Abstract: A columbarium having a framework of a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical risers and a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal members defining a plurality of niches arranged in substantially horizontal rows and substantially vertical columns. Each of the horizontal members comprises a front rail connected to a bent plate shelf. A plurality of shutters is removably mounted over the plurality of niches by a concealed mounting system. The concealed mounting system permits the shutters to be movable about three axes of rotation as well as vertically and horizontally with respect to the horizontal members.

Abstract: A grave marker assembly that can be removably mounted and secured to a support surface such as a lawn crypt lid. The grave marker assembly has a fastening system that is not exposed to view and yet allows the grave marker to be easily installed and removed. The fastening system includes a channel and interior opening formed on a base member that is adapted to receive a fastener. The fastener in turn is adapted to be inserted into an opening formed on the crypt lid or other support surface. The assembly further includes a multi-function frame disposed along the outer periphery of the memorial marker that can serve as a decorative feature and draining functions.

Abstract: A columbarium having a framework of a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical risers and a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal members defining a plurality of niches arranged in substantially horizontal rows and substantially vertical columns. Each of the horizontal members has a substantially planar web extending between a front rail and a back flange. A plurality of shutters is removably mounted over the plurality of niches by a concealed mounting system. The concealed mounting system permits the shutters to be movable about three axes of rotation as well as vertically and horizontally with respect to the horizontal members.

Abstract: A support pedestal that is adapted to support surface tiles to form an elevated building surface. The support pedestal can include a base member that is adapted to be placed upon a fixed surface and a support plate that is disposed over the base member for supporting a surface tile. An anchoring washer is fastened to the support plate and anchors adjacent surface tiles to the support pedestal. The anchoring washers can be rotated to selectively disengage from at least one of the adjacent surface tiles. By rotating an anchoring washer in each corner of a surface tile to disengage the anchoring washers, the surface tile can be easily and rapidly removed from the building surface without necessitating the removal of adjacent surface tiles.

Abstract: A columbarium having a framework of a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical risers and a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal members defining a plurality of niches arranged in substantially horizontal rows and substantially vertical columns. Each of the horizontal members has a substantially planar web extending between a front rail and a back flange. A plurality of shutters is removably mounted over the plurality of niches by a concealed mounting system. The concealed mounting system permits the shutters to be movable about three axes of rotation as well as vertically and horizontally with respect to the horizontal members.

Abstract: A cenotaph memorial facility comprising a plurality of walls containing crypts is dedicated to an honoree who is not interred within the facility. The facility may comprise a large external memorial structure to protect the walls and individual crypts. The cenotaph memorial facility includes a plurality of video cameras to permit remote viewing of various portions of the facility. The video cameras are controlled by a computer system that allows remote access via a network, such as the internet. An individual enters authorization data and, upon authorization, can remotely view one or more portions of the facility. An on-line auction processor can automatically conduct auctions of selected articles using a timed auction over a prolonged bidding period or a real-time auction. In another aspect, a virtual reality (VR) image capture system captures images that may be remotely viewed using VR technology. This may include 3-D imaging, holographic imaging, or the like.

Abstract: A concealed mounting system for columbarium shutters and the like. The mounting system includes a top clip and bottom hangers secured to a back side of the shutter. Vertically spaced upper and lower tracks are disposed behind the shutter at its upper end and a lower end. Each track includes a forwardly extending channel and a downwardly extending channel. A locking screw is received within apertures disposed substantially perpendicular to the forwardly extending channel. A nut threadably receives the locking screw and is disposed in the forwardly extending channel, whereby upon rotation of the nut, the locking screw is caused to move vertically with respect to a bottom edge of the upper track for engagement and disengagement with the top clip. The bottom hangers are operably supported by the lower track.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an enclosure comprises: a cover comprising a plastic material, a base comprising a plastic material, and a guide configured to engage the cover and the base. The guide comprises a main body, a retaining portion, and a receiving portion. The enclosure is configured to receive a casket with the base under the casket and the cover over the casket. In another embodiment, the enclosure comprises: a cover comprising a plastic material, a base comprising a plastic material, and a guide configured to engage the cover and the base. The guide comprises a main body, a retaining portion, and a receiving portion. The retaining portion further comprises an anchor configured to engage an inner surface of the base if removal of the guide from the base is attempted. The enclosure is configured to receive a casket with the base under the casket and the cover over the casket.

Abstract: A burial vault base assembly. The assembly includes a front piece, back piece, and first and second side pieces that are connected to one another at a plurality of joints using C-shaped connectors. These pieces form an exterior shell around an interior piece wherein concrete is poured therebetween to form a burial vault base wherein the C-shaped connectors prevent the concrete from breaking at the joints and protruding at the joints.

