Modular storage box system for storing core samples

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular storage box system for storing core samples ( 1 ) in modular boxes (C), used in particular in the field of mineral sampling from geological exploration activities for subsequent analysis. The modular storage box system ( 1 ) for storing core samples (not shown) is formed from the combination of at least one base ( 2 ) with an extending module ( 3 or 30 ) so as to form a modular box (C) for storing and transporting core samples (not shown), comprising connecting areas ( 25 ) that provide a sealing means between the compartments ( 20 ) of modular box (C) so as to prevent the unintentional switching of sample materials thus ensuring integrity of same and connecting means ( 5 ) between the elements to interlock them in a safe and practical way. Advantageously, such a system aims to facilitate handling, transportation and storage of samples in a practical and safe way thus ensuring the integrity of same.

1 . A modular storage box system for storing core samples ( 1 ) comprising at least a base ( 2 ) with an extending module ( 3  or  30 ) so as to form a modular box (C), the base ( 2 ) comprising a single body provided with outer walls ( 24 ) and inner partitions ( 21 ) designed in such a way as to form compartments ( 20 ) provided with vertical tabs ( 22 ) that receive partitions (SA and SB) and both the base ( 2 ) and the extending module ( 30 ) can be closed by a cover ( 4 ) wherein the base ( 2 ) and the extending module ( 3  and  30 ) comprise connection and sealing means ( 25 ) configured to be tightly connected to one another by means of a male and female fittings, and whose outer walls ( 24 ) and inner partitions ( 21 ) of the base ( 2 ) comprise notches ( 26 ) while the extending module ( 3  and  30 ) comprises a single body provided with outer walls ( 31 ) and inner walls ( 34 ) designed to form hollow compartments ( 32 ), said inner walls ( 34 ) being adjacent and structurally joined together to form channels ( 33 ) which, when combined with the outer walls ( 24 ) and inner partitions ( 21 ) of the base ( 2 ) configure proper connection and sealing means for the compartments ( 20  and  32 ); the extending module ( 3  and  30 ) being installed and locked to the base ( 2 ) by locking areas ( 36 ) distributed along the outer walls ( 31 ). 
     
     
         2 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 1 , wherein locking areas ( 36 ) comprise locking holes ( 3 A) and side tabs ( 3 B) while said base ( 2 ) is provided with locking ledges ( 2 A) and side recesses ( 2 B) whose installation is accomplished by overlapping side tabs ( 3 B) onto side recesses ( 2 B) and, at the same time, inserting locking ledges ( 2 A) into the locking holes ( 3 A) so as to form connection means ( 5 ). 
     
     
         3 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 1 , wherein channels ( 33 ) of the extending module ( 3  and  30 ) are arranged on the base ( 2 ) inner walls ( 21 ) so that the adjacent walls ( 34 ) of each channel ( 33 ) are positioned on the notches ( 26 ) of each inner wall ( 21 ). 
     
     
         4 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 1 , wherein channels ( 33 ) comprise structural grooves ( 35 ) distributed interspersed along the adjacent walls ( 34 ). 
     
     
         5 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 1 , wherein the extending module ( 3 ) comprises a symmetrical structure and acts as a connecting adapter for two opposing bases ( 2 ) so as to form a modular box (C). 
     
     
         6 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 1 , wherein each locking area ( 36 ) of the extending module ( 3 ) projects into the outer area from the outer walls ( 31 ) so as to connect said extending module ( 3 ) and the bases ( 2 ) by locking holes ( 3 A) that receive the locking ledges ( 2 A) of each base ( 2 ) while each side recess ( 2 B) receive a side tab ( 3 B) of the extending module ( 3 ). 
     
     
         7 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 6 , wherein the extending module ( 3 ) is provided with surrounding ribs (N) projected from the outer walls ( 31 ) of the extending module ( 3 ) between locking areas ( 36 ). 
     
     
         8 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 5 , wherein modular boxes (C) formed by connecting an extending module ( 3 ) with two bases ( 2 ) are stackable and interlocked by the connection slots ( 38  and  39 ) that fit to one another when the upper portion of a first modular box (C) is combined with the lower portion of a second modular box (C). 
     
     
         9 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 1 , wherein the extending module ( 30 ) comprises channels ( 33 ) arranged on its base ( 2 ) lower portion so as to form a modular box (C). 
     
     
         10 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 9 , wherein the extending module ( 30 ) comprises a notch ( 300 ) on its upper portion and receives a cover ( 4 ) or a base ( 2 ). 
     
     
         11 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, wherein the cover ( 4 ) comprises locking holes ( 4 C) and side tabs ( 4 D), while said extending module ( 30 ) is provided with locking ledges ( 3 C) and side recesses ( 3 D) whose installation is accomplished by overlapping side tabs ( 4 D) into side recesses ( 3 D) and, at the same time, inserting locking ledges ( 3 C) into the locking holes ( 4 C) so as to form connection means ( 5 ). 
     
     
         12 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 2 , wherein side tabs ( 3 B) are provided with tapered ends and overlap side recesses ( 2 B) that project to define a free handle area (C 1 ). 
     
     
         13 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, provided with partitions (SA and SB) comprising a main body (S 1 ), an extended top surface (S 2 ) arranged on the body (S 1 ) upper end, according to  claim 1 , wherein partitions (SA and SB) fit to one another when the extending module ( 3  or  30 ) is connected with a base ( 2 ). 
     
     
         14 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, wherein partition (SA) can be fitted into any compartment ( 20 ) of base ( 2 ) and partition (SB) can be fitted into any compartment ( 32 ) of extending module ( 3  or  30 ). 
     
     
         15 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 13 , wherein partition (SA) comprises an opening (S 5 ) arranged on the extended top surface (S 2 ) to be fitted to partition (SB) lower end (S 6 ). 
     
     
         16 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, wherein partition (SA) body ( 51 ) comprises enlarged side tabs (S 10 ) projecting up to a median region of the body ( 51 ) to tightly connect partition (SA) to the base ( 2 ) vertical tabs ( 22 ). 
     
     
         17 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 13 , wherein partition (SB) body (S 1 ) comprises enlarged side tabs (S 10 ) projecting close to body (S 1 ) lower end (S 6 ) to connect partition (SB) to the extending module ( 3 ) vertical tabs ( 37 ). 
     
     
         18 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 13 , wherein a first partition (SA) can receive a second partition (SA) by connecting the second partition (SA) lower end (S 11 ) which is provided with a recess (S 5 ). 
     
     
         19 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 13 , wherein partition (SB) is housed in any compartment ( 32 ) of the extending module ( 3  or  30 ) and be directly fitted into the partition (SA) opening (S 5 ) which is, in turn, connected to the base ( 2 ) compartments ( 20 ). 
     
     
         20 . The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to  claim 1 , wherein anatomical handles ( 23 ) are arranged on the base ( 2 ) side walls ( 24 ).