# US 2019/0169949 A1 · Modular storage box system for storing core samples > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2019/0169949 A1 - Document ID: US20190169949A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/320,809 - Filed: 2016-07-27 - Published: 2019-06-06 - Earliest claimed: 2016-07-27 - Inventors: Flávio DE BARROS RAMOS; Daniel BORTOWSKI CARVALHO - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190169949A1 ## CPC - E21B 25/005: {Above ground means for handling the core, e.g. for extracting the core from the core barrel} - E21B 25/00: Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels or core extractors (core bits E21B10/02) - E21B: EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS ## 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. ## Claims ### Claim 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). ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to claim 1, wherein locking areas (36) comprise locking holes (3A) and side tabs (3B) while said base (2) is provided with locking ledges (2A) and side recesses (2B) whose installation is accomplished by overlapping side tabs (3B) onto side recesses (2B) and, at the same time, inserting locking ledges (2A) into the locking holes (3A) so as to form connection means (5). ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) 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). ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) 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). ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) 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). ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) 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 (3A) that receive the locking ledges (2A) of each base (2) while each side recess (2B) receive a side tab (3B) of the extending module (3). ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) 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). ### Claim 8 (depends on 5) 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). ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) 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). ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) 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). ### Claim 11 The modular storage box system for storing core samples, wherein the cover (4) comprises locking holes (4C) and side tabs (4D), while said extending module (30) is provided with locking ledges (3C) and side recesses (3D) whose installation is accomplished by overlapping side tabs (4D) into side recesses (3D) and, at the same time, inserting locking ledges (3C) into the locking holes (4C) so as to form connection means (5). ### Claim 12 (depends on 2) The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to claim 2, wherein side tabs (3B) are provided with tapered ends and overlap side recesses (2B) that project to define a free handle area (C1). ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The modular storage box system for storing core samples, provided with partitions (SA and SB) comprising a main body (S1), an extended top surface (S2) arranged on the body (S1) 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). ### Claim 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). ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to claim 13, wherein partition (SA) comprises an opening (S5) arranged on the extended top surface (S2) to be fitted to partition (SB) lower end (S6). ### Claim 16 The modular storage box system for storing core samples, wherein partition (SA) body (51) comprises enlarged side tabs (S10) projecting up to a median region of the body (51) to tightly connect partition (SA) to the base (2) vertical tabs (22). ### Claim 17 (depends on 13) The modular storage box system for storing core samples, according to claim 13, wherein partition (SB) body (S1) comprises enlarged side tabs (S10) projecting close to body (S1) lower end (S6) to connect partition (SB) to the extending module (3) vertical tabs (37). ### Claim 18 (depends on 13) 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 (S11) which is provided with a recess (S5). ### Claim 19 (depends on 13) 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 (S5) which is, in turn, connected to the base (2) compartments (20). ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) 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).