WO2006057620A1

WO2006057620A1 - A burial crypt unit and an arrangement in a cemetery

Info

Publication number: WO2006057620A1
Application number: PCT/SG2005/000330
Authority: WO
Inventors: Swee Khian Wong; Wai Ean Yee; Fook Hoon Lee; Choong Kiow Ng; Satish S/O Appoo; Chiu Ying Wong; Joo Ming Lau
Original assignee: Housing & Development Board Hdb Hub; National Environment Agency
Priority date: 2004-11-24
Filing date: 2005-09-29
Publication date: 2006-06-01
Also published as: MY139826A; CN100529313C; SG122838A1; CN101072921A; HK1111748A1

Abstract

A burial crypt comprising interconnecting panels (10, 11, 20, 30). The end panels (20, 30) are of a lesser height than the side panels. The recessed lid (120) comprises slots (123) and positional protrusions (122) for a alignment template or jig (161) of a lid lifting device (160). Grooves (166) engages the protrusions (122) and lifting shaft (162) engages the slots.

Description

A BURIAL CRYPT UNIT AND AN ARRANGEMENT IN A CEMETERY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pre-fabricated burial crypt unit, and a burial crypt arrangement that optimizes space in a cemetery, and more importantly, the usage of material for the whole arrangement is economised.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, burial has been performed by digging individual burial plots in a cemetery. Each burial plot is large enough to receive a single casket. In this traditional mode of burial, adjacent burial plots are usually provided with considerable space therebetween. Another problem with this type of burial plot preparation, is that water logging is a problem, as infiltration of seepage of moisture and water into the burial plots exist, and there is inadequate drainage in the cemetery.

Preparing burial plots is very labour intensive. This increasingly becomes a problem as grave digging as a profession is not popular. More importantly, in land scarce areas like Singapore, the arrangement of burial plots of the traditional method is not feasible.

A prior art discloses the use of burial crypts designed as individual tubs, to receive caskets. Each individual tub receives a single casket. In a burial crypt assembly using the burial crypts as disclosed, each tub is arranged to be in close proximity to the next, to minimize the space between each individual crypt. However, land space is still not fully optimized, as each individual crypt is separated from the next, by a double wall.

In the traditional burial plots, once the caskets are placed within the burial plot, the area is backfilled to re-establish an acceptably and aesthetically pleasing turf. Each time a burial plot is prepared the turf has to be prepared. This is not only time consuming, but will not lead to a uniform turf, as the turf will be of different maturity.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above problems in the prior art. Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

According to a first embodiment of the invention there is provided a pre-fabricated burial crypt unit, said unit including two parallel upright panels of a pre-determined height spaced laterally apart, said parallel panels forming side panels of the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit, an anterior head panel adaptable to be attached towards a top end of one side of the two side panels, said anterior head panel of a height less than the pre¬ determined height of the side panels, and said width of the anterior head panel defining the length of space between the two side panels, a posterior head panel attached towards a bottom end and of an opposed side of the side panels to the anterior head panel, said posterior head panel of a height less than the pre-determined height of the side panels, said posterior head panel of the same width as the anterior head panel, wherein the height of the anterior head panel and the height of the posterior head panel substantially equates to that of the pre-determined height of the side panels.

In a burial crypt row arrangement using at least three pre-fabricated burial crypt units of the first embodiment, the first, second and third burial crypt units inter-connectably arranged, wherein a first burial crypt unit is positioned to be abutted to a second burial crypt unit such that a top peripheral ledge of the posterior head panel of the first burial crypt unit is in complementary connection with a bottom peripheral ledge of the anterior head panel of a second burial crypt unit, so that the posterior head panel of the first burial crypt and the anterior head panel of the second burial crypt unit is of the pre¬ determined height of the side panels, and wherein the third burial crypt unit is positioned to be abutted to the second burial crypt unit such that the bottom peripheral ledge of the anterior head panel of the third burial crypt unit is in complementary connection with the top peripheral ledge of the posterior head panel, so that the posterior head panel of the second burial crypt and the anterior head panel of the third burial crypt unit is of the pre¬ determined height of the side panels, the second burial crypt unit thereby forming a burial chamber. In this row arrangement, it can be seen that the burial chamber thus formed will have a common wall between the adjacent crypts, and therefore, the space utilization is optimized.

