Air seal in funeral vault construction refers to which method of closure?

• A. A method of closure that utilizes the air pressure created by placing the dome of the vault onto the base of the vault, often called the diving bell principle.
• B. A wooden transfer container used to carry a casket during shipment.
• C. A metallic sealant applied to casket rims.
• D. A decorative trim on the vault exterior.

Answer: (A)

Air seal closure works by trapping and compressing the air between the vault dome and its base. When the dome is placed onto the base, the interior air is squeezed and cannot escape, creating a pressure barrier that holds the joint tightly closed. This is the diving bell principle in action—the sealed air pocket between the two halves provides the airtight seal. This method relies on the mechanical action of seating the dome to establish the seal, rather than adhesives or external fasteners. It’s not about a wooden transfer container, a metallic sealant on casket rims, or decorative exterior trim, all of which do not create the airtight bond between dome and base.