US2201057A

US2201057A - Casket placer

Info

Publication number: US2201057A
Application number: US286710A
Authority: US
Inventors: Smetana Joseph Robert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1939-07-26
Filing date: 1939-07-26
Publication date: 1940-05-14
Anticipated expiration: 1957-05-14

Description

May 14, 1940. J. R. SMETANA CASKET PLACER Filed July 26, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 mm 7 mY m May 14, 1940. J. R. SMETANA CASKET PLACER Filed July 26, 1939 s Sheets-Sheet a Patented May 14, 1940 UNITED STAT Ed enerover-es 6 Claims.

This invention relates to a casket placer.

The invention aims to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, .a placer for conveniently positioning a casket relative to a lowering device, arranged over the grave for the casket.

The invention further aims to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a casket placer for facilitating the position of a casket relative to a casket lowering device disposed relative to a grave.

The invention further aims to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a casket placer for the purpose referred to capable of being removably positioned on a casket lowering device. The invention further aims to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a casket placer for the purpose referred to capable of being readily assembled and disassembled and when assembled quickly installed with respect to a casket lowering device disposed over and about a grave.

The invention further aims to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a casket placer capable of being expeditiously assembled and disassembled and when disassembled stored in a comparatively small space. v The invention further aims to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth; a casket'placer for the purpose referred to including means whereby the casket may be conveniently slid by the pallbearers to a position in relation to a lowering device therefor arranged at a grave.

. The invention further aims to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a casket placer for the purpose set forth having means for re leasably supporting it from, on and over a casket lowering device.

lhe invention further aims to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a casket placer for the purpose referred to capable of being adjusted relative to its length and width.

The invention further aims to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a casket placer for the purpose referred to including a frame capable of being adjusted to length and width and constituting a track forming means and a carriagc slidably mounted on said means and capable of being adjusted relative to width.

The invention further aims to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a casket placer for the purpose referred to including track forming means for a slidable carriage having a vertically adjustable body and a supporting roller at the rear end of said means capable of being vertically adjusted to align with the body of the carrier.

manner as hereinafter set forth, a casket placer for the purpose referred to which is simple in its construction and arrangement, strong, durable, conveniently installed with respect to a casket lowering device disposed relative to a grave, thoroughly efllcient in its use, quickly removed from said lowering device and expeditiously disassembled and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Embodying the aims aforesaid and others which may hereinafter appear, the invention consists of thenovel construction; combination and arrangemen-t of parts as will be more specifically described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown embodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variae tions and modifications may be resorted to which fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

In the drawings- Figure 1 is a top plan view of a casket placer in accordance with this invention showing the v adaptation thereof with'respe'ct to a casket lowering device, a

. Figure :2 is a side elevation of a casket placer in accordance with this invention showing the adaptation thereof with respect to a casket 10wering device, the latterbeing partly shown in sections, c

Figure 3 is a section on line 3--3 Figure 1, Figure 4 is a section on line 4-4 Figure 1,

Figure-5 is a detail in longitudinal section of one end of the casket placer,

Figure 6 is a detail in transverse section, Figure 7 is a top plan view of arinodified form of a casket placer in accordance with this invention and further illustrating the adaptation of the placer with a casket lowering device, the placer being partly in section and the lowering devic illustrated in dotted lines, l

Figure 8 is a section on line 8-8 Figure 7, Figure 9 is a section on line 9-@ Figure 8, Figure 1D is a section on line iii- Figure 7. Figure ii is a cross sectional View illustrating the position of the carriage upon a vault base, and Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of a modified form of track forming means.

Referring to, Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 of the drawings, a casket lowering device of well-known form is indicated at l and it includes a set of spaced supports 2 formed with flanges 3. supports 2 extend into vertically disposed socket members 4 and with the flanges 3 of the supports 2 seated on the upper ends of the members 4. Binding screws 5 for the supports 2 are carried by the members 4. As is well-known a casket lowering device includes a pair of oppositely revoluble lengthwise adjustable shafts 6 from which unwind the lowering belts l. The device 2 also includes lengthwise adjustable end members 8, each formed of a pair of telescopic sections 9, Ill. The shafts 6 are also formed of a pair of telescopic sections H, l2. The shafts 6 and end members 8 are connected to the supports 2. .As is well-known a casket lowering device includes suitable means for operating the shafts 6 for the purpose of winding and unwinding the belts l. The lowering device I as shown is provided with telescopic adjustable suspension rods 63 connected to the members 4, as at M for suspending green silk plush draperies, not shown at the side and end walls of the grave.

