GB2480715A

GB2480715A - Grave marker with a support structure.

Info

Publication number: GB2480715A
Application number: GB201020714A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Darren Robbins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-05-28
Filing date: 2010-12-07
Publication date: 2011-11-30
Also published as: GB201020714D0; GB201008974D0

Abstract

The grave marker comprises a shell 12, preferably filled with material such as polystyrene, which comprises at least two joined together plastic sheets 14, 16, and a support structure 22 which comprises at least one element positioned within the shell and configured to extend therefrom. The marker may also comprise a foundation structure, the foundation structure preferably comprising a concrete block and an aperture which receives at least a portion of the support structure. The support structure may comprise two upright Members 24, 26 and a cross member 28, all of which may be made from metal. Also claimed is a method for installing a grave marker by forming a foundation with apertures which match the positions of the upright members of the support structure and then inserting a grave marker into the foundation. The said grave marker, when in use in a vertical orientation, may comprise an additional horizontal grave marker attached to the said grave marker.

Description

Grave Marker, Monument or the like The present application relates to a grave marker, monument or the like. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present application relates to a grave marker made at least in part from synthetic resin material. The present application also relates to methods of manufacture and installation of grave markers and the like.

It is traditional in many societies to mark a person's burial place or place where their ashes are interred with a headstone or other monument. Monuments are also used to mark other places of importance, for example as memorials of significant events. Such monuments are commonly made of stone that has been worked in some way, and are usually engraved or bear an engraved plaque.

The preparation and installation of such stone monuments can be difficult, slow and expensive. There are also limitations on design, as stone can only be manipulated in certain ways. Engravings on stone are prone to erosion, and any damage caused to stone monuments by, for example, vandalism, can be time-consuming and expensive to repair.

It has become known in recent years to use synthetic resin material (plastics) rather than natural stone for headstones. Such headstones can be cheaper to produce, and are lighter and therefore easier to transport and manipulate. However, there are problems inherent in using plastics rather than stone. Although easier to manipulate due to being lighter, this same lightness can lead to plastic headstones being less stable, and more easily damaged. Tn addition known plastics gravestones may be generally less aesthetically pleasing. It may be desirable to conceal the fact that plastics have been used in place of stone. In particular, visible joins or seams, between separate components making up a plastic headstone are undesirable.

What is desirable is a substitute for stone headstones which is inexpensive and quick and easy to produce and install, but is also stable and easy to repair, as well as being as indistinguishable from natural stone as is possible.

According to the present invention there is provided a grave marker, monument, or the like, comprising an exterior shell, wherein the shell comprises at least two joined plastics sheets, and preferably comprising a support structure having at least one structural element positioned within the shell and configured to extend therefrom. This arrangement has been found to provide a lightweight, strong, and visually appealing grave marker, monument or the like.

The grave marker preferably comprises a foundation structure, which may comprise a concrete block and/or at least one aperture configured to receive a portion of the support structure. The at least one aperture may have at least one sleeve embedded within it, to make installation and removal rapid.

The grave marker may further comprise a base plate. Filling material, preferably expanded polystyrene, may be contained within the shell in order to add to its solidity and inhibit moisture ingress. The plastics sheets may be formed from an acrylic resin polymer. The exterior shell may have an exterior face that, at least in part, simulates natural stone. The sheets may be joined by adhesive, preferably epoxy resin. The plastics sheets may be wholly planar. The grave marker may have at least four joined plastics sheets, including a front sheet, a rear sheet and two side sheets The support structure may comprise two substantially upright members, and may further comprise at least one cross-member substantially perpendicular to the substantially upright members. The support structure may be metal and/or corrosion resistant. The plastics sheets may be decoratively embossed. The grave marker may be substantially upright, and may further comprise a second, substantially horizontal, grave marker.

A method of installing a grave marker, monument, or the like, comprising the steps of: a) providing a template having of an appropriate shape to match a support structure of a grave marker, monument or the like; b) preparing a cavity configured to receive the template; c) positioning the template in said cavity; d) filling the cavity with support material; e) removing the template from the support material to leave an aperture; f) providing a grave marker having a support structure of a predetermined shape; and g) inserting the support structure of the grave marker into the foundation aperture.

The method may further comprise the step of inserting a sleeve into the aperture left by the template between steps f) and g), or the step of fitting a sleeve over the template prior to step c) and leaving the sleeve in situ when removing the template at step e) There is also provided a method of manufacturing a grave marker as claimed in claim 1 comprising the steps of: a) joining sheets of plastics material with an adhesive to form a shell; b) clamping said shell in position until the adhesive sets; c) positioning the support structure within the shell; wherein step c) may precede or succeed step a).

