COLUMBARIUM
A columbarium including, among other things, a block having a top exterior surface including a top projection having a top projection tapered end, and a bottom exterior surface including a bottom slot having a bottom slot tapered receiver.
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This invention relates generally to funeral articles. More specifically, the invention is directed to columbaria.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn the memorial industry, cremains are often entombed in columbaria that are constructed of heavy materials such as stone and concrete. The weight of this type of structure usually requires a large concrete foundation that is constructed by use of heavy equipment. It has been found that there is a need for a columbarium that is lightweight to reduce the size of the foundation and the need for heavy equipment during construction.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn summary, the invention is directed to a columbarium including, among other things, a block having a top exterior surface including a top projection having a top projection tapered end, and a bottom exterior surface including a bottom slot having a bottom slot tapered receiver.
The invention will now be described in detail with reference being made to the drawings. As shown in the drawings, an embodiment a columbarium according the invention is generally indicated by the reference number “10.” An embodiment of a block of the columbarium 10 is generally indicated by the reference number “12.”
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In an embodiment, the block 12 can be made from plastic. For example, the plastic can be an injection molded, high-strength, lightweight thermoplastic. In an embodiment, the cover 106 is made of stone. For example, the stone can be granite or marble. In an embodiment, the fasteners 108, washers 110 and fastening clips 116 are made of metal.
As it will be appreciated, the blocks 12 can be assembled in vertical or horizontal rows or columns as described above to form a columbarium 10. Once assembled, the bottom exterior surfaces 22 will be flat and square for installation on a level foundation. Due to the lightweight construction of the blocks 12, such foundation can be relatively lightweight and constructed without the use of heavy equipment. In an embodiment, an exterior finish can be positioned on the top, right and left exterior surfaces 16, 28 and 34 of the blocks 12. For example, such exterior finish can be granite, brick, or wood. In an embodiment, caulk can be positioned on the blocks 12 and the exterior finish to protect the columbarium 10 from the elements.
While the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the essential scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments, but that the invention shall include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A columbarium comprising:
- a block having a top exterior surface including a top projection having a top projection tapered end, a bottom exterior surface including a bottom slot having a bottom slot tapered receiver, and a back exterior surface including four quarter-circle recesses each having an opening for the positioning of a fastener.
2. The columbarium of claim 1, wherein the block has a right side exterior surface including a right side wall slot having a right side wall slot tapered receiver, and a left side exterior surface including a left side wall projection having a left side wall projection tapered end.
3. The columbarium of claim 1, wherein the block has a right side exterior surface including a right side wall projection having a right side wall projection flat end, and a left side exterior surface including a left side wall slot having a left side wall projection flat receiver.
4. The columbarium of claim 1, wherein the block has a top fastener projection and a bottom fastener projection slot.
5. The columbarium of claim 1, wherein the block has a right side wall fastener projection slot and a left side wall fastener projection.
6. The columbarium of claim 1, wherein the block has a cover support member.
7. (canceled)
8. The columbarium of claim 1, wherein the block has a back wall including an opening for the positioning of a fastener.
9. The columbarium of claim 1, wherein the block is made of plastic.
10. The columbarium of claim 9, wherein the plastic is a lightweight plastic.
11. A columbarium comprising:
- a first block having a top exterior surface including a top projection having a top projection tapered end;
- a second block having a bottom exterior surface including a bottom slot having a bottom slot tapered receiver, the top projection being positioned in the bottom slot so that the top projection tapered end engages the bottom slot tapered receiver; and
- wherein each of the first and second blocks has a back exterior surface including four quarter-circle recesses each having an opening for the positioning of a fastener.
12. The columbarium of claim 11, wherein the first block has a left side exterior surface including a left side wall projection having a left side wall projection tapered end; and
- a third block having a right side exterior surface including a right side wall slot having a right side wall slot tapered receiver, the left side wall projection being positioned in the right side wall slot so that the left side wall projection tapered end engages the right side wall slot tapered receiver.
13. The columbarium of claim 11, wherein the first block has a left side exterior surface including a left side wall slot having a left side wall projection flat receiver; and
- a third block having a right side exterior surface including a right side wall projection having a right side wall projection flat end, the right side wall projection being positioned in the left side wall slot so that the right side wall projection flat end engages the left side wall projection flat receiver.
14. The columbarium of claim 11, wherein the first block has a top fastener projection and the second block has a bottom fastener projection slot, the top fastener projection being positioned in the bottom fastener projection slot.
15. The columbarium of claim 12, wherein first block has a left side wall fastener projection, and the third block has a right side wall fastener projection slot, the left side wall projection being positioned in the right side wall fastener projection slot.
16. The columbarium of claim 11, wherein the first and second blocks are made of plastic.
17. The columbarium of claim 16, wherein the plastic is a lightweight plastic.
18. The columbarium of claim 11, wherein the first and second blocks are connected together by fasteners.
19. The columbarium of claim 11, wherein each of the first and second blocks includes a cover support member.
20. The columbarium of claim 19, wherein first and second covers are positioned on the cover support members of the first and second blocks.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 3, 2017
Publication Date: Aug 9, 2018
Applicant: U.S. Metalcraft, Inc. (Delphos, OH)
Inventors: Stephen J. Birkmeier (Delphos, OH), David M. Birkmeier (Delphos, OH)
Application Number: 15/424,251