Abstract: A series of burial containers which can be pressed, agitated, screwed and or self bored into a receiving material and provide low cost interment methods. The burial containers being provided with hermetic sealing, security locking, plaque and memorial markers and built in flower and flag receptacles. They greatly reduce excavation labor and burial costs while providing the respectful funeral services currently practiced. They also decrease the land space required for each burial and provide for burials in normally unused areas within the cemetery, greatly increasing the number of burials possible in each cemetery.

Abstract: The invention refers to a modular structure for cemetery constructions comprising at least one module of substantially parallelepiped form comprising four panels, each forming one wall of the module; at least one cover forming one end of the module; and four joints, each of them being engaged with two of the four panels forming two consecutive walls of the module. An advantage associated with the modular structure for cemetery constructions of the present invention consists of the possibility to set up on site the structure elements, panels, joints and covers, to be able to assemble a certain number of modules, whenever needed.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods of burial using a columbarium pod are disclosed. In one embodiment, a burial system includes a water ballast control system, a stabilizing system, an identification system, a position registration system, and a mapping system. The system may include a plurality of tubes, each tube configured to store a plurality of containers, each container retrievable after burial. The plurality of containers may include, for example, a cremation urn container, and one or more additional containers that store DNA-based biological material of the decreased, memorial materials or the like.

Abstract: A casket assembly comprising a coffin base, an outer decorative casket configured to conceal the coffin base, a first support leaf, and a first operating handle. In one embodiment, the coffin base has a first side and a first ledge projecting outwardly from the first side. The outer decorative casket has a first panel and a first support leaf having first and second edges. The first support leaf is hingedly coupled along the first edge to the first panel and is configured to rotate around the first edge between a stowed position and a coffin-support position. In the coffin-support position, the second edge is proximate an underside of the first ledge. The first operating handle is coupled to the first support leaf and configured to positively lock the first support leaf in the stowed position or the coffin-support position. A method of manufacturing a casket assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable shippable morgue system. The system may comprise (1) bottom, top and corner rails, and (2) corner fittings. Corner rails extend between bottom and top rails and connect them together to form a square and/or rectangular shaped frame. Bottom rails may include forklift engagement areas. Corner fittings are located at the connection point of the vertical corner rails and top rails. A top is positioned between the top rails and a bottom is positioned between the bottom rails. Vertically opposed end walls may be positioned between the top and bottom rails. The invention provides first and second spaced apart opposed vertical platforms, each in abutting engagement or engageable with a top rail and a bottom rail. The invention further provides a remains storage unit.

Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing vault and urn system for use in a memorial service and/or interring the cremated remains of persons and/or pets. The vault and urn are weatherproof and tamperproof closures that prevent unauthorized access to the cremated remains. The urn can be used alone or in combination with the vault. The vault and urn are covered with materials capable of resisting deterioration for extended periods of time. In one embodiment, the vault simulates the appearance of a traditional gravestone mounted on a concrete or mounted side-by-side with a second simulated traditional gravestone for holding the remains of a husband and wife, a pet and its owner or close friends.

Abstract: A columbarium apparatus comprises a columbarium structure defining a plurality of niches. Each niche has an open end, and a horizontal ledge extends from the structure near the bottom wall of each niche. An inside door is configured to cover the open end of the niche and is attached by a first set of tamper resistant hardware, and an outside door is configured to cover the inside door and conceal the first set of tamper proof hardware, and is attached by a second set of tamper resistant hardware such that an inner face of the outer door is supported by an outer face of the inside door, and such that a lower edge of the outside door is supported by the ledge. A vertical channel is provided to facilitate attachment of the outside doors.

Abstract: A concealed panel locking mechanism is provided which may be used to secure the contents of a container in a manner that is not discernable to an uninformed individual viewing the container. In one exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism includes one or more channels formed into a central area of a panel of material. A locking member within the one or more channels is movable along the channel to either engage or disengage the locking member from a recess formed in a side wall of the container. In one embodiment, the locking member is not physically accessible from outside the channel by a human being but is formed from a ferromagnetic material that is moved within the channel by a magnetic force generated by a suitable strength magnetic key placed on the outside surface of the panel.