Abstract: A vault having a rectangular cover, and a rectangular enclosure assembly having a rectangular bottom and a vertical side wall attached to the bottom essentially around the periphery thereof, a curved support base adapted to hold a heart shaped coffin, and four curved support members attached to the bottom and being adapted to support the curved support base vertically above the bottom.

Abstract: Stone faceplates are secured to supporting structures in columbariums or similar environments by a non-standard star screwdriver which penetrates the exposed face of the faceplate to activate a fastening assembly having a rivet nut and screw which secures the faceplate to the supporting structure, the tightening pressure of the rivet nut screw forcing the prongs of a slotted spacer sleeve of the fastening assembly into jamming engagement with a hole in the rear of the faceplate.

Abstract: A device for releasably fastening up to four adjacent slab corners to a support wall or ceiling. The device is positioned at a common point of adjacency of a number of slabs. A locking disk having a quadrant notch is rotatively mounted orthogonally to the surface of the slabs, and engages or disengages slots cap in the thickness of the slabs according to the angular orientation of the disk. The device is capped by a decorative rosette having an appendage projecting loop bracket shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a bud vase. The device is particularly indicated for fastening slabs used to cover adjacent funerary crypts.

Abstract: A lawn crypt covering system that can be easily attached to and removed from a crypt lid is provided. The covering system generally includes a lightweight, rigid base and an artificial lawn attached thereto. The covering system is adapted to removably attach to mounting structures formed on the crypt lid by using fasteners. The mounting structures are configured to receive fasteners for attaching the covering system to the lid. Recessed areas can be formed on the crypt lid to accommodate the mounting structures. A leveling device such as shims can also be placed between the lightweight base and crypt lid to adjust for settling of the crypts over time.

Abstract: An interment container includes upper and lower members that define an internal cavity. The remains of a deceased are placed within a liner adapted to be positioned within the internal cavity. The liner is peripherally sealed about the remains of the deceased, to prevent leakage of fluids from within the liner and infiltration of fluids into the liner. The liner includes lower and upper sections that define facing peripheral flanges which are sealed together by positioning a heating member between facing surfaces of the flanges, and imparting heat to the heating member so as to liquefy the adjacent material of the flanges. The liquefied material flows together about the heating member and the heating member is then cooled, such that the liquefied portions of the flanges solidify to integrally seal the flanges together.

Abstract: A subgrade vault to provide an enclosed housing for utility connections. The housing is made of a moldable material with a reinforcing skirt at one end and a seat in the other. A lid is received in the seat to close its upper end. A clip is optionally provided for fastening the lid to the housing body that can be clipped on the body and engaged by a fastener carried by the lid.

Abstract: A stone slab with fasteners has two chambers respectively defined at two sides thereof. Two fasteners are respectively secured in the chambers. The fasteners each have a central portion. A first wing is formed at a first end of the central portion, and perpendicular to the central portion. The first wing has a hole defined therethrough. A second wing is formed at a second end of the central portion, perpendicular to the central portion, and extending oppositely to the first wing. The second wing has two straight edges respectively formed at a top and a bottom thereof, and two arcuate hooks respectively extending inwards from the straight edges. The second wings of the fasteners are received in the respective chambers. Whereby, a plurality of stone slabs can be installed on a frame on a wall by screws inserted through the holes.

Abstract: A device for releasably fastening a cover slab to the opening of a crypt or niche extending back from a vertical support wall. Each device is positioned at a common point of adjacency of a plurality of slabs. Each device has a rotatively mounted locking plate for engaging slots in the sides of each of the slabs. The plate has a cutaway sized and dimensioned to allow for the passage of one of the slabs through the cutaway when the cutaway is rotated into proper alignment. A keyed tool may be used for turning the plate indicating the positioning of the cutaway. The plate is mounted to allow minor axial, pitch and yaw movement and is biased toward an axially perpendicular orientation.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a cremation urn inside a columbarium chamber or to another appropriate wall surface and a hidden lock for a funeral chamber shutter system are disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a male locking member which is rigidly securable to a wall surface, and a female receiving member in one of the top walls, bottom walls and sidewalls of the cremation urn. The female receiving member is securely interlockable with the male locking member. The locking mechanism also includes fastening means for securing the male locking member to the wall surface.

Abstract: A sealed underground containment vault has an outer shell made of non-biodegradable plastic such as polyurethane or polypropylene. The vault has a containment compartment defined by a bottom wall, and sidewalls and endwalls extending upwardly from the bottom wall. A container, such as a casket, is placed within the lower containment compartment. The outer shell for the lower containment compartment has an upper edge portion that extends completely around the upper edge of the lower compartment. A fusible element, such as an outwardly extending plastic flange, is provided around the upper edge portion completely around the lower containment compartment. A cover for the vault has an outer shell that includes a lower edge portion, which likewise has a fusible element extending completely around the lower edge portion of the cover.