According to a second embodiment of the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit, there is provided two parallel upright panels of a pre-determined height spaced laterally apart, said parallel panels forming side panels of the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit, a posterior head panel adaptable to be attached towards a top end of one side of the two side panels, said posterior head panel of a height less than the pre-determined height of the side panels, and said width of the posterior head panel defining the length of space between the two side panels, an anterior head panel attached towards a bottom end and of an opposed side of the side panels to the posterior head panel, said posterior head panel of a height less than the pre-determined height of the side panels, said anterior head panel of the same width as the posterior head panel, wherein the height of the anterior head panel and the height of the posterior head panel substantially equates to that of the pre-determined height of the side panels.

In a burial crypt row arrangement using at least three pre-fabricated burial crypt units of the second embodiment, a first burial crypt unit is positioned to be abutted to a second burial crypt unit such that a bottom peripheral ledge of the posterior head panel of the first burial crypt unit is in complementary connection with a top peripheral ledge of the anterior head panel of the second burial crypt unit, so that the posterior head panel of the first burial crypt and the anterior head panel of the second burial crypt unit is of the pre-determined height of the side panels, and wherein the third burial crypt unit is positioned to be abutted to the second burial crypt unit such that the top peripheral ledge of the anterior head panel of the third burial crypt unit is in complementary connection with the bottom peripheral ledge of the posterior head panel, so that the posterior head panel of the second burial crypt and the anterior head panel of the third burial crypt unit is of the pre-determined height of the side panels, the second burial crypt unit thereby forming a burial chamber. In a burial crypt arrangement for a cemetery, using a plurality of burial crypt row arrangements of either the first or the second embodiment, said plurality of burial crypt row arrangements being spaced apart relative to an adjacent burial crypt row arrangement, the burial crypt arrangement further including at least an anterior and a posterior head panel of the pre-determined height, said anterior and posterior head panel positioned in the space between the adjacent burial crypt row arrangements, forming a burial crypt unit therebetween.

Preferably, the burial crypt unit further includes a base portion.

Still preferably, the panels are removably attached to the base portion by any known means.

Preferably, the base portion further includes an orifice to allow fluids therethrough.

Still preferably, the side panels are removably connected to the side panels.

Preferably, the burial crypt unit further includes a cover for the burial crypt unit.

Preferably, the cover further includes a recess to form a receptacle, said receptacle having sidewalls forming the peripheral boundary of the receptacle, for the provision of turf.

Preferably, the cover further includes at least one protrusion extending from the cover, to form an identification marker for the burial crypt unit.

Preferably, the cover further includes at least one slot hole, to allow engagement to an external lifting structure for mechanized lifting of the cover.

Still preferably, the cover further includes an orifice along the sidewalls of the receptacle.

According to a third embodiment of a pre-fabricated burial crypt end unit, including two parallel upright panels of a pre-determined height spaced laterally apart, said parallel panels forming side panels of the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit; a first head panel adaptable to be attached at one end of the side panels, said first head panel of the pre- determined height, a second head panel, adaptable to be attached at an opposed end of the side panels, said second head panel having a height less than the pre-determined height.

Preferably, the second head panel is attached to a top end of the side panels.

Alternatively, the second head panel is attached to a bottom end of the side panels.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a lifting structure, adaptable to be used to- remove a cover for a crypt, said lifting structure including a template to identify the location of the cover, said template having complementary grooves to receive a protrusion from the cover, a lifting shaft dimensioned to be received through the slot holes, said lifting shaft adaptable to be rotated at an angle to the slot holes so as to engage the cover, a lifting mechanism to lift the engaged cover from the burial crypt unit.

