Storage box for columnar cores

The dedicated storage box for columnar cores facilitates seamless observation and photography with enhanced protection and handling, addressing the limitations of conventional designs.

JP2026063626AActive Publication Date: 2026-04-13FUKUKEN CHOSA SEKKEI
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
FUKUKEN CHOSA SEKKEI
Filing Date
2024-10-01
Publication Date
2026-04-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional storage boxes for columnar cores face challenges in seamless observation and photography, lack of efficient storage and retrieval, and risk of damage during transportation or storage.

Method used

A dedicated storage box with cushioning material and box bodies featuring a groove along the longitudinal direction, chamfered boundaries, and removable hinges, allowing for seamless observation and photography while protecting the core.

Benefits of technology

The storage box enables 360-degree observation and photography of columnar cores without damage, ensuring protection and ease of handling.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2026063626000001_ABST
    Figure 2026063626000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The objective is to provide a dedicated storage box for columnar cores that allows for continuous observation and photography of the entire side surface of the columnar core while protecting the side surface of the columnar core. [Solution] The container 1 for a columnar core comprises a set of cushioning materials 2A, 2B, a set of boxes 3A, 3B in which the cushioning materials are housed, and a pair of removable hinges provided on the edges of the set of boxes 3A, 3B. The cushioning materials 2A, 2B have a rectangular parallelepiped base and grooves 22A to 22F opening on one side of the base, with the grooves 22A to 22F formed along the longitudinal direction of the base, and a step along the longitudinal direction of the grooves 22A to 22F is provided at the boundary between the grooves 22A to 22F and one side of the base.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dedicated storage box for columnar cores, such as those collected by boring.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, columnar cores collected by boring are valuable materials in geological surveys and research, and their preservation and management are important. Columnar cores are used for the analysis and evaluation of geological layers, and thus are required to be accurately stored. Although dedicated storage boxes are often used for storing columnar cores, attention is needed in terms of storage methods and handling.

[0003] Currently, there are many storage boxes used for storing columnar cores, such as those made of wood or plastic as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5. These storage boxes are for safely storing columnar cores and are used for the purpose of protecting columnar cores during transportation and storage. Also, during investigations and observations, it is common to once take out the columnar core from the storage box and observe and photograph the necessary parts.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the conventional storage boxes disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5 had several technical problems. For example, it was difficult to observe the entire side of a columnar core once it was stored in a conventional storage box, or to photograph it seamlessly. In addition, there was a lack of ingenuity in efficiently storing and retrieving the columnar core while protecting it, and there was a risk of damage to the columnar core during transportation or storage. To solve these problems, there was a need for a more user-friendly and safe storage box specifically for columnar cores.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a storage box specifically for columnar cores that allows for seamless observation and photography of the entire columnar core while protecting the sides of the columnar core obtained by boring. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The columnar core dedicated housing box according to the present invention comprises a set of cushioning material for housing a columnar core, and a set of box bodies in which the set of cushioning material is housed, wherein the cushioning material has a rectangular parallelepiped base and a groove opening on one side of the base, the groove is formed along the longitudinal direction of the base, a step is provided at the boundary between the groove and one side of the base along the longitudinal direction of the groove, and the set of box bodies are of the same thickness.

[0008] Furthermore, the columnar core dedicated housing box according to the present invention comprises a set of cushioning material for housing a columnar core, and a set of box bodies for housing the set of cushioning material inside, wherein the cushioning material has a rectangular parallelepiped base and a groove opening on one side of the base, the groove is formed along the longitudinal direction of the base, the boundary between the groove and one side of the base is chamfered along the longitudinal direction of the groove, and the set of box bodies are of the same thickness.

[0009] Furthermore, in the columnar core storage box according to the present invention, it is preferable that the shape of the groove portion in a cross-sectional view along the short direction of the base of the cushioning material is semicircular.

[0010] Furthermore, in the columnar core storage box according to the present invention, it is preferable that the base of the cushioning material is made of foamed resin and that one side of the base has two or more grooves.

[0011] Furthermore, in the columnar core storage box according to the present invention, it is preferable that a pair of removable hinges are provided on the edge of the set of box bodies, and that the set of box bodies can be opened and closed around the removable hinges by fitting the set of removable hinges together, and that the set of box bodies can be separated from each other by separating the set of removable hinges. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The columnar core storage box of the present invention has cushioning material placed inside the box to protect the sides of the columnar core, thereby preventing damage to the columnar core during transport and storage.