Abstract: A rental casket system includes a casket with a recessed side panel for ease of viewing. The casket includes a removable end piece which is one embodiment is located within grooves formed in the side panels of the casket. The grooves widen near the upper portion of the side panels and are partially covered by a top panel. The rental casket system may further include a tray assembly that may be used as part of a cremation casket. The tray has short side walls and an inner assembly that prevents contact with a deceased when handholds in the tray assembly are used to move the tray assembly. The tray assembly includes side walls that are movably attached to end walls. Lids are provided with the tray so that the tray may also be used as an identification tray.

Abstract: A reusable casket includes a rectangular solid-configured body preferably having a casket top hingedly connected to a casket rear for pivotal movement between a casket-open position and a casket-closed position, a casket front pivotally connected to a casket bottom between a casket-closed position and a casket-open position, a latch for retaining the casket front in the casket-closed position and a lock for securing the casket top to the casket front. The reusable casket also has a tray for supporting a disposable cremateable container for human remains and track assemblies connected to the casket bottom for rotatably supporting the tray during tray movement along the casket bottom.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a device comprising: a first wooden portion comprising a substantially rectangular and substantially planar face interlocked to an opposing pair of substantially rectangular and substantially planar sides and to an opposing pair of substantially rectangular and substantially planar ends, the sides interlocked to said ends, said first wooden portion defining a cremains cavity; and a substantially planar wooden lid adapted to be attached to the first wooden portion and to permanently close said cremains cavity to form an airtight cremains space, the wooden lid comprising a plurality of vents adapted to vent the cremains cavity upon attachment of the wooden lid to the first wooden portion and to be sealed upon permanently closing of the cremains cavity.

Abstract: A rental casket system includes a casket with a recessed side panel for ease of viewing. The casket includes a removable end piece which is one embodiment is located within grooves formed in the side panels of the casket. The grooves widen near the upper portion of the side panels and are partially covered by a top panel. The rental casket system includes a tray assembly that may be used as part of a cremation casket. The tray has short side walls and may include an inner assembly that prevents contact with a deceased when handholds in the tray assembly are used to move the tray assembly. The tray and a lid form a burial bell assembly that may be sealed for burial. The tray assembly may include side walls that are movably attached to end walls. Lid segments are provided with the tray so that the tray may also be used as an identification tray.

Abstract: A chest of cinerary urns which has a simple structure capable of allowing convenient placing of cinerary urns therein, while minimizing decay and degradation of cremated remains stored in the placed cinerary urns. The chest of cinerary urns includes a chest body having a plurality of urn receiving spaces, a plurality of cover plates detachably attached to the chest body to cover the urn receiving spaces, seal members each interposed between a portion of the chest body around the associated urn receiving space and the associated cover plate, hollow inlet members each protruded from an associated rear wall portion of the chest body, each of the inlet members communicating with the associated urn receiving space, valve mounting members each coupled to the associated inlet member, and injection valves each fitted in the associated valve mounting member, and centrally provided with an injection hole to allow gas to be injected through the injection hole into the associated inlet member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of burial using a columbarium pod are disclosed. In one embodiment, a burial system includes a water ballast control system, a stabilizing system, an identification system, a position registration system, and a mapping system. The system may include a plurality of tubes, each tube configured to store a plurality of containers, each container retrievable after burial. The plurality of containers may include, for example, a cremation urn container, and one or more additional containers that store DNA-based biological material of the deceased, memorial materials or the like.

Abstract: The invention is directed to shrink wrapping a casket to be entombed, including an article of a shrink wrapped casket with a ventilation port including a filter and a method comprising steps of sealing the wrap with shrink wrap tape and providing two-way ventilation by placing a ventilation filter that is impenetrable to the phorid fly. This invention overcomes problems associated with the entombment of caskets in aboveground mausoleum crypts, such as fluids escaping from the casket and phorid fly infestations.

