NZ571185A - An improved blank and an assembly for a coffin - Google Patents

Abstract

A blank for a coffin comprising a blank body (12) defining a plurality of wall panels (14, 16, 18, 20) each having a dedicated pair of opposed sides; a base supporting member (28) formed integrally with one side of at least one of the panels; and a flap member (30) formed integrally with the opposite side of at least certain of the panels, where the base supporting member is foldable, substantially at right angles to its panel, to form a ledge on which the base is receivable. The blank is formed from a sandwich structured composite comprising a core sandwiched between a pair of flexible liners. (61) Addition to 555925

Description

Patents Form No 5 *10056595218* NEW ZEALAND 571185 Patents Act 1953 APOGEE INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD COMPLETE SPECIFICATION PATENT OF ADDITION Invention Title: An improved blank and an assembly for a coffin I/We Apogee International Pty Ltd, ACN 108 836 371, of 66 Derby Street, Silverwater, New South Wales, 2128, Australia; hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- 'ntellectual property office of N.Z 1 2 SEP 2008 fULCEjVEDl 1 An improved blank and an assembly for a coffin Technical Field This invention relates to an improved blank for a coffin. The invention further relates to an assembly for a coffin.

Background Art In response to rising costs for coffins and caskets, coffin manufacturers have turned to a variety of low cost materials. Such materials include plastics and low grade timber particle board, such as chipboard and medium density fibreboard (MDF).

As a result of increasing environmental concerns, chipboard and MDF are 10 coming under scrutiny. Coffins formed from either of these materials use unnecessary amounts of wood, produce chemical pollutants when burnt and the coffins if buried are particularly slow to breakdown and decompose. Biodegradable materials such as cardboard or corrugated board offer significant environmental benefits.

One major concern when using cardboard or corrugated board is that of 15 appearance. Customers typically desire a product that looks expensive yet is inexpensive to purchase. A further equally important concern is that coffins constructed from cardboard, or other like materials, typically lack structural integrity. In use, this often results in difficulty in carrying the coffin. Handles, if provided, are usually only decorative.

A blank and an assembly for a coffin is described in the published PCT application PCT/AU2005/001876 (W006/060879).

Disclosure of Invention In a first aspect, the invention is a blank for a coffin comprising: 25 a blank body defining a plurality of wall panels each having a dedicated pair of opposed sides; a base supporting member formed integrally with one side of at least certain of the wall panels; and a flap member formed integrally with the opposite side of at least certain of the 30 wall panels, where the base supporting members is foldable, substantially at right angles to its wall panel, to form a ledge on which a base is receiveable. 2 In a second aspect the invention is an assembly for a coffin, the assembly comprising: a pair of blanks, each blank formed from a sandwich structured composite comprising a core sandwiched between a pair of flexible liners, each blank comprising: 5 a blank body defining a plurality of wall panels each having a dedicated pair of opposed sides; a base supporting member formed integrally with one side of at least certain of the wall panels; a flap member formed integrally with the opposite side of at least certain 10 of the wall panels, where the base supporting members is foldable, substantially at right angles to its wall panel, to form a ledge on which a base is receiveable; and an insert adhereable to at least certain of the wall panels of the blank body to impart rigidity to at least a wall of a coffin once formed.

In accordance with the first aspect, the, or each, blank is preferably formed from a sandwich structured composite comprising a core sandwiched between a pair of flexible liners (otherwise referred to as skins or face sheets).

In accordance with either aspect, the core may comprise one of a closed cell honeycomb configuration, an open cell honeycomb configuration and a configuration 20 including two or more layers of corrugated flutes joined at their tips. It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the term closed cell refers to structures which are substantially impermeable to water.

The material from which the core is formed may comprise one of a balsa wood, foam, and a natural fibre (or cellulosic material). Natural fibres are generally cellulose 25 fibres selected from various natural sources. Natural fibres may include one or more natural plant fibres such as straw, cotton, flax, hemp, sugar cane, wood product fibers or other biomass products.

Optionally, or in addition, the blank may be chosen from a material which meets environmental protection standards.

The core and/or the sandwich structured composite is preferably biodegradable.

The structure of the core may typically have a gauge of any value between 8mm and 50mm.