Preferably, the lifting mechanism is one of hydraulically, pneumatically, and electro- mechanically driven.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of lifting a cover of a pYe-fabricated burial crypt unit, said method including locating the position of the cover to be removed, positioning a template over the cover to be lifted, by placing the complementary groove of the template over the protrusion of the cover, placing the lifting shaft through the at least one slot hole on the cover, rotating the lifting shaft so that the lifting shaft engages the cover, lifting the cover to remove the cover from the burial crypt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a burial crypt row arrangement using the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit of the first embodiment;

Figure 4 shows a burial crypt row arrangement using the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit of the second embodiment;

Figure- 5 shows a burial crypt arrangement;

Figure 6 shows a burial crypt suitable for the last column of the burial crypt assembly;

Figure 7A and 7B shows a burial crypt end unit;

Figure 8 shows the cover to be used for the burial crypt;

Figure 9 shows the lifting mechanism for lifting the cover to be used for the burial crypt ;

Figure 1OA shows the end element in a first position ; and

Figure 1OB shows the end element in a second position.

The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiments of the invention are not intended to limit the invention in its broadest aspect to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present embodiments.

Referring to the drawings, a first embodiment of the pre-fabricated crypt unit 100 is seen in Figure 1. The pre-fabricated crypt unit 100 includes two parallel upright panels 10, 11 of a pre-determined height spaced laterally apart. The pre-determined height is the desired depth of the burial plot, for example, 3 feet (or 0.9m) deep, for re-interment, and 6 feet (or 1.8m) deep, for fresh burial. The two parallel upright panels 10, 11 form the 2 opposed side panels of the crypt. The side panels 10, 11 have a top end portion 12, and a bottom end portion 14. An anterior head panel 20 and a posterior head panel 30 are positioned at opposed edges 15 of the side panels 10, 1 1, as seen in Figure 1. The anterior and posterior head panels having a pre-determined width, this width forming the lateral spacing, or the length of space, between the two parallel upright panels 10, 11. The width of the head panels 20, 30 and length of the side panels 10,11 forming the perimeter of the burial crypt unit.

In the first embodiment of Figure 1 , the anterior head panel 20 is positioned and connected to the side panels 10, 11 towards a top end 12. The posterior head panel 30 is positioned and connected to the opposed edge of the side panels 10,11 , and towards the bottom end 14, as seen in Figure 1. The anterior and posterior head panels 20, 30 are not individually of the pre-determined height of the side panels, but when positioned or place one on top of the other, form (or closely approximates) the pre-determined height of the side panels. This height also forms the depth desired for the burial plot. Therefore, the total height of the individual head panels 20,30 will equal (or closely appoximates) the desired depth of the burial plot.

The second embodiment of the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit 100 is seen in Figure 2.

In the second embodiment of the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit 100, an anterior head panel 20 is positioned and connected to the side panels 10,11 , towards a bottom end 14 of the side panels 10, 11. The posterior head panel 30 is positioned and connected to the opposed edge of the side panels 10, 11 , and towards the top end 12, as seen in Figure 2. The anterior and posterior head panels 20, 30 are not individually of the pre¬ determined height of the side panels, but when positioned or placed one on top of the other, form (or closely approximates) the pre-determined height of the side panels, and the depth desired for the burial plot.

The height of the head panels 20, 30 individually are shown in Figure 1 & 2, to equal, or closely approximate half the height of the side panels 10,11. This is advantageous as it allows both the head panels 20, 30 to be equal in height, and therefore allows manufacturing repeatability as the dimensions for both the head panels are identical.

However, it is to be understood that the height of the anterior and posterior head panels may be dissimilar, as long as their combined height equals, or closely approximates the height of the side panels without departing from the spirit of the invention.

When provided in a burial crypt row arrangement, Figure 3 shows the row arrangement using the first embodiment of the burial crypt unit, and Figure 4 shows the row arrangement using the second embodiment of the burial crypt unit.