This method may further comprise the step of joining at least two sheets perpendicular to at least one other sheet, and/or the step of polishing the joins between the sheets so they are effectively imperceptible. The method may further comprise the step of attaching a base plate to the shell such that the support structure is held in place within the shell, and/or the step of filling the shell with filling material, preferably expanded polystyrene.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a grave marker according to the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a cross-section through a foundation for the grave marker of Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a side view of a grave marker according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 4 is a front view of a grave marker of Figure 3; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the support structure of the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4; FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a grave marker according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a grave marker of the first embodiment of the present invention illustrating the joints between sheets; FIGURE 8 is a side view of a grave marker according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 9 is a side view of a grave marker according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 10 is a plan view of a grave marker according to the embodiment of Figure 9; HGURE 11 is a detail view of the area marked "A" on Figure 9; FIGURE 12 is a side view of a grave marker support structure according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and FIGURE 13 is a side view of the support structure of Figure 12 with a grave marker according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to Figure 1, a grave marker 10 comprises an external shell 12 made up of sheets of plastics material. In this embodiment, the material used is an acrylic resin (Poly Methyl MethAcrylate) mixed with mineral material (such as Alumina Trihydrate) in a ratio of approximately 1:2. This material is produced under the registered trade mark Conan, by DuPont of Stevenage. Other suitable plastics materials, however, may be used, such as Hi-Macs, produced by LG Hausys Europe, of Kent; Staron, produced by Staron (UK) Ltd, of Stockton-on-Tees; or Hanex, produced by Hanex UK, of Gateshead. The acrylic resin is available in a variety of colours, and to simulate a variety stones (e.g. granite, portland stone, marble) in sheets of either 6mm or 12mm thickness.

In this embodiment the shell 12 comprises a front sheet 14, a rear sheet (not shown), two side sheets 16 and a top sheet 18, which together form an elongate cuboid of the type often seen in headstones. The sheets 14, 16, 18 are in this embodiment joined by an epoxy resin, although other adhesives or methods of joining may be used. The joins of this embodiment are shown in Figure 7, where it can be seen that the edge of the front sheet 14 meets the inner face of the side sheet 16 in a butt joint. The top sheet 18 forms a similar butt joint, its inner face being positioned against the edges of the front sheet 14, rear sheet and side sheets 16. Alternative butting configurations may be used, or the edges of each sheet may be chamfered, so the joins coincide with the edges of each face.

At the foot of the shell is a base plate 20, formed of the same material as the sheets 14, 16, 18. The base plate is substantially parallel to the top sheet 18 and comprises two square apertures (not shown), one towards either end. The base plate 20 extends beyond all four sides of the shell 12. In certain embodiments (not shown) the base plate may incorporate a downwardly extending peripheral skirt.

The grave marker 10 further comprises a support structure 22, which extends inside the shell 12. In this embodiment the support structure 22 comprises two upright members 24, 26 spaced apart by an upper 28 and a lower 30 cross member. Each of the members is formed from stainless steel box section.. The lower cross member 30 is positioned above the base plate 20, whilst the upper cross member 28 is positioned below the top sheet 18 of the shell 12 at the upper ends of the upright members 24, 26. The lower ends of the upright members 24, 26 extend through the apertures in the base plate 20 to form legs 32, 34. In this embodiment, all four of the support structure members 24, 26, 28, 30 are box section stainless steel having appropriate dimensions to fit snugly within the shell. The sections are welded together. In further embodiments of the invention they may be formed of any suitably strong and corrosion resistant material such as galvanised steel, aluminium, glass or carbon fibre composites. Different profiles may be used.

The base plate 20 is secured to the shell 12 with, in this embodiment, epoxy resin. The shell 12 is filled with a fill material, e.g. with a foam such as expandable polystyrene (EPS) which surrounds the support structure 22. This step is preferably carried out once the construction is otherwise complete by drilling a small hole through the sheet and injecting the foam therethrough. The hole may then be filled with a suitable resin filler to match the sheet.

