Abstract: A coffin comprising an open receptacle assembly for receiving a corpse and a cover assembly for closing the receptacle assembly, in which coffin at least one of the receptacle assembly and the cover assembly is constructed from corrugated cardboard panels fixed to a skeletal frame structure. The corrugated cardboard panels are comprised of two or more layers of corrugated cardboard having a layer comprised of foil lining separating each layer of corrugated cardboard.

Abstract: A casket is assembled from prefabricated components to provide an attractive and aesthetically appealing casket design with a minimum amount of metal components so that the casket is adapted for cremation. A shell of the casket is constructed from upstanding sidewalls with a peripheral frame and facing panel secured to the frame. The respective walls are joined by cooperating cam and post connectors that they can be easily assembled without skilled personnel or specialized tooling. A cap enclosing the casket shell is constructed with a peripheral rim formed from rim members also joined by the cam and post connectors. A dish assembly is positioned on an inside surface of the cap and includes puffing members which are securely retained within cooperating grooves on the rim and dish assembly to thereby avoid the need for metal staples or other mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A dish assembly for a burial casket comprises a generally rectangular cap panel having a pair of opposed sides, a puffing member attached to each side of the pair of sides along respective adjacent edges of the puffing member and side, a cap panel insert removably inserted between the puffing members and juxtaposed relative to the cap panel, a tab removably inserted between the respective adjacent edges of each attached puffing member and side, and a first portion of a fastener attached to said tab and a second portion of the fastener attached to the cap panel insert. The first and second portions of the fastener are removably secured one to another such that the cap panel insert is removably secured to the cap panel of the dish assembly. The respective adjacent edges of the puffing members and sides may be secured together with staples. The tab comprises a rectangular portion and two leg portions extending from said rectangular portion.

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: One piece puffing assembly, mounted around the periphery and within the underside of a casket cap, includes two shorter sides, two longer sides, four miter corners, and peripherally inboard and outboard circumferential edges which define parallel planes, each of the sides being stepped in cross-section and having a first plurality of planar surfaces oriented perpendicular to the parallel planes, a second plurality of planar surfaces oriented at an angle of from 0-90 degrees relative to the parallel planes and being interposed between respective ones of the first planar planes.

Abstract: A puffing assembly forming a part of a dish assembly for installation into the underside of a burial casket cap comprises at least two puffing members having adjacent ends adapted to form a miter corner thereat when secured together. One of the puffing members has an arcuate score line traversing a respective end thereof to define a first elongated portion and a second tab portion of the one puffing member. The puffing member adjacent ends are secured together with fasteners outboard of the arcuate score line. When the secured together puffing members are pivoted away from one another by about 90.degree. a miter corner of about 45.degree. is formed and the fasteners are not visible through the miter corner. The end of the other puffing member folds the tab portion of the one puffing member to form an angle of about 90.degree. with respect to the elongated portion of the one puffing member. This positions the fasteners at an angle of about 45.degree.

Abstract: A casket cap assembly for a burial casket comprises a cap having two sides and two ends defining an interior, having a peripheral edge and having a peripheral groove in the peripheral edge within the interior of the cap. A pair of cap dish assembly supports are positioned in the cap along each cap side. A dish assembly is positioned in the cap and is supported by the cap dish assembly supports. The dish assembly comprises a rectangular cap panel and four peripheral puffing members attached to the periphery of the cap panel at respective adjacent edges. Each support comprises a spacer portion and an arcuate portion separated by a cap dish assembly edge receiving portion. The spacer portion contacts the cap within the cap interior to space the dish assembly relatively within the cap. The edge receiving portion receives therein the respective adjacent edges of the cap panel and puffing members. The arcuate portion defines the curvature of the puffing members.

Abstract: A combination of a casket and a liquid retaining system for the casket comprises a casket shell, a body support structure mounted in the casket adapted to support a deceased thereon and a tray positioned atop the body support structure and adapted to be positioned beneath the deceased supported on the body support structure, and a tray for retaining liquids of decomposition of the deceased. The liquid retaining system may further include a liner supported atop the tray bottom wall and beneath the deceased and secured to the upper edges of the side and end walls of the casket shell.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a burial casket having a housing having a pocket surface portion, a piece of decorative fabric contacting said pocket surface portion and a resilient flexible retainer member bendably seated within the pocket surface and in a manner such that the fabric is frictionally held between the retainer member and the pocket surface portion, wherein the retainer member has a ribbed surface portion formed on a surface thereof.

