GB2515743A

GB2515743A - A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2515743A
Application number: GB201311759A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Carl Fothergill
Original assignee: Leec Ltd
Current assignee: Leec Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-01
Filing date: 2013-07-01
Publication date: 2015-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-01
Also published as: GB201311759D0; GB2515743B

Abstract

A transfer apparatus 10 for a cadaver carrier (for example a coffin or cadaver tray) comprises a cadaver support 12 which has first and second opposed ends 14, 16 and which defines a load bearing surface 18 between the first and second ends, a transfer device 20, moveable in use relative to the load bearing surface of the cadaver support between a first position, in which the transfer device lies at or towards the first end of the cadaver support, and a second position, in which the transfer device lies at or towards the second end of the cadaver support and a primary drive 22 which is operatively coupled between the transfer device and the cadaver support to drive movement of the transfer device relative to the load bearing surface of the cadaver, between the first and second positions.

Description

A CADAVER CARRIER TRANSFER APPARATUS

This invention relates to a cadaver carrier transfer apparatus, It is known to transfer a cadaver carrier from a support structure to a furnace when cremating the cadaver at a crematorium or funeral parlour. In order to properly effect cremation, the furnace is typically operated at a temperature in the region of 700°C.

It is also known to remove a cadaver carrier from a storage vessel, such as a cold storage unit, in a hospital or mortuary for, e.g. medical research or a training activity.

In the context of this application the term cadaver carrier includes, but is not limited to, a coffin and a cadaver storage tray.

According to the invention there is provided a cadaver carrier transfer apparatus comprising: a cadaver support having first and second opposed ends and defining a load bearing surface between the first and second ends; a transfer device moveable in use relative to the load bearing surface of the cadaver support between a first position in which the transfer device lies at or towards the first end of the cadaver support and a second position in which the transfer device lies at or towards the second end of the cadaver support; and a primary drive operatively coupled between the transfer device and the cadaver support to drive movement of the transfer device, relative to the load bearing surface of the cadaver support, between the first and second positions.

The combination of a transfer device, which moves between first and second positions relative to the load bearing surface, and a primary drive which drives the movement of the transfer device, provides a means of assisting in the transferring of a cadaver carrier to or from the load bearing surface.

Such assistance means that an operator does not have to bear the full load of the cadaver carrier, which will likely be holding a cadaver, when transferring the cadaver carrier from one location to another.

Moreover, an operator is not required to manually push a coffin into a furnace which presents health and safety risks in relation to the operator being in close proximity to the furnace.

Preferably the primary drive includes a primary collar threadably engaged on a primary threaded shaft, the primary collar and the primary threaded shaft being configured to drive movement of the primary collar along the length of the primary threaded shaft on rotation of either the primary collar or the primary threaded shaft relative to the other.

Such a feature provides a way of translating rotational movement of either the primary collar or the primary threaded shaft to linear movement to drive the primary collar along the length of the primary threaded shaft and therefore move the transfer device between the first and second positions.

IS The use of linear movement of the transfer device is particularly important when transferring a cadaver carrier into and out of a cold storage unit since the cadaver carrier is typically slideably cooperable with an opening of the cold storage unit. As such, accurate linear movement of the cadaver carrier allows efficient transferral of the cadaver carrier into or out of the cold storage unit.

Optionally the primary collar is threadably engaged on the primary threaded shaft by means of a plurality of spherical engagement members arranged in a series string which are housed within the primary collar, at least a portion of each spherical engagement member lying within the thread of the primary threaded shaft.

The spherical engagement members follow the thread of the primary threaded shaft when either the primary collar or the primary threaded shaft is rotated relative to the other so as to move the primary collar along the length of the primary threaded shaft.

so The use of spherical engagement members reduces the amount of friction that might otherwise occur between the primary threaded shaft and a more conventional screw thread. It therefore allows efficient movement of each spherical member along the thread of the primary threaded shaft and therefore efficient movement of the primary collar along the length of the primary threaded shaft.

It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the primary collar may be threadably engaged on the primary threaded shaft by means of an internal thread corresponding to the thread of the primary threaded shaft.

