Inter-stackable lid for core tray

Abstract

The present invention provides a removable inter-stackable lid (100) comprising: a side wall (102), a first base (104), a first intermediate wall (106), a second base (108) having plurality of protrusion (110) with indentation (120) to assist in maintaining an air gap between the mating surfaces, plurality of extended raisers (112) along the major axis, strap indentations (114) for receiving and holding a strap in position, plurality of holes (116) to engage vertical and lateral locking system and cut outs (118) to engage locks around minor axis, wherein, wherein the support provided by the first base (104) and the second base (108) extends weight bearing capacity and load distribution, the strap indentations (114) and the second base (108) ensures that a continuous open-air way (122) is maintained and the engagement of the extended raisers (112) prevents slippage of core trays (200, 300) in both major and minor axis.

Description

[0001] INTER-STACKABLE LID FOR CORE TRAY

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a core sample handling and storage device. More specifically, to a removable inter-stackable lid for core trays for stacking of variable size of core trays in a single column while preserving the core samples from exposure to natural elements and the weight of the stacked core trays.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Drilling, collecting and storage of core samples is a common practice and mandate in the mining industry, where the core samples from different geographical sites are accounted. Core samples are extracted from the earth to enable geological assessment of the surface at the excavation site. Large numbers of core samples are taken from a particular site and the samples are labelled and then stored in core trays.

[0006] Generally, the core tray incorporates a structure defined by plurality of external walls and equally spaced internal partitions having flat bottom for accommodating the core samples. The external walls have plurality of cut-outs for lifting the core samples and tag holders their nomenclature. Most commonly used core tray for domestic mining field are open type core tray only, which do not have to adopt the provision of lid for core tray. Such core trays are generally stacked on top of each other and left open at a site for decades. This exposes the sample stored in core trays to natural elements such as rain, dust, etc. that damages the core samples.

[0007] To provide solution to the above problem, a lid is provided for the core tray which covers the open end of the core trays to preserve the core samples from the exposure to natural elements. On such core tray lid is disclosed in patent application CN201396136Y, which provides a core box dust cap, characterized in that a square core box cover matched with the periphery of the core box is mounted on the core box. The core box dust cap leads the core to have excellent dust control effect, and improves the preservation effect and service efficiency of the well core.

[0008] Another patent application CN203937958U, provides a dust proof core tray wherein the length of the sheet-shaped positioning dust cover is equal to the distance between the positioning pins at both ends of the positioning type dustproof core box, and the width is equal to the width of the positioning type dustproof core box.

[0009] Both of the above examples are good to protect the core samples. However, the major drawback of such type of core trays with their respective lids are that they provide dust proofing but are not suitable for column stacking and leads to limitation of use. The design and construction of both the lids is flat over the top surface and thus it is not suitable for column stacking of the filled core trays over each other. The flat top surface of such lids does not prevent slippage of core trays during column stacking and further needs use of straps to tightly strap the trays together in a column. Further, having a flat top surface when it comes in contact with the mating flat bottom surface of another core tray in column stacking, a vacuum is created which accounts to damage the core trays, when moved. Therefore, it is certain that, because of limitation of design and construction, the column stacking stability of core trays with such lids is risky and eventually leads to failure and losses during stacking and transporting.

[0010] In order to address the vacuum issue, whenever the flat top surface of the lid is stuck with the flat bottom surface of another core tray in column stacking, a general procedure is followed where one comer is peeled to introduce air to break the vacuum that can help separate the two mating surfaces. However, this manual procedure is greatly dependent on the worker handling the stacking and adds up to its effort, fatigue and time during handling of the tray.

[0011] Further, due to some rare earth elements (having nuclear and radioactive properties), samples which are sensitive to outside environment and human life, many geologists require each core trays to be covered individually to protect and contain the samples during storage and transportation. In such case also the above example is deemed to fail during the stacking and transporting and also poses a health hazard.

[0012] Thus, there is a need in the field of core tray to introduce an accessory that provides effective and strong stacking of variable size of core trays to stack in a single column, reduces the vacuum adhesion in between the mating surfaces and also support the stacked trays without effecting the sample stored inside and can be economically introduced to the market.

[0013] OBJECT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Accordingly, to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art the main object of the present invention is to provide a removable inter-stackable lid configured to cover the core tray to preserve the core samples from exposure to natural elements and allow variable size of core trays to be stacked in a single column.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inter-stackable lid that allows stacking of variable size of core trays to stack in a single column.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inter-stackable lid that increases stability of a stack of trays against relative movement, such as during transit.