The flexible skins may be manufactured from various grades of paperboard, veneer, or other like suitably flexible material, which are subsequently press-applied to 35 the core. 3 The entire thickness of the blank is typically any value between 10mm and 40mm. The material preferably has a crush resistance of about 90 tonne/sqm.

It should be appreciated that other like composites having a high strength to weight ratio and/or high bending stiffness with overall low density may also be utilised.

The assembly may further comprise a base.

The material from which the base and/or insert is formed may be any or of the previously described materials and may be the same as that of the blank.

Preferably, each wall panel has a base supporting member and a flap member associated with it. Each wall panel and its associated flap member may be demarcated 10 by a first line of weakness. The wall panel and its associated base supporting member may be demarcated by a second line of weakness. The lines of weakness may be fold lines, grooves, score lines, V- or U-shaped notches, or any other like means to enable the blank to be manipulated.

The edges of the base supporting member may be bevelled to facilitate abutment 15 when the blank is erected.

In one embodiment, the plurality of wall panels may include an end wall panel, a first side wall panel, and a second or subsequent side wall panel(s). The end wall panel may form part, or all, of the head wall or foot wall of a coffin. In a further embodiment, the plurality of wall panels may include a first end wall panel, a first side 20 wall panel, a second or subsequent side wall panel(s) and a second end wall panel. Neighbouring panels may be demarcated by a line of weakness.

The first end wall panel may be foldable, substantially at right angles to the first side wall panel, to form at least a portion of a first end wall. The second end wall panel may be foldable, substantially at right angles to the second side wall panel, to form at 25 least a portion of a second end wall opposite the first end wall.

The plurality of flap members may include a first end flap member, a first side wall flap member, a second or subsequent side wall flap member(s) and a second end wall flap member. Preferably a cut out portion separates one flap member from a neighbouring flap member to enable each flap member to be independently and folded 30 about the line of weakness. Each flap member may be re-entrantly folded about the line of weakness.

Whilst each flap member may be the same length as its associated wall panel (as measured perpendicular to the line of weakness demarcating the flap member from its associated wall panel), in a preferred example, each flap member is shorter than its 35 associated wall panel. The ratio of the length of each flap member to its associated wall panel may be, but not limited to 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5,1:6, 1:7, etc. 4 The first end flap member may comprise a first engagement member (or interlocking member) for engaging with a corresponding first engagement member of a first end flap member of a second blank. The first engagement member is preferably integral with the first end flap member. The first engagement member may be any 5 suitable shape to facilitate engagement.

The second end flap member may comprise a second engagement member for engaging with a corresponding second engagement member of a second end flap member of a second blank. The second engagement member is preferably integral with the second end flap member.

In an embodiment where the end wall panel forms substantially all of the a head wall or a foot wall of a coffin, it should be appreciated that in formation of a coffin, a first blank will have an end wall that forms substantially all of the head wall of the coffin and the second blank will have an end wall that forms substantially all of the foot wall of the coffin. Respective flap members for each of the end walls may comprise an 15 engagement member for engaging with either a corresponding engagement member of a first side wall panel of the second blank or a corresponding engagement member of a second side wall panel the first blank.

Openings may be cut out of the one or more wall panels into which lid attachment members are positioned. The lid attachment members may be formed from 20 wood or other rigid material suitable for receiving a fastening member.

The insert may be adhereable to a portion of the first side wall panel and a portion of the first end wall panel of each of the blanks. A second insert may be provided and may be adhereable to a portion of the second side wall panel and a portion of the second end wall panel of each of the blanks. The, or each, insert may be 25 provided for strengthening ends of the coffin and/or across the shoulder joint of the coffin.

In either embodiment, the, or each, insert may be wholly, or partially, contiguous (integral) with the base. In such an example, the, or each, insert and the base may be demarcated by a line of weakness as previously described. A first insert 30 may be wholly, or partially, contiguous with a head of the base and a second end panel may be wholly, or partially, contiguous with a foot of the base.

The assembly may further include a plurality of handle attachment members adhereable to a portion of the interior wall panels of the blank. In any example, carrying handles may be attachable to an exterior surface of the wall panel. Each 35 carrying handle may include a retaining member. The retaining member may penetrate through the wall panel and be secured into a respective handle attachment member to restrain movement of the carrying handle.