The use of an internal thread to threadably engage the primary collar to the primary threaded shaft reduces the number of parts required in comparison to using a plurality of spherical members.

The primary threaded shaft may extend between the first and second ends of the cadaver support.

Such a feature permits the primary drive to drive movement of the transfer device along the length of the cadaver support which in turn allows the cadaver support to bear the majority of the load imparted by a cadaver carrier when the transfer device is in use.

Preferably the transfer device includes an engagement formation to engage, in use, with a cadaver carrier.

The engagement formation of the transfer device permits the transfer device to move a cadaver carrier in either a push or pull motion between the first and second positions.

The primary drive may include a primary actuator to initiate and control driving movement of the transfer device.

The inclusion of a primary actuator permits remote initiation and control of the driving movement of the transfer device. This is particularly important when, for example, transferring a coffin into a furnace where it is desirable that the initiation and control of the transfer device is carried out at a location that is not in close proximity to the relatively high operating temperature of the furnace.

Optionally the primary actuator is a handle, wheel or motor to drive rotation of the primary shaft relative to the primary collar.

Such features aid an operator in rotating the primary shaft relative to the primary collar.

Providing a mechanical aid, i.e. a handle or a wheel, increases the reliability of the primary actuator since the primary actuator comprises fewer parts than, say, an electric aid. Alternatively, providing an electric aid, i.e. a motor, reduces the amount of manual work that is required by an operative to drive rotation of the primary threaded shaft relative to the primary collar.

In embodiments of the invention the transfer device may further include: a transfer sub-device support having first and second opposed ends, the primary drive being operatively coupled between the transfer sub-device support and the cadaver support to drive movement of the transfer device, relative to the load bearing surface of the cadaver support, between the first and second positions; a transfer sub-device moveable in use relative to the transfer sub-device support between a retracted position in which the transfer sub-device lies at or towards the first end of the transfer sub-device support and an extended position in which the transfer sub-device lies at or towards the second end of the transfer sub-device support, the transfer sub-device further including a projection that extends beyond the second end of the transfer sub-device support when the transfer sub-device is at the extended position; and a secondary drive operatively coupled between the transfer sub-device support and the transfer sub-device to drive movement of the transfer sub-device, relative to the transfer sub-device support, between the retracted and extended positions.

The extension of the projection of the transfer sub-device beyond the second end of the transfer sub-device support when the transfer sub-device is at the extended position provides the transfer device with an extension that enables the transfer device to transfer the cadaver carrier deeper into a furnace, or deeper into or from a storage vessel.

Moving the transfer sub-device from the extended position to the retracted position retracts the projection of the transfer sub-device relative to the second end of the transfer sub-device support. This allows the transfer device to have a compact configuration, and thus minimises the required length of the cadaver support to be able to bear a cadaver carrier on its load bearing surface. Such a feature is particularly important since the space available within, say, a crematorium can be limited.

Optionally the projection of the transfer sub-device may extend beyond the second end of the cadaver support when the transfer device is at the second position and the transfer sub-device is at the extended position. This enables the transfer device to transfer the cadaver carrier even further deeper into a furnace, or deeper into or from a storage vessel.

Further optionally the projection of the transfer sub-device may be located between the first and second ends of the transfer sub-device support when the transfer sub-device is at the retracted position. This allows the transfer device to have an even more compact configuration, and thus further minimises the required length of the cadaver support to bear a cadaver carrier on its load bearing surface.

Preferably the secondary drive includes a secondary collar threadably engaged on a secondary threaded shaft, the secondary collar and the secondary threaded shaft being configured to drive movement of the secondary collar along the length of the secondary threaded shaft on rotation of either the secondary collar or the secondary threaded shaft relative to the other.

Optionally the secondary collar may be threadably engaged on the secondary threaded shaft by means of a plurality of spherical engagement members arranged in a series string which are housed within the secondary collar, at least a portion of each spherical engagement member lying within the thread of the secondary threaded shaft.

In other embodiments of the invention, the secondary collar may be threadably engaged on the secondary threaded shaft by means of an internal thread corresponding to the thread of the secondary threaded shaft.

