Abstract: An environmentally-protective body container comprises a burnable double-walled utility case which can be used either as a shipping container and/or as a casket for burial or for cremation. The case is blow-molded from an organic thermoplastic which does not create explosive gases during burning and which leaves little ash or residue. At least the outer walls of the case are impervious to liquids, thereby preventing body and embalming fluids from contaminating the adjacent ground water supply in the case of burial. Air injection holes created in the inner walls during the conventional blow-molding process make the inner walls air pervious and thereby provide expansion space for body gases between the inner and outer walls. Use of a double-walled case also enables hand recesses to be formed into the lower section of the case and thereby eliminate the need for costly metallic pallbearing hardware.

Abstract: A reusable casket assembly comprising a two part burial system comprising an ornate, reusable outer shell that is mated to an inner capsule. The decorative shell esthetically and operationally covers the inner capsule in which the body is interred. The inner capsule functions without the outer shell. A preexisting ornate casket is converted into an ornate outer shell by simply removing the interior padding and bottom of the preexisting casket. Pins installed in the outer shell selectively lock the inner capsule therein. The inner capsule is preferably molded of durable plastic. Esthetic ornamentation is added to the exterior of the capsule to provide a suitable appearance. The inner capsule has indents molded into its side walls that selectively receive suitable pins installed in the outer shell. While the outer shell is combined with the capsule, the casket assembly functions and appears as a unitary casket. Alternatively, the inner capsule may be used alone.

Abstract: A metal casket shell will include sides, ends, bottoms and lids blanked and formed from pre-painted or pre-finished material. The connections of these parts employing prongs or tabs or both thereby eliminating the need to weld and grinding these joints.

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.

Abstract: A multi-functional cremation container for a cadaver is provided. A rectangular container is enclosed on five sides by four container side panels and a bottom panel. The sixth side is an upwardly facing open top for providing access to the internal volume within the container. The side panels terminate at the open top in a first annular horizontal peripheral groove and a downturned external flange having a downfacing annular edge. Each side is sloped so as to allow multiple cremation containers to be nestled for compact storage and easy transportation. A rectangular cover has a horizontal top panel with four peripheral, downwardly extending cover side panels. The cover side panels fit over the container flange for closing the container, and include formed therein a plurality of reliefs for carrying the casket. The top panel has a peripheral upwardly facing second annular horizontal groove for nesting within the first annular groove as a moisture barrier.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-tier burial system comprising a plurality of precast elements, a first plurality of the elements being aligned to form a first tier defining a plurality of spaced-apart burial niches, and a second plurality of the elements being aligned to form a second tier supported by the first tier also defining a plurality of spaced-apart burial niches, the niches in the second tier being vertically staggered in relation to the niches in the first tier.

Abstract: A cremation urn having a first container adapted for receiving the cremated remains of a deceased person, and a second, concealed container for storing memorabilia. The second container serves as the closure for the first, thus, the second container is substantially contained within the first container, inconspicuous but accessible to a user for the purpose of viewing objects contained therein. The second container is closed with a plug that may carry a vase for holding cut flowers, greenery and so forth. Preferably, the urn has identical openings at opposing ends, so that the first container may close either opening and the other opening can be closed by a plug.

Abstract: A casket is made by covering one side of a flat precursor blank of corrugated fiberboard with a liquid-impervious flexible liner and the other side with a pliable decorative cloth, shipping the thus-covered blank to a point of use, and then folding it up into a complete lined and covered casket. Appropriate foldable flaps are provided at the ends of the precursor, and framing strips are secured along the sides of the blank for support prior to folding-up of the casket precursor to form the casket. The end flaps are held in their folded-up positions by manually insertable fasteners, and the hinges for the lid of the casket are secured by hand-stapling to the tops of the framing members. The triangular folds formed in the liner at its corners when it is fold up are tucked between the end flaps as they are being folded. The entire casket body can be shipped as a flat blank, and easily assembled manually at a remote location by unskilled persons.

Abstract: A burial container having a seamless single piece base with a bottom, sides and ends, each of which has an inner wall and an outer wall and a seamless single piece lid having an inner and outer wall, the lid sealably securable to the base. The lid, bottom side and end inner and outer walls form hollow chambers capable of being filled with cellular concrete or other structural flowable materials. The inner and outer walls of the lid and base may be parallel and unconnected or connected at a plurality of locations to hold the walls in a substantially fixed relationship with each other and thereby strengthen the lid, bottom, sides and ends to withstand the forces exerted by the surrounding earth and water.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a storage container for human remains which comprises a bottom portion, a plurality of walls each having a bottom edge coupled to the bottom means, a rim portion, a cover which fits into a recessed portion of the rim portion, a retainer portion which retains the cover within the recessed portion, fastener means to fasten the retainer portion to the cover wherein the container contains ashed human remains.