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: Tubular shaped Combination Casket/Burial Vault with end caps or end plugs for the lid or cover. The tube may vary in shape such as square, circular, rectangular, or oval etc. and vary in materials such as plastic, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene aluminum, coated steel, concrete, fiberglass or any other material etc of sufficient strength to serve as the intended need for a vault. On the market pipe products varying in shape and materials may be used for the tube material. The tube shape eliminates the traditional top lid or cover and allows either end of the tube to be used to insert the body into the said casket/burial vault.

Abstract: A reusable coffin has a casket and a vault. The casket has a headwall, a footwall, a left and a right sidewall, a first and a second lid, and a bottom. The right sidewall, and first and second lids have hinges. The headwall and the footwall have a latching means to secure the right sidewall. The vault fits closely within the casket to form a reusable coffin. The vault has a headwall, a footwall, a left and a right sidewall, a first and a second lid with hinges, and a bottom. The vault displays a deceased person with dignity.

Abstract: A support structure is configured into the appearance of a day bed. A body supporting and transporting tray is removably positioned atop the support structure and comprises a bottom, a pair of opposed sides and a pair of opposed ends. Each end includes a pair of elongated horizontal slots therein serving as handholds for grasping and lifting the tray. The support structure comprises a rectangular, planar platform having opposed front and rear edges and opposed end edges. Legs are connected to the platform and extend downwardly to support the platform above a floor surface. A back is connected to the rear edge of the platform along a lower edge of the back, the back projecting upwardly from the platform. A side is connected to each end edge of the platform and to a respective side edge of the back, with each side projecting upwardly from the platform. The support structure is convertible into a memorial table by substituting a table top structure for the tray.

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 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 vertical burial system is disclosed. The vertical burial system of the present invention comprises an outer, elongate chamber disposed substantially underground, and at least one burial capsule adapted to fit within the burial chamber. The burial chamber has a cover that is removable, so that as the need arises, additional burial capsules may be placed in the elongate burial chamber. The present invention thus simulates traditional burial, but conserves precious land by allowing multiple burials within the elongate burial chamber.

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 reusable casket assembly includes a closable burial compartment configured to accommodate enclosure of a body within its interior. The burial compartment may be releasably attached inside a decorative casket shell thereby allowing disengagement of the burial compartment from the casket shell for burial of the compartment exclusive of the casket shell which may be reused with a different burial compartment.

Abstract: A tandem burial vault structure comprises two burial vaults of identical structure, each having nesting features for use in connecting one vault over another. A lower chamber in a lower vault is permanently sealed by the upper vault. An image-bearing liner is insertable into each vault.

Abstract: A burial crypt arrangement comprises precast concrete cells (1) arranged in rows, with the cells (1) in each row being spaced apart and staggered relative to the cells (1) in adjacent rows. The corners (3) of cells (1) in a row are juxtaposed with the diagonally opposite corners of cells in adjacent rows. In this manner, both the spaces within cells, and the spaces between cells, can be used as burial chambers. Each cell (1) is formed by a continuous wall (2) of rectangular shape. Cells may be stacked vertically. The thickness of the wall (2) is tapered, being thicker at the top than the bottom, so that a ledge (9) is formed at the junction of stacked cells. An intermediate lid (10) can be supported in each burial chamber by the ledges (9). Each burial chamber is closed by a top lid (12). A trailer (17) can be used to raise and transport the lids (12).

Abstract: An inexpensive burial vault is composed of two substantially identical modular enclosure segments which, when joined together, form an enclosed space in which a decedent confinement chamber may be placed. Each modular enclosure segment is composed of a bottom panel, anterior and posterior head panels, and a left and right side panel. The head panels and side panels are connected to the bottom panel with a slight flare outward, or inscribed angle between the bottom panel and the connected panels a little more than perpendicular.

