GB2479909A

GB2479909A - The use of cremation ashes in concrete memorial

Info

Publication number: GB2479909A
Application number: GB1007125A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Walker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-29
Filing date: 2010-04-29
Publication date: 2011-11-02
Also published as: GB201007125D0

Abstract

The use of human or pet cremation ashes (cremains) in ornamental statuary and bricks is disclosed which comprises forming a concrete body from a concrete mix of 40% aggregate, 20% cremains, 20% sharp sand, 20% cement and water. Other additives may be used in the concrete mix, such as plasticizer, air entrainer, accelerator, fly ash, glass fibres.

Description

Human or Pet Cremation Ashes in ornamental statuary and Bricks.

As death is an inevitable part of human existence, what must be done with the deceased, is a decision that logically follows. Traditionally, options have consisted of internment or cremation.

Within the practice of cremation, it has returned as an acceptable method to disposal of the deceased due to practicality, health concerns, and overall cost. Today over 70% of the dead in England are cremated due to the scarcity of land for grave sites and two thirds of cremation ash is taken away from crematoriums by relatives. A high percentage of these do not know what to do with them.

Our idea of binding human and pet cremation (cremains) ashes into ornamental stoneware and bricks was bought about by the ever increasing need to be environmentally friendly.

The physical state of cremation ash is predominately bone tissue in granular form similar to sand or fmely ground gravel. The composition of the ash is predominately calcium and phosphorus in the form of a highly stable compound known as calcium or rock phosphate, all of the liquid and nitrogenous material escapes to atmosphere in high heat of cremation. All that remains after cremation is mostly calcium phosphates and minor minerals. Their colour is light grey. They represent very roughly 3.5% of the body's original mass (2.5% in children).

The stoneware will form garden statuary to include a range of birdbaths, sundials, fountains, angels and animal statuary, in fact any form of statuary requested by the deceased family. The cremains will be added to a mixture of sand, cement, stone and water, plus any additives needed to ensure a perfect cast.

Also ornamental standard housing type bricks of various sizes that would incorporate human or pet cremains, which can be laid as an ornamental feature, wall, pathway, or for an individual brick to be placed in memorial walls specifically constructed to accept memorial bricks. Alternatively a vessel can be placed within the object to contain the cremation ashes.

The method of invention will be described in full, along with accompanying drawings of the proposed objects.

Suitable moulds constructed of rubber, plastic, metal, concrete and fibreglass will be filled with concrete to form the finished object.

A typical standard concrete mix for use in a basic design is as follows.

1) 3 parts sharp sand, 1 part cremains to 1 part cement and water.

2) 1 part sharp sand, I part cremains to 1 part cement and water.

3) 2 parts mixed aggregate, 1 part cremains, 1 part sand to I part cement and water If making small garden ornaments then option 1 or 2 is an adequate mix, the larger the ornament, it will need the added gravel to help strengthen the finished cast.

Page 1 figure 1 shows a diagram of the materials used with the mixing of cremation ashes.

Page 2 figures 2-9 shows a typical small selection of the objects to be cast.

Page 3 figure 10 shows the typical distribution of the cremains throughout the object.

Page 3 figure 11 shows the vessel inserted into the object containing the cremains, with a sealing cap.

Page 3 figure 12 shows the typical distribution of the cremains throughout the brick.

Page 3 figure 13 shows the vessel inserted into the brick containing the cremains, with a sealing cap.

Depending on the colour of sand and cement used, determines the colour of the finished product, for example, if using "ivory cement" and "white sand" that will produce a paler whiter finished product, using red sand and normal coloured cement will produce a much darker finish.

Depending on weather conditions, additives will be needed during the winter months to speed the drying process.

The purpose of cement in concrete acts as a primary binder to join aggregate into a solid mass.

Water is required for the cement to hydrate and solidify, the concrete hardens because the chemical process called cement hydration, produces crystals that interlock and bind together, it takes time for the hydrated cement crystals to form, and harden slowly.

To harden and set concrete faster you need to add calcium chloride or a commercial "accelerator" In a basic mix approximately 7 fluid ounces of water is added for every pound of cement. A "plasticizer" may be added to ensure flow ability of the mix especially when sharp details of a mould are required. Pigments can be used to change the colour of concrete, for aesthetics value A sealant could be added to the finished piece, to repel moisture and prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures.

Concrete is strong, inexpensive, plentiful, and easy to make. But more importantly, it's versatile. It can be moulded to just about any shape.

Concrete is friendly to the environment. It is virtually all natural. It is recyclable and the most frequently used material in construction.

Claims

Claims 1. The invention comprises of memorial objects e.g. birdbaths, fountains, sundials, animals, bricks, angels, art sculptures, and paving slabs. Made with approximately 40% aggregate, 20% cremains, 20% sand, 20% cement & water.
2. The memorial objects as claimed in claim 1 by adding a plasticizer to ensure flow ability.
3. The memorial object comprises as claimed in claim I by adding an air entrainer to the mix to improve frost proofing.
4. The memorial object comprises as claimed in claim 1 by adding an accelerator to the mix to shorten the drying procedure.
5. The memorial object comprises as claimed in claim 1 by adding fly ash to improve a better quality finish and strength.
6. The memorial object comprises as claimed in claim 1 by adding glass fibres for strength and durability.
7. The memorial object comprises as claimed in claim I by adding all the above additives to give a perfect cast object.
8. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 by adding a recirculation water pump for use in water features.
9. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 by adding a brass inscribed plaque 10. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 with an internal chamber for adding a vessel to retain cremation ashes.11. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 by engraving a dedication.12. The memorial object as in claim 1 which can be made into several parts to incorporate more than one person's ashes.13. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 by adding a sealant to the exterior of the object for weatherproofmg.14. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 by adding pigments to the mixture, to change the colour of the finished object.15. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 by painting the finished object.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:-Claims 1. The invention comprises of memorial objects e.g. birdbaths, fountains, sundials, animals, bricks, angels, art sculptures, and paving slabs. Made with Stonecrem a mixture approximately 40% aggregate, 20% cremains, 20% sand, 20% cement & water.2. The memorial objects as claimed in claim 1 by adding a plasticizer to ensure flow ability.3. The memorial object comprises as claimed in claim 1 by adding an air entrainer to the mix to improve frost proofing.4. The memorial object comprises as claimed in claim 1 by adding an accelerator to the mix to shorten the drying procedure.5. The memorial object comprises as claimed in claim 1 by adding fly ash to improve a better quality finish and strength.6. The memorial object comprises as claimed in claim 1 by adding glass fibres for strength and durability.7. The memorial object comprises as claimed in claim 1 by adding all the above additives to give a perfect cast object 8. The memorial object comprising as claim I by adding a recirculation water pump or solar powered water pump for use in water features.9. The memorial object comprising as claim I by adding a brass inscribed plaque.*.
10. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 with an internal chamber for adding a vessel to retain cremation ashes.* : *
11. The memorial object comprising as claim I by engraving a dedication on the memorial object. * S.
12. The memorial object as in claim! which can be made into several parts to incorporate more than one person's ashes.*
13. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 by adding a sealant to the exterior of the object for weatherproofing. :
14. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 by adding pigments to the *:. mixture, to change the colour of the finished object *
15. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 by painting the finished object.
16. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 by adding a mist generator.
17. The memorial object comprising as claim 1 by adding a solar powered light