The secondary threaded shaft may extend between the first and second ends of the transfer sub-device support.

The secondary drive may include a secondary actuator to initiate and control driving movement of the transfer sub-device.

Optionally the secondary actuator may be a handle, wheel or motor to drive rotation of the secondary threaded shaft relative to the secondary collar.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing embodiments of the secondary drive is similar in structure and operation to corresponding embodiments of the primary drive, and thereby share the same advantages as the corresponding embodiments of the primary drive.

The motor may be directly connected to a power source via an electrical cable.

Alternatively the motor may further include a first electrical connector, the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus may further include a second electrical connector that is connectable to a power source, and the second electrical connector may be located at or towards the first end of the cadaver support so that, when the transfer device is in the first position, the first electrical connector releasably mates with the second electrical connector so as to connect the motor to the power source.

The inclusion of the first and second electrical connectors in the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus obviates the need to use an electrical cable to connect the motor and power source, and thereby avoids the issue of a trailing electrical cable that might interfere with the movement of the transfer device between the first and second positions.

In other embodiments of the invention the secondary actuator may be a rack and pinion mechanism. This provides an alternative reliable means for initiating and controlling driving movement of the transfer sub-device.

The transfer sub-device support may further include a guide portion configured to cooperate with the transfer sub-device so as to guide the movement of the transfer sub-device relative to the transfer sub-device support and to support the weight of the projection of the transfer sub-device.

The inclusion of the guide portion in the transfer sub-device support maintains the position of the projection of the transfer sub-device relative to the rest of the transfer device, particularly when the projection extends beyond the second end of the transfer sub-device support, and thereby helps the transfer device to function properly when assisting in the transferring of a cadaver carrier to or from the load bearing surface.

The transfer sub-device may include an engagement formation to engage, in use, with a cadaver carrier.

The engagement formation of the transfer sub-device permits the transfer sub-device to move a cadaver carrier in either a push or pull motion between the retracted and extended positions.

as The engagement formation of the transfer device andfor transfer sub-device may include a hook and/or latch to engage, in use, with a cadaver carrier. This enables the transfer device to move a cadaver carrier in a pull motion from the second position to the first position, and the transfer sub-device to move a cadaver carrier in a pull motion from the extended position to the retracted position.

The cadaver support may be mounted on a fixed support structure. Such an S arrangement permits additional support of the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus.

Moreover, the cadaver support being mounted on a fixed structure permits the cadaver support to be retro-fitted onto an existing fixed support structure, such as a support structure that adjoins a furnace in a crematorium.

In another embodiment of the invention the cadaver support may be mounted on a moveable support structure.

Such an arrangement permits the additional support and retro-fitting features mentioned above whilst allowing the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus to be moved from one room to another and/or adjusted in height, for example. This may be particularly important when, for example, a cadaver is being used for a training exercise in a hospital which may take place in different room than where the cadaver is being stored.

Preferably the cadaver support includes one or more rollers, the or each roller being configured to rotate about an axis lying substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement of the transfer device, and positioned to present a moveable load bearing contact surface element protruding through an opening in the load bearing surface.

The load bearing contact surface element of each roller contacts a cadaver carrier, in use, and rolling movement of the roller helps the driving movement of the cadaver canler along the load bearing surface as the transfer device moves between the first and second positions.

There now follows a brief description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus shown in Figure 1 in use with a coffin; Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the primary drive; Figure 3a shows a sectional view of the primary collar shown in Figure 3; and Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.

A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1 and is designated generally by the reference numeral 10.

The transfer apparatus 10 includes a cadaver support 12 which has first and second opposed ends 14, 16 and which defines a load bearing surface 18 between the first and second ends 14, 16.

In the embodiment shown, the transfer apparatus 10 includes a rectangular frame that defines a rectangular load bearing surface 18. In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the transfer apparatus 10 may include more than one load bearing surface 18. In further embodiments of the invention the load bearing surface may also take a different form. For example, the load bearing surface 18 may define a square.

The transfer apparatus 10 further includes a transfer device 20 which is moveable relative to the load bearing surface 18 between a first position (as shown in Figures 1 and 2), in which the transfer device 20 lies at the first end 14 of the cadaver support 12, and a second position (not shown), in which the transfer device 20 lies at the second, opposite end 16 of the cadaver support 12.

