Modular storage box system for storing core samples

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular storage box system for storing core samples (1) in modular boxes (C), used in particular in the field of mineral sampling from geological exploration activities for subsequent analysis. The modular storage box system (1) for storing core samples (not shown) is formed from the combination of at least one base (2) with an extending module (3 or 30) so as to form a modular box (C) for storing and transporting core samples (not shown), comprising connecting areas (25) that provide a sealing means between the compartments (20) of modular box (C) so as to prevent the unintentional switching of sample materials thus ensuring integrity of same and connecting means (5) between the elements to interlock them in a safe and practical way. Advantageously, such a system aims to facilitate handling, transportation and storage of samples in a practical and safe way thus ensuring the integrity of same.

Description

[0001]The present patent of invention relates to a modular storage box system for storing core samples in which the samples can be stored both in dense and sandy form, used in particular in the field of mineral sampling from geological exploration activities for subsequent analysis. The purpose of such a system is to increase the internal volume and provide insulation and sealing of storage compartments in the box during sample transport to the storage site, after which the system may be reused for new samplings and transportation of same. Advantageously, such a system aims to facilitate sample handling and storage with a practical and safe transportation thus ensuring the integrity of same.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Various containers with the specific purpose of facilitating sampling, storage and transportation of core samples are currently known in the art, which are usually made up by a box with compartments for arranging samples collected.[0003]Sampling activities in the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system that allows for easier handling of modular boxes and partitions for collecting samples. The system includes ergonomic handles on the sides of the base, which makes it easier to handle the samples. This separation and isolation of samples helps to manage samples effectively and collect information from each one separately.

Problems solved by technology

The boxes used for storage and transport of core samples were initially built in wood, later evolving to plastics and, during this process, several adaptation issues have arisen naturally.

Disadvantageously though, moving samples from one box to another increases labor time as two different storing means need to be managed at the same time besides making it difficult to store samples as, at the time of collection, the boxes themselves are used to write down relevant information on the sampling process and on the sample itself, such information having then to be transferred to the new box and, consequently, increasing the processing time of each sample which, already intact and duly identified, must be then transferred to the new box.

Disadvantageously though, even presenting a box extender, patent document PI0000561-4 does not present a suitable configuration to be used in core sample boxes, since said extender only allows the box side walls to be extended, and inner partition walls would also need to project to extend walls making up compartments where samples were to be stored thus preventing a sample from involuntarily trespassing other compartments during transport.

Besides, in order to maintain sample integrity, proper connection and sealing means between the compartment walls are required so that, when extender is used, sample material does not advance over other sample materials thus causing a cross contamination, which could damage and make samples unusable which, in turn, would generate unnecessary losses and rework on the sampling activities.

A further disadvantage is that the connection means introduced by the extender disclosed in the patent document PI0000561-4 is ineffective during transportation of boxes with extenders as both the box and the extender are connected by a single flange, and a simple and unintentional movement can disconnect them and damage or even make the content stored inside the box unusable.

Moreover, as the flange is joined to the surface it projects itself over a small area; it does not have the required mechanical strength thus making it more fragile.

Consequently, the flange becomes weak with time and makes the extender useless.

When the boxes receive the samples, their overall mass is considerably high, thus making it difficult to handle in terms of ergonomics, both for transport and storage or access to boxes stored in warehouses having proper infrastructure for stacking boxes in higher levels for space maximization purposes.

Handling the boxes causes physical discomfort or even physical injury to the user, which is against the ergonomics labor standards in the workplace.

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