[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an inter-stackable lid that provides weight bearing supports to the core tray stacks against each other.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In carrying out the above objects of the present invention, the present invention provides a removable inter-stackable lid for core trays to preserve the core samples from exposure to natural elements during storing and transportation.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a removable inter-stackable lid according to the present invention comprises of a side wall, which is generally matching in configuration (plan view) to the external walls of the core tray, a first base extends from the perimeter of the side wall and defines a surface which mate with the surface of the core tray that extends between the external walls and internal partitions, a first intermediate wall, a second base extends from the perimeter of the first intermediate wall and defines a surface which mate with the surface of the core tray that extends between the internal partitions; plurality of protrusion on the second base extends up to the height of the first base; and plurality of extended raisers over the first base along the major axis.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a first base of the removable inter-stackable lid also incorporates plurality of strap indentations to be shaped and dimensioned for mating with strap indentations of the core tray as well as for receiving and holding a strap in position.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides, the first base of the removable inter-stackable lid also incorporates plurality of through holes to engage vertical and lateral locking system of the core trays and cut outs to engage locks.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides plurality of protrusion on the second base of the removable inter-stackable lid provides weight bearing capacity to accommodate the heavy weight of the core trays kept on the lids, and prevents lid bending and spreads the load in a much better way in the core tray stack.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides plurality of raisers over the first base of the removable inter-stackable lid along the major axis allows inter-stickability of the lid with the above core tray in the core tray stack.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides plurality of extended raisers over the first base of the removable inter-stackable lid along the major axis allows engagement with in the space between the ribs extending from plurality of external walls to internal partitions wall of the core trays.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides plurality of extended raisers over the first base of the removable inter-stackable lid along the major axis prevent slippage of core tray in both major and minor axis when core trays are stacked in column.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides plurality of extended raisers over the first base of the removable inter-stackable lid along the major axis are immersed up to a height of 15-20% within the space between the ribs extending from plurality of external walls to internal partitions wall of the core tray.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides removable inter-stackable lid allows stacking of variable size of core trays to stack in a single column.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides removable inter-stackable lid is a single body produced by injection molding of a thermoplastic material such as but not limited to polypropylene, glass filled ABS, etc.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0031] The object of the invention may be understood in more details and more particularly description of the invention briefly summarized above by reference to certain embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings, which drawings form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective equivalent embodiments. Fig. 1 illustrates prior art representing current state of art of the core tray with its respective lid;

[0032] Fig. 2 illustrates another prior art representing current state of art stacking of the core trays with its respective lid;

[0033] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the removable inter-stackable lid according to the embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the removable inter-stackable lid according to the embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the stacking of variable core tray with removable inter-stackable lid according to the embodiments of the present invention, and

[0036] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the Fig.5 according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 1 illustrates prior art representing current state of art of the core tray with its respective lid. As shown in the figure these trays are provided with lids having flat top surface and thus it is not suitable for column stacking of the filled core trays over each other. The flat top surface of such lids does not prevent slippage of core trays during column stacking and further need use of straps to tightly strap the trays together in a column. Further, being having flat top surface, and when it comes in contact with the mating flat bottom surface of another core tray in column stacking, a vacuum will be created which accounts to damage during moving the core trays.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 2 illustrates another prior art representing current state of art stacking of the core trays with its respective lid. The design and construction of the lids is flat over the top surface and thus it is not suitable for column stacking of the fdled core trays over each other. The flat top surface of such lids does not prevent slippage of core trays during column stacking and further need use of straps to tightly strap the trays together in a column. However, the straps are not sufficient and strong enough to hold the weight of the samples filled columns and can break due to transportation stress. Therefore, it is certain that, because of limitation of design and construction, the column stacking stability of core trays with such lids is risky and eventually leads to failure and losses during stacking and transporting.

[0041] Referring to Fig. 3 a perspective view of the removable inter-stackable lid (100) according to the embodiments of the present invention. The removable inter- stackable lid (100) comprises of a side wall (102), which is generally matching in configuration (plan view) to the external walls (202, 302) of the core tray. A first base (104) extends from the perimeter of the side wall (102) and defines a surface which mate with the surface of the core tray that extends between the external walls (202, 302) and internal partitions. A first intermediate wall (106) is provided which extends to a second base (108) extends from the perimeter of the first intermediate wall (106) and defines a surface which mate with the surface of the core tray that extends between the internal partitions.

[0042] Further, the removable inter-stackable lid (100) comprises of plurality of protrusion (110) on the second base (108) extends up to the height of the first base (104) and have plurality of extended raisers (112) over the first base (104) along the major axis that allows inter-stickability of the lid (100) with the above core tray in the core tray stack. The first base (104) of the removable inter-stackable lid (100) also incorporates plurality of strap indentations (114) to be shaped and dimensioned for mating with strap indentations of the core tray as well as for receiving and holding a strap in position. The first base (104) of the removable inter-stackable lid (100) also incorporates plurality of through holes (116) to engage vertical and lateral locking system of the core trays and cut outs (118) to engage locks around minor axis.

[0043] In preferred embodiment, the height of the the side wall (102) and the plurality of extended raisers (112) is similar.