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the transfer device 20 lies towards, as opposed to at, the first and second ends 14, 16 of the cadaver support 12 when located in respective first and second positions.

In addition, the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus 10 includes a primary drive 22 which is operatively coupled between the transfer device 20 and the cadaver support 12.

The primary drive 22, which is shown in more detail in Figure 3a, includes a primary collar 24 threadably engaged on a primary threaded shaft 26, In the embodiment shown the primary threaded shaft 26 is centrally positioned within the cadaver support 12.

ss The primary collar 24 is threadably engaged on the primary threaded shaft 26 by means of a plurality of spherical engagement members 30 arranged in a series string, which are housed within the primary collar 24, as shown in more detail in Figure 3b.

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the primary collar may be threadably engaged on the primary threaded shaft by an internal thread of the primary collar which corresponds with the thread of the primary threaded shaft.

The spherical engagement members 30 may be ball bearings or may instead take a different form, for example, hollow spherical members.

Each spherical engagement member 30 is partially housed within the primary collar 24 so that a portion of each spherical engagement member 30 protrudes from the primary collar 24 and lies within the thread 32 of the primary threaded shaft 26.

The primary drive 22 further includes primary guide portions 28 to guide the linear movement of the transfer device 20 along a length Li of the primary threaded shaft 26, The primary threaded shaft 26 and the primary guide portions 26 each extend from the first end 14 of the cadaver support 12 to the second end 16 of the cadaver support 12.

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the primary threaded shaft and the primary guide portions may each extend only part way between the first and second ends of the cadaver support.

The transfer device 20 further includes an engagement formation 34 to engage with a cadaver carrier 36.

The engagement formation 34 includes an abutment formation 36 to abut a cadaver carrier 36 (as shown in Figure 2) to push the cadaver carrier 36 upon movement of the transfer device 20 from the first position to the second position. In the embodiment shown, the abutment formation 38 includes a cushioned portion 40 to contact the cadaver carrier 36 so as to not damage the carrier 36.

The engagement formation 34 may also include a fastening means (not shown) to permit engagement of the cadaver carrier 36 to pull the carrier 36 upon movement of the transfer device 20 from the second position to the first position. The fastening means may be a hook or a latch, for example.

The primary drive 22 further includes a primary actuator 42 to initiate and control driving movement of the transfer device 20. In the embodiment shown the primary actuator 42 is a motor 44. The motor 44 includes a control panel 46 located at the first end 14 of the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus 10.

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the primary actuator may instead be a handle or a wheel.

In the embodiment shown the cadaver support 12 is mounted on a moveable support structure 48. The moveable support structure 48 includes wheels and can be adjusted in height. In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the moveable structure permits movement in other ways, such as being able to swivel the support structure through 360° or iterations thereof.

The moveable support structure 48 further includes a handle 50 on which the control panel 46 is secured. In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the control panel may be secured to other parts of the support structure or the cadaver support.

In further embodiments of the invention (not shown) the cadaver support may instead mounted on a fixed support structure.

The cadaver support 12 may be permanently or removeably mounted on either of the moveable or fixed support structures.

The cadaver support 12 additionally includes a plurality of rollers 52, each of which are configured to rotate about an axis lying perpendicular to the axis of movement M of the transfer device 10.

Each roller 52 protrudes through an opening of the load bearing surface 18 to present a load bearing contact for the cadaver carrier 36.

In use, the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus 10 is positioned at the opening of a furnace (not shown). The transfer device 20 is located at the first position and a coffin 36 is placed on the load bearing surface 16, as shown in Figure 2.

An operator uses the control panel 46 of the motor 44 to initiate the driving movement of the transfer device 20.

The motor 44 causes the primary threaded shaft 26 to rotate relative to the primary collar 24 in a first direction thereby permitting the ball bearings to trail the thread 32 of the primary threaded shaft 26. Movement of the ball bearings along the thread 32 of the primary threaded shaft 26 causes the primary collar 24 to drive along the length Li of the primary threaded shaft 26 towards the second direction.