The support structure members 24, 26, 38, 30 are welded to one another. Assembly of the shell 12 is carried out by joining the sheets 14, 16, 18 around the support structure 22 using epoxy resin. The sheets 14, 16, 18 are then clamped in place until the epoxy resin sets. Once set, the joins between the sheets are polished so as to be effectively imperceptible.

n other embodiments alternative fixing arrangements may be used and/or a single section may be formed into a U-shape to provide two uprights and one cross-member. Silicone mastic is preferably used to secure the support structure to the shell. The base plate 20 is then fitted over the legs 32, 34 and attached to the lower end of the shell 12 by epoxy resin. The join between the base plate 20 and the shell 12 may be sealed with fine beads of silicone (not shown). Ribs formed from plastics sheets may be glued around the support structure 22 inside the shell 12 to provide further support. Countersunk bolts may be fastened through the plastics sheets 14, 16, 18 and the support structure 22 to provide increased security and further support. Such bolt heads could be hidden by being covered over with matching resin which is then polished.

In other embodiments the sheets may be assembled prior to insertion of the support structure.

Figure 2 shows a foundation 36 for the grave marker 10. The foundation 36 comprises a cavity 38 in the ground holding a concrete block 40. The concrete block comprises two elongate extensions 42, 44 joined by a central beam 46. Each extension 42, 44 comprises an elongate aperture 48, 50, each of which contains a sleeve 52, 54. The two sleeves 52, 54 are configured to receive the legs 32, 34 of the grave marker 10.

The foundation 36 is prepared at the site where the grave marker is to be positioned. A suitable cavity 38 excavated made before concrete is poured in. Tn further embodiments, some other material than concrete may be used to form the block 40, such as compacted aggregate. The apertures 48, 50 are formed with the use of a template (not shown) inserted within the sleeves 52, 54, and is used to create apertures at the same distance apart as the legs 32, 34. Once the concrete has set the template is removed, leaving the sleeves ready for insertion of the grave marker 10. The same template may be used for different grave markers and monuments, provided that the support structure legs 32, 34 are a standard distance from one another. In alternative embodiments, the concrete may be pre-cast off site with the sleeves formed therein, a cavity excavated, the block inserted, and the cavity back-filled.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 3 and 4. Features which are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment are given corresponding reference numbers with the prefix 1'.

The second embodiment 110 is a grave marker in the shape of an open book, a common variation on the standard headstone. This grave marker 110 comprises two shells 112, a book-shaped ornament 113, a base plate 120 and a shell support structure 122. The two shells 112 each comprise a front sheet 114, two side sheets 116 and a rear sheet (not shown).

The front sheets 114 are shorter than the rear sheets and the side sheets 116 have a sloping top edge, the higher point of the top edge being at the rear and corresponding to the height of the rear sheet, and the lower point of the top edge being at the front of the shell 112 corresponding to the height of the front sheet 114. As in the first embodiment, the sheets are joined with an epoxy resin. The book ornament 113 comprises a shell made up of plastics sheets glued together with epoxy resin, and a book support structure 115. The book support structure 115 comprises two substantially upright members liSa and a cross-member 115b welded together to form an H-shape.

The base plate 120 in this embodiment is a hollow cuboid formed of resin sheets joined by epoxy resin. The upper and lower sheets 121 each comprise two apertures (not shown), one towards either end of the base plate 120.

The shell support structure 122 is shown in Figure 5 and comprises two upright members 124, 126 positioned with their lower ends on a cross member 128. The upright members 124, 126 extend through apertures (not shown) in the book ornament 113 to meet the upright members liSa of the book support structure 115. The ends of the upright members 124, 126 are welded to the upright members liSa, thus supporting the book ornament 113. Further cross members 129, 131 are positioned at either end of the cross member 128 perpendicular to that member and substantially horizontal. A leg 132, 134 extends from each of the cross members 129, 139. All of the members of the support structure are, as in the previous embodiment, box section stainless steel. The members are welded together.

The cross members 128, 129, 131 of the support structure 122 are positioned within the base plate 120. The upright members 124, 126 extend through the base plate apertures into the two shells 112. The legs 132, 134 extend downwardly through the corresponding apertures in the lower sheet 121 of the base plate 120. The interiors of the shells 112 and the base plate are filled with foam such as EPS which surrounds the support structure 122.

The support structure legs 132, 134 are positioned at the same distance to one another as the legs 32, 34 of the first embodiment. This allows the grave marker 110 to be positioned in a foundation the same as that used by the first embodiment 10; that is the foundation shown in Figure 2. The advantages of this standardisation will be apparent to the skilled reader.

Foundations for either (or other) embodiments of grave marker can be prepared in advance prior to determination of which is to be used. The grave marker 10, 110 can be prepared off-site.