The assembly may further include a lid. The lid may comprise a blank body defining a central panel and having a plurality of flap members formed integrally with 5 the central panel. The central panel may be demarcated from each flap member by a line of weakness as previously described.

The lid may be formed from any of the previously described materials.

An outer decorative coating may be applied to at least a portion of an outer surface of the blank and/or lid as previously described. The outer surface of the blank 10 may be decorated by direct printing, laminating or hand crafting. The outer coating may have a personalised design printed thereon. The outer coating may be a lamina, skin, or other like coating such as a polyester film or a textile. The outer coating may be coated at least on the interface side with a coating of film of polypropylene or polyethylene to achieve fusion bonding onto the respective outer surface of the blank 15 and/or lid, without requiring any adhesive applied therebetween. Optionally, the outer coating may be a paper based product. The outer coating may be suitably chosen such that it meets environmental protection standards.

The printed outer coating may be applied before the coffin is erected or after the coffin has been erected.

Applying the printed outer coating to the blank may be by way of a mechanical process. For instance the mechanical application may use roll-on techniques as used in the print industry. Optionally, the step of applying the printed outer coating may be by way of a manual process.

The blank in accordance with the first aspect may also be suitable for forming a 25 general purpose box.

The blank may also be suitable for forming a casket or coffin of other shape. In an example where the blank is used to form a casket, the blank body comprises a single side wall panel, a first end wall panel and a second end wall panel whilst the base supporting member comprises a single side supporting member with a first end 30 supporting member and a second end supporting member.

Advantageously, the blank, or components making up the assembly, can be efficiently stored and assembled when required.

Brief Description of Drawings 35 Embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 6 Figure 1 shows a plan view of a blank for a coffin; Figure 2 shows a plan view of a lid for a coffin; Figure 3a shows a plan view of a base for a coffin; and Figure 3b shows a plan view of an end panel insert for a coffin.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Figure 1 illustrates a blank for a coffin. The blank is formed from a sandwich structured composite which comprises a core sandwiched between a pair of skins (or liners), It should be appreciated that a sandwich structured composite is a class of 10 composite materials that is fabricated by attaching two flexible, typically thin, skins (or liners) to a lightweight but thick core. The core material is typically a low strength material, but its higher thickness provides the sandwich composite with high bending stiffness with overall low density.

In this example, the core is a closed cell structured honeycomb, manufactured 15 from a combination of paper fibres and an organic adhesive, such as that manufactured by Xanita, The structure of the core has a gauge from 8mm up to 50 mm. Each skin can be manufactured from various grades of paper board. The entire thickness of the blank is typically between 10mm to about 40 mm.

The blank 10 includes a blank body 12 which defines a plurality of wall panels; 20 a first end wall panel 14, a first side wall panel 16, a second side wall panel 18 and a second end wall panel 20. The first end wall panel 14 and first side wall panel 16 are demarcated by a line of weakness 22, the first side wall panel 16 and second side wall panel 18 are demarcated by a line of weakness 24 and second side wall panel 18 and second end wall panel 20 are demarcated by a line of weakness 26, 25 The blank 10 further includes a base supporting member 28 and a flap member . The base supporting member 28 is formed integrally with one side of each of the panels 14, 16, 18 and 20 whilst the flap member 30 is formed integrally with the opposite side of each of the panels 14,16,18 and 20.

The blank body 12 and the base supporting member 28 are demarcated by a line 30 of weakness 32. The blank body 12 and the flap member 30 are demarcated by a further line of weakness 34. The lines of weakness 22,24, 26, 32, and 34, are V-shaped (or U-shaped) notches which enable the blank 10 to be manipulated. The lines of weakness 22,24,26,32, and 34 are described in detail below.

The base supporting member 28 defines a first end supporting member 36, a 35 first side supporting member 38, a second side supporting member 40 and a second end supporting member 42. Neighbouring members are separated by notches 44. 7 The flap member 30 defines a first end flap member 46, a first side wall flap member 48, a second side wall flap member 50 and a second end flap member 52. A cut out portion 54 separates the first end flap member 46 from the first side wall flap member 48 to enable the first end flap member 46 and first side wall flap member 48 to 5 be independently and re-entrantly folded about a relevant portion of the fold line 34. Similarly a cut out portion 54 separates the first side wall member 48 from the second side wall member 50 and the second side wall member 50 from the second end wall member 52. The height of the flap member 30 can vary from a few centimetres to the full height of the blank body 12.

