A core tray insert and methods of use and manufacture

Abstract

A moulded core tray of integrated manufacture is provided, the tray having a plurality of core-receiving channels having closed opposite ends and a peripheral outer wall section external to the channels, wherein the wall section is in spaced relationship with an adjacent wall of an outer channel, thereby defining a cavity between said walls, the tray further including an insert for least partial insertion into the cavity, the insert having a surface accessible from below the cavity and being suitable for bearing against the fingers of a human handler of the tray when the handler attempts to lift the core tray in horizontal orientation when laden. The insert may be provided separately from the core tray.

Description

A CORE TRAY INSERT AND METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTUREField of invention

[0001] This disclosure relates to an insert for modifying a core tray for ease of lifting by a human handler, and a method of manufacture thereof. The disclosure extends to a core tray assembly that includes said insert.Background to the invention

[0002] A drill core is an elongate cylindrical mineral sample extracted at an exploration site by use of a core drilling rig. Typical drill-core samples are circular in cross section, about 600mm to about 1200mm long and about 30mm to about 90mm in diameter, from which it will be appreciated that they are generally heavy. The tray, when fully loaded, can weigh from 20kg to 60kg or more.

[0003] Core trays are used in the mining and exploration industries as purpose- built containers, in which sections of core samples are placed for storing and transporting. Core trays are typically nowadays of integrated (one piece) construction. They may be made of plastic, metal, wood or cardboard and have different sizes and shapes, depending on the type of core sample to be received therein. Generally, a core tray will have a rectangular footprint, with a plurality of core-receiving and -retention channels that extend longitudinally in parallel with the longer side of its rectangular form from end to end of the tray. The channels are sized for receiving core sample sections of appropriate length and diameter. The channels are desirably deep enough to receive and retain the core samples without the samples protruding above the rim of the channels.

[0004] Loaded trays are often stacked on pallets or similar hard stand areas for storage or transport. Because of its loaded weight and elongate rectangular form, a tray loaded with 4 or 5 such samples is challenging to move by hand, and presents a lifting challenge, even to the masculine human adult of above average strength.

[0005] One of the challenges in core tray processing is to move the core trays from the drill site to a storage or logging station, where the core samples are exam ined by a geologist or technician. Conventional methods of moving core trays may involve manual lifting (desirably by two or more persons), pushing, or pulling of the core trays. These activities can be labour-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to errors or accidents resulting in injury to personnel or fragmentation of cores. Automated or semi-automated systems are known, and these may entail the use of conveyors, roller tracks, or other mechanisms to move the core trays along a predetermined path. These systems may, however, be complex, costly, or inflexible to accommodate different sizes and shapes of core trays. Manual handling is better able to accommodate these physical tray variables.

[0006] Known core trays may be open topped or may be supplied with a cover. Core trays usually have an outer skirt-like wall that extends downwardly from the upper rim. Since the tray is open at the top, it needs to be maintained in generally horizontal orientation to prevent core samples falling out and being damaged or destroyed. The outer wall is thin, and is separated by a small gap from the inner wall that defines the closest adjacent sample-receiving channel. Handlers tend to locate two or more fingers in the gap with their palms facing generally up, and their thumbs bearing against the outside surface of the skirt-like outer wall. Bending their fingers, the handlers will exert upward force on the skirt to lift the tray and its contents. Even with thick gloves being worn, the handler experiences significant discomfort, especially at the finger joint against which the lower edge of the wall skirt presses. This often can result in bruising at the finger joints, since the lifting force is concentrated at the knuckles rather than at the finger pad. Moreover, thicker gloves have drawbacks for the wearer in terms of dexterity. They may even be difficult to insert into the available gap. To alleviate discomfort, some core trays are known to include formations such as ribs in the gap, but these are found to cause discomfort because of the edges of the ribs “cutting” into the handler’s upwardly pointing fingertips when they bear up against the ribs. Consequently, there is a need for a device that will alleviate the distress suffered by handlers attempting to lift a horizontally disposed tray. There is also a need for a method of manufacturing a tray and such device.