Repair of the grave marker following damage can be easily and quickly carried out by cutting out any damaged parts and filling or replacing them with a corresponding resin sheet or filler.

Joins can be, as with the existing joins, polished until virtually imperceptible.

Further advantages of the present invention include that it is inexpensive to produce and relatively light in comparison to stone. A stone-like appearance can be produced by an acrylic polymer with material such as alumina trihydrate. A stone-like appearance is enhanced by the virtual imperceptibility of joins following polishing. Engraving of decoration and epitaphs is carried out by CNC machining of the front sheet of the grave marker, which is quicker, easier and more accurate than engraving stone. The plastic sheets may also be heated to around 200°C, whereupon they may be embossed or curved into shape prior to assembly (e.g. to give a curved shape to upper sheet).

A third embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 6, where features which are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment are given corresponding reference numbers with the prefix 2' Here the support structure 222 for the shell 212 comprises a single member formed of lightweight, ribbed box section metal. The foundation 236 comprises in this embodiment a corresponding single aperture 248.

A fourth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 8. Features which are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiments are given corresponding reference numbers with the prefix 3'. The fourth embodiment is similar to the grave marker of the first embodiment of the invention, but has a plinth 360 in place of a base plate. The plinth 360 comprises a cuboid shell formed from a top sheet 362, a front sheet (not shown), a rear sheet (not shown) and two side sheets 364, and has an open end 366 opposite the top sheet 362.

The top sheet 362 of the plinth 360 includes two square apertures (not shown), one towards either end. The top sheet 362 extends beyond all four sides of foot of the shell 312. The front sheet, rear sheet and side sheets 364 of the plinth extend downwardly from the top sheet 362 away from the shell 312.

The grave marker 310 of this embodiment is assembled in the same way as that of the first embodiment, with the plinth 360 being fitted over the legs 332 of the support structure 322 and attached to the lower end of the shell 312 by epoxy resin. Once the shell 312 and the plinth 360 are attached to one another, the join between the shell 312 and the plinth 360 is sealed with fine beads of silicone 368.

The grave marker 310 of this embodiment is installed in the same way as that of the first embodiment. When the grave marker 310 is in place, the open end 366 of the plinth 360 rests on the foundation 336. An access hole (not shown) is provided in one of the front, rear or side sheets 364 of the plinth, allowing access for tightening a grub screw 369. The access hole is below the ground level G (shown on Figure 8) so will not be visible once the grave marker 310 is fully installed.

The plinth 360 provides protection for the support structure and foundation of the grave marker, helping to prevent water damage. II also conceals the support structure and foundation.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11. Features which are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiments are given corresponding reference numbers with the prefix "4". The grave marker of the fifth embodiment is similar to those of the first and fourth embodiments, with the addition of a horizontal grave marker 470. The grave marker 470 is U-shaped and extends over a grave perpendicular to the upright grave marker 410.

The grave marker 470 comprises an external shell 472 made up of sheets of plastics material such as that used for the grave marker 10. Tn this embodiment the shell 472 comprises two side members 473 and one end member 474 joined to form a U-shape. Each of the members 473, 474 comprises elongate sheets of plastics material 476 joined by epoxy resin. Each member 473, 474 is rectangular in cross-section, the sheets 475 forming the sides of the members 473, 474 being wider than the sheets 476 forming the top and bottom of the members 473, 474. The open end of the U abuts the front sheet 414 of the upright grave marker 410. In an alternative embodiment, the external shell may be made up of top and bottom U-shaped sheets joined by side sheets.

The grave marker 470 further comprises a support structure 480, which extends inside the shell 472. In this embodiment the support structure 480 comprises two parallel members 482 spaced apart by a cross member 484. Each parallel member 482 has a first end 481 and a second end 483. The members 482, 484 are formed from stainless steel box section. Each of the parallel members 482 is positioned within one of the side members 473. The cross member 484 is positioned within the end member 474, and is connected at either end to the first ends 481 of the parallel members 482. The support structure 480 thus forms a U-shape within the external shell 472. In an alternative embodiment, the support structure may comprise a single piece of box section formed into a U-shape.

A further cross member 478 of stainless steel box section can be temporarily fitted between the side members 473 near to the open end of the U. The cross member 478 increases rigidity of the shell 472, thus making transportation of the grave marker 470 easier. Once the grave marker 470 is on site, the cross member 478 can be removed.

