps or tabs in the base. The insert may be a flat sheet of material, or may be provided with moulded formations, such a lip.

Preferably the coffin further comprises handles. Preferably the handles are provided on the container. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container is provided with a pair of recesses or apertures which define handles. The handles may be provided by means of an additional component attached to the coffin, but are more preferably formed integrally with the coffin. In a preferred embodiment, the handles are formed integrally with the first blank which is foldable to produce the container. Although the handles may be located on the sides of the coffin, preferably a pair of handles are provided on opposed end portions of the coffin. In this way, the coffin may be more easily lifted and moved by a single person, grasping the container at either end.

The first and second blanks which are foldable respectively into the base and lid sections of the coffin, may be of any suitable configuration. Preferably the blanks are provided with means e.g. scorelines or perforations to facilitate their folding into a three-dimensional configuration. Preferably each blank consists of a single piece of cellulosic sheet material which is foldable to produce the lid or container. In this preferred embodiment each of the first and second blanks is thus configured to be foldable into a complete lid or container as appropriate without the need to join it to any additional parts or components.

Preferably the lid and container of the coffin are manually foldable by a user into a three-dimensional form without the use of additional materials or tools.

Preferably the lid and container retain their three dimensional form without the use of any external fasteners or components. In these preferred embodiments, the lid and container retain their shape solely by virtue of the configuration of the blanks from which they are folded. The blanks may be provided with any suitable configuration of formations such as tabs, slots, flaps and the like such that the lid and container remain in their three-dimensional configuration once folded. In these preferred embodiments, the present invention may provide a coffin which may be rapidly and easily constructed from flatpack form, without the need to use e.g. staples, adhesive, nails or any other fasteners which would otherwise add to the costs and complexity of the coffin. Conventional fasteners may often also not be biodegradable. In these embodiments the invention provides a coffin which, if desired, may be unfolded and returned to flatpack form, for subsequent reassembly.

Preferably the coffin consists of only three components, a container, a lid and an I O absorbent.

The present invention also extends to an assembly for a self assembly biodegradable animal coffin comprising a container and a separate lid, the assembly comprising a first blank of cellulosic sheet material foldable into a three dimensional configuration to provide the container, a second blank of cellulosic sheet material foldable into a three- dimensional configuration to provide said lid, and an absorbent for receiving fluids exuded from an animal body located in the assembled coffin in use.

The present invention also extends to method for assembling an animal coffin having a container and a separate lid, the method comprising manually folding a first blank of cellulosic sheet material into a threedimensional configuration to provide the container, manually folding a second blank of cellulosic material into a three-dimensional configuration to provide a lid, and placing an absorbent on a base of the container which is to support an animal body located in the coffin in use.

The present invention may also provide a blank of cellulosic material foldable into a three-dimensional configuration to provide the container of a self assembly biodegradable coffin for animals in accordance with the invention, and a blank of cellulosic sheet material foldable into a three dimensional configuration to provide a lid for a self assembly biodegradable animal coffin in accordance with the invention.

The assembly, lid and container in accordance with these further aspect of the invention, and also the coffin assembled in accordance with the method of the further aspect of the invention may be provided with any of the features discussed above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - 11 Figure 1 is a side perspective view of an assembled coffin in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side perspective view showing the container of the coffin of Figure 1 in more detail with the absorbent member omitted for clarity; Figure 3 is a view of the lid of the coffin of Figure 1 viewed from the side which faces the interior of the assembled coffin; Figure 4 is a plan view of a blank foldable to produce the container of a coffin in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1 but with the handles omitted for clarity; Figure 5 is a plan view of a blank foldable container to produce a lid of a coffin in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly of the container, lid and absorbent of a coffin in accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1.

Figures 7A to 7D are horizontal cross-sectional view of some other shapes which may be used for coffins in accordance with the invention.