Abstract: A combination vault and casket assembly constructed of a vacuum formed polystyrene material and incorporating ballast stabilization during underground interment. A body includes a bottom, first and second upwardly extending side walls and first and second interconnecting end walls within which are defined inwardly vacuum formed depressions and which define in combination an upwardly facing perimeter. An arcuately shaped lid includes a downwardly facing perimeter edge capable of being matingly engaged with the upwardly facing perimeter edge to secure the lid to the body. A substantially planar shaped platform base has an upper face and a lower face, the upper face being configured about an outer raised and perimeter edge to receive the bottom of the body in slidably resistive fashion. An interior canyon of the platform base further includes a plurality of individual raised surfaces defining upper projections and reverse faces of the projections define corresponding recessed surfaces within the lower face.

Abstract: A crypt lid with lifting means for applying a vertical force to lift the lid is provided. The lid is preferably cast of concrete with one or more lifting holes extending vertically through the lid. The holes may be lined with a corrosion resistant material, such as a hard plastic, PVC, or other suitable material. The lining is preferably threaded, and sealing plug is adapted for threaded engagement with the lining of the holes. The plug is provided with a recessed drive receptacle and preferably fits flush with the surface of the crypt lid. This feature prevents damage to the plug, the lining, or the lid itself when a crypt is exhumed with heavy machinery like a backhoe. An easily removed privacy partition between upper and lower sections of the burial vault is also provided.

Abstract: A double depth crypt vault having two casket compartments, and which permits the placement of two caskets in the same crypt. A center dividing shelf separates the lower casket compartment from the upper casket compartment. The upper crypt compartment has a cover portion designated the vault lid which is configured to mate with and be sealed to the upper edge of the crypt vault. The double depth crypt vault can be formed and integrally molded as a unit out of a heavy-duty plastic material. Optionally, the double depth crypt vault may have tapered walls for added strength and stability for shipping purposes. Ground augers may be employed with the double depth crypt vault to prevent upward floatation.

Abstract: There is provided a shipping package for casket folders, comprising a pair of casket-base folders each having stocky and stiff edges bordering the inside side of each folder. The casket-base folders are positioned against each other with their inside sides facing each other. The inside sides and the stocky edges of both casket-base folders define a hollow space, in which there are enclosed a pair of casket-cover folders and a pair of pressed casket-interior liner cloths. The casket-interior liner cloths are attached to liner-cloth stretchers which are affixed to one of the casket-base folders. A pair of oblong boxes enclose the ends of the casket-base folders and extend over a portion of the juxtaposed stocky edges. The shipping package is advantageous for affording a firm handling thereof and for its ability to retain the casket-interior liner cloths in a pleated, wrinkle-free condition until the package is opened again at destination.

Abstract: A molded burial container and method for forming such 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 being releasably securable to the base. A coarse aggregate of the moldable material is fused into the interior side of the base and lid inner and outer walls during the molding process as formation of the base and lid is completed. The base and lid inner and outer walls thus form hollow chambers capable of being filled with a structural flowable material such as cellular concrete or structural foam so that the flowable material bonds to the aggregate covered interior side of the inner and outer walls of the base and lid.

Abstract: A two-piece container for burial of a deceased's remains and personal artifacts. A first container holds the deceased's remains. A second container holds the papers and belonging's that document that person's life. A cylindrical, waterproof tube of metal or plastic holds the two containers when they are buried. Typically, the tube is placed vertically in the ground, with the top portion exposed. The tube can vary in length, thereby allowing more than one set of containers to be buried in a given location. This system has several advantages: less space is needed to bury an entire family; and the tubes can be installed before death making winter burials less of a problem. The cap of the tube can be protected and a headstone can be placed at the site. The cap can be made accessible so that it can be opened as needed to bury another person, or to obtain access to records as needed.

