Wafer container with recessed latch

Abstract

Improvements in a semiconductor wafer container including improvements in side protection to the wafers, improved cover design to minimize rotation, a simplified top cover orientation mechanism and an improved bottom holding mechanism for automation. The side protection to the wafers is with multiple staggered inner and outer walls. The improved cover design improves alignment of the top and bottom housings and minimizes rotation of the housings in transit or motion. The housings have a recessed tab ramp feature with bi-directional locking that also increases the rigidity of the containment device when the two housings are assembled. The latching mechanism is located in a protective latch well that minimizes accidental opening of the latch(s). The improved bottom holding mechanism for automation is an integrated feature that is molded into the bottom housing and not assembled in a secondary operation.

1 . A wafer container comprising:
 a top housing and a bottom housing that nest together to form a clam shell housing with an inner cavity for storage for at least one semiconductor wafer;   said top housing having an essentially planar rectangular base with least one rib that extends perpendicular from said base in an essentially circular orientation;   said bottom housing having an essentially planar rectangular base with at least one rib that extends perpendicular from said base wherein said at least one rib on said bottom housing is arranged concentric and at a different radius from said at least one rib that extends perpendicular from said base of said top housing;   said bottom housing further having an undercut recessed pocket with a latch surface for a retention mechanism;   said latch surface being formed in a molding process with the molding of said bottom housing.   
     
     
         2 . The wafer container according to  claim 1  wherein said latch surface is located at a height that is equal to or lower than the planar bottom surface of said top housing. 
     
     
         3 . The wafer container according to  claim 1  wherein said latch surface further has an angled or curved entry surface. 
     
     
         4 . The wafer container according to  claim 1  wherein said pocket further has at least two essentially vertical side walls to self center said bottom housing on said retention mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The wafer container according to  claim 1  wherein the latch exists in a protective latch well located below said planar rectangular base on said top housing. 
     
     
         6 . The wafer container according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one latch surface includes at least four latches surfaces located in each corner region of said top housing. 
     
     
         7 . The wafer container according to  claim 1  wherein said notch latch surface has a curve entry ramp and recess that elevates a latch above said entry ramp and lowers said latch into said recess to retain said latch in said recess. 
     
     
         8 . A wafer container comprising:
 a top housing and a bottom housing that nest together to form a clam shell housing with an inner cavity for storage for at least one semiconductor wafer;   said top housing having an essentially planar rectangular base with least one rib that extends perpendicular from said base in an essentially circular orientation;   said bottom housing having an essentially planar rectangular base with at least one rib that extends perpendicular from said base wherein said at least one rib on said bottom housing is arranged concentric and at a different radius from said at least one rib that extends perpendicular from said base of said top housing;   said bottom housing having at least one latch that engages in a corresponding notch located on said top housing, wherein   a top surface of said latch is located at a height that is below a top surface of said all ribs.   
     
     
         9 . The wafer container according to  claim 8  wherein said at least one latch includes at least four latches and four corresponding notches located in each corner region of said top housing or said bottom housing. 
     
     
         10 . The wafer container according to  claim 8  wherein said notch has a curve entry ramp and recess that elevates said latch above said entry ramp and lowers said latch into said recess to retain said latch in said recess. 
     
     
         11 . The wafer container according to  claim 8  wherein said notch is located in a pocket that protects said latch during handling and impact. 
     
     
         12 . The wafer container according to  claim 8  that further has an undercut recessed pocket with a latch surface for a retention mechanism. 
     
     
         13 . The wafer container according to  claim 8  wherein said at least one latch is located in a protective latch well. 
     
     
         14 . The wafer container according to  claim 13  wherein said protective latch well exists below said essentially planar rectangular base. 
     
     
         15 . A wafer container comprising:
 a top housing and a bottom housing that nest together to form a clam shell housing with an inner cavity for storage for at least one semiconductor wafer;   said top housing having an essentially planar rectangular base with least one rib that extends perpendicular from said base in an essentially circular orientation;   said bottom housing having an essentially planar rectangular base with at least one rib that extends perpendicular from said base wherein said at least one rib on said bottom housing is arranged concentric and at a different radius from said at least one rib that extends perpendicular from said base of said top housing;   said top housing having a protective latch well;   said bottom housing having at least one latch that engages in a corresponding notch located within said protective latch well, wherein   said protective latch well exists below said essentially planar rectangular base.   
     
     
         16 . The wafer container according to  claim 15  that further includes at least one latch that extends from said bottom housing. 
     
     
         17 . The wafer container according to  claim 16  that further includes a notch in said protective latch well. 
     
     
         18 . The wafer container according to  claim 16  wherein said protective latch well provides limited access to said latch. 
     
     
         19 . The wafer container according to  claim 17  wherein said protective latch well provides clearance for a human finger or automated machine to disengage said at least one latch from said notch. 
     
     
         20 . The wafer container according to  claim 16  wherein a top surface of said latch is located at a height that is below a top surface of said at least one rib.