Outer Burial Containers
Types of Transfer containers
Air tray Wood box Metal case/ Ziegler case Combination case
Outer Burial Containers
Any container that is designed for placement in the grave around the casket, including , but not limited to containers commonly known as burial vaults, grave boxes, and grave liners.
Materials
Concrete Metal Polymers & Fiberglass
Types of Grave Liners
Grave Box Sectional Urn Vault
ATA guidelines must be followed for air shipment of human remains:
Guidelines are available in the NFDA Resource Manual.
Top seal
In burial vaults, a method of sealing that utilizes an epoxy compound in conjunction with a tongue-in-groove closure at the top of the vault.
Urn Vault
Metal or concrete vault for cremation urns.
United States Standard Gauge
Metal vaults are measured by
ABS material
Plastic
Galvanizing
Steel that has been coated with Zinc for increased resistance to rust.
Dome (Dividing Bell Principle):
The top of an air seal burial vault which entraps air as it is put in position: it also supports the weight of the earth above.
Lined vs. unlined
Usually with plastic or metal. 1. Polystyrene 2. ABS material 3. Metal 4. Asphalt coating
Types of Outer Burial Containers
Vaults Grave Liners Other Containers
Method of Closure
1. Air seal 2. Top seal 3. Double seal
Materials used in Construction of Grave Liners
1. Concrete 2. Polymer & Fiberglass 3. Wood
Dimensions
1. Measurements are stated according to inside dimensions for vaults. 2. Standard size for vaults is 30" x 86".
Method of finishing vaults
1. Protection vs. Decoration 2. Asphalt Coating 3. Galvanizing 4. Painting
Concrete
1. Reinforced with metal vs. non re-inforced 2. Lined vs. unlined
Metal lining
1. Stainless steel 2. Copper 3. Bronze
Types of Metal vaults
1. Steel 2. Stainless steel 3. Cooper
Purpose
1. Support earth load. Grave liners just support earth, do not protect from elements. 2. Limit (prevent) the intrusion of outside elements (water).
Sectional
A grave liner consisting of six or eight slabs of unfinished concrete placed around the casket.
Bronze lining
A metal alloy consisting of 90% copper with Tin (and sometimes Zinc) compromising the outer 10%.
Air seal
A method of sealing a vault that utilizes the air pressure by placing the dome of the vault onto the base of the vault.
Double seal
A method of sealing burial vaults that utilizes the principle of the air seal in conjunction with an epoxy material at the junction of the dome and the base of the vault. Doesn't work well, dirt falls into junction of dome and base, preventing seal.
Alternative containers
A non-metal receptacle or enclosure, without ornamentation or a fixed interior lining, designed for the encasement of human remains and which is made of cardboard, pressed-wood, composition material, or pouches of canvas or other material (FTC Definition).
Grave Box
An outer enclosure consisting of a body and a one or two piece lid.
Grave Liners
An outer enclosure consisting of a body and a one or two piece lid.
Vaults
An outer enclosure that offers protection from the earth load as well as possessing sealing qualities. Vaults was originally to protect from theft, not elements (steel cage).
Transfer containers
An outer enclosure utilized for the protection of casketed remains during transportation.
Unfinished wood box
An un-ornamented casket made of wood that does not have a fixed interior lining.
Combination unit
Any product consisting of a unit, or a series of units, which are designed or untended to be used together as both aa casket and as a permanent burial receptacle.
Asphalt coating
Asphalt coating on inside vault: Plugs up pores in concrete and prevents moisture from seeping through.
Polystyrene lining
Plastic. Also polybutelene or polyethylene.
Vault Characteristics
Purpose Materials Method of finishing vaults Method of Closure Dimensions
Reinforced with metal vs. non re-inforced
Re-bar or chicken wire in or on the concrete.
Other Merchandise Items a Funeral Home Sells:
Sundry Items Sold as other sources of income.
Grave Liner Purpose
Support the earth load
Metal vaults
The standard gauge is 8 gauge metal (variances occur).
Other Containers
Transfer containers Alternative containers Unfinished wood box Combination unit Other Merchandise Items a Funeral Home Sells:
Sundry Items
Various miscellaneous items provided or used to complement the services of a funeral director. Include register books, prayer cards, religious fraternal or military symbols, thank you cards, clothing and other cremation containers. Also Urns.