The support structure 47280 is attached to the front sheet 414 of the upright grave marker 412. The grave markers 410, 470 include two linkages 486 that connect the grave markers 410, 470. The linkages 486 each comprise a first part 487 attached to the front sheet 414 (and/or the support structure via a bolt or the like) and a second part 488 attached to the second end 483 of one of the parallel members 482.

Each first part 487 comprises a strip of stainless steel having parallel upper 487a and lower 487b portions connected by an angled central portion. The lower portion 487b is fixed to the front sheet 414 whilst the upper portion 487a is held away from the front sheet 414. The first parts 487 are positioned on the front sheet 414 horizontally level with one another and the same distance apart as the parallel members 482. Each second part 488 comprises an angled strip of stainless steel attached at a first end 488b to the second end 483 of one of the parallel members 482 such that a second end 488a of the strip is received between, and supported by, the upper portion 487a and the front sheet 414. The linkages 486 thus secure the support structure 480 such that the shell 472 abuts the front sheet 414 of the grave marker 410. The join between the shell 472 and the front sheet 414 is sealed with fine beads of silicone. The linkages 486 are concealed within the shell 472, so are protected from damage and prevented from impairing the appearance of the grave markers.

The horizontal grave marker 470 provides additional support for the upright grave marker 410, in addition to marking out the site of a grave. The area defined by the grave marker may be filled with decorative gravel, or filled with soil and used for growing flowers.

n an alternative embodiment (not shown), the front sheet may be cut away and the first part of each of the linkages may be fixed to the support structure 422 of the upright grave marker 410. The support structure 470 could then be attached directly to the support structure 422, providing improved support for the grave marker 410. The cut away area of the front sheet would be concealed by the shell 472.

The grave marker 470 further comprises a pin 489 extending downwardly from the first end 481 of each of the parallel members 482. Each of the pins 489 extends through an aperture (not shown) in the underside of the respective side member 473 and into the ground upon which the grave marker 470 is positioned, securing the grave marker 470.

As with the first embodiment, the members 482, 484 are box section stainless steel having appropriate dimensions to fit snugly within the external shell 472. The sections are welded together. In further embodiments of the invention they may be formed of any suitably strong and corrosion resistant material such as galvanised steel, aluminium glass or carbon fibre composites. Different profiles may be used. The shell 472 is assembled and attached to the support structure 480 in the same way as the shell 12 of the first embodiment.

Although shown here in conjunction with an upright grave marker, a horizontal grave marker as described above could be used to mark a grave without an upright grave marker, if an additional member is provided to form a complete rectangle. The horizontal grave marker may be a complete rectangular slab, rather than defining an open area of space. Furthermore, the horizontal grave marker may be used in conjunction with a "book" type marker of the type described in the second embodiment above, or sixth embodiment below.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 12 and 13. Features which are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiments are given corresponding reference numbers with the prefix "5".

The sixth embodiment 510 is a grave marker in the shape of an open book, similar to that of the second embodiment, but having an alternative support structure. The book-shaped ornament 513 comprises a shell made up of plastics sheets glued together with epoxy resin, including a rear sheet 517 that forms the covers of the book, and a stainless steel plate 590.

The plate 590 is secured to the centre of the inside face of the rear sheet 517 by a bolt 591 that extends through the rear sheet 517 and protrudes from the book ornament 513.

The grave marker 570 further comprises a support structure 522, shown in Figure 12, upon which the book ornament 513 is supported. The support structure 522 has two upright, parallel members 524 of box section stainless steel or any suitably strong and corrosion resistant material such as galvanised steel, aluminium, glass or carbon fibre composites. The upper ends 523 of the upright members 524 are at an angle of approximately 45° to the horizontal. A rectangular stainless steel base plate 592 is welded to the upper ends 523 of the upright members 524 so that it too is at an angle of approximately 45° to the horizontal. The base plate 592 has a central threaded aperture (not shown) into which the bolt 591 is screwed, thus securing the book ornament 513 to the support structure 522. The book ornament 513 extends beyond the base plate 592 on all four sides.

On assembly, the rear sheet 517 is screwed to the support structure 522. The remainder of the book ornament 513 is then built up around the rear sheet 517.

The support structure members 524 are positioned at the same distance to one another as the legs 32, 34 of the first embodiment. This allows the grave marker 510 to be positioned in a foundation the same as that used by the first embodiment 10; that is the foundation shown in Figure 2. The advantages of this standardisation will be apparent to the skilled reader.

Foundations for either (or other) embodiments of grave marker can be prepared in advance prior to determination of which is to be used. The grave marker 510 can be prepared off-site.