[0007] Core trays are conveniently and cost-effectively manufactured by injection moulding as single piece units. This manufacturing method has largely replaced methods in which components of the core tray, such as wall sections, channels and end walls were individually cast or moulded for later assembly into the finished core tray. However, the cost of an injection moulded article rises dramatically when a volume, such as one defined by a space or a gap needs to be filled. The gap is preferably left as a void or space between the outer wall of the channel and the outer skirt.Objects of the Invention

[0008] It is proposed in this disclosure to manufacture a core tray as an integral, complete and functional core-receiving unit, and to provide a second component for fitting to the tray as an add-on for lifting.

[0009] It is an object of this invention to address the shortcomings of the prior art and, in doing so, to provide a core tray that has a finger-friendly add-on that facilitates handling and, in particular lifting by personnel.

[0010] A further object is to provide a core tray that has a lifting surface that reduces risk of finger nerve injury to handlers.

[0011] It is also an object of the disclosure to provide an insert for fitting into the gap between the outer skirt wall and the proximate channel wall of a core tray, so that when fitted, pressure exerted on the finger joint of a tray handler by the edge of the outer skirt wall is diminished.

[0012] The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the priority date of the present application.

[0013] Further, and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in the inclusive sense of “including, but not being limited to” - asopposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense meaning “including this and nothing else”.Summary of Invention

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a moulded core tray of integrated manufacture, comprising a plurality of core-receiving channels having closed opposite ends, a peripheral outer wall section external to the channels, the wall section being in spaced relationship with an adjacent wall of an outer channel to define a cavity between said walls, the tray further including an insert insertable at least partially into said cavity, the insert having a surface accessible from below the cavity and being suitable for bearing down against at least one finger of a human handler when the handler applies upward pressure for lifting the core tray.

[0015] In an embodiment, the surface slopes upwardly from the peripheral wall section towards the adjacent wall of the channel.

[0016] In an embodiment, the surface slopes at an angle of inclination that is at most about 45 degrees off a horizontal plane defined by an upper peripheral rim of the tray.

[0017] The surface may include grip-assisting formations for bearing against a handler’s finger when the tray is being lifted.

[0018] In an embodiment, the cavity and the insert have complemental formations configured for engagement between insert and cavity when the insert is inserted therein. The formations may include a slot for receiving a catch formation extending from the insert.

[0019] In an embodiment, the insert is partially inserted into the cavity to present the finger-bearing surface to a human handler for improving lifting comfort by virtue of grip-assisting formations on the surface.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an insert configured for insertion at least partially into a core tray of integrated construction, wherein the tray includes multiple channels closed by a wall at each end and aperipheral cavity located externally relative to the channels, the insert having a surface configured for being accessible from below the peripheral cavity when operatively inserted, for bearing against one or more finger pads of a human handler lifting said core tray when loaded.

[0021] Preferably, the surface of the insert is inclined to slope upwardly in a direction from a periphery of the core tray toward the middle of the core tray when the insert has been operatively inserted to the core tray.

[0022] In an embodiment, the surface slopes at an angle of inclination that is at most 45 degrees off a horizontal plane defined by an upper peripheral rim of the tray.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the surface includes grip-assisting formations located on the insert, the formations being for bearing against the handler’s finger when the tray is being lifted.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the insert includes first and second portions, each having a surface for bearing against the fingers of a lifting human handler. The portions may be moulded separately for connection to each other or to the tray.

[0025] In an embodiment, the insert is configured to be located at a corner of the core tray, with the first portion and second portions presenting the respective finger-bearing surfaces on either side of the corner.

[0026] The portions may be connected by an intermediate curved joining portion insertable at the tray corner.

[0027] The portions may be separately manufactured and configured for connecting to each other either before being inserted into the tray cavity, or when being inserted.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the insert includes engagement formations configured for engaging with complemental formations included in the core tray.