An embodiment of an assembled biodegradable coffin in accordance with the present invention will be now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The coffin has a width W and a length L, and a depth D. The assembled coffin 1 consists of a container 3 and a lid 5. The container 3 includes a base 6 which supports an animal placed in the coffin in use, and wallsupstanding therefrom. The container 3 includes parallel end walls 7 and 9, and side walls 11 and 13 connecting the end walls 7 and 9. Side walls 11 and 13 diverge from one another for around one-third of their length with distance from end wall 9 until a point of greatest width A of the coffin is reached. Side walls 1 1 and 13 then converge once more as they approach end wall 7. In this way, the side walls 11, 13 define respective first diverging sections 15 and 17 connecting the end wall 9 to the point of greatest width A, and second converging sections 14 and 19 connecting the point of greatest width A to the end wall 7. The ratio of the lengths of the first to second sections is 1:2.

The coffin 1 thus defines a head portion, defined in the portion of the coffin bounded by the first sections 15 and 17 of side walls 1 1 and 13 and end wall 9, and a body portion, defined by the second sections 14 and 19 of side walls 11 and 13 and end wall 7. The head portion of the coffin extends a distance of about one-third of the total length of the coffin L up to the point of greatest width A. The side walls 11 and 13 meet the end walls 7 and 9 respectively at an obtuse angled, of around 110- 120degrees. The first and secondsections 15and 17and 14 and 19 of side walls 11 and 13 meet each other at an angle of about 135 degrees.

The container 3 is provided with recesses 21 on its ends 7 and 9, which define handles to be grasped by a user to enable them to lift and move the assembled coffin 1.

The lid 5 of the coff n I is of corresponding shape to the container, and will therefore not be described in detail. The lid includes a surface 10 which covers the open top surface of the container 3, and upstanding side and end wall portions 9', 11' and 13'. Side walls 11' and 13' have first and second sections 15' and 14' and 17' and l 9' of the configuration described in respect of the container.

The container 3 and lid 5 are formed from cardboard. The container is provided with an attractive silver metallic colouring on its outer surface, while the lid is provided with an attractive gold colouring on its outer surface. The exterior surfaces of the container and lid are provided with a fluid impermeable wax coating to render them resistant to the passage of fluid from the interior to the exterior of the coffin.

Turning now to Figures 4 and 5, first and second blanks which are used to assemble the container 3 and lid 5 will be described in more detail. Each blank is cut from a sheet of cardboard. The blank 30 for folding into the container 3 comprises a base section 32 having score lines defining fold lines 34, 36,38, 40, 42, 44. Flaps 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56 extend outwardly from the base section 32 from each of the fold lines 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 and 44 respectively. Each of the flaps 46 to 56 comprises a fold line 58 to 68 halfway along its length from the point at which joins base section 32. Each of the flaps 46 to 56 further comprises a tab 70 to 80 at its free end.

Flaps 48 and 56 are further provided with slots 82 and 84 respectively in their section closest to the base 32. A further flap 86 is connected to flap 48, provided with recess 88, which extends towards flap 46. Similar flaps 90, 92 and 94 are connected to flaps 50, 54 and 56 respectively extending towards flaps 52 and 46.

The flaps 90, 92 and 94 are provided with slots 96, 98 and 100. A tab 102 is attached to flap 50 along its side closest to flap 48. A similar flap 104 is attached to the edge of flap 54, facing flap 56.

In order to erect blank 30 into container 3, flaps 46 to 56 are bent upwardly away from the base 32 along fold lines 38 to 44, so they stand up perpendicular therefrom. First the flaps 86 and 94 are fastened together by engaging slot 100 in slot 88. Flaps 90 and 92 are fastened together by engaging slots 96 and 98 together in a similar way. Tab 102 is then inserted through slot 82 towards the interior of the coffin, and tab 104 through slot 84 in a similar way. The outer portions of the flaps 46 to 56 are then folded in towards the base of the flaps, where they join the base section 32, to provide a continuous interior wall for the coffin. Flaps 70 to 80 are bent perpendicular to the ends of the flaps 46 to 56, so as to extend from the side walls inwardly along the base 32.

A blank for erection into a lid in accordance with the coffin shown in Figure I will now be described with respect to Figure 5. The blank 200 includes a base section 202 of a shape corresponding to the shape of the coffin. The base section 202 is bounded by fold lines at each end 204, 206, and fold lines connecting the ends 204, 206, designated 208, 210, 212 and 216.

Flaps 218, 220, 222, 224, 226 and 228 extend outwardly from each of the score lines 204 to 216 bounding the base. Each of the flaps 218 to 228 has a fold line 230 to 240 respectively halfway along its length from where it is connected to the base 202 to its free end.