Abstract: An inexpensive burial vault is composed of two substantially identical modular enclosure segments which, when joined together, from an enclosed space in which a decedent confinement chamber may be placed. Each modular enclosure segment is composed of a bottom panel, anterior and posterior head panels, and a left and night side panel. The head panels and side panels are connected to the bottom panel with a slight flare outward, or inscribed angle between the bottom panel and the connected panels a little more than perpendicular.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hermetically sealing a casket in an enclosure to be entombed in a mausoleum crypt. The casket enclosure comprises a tray and a flexible cover. An adhesive material is used to affix the cover to the tray. The enclosure includes a check valve to vent any gases that may build up over time.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed, insulated, fiberglass and/or polymeric burial vault. The burial vault may include inner and outer layers with an insulation material there between. Additionally, an anchor or other device may be utilized to hold the burial vault in the ground.

Abstract: A columbarium system for the storage of human remains that includes a plurality of similarly configured storage containers is disclosed. The storage container has walls that define an enclosure having an opening at one end with a mounting plate attached thereto. The mounting plate has a pair of tabs that are arranged on opposite sides of the mounting plate and one pair of receiving grooves arranged at opposite sides of the mounting plate. The receiving grooves are dimensioned for receiving a tab from another container so that an arrangement of containers can be formed by the interlocking engagement of the tabs and grooves in adjacently arranged containers. The storage containers are self-framing in that additional framing members are not required for the erection of the columbarium system.

Abstract: A modular storage system for the internment of cremated human remains including interengaging construction blocks having a plurality of pre-formed recesses therein. Storage tubes each having a closure registerable within the recesses forms a self-supporting wall of multiple blocks with multiple niches. Each of the construction blocks has lifting engagement fixtures for positioning and alignment of the blocks defining structural interior walls.

Abstract: A container for burial of a deceased pet is described. The pet burial container comprises a fabric bag and a flat sheet. The fabric bag comprises a base arranged to accept the flat sheet therein and a flaccid top portion opposite the base. The deceased pet is placed into the fabric bag such that the deceased pet rests on the flat sheet while the flaccid top portion drapes over the deceased pet, thereby enclosing the deceased pet in the fabric material.

Abstract: For simplifying the production of a coffin or casket and to minimize the consumption of material as far as possible, different wall thicknesses are used for the walls of the coffin, namely the material thickness of the bottom is greater than that of the side walls and additional elements such as feet, grips, fasteners, fastener profiles, hinges, embellishments and the same are made integral with the coffin upper part/or the lower part or the detachable securing of such elements are made integral with the coffin upper part or the coffin lower part.

Abstract: A portable object prepared by casting a substantially transparent, water insoluble, chemically setting plastic into a shaped mold. While in the liquid state, items of the following types are embedded: mummified tissue from a deceased or living biological subject, an epitaph, memorabilia, and a label describing the biological content and purpose of the tissue. The four types of embedded items enclosed together in a single object accord with the definition of a tomb. Mummified tissue protected from water, air, illumination, and bacterial action preserve the genome of the subject and provide a potential for resurrection of a biological subject by anticipating future innovation in genetic engineering and somatic cell cloning. Portable tombs may be prepared ante mortem as well as post mortem. Multiple equivalent tombs may be made for one individual. Multiple individuals may be entombed in a single portable object.

Abstract: A burial container assembly with a lid constructed of a top and a plurality of sides extending from the top and which defines a first shell having a hollowed interior and a downwardly facing perimeter edge. A base is likewise provided with a bottom and both side walls and end walls which extend from the bottom to establish an open interior and an upwardly facing perimeter edge and which in combination define a second shell with a likewise hollowed interior. The base is preferably provided as a rectangular shaped body with an outwardly extending ledge projecting around a perimeter of the body and around which are assembled a plurality of individual side/end pieces and corner pieces to establish the hollowed shell of the base.

Abstract: A foldable container assembly of fiberboard material is provided which can support and contain a corpse therein solely with the container fiberboard material without the use of wood frame members and the attendant weight and expense associated therewith. Preferably, the container assembly is provided partially preassembled in the transport container including an outer body portion of the main container body which can be bent or collapsed from its operative orientation to a smaller transport orientation to fit in the compact transport container. Similarly, a large lid section of a two part lid can be partially preassembled and folded to a smaller transport form for shipping. The main container body also includes a fluid containment portion formed from a fluid containment panel of corrugated fiberboard material which is folded to form the fluid containment portion and placed in the container body to minimize leakage of fluids from the container and to assist in supporting loads placed thereon.