With reference to Figures 1 to 6, they illustrate a casket placer [5 in accordance with this invention and which includes a frame w formed of a pair of side members I6 of like form, but oppositely disposed and a pair of end members I! of like form, but oppositely disposed. The frame 45* is adjustable relative to length and width. Each side member I6 is formed of a pair of sections l8, l9 of angle shape in transverse section to provide a vertical and a horizontal leg. The horizontal leg of the section 19 is formed lengthwise thereof with a row of closely related openings 20. The horizontal leg of the section 18 is formed with a set of openings 2|, preferably three in number and equally spaced from each other. The section l8 of a side member l6 is mounted for a portion of its length upon the horizontal leg 0 the section I9. The outer end terminal portion of the section I8 is bent inwardly at an angle, as at 22. The outer end terminal. portion of the section I9 is bent inwardly at an angle, as at 23. The openings 2| of the section I3 coact with selected openings 26 of the section IQ for the passage of removable holdfast devices 24 for detachably securing the sections of the frame members I6 in adjusted position.

The horizontal legs of the sections of each frame.

member l6 provide a track. The tracks are arranged in parallel spaced relation. The vertical legs of the sections l8, 19 of each frame member l6 constitute a stop and they are arranged at the inner sides of the horizontal legs of such sections.

The end members H are of like form and oppositely disposed and each includes a tubular 7 section 25 and a tubular section 26. The outer end terminal portions of the sections 25, 26 are disposed at an inward inclination, as at 21, 26 respectively and seat againstthe inturned end terminal portions 22, 23 of the side frame members IS. The inturned end terminal portions of the sections 25, 26 of the end frame members I I are compressed, as indicated at 29, Figure 6. A coupling piece 30 is employed for connecting an end terminal portion of a frame member Hi to an end terminal portion of a frame member I! and in this connection attention is directed to Figure 6. The coupling 36 is positioned against the outer face of an end terminal portion of a frame member 16 and bears against and is seated upon an end terminal portion of a frame member Ill. The coupling 36, end terminal portion of a framemember I! and end portion of a frame member It are formed with registering openings 3|, 32, 33 respectively. Extending through said registering openings is a headed retaining pin 34 which is removable.

The sections of each end frame member I! are disposed in telescopic relation thereby providing for adjusting the width of the frame 15 Binding screws 35 are carried by the sections 25 and engage with the sections 28 of the end frame members I! thereby retaining sections of an end frame member in adjusted relation.

The sections 25 and 26 of the end frame members Ill are provided with outwardly directed combined supports and coupling members 36 of like form and each consists of an upper plate 31, a lower plate 38 secured to the outer portion of a lower face of the plate 37, a shank 39 secured to the inner portion of the lower face of the plate 31 and a hook 46 depending from the outer end of the shank 38 and having its bill below and spaced from the plate 38. Each end frame member is provided with a pair of combined supporting and coupling members 36. Two of the said members 36 are riveted or otherwise secured, as at 4! to the sections 26 of the end frame members H. The other two members 36 are riveted or otherwise secured, as at 42 to the sections 25 of the frame members H. The members 36 which are secured to the sections 26 of the frame member I! seat on and engage under the sections [0 :1

I is formed with two spaced pairs of openings.

The openings of each pair are indicated at 43,

44 and they are arranged in diametrically opposed relation with respect to section 25. Formed integral with the bottom of the section 25 of each end frame member H are depending collars 45 which form continuations of the edges of the openings 44. Threadably engaging with each collar 45 is a set screw 46 for a purpose to be referred to. The section 26 of each end frame The said members 36 member I? is formed lengthwise thereof with 2.

pair of aligned slots 4'! with which the

openings

43 and 44 communicate. Arranged over the section 25 of each end frame member I! is a vertically disposed yoke 48 carrying a revoluble supporting roller 49.

lel stems 5! which extend down through the pairs of openings formed in the section 25 and also through the slots 4'! formed in the section 26. the purpose of elevating and lowering the yoke 43. The stems 5| are secured in their adjusted position by the set screws 45. The purpose of adjusting the roller 49 is for aligning it with. th body part of a slidable carriage 52.