The cushioned portion 40 of the abutment formation 38 abuts the coffin 36 and pushes it into the furnace as the transfer device 20 moves from the first position to the second position.

The operator uses the control panel 46 to stop the driving movement of the transfer device 20 once the coffin 36 has fully entered the furnace.

Alternatively, the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus 10 is positioned at an opening of a cold storage unit (not shown). The transfer device 20 is located at the second position and a mutually cooperable engagement formation of a cadaver storage tray (not shown) is connected to the engagement formation 34 of the transfer device 20.

The motor 44 causes the primary threaded shaft 26 to rotate relative to the primary collar 24 in a second direction opposite the first direction thereby causing the primary collar 24 to drive along the length L of the primary threaded shaft 26 towards the first position.

The engagement formation 34 pulls the cadaver storage tray from the cold storage unit as the transfer device 20 moves from the second position to the first position.

The cadaver carrier transfer apparatus 10 can then be used to push the cadaver carrier back into the cold storage unit by way of the operation described above.

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the operator may turn a handle or a wheel to initiate and control the driving movement of the transfer device.

In further embodiments of the invention (not shown) the primary collar and the primary threaded shaft may be configured to drive movement of the primary collar along the length of the primary threaded shaft on rotation of the primary collar relative to the primary threaded shaft.

There is provided a cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention. The cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to the second embodiment of the invention is similar in structure and operation to the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention, and like features share the same reference numerals.

The transfer device 20 of the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to the second embodiment of the invention further includes a transfer sub-device support 54, a transfer sub-device 56 and a secondary drive 58.

The transfer sub-device support 54 has first and second opposed ends 60,62. The primary drive 22 is operatively coupled between the transfer sub-device support 54 and the cadaver support 12 to drive movement of the transfer device 20, relative to the load bearing surface of the cadaver support 12, between the first and second positions.

The transfer sub-device 56 is moveable in use relative to the transfer sub-device support 54 between a retracted position in which the transfer sub-device 56 lies at the first end of the transfer sub-device support 54 (as shown in Figure 4) and an extended position in which the transfer sub-device 56 lies at the second end 62 of the transfer sub-device support 54.

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the transfer sub-device lies towards, as opposed to at, the first and second ends of the transfer sub-device support when located in respective retracted and extended positions.

The transfer sub-device 56 further includes a projection 66. The projection 66 is in the form of a cantilever that extends beyond the second end 62 of the transfer sub-device support 54 when the transfer sub-device 56 is at the extended position, and is located between the first and second ends 60,62 of the transfer sub-device support 54 when the transfer sub-device 56 is at the retracted position. When the transfer device 20 is at the second position and the transfer sub-device 56 is at the extended position, the projection 66 of the transfer sub-device 56 extends beyond the second end 62 of the cadaver support 12.

The transfer sub-device support 54 further includes an additional guide portion 68 configured to cooperate with a guide rail 70 located on top of the transfer sub-device 56 so as to guide the movement of the transfer sub-device 56 relative to the transfer sub- device support 54 and to support the weight of the projection 66 of the transfer sub-device 56.

The secondary drive 58 is operatively coupled between the transfer sub-device support 54 and the transfer sub-device 56.

The secondary drive 58, which is shown in more detail in Figure 4, includes a secondary collar 72 threadably engaged on a secondary threaded shaft 74. In the embodiment shown the secondary threaded shaft 74 is centrally positioned within the transfer sub-device support 54.

The secondary collar 72 is threadably engaged on the secondary threaded shaft 74 by means of a plurality of spherical engagement members arranged in a series string, which are housed within the secondary collar 72, in a similar manner to the primary collar 24 and primary threaded shaft 26 as shown in more detail in Figure Sb.

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the secondary collar may be threadably engaged on the secondary threaded shaft by an internal thread of the secondary collar which corresponds with the thread of the secondary threaded shaft.

The spherical engagement members may be ball bearings or may instead take a different form, for example, hollow spherical members.

Each spherical engagement member is partially housed within the secondary collar 72 so that a portion of each spherical engagement member protrudes from the secondary collar 72 and lies within the thread of the secondary threaded shaft 74.