Abstract: A casket handle and removable lug (escutcheon plate) combination frees the lug from a fixed connection to the casket wall in common with the connections of the handle. The lug instead is mounted separately upon the casket, employing spring-urged detents engageable with the lug to hold the lug in assembled relation with the handle and the casket.

Abstract: A mausoleum (10) formed from a plurality of crypt structures (12) each having a generally tubular plastics crypt liners (14) surrounded at side, roof and floor portions thereof by set concrete (81).

Abstract: A hollow plastic burial vault having a base and a cover moulded as an integral unit and having a peripheral flange extending about the vault. The flange includes a first sealing surface portion, a first joint portion, a second sealing surface portion, and a second joint portion. The first sealing portion is formed to seat and seal against the second sealing surface, and the first joint portion is formed to join releasably with the second joint portion when the flange is severed along its length to separate the cover and the first sealing surface and joint portions from the base and the second sealing surface and joint portions. A method of manufacturing such a vault is also provided.

Abstract: A casket having a quickly interchangeable and adjustable interior comprises a casket shell, an elongated fastening device having first and second portions, the first portion being secured to the casket shell, and decorative fabric secured to the second portion of the fastening device. One of the first and second fastening device portions includes a longitudinally continuous female fastening element and the other of the first and second fastening device portions includes a longitudinally continuous male fastening element receivable in the female fastening element. The male and female fastening elements are relatively slideably moveable longitudinally when engaged and are fabricated from resilient material. The fastening device allows quick installation and removal of the decorative fabric by resilient engagement of the fastening elements and provides longitudinal adjustment of the decorative fabric relative to the casket shell by slideably moving the fastening elements longitudinally relative one another.

Abstract: A cremation niche for holding the cremated remains of a deceased living being. The cremation niche includes a precast concrete block preferably having a size and consistency of a conventional cast building block. A cavity within the concrete block with access thereinto through an opening in the front upright surface of the concrete block provides access into the cavity for placing the cremated remains therein. A front face block matches the dimensions of the front surface of the concrete block and is connectable thereto by fasteners. A seal between the face block and the front face of the concrete block seals the cavity and protects the cremated remains. A separate molded plastic liner fitted into the cavity further enhances a hermetic seal within the cavity. Spacer tabs formed into one horizontal surface and one end surface of the concrete block enhance ease of building a wall of the filled and sealed niches with precise spacing between niches.

Abstract: A storage container for cremated remains has a container having a plurality of walls for receiving the cremated remains through an opening in the container. A panel insert area is formed in the container for holding a decorative panel therein. The panel insert area has a bottom flange for holding the decorative panel along the bottom edge. A decorative panel having a decorative design thereon is supported in the panel insert area for displaying the decorative design. A removable top is attached over the container opening with a plurality of fasteners and has an elongated lip formed on one side thereof extending over one side of the front panel insert area and over one edge of the decorative panel in the insert area to thereby hold the decorative panel in the insert area along the top edge.

Abstract: A burial coffin arrangement including a ceremonial casket which can be used a number of times and which is provided with decorative material and which can be placed over or lifted from a disposable inner casket which is made from a material which is not detrimental to the environment when incinerated and when decomposing. The ceremonial casket includes mutually opposing side walls which are pivotally mounted at the top thereof to the upper part of the ceremonial casket. The side walls can be moved towards one another to form wedge-like inwardly inclined outer walls for the inner casket in a traditional manner. When the side walls are brought towards one another, shoulders on the side walls pass into form-bound engagement with the inner casket so that the caskets can be lifted together. When the ceremonial casket is to be lifted away from the inner casket in the case of cremation or when the inner casket is lowered from the ceremonial casket in the case of burial, the side walls are moved apart.