The carriage 52 is slidable on and removable from the tracks provided by the side frame members 16 of the frame W The carriage 52 includes two spaced parallel'pairs of spaced inverted yokes or hangers. The hangers of one pair are indicated at 53. The hangers of the other pair are designated 64. Secured to the upper end of each yoke is a post or standard 55. Mounted on each standard is a vertically adjustable collar 56. The collars 56 are arranged Integral with the bight 56 of the yoke 48 is a pair of vertically disposed paral- The stems 5! are vertically adjustable for Gi l ' pair of telescopic sections ll, '58.

in pairs and each pair is connected together by a bar 51 disposed in lengthwise relation with respect to the frame i The inner side of each collar 56 is formed integral therewith a depending hanger 58.

The carriage 52 includes a. vertically ad justable" body part. The collars 55, bars El and hangers 58 form elements of said body part and the latter also includes a pair of telescopic lengthwise adjustable supporting members 59', dd. The said supporting members are provided with means, as at ill for retaining them in adjustable position. The members at, (it are disposed in transverse relation with respect to the frame w and-provide for adjusting the wi th of the body part of the carriage Each supporting member is formed of a pair of sections 52; 63'. The sections 62 of the supporting members are secured to one pair of hangers 5t and the sections d3 of the supporting members are secured to the other pair of hangers 53.

The body part of the carriage ii?! also includes a skeleton arrester (i i of. angle form which extends forwardly from the support 6!. The arrester it is adjustable as to width and it includes a pair of oppositely disposed telescopic parts 66 and each of which includes an upper portion 61 disposed in transverse relation with respect to the frame Hi (Figure 4), a vertical portion tit depending from the outer end of the portion ti and a lower portion f ll (Figure 3) extending rearwardly from the lower end of the portion fill. The lower portions 59 of the telescopic parts fill, (it are disposed longitudinally relative to the frame M and are fixed at their rear ends with collars it secured to the sections E2, 63 of the member 85. The arrester lid is provided with means, as at H for securing it in its adjusted positi on. The hangers El i have revolubly connected therewith, aswell as depending therefrom rollers or casters it which travel on the tracks provided by the horizontal legs of the side members ill of the frame I fi and are arrested from shifting outwardly relative to the frame members it by the vertical legs of said frame members.

It will be assumed that the casket placer it is in the position shown in Figure 1 and it is desired to arrange the casket relative to the device l for the purpose of the latter lowering the casket into the grave. When the casket placer is in the position shown in Figure 1 the roller id is aligned with the sections (-23 of the members Ed. The pallbearers at the forward end of the casket position such forward end on the roller ll-l and slide it on the body part of the carriage lid to an extent to abut the arrester G5. The casket is shoved in a forward direction which causes the carriage 52 to travel-in the same direction. The shifting of the casket is had until the belts l are arranged below and intermediate the ends of the casket. The latter is then lifted at its forward end. and the carriage 52 removed and when removed the casket will seat upon the belts l, and it is then lowered into the grave by means of the device i. After the casket has been lowered the frame it is detached from the lowering device 5 and dismantled;

With reference to the modified form of the casket placer shown in Figures '5 to lb and generally indicated at '53, it includes a frame 'l l having its side members "l5 form a pair of spaced parallel. tracks. The frame it includes a pair of end members it. The side members it of. the frame '?-i are of tubular form and consist of a The end menibers it are of tubular form and: formed of a pair of telescopic sections it, at; The side members it areof like form. The end. members 16ers of like form. The side members 'lli' form tracks convex cross section. The end terminal portions of each side member 75 are compressed, as indicated 8 5' and extend at an inward inclination. The end terminal portions 8! of each side member l5 are oppositely outwardly inclined. The end terminal portions of each end member 16 is compressed, as at $2 and they extend inwardly at an inclination. The end terminal portions of each member it are oppositely outwardly inclined. Each end member 76 adjacent each end terminal portion thereof is shouldered, as at 83. The end terminal portions 82 of each end memborlt abut the inner faces of the side members "5 The end terminal portions 8! of the side members 75 are positioned against the outer faces of the end terminal portions 82 of the end memhers iii and abutthe shoulders 83. The end terminal portions fi l of the side members l5 are do tachably secured to the end terminal portions 82 of the end members 16 by the holdfast means 84. The section ill of the rear end member N5 of the frame in is provided with a vertically adjustable roller structure for the same purpose and corresponding in construction to the roller structure shown by Figure 5.