Abstract: A columbarium for cremation remains constructed of at least one unit which includes a generally planar bottom surface and at least five vertical outer sides with each side having a corner. A cover supported by a plurality of walls which, along with said outer sides and said bottom, form compartments. An opening in each outer side providing access to a compartment for receiving cremation remains.

Abstract: A device for releasably fastening a cover slab to the opening of a crypt or niche extending back from a vertical support wall. Each device is positioned at a common point of adjacency of a plurality of slabs. Each device has a rotatively mounted locking plate for engaging slots in the sides of each of the slabs. The plate has a cutaway sized and dimensioned to allow for the passage of one of the slabs through the cutaway when the cutaway is rotated into proper alignment. Keyed tool means for turning the plate indicated the positioning of the cutaway.

Abstract: A free-standing cremation memorial for holding cremated remains has a plurality of chambers in a vertical portion of the structure as well as a number of chambers in the base unit. A base member prefabricated of aluminum framework with at least about 10 underground chambers is provided. An upright framework supported on said base in which a large number of niches is provided. A base member, which is supported on concrete footings, is a three-dimensional framework which provides support for the upright portion of the cremation memorial, which is also prefabricated framework.

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 memorial cremation ashes holder providing for niches in a stone slab for holding of ashes, the slab having cylindrical apertures drilled with an open end opening through the display face of the stone slab but which is substantially hidden by using a cylindrical core in the drilled aperture until use of the aperture is necessary.

Abstract: A slab hanger-fastener for supporting and securing shutter slabs over mausoleum vaults or niches. The device is structured so that it may be used to secure shutter slabs at the corners or intermediate portions of the slabs. A mechanism of the same design and construction may be used to secure slabs at the end, bottom and top margins of a vault or niche structure. The support member of the mechanism is adjustable relative to the walls of the vault or niche and may be securely locked in desired position with a solitary locking mechanism.

Abstract: A precast concrete structural unit is provided including a concrete sub-unit and a plastic resinous sheet. The sheet is adhered to the sub-unit at the time of pouring the concrete, utilizing a polychloroprene contact adhesive. The structural unit may further include adhesive coated reinforcement. Among the concrete structural units which are provided is a burial vault including concrete wall portions and a plastic resinous liner. The liner is adhered to the wall portions, at the time of pouring the concrete, utilizing the polychloroprene contact adhesive. The vault may also include adhesive coated reinforcement. The polychloroprene contact adhesive is essentially a blended aqueous latex comprising hydrophilic chloroprene copolymer latex particles and emulsified or dispersed hydrocarbon resin tackifier particles.

Abstract: A system of reinforcing gussets or strips is provided for strengthening a burial vault liner against flexure under the load presented by flowable cementitious vault forming material. The reinforcing gusset system prevents the parts of the vault liner, the vault liner lid and body, from flexure such as would degrade the seal between the vault body and vault lid.

Abstract: A plurality of burial crypts of identical configuration are arranged in a pre-excavated burial area in side by side relation, leveled with respect to one another by interconnecting adjustable means and the areas therebetween and thereover back filled whereby access can be obtained to any given crypt with a minimum of effort and whereby the crypt can be sold as a part of the cemetery plot with an improved utilization of the burial area.

Abstract: An arrangement for holding cremation ashes in which the apertures into which the ashes are to be placed are preformed and are positioned so as to leave a front decorative face unbroken until needed whereupon the face can be broken so as to gain access to the aperture and very quickly thereafter be covered by a commemorative plaque.

Abstract: Backing plates, each having a relatively large centrally disposed through opening, are positioned in mortar in a predetermined vertical plane to provide flat coplanar surfaces for receiving support brackets for crypt fronts thereagainst. Each bracket has spaced horizontal slots through which expansion bolts extend and pass through said backing plate opening which properly positions the bolts to avoid cracking the concrete of the crypt partition. The horizontal slots provide adjustability for accommodating differences in dimensions between the compartmented crypt structure and the fronts. Means is also provided in the bracket to accommodate differences in thickness between adjacent fronts to insure vertical alignment of the forward facing surfaces thereof.

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..

Abstract: A cenotaph memorial facility comprising a plurality of walls containing crypts is dedicated to an honoree who is not interred within the facility. The facility may comprise a large external memorial structure to protect the walls and individual crypts. The cenotaph memorial facility includes a plurality of video cameras to permit remote viewing of various portions of the facility. The video cameras are controlled by a computer system that allows remote access via a network, such as the internet. An individual enters authorization data and, upon authorization, can remotely view one or more portions of the facility. An on-line auction processor can automatically conduct auctions of selected articles using a timed auction over a prolonged bidding period or a real-time auction. In another aspect, a virtual reality (VR) image capture system captures images that may be remotely viewed using VR technology. This may include 3-D imaging, holographic imaging, or the like.