Abstract: A high density closed-cell foam burial vault is disclosed. The vault consists of top and bottom halves which are formed of a closed-cell foam having a density between 8-30 pounds per cubic feet. The foam is sufficiently rigid to protect a casket within the burial vault, and is also resistant to leakage of water into the vault. The foam results in a lightweight, easy to manufacture burial vault. The top and bottom halves nest within each other, such that a large number of foam burial vaults may be stored in a relatively small space.

Abstract: A burial container having a base with a bottom, side walls and end walls and a lid sealably securable to the base. The lid, bottom and walls have inner and outer covers forming hollow chambers capable of being filled with granular substances and liquids for added stability, rigidity and strength. The inner and outer covers are joined at a plurality of locations to hold the covers in a fixed relationship each with the other and strengthen the walls, bottom and lid to withstand the forces exerted by the surrounding earth and water. Various configurations of junctions provide the stability, rigidity and strength needed in the base and lid container.

Abstract: A method of making a concrete structure, such as a burial vault, having an integrally bonded thermoplastic resin liner. The liner is a rigid molded product having a bottom wall and side walls and an open top. A thermosetting resin adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the liner and consists of an epoxy resin system, a solvent for the thermoplastic liner, and a surfactant. Before the adhesive is fully cured, wet flowable concrete is applied to the adhesive layer. The solvent acts to solubilize the outer surface of the plastic liner, while the surfactant reduces the hydrophobic characteristics of the adhesive to provide a firmly bonded composite structure.

Abstract: The invention comprises a liner for an interment container and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. A plastic layer and a layer including fiberglass are laminated to each other to provide advantages provided by neither material alone. An acrylic material layer between the plastic layer and the fiberglass layer prevents or minimizes delamination.

Abstract: A concrete structure, such as a burial vault, having an integrally bonded thermoplastic resin liner. The liner is a rigid molded product having a bottom wall and side walls and an open top. A thermosetting resin adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the liner and consists of an epoxy resin system, a solvent for the thermoplastic liner, and a surfactant. Before the adhesive is fully cured, wet flowable concrete is applied to the adhesive layer. The solvent acts to solubilize the outer surface of the plastic liner, while the surfactant reduces the hydrophobic characteristics of the adhesive to provide a firmly bonded composite structure.

Abstract: The invention comprises a liner for an interment container and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. A plastic layer and a layer including fiberglass are laminated to each other to provide advantages provided by neither material alone. An acrylic material layer between the plastic layer and the fiberglass layer prevents or minimizes delamination.

Abstract: A niche construction comprised of a wall of reinforced concrete which has a surface with recesses formed therein which have openings which extend to the surface, box liners of non-combustible plastic material which have fiberglass fibers disposed therein, the liners disposed in said recesses, and an adhesive adherent to the liner and to said concrete disposed on the exterior surface of the liner and the interior of the recess and which forms a bond between the box liner and the reinforced concrete to prevent removal of the box liner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that provides for underground burial in an enclosed air, and water-tight capsule filled with a preservative gas or liquid. The burial chamber provides a method of keeping a corpse in a freshly preserved state at the bottom of bodies of water. The result is a saving on the usage of vital land space.

Abstract: A casket or burial vault is made of thermoplastic material, either by vacuum forming or injection molding, as two longitudinal half-shells which are joined along a parting line into a leakproof, integral shell.

Abstract: A coffin consists of a trough (1) and of a lid (2) which can be placed onto the trough (1). All elements (3 to 7) forming the trough (1) and all elements (8 to 12) forming the lid (2) are pivotably interconnectred to each other by means of hinge means (13), so that these elements can be swivelled down so that they lie in a common plane for facilitating storage and transportation of the coffin. In the position of use these elements are interconnected to each other by means of clamping elements (14).

Abstract: An improved mausoleum includes a support frame made of fiberglass structural members and a plurality of sealed fiberglass caskets which are proof against deterioration. The mausoleum according to the invention eliminates the need for venting and drainage, greatly simplifies construction of the mausoleum, and reduces funeral expenses. In preferred embodiments, each of the fiberglass caskets has a pair of central lateral flanges, and the support structure includes a plurality of pairs of parallel rails made of fiberglass spaced apart so that the caskets can be inserted between the rails and supported thereon by the central lateral flanges of each casket.