The first end flap member 46 and the base supporting member 36 can be configured to each form a male interlocking member and the second end flap member 52 and the base supporting member 42 can be configured to each form a female interlocking member. In this example only first end flap member 46 and second end flap member 52 are shown as being configured to form a respective interlocking 15 member.

Lines of weakness 22, 26 and 32 are each machined at various angles in both directions to cut out a "V" or "U"shape. The outer liner is left uncut to act as a hinge.

With regard to line of weakness 32, the base supporting member 28 is then able to be folded to 90° to form a ledge, and the mitre join may be (but is not necessarily) 20 glued in place using an adhesive. With regard to line of weakness 22 the first end wall panel 14 is able to be folded and the mitre join is glued in place to form half of a first end wall (or the head of the coffin). With regard to line of weakness 26 the second end wall panel 14 is able to be folded and the mitre join is glued in place using an adhesive to form half of a second end wall (or the foot of the coffin).

Line of weakness 34 is required to be double machined and requires two 90° V- or U - shaped cuts to be placed parallel to each other to enable the flap member 30 to be re-entrantly folded.

Line of weakness 24 is similarly machined to cut out a narrower wedge such that when the edges of the V-shaped notch are brought together the shoulder joint of the 30 coffin is formed at the required angle.

Openings are cut into the interior wall of the first and second side wall panels 14, 16 and flap members 48, 16 into which lid attachment members 60, of the same configuration are inserted. The lid attachment members 60 are composed of material which is suitable for a fastening member to fasten into. The openings are situated 35 proximate the upper edge of the first and second side wall panels. The openings do not penetrate entirely through the thickness of the blank 10. However it is desired that the 8 face of the attachment members 60 sit flush with the interior face of the exterior lining of the first and second side wall panels 16,18 and flap members 48 and 50.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of a lid 70 of a coffin in the form of a lid blank body. The lid blank body 70 has a central panel 72, a first end flap member 74, a pair 5 of first side flap members 76, a pair of second side flap members 78 and a second end flap member 80. The central portion 72 and each respective flap member 74, 76, 78, 80 are demarcated by a line of weakness 82. The lid blank body 70 for the lid is also formed from the same composite from which the blank 10 is manufactured. Each line of weakness 82 is required to be double machined to enable the respective flap member 10 74, 76, 78 and 80 to be re-entrantly folded about the fold line 82 and subsequently adhered to the perimeter of the central portion 72. Openings for lid attachment members 89 may be cut if required.

Figure 3a illustrates a base insert 90. The base insert is also cut from the same composite from which the blank 10 and lid 70 are formed.

Figure 3b shows an end wall insert 92 which is similarly formed from the same composite from which the blank 10 is formed. The insert 92 is comprised of a central section 94 with opposing wing sections 96 and 98. Wing section 96 is demarcated from the central section 94 by a line of weakness 100, and wing section 98 is demarcated from the central section 94 by a line of weakness 100.

Formation of a coffin requires a pair of blanks 10, a base 90, a lid 70, and a pair of end wall inserts 92. Sheets of the sandwich structured composite are cut in accordance with the required dimensions for the coffin. It should be appreciated that whilst the first end flap member 46 and the base supporting member 36 of the first blank is configured to form a male interlocking member, the first end flap member 46 25 and the base supporting member 42 of the second blank is configured to form a female interlocking member. Similarly, whilst the second end flap member 52 of the first blank is configured to form a female interlocking member, the second end flap member 52 of the second blank is configured to form a male interlocking member. In all other respects the pair of blanks 10 are mirror images of each other.

Each of the lines of weakness 22, 24, 26, 32, 34 and 82 are machined. Openings are cut into the interior wall of the first and second side wall panels 14, 16 of each of the blanks 10 and lid attachment members 60 are inserted therein. Handle attachment members 62 (of which only one is shown) are glued to the interior wall of the first side wall panel 16 and second side wall panel 18 of the respective pair of blanks 10. The 35 handle attachment members 62 are composed of rigid sheets of plywood, plastic or metal of the appropriate diameter and a depth to prevent penetration of the blank. 9 A personalised design is printed directly onto the external surfaces of the relevant portions of the blanks 10 and lid 70 by way of a mechanical or manual process. In other embodiments the personalised design may have been pre-printed onto a thin film and then applied to the external surfaces of the blanks 10 and lid 70.