A plurality of slots 262 are provided intermittently along the fold lines 204 to 216 at the edges of the base section 202 for engaging corresponding tabs 264 provided on the free ends of flaps 218 to 228.

A tab 242 extends outwardly from flap 222 towards flap 220. A corresponding flap extends outwardly from flap 226 towards flap 240. Further flaps 246, 248, 250 and 252 extend respectively from flaps 220, 222, 226 and 228 respectively. Slots 254 and 256 are provided respectively on flaps 220 and 228.

In order to erect the blank 200 into a lid, tabs 242 and 244 are engaged in slots 254 and 256 respectively, bringing the side wall portions of the coffin into upstanding relation to the base 202. Tabs 246, 248, 250 and 252 are folded inwardly. End portions 218 and 224 are then folded upwardly away from the base.

Each of the flaps 218, 228 is then folded about its mid-portion bringing the tabs on its free end into engagement with slots 262 provided around the edge of the base 202.

In this way, the container 3 and lid 5 may be erected into their three dimensional configuration from blanks 30 or 200 by hand and without the use of any tools or additional materials. The erected container and lid retain their three dimensional configuration without the need for any external fasteners or other components by virtue of the arrangement of tabs and slots. It will be understood that the illustrated arrangement of tabs and slots is merely exemplary, and any suitable configuration may be used.

Figure 6 illustrates schematically assembly of the coffin. As shown in Figure 6, once container 3 has been assembled, an insert 300 of cardboard corresponding in shape to the base of the container 3 is inserted in the interior of the coffin. An absorbent halt of cotton fibres 302 is adhesively attached to the surface of the insert 300 which faces the lid 5 of the coffin in use. An animal which has died may then be placed on the absorbent batt 302, and the lid 5 placed over the base 3 to close the coffin. The absorbent halt 302 absorbs fluid exuded from the dead animal cooperating with the wax coating on container 3 inhibiting their passage to the exterior of the coffin, and the insert 300 provides the coffin with additional structural integrity.

The coffin may be produced in a range of sizes depending on the type of animal it is to contain. The applicant has found that a range of eight sizes may accommodate the majority of animals usually kept as pets. A very small coffin for animals such as fish, newts, insects, mol]uscs or frogs etc which typically weigh up to about 500 g may have dimensions of 9 x 7 x 4 cm (length x width x depth).

A range of coffins for small animals which are more commonly buried at home, such as mice, gerbils, hamsters, rats, canaries, budgerigars, lizards, terrapins, reptiles, hedgehogs, kittens and guinea pigs, etc may have dimensions such as 14 x 11 x6cmorl8xl3x8cmor26xl9xll cm,depending upon the size ofthe animal concerned. These sizes are suitable for holding animals of weight of from SOOg to 1 Kg, 1-2 Kg and 2-3 Kg respectively.

A larger coffin suitable for average sized cats, ducks, parrots, puppies, rabbits, chinchillas, hares, larger hedgehogs, turtles, pigeons, squirrels, large guinea pigs, large rats or tortoises, which may weigh up to 3-6 Kg, may have dimensions of 36 x 25 x 13 cm. An extra large coffin for larger cats, rabbits, ferrets, foxes and small dogs, e.g. toy dogs, which may weigh from 6-14 Kg, may have dimensions of around S1 x 36 x 18 cm.

It is envisaged that larger coffins of dimensions such as 77 x S 1 x 30 cm or even 96 x 64 x 42 cm could be produced to accommodate large dogs such as bull terriers, large birds or hares, and Labradors or German shepherd dogs. These coffins may hold animals weighing up to 14-20 Kg or 20-45 Kg respectively.

If desired, one or both of the surfaces of the base and/or lid may be provided with a decorative pattern, for example a floral pattern which is attractive to a user. 15

Other features e.g. wings, pockets, etc., may be provided. The coffin may be themed for a particular animal or user.

