Abstract: An apparatus and method for laminating a fabric material to a substrate, and in particular for laminating velvet to a cardboard puffing section to be assembled into a burial casket cap panel dish, without marring or bubbling of the fabric, is disclosed. The fabric material is positioned on a laminating surface and held in place by a vacuum. A substrate is coated with adhesive on a substantial portion of one side and subsequently positioned by a transfer means on top of the fabric and adhered thereto by action of the adhesive and by the uniform vacuum pressure applied to the fabric and the adhesive-laden substrate. As the substrate is passed through the adhesive applicator, it is positioned onto the transfer means. An electric eye senses the trailing edge of the substrate as it passes to the adhesive applicator and after a delayed period, triggers the movement of the transfer means to position the substrate onto the back side of the fabric.

Abstract: A brace for rigidly locking a casket cap in its open position to positively preclude movement of the cap about its pivotal connection with the casket body in either direction. The brace includes an elongated member pivotally mounted in a support bracket carried by the casket body and transversely displaced from the hinge for the casket cap. This elongated member then extends generally upward through an elongated slot in the casket cap which telescopes outwardly over the member as the cap is pivoted from the closed position to the open position. When the cap reaches the open position, cooperating locking means on the cap and the end of the elongated member engage to lock the cap in the open position. The locking means precludes further pivotal movement of the cap in either direction until the locking means is released. Resilient biasing means maintain the locking engagement and facilitate its release.