[0044] Referring to Fig. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the removable inter- stackable lid (100) according to the embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows that the plurality of protrusion (110) has indentation (120) which assists in maintain an air gap between the mating surfaces and reduces the adhesion created by the vacuum during stacking of core trays in column. Also, to keep a constant air gap during stacking trays, the plurality of strap indentations (114) and the second base (108) ensures that a continuous open-air way (122) is maintained when the plurality of protrusion (110) with indentation (120) comes in contact with the mating flat bottom surface of another core tray in column stacking.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the stacking of variable core tray with removable inter-stackable lid (100) according to the embodiments of the present invention. In shown stacking, a 4-row core tray (200) and a 5-row core tray (300) are stacked with having their removable inter-stackable lid (100). The illustrated stacking shows stacking of two different types of core trays for confirming variability stacking with the removable inter-stackable lid (100). However, the utility is not limited for illustrated stacking and same results are achieved while stacking similar type of core trays.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the Fig.5 according to the embodiments of the present invention. The sectional view is provided to illustrates engagement of the 4-row core tray (200) and the 5-row core tray (300) in stacking with having their respective removable inter-stackable lid (100). The side wall (102) of the removable inter-stackable lid (100) is matching in configuration (plan view) to the external walls (202, 302) of the core tray and internal partition walls (204, 304). The plurality of extended raisers (112) allows inter-stickability of the lid (100) with the above core tray in the core tray stack. In the stacking, the engagement of the plurality of extended raisers (112) is such that it occupies the space between the external walls (202, 302) to internal partitions wall of the core trays (200, 300) and prevent slippage of core trays (200, 300) in both major and minor axis when core trays are stacked in column. Further, the individual length and the spacing between each of the plurality of extended raisers (112) is such that they will nest between the ribs of the above core tray which is present between the external walls (202, 302) to internal partitions wall of the core trays along the major axis.

[0047] Further, the bottom of core tray (200) is rested over the first base (104) and on the plurality of protrusion (110) on the second base (108) of the removable inter- stackable lid (100) over the core tray (300). The support provided by the first base (104) and the second base (108) extends weight bearing capacity to accommodate the heavy weight of the core trays kept on the lids (100), and prevents lid bending and spreads the load in a much better way in the core tray stack. Furthermore, the continuous open-air way (122) ensures that a constant air between the mating surfaces is maintained and reduces the adhesion created by the vacuum during stacking of core trays in column.

[0048] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of, and not restrictive on, the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWe Claim,1. A removable inter-stackable lid (100) for column stacking core trays, the core tray having external walls (202, 302) and internal partition walls (204, 304), the lid (100) comprising: a first base (104) extending inwards from the perimeter of the side wall (102) and defines a surface which mate with the surface of the core tray located between the external walls (202, 302) and internal partitions wall (204, 304), further comprising a side wall (102) adapted to conform to the external walls (202, 302) of the core tray, and a first intermediate wall (106) rising from the inner perimeter of the first base (104), a second base (108) extends from the perimeter of the first intermediate wall (106) and defines a surface which mate with the surface (208, 308) of the core tray that extends between the internal partition walls (204, 304); a plurality protrusion (110) disposed on the second base (108) extending upward to the first base (104); a plurality of raisers (112) over the first base (104) along the major axis of the lid (100); a plurality of strap indentations (114) to receive and retain a stacking strap, the strap indentations (114) cooperating with the first base (104); plurality of holes (116) on the first base (104) to engage vertical and lateral locking system of the core trays; and plurality of cut outs (118) to engage locks around minor axis on the first base (104) ; wherein,each protrusion (110) comprising an indentation (120) configured to maintain an air gap between mating surfaces and reduce vacuum adhesion during vertical stacking of core trays in column stacking; the strap indentations (114) on the first base (104) and the second base (108) ensures a continuous open-air way (122) is maintained when the plurality of protrusion (110) with indentation (120) comes in contact with the mating flat bottom surface of another core tray in column stacking; the raisers (112) allow inter-stickability of the lid (100) with the above core tray in the core tray stack, and the engagement of the extended raisers (112) in the space between the external walls (202, 302) to internal partitions wall (204, 304) of the core trays (200, 300) prevents slippage of core trays (200, 300) in both major and minor axis.

2. The removable inter-stackable lid (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the height of the the side wall (102) and the plurality of extended raisers (112) is same or similar.

3. The removable inter-stackable lid (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the inter-stackable lid (100) can be used for stacking different types of core trays (200, 300) with having their individual removable inter-stackable lid (100).

4. The removable inter-stackable lid (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the inter-stackable lid (100) can be used for stacking similar types of core trays (200) with having their individual removable inter-stackable lid (100).

5. The removable inter-stackable lid (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the inter-stackable lid (100) can be used for stacking similar types of core trays (300) with having their individual removable inter-stackable lid (100).

6. The removable inter-stackable lid (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the individual length and the spacing between each of the plurality of extendedraisers (112) ensures their nesting between the ribs of the above core tray which is present between the external walls (202, 302) to internal partitions wall (204, 304) of the core trays along the major axis.

7. The removable inter-stackable lid (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the support provided by the first base (104) and the second base (108) extends weight bearing capacity to accommodate the heavy weight of the core trays (200, 300) kept on the removable inter-stackable lid (100), and prevents removable inter-stackable lid (100) bending.

8. The removable inter-stackable lid (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of extended raisers (112) over the first base (104) along the major axis are immersed up to a height of 15-20% within the space between the ribs extending from plurality of external walls (202, 302) to internal partitions wall (204, 304) of the core tray (200, 300).

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