INTERCHANGEABLE DISMOUNTABLE HINGED BOX FOR STORING CORE SAMPLES

Abstract

This invention describes an interchangeable dismountable hinged box (C) for storing core samples, particularly used in the field of the collection of mineral materials, deriving from geological exploration activities, for subsequent analysis. The invention reveals a box (C) comprising modular walls (2 and 3) that can be fitted interchangeably with a base (1), allowing for the hinging of these walls (2 and 3) between a parallel position and a position perpendicular to the base (1). The box (C) comprises at least one storage compartment (C1) for core samples (T) defined between two modular transversal walls (2) and two modular longitudinal walls (3), and may comprise additional storage compartments (C1), obtained by interlocking interchangeable partitions (4) with modular walls (2). The box (C) is adaptable as it meets the need for storing core samples (T) of varying diameters.

Claims

1. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, the box (C) being characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one storage compartment (C1) for core samples (T) defined between two modular transversal walls (2) and two modular longitudinal walls (1) which are assembled interchangeably between each other and a base (1), in a hinged manner between a position perpendicular to the base (1) and a position parallel to the base (1), where: the base (1) comprises connecting and hinged edges (10) interlockable with a connecting and hinged edge (20) of each transversal wall (2) and with a connecting and hinged edge (30) of each modular longitudinal wall (3); each modular transversal wall (2) comprises at least one means of perpendicular locking (21) interlockable with at least one perpendicular means of locking (31) for each modular longitudinal wall (3); the box (C) comprises a sealing medium between each connecting and hinged edge (20 and 30) and the connecting and hinged edge (10).

2. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that the sealing of each modular wall (2 and 3) with the base (1) is through a contact with a face (10a) of the connecting and hinged edge (10) and a face (20a and 30a) of the connecting and hinged edge (20 and 30), when the walls (2 and 3) are in the position perpendicular to the base (1).

3. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one interchangeable modular partition (4) with the modular transversal walls (2) mounted in a position perpendicular to the base (1), each interchangeable modular partition (4) comprises an enlarged transversal section equipped with an enlarged top surface (42) which confers greater structural stability on the box (C), in order to prevent plastic deformations such as twists during handling.

4. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that each modular transversal wall (2) comprises at least one locking medium (22) distributed along the length of each modular transversal wall (2), interlockable with at least one locking medium (40) for each interchangeable modular partition (4).

5. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that at least one of the connecting and hinged edges (10) of the base (1) comprises at least one connecting and hinged element (100) of a modular wall (2 or 3), while each of the connecting and hinged edges (20 and 30) of the walls (2 and 3) comprises at least one connecting and hinged element (200) which is integrated into one of the transversal modular walls (2) and is fittable under pressure into a connecting and hinged element (100).

6. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 5, characterized by the fact that each connecting and hinged element (100) is defined by a projection, preferably convex and cylindrical, integrated into the base (1) and which projects from the lower region of one of the connecting and hinged edges (10); each connecting and hinged element (200) being defined by a projection, preferably concave and cylindrical, integrated into one of the modular walls (2 or 3) and which projects from the lower region of one of the connecting and hinged edges (20 or 30) to be fitted under pressure along the projection defined by a connecting and hinged element (100).

7. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that each of at least one of the connecting and hinged edges (10) of the base (1) comprises at least one connecting and hinged element (101) of a modular wall (2 or 3), while each of the connecting and hinged edges (20 and 30) of the walls (2 and 3) comprises at least one connecting and hinged element (300) fittable under pressure into a connecting and hinged element.

8. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 7, characterized by the fact that each connecting and hinged element (101) is defined by a projection, preferably convex and cylindrical, integrated into the base (1) and which projects from the upper region of each one of the connecting and hinged edges (10); each connecting and hinged element (300) being defined by a recess, preferably concave and cylindrical, integrated into one of the modular walls (2 or 3) and inserted into the lower region of one of the connecting and hinged edges (20 or 30) to be fitted under pressure along the projection defined by a connecting and hinged element (101).

9. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 5, characterized by the fact that each connecting and hinged element (100) is integrated into one of the two connecting and hinged edges (10) that connect with the connecting and hinged edges (20) of the modular transversal walls (2).

10. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 7, characterized by the fact that each connecting and hinged element (101) is integrated into one of the two connecting and hinged edges (10) which connect with the connecting and hinged edges (30) of the modular longitudinal walls (3).

11. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that each connecting and hinged edge (10) comprises at least one stopper (102) for restricting the hinging of each modular transversal wall (2 or 3).

12. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that each modular transversal wall (2) comprises an inclined sealing region (24) for limiting the encroachment of the modular transversal wall (2) against each stopper (102) and comprises in its lower portion at least one region for ergonomic handling (23).

13. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that each modular longitudinal wall (3) comprises in its lower portion at least one region for ergonomic handling (33).

14. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that each modular longitudinal wall (3) comprises a set of fitting recesses (32) respectively aligned with a plurality of fitting recesses (41) for receiving separators (5), where the fitting recesses (41) are distributed along the length of each interchangeable modular partition (4).

15. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 14, characterized by the fact that the separator (5) comprises a tapered geometry and is equipped with lateral projections (52) that can fit in the recesses (32 and 41) arranged along the partitions (4) and walls (3).

16. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a set of structural reinforcements (6) distributed along the modular walls (2 and 3), and comprises a lid (7) for closing the box (C) that sits on a receiving region (C2) that is defined by the alignment of top recesses (2A and 3A) arranged on the modular walls (2 and 3), respectively.

17. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that the perpendicular locking media (21 and 31) are positioned in the upper regions of each modular wall (2 and 3), respectively, and each pair of perpendicular locking media (21 and 31) interlock with each other.

18. Interchangeable dismountable hinged box for storing core samples, in accordance with claim 23, characterized by the fact that each perpendicular locking medium (21) is a trapezoidal-shaped hole and each perpendicular locking medium (31) is a trapezoidal-shaped projection for enabling a cooperative fitting and swift coupling of the modular walls (2 and 3) by mechanical interference.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a box (C) with 3 (three) compartments (C1) containing core samples (T);

[0017] FIG. 1a illustrates a perspective view of a box (C) equipped with 4 (four) compartments (C1) containing core samples (T);

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the box (C);

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a modular transversal wall (2);

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a modular longitudinal wall (3);

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a separator (5);

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a lateral perspective view of a base (1);

[0023] FIG. 6A illustrates an enlarged view of detail A of FIG. 6;

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a box (C) without internal partitions (4) in an assembled position;

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a box (C) without internal partitions (4), showing the hinging of the modular walls (2 and 3) during the transition between an assembled position and a disassembled position;

[0026] FIG. 8A illustrates an enlarged view of detail B of FIG. 8;

[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a box (C) without internal partitions (4) in a disassembled position;

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a partial lateral view of a box (C), showing the hinging of a modular transversal wall (2);

[0029] FIG. 10A illustrates an enlarged view of detail D of FIG. 10;

[0030] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a box (C), showing the hinging of the modular walls (2 and 3);

[0031] FIG. 11A illustrates an enlarged view of detail E of FIG. 11;

[0032] FIG. 12 illustrates a partial perspective view of a box (C), showing the hinged of a modular transversal wall (2);

[0033] FIG. 12A illustrates an enlarged view of detail F of FIG. 12;

[0034] FIG. 13 illustrates a partial perspective view of a box (C), showing the fitting of an interchangeable modular partition (4) into a modular transversal wall (2);

[0035] FIG. 13A illustrates an enlarged view of detail G of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0036] As represented by the attached figures, the interchangeable dismountable hinged box (C) for storing core samples (T) comprises at least one storage compartment (C1) for core samples (T) defined between two modular transversal walls (2) and two modular longitudinal walls (3) which are assembled interchangeably between each other and the base (1). Thus, each modular wall (2 and 3) can be assembled and disassembled interchangeably, so that the base (1) can receive modular walls (2 and 3) of different dimensions, to form boxes (C) of different sizes, so that core samples (T) of different sizes can be stored in each storage compartment (C1) of said box (C).

[0037] In addition to this, the assembly of the modular walls (2 and 3) is performed in such a way that each modular wall (2 and 3) is moveable between a position perpendicular to the base (1), on which the box (C) is assembled (see FIG. 7), and a position parallel to the base (1), on which the box (C) is disassembled (see FIG. 9).