[0013] Furthermore, the groove provided at the base of the cushioning material is formed along the longitudinal direction of the columnar core, and the presence of a step at the boundary between the base and the groove allows for seamless observation and photography of the entire side surface of the columnar core even when the columnar core is fixed in place. Therefore, the columnar core storage box of the present invention has superior effects not found in conventional technology, as a dedicated storage box that achieves both protection of the columnar core and ease of observation and photography. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view from the front (closed state) of the columnar core storage box 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view from the rear side (closed state) of the columnar core storage box 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view from the front (open state) of the columnar core storage box 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the columnar core storage box 1 of the present invention (separated state: with cushioning material). [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the columnar core storage box 1 of the present invention (separated state: without cushioning material). [Figure 6] Perspective view of the cushioning material 2A of the columnar core dedicated storage box 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7] Plan view of the cushioning material 2A of the columnar core dedicated storage box 1 of the present invention. [Figure 8] X-X sectional view of the cushioning material 2A shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] Partial enlarged view of the cushioning material 2A shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] Perspective view showing the state of the columnar cores W11 to W13 accommodated in the box body 3B of the columnar core dedicated storage box 1. [Figure 11] Perspective view showing the state in which the columnar core dedicated storage box 1 is separated into the box bodies 3A and 3B. [Figure 12] Perspective view showing the state of the columnar cores W11 to W13 accommodated in the box body 3B. [Figure 13] Perspective view showing the state in which the box bodies 3A and 3B are joined to each other. [Figure 14] Perspective view showing the state in which the columnar core dedicated storage box 1 is closed. [Figure 15] Perspective view showing the state in which the columnar core dedicated storage box 1 is turned over. [Figure 16] Perspective view showing the state of the columnar cores W11 to W13 accommodated in the box body 3A of the columnar core dedicated storage box 1.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, the same elements in all the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted. Also, in the description in the text, the reference numerals described previously will be used as necessary. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view from the front side and FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from the back side (closed state) of the columnar core dedicated storage box 1 of the present invention in a closed state.

[0016] One embodiment of the columnar core dedicated storage box 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, consists of a set of cushioning material 2 (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) and a set of rectangular parallelepiped boxes 3 (3A, 3B) for housing the cushioning material 2. On the front side of the columnar core dedicated storage box 1, that is, the side on which the opening and closing operations of each box 3A, 3B are performed, fasteners K (K1, K2) are provided as shown in Figure 1, and on the back side, as shown in Figure 2, a pair of removable hinges 4 (4A, 4B) are provided on the edges of each box 3A, 3B.

[0017] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the columnar core storage box 1 from the front when it is open, and Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the columnar core storage box 1 in a separated state. By releasing (unlocking) the fasteners K1 and K2 on the front side of the columnar core storage box 1, the box bodies 3A and 3B can be opened around the removable hinges 4A and 4B as shown in Figure 3, and a set of cushioning materials 2A and 2B placed inside each box body 3A and 3B can be seen.

[0018] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the columnar core dedicated storage box 1 can be separated into individual box bodies 3A and 3B by separating a pair of removable hinges 4A and 4B from each other. The details of the box bodies 3 (3A, 3B) and cushioning material 2 (2A, 2B) that form the columnar core dedicated storage box 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0019] <Box 3 (3A, 3B)> Figure 5 shows perspective views of the box bodies 3A and 3B that form the columnar core dedicated housing box 1 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the box bodies 3A and 3B are composed of a rectangular parallelepiped shape with one side open, and a pair of box bodies 3A and 3B are the same shape. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the width (longitudinal direction), depth (short direction), and thickness of a pair of box bodies 3A and 3B are the same. In addition, a space is provided inside the box bodies 3A and 3B for housing the cushioning material described later. The box bodies 3 (3A, 3B) are made of lightweight and durable materials to facilitate installation and movement. In particular, emphasis is placed on the function of safely protecting the columnar core by being resistant to shocks and vibrations during transportation. Furthermore, the internal structure of the box bodies 3 (3A, 3B) can be freely customized according to the size and material of the cushioning material described later, and can accommodate columnar cores of various sizes and shapes.