[0029] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of core tray manufacture by injection moulding, including a. providing a first mould for manufacture of a core tray that is configured for mating with an insert that includes a surface adapted for bearing against a finger pad of a lifting handler’s finger, and b. providing a second mould for manufacture of said insert, c. filling the moulds with a molten plastics material, d. allowing the molten plastics material to set to form said core tray and said insert, and e. connecting the insert for operatively mating with the core tray.

[0030] In an embodiment, the core tray includes a cavity and the insert is complementally shaped for being received at least partially into the cavity.

[0031] In an embodiment, the cavity and the insert have complemental formations configured for engagement between insert and cavity when the insert is inserted.

[0032] In an embodiment, the surface of add-on component includes gripassisting formations located on the insert, the formations being for bearing against the handler’s finger when the tray is being lifted.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of facilitating manual lifting by a human handler of a core tray laden with geological samples, the method including: a. providing a core tray of functionally complete integrated construction that includes i. a longitudinal axis andii. a plurality of parallel, core receiving channels extending parallel with said axis, each channel having opposite first and second closed ends, for retention in the channel of a mineral core contained between them, iii. a cavity into which an insert is receivable, the cavity being peripherally located relative to the channels, and b. providing an insert configured for being received at least partially into said cavity, the insert presenting a surface accessible from below the cavity once operatively located in the cavity, the surface extending parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tray, the surface being suitable for bearing upward lifting pressure exerted by a finger pad of a handler when lifting the tray; c. inserting the insert at least partially into the cavity; and d. placing lifting fingers against the surface of the insert for applying lifting force on the surface from below, thereby to lift the core tray.

[0034] The insert preferably includes engagement formations configured for engaging with complemental formations included in the core tray.

[0035] In an embodiment, the insert is configured to be located at a corner of the core tray.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the insert includes first and second portions configured to straddle a middle portion, wherein the first portion and second portion each present respective finger-bearing surfaces on either side of the middle portion.Brief description of drawings

[0037] In order that the invention may be readily understood, and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures. Thus:Figure 1 is a perspective view of core tray of the prior art.Figure 2 (prior art) is an axial cross section taken on line X-Y of Figure 1 showing the channel configuration of a typical core tray.Figure 3 is an axial cross section of the left-side portion of the core tray of Figure 2, which has been modified for lifting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Figure 4 is a perspective view of a core tray environment in which an insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned in readiness for insertion into a core tray for use.Figure 5 is an axial cross section of a core tray of the kind shown in Figure 4, taken along a line approximately corresponding to line X-Y of Figure 4, with an insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operatively located, the callout box showing detail of cooperating engagement formations between the core tray and the insert.Figure 6 is a perspective view of the insert of Figure 5.Figure 7 show the insert of Figure 5 below its operative location at a corner of a core tray positioned in readiness for insertion into its corner location.Figure 8 is a perspective view of an insert according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.Figure 9 is an axial cross section of a core tray of the kind shown in Figure 4 or Figure 7, taken along a line approximately corresponding to line X-Y of Figure 4, with an insert according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure operatively located, the callout box showing detail of cooperating engagement formations between the core tray and the insert.Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0038] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed embodiments. However, incertain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described, in order to avoid obscuring the description.

[0039] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 and 2 (prior art), the typical features of a known core tray 10 are shown in an upper perspective view. Tray 10 has a peripheral wall 12 extending around an operative internal area 14 in which are formed a plurality of channels 16, which run lengthwise from a distal end wall 18 to a proximate end wall 20. This tray has four channels, but any number of channels may be included within the bounds of practicality. The tray is about 1 m long in this example. However, a tray may have any appropriate and practical length. It will be appreciated that a core tray containing three to five drill core samples, each of which has, by way of non-limiting example, a diameter of about 65mm and a length of 1 m and a mineral density exceeding about 2.5g / cm3, will require considerable strength and manual dexterity from a human handler.