[0038] As illustrated by FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 6, to enable the assembly of each modular wall (2 and 3) on the base (1), the said base (1) comprises connecting and hinged edges (10) that can be interlocked with a connecting and hinged edge (20) of each modular transversal wall (2).

[0039] Moreover, the base (1) comprises a connecting and hinged edge (30) for each modular longitudinal wall (3). Thus, two of the connecting and hinged edges (10) receive, in an interchangeable and hinged manner, the modular transversal walls (2), while the other two connecting and hinged edges (10) receive, in an interchangeable and hinged manner, the modular longitudinal walls (3).

[0040] In accordance with FIGS. 8 and 8A, the sealing of each transversal wall (2) with the base (1) occurs through the contact of the faces (10a) of the base (1) and (20a) of each transversal base (2) when the box (C) is assembled.

[0041] In accordance with FIGS. 11 and 11A, the sealing of each longitudinal wall (3) with the base (1) occurs through the contact of the faces (10a) of the base (1) and (30a) of each longitudinal wall (3) when the box (C) is assembled.

[0042] Also, in accordance with what is illustrated in FIG. 12A, to enable the interlocking between each of the modular walls (2 and 3) arranged adjacently to each other, in order to keep the box (C) in an assembled position, each modular transversal wall (2) comprises at least one means of perpendicular locking (21) which is interlockable with at least one means of perpendicular locking (31) for each modular longitudinal wall (3).

[0043] Said means of perpendicular locking (21 and 31) are preferably configured by pressure locking elements, also known as snap fit, which, advantageously, can be interlocked with each other and unlocked in a simple and practical manner. Also, preferably, said means of perpendicular locking (21 and 31) are positioned in an upper region of each modular wall (2 and 3), respectively.

[0044] Preferably, each pair of perpendicular locking means (21 and 31) that interlock with each other, is configured by one male type locking element and the other by a female type locking element. More specifically, each means of perpendicular locking (21) is configured to receive each means of perpendicular locking (31), where each means of perpendicular locking (21) is a trapezoidal-shaped hole and each means of perpendicular locking (31) is a trapezoidal-shaped projection, so as to enable the cooperative fitting and swift coupling of the modular walls (2 and 3) by mechanical interference, which may incorporate any locking system known to the state of the art, such as snap-fit, click type, pressure or similar.

[0045] As illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 13, said box (C) also comprises at least one interchangeable modular partition (2) interlockable with the modular transversal walls (2) mounted in a position perpendicular to the base (1). Thus, each interchangeable modular partition (4) is installed in the box (C) to create an additional storage compartment (C1), so that the number of interchangeable modular partitions (4) installed is compatible with the dimensions and number of storage compartments (C1) required for each use of the box (C).

[0046] Preferably, as illustrated by FIGS. 1, 12 and 13, each interchangeable modular partition (4) comprises an enlarged transversal section.

[0047] Thus, each partition with an enlarged section may comprise different dimensions in order to facilitate the assembly of boxes with a number of compartments and adequate space to receive core samples (T) with varying diameters.

[0048] In one form of embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the box (C) is assembled to configure 3 (three) compartments (C1) for the packing of samples (T) of a larger diameter.

[0049] In another form of embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1a, the box (C) is assembled in such a way as to configure 4 (four) compartments (C1) for the packing of samples (T) with a smaller diameter.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 2, 12 and 13, each partition (4) comprises double walls, joined by a surface with an enlarged top. The surface with an enlarged top (42) varies in its dimensions to enable the assembly of a box (C) with a number of compartments and dimensions suitable for receiving core samples (T) of varying diameters.

[0051] In this way, each partition with an enlarged transversal section (4), in addition to fulfilling the aforementioned functions, provides greater mechanical strength to the box when assembled, and also ensures greater dimensional stability during the manufacturing process of each partition (4).

[0052] Technically, the enlarged partition (4) when interlocked with the transversal walls (2) provides greater structural stability to the box (C), since the partitions (4) assume the function of a structural rib, in such a way as to prevent plastic deformations (twists) at the time of their handling, during the maneuvers of collection and transportation of the core samples.

