Enhanced Coffin Transport System with Adjustable Frame and Ergonomic Shelves
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved coffin transport device with adjustable frame and ergonomic shelves to enhance operator safety, comfort, and efficiency.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, U.S. Pat. No. 8,918,969B2, discloses a device for transporting a coffin with a supporting frame and sliding shelves. However, the prior art has limitations in terms of accommodating various coffin sizes, operator fatigue, and load distribution. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing an adjustable supporting frame, improved ergonomic shelves, and shock-absorbing mechanisms to reduce operator strain and enhance overall efficiency.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced coffin transport system comprises a supporting frame with adjustable width and length to accommodate various coffin sizes. The frame is made of a lightweight yet durable material to reduce operator fatigue. The system includes a plurality of sliding shelves with improved concavities to facilitate operator interaction and adjustable height and angle to accommodate different operator preferences. Each shelf is equipped with a shock-absorbing mechanism to reduce operator fatigue and a layer of deformable material to improve load distribution. The system also features integrated sensors to monitor and adjust the load distribution, ensuring optimal operator safety and comfort. Additionally, the system includes a retractable canopy to protect the coffin and operator from environmental elements.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce several novel features, including an adjustable supporting frame, ergonomic shelves with shock-absorbing mechanisms, integrated sensors, and a retractable canopy. These features provide a significant improvement over the original patent by addressing the limitations of accommodating various coffin sizes, operator fatigue, and load distribution.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include a modular design allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, interchangeable shelves with different concavity profiles, or integration with other funeral equipment, such as hearse lifts or coffin handling systems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced coffin transport system has significant commercial potential in the funeral industry, providing a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable solution for coffin transportation. The target market includes funeral homes, mortuaries, and cemetery operators.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61G19/00 |
| A | A61 | A61G17/041 |
| B | B65 | B65G7/12 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Funeral equipment and transportation systems, specifically devices for handling and transporting coffins, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, ergonomic design, and funeral service equipment
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in funeral equipment design, familiar with material science, load distribution principles, and ergonomic handling systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable improvements to the source patent's coffin transport device by applying known ergonomic design principles and mechanical engineering techniques to enhance operator safety and comfort. The modifications represent incremental advancements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize funeral equipment functionality.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,469 |
|---|---|
| Title | Device for transporting a coffin |