The secondary drive 58 further includes secondary guide portions (not shown) to guide the linear movement of the transfer sub-device 56 along a length L2 of the secondary threaded shaft 74.

The secondary threaded shaft 74 and secondary guide portions extend from the first end of the transfer sub-device support 54 to the second end 62 of the transfer sub-device support 54.

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the secondary threaded shaft and secondary guide portions may each extend only part way between the first and second ends of the transfer sub-device support.

The transfer sub-device 56 further includes an additional engagement formation 76 to engage with a cadaver carrier. The additional engagement formation 76 is located at a free end of the projection 66 of the transfer sub-device 56.

The additional engagement formation 76 includes an abutment formation 78 to abut a cadaver carrier to push the cadaver carrier upon movement of the transfer sub-device 56 from the retracted position to the extended position. In the embodiment shown, the abutment formation 78 includes a cushioned portion (not shown) to contact the cadaver carrier so as to not damage the carrier.

The additional engagement formation 76 may also include a fastening means (not shown) to permit engagement of the cadaver carrier to pull the carrier upon movement of the transfer sub-device 56 from the extended position to the retracted position. The fastening means may be a hook or a latch, for example.

The secondary drive 58 further includes a secondary actuator to initiate and control driving movement of the transfer sub-device 56. In the embodiment shown the secondary actuator is a motor 80. The motor 80 includes a control panel (not shown) located at the first end 60 of the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus.

The motor 80 further includes a first electrical connector (not shown). The cadaver carrier transfer apparatus further includes a second electrical connector (not shown)that is connectable to a power source (not shown). The second electrical connector is located at the first end 60 of the cadaver support 12 so that, when the transfer device 20 so is in the first position, the first electrical connector releasably mates with the second electrical connector so as to connect the motor 80 to the power source.

The inclusion of the first and second electrical connectors in the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus obviates the need to use an electrical cable to connect the motor 80 and as power source, and thereby avoids the issue of a trailing electrical cable that might interfere with the movement of the transfer device 20 between the first and second positions.

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the second electrical connector may be located towards, as opposed to at, the first end of the cadaver support.

In other embodiments (not shown) the motor may be directly connected to a power source via an electrical cable. Instill other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the secondary actuator may instead be a handle, a wheel, or a rack and pinion mechanism.

In use, the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus is positioned at the opening of a furnace (not shown), The transfer device 20 is located at the first position, the transfer sub-device 56 is at the retracted position, and a coffin is placed on the load bearing surface.

Before initiating the driving movement of the transfer device 20 from the first position to the second position, an operator uses the control panel of the motor 80 of the secondary actuator to initiate the driving movement of the transfer sub-device 56.

The motor 80 of the secondary actuator causes the secondary threaded shaft 74 to rotate relative to the secondary collar 72 in a first direction thereby permitting the ball bearings to trail the thread of the secondary threaded shaft 74. Movement of the ball bearings along the thread of the secondary threaded shaft 74 causes the secondary collar 72 to drive along the length L2 of the secondary threaded shaft 74 towards the second direction.

Once the transfer sub-device 56 reaches the extended position, the operator uses the control panel of the motor 80 of the primary actuator to initiate the driving movement of the transfer device 20 from the first position to the second position, as detailed above with respect to the first embodiment of the invention.

The cushioned portion of the abutment formation 78 of the additional engagement so formation 76 of the transfer sub-device 56 abuts the coffin and pushes it into the furnace, as the transfer sub-device 56 moves from the retracted position to the extended position and the transfer device 20 moves from the first position to the second position.

The operator uses the control panel to stop the driving movement of the transfer device 20 once the coffin has fully entered the furnace.

It will be appreciated that the operator may first initiate the driving movement of the transfer device 20 from the first position to the second position and, after the transfer device 20 reaches the second position, then initiate the driving movement of the transfer sub-device 56 from the retracted position to the extended position.

Alternatively, the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus is positioned at an opening of a cold storage unit (not shown). The transfer device 20 is located at the second position, the transfer sub-device 56 is located at the extended position and a mutually cooperable engagement formation of a cadaver storage tray (not shown) is connected to the additional engagement formation 76 of the transfer sub-device 56.