Next, flaps 74, 76, 78 and 80 of the lid blank body 70, are re-entrantly folded about the respective fold lines 82 and glued to the interior surface of the perimeter of the central panel 72.

Member portions 36, 38, 40 and 42 of the base supporting member 28 of each blank 10 are folded to 90° about the respective fold line 32 to form a ledge, and the 10 mitre join is glued in place using an adhesive.

For each blank 10, the first side flap member 48 and the second side flap member 50 are re-entrantly folded about its respective line of weakness 34, and the interior surface of each of the first side flap member 48 and the second side flap member 50 is glued to its respective portion of the first and second side wall panel. In 15 doing so, the attachment members are captured by the first and the second side flap member 48 and 50.

Next, the first end wall panel 14 and the second end wall panel 20 of each blank 10 are folded approximately 90° about their respective lines of weakness 22 and 26 and the respective mitre join is glued in place. The exposed edge of the first end wall panel 20 14 of the first blank 10 is then abutted up against the exposed edge of the first end wall panel 14 of the second blank 10 and the exposed second end wall panel 20 of the first blank 10 is abutted up against the exposed second end wall panel 20 of the second blank 10.

The base 90 is prepared for affixing to the coffin. The perimeter of the base 90 is 25 primed with an adhesive and the base 90 is lowered into and adhered to flap members 36, 38, 40 and 42 of the base supporting members 28. Each of the first end flap members 46 are then folded about their line of weakness 34 and the respective interlocking portions manipulated to lock with each other. Similarly each of the second end flap member 52 are then folded about their line of weakness 34 and the respective 30 interlocking portions manipulated to lock with each other.

Whilst the sandwich structured composite per se provides excellent strength to weight ratio, to ensure integrity is maintained when the coffin is occupied by a cadaver, end wall inserts 92 are utilised. The effect of each end wall insert is to impart rigidity to that end of the coffin and across the shoulder section of the coffin. The central 35 section 94 of one of the end wall insert 92 is glued to the exposed interior portion of the first end wall panel. Lines of weakness 100 register with the lines of weakness 22 and opposing wing sections 96 and 98 overlie, and are adhered to, a certain area of the respective first side wall panels 14. The height (H) of each end wall insert 92 is such that the top edge of the insert 92 abuts the edge of the first side flap member 48.

Similarly, the central section 94 of the other of the end wall insert 92 is glued to 5 the exposed interior portion of the second end wall panel. Accordingly, lines of weakness 100 registers with the lines of weakness 26 and opposing wing sections 96 and 98 overlie, and are adhered to, a certain area of the second side wall panels 18.

Handles (not shown) are then positioned on the exterior of the coffin thus formed such that each registers with one of the handle attachment members 62. A pair 10 of retaining members (not shown) associated with each handle are screwed through the exterior wall of the side wall panels to secure the handles to the respective handle attachment member 62.

A waterproof liner (not shown) is attached, or applied, to the inside of the coffin and overlaid with a cosmetic liner. When required, the lid is fastened by a fastener 15 through the lid and into an adjacent lid attachment member.

Whilst the height of the flap member 30 has been described as being approximately one third the height of the blank body 12, it should be appreciated that it is not limited in this manner. It could be one quarter, one fifth, one sixth, etc. Whilst the strength to weight ratio of the composite is such that the flap member need not 20 extend the entire length of the blank body 12 it may be desirable in some embodiments to do so. It will be appreciated that the plurality of wall panels may include any number of side wall panels.

Indeed, the formation of each blank 10, from the sandwich structured composite enables the blank 10 to have reduced dimensions (specifically, the flap member 30 is 25 not required to be of any particular length relative to the length of the side wall panels 16, 18). Furthermore, the formation of each blank 10, from the sandwich structured composite renders obsolete, the side panel inserts which are held captive between the wall panels of the blank body and their associated flap portions folded onto the wall panels as is described in the published PCT application PCT/AU2005/001876. Such 30 inserts are necessitated when the blanks are formed from significantly thinner and more flexible conventional corrugated paper boards such as disclosed in PCT/AU2005/001876. Whilst the above described coffin includes a pair of end panel inserts 92, such panels are able to be are kept to a minimum. For a standard coffin the width of each wing panel 96, 98 is about 10cm.