Abstract: An inflatable air mattress positioner is provided for use with a casket, coffin or alternative container. The assembly includes a partially pneumatic pillow with a chamber in which is disposed a plurality of air chambers, each one of which has a corresponding air tube and valve assembly in communication therewith. A cushion material is also included in the pillow. The cushion material coacts with the air bladders to position the head, upper arm, chest and shoulder region of a cadaver so that the cadaver chin is disposed in an acceptable proper height in relation with the chest according to that which is acceptable to the mortician and mourners. In addition, the assembly includes an inflatable air mattress having a plurality of air chambers which are independently inflatable to position a cadaver at an appropriate height and angle in the casket for mourner viewing.

Abstract: A snap-in, recessed insert removably attaches to a casket lid, and a dish removably attaches to the recessed insert, to facilitate the display of different decorative interiors for the casket lid. The recessed insert has a shape which spans the interior of the casket lid and conforms substantially in depth to the inside of the casket lid. The insert snap connects to an internal flange of the casket lid for accurate and repeatable mounting to the lid, without requiring tools. The insert also includes internal structure for retaining a dish inside thereof, including a center depression formed therein for positively seating the middle of the dish to the insert and the casket lid. This recessed insert minimizes the cost and complexity associated with dish changeover and assures accuracy in mounting a dish to the casket lid.

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 folded-up corrugated fiberboard casket having top and bottom framing members on its exterior is provided with a decorative covering in the form of a laminate comprising a layer of a pliable, foldable and creasible cellulosic material, for example E-flute corrugated fiberboard, bonded to a thinner decorative exterior layer of a material which is also pliable, foldable and creasible, for example wood-grain paper. The laminate covering obliterates minor irregularities on the exterior surfaces of the inner casket box, and also provides sharp profile angles for the casket. The laminate covering is preferably formed by providing a flat blank which is scored and cut-out at appropriate places and is self-supporting to facilitate application of the covering to the casket box. The blank is then folded, and the framing strips glued to the laminate. This assembly is then placed against and glued to the exterior of the casket box.

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 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 storage container for cremation ashes comprises an outer decorative container with a hollow interior of generally rectangular shape. A similar rectangular inner container is formed of a transparent plastics material with a sealable end cap so that the ashes can be inserted and contained within the hollow inner container and displayed through the transparent material of the inner container. This presents the ashes in a hygienic appearance without danger of spillage.

Abstract: A tray with a bottom of a casket has a bottom wall, longitudinal side walls and transverse end walls that are interconnected to create a water-tight container. A network of upstanding ribs is formed on the bottom wall to create a plurality of discrete isolated compartments for the retention of liquids. The side walls and end walls have vertical, inwardly projecting ribs for stiffening purposes. The tray is preferably made by vacuum forming of a thermoplastic material such as high density polyethylene.

Abstract: A casket and method for manufacture are disclosed according to which a shell or base, having outwardly flared walls, is constructed of corrugated fiberboard by a technique in which a planar sheet of corrugated fiberboard is cut to form a blank having interconnected portions corresponding to the areas of the flared side and end walls. A domed lid is also provided, being formed of corrugated fiberboard with a reinforcing marginal frame, provision being made for utilization of the lid either as a single unitary piece or as a split lid having two halves.

Abstract: A plural display burial casket utilizes two substantially equal top portions which are hingedly attached to opposed sides of a casket body. The top portions utilize quick release mechanisms which allow the top portion acting as the unselected foot end of the casket to be expediently turned aside during casketing procedures. The unselected top portion is then returned to its original position. The casket is adapted to be either a protective type or non-protective type casket.

Abstract: A casket construction includes a metal container for a body having a bottom and side walls of metal material which is susceptible to corrosion. A non-corrosive liner pan is located in the bottom of the container to shield the bottom and the side walls from corrosion. The liner pan is a unitary member including a base and integral side walls which interlock with the side walls of the metal container to hold the liner pan in place so as to locate the base in close juxtaposed relationship with the bottom of the metal container.

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

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 casket assembly including a liner arranged to nest securely within an outer casket. The casket is provided with releasable support means whereby in one mode the assembly can be raised with the liner supported within the casket and, in another mode, with the support means released, the casket can be removed from around the liner. The assembled peripheral wall may taper downwardly and inwardly to provide an open lower end of restrictive dimensions relative to the liner.

Abstract: A metal casket having an impervious plastisol liner and method of producing the casket. A plastisol coating composition is prepared of a thermoplastic resin, a plasticizer for the resin, and a small amount of adhesion resin which is capable of bonding to the casket surface. The coating composition is applied to the inner surface of the casket and the casket is heated to a temperature above 225.degree. F. to provide a fused impervious coating. The coating is resistant to the organic acides contained within the casket and acts as a containment liner to seal and prevent corrosion of the casket.