[0041] Wall 12 has a flat rim surface 22 extending along the longer sides of the rectangular tray. A similar flat rim 24 joins the internal walls 26 separating the channels 16. Internal walls 26 are connected to base portions 28, which define a floor for each channel 16. Although the tray rests on the base portions 28, an additional downwardly extending wall portion 30 may be optionally provided to improve structural stability of the tray unit.

[0042] Peripheral wall portion 12 extends outwardly into a downwardly- extending skirt 32. Skirt 32 has a curvature that provides it with an inner curved surface 34. Between extended channel wall portion 30 on the one hand, andperipheral wall portion 12 and the inner surface 34 of its extended skirt 32 on the other hand, is a cavity 36. It is into cavity 36 that a human handler wishing to lift the tray while maintaining its horizontal or near horizontal orientation inserts one or more of their fingers, to bear up against inner surface 34 of skirt 32, so that the free edge 35 of skirt 32 is received against the handler’s knuckle joint. As alluded to above in the discussion of the background to the present invention, the experience of edge 35 pushing into the knuckle joint can be uncomfortable and even painful, and can lead to the handler releasing their grip and putting the tray down roughly, or even dropping it at their handling position. Over time, the pressure on the fingers of repeated lifting is found to damage the nerves in the fingers. The resulting loss of feeling in the fingers may give rise to strains in other parts of the anatomy, such as in the wrist, elbow or shoulder. This may result in the handler’s losing control of the tray being lifted or carried, and consequent damage to or destruction of the core samples. Given the significant expense associated with drilling out such samples, the pecuniary loss is considerable. It should be noted that core samples are not always logged, examined and archived. It is common for a core sample that has been archived after initial examination to be retrieved from the archive storage facility for further analysis. This is especially pertinent as new analytical methods develop and earlier methods improve.

[0043] It will be observed that as the core tray of Figures 1 and 2 is injection moulded, it has no internal enclosed spaces or voids that contribute to structural stability. The walls are thin (for costs savings) and are not reinforced. This means that when a handler attempts to lift the tray with fingers inserted into cavity 36, there is a strong likelihood that wall 12 and skirt 32 will be deformed outwards. This deformation may lead to a loss of grip and the wall may even crack, rupture or tear, placing the loaded core samples contained in the channels at risk. One solution to alleviate this risk is to fill at least a part of the length of cavity 36 with moulding plastic to provide a solid mass against which the fingers of the handler may be brought to bear for lifting. However, injection moulding processes are not intended for producing thick masses of plastic of such nature. Moreover, the mass of plastics material required to fill the cavity would render such manufacture uneconomical. A solution according to the present disclosure is illustrated in Figure 3, in which like parts from Figures 1 and 2 are indicated by like numbering.

[0044] In Figure 3, a core tray of the kind illustrated in Figure 2 is manufactured so as to include a bridging panel 38. Panel 38 is positioned to bridge gap 36, by extending from a location on outer skirt 32 to meet wall 30, but without fully enclosing the space 42 that will be defined between such panel and the continuous surface formed by skirt 32, peripheral wall 12 and rim surface 22. In order not to include an enclosed cavity which would militate against manufacture by injection moulding, panel 38 does not extend along more than a portion of the length of the longer side of the tray. The handler would be able to lift the tray by positioning their finger pads against the exposed under-surface 41 of the bridging panel. The surface may be continuous and smooth as it extends from skirt to wall, or it may be interrupted by traction-assisting formations that inhibit the sliding of the handler’s finger pads across it in a way that may result in the handler losing their grip on the tray. The formations may be surface irregularities such as grooves or nodules. When the surface is continuous it may be planar or curved.

[0045] The tray is manufactured by conventional injection moulding techniques, using plastics commonly used for this purpose, a non-limiting example being polypropylene. Other examples will be readily apparent to those of ordinary technical skill in the field.