In Figure 3, the row arrangement includes at least 3 burial crypt units provided in row, one in front of the other. A first burial crypt unit 50 is positioned to be abutted to a second burial crypt unit 60 such that a top peripheral ledge 31 of the posterior head panel 30 of the first burial crypt unit 50 is in complementary connection with a bottom peripheral ledge 21 of the anterior head panel 20 of the second burial crypt unit, so that the posterior head panel 30 of the first burial crypt 50 and the anterior head panel 20 of the second burial crypt unit 60, when connected and positioned one on top of the other, is of the pre-determined height of the side panels 10, 11.

The third burial crypt unit 70 is also positioned to be abutted to the second burial crypt unit 60 such that the bottom peripheral ledge 21 of the anterior head panel 20 of the third burial crypt unit 70 is in complementary connection with the top peripheral ledge 31 of the posterior head panel, so that the posterior head panel 30 of the second burial crypt 60 and the anterior head panel 20 of the third burial crypt unit is of the pre-determined height of the side panels 10, 11. In this row arrangement, it can be seen that the second burial crypt unit 60 forms a complete burial chamber 200 ready to receive a coffin. In this row arrangement, it can be seen that the burial chamber 200 thus formed will have a common wall between the adjacent crypts, and therefore, space utilization is optimized.

In Figure 4, the row arrangement utilizing the burial crypt units of the second embodiment is shown.

As seen in Figure 4, a first burial crypt unit 50 is positioned to be abutted to a second burial crypt unit 60 such that a bottom peripheral ledge 32 of the posterior head panel 30 of the first burial crypt unit 50 is in a complementary connection with a top peripheral ledge 22 of the anterior head panel 20 of a second burial crypt unit 60, so that the posterior head panel 30 of the first burial crypt 50 and the anterior head panel 20 of the second burial crypt unit 60 when connected and positioned one on top of the other, is of the pre-determined height of the side panels 10, 11.

The third burial crypt unit 70 is also positioned to be abutted to the second burial crypt unit 60 such that the top peripheral ledge 22 of the anterior head panel 20 of the third burial crypt unit 70 is in complementary connection with the bottom peripheral ledge 24 32 of the posterior head panel 30, so that the posterior head panel 30 of the second burial crypt 50 and the anterior head panel 20 of the third burial crypt unit 60 is of the pre-determined height of the side panels 10, 11. In this row arrangement, it can be seen that the second burial crypt unit 60 forms a complete burial chamber 200 ready to receive a coffin.

Figure 5 shows a burial crypt arrangement in a cemetery for arranging a plurality of burial crypt units in rows and columns. In this arrangement, a plurality of burial crypt row arrangements of either the first or the second embodiment are spaced laterally apart relative to each other. The space in between each burial crypt row arrangements forming an interstitial row for forming further burial crypt chambers therebetween.

As seen in Figure 5, a first burial crypt row arrangement 300 is spaced laterally apart, relative to a second burial crypt row arrangement 400. The first 300 and second 400 burial crypt row arrangements are spaced at a distance, this distance, being the width of the anterior and posterior head panels of the first and second burial crypt row arrangements. When the burial crypt row arrangements are so placed, - interstitial head panels 68 are provided in the interstitial row, between the spaced distance of the first and second row arrangements 300, 400. The interstitial head panels 68 are spaced along the interstitial row, at a distance apart, which is the, the length of the side panels 10, 11. The interstitial head panels 68 are of the pre-determined height of the side panels, and the interstitial head panels 68, and the sidewalls 10,11 of the first and second row arrangements 300, 400 forming another burial crypt chamber. The interstitial head panels 68 are adaptable to be removably connected to the external edges of the burial crypt units of the first and second burial crypt row arrangements. The interstitial head panels 68 may also be affixed, and integral to at least an external edge of the burial crypt units. Therefore, as can be seen in this Figure, usage of space is optimized, as the side panels of the first and second burial crypt row arrangements 300, 400, form the sidewalls of the burial crypts formed in the interstitial row. There is no need to use further side panels to form these interstitial burial crypts, and this is advantageous as there is no need for additional material to build the side panels, and each burial crypt shares a common wall between the other. Assembled and arranged in this manner, the crypts provide for a single wall thickness to be shared throughout the crypt arrangement.

