A casket transport and lowering device system is presented. The system includes a transportable frame with extendable rails configured to rotate and extend out over a gravesite. The extendable rails may also include an end rail and one or more extendable feet. The transportable frame may also be protected inside an exterior housing. The system also includes a carriage that rolls along the extendable rails into a position directly over the top of the gravesite. The carriage supports a lowering device upon which the casket rests. When the carriage is positioned over the gravesite, the lowering device is also positioned to lower the casket into the grave.

A powered sliding platform assembly may include an actuator, a platform, and a controller. The platform may have a rail defining first and second openings configured to receive a pin of an actuator. The actuator and the rail may be arranged such that while the platform moves between extended and retracted positions, the pin rides along the rail between the openings. The controller may be programmed to, in response to a signal indicative of an object being proximate the platform, inhibit movement of the platform.

An urn carrier for a funeral vehicle having a casket compartment is disclosed. The urn carrier includes an urn support that is configured to receive at least one urn, and a movement element that is configured to removably receive the urn support. The movement element is configured to move the urn support along a length of the casket compartment between various positions including a stowed position and a ceremonial position. A funeral vehicle having such an urn carrier and a method of handling an urn in a funeral vehicle are also disclosed.

An urn carrier for a funeral vehicle having a casket compartment is disclosed. The urn carrier includes an urn support that is configured to receive at least one urn, and a movement element that is configured to removably receive the urn support. The movement element is configured to move the urn support along a length of the casket compartment between various positions including a stowed position and a ceremonial position. A funeral vehicle having such an urn carrier and a method of handling an urn in a funeral vehicle are also disclosed.

A casket transport mechanism having a lower platform for the receipt of one or more caskets and an upper platform for the receipt of one or more caskets. A support structure supports the upper platform, which is cantilevered at the front end from the support structure. A lift mechanism is operatively coupled to the upper platform to move the upper platform along the support structure between a raised position and a lowered position. The upper platform remains substantially parallel to the lower platform as it moves between the raised and lowered positions. In this way, the upper platform can be lowered to facilitate loading caskets onto it, and then raised to its raised position to allow loading of caskets onto the lower platform.

A casket transport mechanism having a lower platform for the receipt of one or more caskets and an upper platform for the receipt of one or more caskets. A support structure supports the upper platform, which is cantilevered at the front end from the support structure. A lift mechanism is operatively coupled to the upper platform to move the upper platform along the support structure between a raised position and a lowered position. The upper platform remains substantially parallel to the lower platform as it moves between the raised and lowered positions. In this way, the upper platform can be lowered to facilitate loading caskets onto it, and then raised to its raised position to allow loading of caskets onto the lower platform.

A casket transport system for installation in a transport vehicle, and a method of loading eight or more caskets into the transport vehicle. The invention includes a plurality of shelves configured for mounting within a transport vehicle and receiving caskets in a lateral or sideways direction. A lift mechanism is mounted at the rear of the transport vehicle. The lift mechanism includes a base support member vertically movable along a vertical track between a lower position for loading caskets laterally and at least one raised position for moving the caskets laterally into the transport vehicle. At least one support arm is mounted to the base support member and configured to support a casket in a lateral direction as it is raised and lowered. An extension arm is pivotally mounted to the support arm and movable between a raised position and a lowered bridging position to facilitate sliding a casket laterally into the transport vehicle. In this way, at least eight or more caskets can be loaded into vehicle.

A casket transport system for installation in a transport vehicle, and a method of loading eight or more caskets into the transport vehicle. The invention includes a plurality of shelves configured for mounting within a transport vehicle and receiving caskets in a lateral or sideways direction. A lift mechanism is mounted at the rear of the transport vehicle. The lift mechanism includes a base support member vertically movable along a vertical track between a lower position for loading caskets laterally and at least one raised position for moving the caskets laterally into the transport vehicle. At least one support arm is mounted to the base support member and configured to support a casket in a lateral direction as it is raised and lowered. An extension arm is pivotally mounted to the support arm and movable between a raised position and a lowered bridging position to facilitate sliding a casket laterally into the transport vehicle. In this way, at least eight or more caskets can be loaded into vehicle.