[0046] In an embodiment, panel 38 is connected to the wall on one side of gap 36 only - that is to say it is connected either to outer skirt 32 or to wall 30, having a free end that in use will extend across the gap and bear against the opposing wall (skirt 32 or wall 30 - as the case requires), when the handler exerts lifting force against the panel via their fingers.

[0047] In Figure 4, there is shown an alternative solution in the form of an insert 40, which is manufactured separately from a core tray, for inclusion in a core tray 100. Core tray 100 is of a type generally similar to the core tray of Figure 2, but differs in configuration detail, while still possessing conventional features such as core sample receiving channels 16and dividing walls 26. . Insert 40 is inserted into an awaiting cavity, which is equivalent to cavity 36 in Figure 2. Insertion is achieved by pushing it upward into the cavity in the direction of directional arrows D, and allowing engagement between complemental engagement formations present in the cavity and extending from the insert. Embodiments of insert 40 and theformations concerned will be described below with reference to Figures 5 through 9. Like parts are indicated by like numbering.

[0048] In Figure 5, the core tray is illustrated in a similar longitudinal cross- sectional view to the view in Figure 2 with a call-out box showing detail of engagement formations between the tray and the insert.

[0049] The call-out shows, in a close-up end-on cross-sectional view, the incorporation into the tray 100 of an insert 40. Insert 40 is configured to slot partially into space 36 beneath rim surface 22, which curves downwardly to extend into defining a peripheral side wall 44.

[0050] Insert 40 in the embodiment of Figure 5 is made as a single component having three integrally formed sections 46, 48 and 50. In an alternative embodiment, these three sections may be moulded separately for post-moulding attachment, before the assembly so produced is inserted into tray 100. In a further embodiment, the three sections are separately formed and are then inserted separately into receiving cavities of tray 100.

[0051] Referring to Figure 4, insert 40 is configured to slot into the spaces adjacent to the four comers of rectangular core tray 100. As shown in Figure 5, the lateral portion 46 is very similar, if not identical to, end portion 48. Portions 46 and 48 are separated by intermediate curved portion 50, which curves 90 degrees in alignment with the corner of the core tray where it fits. As noted above in relation to a different embodiment, the insert may be manufactured in separate moulded portions 46 and 48. These portions need not be configured to locate immediately adjacent to the tray comers, but may be spaced from the comers. Joining portion 50 may be separately moulded with complemental formations for enabling operatively effective connection with lateral and end sections 46, 48. The three respective portions 46, 48, 50 may be configured for assembly into a single unit before insertion into the waiting tray cavity, or they may be configured for individual insertion into the cavity, whereupon they may connect or engage by virtue of suitable formations formed on them during moulding.

[0052] In these embodiments, manufacture is by way of conventional injection moulding techniques. The material of manufacture may be a plastics or rubberised plastics compound, examples of which are conventional in the art of moulding of core trays and their components. Examples of plastics include ABN and polypropylene, among numerous others.

[0053] As in Figure 5, each section 46, 48 has a side panel 52 which extends upwards from a floor panel 54, so that when in operative location, it abuts a recess56 adjacent the lower edge of peripheral side wall 44 of the core tray. Floor panel 54 is shown sloping upwards towards the middle of the tray from the curved section57 at the periphery of the insert, which connects it with side panel 52. The slope is provided to assist the fingers of the handler in finding a grip when inserted into the angled space between tray channel wall 30 and the under-surface 58 of floor panel 54. Panel 54 subtends an acute angle where it meets channel wall 30. The angle should not exceed 45 degrees. The angle is maintained by means of bracing elements 60, to which floor panel 54 and side panel 52 are connected. It is found that the slope presents considerable ergonomic benefits for handlers and reduces substantially the risk of finger nerve damage and skin contusion.

[0054] Surface 58 is shown with optional grip-assisting formations, in this example striations. Other surface irregularities, including without limitation waves, grooves, nodules, pimples and such like, may be formed in panel 54 so that they present on surface 58, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other embodiments, surface 58 may be smooth and planar or curved.

