CORE BOX

Abstract

A core box for storing and holding cores includes a tray, with the tray including a base member with first and second lateral members extending from the base member. The base member includes grooves for accepting the cores. A lid covers the tray. Two embodiments of the lid are possible, with one embodiment of the lid used with cylindrical cores and another embodiment of the lid used with semi-cylindrical cores. Both embodiments of the lids may also be used together. The core boxes may be stacked in at least two ways. The core boxes may be stacked on top of each other. Alternatively, the core boxes may be stacked in crosswise layers.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to containers for storing or holding materials relating to mineral exploration. In particular, the present disclosure relates to containers for storing or holding cores.

BACKGROUND

Core drilling is typically used in mineral exploration to assess and analyze the contents of ore bodies. It involves using core drills to remove and extract a cylinder of material, typically called a core, from the ore body. The core can then be assessed and analyzed for the presence of minerals and/or metals.

The cores extracted from the ore bodies may need to be stored or otherwise held before they can be analyzed. For example, the cores may be stored or held using a container called a core box. Conventional core boxes are generally in the form of an elongated rectangular tray, with vertical dividers separating the individual cores. However, such conventional core boxes are inefficient in their storage of the cores. In addition, they do not provide adequate protection to the cores from the elements. For example, rainwater or snow may collect within the core boxes, which may in turn freeze when exposed to cold temperatures.

On occasion, the cylindrical cores may be halved, forming semi-cylindrical portions. One of these portions may be used for assessment, while the other portion is stored for later use. It may be difficult or impractical to store such halved cylindrical cores in conventional core boxes.

It is therefore desirable to provide a core box for efficiently storing and holding both cylindrical and semi-cylindrical cores.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a core box for storing and holding cores comprises a tray, with the tray comprising a base member with first and second lateral members extending from the base member. The base member comprises grooves for accepting the cores. A lid is adapted to cover the tray. Two embodiments of the lid are possible, with one embodiment of the lid used with cylindrical cores and another embodiment of the lid used with semi-cylindrical cores. Both embodiments of the lids may also be used together.

The core boxes may be stacked in at least two ways. The core boxes may be stacked on top of each other. Alternatively, the core boxes may be stacked in crosswise layers.

In one aspect, a core box for holding one or more cores comprises a tray and a lid. The tray comprises a base member and first and second lateral members. The base member comprises a base surface, a plurality of divider walls, and a plurality of ribs. The base surface defines one or more grooves adapted to receive one of the one or more cores. The plurality of divider walls extends upwardly from the base surface, with one of the plurality of divider walls extending upwardly between adjacent ones of the one or more grooves. The plurality of ribs extending downwardly from the base surface, with the plurality of ribs arranged to define, at least in part, one or more base channels extending in a longitudinal direction along at least a portion of a length of the base member. The first and second lateral members are connected to the base member, each of the first and second lateral members comprising one or more notches formed along a lower edge thereof. The lid is removably detachable from the tray. The lid comprises a cover and first and second engagement walls. The cover comprises a ledge, a pair of lateral cover walls extending from the ledge, a cover member extending between the pair of lateral cover walls, and one or more protrusions extending upwardly from the cover member. The first and second engagement walls extend from the cover, with each of the first and second engagement walls comprising one or more tabs extending inwardly thereof. One of the one or more tabs is adapted to engage with one of the one or more notches when the lid is attached to the tray. One of the one or more protrusions is adapted to engage with one of the one or more base channels of a second one of the core box when the second one of the core box is stacked on top of the core box.

In another aspect, the one or more base channels extend for substantially an entire length of the base member.

In still another aspect, the tray further comprises first and second end members connected to the base member, with the first and second lateral members and the first and second end members defining a frame about the base member.

In still yet another aspect, the one or more notches on the first lateral member are not aligned with the one or more notches on the second lateral member.

In a further aspect, the cover further comprises a pair of end cover walls extending from the ledge, and the cover member also extends between the pair of end cover walls.

In still a further aspect, the one or more tabs on the first engagement wall are not aligned with the one or more tabs on the second engagement wall.

In still yet a further aspect, the one or more protrusions are substantially rectangular in shape.

In yet another aspect, the cover member, the end cover walls, and the lateral cover walls define, at least in part, a cover enclosure that is adapted to enclose, at least in part, an upper portion of the cores.

In still yet another aspect, the cover further comprises one or more cover supports extending downwardly from the cover member, the one or more cover supports adapted to engage with the divider walls when the lid is secured to the tray.

