Abstract: A metal casket is provided with stabilizing braces at each corner secured to neighboring surfaces of a side panel, end panel and bottom panel to assure and maintain the integrity of the squareness of the casket body, and, consequently, the alignment of the casket lid with the casket body.

Abstract: A metal casket for an above ground entombment includes a barrier material on the inner face of the casket bottom, sides and ends for preventing body decomposition liquids and vapors for contacting the inner surface of the casket bottom, sides and ends. A crystalline coating material is adhered to the barrier material and acts as a desiccant and encapsulator of the body decomposition liquids and vapors to convert the liquids and vapors into gel so that the liquids and vapors cannot migrate by gravity to the exterior of the casket.

Abstract: A casket is provided with a stationary hardware system for coupling bars to the sides of the casket such that no load is carried by decorative hardware when lifting the casket with the bars. Each system includes a block for attachment to the side of the casket and a clamp for embracing the bar. Camming surfaces on the block cooperate with surfaces on the clamp to tighten the grip of the clamp about the bar upon tightening a bolt and nut assembly that couples the clamp and block to the casket side.

Abstract: A drip pan is at the bottom of the casket for trapping and collecting body liquids during decomposition.

Abstract: A burial casket is provided with a capsule which extends from a casket side wall inwardly and contains information regarding the remains contained in the casket. The capsule is removable from the casket to give access to the information without opening the casket.

Abstract: A panel of fabric is guided from a spool to a gathering device. The gathering device includes a spindle located above and across the width of the panel of fabric and having a plurality of spaced apart wheels attached thereto. Extending radially from the wheels are a plurality of flexible mechanical fingers, or alternately, flexible bristles. As the wheels rotate the flexible projections gather the fabric into folds. A panel of backing material is guided to underlay the gathered fabric. The gathered fabric is then adhered to the backing material. A means for conveying the fabric and backing material is also provided.

Abstract: An improved casket sealing gasket system wherein sealing is provided by a plurality of contact points disposed on a plurality of deformable sealing ridges disposed within joints between the casket lid and body, and between upper and lower lid sections in caskets having two-piece lids.

Abstract: A tack welded joint for a metal casket is covered by a trim strip following the contour of the shell along a length of the joint. An adhesive tape interposed between the strip and the shell overlies the joint in cooperating in releasably coupling the trim strip to the shell and provide a hermetic seal. Screws extending through the trim strip and the joint cooperating in strengthening the shell in this location.