Abstract: A funeral urn system comprising: a funeral urn defining an urn proximal attachment and a substantially opposed urn distal attachment, the funeral urn including an urn body defining an ashes receiving cavity and an urn aperture leading into the ashes receiving cavity, the funeral urn also including an urn cap selectively securable to the urn body in register with the urn aperture to seal the ashes receiving cavity; and a spear head cap, the spear head cap defining a cap proximal attachment and a substantially opposed cap distal end section tapering in a direction leading away from the cap proximal attachment. The urn proximal and distal attachments are configured and sized to be selectively attachable respectively to the urn distal and proximal attachments of another urn similar to the funeral urn. The urn distal attachment is configured and sized to be selectively attachable to the cap proximal attachment.

Abstract: A cremated remains remembrance and burial system that includes an urn, an urn lid, an urn enclosure and a headstone. The urn includes an enclosure with an opening, a first sealing mechanism and second sealing mechanism. The urn lid is capable of engaging the first sealing mechanism to substantially seal the enclosure. The urn enclosure has a recess formed therein that is adapted to receive the urn. The urn enclosure is adapted to engage the second sealing mechanism to retain the urn in engagement with the urn enclosure. The headstone has an opening formed therein that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the urn. The headstone is adapted to engage the second sealing mechanism to retain the urn in engagement with the headstone.

Abstract: The sealing acrylic urn vault of the invention includes a generally square sheet of ?? cast acrylic serving as the base and a generally square top portion which will have four adjacent side walls bonded to its edges and protruding downward. Each opposing side wall will be bonded length-wise to each adjoining side, creating a seamless cast acrylic box, open at the bottom, that lowers onto the acrylic base. Attached to the base are four 0.625? tall ?? thick acrylic guide rails, bonded equidistant from the outside base edge on all four sides of the base. This “railing system” is the fastening guide for the acrylic top portion which lowers onto the base with the inside of the four side walls bonded with the outside edges of the four guide rails.

Abstract: A decorative carapace for a burial vault including a carapace having a top surface and a substrate having a decorative graphic, the substrate being attached to the top surface of the carapace.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing a headstone. A substantially-rigid perforated member is provided having a headstone aperture formed therein. The perforated member includes at least one anchor extending away from the perforated member to be driven into the ground. At least one securing member is disposed at the headstone aperture of the perforated member to secure the stabilizing apparatus to the headstone. The method includes providing such a perforated member, removing existing sod from around the headstone, placing the perforated member over the headstone with the headstone extending through the headstone aperture so that the perforated member is next to the ground, adjusting a securing member so as to secure the stabilizing apparatus to the headstone, and placing sod on top of the perforated member.

Abstract: A space saving burial container that bores its own interment hole and efficiently guides the cut away receiving material up and out of the hole to inter a fully secured body in a permanently natural upright position.

Abstract: Provided herewith is an apparatus and means for interning a plurality of cremated remains and their accompanying urns in a columbarium placed in the ground above a pre-existing coffin style burial such that the ashes and urns are inaccessible once they are interned. The apparatus comprises an “L” shaped columbarium that is placed above a pre-existing coffin with the longer side of the “L” shape being laid horizontally. A telescoping cylinder is utilized to hold the urn for viewing during the ceremony and to deposit the urn in storage. As the telescoping cylinder is lowered back into the columbarium, a push arm forces the pivotal plate to pivot causing the urn to roll off the pivotal plate and onto a ramp that allows the urn to continue by gravitational force to the base of the ramp for permanent storage.

Abstract: An improved burial crypt for cremains designed to be placed below grade within a standard cemetery burial plot, suitable for containing a plurality of burial urns; the crypt comprised of a container, an access means, and a support means, with the container being sealable, substantially water tight, and fabricated of precast concrete walls, the access means being located within the interior of the container and suitably adapted to allow a human to descend into and ascend out of the container, and the support means being located within the interior of the container and suitably adapted to support a plurality of burial urns; and a method of fabrication of same.

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: Burial containers to be power installed in non-horizontal positions without the need to dig large holes and subsequently replace the dug out material, and which greatly save land area, plus can be interred in high water table areas and even under shallow water.

Abstract: A foldable truss having a pair of side frames hinged together by a foldable arm allowing the truss to be collapsed to a smaller width while maintaining the truss length as a constant.

Abstract: A cremation niche including a concrete masonry block formed as a single unit having an uninterrupted cross section which includes rectangular sides, top and bottom panels and open rectangular front and rear openings providing access into a hollow horizontally disposed interior of the concrete block. The concrete block material consistency and overall outside dimensions are equal to those of a conventional concrete building block. A plastic liner having an open front is snugly fit within and mating against inner surfaces of the concrete block which define the interior. A decorative faceplate covers the front opening, mating with the front surface and against a perimeter of the front opening of the liner.