[0020] Furthermore, frame members are formed upright on all four sides around the space that houses the cushioning material, and fasteners K1 and K2 for opening and closing the box bodies 3A and 3B are provided on the edges of the frame members on the longer sides, as shown in Figure 5. In addition, removable hinges 4A and 4B are attached at positions opposite to the fasteners K1 and K2 (on the edges of the frame members on the other longer side), as shown in Figure 5. By fitting these pair of removable hinges 4A and 4B together, a pair of box bodies 3A and 3B are joined together, making it possible to open and close the columnar core dedicated storage box 1.

[0021] In particular, the removable hinges 4A and 4B are designed to be highly resistant to wear, even in environments where frequent opening and closing occurs, and are made of durable materials such as stainless steel. This allows for stable use over a long period of time and significantly reduces the frequency of maintenance. Furthermore, to release moisture (water droplets) generated from the columnar core to the outside of the dedicated storage box 1 for the columnar core, air holes 31-36 can be provided that penetrate the inside and outside of the box bodies 3A and 3B, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5. This prevents the accumulation of moisture even during long-term storage of the columnar core, minimizing deterioration of the columnar core. This design is particularly intended for use in humid environments and is a highly reliable structure.

[0022] <Buffer material 2 (2A, 2B)> Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the cushioning material 2A that forms part of the columnar core dedicated housing box 1 of the present invention, Figure 7 shows a plan view of the same cushioning material 2A, Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the cushioning material 2A shown in Figure 7 along line XX, and Figure 9 shows a partially enlarged view of the groove portion 22A of the cushioning material 2A shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cushioning material 2 (2A, 2B) has a rectangular parallelepiped base portion 21, and three groove portions 22 (22A, 22B, 22C) are formed on one surface 21F. These groove portions 22 are arranged along the longitudinal direction ND of the base portion 21 and can be customized according to the shape and dimensions of the columnar core, and can accommodate columnar cores of various sizes. In addition, the groove portions 22 (22A, 22B, 22C) are smoothly molded and designed to prevent damage to the columnar core.

[0023] As shown in Figure 8, the cross-section of the groove portion 22 (22A, 22B, 22C) is semicircular, and the cylindrical columnar core is designed to fit into this semicircular groove portion 22 (22A, 22B, 22C). Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, steps d1 to d6 are formed along the longitudinal direction ND of the groove portion 22 (22A, 22B, 22C) at the boundary between the groove portion 22 (22A, 22B, 22C) and one surface 21F of the base portion 21.

[0024] Furthermore, in order to release moisture (water droplets) generated from the columnar core to the outside of the dedicated storage box 1 for the columnar core, grooves 22 (22A, 22B, 22C) and air holes 23-25 ​​that penetrate the back of the base 21 can be provided as shown in Figure 7. This allows moisture accumulated in the columnar core to be efficiently discharged to the outside, suppressing internal humidity. This structure plays a very important role in maintaining the quality of the columnar core.

[0025] For example, on both sides of the groove 22A (the short-side MD side of the base 21), two steps d1 and d2 are formed along the longitudinal direction ND of the groove 22A, as shown in Figures 6 and 8. When a cylindrical columnar core W is housed in the groove 22A, consider the case where observation and photography are performed using two imaging devices C1 and C2 from two locations diagonally above the columnar core W, as shown in Figure 9. Since the cushioning material that forms part of the columnar core dedicated housing box of the present invention is provided with steps d1 and d2 in the groove 22A, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, visual observation and photography with imaging devices C1 and C2 can be performed up to the side surface (side circumferential surface) of the columnar core W located below one surface 21F of the base 21, as shown in Figure 9.

[0026] In other words, when imaging a columnar core W housed in a groove 22A of cushioning material forming part of a dedicated storage box for columnar cores using two imaging devices C1 and C2, the imaging ranges E1 and E2 of the columnar core W from the two imaging devices C1 and C2 overlap, resulting in an imaging range θ that exceeds 180°, starting from the center O of the columnar core W. This entire imaging range E1 and E2, which exceeds 180°, allows for detailed capture of the overall shape and appearance of the columnar core W, making it extremely effective in quality control and inspection processes.