[0053] Furthermore, the constructive form of the partition (4) described above, facilitates the manufacturing process of molding the thermoplastic material, since, said constructive form ensures dimensional stability during the manufacturing process, preventing potential contractions of the material.

[0054] The fact that the partition (4) has a significant length, demands the manufacture of large molds and the use of a large amount of thermoplastic material to be processed.

[0055] Overcoming these technical challenges of the manufacturing process, the partition with an enlarged section (4) is cooled without compromising its dimensions, avoiding twists along its length after the process of cooling and extracting the part.

[0056] As a result, the box (C) equipped with partitions (4) with enlarged sections can be packed with samples (T) of varying weights, keeping the structure of the box (C) stable and preserving the integrity of the samples during transportation and storage.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A, each modular transversal wall (2) comprises at least one locking means (22) interlockable with at least one locking means (40) of each interchangeable modular partition (4). Preferably, each modular transversal wall (2) comprises a set of locking means (22) distributed along the length of each modular transversal wall (2) in positions correspondingly aligned with the locking means (22) of the other modular transversal wall (2) of the box (C). Thus, each interchangeable modular partition (4) can be interlocked in the locking media (22) arranged in different positions along the modular transversal walls (2), and several interchangeable modular partitions (4) can be interlocked in these locking media (22).

[0058] In accordance with FIGS. 3 and 6, in a preferred form of embodiment of the invention, at least two of the connecting and hinged edges (10) of the base (1) comprise at least one, and preferably two, connecting and hinged elements (100). Thus, each connecting and hinged element (100) is mounted on a connecting and hinged edge (20) in order to enable the connection of each modular wall (2) with the base (1).

[0059] In accordance with FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the connecting and hinged edges (20) arranged on the modular transversal walls (2) comprises at least one connecting and hinged element (200) connectable under pressure to a connecting and hinged element (100).

[0060] Each connecting and hinged element (100) is responsible for allowing the assembly of a connecting and hinged element (200), so that the modular wall (2) can perform a hinged movement of the modular wall (2) between its assembled position (see FIG. 7), and a disassembled position adjacent to the lower surface (1B) of the base (1) (see FIG. 9).

[0061] Thus, the connecting and hinged element (100) of the modular base (1) and the connecting and hinged element (200) of the modular wall (2), allow each modular wall (2) to be assembled and connected to the modular base (1), and to be disassembled when modular walls (2) of larger dimensions are required.

[0062] In accordance with what is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 10A, the connecting and hinged elements (100) do not allow the modular wall (2) to be connected to the upper surface (1A) of the modular base (1), allowing them only to be connected to the bottom surface (1B) of the base (1).

[0063] Conveniently, this connecting arrangement of the modular walls (2) on the lower surface (1B) of the base (1), helps to ensure that there is no involuntary unlocking of each perpendicular locking medium (21) of the modular wall (2) between each perpendicular locking medium (31) of the modular wall (3).

[0064] Preferably, as illustrated by FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 10A, each connecting and hinged element (100) is defined by a projection, preferably convex and cylindrical, integrated into the base (1) and which extends from the lower region of one of the connecting and hinged edges (10). In turn, each connecting and hinged element (200) is defined by a projection, preferably concave and cylindrical, integrated into one of the modular walls (2) and which extends from the lower region of one of the connecting and hinged edges (20) to be fitted under pressure into the connecting and hinged element (100).

[0065] In accordance with FIG. 6, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two of the connection hinged edges (10) of the base (1) may comprise at least one, and preferably three, connecting and hinged elements (101) of a modular wall (3) in relation to the base (1).

[0066] Thus, each connecting and hinged edge (10) may comprise one or more connecting and hinged elements (100) or one or more connecting and hinged elements (101).

[0067] It will be understood that each connecting and hinged edge (10) can receive connecting and hinged elements (100) or connecting and hinged elements (101), since, said connecting and hinged elements (100) determine the connection of the walls (2 and 3) to the lower region (1B), while each connecting and hinged element (101) determines the connection of the modular walls (2 and 3) to the upper region (1A) of the base (1).

