Abstract: An inexpensive decorative handle assembly for carrying a decedent confinement chamber, such as a casket or coffin, comprising a bar, and a plurality of end caps consisting of a bar restraint and a fastener, and at least one decorative aspect. One end of the bar fits within each bar recess preventing the bar from moving with respect to the end caps. The decedent confinement chamber is adapted to mate with each fastener, thereby preventing the end caps from moving with respect to the chamber, and thus securing the bar to the chamber, forming a handle. The decorative handle assembly further comprises one or more of a variety of decorative aspects including, but not limited to, decorative lugs and decorative corner pieces.

Abstract: A mattress for retaining fluids within a casket comprises:a liquid-impermeable elongated backing sheet;a liquid-permeable elongated top sheet;an absorbent core disposed between said backing sheet and said top sheet, the top sheet having an inner surface which is contiguous with one face of said absorbent core and said backing having an inner surface which is contiguous with the opposite face of said absorbent core, said backing sheet having a width and length greater than that of said absorbent, the backing being folded vertically upwardly at its perimeter to thereby provide side walls and end walls which form an impermeable reservoir for said fluids, said top sheet being attached to said backing sheet, said absorbent core preferably being formed from a lightweight synthetic batting.