Abstract: A tree forest cemetery and method of interment of cremated remains in which cremated remains are each contained in an urn capsule which in turn is lowered into a vault buried in the ground. Preferably, a needleleaf tree is planted over the vault so as to provide a cemetery with small lots with a tree located in each lot. The overall effect is a beautiful memorial and the replenishment of trees on the earth for environmental purposes.

Abstract: To overcome problems concerning compact, inexpensive and long-term storage of entombment caskets in mausoleum crypts their is provided a extremely lightweight, yet durable enclosure for hermetically sealing caskets. The invention includes a foldable casket tray which receives a casket. A durable cover of wrapping material is placed over the casket and is attached and hermetically sealed to the tray. The cover is formed with a pressure relief valve for periodic self-ventilation of gases produced by decomposition of the casket and its contents enclosed within the hermetically sealed enclosure. When in folded condition, the tray serves as a compact shipping and storage container for the cover, a tray liner, and materials for attaching and hermetically sealing the cover to the tray.

Abstract: A memorial vault apparatus for human cremated remains which includes a concrete slab having a top level surface. A first set of elongated parallel cylindrical pipes are supported on top of the level surface with each adjacent pair of pipes being equidistantly spaced from each other. Each of the pipes of the second set of pipes are perpendicular to each of the pipes of the first set of pipes to form a grid work for receiving vaults in the spaces formed between the first and second set of pipes. A saddle connector is provided for attaching each of the pipes of the second set of pipes to each of the pipes of the first set of pipes. This saddle structure has a first semi-circular surface thereon in abutment with the top of one of the first set of pipes and a second semi-circular surface in abutment with the bottom of one of the second set of pipes and the saddle structure is adhesively cemented to the pipes at the point which the saddle structure abuts the pipes.

Abstract: A casket system formed of a unitary casket cover having opposed sides, ends, a top and a open bottom, a coffin dimensioned to receive a human body therein and being further dimensioned to be received within the casket cover through the open bottom of the casket cover, and web members extending below the casket cover and attached to it for maintaining the coffin within the cover, the webs being releaseable so as to remove the casket cover from the coffin prior to depositing the coffin in a grave.

Abstract: A casket assembly of the casket surround type in which the casket surround includes a movable floor and an adjustment mechanism for raising and lowering the floor or tilting the floor. The floor is raised during the viewing process to provide an optimal viewing position and is lowered following the viewing process so that the vault can be sealed and the sealed vault may be transported within the casket surround to the burial site. The casket surround comprises a simple core structure to which the various components of exterior ornamentation are removably secured so that damaged components may be readily and selectively removed and replaced. One end wall of the casket surround is hinged adjacent its lower edge so that it may be pivoted to a lowered, open position to facilitate insertion or removal of the vault from the casket surround.

Abstract: To overcome problems concerning storage of entombment caskets in crypts or mausoleums, particularly garden crypts, there is provided an air-tight end-capped casket-enclosing article made of suitable material, such as rotation-molded polyethylene or other suitable synthetic resinous (plastic) material, alone or reinforced with suitable other fibrous material, such as fiberglass.

Abstract: A burial vault includes a lid and a box portion. Depending rests are attached to the exterior bottom face of the box portion, so as to permit easy transportation of the vault. In another preferred embodiment the vault lid has recesses on its exterior face, which correspond to and are engageable with these rests. In still another preferred embodiment, these rests are self-burying in the ground in order to firmly seat the vault during use.

Abstract: A container, which may be a burial casket or a toxic waste container, is protectively sealed by enclosing it in an initially open-topped receptacle, which may be a burial vault or similar outer container or a grave, spacing the container from the bottom of the receptacle, partially filling the receptacle with a foamable plastic still in its liquid form, and, following completion of the foaming of such initial charge, supplying sufficient additional foamable plastic in one or more additional steps to completely cover and surround the container with the resulting plastic foam. In the preferred method, a film-like plastic sheet is placed over the open-topped receptacle after the final charge of liquid foamable plastic is applied, and held in place around the edges of the opening by a collar which permits the sheet to yield upwardly as the foam expands, thereby partially confining the expanding foam to assure full filling of all voids in the receptacle.

Abstract: A combined casket and burial vault assembly comprises a casket lid having a peripheral depending lip, a casket body having tapered side walls, tapered end walls, and a peripheral flange portion adapted for receiving the casket lid thereon, a removable half couch, and a reusable display carrier having two opposed side walls, two opposed end walls and a reinforced bottom wall. The depending lip of the casket lid and the peripheral flange portion of the casket body are tapered in a complementary manner to create a hermetic seal when the lid is placed on the casket body. The display carrier includes ornamental hardware and hand rails or other carrying means for transporting the combined assembly from place to place. The casket lids, casket bodies and half couches are all separately stackable in a nested manner to facilitate storage. The casket lids and casket bodies are provided with removable interior lining and padding for attachment when needed.