Whilst the blank in the above example is described as having a core composed of a closed cell structured honeycomb, it should be appreciated that the blank can be 11 formed from a variety of corrugated cardboards or composites that are fabricated by attaching two outer liners to a core. The core may comprise a number of layers of corrugated flutes joined at their tips, with liners on both sides.

An advantage of at least one example of the invention is in the provision of a 5 coffin or casket which offers a high degree of personalisation. A further advantage of at least one example of the invention is in the provision of a relatively inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing coffin.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific 10 embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 12

Claims (38)

CLAIMS:

1. A blank for a coffin comprising: a blank body defining a plurality of wail panels each having a dedicated pair of 5 opposed sides; a base supporting member formed integrally with one side of at least certain of the wall panels; and a flap member formed integrally with the opposite side of at least certain of the wall panels, where the base supporting member is foldable, substantially at right angles 10 to its wall panel, to form a ledge on which a base is receivable; wherein the blank is formed from a sandwich structured composite comprising a core sandwiched between a pair of flexible liners.

2. A blank for a coffin according to claim 1, where the core comprises one of: a 15 closed cell honeycomb configuration, an open cell honeycomb configuration and a configuration including two or more layers of corrugated flutes joined at their tips.

3. A blank for a coffin according to claim 2, where at least the core of the sandwich structured composite is formed of a material which comprises a cellulosic 20 material.

4. A blank for a coffin according to claim 2 or 3, where the core's structure has a gauge of between 8mm and 50mm. 25

5. A blank for a coffin according to any one of the preceding claims, where each flexible liner comprises paperboard.

6. A blank for a coffin according to any one of the preceding claims, where each wall panel has a base supporting member and a flap member associated with it. 30

7. A blank for a coffin according to claim 6, where each wall panel and its associated flap member are demarcated by a first line of weakness.

8. A blank for a coffin according to claim 7, where each wall panel and its 35 associated base supporting member are demarcated by a second line of weakness. 13

9. A blank for a coffin according to claim 7 or 8, where the lines of weakness enable the blank to be manipulated and comprise one of V-shaped notches, U- shaped notches, fold lines, grooves, and score lines. 5 10. A blank for a coffin according to any one of claims 6 to 9, where the plurality of wall panels include a first end wall panel, at least a first side wall panel and a second side wall panel, and a second end wall panel, and where the first end wall panel and the first side wall panel, the second side wall panel and the second end wall panel, and neighbouring side wall panels, are each demarcated by a line of weakness.

10

11. A blank for a coffin according to claim 10, where the first end wall panel is foldable, substantially at right angles to the first side wall panel, to form at least a portion of a first end wall and where the second end wall panel is foldable, substantially at right angles to the second side wall panel, to form at least a portion of a second end 15 wall opposite the first end wall.

12. A blank for a coffin according to any one of claims 6 to 11, where an edge of the base supporting member is bevelled to facilitate abutment when the blank is erected. 20

13. A blank for a coffin according to any one of claims 6 to 12, where the plurality of flap members include a first end wall flap member, a first side wall flap member, a second side wall flap member and a second end wall flap member, and where a cut out portion separates one flap member from a neighbouring flap member to enable each flap member to be independently folded about the line of weakness. 25

14. A blank for a coffin according to claim 13, where the first end wall flap member comprises a first engagement member for engaging with a corresponding first engagement member of a first end wall flap member of a second blank. 30

15. A blank for a coffin according to claim 13 or 14, where the second end wall flap member comprises a second engagement member for engaging with a corresponding second engagement member of a second end wall flap member of a second blank.