[0055] To engage insert 40 with tray 100 so that it remains in operative position and orientation, complemental formations are provided on insert 40 and tray 100. As shown in Figure 4, tray 100 has two intermediate parallel spaced panels 62, 64, extending downward from curved upper rim 22. These intermediate panels include slots 66. Insert 40, meanwhile, has upwardly extending intermediate spaced parallel panels 72, 74 with protruding catches 76, best shown in Figure 6. The spacing of panels 72, 74 is less than the spacing of panels 62, 64. When insert 40 is inserted upwardly into space 36, panels 72, 74, which are resil iently flexible to a limited degree, fit snugly between tray panels 62, 64. As they are progressively inserted, catches 76 come into alignment with slots 66 and snap into engagementwith the slots, preventing withdrawal, and thereby securing insert 40 in operative location and orientation.

[0056] Figure 7 illustrates insert 40 located below tray 100 and ready for insertion into space 36 when the insert and tray are moved towards each other in the direction of arrow F until catches 76 find slots 66 and click into position.

[0057] A preferred embodiment of the insert of this disclosure is illustrated in Figure 8 and Figure 9. This particular insert is generally designated and labelled by way of the numeral 80. Like parts encountered in the previous figures carry like numerals. In this embodiment, there is no pair of upwardly extending panels 72, 74 as previously encountered. Instead, an upwardly extending panel 84 is provided and configured to be located in a narrow space 70, which is defined between tray channel wall 12 and downwardly depending panel 64, which, as in Figure 5, extends from the curved upper rim 22 of the tray. Panel 84 performs an anchoring and stabilising role while catch formation 76, which projects outwardly from panel 52, engages with slot 66 in the tray skirt to resist withdrawal of the insert once so engaged.

[0058] The embodiment of Figure 9 provides for a simplified method of engagement between insert 80 and the receiving core tray, by requiring only one engagement catch 76. Advantageously, when a tray handler pushes upward on finger bearing surface 58, by virtue of the slope of insert floor 54, an outward force vector is produced in the direction of arrow V. In use, this vector assists in exerting horizontal outward force on catch 76, maintaining its engagement in slot 66 of the core tray outer wall 44 and skirt portion 32.

[0059] An advantage of the insert of the disclosure is that the insert may be removed if desired. For example, the insert may be required for use in a second core tray, or may be removed for purposed of security, by virtue of its removal making lifting of the tray when laded uncomfortable for a would-be thief or other malfeasant. Removal may be achieved by pushing inwardly on catch formation 76 through slot 66, in a direction opposite to vector V, using an instrument such as a flat screw driver.

[0060] Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

[0061] In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one, or at least one, and the singular also includes the plural, unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0062] Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional embodiments for a core tray having improved lifting ergonomics through the disclosed principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A moulded core tray of integrated manufacture, comprising a plurality of core-receiving channels having closed opposite ends, a peripheral outer wall section external to the channels, the wall section being in spaced relationship with an adjacent wall of an outer channel to define a cavity between said walls, the tray further including an insert insertable at least partially into said cavity, the insert having a surface accessible from below the cavity and being suitable for bearing down against at least one finger of a human handler when the handler applies upward pressure for lifting the core tray.

2. The core tray of claim 1 , wherein the surface slopes upwardly from the peripheral wall section towards the adjacent wall of the channel.

3. The core tray of claim 2 wherein the surface slopes at an angle of inclination that is at most 45 degrees off a horizontal plane defined by an upper peripheral rim of the tray.

4. A core tray according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the surface includes grip-assisting formations for bearing against a handler’s finger when the tray is being lifted.

