Trough

Abstract

A trough in which samples, such as core samples, are stored. The trough is open topped and shaped at its base to be generally complementary in shape and dimension to a core sample to be stored therein. A plurality of the troughs with core samples therein can be stored or transported in an improved core box.

1 . A trough for storing samples such as core samples, the trough being open topped and shaped at its base to be generally complementary in shape and dimension to a core sample to be stored therein.  
   
   
       2 . A trough as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the trough includes means for providing stability thereto when it is resting on a generally flat and horizontal surface.  
   
   
       3 . A trough as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the stabilizing means can be lugs or legs incorporated in the base of the trough, the lugs or legs being positioned so that with a core sample in the trough it is stable and cannot roll over.  
   
   
       4 . A trough as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the cross sectional shape and dimensions of the trough are selected to be of sufficient size to hold a full core sample even if it gets broken up or crumbles over time.  
   
   
       5 . A trough as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the trough is generally U-shaped in section.  
   
   
       6 . A trough as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the trough is regularly curved, V-shaped or multi-faceted such as the shape of half an octagon or hexagon in cross section.  
   
   
       7 . A trough as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the trough is made stackable.  
   
   
       8 . A trough as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the trough is stacked by providing stepped sections on both sides of the open top.  
   
   
       9 . A trough as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the trough is an extrusion formed from a rigid plastics material or is manufactured, folded, pressed, extruded, vacuum formed, injection moulded or otherwise produced from any suitable material such as a plastics material, metal or timber veneer or plywood.  
   
   
       10 . A core box for a plurality of the troughs as claimed in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       11 . A core box formed from a blank manufactured from a fluted board manufactured from a plastics material.