The modified form shown in Figures '7 to includes carriage 8G for the same purpose of the carriage 52. The carriage 86 includes a body part formed of a pair of telescopic supports 81-, S8 of like form and each formed of a pair of sections 88, so. Fixed to the sections 89 of said supports is a plate 95' having front and rear depending flanges iltl secured to said sections 88 (Figure 9). Mounted on and fixed to the sections is a plate d3 having front and rear depending flanges Shl' fixed to said sections 9E The plate til is of. less length than the plate Qi. The

plate is also of less length than the sections 99.

The sections 99' extend into the sections 89 and the carriage is provided with a suitable means, as indicated at ed for securing the sections 89 to sections 96 when the carriage 84 is adjusted. as to width. The sections 89 extend from the plate 91, as well as depend therefrom and provide hangers, as indicated at 9E. The sections tlil extend from the plate 93, as well as depend from the latter and provide hangers, as indicated at 91. The hangers 96, 9% may be termed supports and which carry spindles 98 for rollers or casters 98 having concave grooves for travelling on the convexed tracks provided by the side members "it of the frame M. The carriage 86 includes a skeleton arrester lllt which extends from the sections 39', 9d of the support $8. The arrester ltd is substantially of the same form as the arrester Fi l and is also adjustable relative to width with relation to the body part of the carriage (it. The sections of the arrester indicated lti, it? are disposed in telescopic relation. Means, indicated at N33 is for the purpose of detachably securing the sections of the arrester in adjustable position.

The modified form of casket placer disclosed by Figures '7 to 10 includes spaced means for supporting the frame "M from the lowering device and such means also provides for detachably connecting the frame it to the lowering device. The said spaced means are of like construction and each consists, with reference to Figure 10, of a bracket l lformed of a horizontally disposed arm 5% and a hook lfit integral with the lower face of the arm I05 intermediate the ends of the latter. The hook I06 depends from the arm I05 and has its bill IIlI arranged below and spaced from the outer portion of the arm I85. The inner portion of the arm I05 has integral with its upper face a vertically disposed annular lug I08 having a concave upper face 19. The bracket I04 is formed with an opening III) which extends through the rear end of the arm I05 and also through the lug I08. Two of the brackets I0 5 are secured to and disposed in outwardly extended relation with respect to the section ll of each side member I5. One of the brackets I94 is secured to and extended outwardly from the section I9 of each end member I6. A bracket I0 5 is secured to and disposed at outwardly extended relation with respect to the section of each end member 78. The section I9 of each end member I6 will have formed integral therewith a depending threaded bolt. Each section 80 of each end member IE will be provided with a depending threaded bolt. Each section I? of each side member I5 will have formed integral therewith a depending threaded bolt. Each of said bolts is adapted to extend through the lug I68 and arm I05 in the manner as shown in Figure 10 and with the lug I08 bearing against that section of the frame I4 provided with the bolt (Figure 10). The said bolts are indicated at I II (Figure 10) and the bolts are provided with clamping nuts II2 (Figure 10). When the brackets I94 are secured to the side and end members of the frame I4 the arms I05 are to seat on the side and end members of the lowering device I I whereby the casket placer I3 will be supported.

from the lowering device and when the arms I are in the position as stated, the hooks of the brackets IM engage under the sides and ends of the frame of the lowering device and detachably connect the frame I4 to the device I.

The modified form of the casket placer I3 shown by Figures 7 to 10 functions in the same manner as the casket placer illustrated by Figures 1 to 6. After the frame'M is detached from the lowering device I it is dismantled.

