Modular crypt and modular crypt system with niche side wall

Abstract

A modular crypt structure comprising a frame, a module insert defining a chamber and a closure panel and methods of constructing the same are disclosed. The chamber functions as a crypt module and receives bodily remains or portions thereof. The chamber is closed by attaching a closure panel, such as a stone crypt front to the frame. The modular crypt frame may comprise a plurality of horizontal bars and a plurality of vertical bars. A method of constructing a modular crypt structure comprises erecting a frame, providing at least one module insert, configuring the insert to define a chamber adapted to receive bodily remains, and closing the crypt module. A modular crypt system including a niche side wall is also disclosed having a niche side wall frame, a niche insert defining a plurality of niches positioned within the frame, and a closure panel positioned on the niche side wall frame.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular crypt structure comprising:
 a plurality of modules, wherein each module comprises a plurality of walls defining a chamber having an open end adapted to receive bodily remains; and   a plurality of crypt sealing caps, wherein each crypt sealing cap is adapted to be inserted within the open end of one of the plurality of modules, wherein each crypt sealing cap is adapted to contact an interior surface of at least one of the plurality of walls of the module into which the crypt sealing cap is adapted to be inserted.   
     
     
         2 . The modular crypt structure of  claim 1 , wherein each module comprises a material selected from a group consisting of fiberglass, plastic, polymer material, metal and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The modular crypt structure of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a closure panel selectively coupled to one or more of the plurality of walls of at least one of the plurality of modules adjacent to the open end of the chamber of the at least one of the plurality of modules.   
     
     
         4 . The modular crypt structure of  claim 3 , wherein the closure panel comprises marble or granite. 
     
     
         5 . The modular crypt structure of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of outer walls disposed around the plurality of modules; and   a roof disposed above the plurality of outer walls and the plurality of modules.   
     
     
         6 . The modular crypt structure of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 a base disposed beneath the plurality of outer walls and the plurality of modules.   
     
     
         7 . A modular crypt structure comprising:
 a plurality of modules, wherein each module comprises a plurality of walls defining a chamber having an open end adapted to receive non-cremated, full body remains;   a plurality of niches, wherein each niche comprises a plurality of walls defining a chamber having an open end adapted to receive cremated remains; and   a plurality of module sealing caps, wherein each module sealing cap is adapted to be inserted within the open end of one of the plurality of modules, wherein each module sealing cap is adapted to contact an interior surface of at least one of the plurality of walls of the module into which the module sealing cap is adapted to be inserted.   
     
     
         8 . The modular crypt structure of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a module closure panel selectively coupled to one or more of the plurality of walls of at least one of the plurality of modules adjacent to the open end of the chamber of each of the at least one of the plurality of modules.   
     
     
         9 . The modular crypt structure of  claim 8 , wherein the module closure panel comprises marble or granite. 
     
     
         10 . The modular crypt structure of  claim 7 , further comprising one or more niche closure panels, wherein each niche closure panel is selectively coupled to one or more of the plurality of walls of at least one of the plurality of niches over the chamber open end of each of the at least one of the plurality of niches. 
     
     
         11 . The modular crypt structure of  claim 10 , wherein the niche closure panel comprises marble or granite. 
     
     
         12 . The modular crypt structure of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a plurality of outer walls disposed around the plurality of modules and the plurality of niches; and   a roof disposed above the plurality of outer walls, the plurality of modules, and the plurality of niches.   
     
     
         13 . The modular crypt structure of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a base disposed beneath the plurality of outer walls and the plurality of modules.   
     
     
         14 . A method of preparing a modular crypt structure, the method comprising:
 providing a plurality of modules, wherein each module comprises a plurality of walls defining a chamber having at least one open end adapted to receive bodily remains; and   arranging the plurality of modules such that each module of the plurality of modules is adjacent to at least one other module of the plurality of modules.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 providing a plurality of outer walls and a roof,   erecting the plurality of outer walls around the plurality of modules; and   positioning the roof above the plurality of outer walls and the plurality of modules.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 providing a base, a plurality of outer walls, and a roof;   erecting the plurality of outer walls atop the base such that the plurality of outer walls surround the plurality of modules; and   positioning the roof above the plurality of outer walls and the plurality of modules.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 providing one or more crypt sealing caps, wherein each crypt sealing cap is adapted to be inserted within the open end of one of the plurality of modules, wherein each crypt sealing cap is adapted to contact an interior surface of at least one of the plurality of walls of the module into which the crypt sealing cap is adapted to be inserted.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein each crypt sealing cap comprises a fluid-tight material. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a closure panel selectively coupled to one or more of the plurality of walls of at least one of the plurality of modules adjacent to the open end of the chamber of the at least one of the plurality of modules.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the closure panel comprises marble or granite. 
     
     
         21 . A method of preparing a modular crypt structure, the method comprising:
 providing a plurality of modules, wherein each module comprises a plurality of walls defining a chamber having at least one open end adapted to receive non-cremated, full body remains;   providing a plurality of niches, wherein each niche comprises a plurality of walls having at least one open end adapted to receive cremated remains; and   arranging at least one niche of the plurality of niches adjacent to an exterior surface of one of the plurality of modules.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 providing a plurality of outer walls and a roof,   erecting the plurality of outer walls around the plurality of modules and the plurality of niches; and   positioning the roof above the plurality of outer walls, the plurality of modules, and the plurality of niches.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising:
 providing a base, a plurality of walls, and a roof;   erecting the plurality of outer walls atop the base such that the plurality of outer walls surround the plurality of modules and the plurality of niches; and   positioning the roof above the plurality of outer walls, the plurality of modules, and the plurality of niches.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 providing one or more crypt sealing caps, wherein each crypt sealing cap is adapted to be inserted within the open end of one of the plurality of modules, wherein each crypt sealing cap is adapted to contact an interior surface of at least one of the plurality of walls of the module into which the crypt sealing cap is adapted to be inserted.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein each crypt sealing cap comprises a fluid-tight material. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a closure panel selectively coupled to one or more of the plurality of walls of at least one of the plurality of modules adjacent to the open end of the chamber of the at least one of the plurality of modules.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the closure panel comprises marble or granite. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 attaching a niche closure panel adjacent the open end of at least one of the plurality of niches, thereby closing the plurality of niches.