In another aspect, a core box for holding one or more cores comprises a tray and a lid. The tray comprises a base member and first and second lateral members. The base member comprises a base surface, a plurality of divider walls, and a plurality of ribs. The base surface defines one or more grooves adapted to receive one of the one or more cores. The plurality of divider walls extends upwardly from the base surface, with one of the plurality of divider walls extending upwardly between adjacent ones of the one or more grooves. The plurality of ribs extending downwardly from the base surface, with the plurality of ribs arranged to define, at least in part, one or more base channels extending in a longitudinal direction along at least a portion of a length of the base member. The first and second lateral members are connected to the base member, each of the first and second lateral members comprising one or more notches formed along a lower edge thereof. The lid is removably detachable from the tray. The lid comprises a cover member, first and second engagement walls extending from the cover member, and one or more protrusions extending upwardly from the cover member. Each of the first and second engagement walls comprise one or more tabs extending inwardly thereof. One of the one or more tabs is adapted to engage with one of the one or more notches when the lid is attached to the tray. One of the one or more protrusions is adapted to engage with one of the one or more base channels of a second one of the core box when the second one of the core box is stacked on top of the core box.

In a further aspect, a core box for holding one or more cores comprises a tray, a primary lid, and a secondary lid. The tray comprises a base member and first and second lateral members. The base member comprises a base surface, a plurality of divider walls, and a plurality of ribs. The base surface defines one or more grooves adapted to receive one of the one or more cores. The plurality of divider walls extends upwardly from the base surface, with one of the plurality of divider walls extending upwardly between adjacent ones of the one or more grooves. The plurality of ribs extending downwardly from the base surface, with the plurality of ribs arranged to define, at least in part, one or more base channels extending in a longitudinal direction along at least a portion of a length of the base member. The first and second lateral members are connected to the base member, each of the first and second lateral members comprising one or more notches formed along a lower edge thereof. The primary lid is removably detachable from the tray and comprises a cover and first and second primary engagement walls. The cover comprises a ledge, a pair of lateral cover walls extending from the ledge, and a primary cover member extending between the pair of lateral cover walls. The first and second primary engagement walls extend from the cover, with each of the first and second primary engagement walls comprising one or more primary tabs extending inwardly thereof and one or more openings. The secondary lid is removably detachable from the primary lid and comprises a secondary cover member, first and second secondary engagement walls extending from the secondary cover member, and one or more secondary protrusions extending upwardly from the secondary cover member. Each of the first and second secondary engagement walls comprise one or more secondary tabs extending inwardly thereof. One of the one or more primary tabs is adapted to engage with one of the one or more notches when the primary lid is attached to the tray. One of the one or more secondary tabs is adapted to engage with one of the one or more openings when the secondary lid is attached to the primary lid. One of the one or more secondary protrusions is adapted to engage with one of the one or more base channels of a second one of the core box when the second one of the core box is stacked on top of the core box.

In still a further aspect, the cover comprises one or more primary protrusions extending upwardly from the primary cover member.

In still yet a further aspect, the cover further comprises a pair of end cover walls extending from the ledge, and wherein the primary cover member also extends between the pair of end cover walls.

In still another aspect, the primary cover member, the end cover walls, and the lateral cover walls define, at least in part, a cover enclosure that is adapted to enclose, at least in part, an upper portion of the cores.

In still yet another aspect, the cover further comprises one or more cover supports extending downwardly from the primary cover member, the one or more cover supports adapted to engage with the divider walls when the lid is secured to the tray.

The foregoing was intended as a summary only and of only some of the aspects. It was not intended to define the limits or requirements of the disclosure. Other aspects will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described by reference to the detailed description of the embodiments and to the drawings thereof in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of a tray of a core box;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the tray;

FIG. 3 depicts a end view of the tray;

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the tray;

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the tray;

FIG. 6 depicts a bottom perspective view of the tray;

FIG. 7 depicts the tray with cylindrical cores placed therewithin;

FIG. 8 depicts the core box with the tray and a first embodiment of a lid detached from the tray;

FIG. 9 depicts the core box with the lid of FIG. 8 attached to the tray;

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of the core box with the lid of FIG. 8 attached to the tray;

FIG. 11 depicts an end view of the core box with the lid of FIG. 8 attached to the tray;

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of four of the core boxes of FIG. 9 stacked on top of each other;

FIG. 13 depicts a side view of four of the core boxes of FIG. 9 stacked on top of each other;

FIG. 14 depicts an end view of four of the core boxes of FIG. 9 stacked on top of each other;

FIG. 15 depicts a sectional perspective view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 depicts an end view of FIG. 15, with some of the cores removed;

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of sixteen of the core boxes of FIG. 9 layered on top of each other in a crosswise fashion;

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of sixteen of the core boxes of FIG. 9 layered on top of each other in a crosswise fashion;

FIG. 19 depicts a sectional end view of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 depicts a magnified view of portion “A” of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 depicts another perspective view of sixteen of the core boxes of FIG. 9 layered on top of each other in a crosswise fashion;

