Inventors:
Kenneth L. Schaapveld - Oklahoma City OK
International Classification:
A61G 1700
Abstract:
A light weight cultured marble casket is provided which is aesthetically pleasing in appearance, durable in construction and resistant to deterioration by the elements. The casket comprises a body member having an exterior portion formed of cultured marble and a base member (which cooperates with the body member to form a unitary structure having a cavity formed therein), a closure assembly pivotally connected to the body member for selectively sealing the cavity and for permitting access thereto, and a securing assembly for securing and locking the closure assembly to the body member when the closure assembly is in a closed sealing position. The base or bottom portion of the casket, as well as the interior portion of the body member and the interior portion of the closure assembly, are fabricated of a fiberglass-containing resinous material. The cultured marble composition comprises from about 40 to about 60 parts by weight of a polyester casting resin, from about 80 to about 120 parts by weight of a particulate material, a catalytic amount of a catalyst capable of cross-linking the polyester casting resin, and an effective minor amount of a pigment capable of providing the cured cultured marble composition with the color and texture desired. A method for the fabrication of such cultured marble caskets is also set forth.