Rather than being provided on a separate insert as in the embodiment of Figure 6, an absorbent may be provided integrally with the container 3, covering the interior surface of its base 6 on which the deceased animal is supported in use. It will be appreciated, however, that the absorbent need not extend to cover the entire surface of the container which supports an animal, but may be located only in those parts of the base which would otherwise contact the animal or which are most likely to be exposed to fluid exuded by the animal. Alternatively, the absorbent may extend up the walls of the container, and/or be provided in at least part of the interior of the lid. For example, this may provide an attractive cushioning appearance. The animal may be placed directly on the absorbent, or on a layer, such as a cushion placed on the absorbent.

It will also be understood that rather than rendering the exterior surfaces of the container and lid fluid impervious, the interior surfaces may instead or additionally be rendered fluid impervious, or the container and lid may be formed from inherently fluid impervious materials, e.g. from sheets comprises cellulosic fibres treated to be fluid impervious. The entire lid and container need not necessarily be fluid impervious. For example only a part of the container which supports the animal in use may be fluid impervious. The container and the lid may be provided with an integral or separately provided liquid impervious layer, or fluid impervious material. For example, a fluid impervious liner layer may be provided.

Figures 7A to 7D show some alternative shapes for coffins in accordance with the invention. Figure 7A shows a 10-sided coffin which may be suitable e.g. for larger birds. Figure 7B shows an 8-sided coffin of elongated shape suitable for reptiles. Figure 7C shows an elongated 8sided coffin suitable for animals such as rats or guinea pigs, while Figure 7D shows a coffin have six sides of a shape suitable for tortoises.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims. - 16

Claims

1. A biodegradable self-assembly coffin for animals, the coffin compnslng: a container and a separate lid; said container and lid comprising respectively first and second blanks of cellulosic sheet material folded into a three-dimensional configuration; the coffin further comprising an absorbent for receiving fluids exuded from an animal body located in the coffin in use.

2. The coffin of claim 1 wherein said coffin is elongate in shape and at least partially tapers along its length.

3. The coffin of claim 2 wherein said coffin comprises a pair of parallel end walls connected by side walls, said side walls diverging from one another and then reconverging between said end walls.

4. The coffin of any preceding claim wherein the coffin is six-sided in horizontal cross-section.

5. The coffin of any preceding claim wherein the length of the coffin is less than l DO cm and the length of the coffin is less than 2.5 times its depth.

6. The coffin of any preceding claim wherein said absorbent covers substantially the whole of the base of the container.

7. The coffin of any preceding claim wherein said absorbent is mounted to an insert comprising a cellulosic sheet material, and corresponding in shape to the base of the container.

8. The coffin of any preceding claim wherein at least a part of the coffin is fluid impervious to resist the passage of fluid from the interior to the exterior of the coffin.

9. The coffin of claim 8 wherein the coffin comprises a wax coating.

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10. The coffin of any preceding claim further comprising a pair of handles located on end portions thereof.

l l. The coffin of any preceding claim wherein said first or second blanks are manually foldable into and retain the three-dimensional configurations of the lid and container without the use of any external fasteners or components.

12. The coffin of any preceding claim wherein said coffin consists only of said first and second folded blanks of cellulosic sheet material and said absorbent member.

13. The coffin of any preceding claim wherein the cellulosic sheet material is cardboard.

14. An assembly for a biodegradable self-assembly coffin for animals in accordance with any preceding claim, the assembly comprising: a first blank of cellulosic sheet material foldable into a three dimensional configuration to provide a container; a second blank of cellulosic sheet material foldable into a three dimensional configuration to provide a lid for said container; and an absorbent for receiving fluids exuded by an animal body located in the assembled coffin in use.

15. A method of assembling a biodegradable coffin for animals as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: manually folding a first blank of cellulosic sheet material into a three dimensional configuration to provide a container; manually folding a second blank of cellulosic sheet material into a three-dimensional configuration to provide a lid; and placing an absorbent on the base of the container for receiving fluids exuded from an animal body placed in the coffin in use.

16. A blank of cellulosic sheet material foldable into a threedimensional configuration to provide a container for a biodegradable selfassembly animal coffin in accordance with any of claims I to 13. * - 18

17. A blank of cellulosic sheet material foldable into a threedimensional configuration to provide a lid for a biodegradable selfassembly coffin for animals in accordance with any of claims 1 to 13.

18. A biodegradable self-assembly coffin for animals substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

19. An assembly for a biodegradable self-assembly coffin for animals as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.