The operator initially uses the control panel of the motor 44 of the primary actuator to initiate the driving movement of the transfer device 20 from the second position to the first position, as detailed above with respect to the first embodiment of the invention.

Once the transfer device 20 reaches the first position, an operator uses the control panel of the motor 80 of the secondary actuator to initiate the driving movement of the transfer sub-device 56 from the extended position to the retracted position.

The motor 80 of the secondary actuator causes the secondary threaded shaft 74 to rotate relative to the secondary collar 72 in a second direction opposite the first direction thereby causing the secondary collar 72 to drive along the length L2 of the secondary threaded shaft 74 towards the first position.

The additional engagement formation 76 pulls the cadaver storage tray from the cold storage unit as the transfer device 20 moves from the second position to the first position and the transfer sub-device 56 moves from the extended position to the retracted position.

The cadaver carrier transfer apparatus can then be used to push the cadaver carrier back into the cold storage unit by way of the operation described above.

It will be appreciated that the operator may first initiate the driving movement of the transfer sub-device 56 from the extended position to the retracted position and, after the transfer sub-device 56 reaches the second position, then initiate the driving movement of the transfer device 20 from the second position to the first position.

It will also be appreciated that the driving movement of the transfer sub-device 56 between the retracted and extended positions can also be initiated at the same time as initiating or during the driving movement of the transfer device 20 between the first and second positions, and the driving movement of the transfer device 20 between the first and second positions can also be initiated during the driving movement of the transfer sub-device 56 between the retracted and extended positions.

The extension of the projection 66 of the transfer sub-device 56 beyond the second end 62 of the transfer sub-device support 54 when the transfer sub-device 56 is at the -10 extended position provides the transfer device 20 with an extension that enables the transfer device 20 to transfer the cadaver carrier deeper into the furnace, or deeper into or from the cold storage unit.

Moving the transfer sub-device 56 from the extended position to the retracted position is retracts the projection 66 of the transfer sub-device 56 relative to the second end 62 of the transfer sub-device support 54. This allows the transfer device 20 to have a compact configuration, and thus minimises the required length of the cadaver support 12 to be able to bear a cadaver carrier on its load bearing surface. Such a feature is particularly important since the space available within, say, a crematorium can be limited.

The inclusion of the guide portion 68 in the transfer sub-device support 54 maintains the position of the projection 66 of the transfer sub-device 56 relative to the rest of the transfer device 20, particularly when the projection 66 extends beyond the second end 62 of the transfer sub-device support 54, and thereby helps the transfer device 20 to function properly when assisting in the transferring of a cadaver carrier to or from the load bearing surface.

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the operator may turn a handle or a wheel, or operate a rack and pinion mechanism, to initiate and control the driving ao movement of the transfer sub-device 56.

