Melissa and Histarchers

Later this summer, AltaMira Press will release Burial Terminology: A Guide 
for Researchers by R. Sprague.  In reference to the recent discussion on 
grave liners, it will say on page 135:

The modern terms "vault," "grave liner," or "outer container" define 
underground containers of concrete, metal, fiberglass, or other durable 
material into which the casket is placed.  In modern undertaker terminology 
a grave liner is not necessarily a closed container while a vault 
completely encloses the casket.

When using Habenstein and Lamers it should be remembered that their work 
was commissioned by the National Funeral Directors Association of the 
United States.

Rick