Abstract: A burial casket assembly comprises a decorative casket, an insert casket, a base, and a vault cover. The decorative casket receives the insert casket and comprises a decorative container and a decorative cover. The insert casket comprises an insert casket and an insert cover. The decorative casket is supported on the base, and the vault cover is placeable upon the base to encase the decorative casket. The decorative cover is arranged to bear against the insert cover so that when the former is tightened-down, it urges the latter into sealing relationship against the insert container. A hinge arrangement is provided for the decorative casket which enables the cover of the decorative casket to be swung open to either side or completely removed from the decorative container. The floor of the insert container is itself profiled to support the deceased in the traditional posture of repose.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated concrete tubular vaults are arranged upright resting on closed lower ends and are interconnected in mutual lateral support, leaving auxiliary spaces between the vaults. End-opening tubular caskets are vertically disposed in the vaults and the vaults are closed by step-fitted covers. Threaded central openings in the covers of the vaults and the caskets receive ring bolts for lowering the casket into the vault and lowering the vault cover to close the vault.

Abstract: A composite burial vault is provided having a hollow liner constructed of a synthetic plastic material which is filled with concrete. In constructing the burial vault, a liquid bonding agent is applied against the liner. The bonding agent can be either an adhesive or a solvent which acts upon the plastic material or a combination of the adhesive and the solvent. Before the bonding agent dries, aggregate is applied to the surface of the liner preferably by a flocking gun. Alternatively, the bonding agent and aggregate can be simultaneously sprayed against the liner. As the bonding agent dries, the aggregate is bonded to the liner either by the adhesive and/or by a portion of the aggregate partially embedding in the liner. Concrete is then poured between a mold and the treated surface of the liner where it forms a mechanical bond to the coarse aggregate coating on the liner. Reinforcement strips are provided to strengthen the corner edges of the liner.

Abstract: A burial vault is provided, the component parts of which are preferably made of molded plastic resinous material, such as polyethylene, and which comprises a composite base including as components parts thereof, (1) a generally flat, rectangular-shaped supporting platform; (2) an inner upright wall structure including a generally rectangular-shaped frame mounted on the said supporting platform member and having an open top and having a lower end portion which is mechanically fastened and hermetically sealed to the supporting platform and having upstanding side walls and end walls which are provided on their outer surfaces with laterally spaced generally vertically extending parallel reinforcing ribs; and (3) a generally flat rectangular-shaped top closure plate or lid member which is arranged over and closes the open top of the frame member of the inner upright wall structure and is hermetically sealed thereto.

Abstract: A capsule apparatus for transporting a disabled person from an underground mine or over rough terrain aboveground includes an elongated base with upstanding side walls extending about the periphery of the floor which has inclined forward and aft floor sections. A plate extends from the floor of the base between opposed side walls thereof to define a supply compartment at one side of the plate and a disabled person compartment at the other side of the plate. The plate is adjustably fastened to the side walls of the base. The base is provided with a mattress to support the disabled person. Elongated top sections include abutting end surfaces to form a top closure which is releasably secured by latch members to the elongated base. A sliding window for a hatch within one of the top sections for visual monitoring and voice communication is used to provide continued first aid for an injured person therein. The base is coupled to a conveyor belt by anchor members with releasable clamp jaws.

Abstract: A display and burial system including a display base having an appearance similar to a casket base and having a supporting shelf along the upper perimeter thereof, a reusable casket-like movable lid unit removably supported by the supporting shelf to enable viewing of a body, and a cover unit positionable on said supporting shelf in place of the lid unit after viewing whereby the display base and cover unit provide a burial vault.

Abstract: A burial vault including a base and a cover or dome molded from moldable plastic resinous material. The base and cover or dome have reinforcing ribs formed integrally therewith on the inner surfaces of the side and end walls thereof. The base has a pattern of reticulated reinforcing ribs formed integrally with and on the inner surface of the bottom of the base, and the cover or dome has a comparable pattern of reticulated reinforcing ribs formed integrally with and on the inner or lower surface of the top wall of the cover or dome, and the base has reinforcing structures formed integrally therewith at the bottom corners of the base. The base and the cover or dome have reinforcing ribs formed on the inner surfaces of the side and end walls thereof.