To form the burial crypt arrangement for a cemetery, an end panel 65 forming the peripheral edge (or end) of the burial crypt arrangement is issued, basically the end panels 65 for the first and last columns of this assembly, is of the pre-determined height of the side panels, as seen in Figure 6.

The end panel 65 is, in one embodiment, removably attached to the side panels. In this form, the end panel 65 may be connected by any known means, for example, by having an external connector in the form of clasps and bolts, or by any integrated connecting means, for example, the provision of complementary male and female assemblies, for example grooves or notches, and protrusions and the like.

In another embodiment or the third embodiment of the burial crypt,, the end panel is affixed and integral to the side panels 10, 11 , such that at least three embodiments of the pre-fabricated burial crypt units are provided. A first embodiment, as seen in Figure 1 , a second embodiment in Figure 2, and the third embodiment, in Figures 7A and 7B. Figures 7A and 7B shows the third embodiment of the burial crypt, where one end 28 of the head panel is of the pre-determined height. In Figure 7A, the second head panel 88 is attached to a bottom end 14 of the opposed side panels, and in Figure 7B, the second head panel 88 is attached to a top end 12 of the opposed side panels.

While a single level burial crypt arrangement has been described, the invention is intended to cover multi-level burial crypt arrangements, using any one of the embodiments of the burial crypt units and arrangements, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Figure 8 shows- a burial crypt cover 120 to enclose the burial crypts of the burial crypt assembly.

The burial crypt cover 120 is dimensioned so that it may be placed over each burial crypt unit 200, and each interstitial burial crypt unit 90. The top ledge 18 of the burial crypt units 200is wide enough to support the edge portions of both the cover over the burial crypt unit 200, and the cover the interstitial burial crypt unit 90.

The burial crypt cover 120, as seen in Figure 8, has a recessed portion 121. The recessed portion 121 forms a receptacle, and has sidewalls 129 forming the peripheral boundary of the recessed portion 121. This recessed portion 121 is to receive topsoil and turfing, so as to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and further, the recessed portion 121 provides for individual headstones or monuments to be incorporated. A further advantage of the recessed portion 121, is that there will be no need to remove or replace the turf when the cover 120 is lifted or moved.

It can be seen that the recessed portion 121 will contain the topsoil and. turfing so that the soil will not fall off into the burial chamber as it is bound by the sidewalls 129. Therefore, when the cover 120 is moved or transposed for any purpose, the topsoil and turfing will remain withinthe recessed portion 121.

The recessed portion 121 will receive and retain fluids, introduced either through natural elements, i.e. rain, or through non-natural elements via human irrigation. To aid in the drainage of these fluids, and to prevent water logging, the crypt cover 120 further includes at least one orifice 128. The orifice 128 is located along the sidewalls 129 of the recessed portion 121. As seen in Figure 8, there are four such orifices 128. In the embodiment of the crypt cover as seen in Figure 8, the crypt cover 120 further includes protrusions 122, extending outwardly from the crypt cover 120. The protrusions 122 serve as demarcations to identify the position of each cover 120. The crypt cover 120 further includes at least one slot hole 123. In Figure 8, there are 4 slot holes 123. The slot hole 123 is to allow engagement to an external lifting structure, as will be described in Figure 9.

Figure 9 shows the lifting structure 160. The lifting structure 160 includes a template 161. The template 161 is used to identify the location of the crypt cover 120 once the location is identified, the slot holes 123 are engaged for lifting by the lifting structure. The template 161 has complementary grooves 166, which will match the protrusions 122 of the crypt cover 120. In Figure 9, the template 161 has 4 grooves 166, which matches the 4 protrusions 122 of the crypt cover 120.