[0027] In the embodiment of the cushioning material 2A shown in Figures 6 to 9, steps d1 to d6 are provided at the boundary between the groove portion 22 (22A, 22B, 22C) and one surface 21F of the base portion 21. However, even if chamfering such as R chamfering or C chamfering is applied to this boundary portion along the longitudinal direction ND of the cushioning material 2, it is still possible to observe and photograph the side surface (side circumferential surface) of the columnar core W located below one surface 21F of the base portion 21 shown in Figure 9. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the groove portion 22 (22A, 22B, 22C) is semicircular as shown in Figures 8 and 9, but it may also be rectangular, such as a square.

[0028] Next, the method for observing (photographing) the columnar cores housed and stored in the aforementioned dedicated storage box will be explained using diagrams. Figures 10 to 16 show the state of the dedicated storage box for columnar cores during observation (photography) of the columnar cores. In this embodiment, in order to photograph the entire side surface of the columnar core, it is necessary to first open one side of the dedicated storage box and take a photograph, then flip the dedicated storage box over, open the other side, and take another photograph. This observation (photography) method makes it possible to accurately observe and photograph the entire circumference of the side surface of the columnar core without damaging it. The specific procedure will be explained in detail below.

[0029] <Step 1: Installation of dedicated storage boxes for columnar cores and placement of imaging equipment> First, the columnar core is placed in the grooves 22 (22D~22F) of the cushioning material 2B of the columnar core dedicated storage box 1. As mentioned above, the grooves 22 are provided with steps d (d1~d6) as shown in Figures 7 and 8, which stably fix the columnar core in place and hold it in place so that it does not move during shooting. In addition, the columnar core dedicated storage box 1 not only protects the columnar core but also has the function of providing a stable shooting environment.

[0030] Before shooting, it is important to set up the dedicated storage box 1 for the columnar core on a flat surface and adjust the pair of boxes 3A and 3B so that they do not shake. Cameras, video cameras, and other imaging equipment (not shown) should be positioned at an appropriate distance on one side so that half of the columnar core is within the shooting range. At this time, it is important to adjust the focus and angle of the imaging equipment, and it is desirable to shoot from multiple angles in order to obtain accurate images of the surface of the columnar core. In addition, regarding the lighting of the shooting environment, it is important to ensure that the light source is uniform and to position it in a way that minimizes shadows and reflections, which will lead to the acquisition of high-quality images.

[0031] <Step 2: Open one side of the box and observe / photograph> Next, as shown in Figure 10, carefully open one side of the dedicated storage box 1 for the columnar cores, box body 3A. At this time, it is preferable to open and close the box slowly so as not to suddenly open and shock the columnar cores W11~W13. By opening box body 3A, half of the columnar cores W11~W13 are exposed, thereby allowing a part of the columnar cores W11~W13 to be directly inspected. Separate box bodies 3A and 3B with the removable hinges 4A and 4B as shown in Figure 11, leaving only box body 3B, which is the subject of the photograph, as shown in Figure 12.

[0032] In box 3B, confirm that the exposed columnar cores W11-W13 are securely fixed to the cushioning material 2B, and then photograph half of the surface using imaging equipment (not shown). For example, by using multiple cameras or other imaging equipment as shown in Figure 9, the entire area of ​​the exposed columnar core can be photographed, and images can be recorded without any omissions. During shooting, particular attention should be paid to ensuring that the settings and focus of the imaging equipment are accurately adjusted. Furthermore, the position of the imaging equipment should be appropriately adjusted according to the area to be observed, and it is recommended that the images be reviewed after shooting.

[0033] <Step 3: Close the dedicated storage box for the columnar core and turn it upside down.> Once the shooting is complete, connect box 3A to box 3B with the interlocking hinge as shown in Figure 13, then close the opened box 3A again as shown in Figure 14, and secure it firmly with fasteners K1 and K2. After confirming that boxes 3A and 3B are completely closed, carefully lift the columnar core storage box 1 as shown in Figure 15 and turn it inside out. At this time, care must be taken with how you lift it and the speed of the work to prevent the columnar core from moving inside.