With reference to Figure 11 it discloses the use of the carriage with respect to a vault base I13 which is to be supported at the top of the grave by the lowering device I. The construction of the carriage is such that its body part will clear the top of the base H3 when the casket is being placed in position over said base. When the carriage is employed to place the casket relative to a vault base on the lowering device the rollers or casters '52 travel on the upper lengthwise marginal portions of base H3.

With reference to Figure 12 the modified form of a track forming means consists of a pair of sections H4, H5 which constitute a side member of the frame of the placer. The sections H4, H5 are disposed in telescopic relation and are of angle shape in cross section to correspond to the contour of the sections I3, l9. The section H4 is hollow. The section H5 extends into the section IM. Otherwise than as stated the sections H4, H5 will conform in structure ,to the sections it, II! respectively.

What I claim is:

A casket placer for use in connection with a casket lowering device'having lowering belts, said placer including a fiat rectangular frame providing parallel tracks lengthwise thereof, oppositely disposed spaced means extended laterally from the frame adapted to be detachably connected to said device for suspending the frame above and in inwardly disposed relation with respect to the said device, a carriage travelling on said tracks, and an arrestor bodily carried by and extended forwardly from the carriage.

2. A casket placer for use in connection with a. casket lowering device of rectangular form having lowering belts, said placer including a flat rectangular frame providing parallel tracks lengthwise thereof, spaced means extended laterally from each end of the frame adapted to be detachably connected to the ends of said device for suspending the frame above and in inwardly disposed relation with respect to said device, a carriage travelling on said tracks, and an angleshaped arrestor of less width than the carriage and bodily carried by and extended forwardly from the carriage.

3. A casket placer for use in connection with a casket lowering device of rectangular form having lowering belts, said placer including a longitudinally and horizontally adjustable fiat frame providing parallel tracks lengthwise thereof, spaced means extended laterally from each end of the frame for detachable connection to the ends of the device for suspending the frame above and in inwardly disposed relation with respect to said device, a vertically and horizontally adjustable carriage travelling on said tracks, a horizontally adjustable angle-shaped arrestor of less width than the carriage and bodily carried by and extended forwardly from the carriage, a vertically adjustable yoke connected to the rear end of said frame, and a supporting roller mounted in the yoke.

4. A casket placer for use in connection with a casket lowering device having lowering belts,

said placer including a rectangular frame providing parallel tracks lengthwise thereof, spaced means extended laterally from the frame and being formed to abut the upper and lower faces of said device to detachably connect the frame to said device to thereby suspend the frame above and in inwardly disposed relation with respect to said device, a carriage travelling on said tracks, and an arrestor bodily carried by and extended from the front of the carriage.

5. In a casket placer, a carriage for travelling over and in inwardly disposed relation with respect to a casket lowering device, said carriage including two aligned spaced pairs of spaced vertically disposed mobile parts, the parts of each pair of parts being connected together, front and rear vertically and horizontally adjustable elements each formed of a pair of telescopic sections, each of said elements being slidably mounted on one of the parts of each of said pair of parts for connecting one pair of said parts to the other pair of said parts, an upstanding horizontally adjustable arrestor formed of a pair of vertically disposed angle-shaped sections having their upper portions disposed in telescopic relation, each section of the arrestor connected at its lower end to a section of the front one of said elements, means carried by said elements for detachably securing them in adjusted positions, and means carried by the said arrestor for detachably securing it in its adjusted position.

6. A casket placer for use in connection with a casket lowering device of rectangular form having lowering belts, said placer including a fiat rectangular frame element formed of a pair of sectional lengthwise adjustable side members, a pair of sectional lengthwise adjustable end members and means for detachably connecting the ends of the side members to the ends of the end 75 members, means extended from the sections of the end members for detachable connection to the ends of said device for suspending the frame above and in inwardly disposed relation with re spect to said device, the side members of said frame forming spaced parallel tracks, a horizontally extensible and retractible carriage travelling on said tracks and including front and rear vertically adjustable portions, and a horizontally extensible and retractible arrestor of angle-shaped form having rearwardly extending lower portions fixed to the said forward portion of the carriage and upper portions.

JOSEPH ROBERT SMETANA.

horizontally disposed telescopic