In further embodiments of the invention (not shown) the secondary collar and the secondary threaded shaft may be configured to drive movement of the secondary collar along the length of the secondary threaded shaft on rotation of the secondary collar as relative to the secondary threaded shaft.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus comprising: a cadaver support having first and second opposed ends and defining a load bearing surface between the first and second ends; a transfer device moveable in use relative to the load bearing surface of the cadaver support between a first position in which the transfer device Pies at or towards the first end of the cadaver support and a second position in which the transfer device lies at or towards the second end of the cadaver support; and a primary drive operatively coupled between the transfer device and the cadaver support to drive movement of the transfer device, relative to the load bearing surface of the cadaver support, between the first and second positions.
2. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the primary drive includes a primary collar threadably engaged on a primary threaded shaft, the primary collar and the primary threaded shaft being configured to drive movement of the primary collar along the length of the primary threaded shaft on rotation of either the primary collar or the primary threaded shaft relative to the other.
3. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein the primary collar is threadably engaged on the primary threaded shaft by means of a plurality of spherical engagement members arranged in a series string which are housed within the primary collar, at least a portion of each spherical engagement member lying within the thread of the primary threaded shaft.
4. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein the primary collar is threadably engaged on the primary threaded shaft by means of an internal thread corresponding to the thread of the primary threaded shaft.
5. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to any of Claims 2 to 4 wherein the primary threaded shaft extends between the first and second ends of the cadaver support.
6. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the transfer device includes an engagement formation to engage, in use, with a cadaver carrier.
7. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the primary drive includes a primary actuator to initiate and control driving movement of the transfer device.
8. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to Claim 7 when dependent on Claim 2 wherein the primary actuator is a handle, wheel or motor to drive rotation of the primary threaded shaft relative to the primary collar.io
9. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the transfer device further includes: a transfer sub-device support having first and second opposed ends, the primary drive being operatively coupled between the transfer sub-device support and the cadaver support to drive movement of the transfer device, relative to the load bearing surface of the cadaver support, between the first and second positions; a transfer sub-device moveable in use relative to the transfer sub-device support between a retracted position in which the transfer sub-device lies at or towards the first end of the transfer sub-device support and an extended position in which the transfer sub-device lies at or towards the second end of the transfer sub-device support, the transfer sub-device further including a projection that extends beyond the second end of the transfer sub-device support when the transfer sub-device is at the extended position; and a secondary drive operatively coupled between the transfer sub-device support and the transfer sub-device to drive movement of the transfer sub-device, relative to the transfer sub-device support, between the retracted and extended positions.
10. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to Claim 9 wherein the projection of the transfer sub-device extends beyond the second end of the cadaver support when the transfer device is at the second position and the transfer sub-device is at the so extended position.
11. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein the projection of the transfer sub-device is located between the first and second ends of the transfer sub-device support when the transfer sub-device is at the retracted position.
12. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to any of Claims 9 to 11 wherein the secondary drive includes a secondary collar threadably engaged on a secondary threaded shaft, the secondary collar and the secondary threaded shaft being configured to drive movement of the secondary collar along the length of the secondary threaded shaft on rotation of either the secondary collar or the secondary threaded shaft relative to the other.
13. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein the secondary collar is threadably engaged on the secondary threaded shaft by means of a plurality of spherical engagement members arranged in a series string which are housed within the secondary collar, at least a portion of each spherical engagement member lying within the thread of the secondary threaded shaft.
14. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein the secondary collar is threadably engaged on the secondary threaded shaft by means of an internal thread corresponding to the thread of the secondary threaded shaft.
15. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to any of Claims 12 to 14 wherein the secondary threaded shaft extends between the first and second ends of the transfer sub-device support.
16. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to any of Claims 9 to 15 wherein the secondary drive includes a secondary actuator to initiate and control driving movement of the transfer sub-device.
17. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to Claim 16 when dependent on Claim 12 wherein the secondary actuator is a handle, wheel or motor to drive rotation of the secondary threaded shaft relative to the secondary collar.
18. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to Claim 17 wherein the motor further includes a first electrical connector, the cadaver carrier transfer apparatus further includes a second electrical connector that is connectable to a power source, and the second electrical connector is located at or towards the first end of the cadaver support so that, when the transfer device is in the first position, the first electrical connector releasably mates with the second electrical connector so as to connect the motor to the power source.
19. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein the secondary actuator is a rack and pinion mechanism.
20. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to any of Claims 9 to 19 wherein the transfer sub-device support further includes a guide portion configured to cooperate with the transfer sub-device so as to guide the movement of the transfer sub-device relative to the transfer sub-device support and to support the weight of the projection of the transfer sub-device.
21. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to any of Claims 9 to 20 wherein the transfer sub-device includes an engagement formation to engage, in use, with a cadaver carrier.
22. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to Claim 6 or Claim 21 wherein the engagement formation includes a hook and/or latch to engage, in use, with a cadaver carrier.
23. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the cadaver support is mounted on a fixed support structure.
24. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the cadaver support is mounted on a moveable support structure.
25. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the cadaver support includes one or more rollers, the or each roller being configured to rotate about an axis lying substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement of the transfer device, and positioned to present a moveable load bearing contact surface element protruding through an opening in the load bearing surface.
26. A cadaver carrier transfer apparatus generally as herein described with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.