FIG. 22 is a magnified view of portion “B” of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 depicts the try with semi-cylindrical cores placed therewithin;

FIG. 24 depicts the core box with the tray and a second embodiment of the lid detached from the tray;

FIG. 25 depicts the core box with the lid of FIG. 24 attached to the tray;

FIG. 26 depicts a side view of the core box with the lid of FIG. 24 attached to the tray;

FIG. 27 depicts an end view of the core box with the lid of FIG. 24 attached to the tray;

FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view of four of the core boxes of FIG. 25 stacked on top of each other;

FIG. 29 depicts a side view of four of the core boxes of FIG. 25 stacked on top of each other;

FIG. 30 depicts an end view of four of the core boxes of FIG. 25 stacked on top of each other;

FIG. 31 depicts a sectional perspective view of FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 depicts an end view of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 depicts a perspective view of sixteen of the core boxes of FIG. 25 layered on top of each other in a crosswise fashion;

FIG. 34 depicts a side view of sixteen of the core boxes of FIG. 25 layered on top of each other in a crosswise fashion;

FIG. 35 depicts the core box with the first and second embodiments of the lid detached from the tray;

FIG. 36 depicts the core box with the first and second embodiments of the lid attached to the tray;

FIG. 37 depicts a side view of the core box with the first and second embodiments of the lid attached to the tray;

FIG. 38 depicts an end view of the core box with the first and second embodiments of the lid attached to the try;

FIG. 39 depicts a perspective view of four of the core boxes of FIG. 36 stacked on top of each other;

FIG. 40 depicts a side view of four of the core boxes of FIG. 36 stacked on top of each other;

FIG. 41 depicts an end view of four of the core boxes of FIG. 36 stacked on top of each other;

FIG. 42 depicts a sectional perspective view of FIG. 39;

FIG. 43 depicts an end view of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 depicts a perspective view of sixteen of the core boxes of FIG. 36 layered on top of each other in a crosswise fashion; and

FIG. 45 depicts a side view of sixteen of the core boxes of FIG. 36 layered on top of each other in a crosswise fashion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a core box 10 for holding and/or storing cores 2 comprises a tray 11, with the tray 11 comprising first and second end members 12, 14 and first and second lateral members 16, 18 extending between the first and second end portions 12, 14. Each of the first and second end members 12, 14 and each of the first and second lateral members 16, 18 may be, but are not necessarily, substantially planar. The first and second end members 12, 14 and the first and second lateral members 16, 18 may be connected at their respective ends to define a substantially rectangular frame. In some embodiments, the first and second end members 12, 14 and the first and second lateral members 16, 18 may be angled, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In some embodiments, the tray 11 may be approximately 46 inches long and approximately 12 inches wide (i.e. the first and second end members 12, 14 are approximately 12 inches long, and the first and second lateral members 16, 18 are approximately 46 inches long).

The tray 11 further comprises a base member 20 extending between the first and second end members 12, 14 and extending between the first and second lateral members 16, 18. The base member 20 comprises a base surface 60 that is adapted to receive one or more of the cores 2. The base surface 60 defines one or more grooves 22, wherein one or more of the grooves 22 may be substantially rounded. In some embodiments, all of the grooves 22 are rounded. The base member 20 further comprises a plurality of divider walls 26 extending generally upwardly from the base surface 60, with one of the divider walls 26 extending substantially vertically between each adjacent pair of the grooves 22. In addition, one of the divider walls 26 may extend substantially vertically from each of the lateral sides of the base surface 60, adjacent to the outermost ones of the grooves 22 and proximate to the first and second lateral members 16, 18.

Each of the grooves 22 and the two divider walls 26 on the lateral sides of each of the grooves 22 define, at least in part, a channel 24 that is adapted to accept and hold the cores 2. The number of the channels 24 in the base member 20 may be equal to the number of the grooves 22. The channels 24 are adapted to accept and hold the cores 2 in a lengthwise orientation, as best shown in FIG. 7. When the cores 2 are placed within the channels 24, at least a portion of the cores 2 may be exposed from above (i.e. a height of the channels 24 may be less than a diameter of the cores 2). The cores 2 shown in FIG. 7 may be generally cylindrical in shape. In some embodiments, the grooves 22 may have a radius of curvature that is at least equal to and greater than a radius of curvature of the cores 2.

The core box 10 may further comprise a first embodiment of a lid 28 that is adapted to engage with the tray 11 by engaging with at least a portion of the first and second lateral members 16, 18 in order to provide a covering for the tray 11. Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, in some embodiments, the lid 28 comprises a cover 30 and first and second engagement walls 32, 34 extending generally downwardly from the cover 30. The first and second engagement walls 32, 34 are adapted to slide over at least a portion of the first and second lateral members 16, 18, respectively.