Abstract: A casket and method for manufacture are disclosed according to which a shell or base, having outwardly flared walls, is constructed of corrugated fiberboard by a technique in which a planar sheet of corrugated fiberboard is cut to form a blank having interconnected portions corresponding to the areas of the flared side and end walls. A domed lid is also provided, being formed of corrugated fiberboard with a reinforcing marginal frame, provision being made for utilization of the lid either as a single unitary piece or as a split lid having two halves.

Abstract: This invention utilizes the beauty and durability of stained glass combined with innovative assembly techniques to provide a cremation urn that is pleasing in appearance, light in weight, rugged in construction, and moisture and dust resistant to meet all of the criteria that have been established for cremation urns. On the base a layer of foam on the inside of the urn further seals the urn and prevents rattling of the cremation remains. Also, a paper line prevents the remains from being visible.

Abstract: A snap-in, flexible casket dish or puffing for the lids of caskets allows for rapid and accurate insertion and replacement without special tools. A flexible channel member is attached to the interior of the casket lid and releasably retains flexible edges of the casket dish or puffing.

Abstract: A tufted upholstery is provided by shaping a thin rigid sheet into a decorative pattern and then affixing a fabric to the sheet so that the fabric takes the general shape the pattern. The attachment for holding the fabric adjacent to the sheet includes cuts that are an integral part of the sheet.The upholstery is made by first forming the sheet, then placing the fabric over the sheet and attaching the sheet to the fabric by inserting portions of the fabric into the cuts.

Abstract: A decorative lining for a casket lid comprises a panel bordered along at least two edges by framing, and a fastening arrangement for securing the panel to the lid. The fastening arrangement includes a first tab secured to the panel and projecting beyond one edge thereof. The first tab is insertable behind a first portion of the framing located adjacent such one edge. A second tab is secured to the panel by a first attaching device and projects beyond an opposite edge of the panel. The second tab is insertable behind a second portion of the framing located adjacent such opposite edge. A second attaching device is disposed intermediate the first attaching device and such opposite edge for securing the panel to the second tab in response to inward pressing of the panel towards the second tab.

Abstract: A big body for use in overlying the container rim of a casket comprises a plurality of separate panels mountable to the container. When the casket is open for viewing, one panel hangs within the container and presents an exposed side. Another panel overlies the rim of the container and presents an exposed side. A third panel is movable between a hanging position within the container and an overlying position over the container rim such that either side thereof is exposed. The panels are mutually positionable in a first mode wherein the exposed sides of the hanging and overlying panels have a first ornamental appearance, and a second mode wherein the exposed sides of the hanging and overlying panels have a second, different ornamental appearance.

Abstract: A self-supporting head liner is vacuum formed from a thermoplastic liner member molded from a single sheet of material. The liner member includes a central panel of generally rectangular configuration and a transversely extended four-sided apron. A recess of predetermined depth is located at each of the corners defined by the apron side and a layer of selected fabric is adhesively secured to the inner face of the panel and apron and conform to the contour thereof and for the distinct purpose of imitating the pattern of traditional sheered puffing. Excess portions of the fabric which inherently result from the vacuum forming operation are taken up and extend into the recesses for purposes of avoiding any unwanted wrinkles and pleats in the fabric.

Abstract: Lining construction for a burial casket including an open-topped case defined by side walls having inwardly directed horizontal flanging which terminates in a lip downturned within and extending around the case. A drapery, or skirt-like lining, which may be of single or multi-layer fabric, has an edge portion reversely bent to form a channel within which the lip is received. The channel extends along the lip, and a series of spring wire fasteners are spaced along the lip, each fastener straddling the lip and channel and forcing one side of the channel toward the rear side of the lip, and the other side of the channel toward the forward side thereof, detachably to suspend the lining from the lip.

Abstract: A casket construction includes a metal container for a body having a bottom and side walls of metal material which is susceptible to corrosion. A non-corrosive liner pan is located in the bottom of the container to shield the bottom and the side walls from corrosion. The liner pan is a unitary member including a base and integral side walls which interlock with the side walls of the metal container to hold the liner pan in place so as to locate the base in close juxtaposed relationship with the bottom of the metal container.

Abstract: A combustible bed for a casket including a frame made of a combustible material, namely wood, and a fabric made of a combustible material, namely polypropylene, connected to the frame to provide a surface for supporting a body.

Abstract: A tray with a bottom of a casket has a bottom wall, longitudinal side walls and transverse end walls that are interconnected to create a water-tight container. A network of upstanding ribs is formed on the bottom wall to create a plurality of discrete isolated compartments for the retention of liquids. The side walls and end walls have vertical, inwardly projecting ribs for stiffening purposes. The tray is preferably made by vacuum forming of a thermoplastic material such as high density polyethylene.