[0034] In particular, when handling large columnar cores, having two or more workers cooperate to operate the box ensures safe and efficient work. When turning over the dedicated storage box for columnar cores, it is important to always be aware of the changes in gravity acting on the columnar cores W11-W13 and the state of the columnar cores W11-W13 within the dedicated storage box 1. In addition, during this process, it is necessary to reconfirm the state of the cushioning material placed around the columnar cores W11-W13 and check whether the cushioning material is held in the correct position.

[0035] <Step 4: Open the box on the opposite side and observe / photograph> After turning over the dedicated storage box 1 for the columnar cores, open the box 3B on the opposite side as shown in Figure 16. Now, confirm that the columnar cores W11~W13 are securely fixed by the grooves 22A~22C of the cushioning material 2A. Once this confirmation is complete, separate the pair of boxes 3A and 3B from each other as shown in Figures 11 and 12, and with only box 3A containing the columnar cores W11~W13 remaining, take another photograph of the columnar cores W11~W13 from the opposite side using photographic equipment (not shown).

[0036] Readjust the position and angle of the imaging equipment to ensure that the imaging range of columnar cores W11-W13 is completely covered. If necessary, change the focus and exposure settings of the imaging equipment to avoid light reflections. Imaging from the opposite side allows for detailed observation of areas that could not be captured previously. In particular, by carefully arranging the light source and imaging equipment, uniform observation of the entire columnar core becomes possible, and the outer surface of the columnar core can be recorded without any omissions.

[0037] In this step, images taken from both side surfaces are compared to confirm the overall appearance and surface condition of the columnar core. When integrating the captured data, it is important to identify overlapping sections and format the data into an easily analyzable format. This ensures a complete record of the columnar core, providing valuable data for future quality control and inspection.

[0038] <Step 5: Closing the dedicated storage box for columnar cores and restoring the original condition> Once the photography is complete, close the box 3B and re-close the fasteners K1 and K2. This completely closes the dedicated storage box 1 for the columnar cores, protecting the columnar cores W11 to W13. Return the dedicated storage box 1 for the columnar cores to its original position, completing the 360-degree photography of the side surfaces of the columnar cores W11 to W13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1. Dedicated storage box for columnar cores 2(2A,2B) Cushioning material 3(3A,3B) Box body 4 (4A, 4B) Removable Hinge 21 Base 21F Base - One side 22(22A~22C) Groove 23-25 ​​air holes 31-36 Air holes d(d1~d6) Step E1, E2 shooting range K (K1, K2) fasteners ND Base longitudinal direction Short direction of the MD base O Center of the columnar core W, W11~W13 Columnar Core θ Shooting range

Claims

1. A set of cushioning material to house the columnar core, A set of boxes containing the aforementioned set of cushioning material, It has, The aforementioned cushioning material is A rectangular base, A groove opening on one side of the base, Having, A storage box specifically for columnar cores, characterized in that the groove is formed along the longitudinal direction of the base, a step is provided at the boundary between the groove and one surface of the base along the longitudinal direction of the groove, and the thickness of the set of boxes is the same.

2. A set of cushioning material to house the columnar core, A set of boxes for housing the aforementioned set of cushioning material inside, It has, The aforementioned cushioning material is A rectangular base, A groove opening on one side of the base, Having, A storage box specifically for columnar cores, characterized in that the groove is formed along the longitudinal direction of the base, the boundary between the groove and one surface of the base is chamfered along the longitudinal direction of the groove, and the thickness of the set of boxes is the same.

3. In a dedicated storage box for columnar cores as described in claim 1 or 2, A storage box specifically for columnar cores, characterized in that the shape of the groove portion in a cross-sectional view along the short direction of the base of the cushioning material is semicircular.

4. In the columnar core dedicated storage box described in claim 1, The base of the cushioning material is made of foamed resin. A storage box specifically for columnar cores, characterized in that one side of the base portion has two or more grooves.

5. In the columnar core dedicated storage box described in claim 1, A pair of removable hinges are provided on the edge of the aforementioned set of box bodies. A storage box specifically for columnar cores, characterized in that the set of box bodies can be opened and closed around the removable hinges by fitting the set of removable hinges together, and the set of box bodies can be separated from each other by separating the set of removable hinges.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • JP1974036166A

  • Core box

    JP1987204140A

  • Sample bag for standard penetration test

    JP1998090130A

  • Stratum Core Storage Case

    JP3072332U

  • core storage box

    JP3610344B2