The cover 30 may comprise a ledge 62 extending along at least a portion of a perimeter of the cover 30, with the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 extending generally downwardly from portions of the ledge 62. In some embodiments, the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 extend generally downwardly from lateral edges 64 of the ledge 62. The cover 30 may further comprise comprises a pair of end cover walls 38 and a pair of lateral cover walls 39. The end cover walls 38 and the lateral cover walls 39 may extend generally upwardly from the ledge 62. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the cover 30 comprises two end cover walls 38 and two lateral cover walls 39 that define a substantially rectangular frame. The end cover walls 38 and the lateral cover walls 39 may also be angled, as best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. The angling of the end cover walls 38 and the lateral cover walls 39 may correspond to the angling of the first and second end members 12, 14 and the first and second lateral members 16, 18.

In some embodiments, the ledge 62 may not extend along an entire perimeter of the cover 30. In such embodiments, the lateral cover walls 39 may be connected to the first and second engagement walls 32, 34.

The cover 30 may further comprise a cover member 36 extending between the end cover walls 38 and between the lateral cover walls 39 to form a covering over at least a portion of the tray 11. The cover member 36, the end cover walls 38, and the lateral cover walls 39 may define, at least in part, a cover enclosure 66 that encloses, at least in part, an upper portion of the cores 2 when the cores 2 are placed in the tray 11 and the lid 28 is secured to the tray 11, as described below.

Each of the first and second lateral members 16, 18 comprises a lower edge 44, with a plurality of notches 46 formed along the lower edges 44. The notches 46 on the first lateral member 16 may be offset from the notches 46 on the second lateral member 18. In other words, the notches 46 on the first lateral member 16 may not be aligned with the notches 46 on the second lateral member 18, as best shown in FIG. 6. Each of the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 comprises a plurality of inward-extending tabs 48 that are adapted to engage with the notches 46 when the lid 28 is secured to the tray 11. The tabs 48 on the first engagement wall 32 may also be offset from the tabs 48 on the second engagement wall 34.

When the lid 28 is placed over the tray 11 (such as in FIG. 8), the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 may engage with the first and second lateral members 16, 18, respectively. In particular, the dimensions of the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 and the dimensions of the first and second lateral members 16, 18 are such that the tabs 48 may contact upper edges 68 of the first and second lateral members 16, 18. As the lid 28 is pressed downwardly, the contact of the tabs 48 against the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 may cause the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 to deflect apart slightly. As downward pressure is continued to be applied on the lid 28, the tabs 48 may move downwardly along the first and second lateral members 16, 18 (while the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 remain deflected apart). When the tabs 48 reach the notches 46, the tabs 48 will engage with the notches 46, causing the first and second walls 32, 34 to revert back to their original orientations. The engagement of the tabs 48 with the notches 46 thereby assists in securing the lid 28 to the tray 11 (as shown in FIG. 9). Because of the offset nature of the notches 46 on the first and second lateral members 16, 18 and of the tabs 48 on the first and second engagement walls 32, 34, the lid 28 may only be secured to the tray 11 in one orientation.

The lid 28 may be removed from the tray 11 by pulling apart the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 until the tabs 48 are clear from the notches 46. Then, the lid 28 may be lifted upwards until the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 are clear of the first and second lateral members 16, 18, respectively.

The cover 30 further comprises one or more cover supports 40 that may extending generally downwardly from the cover member 36, with each of the cover supports 40 adapted to engage with one of the divider walls 26 when the lid 28 is secured on the tray 11. In some embodiments, the cover supports 40 may comprise an indent 70 that is adapted to engage with an upper portion of the divider wall 26 when the lid 28 is secured on the tray 11.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, which are cross-sectional views of the core boxes 10 with the cores 2 placed in the tray 11, the cover member 36, the lateral cover walls 39, and the cover supports 40 define, at least in part, cover channels 42 within the cover enclosure 66 that fit over at least a portion of the cores 2 when the lid 28 is secured on the tray 11.

The cover 30 may comprise a plurality of upwardly-extending protrusions 50 extending from the cover member 36. The protrusions 50 may be generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 9, though other shapes for the protrusions 50 are also possible. In some embodiments, the protrusion 50 may be generally square or rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The protrusions 50 are adapted to engage with a lower portion 52 of the base member 20 when the core box 10 is stacked on top of another one of the core box 10, as shown in FIG. 12.

In some embodiments, the cover member 36 may comprise one or more upper channels 74 extending along at least a portion of a length of the cover 30. The upper channels 74 may correspond to depressed portions on the cover member 36 in which the protrusions 50 are located. For example, in the embodiment of the lid 28 shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the cover member 36 comprises two upper channels 74, with each of the two upper channels 74 having eight protrusions 50 extending therefrom. The protrusions 50 may have a height that is greater than a depth of the upper channels 74, such that the protrusions 50 extend above the cover member 36.

