Unit 3, Chapter 10: Casket Closure Methods Outer Burial Containers

Vault Construction Materials

1. Concrete: Either steel reinforced or non-reinforced 2. Polymers and Fiberglass 3. Metal Interior linings - Polystyrene - ABS Material - Metal Stainless Steel Copper Bronze Asphalt coated on inside of vault

Wood Caskets

6'3" x 22" (75 x 22 in.)

Metal Caskets

6'6" x 23" (78 x 23 in.)

Vaults

A vault is an outer enclosure that offers protection from the load of the earth and other elements as well as possessing sealing qualities. Purpose - Supports the load of the earth. - Limits the intrusion of outside elements.

Alternative container

An unfinished wood box or other non-metal receptacle or enclosure, without ornamentation or a fixed interior lining, which is designed for the encasement of human remains and which is made of fiberboard, pressed-wood, composition material (with or without and outside covering) or like materials.

Combination Unit

Any product consisting of a unit or a series of units which are designed or intended to be used together as both a casket and as a permanent burial receptacle.

Methods of Finishing Vaults (protection versus decoration)

Asphalt coating Galvanized steel: steel that has been coated with zinc for increased resistance to rust. Painted

Gasketed or Sealing Caskets Types

End Lock Side Lock (front lock) Lever Lock Threaded Fastener

Gasketed or Sealing Caskets Components

Gasket Hinges Locking Mechanism

Casket Closure Methods (Non Gasketed or Non Sealing)

Latch closure Threaded Fasteners Chemical compounds Hermetically sealed- airtight; impervious to external influence; completely sealed by fusion or soldering.

Infant and Children's Caskets

Materials used are similar to, or the same as adult caskets. Dimensions vary with the manufacturer. Sizes increase in increments of 6 inches in length and 9 inches in height, progress to 5 feet in length. Widths are made proportionately to the length.

Casket Sizing

Measurements are stated according to inside dimensions and vary between manufacturers.

Vault Dimensions

Measurements are stated according to inside dimensions. Standard size is 30 by 86 inches (measured on the inside).

Grave Liners

Purpose: to support the weight of the earth Materials used: concrete, polymers, fiberglass, wood

Dome

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. This sealing principle is the same as placing an empty glass upside down into a container of water. The air trapped in the glass creates a natural air seal.

Oversize Caskets

Width increases in increments of 2 inches represented by an "X" (each X = 2 inches). Length increases in increments of 3 inches. Oversize caskets may require an oversize vault.

Ziegler Case/Metal Case

a gasket-sealed container which can be used as an insert into a casket or a separate shipping container.

Combination case

a transfer container consisting of a particle board box with a cardboard tray and cover to satisfy air shipping regulations.

Air tray

a transfer container consisting of a wooden tray with a cardboard covering for the casket.

Transfer container

an outer enclosure utilized for the protection of casketed remains during transportation (i.e. a padded casket cover).

Outer Burial Containers

any container which 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.

Sectional (Concrete Sectional)

has 6 to 8 slabs of unfinished concrete placed around the casket.

Grave box

has a body and one or two piece lid

Wood Box

may be a transfer container or an unornamented casket made entirely of unfinished wood with no interior lining.

Urn Vault

metal, concrete or polymers for urns

Air transportation guidelines

must be followed for air shipment of human remains. Guidelines are available in the NFDA Resource Manual.

Double Seal

uses the principle of an air seal dome along with the epoxy material at the base of the vault.

Air Seal

utilizes air pressure created by placing the dome of the vault onto the base of the vault.

Top Seal

utilizes an epoxy compound in conjunction with a tongue-in-groove closure at the top of the vault.