5. A method of core tray manufacture by injection moulding, including: a. providing a first mould configured for integrated manufacture of a core tray that comprises a longitudinal axis and a plurality of parallel, core receiving channels extending parallel with said axis, each channel having opposite first and second closed ends, for retention in the channel of a mineral core contained between them, the core tray having a cavity into which an insert is receivable, the cavity being externally located relative to the channels, and b. providing a second mould configured for manufacture of said insert, wherein the insert, when operatively inserted at least partially into the tray cavity, presents a surface that extends parallel with thelongitudinal axis of the tray, the surface being suitable for receiving upward lifting pressure exerted by a finger pad of a handler when lifting the tray, c. filling the moulds with a molten plastics material, d. allowing the molten plastics material to set in the respective moulds to form said core tray and said insert, and e. inserting the insert into the cavity in operative orientation in the core tray.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the cavity and the insert have complemental formations configured for engagement between insert and cavity when the insert is inserted therein.

7. The method of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the surface of said insert comprises grip-assisting formations located on the insert for bearing against the handler’s finger when the tray is being lifted.

8. An insert configured for insertion at least partially into a core tray of integrated construction, wherein the tray includes multiple channels closed by a wall at each end and a peripheral cavity located externally relative to the channels, the insert having a surface configured for being accessible from below the peripheral cavity when operatively inserted, for bearing against one or more finger pads of a human handler lifting said core tray when loaded.

9. The insert of claim 8, wherein the surface of the insert is inclined to slope upwardly in a direction from a periphery of the core tray toward the middle of the core tray when the insert has been operatively inserted to the core tray.

10. The add-on component of claim 9, wherein the surface slopes at an angle of inclination that is at most 45 degrees off a horizontal plane defined by an upper peripheral rim of the tray.

11. An insert according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the surface includes grip-assisting formations located on the insert, the formations being for bearing against the handler’s finger when the tray is being lifted.

12. An insert according to any one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the insert includes first and second portions, each having a surface for bearing against the fingers of a lifting human handler.

13. The insert of claim 12, wherein the insert is configured to be located at a corner of the core tray, with the first portion and second portions presenting the respective finger-bearing surfaces on either side of the corner.

14. The insert of claim 13, wherein the portions are connected by an intermediate curved joining portion insertable at the tray corner.

15. The insert of claim 14, wherein the portions are separately manufactured and configured for connecting to each other either before being inserted into the tray cavity, or when being inserted.

16. An insert according to any one of claims 8 to 15, including engagement formations configured for engaging with complemental formations included in the core tray.

17. A method of facilitating manual lifting by a human handler of a core tray laden with geological samples, the method including: a. providing a core tray of functionally complete integrated construction that includes i. a longitudinal axis and ii. a plurality of parallel, core receiving channels extending parallel with said axis, each channel having opposite first and second closed ends, for retention in the channel of a mineral core contained between them, iii. a cavity into which an insert is receivable, the cavity being peripherally located relative to the channels, andb. providing an insert configured for being received at least partially into said cavity, the insert presenting a surface accessible from below the cavity once operatively located in the cavity, the surface extending parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tray, the surface being suitable for bearing upward lifting pressure exerted by a finger pad of a handler when lifting the tray; c. inserting the insert at least partially into the cavity; and d. placing lifting fingers against the surface of the insert for applying lifting force on the surface from below, thereby to lift the core tray.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the insert includes engagement formations configured for engaging with complemental formations included in the core tray.

19. The method of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the insert is configured to be located at a corner of the core tray.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the insert includes first and second portions configured to straddle a middle portion, with the first portion and second portion each presenting respective finger-bearing surfaces on either side of the middle portion.

21. A method of core tray manufacture by injection moulding, including: a. providing a first mould for manufacture of a core tray that is configured for mating with an insert that includes a surface adapted for bearing against a finger pad of a lifting handler’s finger, and b. providing a second mould for manufacture of said insert, c. filling the moulds with a molten plastics material, d. allowing the molten plastics material to set to form said core tray and said insert, and e. connecting the insert for operatively mating with the core tray.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the core tray includes a cavity and the insert is complementally shaped for being received at least partially into the cavity.

23. The method of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the surface of add-on component includes grip-assisting formations located on the insert, the formations being for bearing against the handler’s finger when the tray is being lifted.

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