In some embodiments, a location of the upper channels 74 may correspond generally with a location of the cover supports 40. For example, referring to FIGS. 19 to 22, at least some of the cover supports 40 may extend from the cover member 36 along the edges of the upper channels 74, as best seen in FIG. 22.

As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base member 20 may comprise a plurality of ribs 72 that extend generally downwardly from the base surface 60 (i.e. from the opposite side of the base surface 60 on which the cores 2 are placed). The ribs 72 may be arranged in a generally orthogonal pattern and may provide rigidity and strength to the base surface 60. The ribs 72 may be arranged to define, at least in part, one or more base channels 54 that extend longitudinally for at least a portion of a length of the base surface 60. In some embodiments, the base channels 54 may extend for almost substantially the entire length of the base surface 60. The base channels 54 may correspond to portions of the lower portion 52 of the base member 20 where the ribs 72 are omitted, thereby forming the base channels 54. The base channels 54 are adapted to engage with the protrusions 50 when the core box 10 is stacked on top of another one of the core box 10.

For example, in some embodiments, the protrusions 50 and the base channels 54 may be arranged such that the protrusions 50 are vertically aligned with the base channels 54 when the lid 28 is secured to the tray 11, as shown in FIG. 16. Furthermore, the base channels 54 may be greater in width than the protrusions 50.

The core box 10 may be stacked on top of another one of the core box 10 in a number of ways. Referring to FIGS. 12 to 16, in some embodiments, two or more of the core boxes 10 may be stacked on top of each other in a single stack. FIGS. 12 to 16 depict four of the core boxes 10 (i.e. the core boxes 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) stacked on top of each other, but it is understood that a greater or a fewer number of the core boxes 10 may be stacked in a similar fashion. For example, referring to FIG. 16, which is a sectional view of the stack of core boxes 10, the protrusions 50b of the core box 10b may be adapted to engage with the base channels 54a of the core box 10a. Through the engagement of the protrusions 50b with the base channels 54a, lateral movement of the core box 10a with respect to the core box 10b is prevented. Similar engagement within the stack of the protrusions 50 of the core boxes 10 with the base channels 54 of the core boxes 10 above may occur.

Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 17 to 22, the core boxes 10 may be stacked in a crosswise fashion. FIGS. 17 to 22 depict four of the core boxes 10 (i.e. the core boxes 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) laid in a side-by-side manner, with another four of the core boxes 10 (i.e. the core boxes 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l) rotated laterally 90° and stacked on top of the core boxes 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h. In this fashion, the core boxes 10 may stacked in a plurality of layers 56, with each of the layers 56 comprising four of the core boxes 10 that are oriented 90° from the core boxes 10 in the layer 56 below. Because the base channels 54 extend for at least a portion of the length of the base surface 60 (and in some embodiments, for almost substantially the entire length of the base surface 60), the base channels 54 are still able to engage with the protrusions 50 of the core boxes 10 in the layer 56 above, even when the core boxes 10 in the layer 56 above are rotated 90°. FIGS. 17 to 22 depict sixteen of the core boxes 10 in total, with each of the four layers 56 (i.e. the layers 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d) comprising four of the core boxes 10. It is understood that other arrangements of the core boxes 10 in a crosswise fashion are also possible, with a greater or fewer number of core boxes 10 in each of the layers 56 and with a greater or fewer number of the layers 56.

FIG. 19, which is a sectional view of the layers 56, and FIG. 20, which is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 19 identified as “A”, depict the engagement between the protrusion 50h of the core box 10h and the base channel 54i of the core box 10i. There are similar engagements of the protrusions 50 in the layer 56b with the base channels 54 in the layer 56a. This engagement of the protrusions 50 and the base channels 54 prevents lateral movement of the layer 56a with respect to the layer 56b.

FIG. 21, which is another sectional view of the layers 56, and FIG. 22, which is a magnified view of the a portion of FIG. 21 identified as “B”, again depict the engagement between the protrusions 50 and the base channels 54.

FIG. 23 depict the tray 11 holding the cores 2; however, the cores 2 in FIG. 23 are semi-cylindrical in shape. FIGS. 24 to 34 depict another embodiment of the lid 28 (i.e. the lid 128). The lid 128 may be used in conjunction with the lid 28 (as in FIGS. 35 to 45) or in alternative to the lid 28 (as in FIGS. 24 to 34).