Abstract: A combination burial vault and casket and funeral and burial method or system are provided. The burial vault comprises a base which includes a generally rectangular-shaped upright interiorly decorated inner wall structure having a closed bottom and an open top. A "surround" or false casket includes a generally rectangular-shaped box-like frame having handle members attached thereto, and having an open top and an open bottom and an interiorly decorated hinged top or closure member. In use the "surround" or false casket is arranged over and encloses the inner upright wall structure and bottom wall or supporting platform of the base and is releasably latched thereto at the funeral home with the remains of the deceased arranged in the casket assembly provided by the inner upright wall structure and its bottom wall or supporting platform and the "surround" or false casket enclosing the same.

Abstract: A combination burial vault and casket and funeral and burial method or system using the same in a funeral and burial service. An interiorly decorated "surround" or false casket frame having a hinged top is disposed over the base of the vault and cooperates with the interiorly decorated base of the burial vault to provide a casket during visitation at the funeral home. Carrying handle structures are provided for carrying either the assembled base and the surround or false casket or the assembled base and cover of the vault, with the remains of the deceased therein, to the cemetary after the visitation and funeral services at the funeral home.In one practice of the invention, when the base and cover of the vault are assembled at the close of services at the funeral home, the surround or false casket with the carrying handle structures thereon is retained at the funeral home for reuse.

Abstract: A display casket for removably holding a body display container having a continuous lateral flange around its upper periphery with the casket having a casing with front, rear and side walls, a bottom and a lid, with each of the walls having an upper surface to engage under the lateral flange of the display container for support thereof. The display casket has a first set of hinges with removable hinge pins pivotally mounting the lid to the rear wall. A second hinge interconnects the casing and the lower edge of the rear wall for downward pivoting of the rear wall, and a releasable latch holds the rear wall in upright position. Pivot structure coacts between the front wall and the lid to enable reverse inclination of the lid for insertion and removal of a body display container relative to the casket through an opening provided by downward pivoting of the rear wall.

Abstract: A burial vault having a base of rather planar configuration, a dome like portion extending thereabove, and capable of securing with the base by means of a seat provided around the periphery of the said base that accommodates the lower continuous edge of the said dome portion; the base is provided with a pair of recesses that provide clearance for the location of the straps or other instrumentality as used during the handling and descent of the burial vault, with the dome portion of the vault having internal reinforcement, either in the form of integral ribs, or embedded rods, or a combination of each, so as to rigidify the dome and enhance its load supporting strength during usage.

Abstract: An integrated display and burial containment system utilizing a display container which may be removably mounted in a display unit for viewing and, thereafter, removed from the display unit and associated with additional structure, dependent upon ultimate disposition, such as ground burial, cremation or entombment in a mausoleum. For other than ground burial, the display container may have a cover unit associated therewith and for ground burial, a cover unit of a configuration similar to the first-mentioned cover unit, but of greater strength, is associated with a structural outer base in which the display container is positioned.

Abstract: A multi-element casket, particularly useful for services involving the cremation of the deceased is disclosed. The casket comprises a container bottom configured and dimensioned to contain suitable bedding and the deceased. The container bottom is supported by a platform which also supports a casket shell. The casket shell is placed over the container bottom and has sidewalls which are configured and dimensioned to extend around the container bottom and be supported by the platform, thus giving the appearance of a conventional casket. When the deceased is to be cremated, the shell is raised and the container bottom, containing the deceased and the bedding, is covered and sent to the crematory.

Abstract: A coffin has at its bottom two parellel corrugated sheets which are spaced apart from each other and also spaced above and parallel to the bottom of the coffin. Cellulose wool or sawdust is disposed between the sheets, which are perforated for the passage of body fluids therethrough and may also contain activated charcoal or silica gel between them. In the space below the sheets there is disposed a solid bactericidal material such as permanganate- or formaldehyde-containing material or material releasing bromine, chlorine or iodine. A drain may also be provided at the level of the bottom of the the coffin.

Abstract: A burial vault having preformed hollow fiberglass resin base and cover shells, the shells having fiberglass anchor loops integrally formed on their inner surfaces. The shells are filled with a cement-sand-stone composition that is mechanically locked to the anchor loops on the inside surface of the liners, the cement-sand-stone composition including a plurality of straight steel wires of short length randomly disposed throughout the walls to increase the tensile strength and crack-resistance of the vault.

Abstract: To overcome problems concerning storage of entombment caskets in crypts or mausoleums, particularly garden crypts, there is provided an air-tight end-capped casket-enclosing article made of suitable material, such as rotation-molded polyethylene or other suitable synthetic resinous (plastic) material, alone or reinforced with suitable other fibrous material, such as fiberglass. .Iadd.A check valve vents the air-tight space enclosed by the casket-enclosing article.Iaddend..