In further embodiments, the shell may be formed from two pieces of material only, as two sheets of material may be thermoformed providing lips that meet in a join in the side and top.

In further variants a concealed grub screw or other fixing may be used between one of the sleeves 52, 54 and the corresponding leg 32, 34 to inhibit the removal of the marker, the support structure may be permanently fixed to the foundation and the sleeve removable therefrom. Of course, the size, shape and proportions may be adjusted according to requirements.

In other embodiments, the grave marker may be supported by a concrete plinth already installed at a grave. In such an embodiment (not shown), the support structure extends within the shell only, and the grave marker has a base plate attached to the support structure, preferably by welding, at the foot of the shell. The base plate is bolted to the concrete plinth.

The shell is fitted over, or built up around, the support structure once the base plate and support structure have been attached to the plinth. An outer surround formed from joined sheets may be slotted over the shell and plinth in order to conceal any fixings, and secured to the shell with silicone.

Claims

Claims 1. A grave marker, monument, or the like, comprising an exterior shell and a support structure, wherein the shell comprises at least two joined plastics sheets and the support structure comprises at least one structural element positioned within the shell and configured to extend therefrom.
2. A grave marker according to claim 1 and further comprising a foundation structure.
3. A grave marker according to claim 2 wherein the foundation structure comprises a concrete block.
4. A grave marker according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the foundation structure has at least one aperture configured to receive a portion of the support structure.
5. A grave marker according to claim 4 wherein the foundation further comprises at least one sleeve embedded within the at least one aperture.
6. A grave marker according to any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising a base plate.
7. A grave marker according to any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising filling material, preferably expanded polystyrene, within the shell.
8. A grave marker according to any preceding claim wherein the plastics sheets are formed from an acrylic resin polymer.
9. A grave marker according to any preceding claim wherein the plastics sheets are wholly planar.
10. A grave marker according to any preceding claim comprising at least three joined plastics sheets, including a front sheet, a rear sheet and a side sheet.
11. A grave marker according to claim 10 comprising at least four joined plastic sheets including a front sheet, a rear sheet and two side sheets.
12. A grave marker according to any preceding claim, wherein the exterior shell has an exterior face that, at least in part, simulates natural stone.
13. A grave marker according to any preceding claim wherein the plastics sheets are joined by adhesive, preferably epoxy resin.
14. A grave marker according to any preceding claim wherein the support structure comprises two substantially upright members.
15. A grave marker according to claim 14 wherein the support structure further comprises at least one cross-member substantially perpendicular to the substantially upright members.
16. A grave marker according to any preceding claim wherein the support structure is metal.
17. A grave marker according to any preceding claim wherein the support structure is corrosion resistant.
18. A grave marker according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of the plastics sheets is decoratively embossed.
19. A grave marker according to any preceding claim wherein the grave marker is substantially upright, and further comprises a second, substantially horizontal, grave marker.
20. A method of installing a grave marker, monument, or the like, comprising the steps of: a) providing a template having of an appropriate shape to match a support structure of a grave marker, monument or the like; b) preparing a cavity configured to receive the template; c) positioning the template in said cavity; d) filling the cavity with support material; e) removing the template from the support material to leave an aperture; f) providing a grave marker having a support structure of a predetermined shape; and g) inserting the support structure of the grave marker into the foundation aperture.
21. A method of installing a grave marker according to claim 20 and further comprising the step of inserting a sleeve into the aperture left by the template between steps f) and g).
22. A method of installing a grave marker according to claim 20 and further comprising the step of fitting a sleeve over the template prior to step c) and leaving the sleeve in situ when removing the template at step e).
23. A method of manufacturing a grave marker as claimed in claim 1 comprising the steps of: a)joining sheets of plastics material with an adhesive to form a shell; b) clamping said shell in position until the adhesive sets; c) positioning the support structure within the shell; wherein step c) may precede or succeed step a).
24. A method of manufacturing a grave marker according to claim 23 and including the step ofjoining at least two sheets perpendicular to at least one other sheet.
25. A method of manufacturing a grave marker according to claim 23 or claim 24 and further comprising the step of polishing the joins between the sheets so they are effectively imperceptible.
26. A method of manufacturing a grave marker according to any one of claims 23 to 25 and further comprising the step of attaching a base plate to the shell such that the support structure is held in place within the shell.
27. A method of manufacturing a grave marker according to any one of claims 23 to 26 and further comprising the step of filling the shell with filling material, preferably expanded polystyrene.
28. A grave marker, monument or the like, or a method substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to the drawings.