In some embodiments, the lid 128 may be used to cover the tray 11 when the cores 2 are semi-cylindrical in shape. The lid 128 comprises first and second engagement walls 132, 134 extending from the cover member 136. The lid 128 does not include the end cover walls 38 and the lateral cover walls 39 because the lower height of the cores 2 (when semi-cylindrical in shape) obviates the need for a cover enclosure 66 to accommodate a portion of the cores 2.

The first and second engagement walls 132, 134 comprises tabs 148 that may be adapted to engage with the notches 46 on the first and second lateral members 16, 18, respectively, to secure the lid 128 onto the first and second lateral members 16, 18. The tabs 148 on the first engagement wall 132 may be offset from the tabs 148 on the second engagement wall 134 and may otherwise correspond to the locations of the notches 46. Because the lid 128 lacks the end cover walls 38 and the lateral cover walls 39 of the lid 28, when the lid 128 is secured onto the first and second lateral members 16, 18, the core box 10 has a generally lower profile than when the lid 28 is secured onto the first and second lateral members 16, 18.

The lid 128 may further comprise protrusions 150 extending upwardly from the cover member 136. The protrusions 150 may be similar in dimensions to the protrusions 50 and are adapted to engage with the base channels 54 when the core boxes 10 are stacked.

The lid 128 may also be used in conjunction with the lid 28, as shown in FIGS. 35 to 45. The lid 28 may comprise one or more openings 58 located on the first and second engagement walls 32, 34. The openings 58 on the first engagement wall 32 may be offset from the openings 58 on the second engagement wall 34. In some embodiments, the locations of the tabs 48 and the openings 58 on the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 may alternate, as shown in FIG. 35. The tabs 148 on the lid 128 may also be adapted to engage with the openings 58 on the first and second engagement walls 32, 34.

For example, referring to FIGS. 24 to 27, a first orientation of the lid 128 may be used when the lid 128 is to be secured to the tray 11 directly. The tabs 148 on the first and second engagement walls 132, 134 may correspond in location to the notches 46 on the first and second lateral members 16. The lid 128 may be secured to the tray 11 by placing the first engagement wall 132 against the first lateral member 16 and by placing the second engagement wall 134 against the second lateral member 18. By pushing downwardly on the lid 128, the tabs 148 on the first and second engagement walls 132, 134 may cause the first and second engagement walls 132, 134 to deflect apart and to slide over the first and second lateral members 16, 18, respectively. When the tabs 148 encounter the notches 46, the tabs 148 will engage within the notches 46, causing the first and second engagement walls 132, 134 to revert to their original orientations and secure the lid 128 to the tray 11.

When the lid 128 is secured to the tray 11, the core boxes 10 resulting therefrom may be stacked. For example, FIGS. 28 to 32 depict four of the core boxes 10 (i.e. the core boxes 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) stacked on top of each other, wherein each of the core boxes 10 has the lid 128 secured to the tray 11. It is understood that a greater or a fewer number of the core boxes 10 may be stacked in a similar fashion. For example, referring to FIG. 32, which is a sectional view of the stack of core boxes 10, the protrusions 50b of the core box 10b may be adapted to engage with the base channels 54a of the core box 10a. Through the engagement of the protrusions 50b with the base channels 54a, lateral movement of the core box 10a with respect to the core box 10b is prevented. Similar engagement within the stack of the protrusions 50 of the core boxes 10 with the base channels 54 of the core boxes 10 above may occur.

Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, the core boxes 10 with the lid 128 secured to the tray 11 may also be stacked in a crosswise fashion. FIGS. 33 and 34 depict four of the core boxes 10 (i.e. the core boxes 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) laid in a side-by-side manner, with another four of the core boxes 10 (i.e. the core boxes 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l) rotated laterally 90° and stacked on top of the core boxes 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h. In this fashion, the core boxes 10 may be stacked in a plurality of layers 56, with each of the layers 56 comprising four of the core boxes 10 that are oriented 90° from the core boxes 10 in the layer 56 below. FIGS. 33 to 34 depict sixteen of the core boxes 10 in total, with each of the four layers 56 (i.e. the layers 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d) comprising four of the core boxes 10. The stacking of the core boxes 10 with the lid 128 in a crosswise fashion is similar to the stacking of the core boxes 10 with the lid 28 in a crosswise fashion, described above. It is understood that other arrangements of the core boxes 10 in a crosswise fashion are also possible, with a greater or fewer number of core boxes 10 in each of the layers 56 and with a greater or fewer number of the layers 56.

However, referring to FIGS. 35 to 38, in a second orientation of the lid 128, the lid 128 may be rotated 180° from the first orientation. In the second orientation of the lid 128, the tabs 148 may now be adapted to engage with the lid 28 to secure the lid 128 onto the lid 28. This may used, for example, when the lid 28 is already secured to the tray 11, and it is desired to secure the lid 128 to the lid 28.