Once the protrusions 122 of the crypt cover 120 are positioned to be received within the grooves 166 of the lifting template, the template is in position. The lifting structure 160 further includes a lifting shaft 162. The lifting shaft 162 includes an end element 163, which when in a first position as seen in Figure 10A, will be received through the slot holes 123, but when in a second position as seen in Figure 10B, will ndt be able to be received through the slot holes 123. The first position and the second position is attained by means of a threaded collar 167. Therefore, on rotation, the element 163 is rotated from a first position to the second position, and vice versa.

When the template is in position, the lifting shaft 162, is also in position above the slot holes 123. The lifting shaft 162 has outwardly extending arms 169, to allow a user to rotate the shaft. As seen in Figures 9, 10A and 10B, the lifting shaft 162, has on one end, the extended arms 169, and on the other end, the element 163. The lifting shaft 162 is then descended in relation to the cover 120 and the extended arms 169 are rotated so that the elements 163 are in a first position, ready to be received through the slot holes 123, as seen in Figure 10A. Once the elements 163 are on the underside of the cover 120, the lifting shaft 162 is then rotated by use of the extended arms 169, such that the elements are at the second position as seen in Figure 10B. In the second position, the elements 163 cannot go back through the slot holes, and the elements 163 form the support for the cover 120. The lifting shaft 162 further includes a collar 167, to engage the external surface of the lifting shaft. This engagement is achieved, as shown in Figures 9, 1OA and 1OB by the use of an internally threaded collar 167, and a complementary threaded surface for the lifting shaft 162. When the lifting shaft 162 is descended and the elements are in the second position, the threaded collar 167 is rotated and moved towards the cover so that the cover 120 is locked between the collar 167 and the element 163. A mechanism then proceeds to lift the cover above the crypt The mechanism may be hydraulically driven, pneumatically driven, or electrically driven. A further mechanism may move the cover away from the site. In this way, it can be seen that the lifting of the crypt cover is now mechanized.

Claims

1. A pre-fabricated burial crypt unit, said unit including two parallel upright panels of a pre-determined height spaced laterally apart, said parallel panels forming side panels of the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit; an anterior head panel adaptable to be attached towards a top end of one side of the two side panels, said anterior head panel of a height less than the pre-determined height of the side panels, and said width of the anterior head panel defining the length of space between the two side panels; a posterior head panel attached towards a bottom end and of an opposed side of the side panels to the anterior head panel, said posterior head panel of a height less than the pre-determined height of the side panels, said posterior head panel of the same width as the anterior head panel; wherein the height of the anterior head panel and the height of the posterior head panel substantially equates to that of the pre-determined height of the side panels.

2. A burial crypt row arrangement using at least three pre-fabricated burial crypt units according to claim 1 , the first, second and third burial crypt units inter-connectably arranged; wherein a first burial crypt unit is positioned to be abutted to a second burial crypt unit such that a top peripheral ledge of the posterior head panel of the first burial crypt unit is in complementary connection with a bottom peripheral ledge of the anterior head panel of a second burial crypt unit, so that the posterior head panel of the first burial crypt and the anterior head panel of the second burial crypt unit is of the pre-determined height of the side panels; and wherein the third burial crypt unit is positioned to be abutted to the second burial crypt unit such that the bottom peripheral ledge of the anterior head panel of the third burial crypt unit is in complementary connection with the top peripheral ledge of the posterior head panel, so that the posterior head panel of the second burial crypt and the anterior head panel of the third burial crypt unit is of the pre-determined height of the side panels, the second burial crypt unit thereby forming a burial chamber.

3. A pre-fabricated burial crypt unit, said unit including two parallel upright panels of a pre-determined height spaced laterally apart, said parallel panels forming side panels of the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit; a posterior head panel adaptable to be attached towards a top end of one side of the two side panels, said posterior head panel of a height less than the pre-determined height of the side panels, and said width of the posterior head panel defining the length of space between the two side panels; an anterior head panel attached towards a bottom end and of an opposed side of the side panels to the posterior head panel, said posterior head panel of a height less than the pre-determined height of the side panels, said anterior head panel of the same width as the posterior head panel; wherein the height of the anterior head panel and the height of the posterior head panel substantially equates to that of the pre-determined height of the side panels.