16. A blank for a coffin according to any one of the preceding claims, further 35 comprising an outer decorative coating applied to at least a portion of an outer surface of the blank body, where the outer coating has a personalised design printed thereon. 14

17. An assembly for a coffin comprising: a pair of blanks, each blank formed from a sandwich structured composite comprising a core sandwiched between a pair of flexible liners, each blank comprising: 5 a blank body defining a plurality of wall panels each having a dedicated pair of opposed sides; a base supporting member formed integrally with one side of at least certain of the wall panels; a flap member formed integrally with the opposite side of at least certain 10 of the wall panels, where the base supporting members is foldable, substantially at right angles to its wall panel, to form a ledge on which a base is receiveable; and an insert adhereable to at least certain of the wall panels of the blank body to impart rigidity to at least a wall of a coffin once formed. 15

18. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 17, where the core comprises one of: a closed cell honeycomb configuration, an open cell honeycomb configuration and a configuration including two or more layers of corrugated flutes joined at their tips.

19. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 18, where at least the core of the 20 sandwich structured composite is formed of a material which comprises a cellulosic material.

20. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 18 or 19, where the core's structure has a gauge of between 8mm and 50mm, 25

21. An assembly for a coffin according to any one of claims 17 to 20, where each flexible liner comprises paperboard.

22. An assembly for a coffin according to any one of claims 17 to 21, where each 30 wall panel has a base supporting member and a flap member associated with it.

23. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 22, where each wall panel and its associated flap member are demarcated by a first line of weakness, 35

24. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 23, where each wall panel and its associated base supporting member are demarcated by a second line of weakness. 15

25. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 23 or 24, where the lines of weakness enable the blank to be manipulated and comprise one of V-shaped notches, U-shaped notches, fold lines, grooves, and score lines. 5

26. An assembly for a coffin according to any one of claims 22 to 25, where for each blank the plurality of wall panels include a first end wall panel, at least a first side wall panel and a second side wall panel, and a second end wall panel, and where for each blank the first end wall panel and the first side wall panel, the second side wall 10 panel and the second end wall panel, and neighbouring side wall panels, are each demarcated by a line of weakness.

27. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 26, where for each blank the first end wall panel is foldable, substantially at right angles to the first side wall panel, to 15 form at least a portion of a first end wall and where the second end wall panel is foldable, substantially at right angles to the second side wall panel, to form at least a portion of a second end wall opposite the first end wall.

28. An assembly for a coffin according to any one of claims 22 to 27, where an edge 20 of the base supporting member is bevelled to facilitate abutment when the blank is erected.

29. An assembly for a coffin according to any one of claims 22 to 28, where for each blank the plurality of flap members include a first end wall flap member, a first 25 side wall flap member, a second side wall flap member and a second end wall flap member, and where a cut out portion separates one flap member from a neighbouring flap member to enable each flap member to be independently folded about the line of weakness.

30 30. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 29, where the first end wall flap member of the first blank comprises a first engagement member for engaging with a corresponding first engagement member of a first end wall flap member of the second blank. 35

31. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 29 or 30, where the second end wall flap member of the first blank comprises a second engagement member for engaging 16 with a corresponding second engagement member of a second end wall flap member of the second blank.

32. An assembly for a coffin according to any one of claims 22 to 31, where a first 5 insert is adhereable to a portion of the first side wall panel and a portion of the first end wall panel of each of the blanks.

33. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 32, where a second insert is adhereable to a portion of the second side wall panel and a portion of the second end 10 wall panel of each of the blanks.

34. An assembly for a coffin according to any one of claims 22 to 25, where for the first blank, the plurality of wall panels include a first end wall panel, a first side wall panel and at least a second side wall panel, and for the second blank, the plurality of 15 wall panels include a first side wall panel, at least a second side wall panel and a second end wall panel, where the first end wall panel and the first side wall panel of the first blank, the second side wall panel and the second end wall panel of the second blank, and neighbouring side wall panels for each blank, are each demarcated by a line of weakness. 20

35. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 34, where the first end wall panel is foldable, substantially at right angles to its respective first side wall panel, to form a first end wall and where the second end wall panel is foldable, substantially at right angles to its respective second side wall panel, to form at a second end wall opposite 25 the first end wall.

36. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 35, where a first insert is adhereable to at least a portion of the first end wall panel and a portion of each of the first side wall panels, and a second insert is adhereable to at least a portion of the second end wall 30 panel and a portion of each of the second side wall panels.

37. An assembly for a coffin according to any one of claims 22 to 36, further comprising a base. 35

38. An assembly for a coffin according to claim 37 when dependent on claim 32 or 33, where the, or each, insert is partially contiguous with the base.