Abstract: A modular columbarium has side panels joined to front uprights by bolts on bent front tabs on the front panels and, respectively, the panels are joined to the rear uprights by L-shaped tabs that can be housed in slot in the rear uprights. The bottoms of the front uprights are extended by height-adjustable legs to adapt to any unevenness of the ground, a lower base panel being fastened between the legs. The front uprights are connected to each other by font crossbars, the crossbars comprising a longitudinal guide, whereon blocking elements are positioned that can move laterally along them. The longitudinal guide has slots for the projecting tabs of the front covers to pass through. The guide has central openings wherethrough the blocking elements can be actuated to block or release the front covers.

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: 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: The present invention discloses a method and system for maintaining the position of headstones in a cemetery. Previously, headstones installed at a cemetery may shift over time. As the ground beneath the headstone is subjected to erosion from frost, rain, snow, and wind, the headstone may settle and eventually sink partially into the ground. In some cases the headstones may become loose and fall, possibly getting damaged. The present invention provides a subterranean bridge comprised of concrete that the headstone rests upon. In this way, the headstone is supported by the concrete bridge structure, and is less affected by soil conditions, ground water, and freeze-thaw cycles. Since, by definition, the headstones are to be at the cemetery for an indefinite period of time, it is desirable to have a system to maintain the position of the headstone for the long term. The bridge is comprised of two caissons and a plinth.

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: 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 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: A burial container having an enclosure for a body and an opening in the bottom to permit earth to be communicated into the container and allow the body within to be in contact with the earth. At the same time, the body is enclosed, in accordance with a number of existing laws regarding burial. In preferred embodiments, a mound of earth is placed within the container having a slope that causes the body to reside on its side, so that it may face Mecca. A burial field is placed atop the ground surface rather than below it and with an engineered drainage field beneath the containers groundwater is not affected. The resulting graves are then above the previous natural ground and the entire field will have the appearance of a mound. A burial field may be established that contains a plurality of burial containers that are oriented such that, upon burial, bodies will face toward Mecca.

Abstract: A metallic receptacle is embedded in the concrete material of a burial vault. The receptacle contains archival quality paper that records information identifying the person interred in the burial vault and the precise location at which the vault was buried. The receptacle is sealed by a cap that may be removed to access the archival information without opening the vault.

Abstract: A tombstone for communicating audio and visual data related to the deceased from the tombstone to a user, the tombstone comprising an indicia bearing and viewing portion, a visual display, an audio transmitter for communicating sound waves to a user, data related to the deceased, the data comprising audio and visual images of the deceased, the data stored within storage media, and means for reproducing the audio and visual images of the deceased from the data related to the deceased utilizing one or more players, readers or drivers for the one or more of the storage media.

Abstract: A selection room display facilitates a casket selection by a customer of a funeral home. The display includes a vertical back wall and a pair of vertical, spaced apart wing walls cooperating with the back wall to form an alcove. A plurality of casket portions are displayed in the alcove. A vertical signage column may be positioned in the alcove. Information modules are also displayed in the alcove. The modules correspond to the casket portions. The casket portions are supported on shelves which are removably secured to the back wall. The information modules are similarly removably secured to the back wall. The display may incorporate “themes” to feature the various casket choices. The theme technique may also be utilized in the funeral home viewing room.

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 burial structures providing space for multiple human remains has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of individual units. The interlocking prohibits access to the individual cremens or bodily remains. Thus no individual remains are directly accessible. This building feature allows the forming of the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes. Each unit is an area for the remains, and alternately an area for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit is scaled with a cover that has grooves formed therein. This structure gives lasting, beautiful and reverent surroundings for the deceased, and is kept safe from vandals and other intrudes.

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 metallic receptacle is embedded in the concrete material of a burial vault. The receptacle contains archival quality paper that records information identifying the person interred in the burial vault and the precise location at which the vault was buried. The receptacle is sealed by a cap that may be removed to access the archival information without opening the vault.

Abstract: A metallic receptacle is embedded in the concrete material of a burial vault. The receptacle contains archival quality paper that records information identifying the person interred in the burial vault and the precise location at which the vault was buried. The receptacle is sealed by a cap that may be removed to access the archival information without opening the vault.

Abstract: A burial structures providing space for multiple human remains, whether in form of a body or in the form of cremens, has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of the individual units. Unlike previous units, this interlocking occurs to prohibit access to the individual cremens or bodily remains. Thus, with the exception of a main level accessway, where some cremens are located within the walls, no individual remains are directly accessible. This building feature allows the heretofore unknown ability to form the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes, from an obelisk shape, like the pyramids of Egypt, to religious symbolisms or aesthetic shapes, thus not solely relying on landscaping for giving beauty and reverence to the mausoleum and its surroundings. Each unit comprises an area for the remains, and alternately an area for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit is sealed with a cover that has grooves formed therein.

Abstract: A burial apparatus for underground crypts, preferably those that include space for two stacked caskets, which apparatus includes a ground auger, a turnbuckle connected thereto and a flanged inverted L-shaped member connected to the turnbuckle and engaged with the crypt to retain the crypt within the ground. The apparatus works particularly well with an empty crypt and with a dual crypt when opened to receive a second casket.