[0068] In accordance with what is illustrated in FIG. 4, in the preferred form of embodiment of the invention, each of the connecting and hinged edges (30) of at least two of the modular walls (3) may also comprise at least one, and preferably three, connecting and hinged elements (300) that can be fitted to the connecting and hinged element (101), under pressure in this connecting and hinged element (101).

[0069] Each connecting and hinged element (101) is responsible for allowing the assembly of a connecting and hinged element (300), so that the modular wall (3) can perform a hinged movement between its assembled position and a position adjacent to the upper surface (1A) of the base (1).

[0070] Preferably, as illustrated by FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, each connecting and hinged element (101) is defined by a projection, preferably convex and cylindrical, integrated into the base (1) and which extends from the upper region of one of the connecting and hinged edges (10). In turn, each connecting and hinged element (300) is defined by a recess, preferably concave and cylindrical, integrated with one of the modular walls (3) and inserted into the lower region of one of the connecting and hinged edges (30) to be fitted under pressure into the projection determined by a connecting and hinged element (101) (see FIG. 11A).

[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the modular transversal walls (2) can be connected between their assembled position, and a position adjacent to the lower surface (1B) of the base (1), while the modular longitudinal walls (3) can be connected between their assembled position, and a position adjacent to the upper surface (1A) of the base (1).

[0072] Furthermore, as illustrated by FIGS. 6 and 11, each of at least two of the connecting and hinged edges (10) comprises at least one stopper (102) to limit the hinging of each modular wall (2).

[0073] In the preferential form of embodiment of this invention, two connecting and hinged edges (10) comprise at least one stopper (102) to limit the hinging of each modular transversal wall (2). Furthermore, each modular transversal wall (2) comprises an inclined sealing area (24) which prevents the modular transversal wall (1) from encroaching on each stopper projection (102). This limitation of movement prevents the hinging of the modular transversal walls (2) towards the upper surface (1A) of the base (1), preventing the disconnection between the modular transversal walls (2) and the modular longitudinal walls (3).

[0074] Thus, each stopper (102) is a point of support of the inclined region (24) of the modular wall (2) with the base (1), which advantageously prevents the involuntary dismantling of the box (C).

[0075] Furthermore, in accordance with what is illustrated in FIG. 7, each wall (2) comprises at least one ergonomic handling region (23) to facilitate the gripping and handling of the box (C) by a human operator.

[0076] In addition to this, preferably each modular longitudinal wall (3) also comprises at least one ergonomic handling region (33) to facilitate gripping and handling of the box (C) by a human operator.

[0077] The handling region (23) is located in the lower portion of each modular wall (2), while each handling region (33) is located in the lower portion of each modular wall (3), in order to prevent the unlocking of the walls (2 and 3) during the lifting of the box (C). Thus, unlocking does not occur because each handling region (23 and 33) is arranged in a manner contrary to the fitting media (21 and 31) between the modular transversal walls (2) and the modular longitudinal walls (3).

[0078] As illustrated by FIG. 13, each modular longitudinal wall (3) also comprises a plurality of fitting recesses (32) respectively aligned with a plurality of fitting recesses (41) for receiving the separators (5), where the fitting recesses (41) are distributed along the length of each interchangeable modular partition (4). Thus, each separator (5) can be positioned in the fitting recesses (32 and 41) aligned with each other, as necessary to create separations between core samples (T) arranged in the storage compartments (C1), in accordance with the differences in length of each stored core sample (T).

[0079] In accordance with FIG. 5, the separator (5) comprises a tapered geometry and is equipped with side projections (52) that can be fitted into the recesses (32 and 41) arranged along the partitions (4) and walls (3). The tapered shape of the separator facilitates insertion and allows for practical placement, keeping it static.

[0080] The box (C) also comprises a lid (7) for closing the box (C) that rests on a receiving area (C2) which is defined by the alignment of top recesses (2A and 3A) arranged on the modular walls (2 and 3), respectively, when the said modular walls (2 and 3) are in the assembled position.

[0081] Finally, the box (C) also comprises a plurality of structural reinforcements (6) distributed along the modular walls (2 and 3), preferably defined by vertical ribs, responsible for increasing the structural strength of these modular walls (2 and 3).

[0082] A person skilled in the art will promptly note, from the description and drawings represented, various ways to realize the invention without departing from the scope of the attached claims.