Abstract: A funeral vault having a dome and a base slidably received within a casket receiving hollow of the dome. The dome is preferably comprised of a plurality of components adhered together and covered with an outer protective cover or laminate. A sloped extension is provided along the lower edge of the dome and the base has an oppositely sloped peripheral edge such that a frictional engagement is provided between the base and dome as the base slides within the casket receiving hollow. The frictional engagement between the base increases as the base slides upwardly within the hollow interior cavity so as to provide a sealing function which prevents condensation as well as the entry of air and water within the casket receiving hollow. The base member also includes feet extending from a bottom surface of the base. The feet include a slotted section for receipt of the lowering straps. The feet also help ion pushing the base up within the casket receiving hollow as the dome is covered with soil.

Abstract: A two piece burial vault comprised of a cooperating pair of high density, molded polystyrene members which are adapted to be frictionally, foricibly coupled together to surround, seal and enclose a conventional casket. A lower generally planar base unit supports the coffin or casket, and an upper dome-like enclosure is adapted to be frictionally coupled to the lower base and forcibly maintained in relation therewith by the subsequent compressive force of accumulated dirt after burying of the vault. The base includes an inner surface from which a pair of upwardly projecting ridges emanate for supporting the casket. The sides and edges of the base are appropriately angled, for frictional interfitting with similarly configured internal edges of the dome. The base includes a downwardly projecting centered deck adapted to contact the lower surface of the grave, which is bordered by a pair of offset ledges which are adapted to receive and facilitate the use of conventional vault lowering straps.