Abstract: A burial structure (10) providing space for multiple human remains in the form of a body or cremens that has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of the individual units (12). This building feature allows the heretofore unknown ability to form the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes, from an obelisk shape, like the pyramids of Egypt, to religious symbolisms or aesthetic shapes, thus not solely relying on landscaping for giving beauty and reverence to the mausoleum and its surroundings. Each unit (12) comprises an area (52) for the remains, and alternately an area (50) for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit (12) is sealed with a cover (34) that has grooves (64) formed therein. The bottom of the unit (12) has corresponding tongues (62), which effect an interlocking relationship. The sides are designed to complement and complete this arrangement.

Abstract: A mausoleum, formed of stone pieces having a plurality of crypts. The mausoleum is formed of a plurality of vertical walls each formed of a stone piece engaged at selected ends to form vertically extending seams. A roof, comprising a plurality of elongated stone pieces arranged in pyramid fashion longitudinally of the mausoleum, is supported by upper edges of certain of the vertical walls. A header extends transversely of the front of the mausoleum. The header is supported by the upper edges of other of the vertical walls and the forward end of the roof pieces. This arrangement provides that the roof and the header cover upper portions of all vertically extending seams while the header provides a homogeneous, pleasing face to the structure.

Abstract: The present invention is method and resulting assembly for applying a flexible liner to the outer surface of a pre-cast concrete walled container to be buried in an earthen excavation.

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 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: 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 flat, rectangular lid member is designed to releasably close the open upper end of a burial vault. The lid member has an upper face, a lower face, opposite first and second ends, and opposite sides. A headstone holder formed integrally with or separate from the lid member projects upwardly from the upper face of the first end of the lid member. The headstone holder has an upright, rectangular cavity with an open upper end for receiving the lower end of a headstone to support the headstone in an upright position.

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: Collapsible structure are provided having a first base panel and a second panel, each having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material partially covering the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. The second panel is flexed so that the first and second panels define an interior space, with the second panel having opposing first and second end edges that are coupled to the outer periphery of the first panel. The second panel can have two or more supporting frame members to allow the collapsible structures to be provided in different configurations and sizes. In addition, the first base panel can be replaced by a fabric or similar piece of material that is coupled to the first and second end edges of the second panel. The second panels can be coupled within, or outside, the outer periphery of the first base panel or fabric.

Abstract: A burial structures providing space for multiple human remains, whether in form of a body or in the form of cremens, has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of the individual units. Unlike previous units, this interlocking occurs to prohibit access to the individual cremens or bodily remains. Thus, with the exception of a main level accessway, where some cremens are located within the walls, no individual remains are directly accessible. This building feature allows the heretofore unknown ability to form the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes, from an obelisk shape, like the pyramids of Egypt, to religious symbolisms or aesthetic shapes, thus not solely relying on landscaping for giving beauty and reverence to the mausoleum and its surroundings. Each unit comprises an area for the remains, and alternately an area for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit is sealed with a cover that has grooves formed therein.

Abstract: Electronic lighting devices that simulate a realistic flame are disclosed. The preferred embodiment has a plurality of lighting elements in a plurality of colors which are modulated in intensity by a control circuit with a stored program. The control program includes stored amplitude waveforms for the generation of a realistic flame simulation. The program further contains random elements to keep the flame constantly changing. The control circuit has built in power management functions that can control the mean intensity of the simulated flame based on some power management budget with the ability to measure the charge/discharge duration of the power source, when used with a rechargeable power source. The currents to the individual lighting elements are selectable from a set of discrete quantization values. Tables of amplitude modulated time waveforms are stored in the microprocessor memory, from which the real time control data streams for the individual lighting elements are synthesized.

Abstract: A crypt system comprising a front frame, a rear frame and a plurality of cells received between the front and rear frames, inclined longitudinally to form a column of cells. Drain and ventilation headers communicate with each cell and an attachment system for joining adjacent columns to each other is provided. The front frame comprises horizontal and vertical members that are spaced to be a close fit on the cells. Each cell is independently sealable by a sealing panel that is attached over the open front end of the cell. A plurality of discrete facing panels are mountable to the front frame of the crypt by way of rectangular section posts extending outwardly from the vertical members at predetermined intervals to abut angled corners of the facing panels and retaining members that hold the angled corners of the facing panels. The structure of the present invention provides a crypt structure that does not suffer from the maintenance problems of existing mausoleums.

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 dual-layer burial urn comprising a hollow outer decorative casing surrounding an inner resilient liner formed of a high-impact plastic. The outer casing is formed from a base resin, such as an acrylic or polymeric material and inert fillers. The outer surface contains an opening at one end of its body, with a recess surrounding the opening. The inner liner has a screw-threaded aperture aligned with the opening and the recess. An inner plastic top having a screw-threaded portion for engaging the aperture of the inner liner is provided for sealing the inner liner.

Abstract: The tomb has a bone accommodating chamber inside it and the overall structure is formed like a house. The bone accommodating chamber is enclosed by the wall section on four sides and by the roof section that can be removed from the top of the wall section, so as to prevent ingress of water. The roof section can be taken off the wall section by lifting it, allowing the cinerary urn to be placed inside the tomb with ease.

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.