For example, when the lid 128 is placed over the lid 28, because of the 180° rotation of the lid 128, the first engagement wall 132 of the lid 128 may be placed against the second engagement wall 34 of the lid 28, while the second engagement wall 134 of the lid 128 may be placed against the first engagement wall 32 of the lid 28. As the lid 128 is pressed downwardly (against the lid 28), the contact of the tabs 148 against the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 may cause the first and second engagement walls 132, 134 to deflect apart slightly. As downward pressure is continued to be applied on the lid 128, the tabs 148 may move downwardly along the first and second engagement walls 32, 34 (while the first and second engagement walls 132, 134 remain deflected apart). When the tabs 48 reach the openings 58, the tabs 48 will engage with the openings 58, causing the first and second engagement walls 132, 134 to revert back to their original orientations. The engagement of the tabs 48 on the first engagement wall 132 with the openings 58 on the second engagement wall 34 and the engagement of the tabs 48 on the second engagement wall 134 with the openings 58 on the first engagement wall 32 assists in securing the lid 128 to the lid 28. In this manner, both of the lids 28, 128 may be secured together.

When both the lid 28 and the lid 128 are secured to the tray 11, the core boxes 10 resulting therefrom may be stacked. For example, FIGS. 39 to 43 depict four of the core boxes 10 (i.e. the core boxes 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) stacked on top of each other, wherein each of the core boxes 10 has the lid 28 secured to the tray 11 and the lid 128 secured to the lid 28. It is understood that a greater or a fewer number of the core boxes 10 may be stacked in a similar fashion. For example, referring to FIG. 43, which is a sectional view of the stack of core boxes 10, the protrusions 150b of the core box 10b may be adapted to engage with the base channels 54a of the core box 10a. Through the engagement of the protrusions 150b with the base channels 54a, lateral movement of the core box 10a with respect to the core box 10b is prevented. Similar engagement within the stack of the protrusions 150 of the core boxes 10 with the base channels 54 of the core boxes 10 above may occur.

Referring to FIGS. 44 and 45, the core boxes 10 with the both the lid 28 and the lid 128 secured to the tray 11 may also be stacked in a crosswise fashion. FIGS. 44 and 45 depict four of the core boxes 10 (i.e. the core boxes 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h) laid in a side-by-side manner, with another four of the core boxes 10 (i.e. the core boxes 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l) rotated laterally 90° and stacked on top of the core boxes 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h. FIGS. 44 and 45 depict sixteen of the core boxes 10 in total, with each of the four layers 56 comprising four of the core boxes 10. Because the base channels 54 extend for at least a portion of the length of the base surface 60 (and in some embodiments, for almost substantially the entire length of the base surface 60), the base channels 54 are still able to engage with the protrusions 150 of the core boxes 10 in the layer 56 above, even when the core boxes 10 in the layer 56 above are rotated 90°. FIGS. 44 and 45 depict sixteen of the core boxes 10 in total, with each of the four layers 56 (i.e. the layers 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d) comprising four of the core boxes 10. It is understood that other arrangements of the core boxes 10 in a crosswise fashion are also possible, with a greater or fewer number of core boxes 10 in each of the layers 56 and with a greater or fewer number of the layers 56.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiments have been described in some detail but that certain modifications may be practiced without departing from the principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A core box for holding one or more cores, the core box comprising: a tray comprising: a base member comprising: a base surface defining one or more grooves adapted to receive one of the one or more cores;a plurality of divider walls extending upwardly from the base surface, one of the plurality of divider walls extending upwardly between adjacent ones of the one or more grooves; anda plurality of ribs extending downwardly from the base surface, the plurality of ribs arranged to define, at least in part, one or more base channels extending in a longitudinal direction along at least a portion of a length of the base member;first and second lateral members connected to the base member, each of the first and second lateral members comprising one or more notches formed along a lower edge thereof; anda lid removably detachable from the tray, the lid comprising: a cover comprising: a ledge;a pair of lateral cover walls extending from the ledge;a cover member extending between the pair of lateral cover walls; andone or more protrusions extending upwardly from the cover member; andfirst and second engagement walls extending from the cover, each of the first and second engagement walls comprising one or more tabs extending inwardly thereof;wherein one of the one or more tabs is adapted to engage with one of the one or more notches when the lid is attached to the tray; andwherein one of the one or more protrusions is adapted to engage with one of the one or more base channels of a second one of the core box when the second one of the core box is stacked on top of the core box.

2. The core box of claim 1, wherein the one or more base channels extend for substantially an entire length of the base member.

3. The core box of claim 1, wherein the tray further comprises first and second end members connected to the base member, and wherein the first and second lateral members and the first and second end members define a frame about the base member.