4. A burial crypt row arrangement using at least three pre-fabricated burial crypt units according to claim 3, the first, second and third burial crypt units inter-connectably arranged; wherein a first burial crypt unit is positioned to be abutted to a second burial crypt unit such that a bottom peripheral ledge of the posterior head panel of the first burial crypt unit is in complementary connection with a top peripheral iedge of the anterior head panel of a second burial crypt unit, so that the posterior head panel of the first burial crypt and the anterior head panel of the second burial crypt unit is of the pre¬ determined height of the side panels; and wherein the third burial crypt unit is positioned to be abutted to the second burial crypt unit such that the top peripheral ledge of the anterior head panel of the third burial crypt unit is in complementary connection with the bottom peripheral ledge of the posterior head panel, so that the posterior head panel of the second burial crypt and the anterior head panel of the third burial crypt unit is of the pre-determined height of the side panels, the second burial crypt unit thereby forming a burial chamber.

5. A burial crypt arrangement for a cemetery, including a plurality of burial crypt row arrangements according to any one of claims 2 or 4, said plurality of burial crypt row arrangements being spaced apart relative to an adjacent burial crypt row arrangement; the burial crypt arrangement further including at least an anterior and a posterior head panel of the pre-determined height, said anterior and posterior head panel positioned in the space between the adjacent burial crypt row arrangements, forming a burial crypt unit therebetween.

6. A burial crypt arrangement for a cemetery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the side panels are removably connected to the side- panels.

7. A burial crypt arrangement for a cemetery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the burial crypt unit further includes a cover for the burial, crypt unit.

8. A burial crypt arrangement for a cemetery according to claim 7, wherein the cover further includes a recess to form a receptacle, said receptacle having sidewalls forming the peripheral boundary of the receptacle, for the provision of turf.

9. A burial crypt arrangement for a cemetery according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the cover further includes at least one protrusion, extending from the cover, to form an identification marker for the burial crypt unit.

10. A burial crypt arrangement for a cemetery according to any one of claims . 7 to 9, wherein the cover further includes at least one slot hole, to allow engagement to an external lifting structure for mechanized lifting of the cover.

11. A burial crypt arrangement for a cemetery according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the cover further includes an orifice along the sidewalls of the receptacle.

12. A pre-fabricated burial crypt end unit, including two parallel upright panels of a pre-determined height spaced laterally apart, said parallel panels forming side panels of the pre-fabricated burial crypt unit; a first head panel adaptable to be attached at one end of the side panels, said first head paneJ of the pre-determined height, a second head panel, adaptable to be attached at an opposed end of the side panels, said second head panel having a height less than the pre-determined height.

13. A pre-fabricated burial crypt end unit according to claim 12, wherein the second head panel is attached to a top end of the side panels.

14. A pre-fabricated burial crypt end unit according to claim 12,wherein the second head panel is attached to a bottom end of the side panels.

15. A lifting structure, adaptable to be used to remove a cover according to claim 11 , said lifting structure including a a template to identify the location of the cover, said template having - complementary grooves to receive a protrusion from the cover; a lifting shaft dimensioned to be received through the slot holes, said lifting shaft adaptable to be rotated at an angle to the slot holes so as to engage the cover; a lifting mechanism to lift the engaged cover from the burial crypt unit.

16. A lifting structure according to claim 15, wherein the lifting mechanism is mechanism is one of hydrauiically, pneumatically, and electro-mechanically driven.

17. A method of lifting a cover of a pre-fabricated burial crypt unit according to any one of claims 7 to 11 , using a lifting structure according to claim 15, said method including locating a position of the cover to be lifted; positioning a template over the cover to be lifted, by placing the complementary groove of the template over the protrusion of the cover; placing the lifting shaft through the at least one slot hole on the cover; rotating the lifting shaft so that the lifting shaft engages the cover; lifting the cover to remove the cover from the burial crypt.