4. The core box of claim 1, wherein the one or more notches on the first lateral member are not aligned with the one or more notches on the second lateral member.

5. The core box of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a pair of end cover walls extending from the ledge, and wherein the cover member also extends between the pair of end cover walls.

6. The core box of claim 1, wherein the one or more tabs on the first engagement wall are not aligned with the one or more tabs on the second engagement wall.

7. The core box of claim 1, wherein the one or more protrusions are substantially rectangular in shape.

8. The core box of claim 5, wherein the cover member, the end cover walls, and the lateral cover walls define, at least in part, a cover enclosure that is adapted to enclose, at least in part, an upper portion of the cores.

9. The core box of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises one or more cover supports extending downwardly from the cover member, the one or more cover supports adapted to engage with the divider walls when the lid is secured to the tray.

10. A core box for holding one or more cores, the core box comprising: a tray comprising: a base member comprising: a base surface defining one or more grooves adapted to receive one of the one or more cores;a plurality of divider walls extending upwardly from the base surface, one of the plurality of divider walls extending upwardly between adjacent ones of the one or more grooves; anda plurality of ribs extending downwardly from the base surface, the plurality of ribs arranged to define, at least in part, one or more base channels extending in a longitudinal direction along at least a portion of a length of the base member;first and second lateral members connected to the base member, each of the first and second lateral members comprising one or more notches formed along a lower edge thereof;a lid removably detachable from the tray, the lid comprising: a cover member;first and second engagement walls extending from the cover member, each of the first and second engagement walls comprising one or more tabs extending inwardly thereof; andone or more protrusions extending upwardly from the cover member;wherein one of the one or more tabs is adapted to engage with one of the one or more notches when the lid is attached to the tray; andwherein one of the one or more protrusions is adapted to engage with one of the one or more base channels of a second one of the core box when the second one of the core box is stacked on top of the core box.

11. The core box of claim 10, wherein the one or more base channels extend for substantially an entire length of the base member.

12. The core box of claim 10, wherein the tray further comprises first and second end members connected to the base member, and wherein the first and second lateral members and the first and second end members define a frame about the base member.

13. The core box of claim 10, wherein the one or more notches on the first lateral member are not aligned with the one or more notches on the second lateral member.

14. The core box of claim 10, wherein the one or more tabs on the first engagement wall are not aligned with the one or more tabs on the second engagement wall.

15. The core box of claim 10, wherein the one or more protrusions are substantially rectangular in shape.

16. A core box for holding one or more cores, the core box comprising: a tray comprising: a base member comprising: a base surface defining one or more grooves adapted to receive one of the one or more cores;a plurality of divider walls extending upwardly from the base surface, one of the plurality of divider walls extending upwardly between adjacent ones of the one or more grooves; anda plurality of ribs extending downwardly from the base surface, the plurality of ribs arranged to define, at least in part, one or more base channels extending in a longitudinal direction along at least a portion of a length of the base member; andfirst and second lateral members connected to the base member, each of the first and second lateral members comprising one or more notches formed along a lower edge thereof;a primary lid removably detachable from the tray, the primary lid comprising: a cover comprising: a ledge;a pair of lateral cover walls extending from the ledge; anda primary cover member extending between the pair of lateral cover walls; andfirst and second primary engagement walls extending from the cover, each of the first and second primary engagement walls comprising: one or more primary tabs extending inwardly thereof; andone or more openings; anda secondary lid removably detachable from the primary lid, the secondary lid comprising: a secondary cover member;first and second secondary engagement walls extending from the secondary cover member, each of the first and second secondary engagement walls comprising one or more secondary tabs extending inwardly thereof; andone or more secondary protrusions extending upwardly from the secondary cover member;wherein one of the one or more primary tabs is adapted to engage with one of the one or more notches when the primary lid is attached to the tray;wherein one of the one or more secondary tabs is adapted to engage with one of the one or more openings when the secondary lid is attached to the primary lid; andwherein one of the one or more secondary protrusions is adapted to engage with one of the one or more base channels of a second one of the core box when the second one of the core box is stacked on top of the core box.

17. The core box of claim 16, wherein the cover comprises one or more primary protrusions extending upwardly from the primary cover member.

18. The core box of claim 16, wherein the cover further comprises a pair of end cover walls extending from the ledge, and wherein the primary cover member also extends between the pair of end cover walls.

19. The core box of claim 18, wherein the primary cover member, the end cover walls, and the lateral cover walls define, at least in part, a cover enclosure that is adapted to enclose, at least in part, an upper portion of the cores.

20. The core box of claim 16, wherein the cover further comprises one or more cover supports extending downwardly from the primary cover member, the one or more cover supports adapted to engage with the divider walls when the lid is secured to the tray.