CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/293,

240, which was filed on February 9, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/294,111, which was filed on February 11, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/302,648 which was filed on March 4, 2016. The entire content of the applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates generally to containers for storing and transporting substrates.

BACKGROUND

[0003] When storing and transporting substrates, it is important that the containers used are designed to prevent the substrates from being damaged. Preferably, the containers are also compact and designed to facilitate deposition of substrates therein and removal of substrates therefrom. In addition, it is beneficial for a given container to be able to safely transport different numbers and types of substrates. In view of the above, there is a need in the art for containers that meet these various criteria.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to substrate containers for storing and transporting flexible substrates. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "flexible" indicates that the substrate when supported by its periphery or individual points is unable to maintain a substantially planar condition without applied tension. In one illustrative embodiment, a substrate container comprises a receptacle and a cover. The receptacle includes a base portion configured to support a flexible substrate and a side wall portion extending upward from the base portion. The cover is configured to define a closure over the receptacle. In one variation, the receptacle includes a first alignment feature located on an exterior surface of the receptacle. The first alignment feature is configured to interface with automation for aligning the receptacle. In another variation, the cover includes a contoured surface configured to apply a compressive load to the contents of the substrate container. Flexible substrates, when aligned and stored properly are capable of withstanding a level of compressive forces without experiencing damage to the substrate. The compressive forces hold the substrate or substrates in place during storage and transport. The contoured surface extends downward relative to a remainder of the cover. In one illustrative embodiment, the contoured surface is in the shape of a cross.

[0005] Preferably, the receptacle further includes a second alignment feature located on the exterior surface of the receptacle. The second alignment feature is configured to interface with automation for aligning the receptacle. In one illustrative embodiment, the first alignment feature is a recessed oval or rectangular boss, and the second alignment feature is a recessed circular boss. The circular boss lies along a major axis of the oval boss.

[0006] The side wall portion can include planar sections and corners that bridge adjacent ones of the planar sections, the corners protruding outward to define relief areas. The cover can include a stacking feature configured to retain a second substrate container stacked atop the substrate container.

[0007] In one illustrative embodiment, a spacer is mounted in the receptacle, the spacer being configured to elevate a substrate relative to the base portion. The spacer includes an RFID device programmed to convey information about the substrate.

[0008] In one illustrative embodiment, a protective insert includes a polymer core clad on a first side by a first protective layer and clad on a second side by a second protective layer possibly but not inclusive to a foam or Tyvek type material. The protective insert is configured to prevent collisions between substrates within the substrate container. An exposed edge portion of the polymer core extends laterally from the first and second protective layer. Preferably, an aperture is defined in the exposed edge portion.

[0009] The preceding summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present disclosure and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the disclosure can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description of various illustrative embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a substrate container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a receptacle of the substrate container.

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bottom of the receptacle.

[0014] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C show the substrate container.

[0015] Figures 5A and 5B show the top and bottom of a spacer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6is a perspective view of an open substrate container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the substrate container of Figure 6 in a closed configuration.

[0018] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a latch member of the substrate container of

Figure 6.

[0019] Figure 9 is a partial sectional view of the substrate container of Figure 6 with a latch in an unlatched configuration.

[0020] Figure 10 is a partial sectional view of the substrate container of Figure 6 with the latch in a latched configuration.

[0021] Figures 11 A and 1 IB show a protective insert in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 12 is a partial cutaway view of the substrate container of Figure 11 with the protective insert of Figures 11 A and 1 IB disposed interstitially between substrates.

[0023] While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular illustrative embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. DESCRIPTION

[0024] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a",

"an", and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0025] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The illustrative embodiments depicted are intended only as exemplary. Selected features of any illustrative embodiment may be incorporated into an additional embodiment unless clearly stated to the contrary.

[0026] The storage and transport of flexible substrates often demands that the substrates remain substantially flat in order to prevent damage to the substrate. Additionally, it is preferable that the substrates do not shift or move while being transported. Certain embodiments of this disclosure provide a substrate shipper that enables the storage and transport of flexible substrates substantially while reducing the potential for damage to the substrates.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1-3, 4A, 4B, and 4C, a substrate container or shipper 100 is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Substrate container 100 includes a receptacle 105 and a cover 1 10. Receptacle 105 includes a rectangular base portion 1 15 defining a planar interior surface, with a continuous side wall portion 120 extending from base portion 1 15. Side wall portion 120 includes planar sections that are perpendicular to the planar interior surface of base portion 1 15. Side wall portion 120 includes corners (one of which is labeled 125) that bridge adjacent ones of the planar sections, the corners protruding outward to define relief areas. Receptacle 105 includes a rim portion 130 extending radially outward from side wall portion 120. Cover 1 10 includes a contoured surface 135 for applying a compressive load to the contents of substrate container 100 when cover 1 10 is coupled to receptacle 105.

[0028] As best seen in Figure 3, base portion 1 15 of receptacle 105 includes an exterior surface opposite the interior surface with alignment features (e.g., circular, slot socket kinematic couplings, or combinations thereof), disposed thereon for alignment to automation. In particular, the alignment features include a recessed circular boss structure 300 and a recessed oval or rectangular boss structure 305, boss structures 300 and 305 extending axially from the exterior surface. In the depicted embodiment, oval boss structure 305 defines a major axis that is in substantial alignment with circular boss structure 300. The exterior surface can also be reinforced with ribbing 310 to create structure for maintaining the flatness of the interior surface.

[0029] Cover 1 10 is configured to define a closure over receptacle 105. In the depicted embodiment, cover 1 10 includes a rim portion 140 configured to surround rim portion 130 of receptacle 105. Cover 1 10 can include features 145, proximate a perimeter thereof, configured to retain a second substrate container stacked atop cover 1 10.

[0030] A plurality of latches (one of which is labeled 150) is configured to secure cover

1 10 to receptacle 105. Each of the latches is pivotally mounted to one of receptacle 105 and cover 1 10. In the depicted embodiment, the latches are mounted to receptacle 105.

[0031] In some embodiments, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device is integrated into substrate container 100. Also, receptacle 105 and cover 1 10 can be fabricated from polymers that are electrostatic dissipative (ESD).

[0032] Functionally, the perpendicularity between the planar interior surface of receptacle 105 and the planar sections of side wall portion 120 provides alignment for a stack of flexible substrates disposed in substrate container 100. One such stack can be seen in Figure 17. In some embodiments, the latches are over-center toggle type latches that create a high clamping pressure for ease of assembly. Contoured surface 135 of cover 1 10 can be configured to apply a compressive load to the resident substrates directly from the latching points. The protruding rim portions enable access from receptacle 105 of substrate container 100 for lifting and safe operator handling. The relief areas in the corners (e.g., corner 125) help prevent corner damage to rectangular substrates in transport and can provide a location for air separation of the resident substrates when being removed. Substrate container 100 can accommodate multiple product thicknesses with foam inserts.

[0033] In certain embodiment, the alignment features provide two-point alignment for interfacing with automation. For embodiments incorporating the recessed circular and oval boss geometries, circular boss 300 provides positive location registration of a first alignment point, while recessed oval or rectangular boss 305 enables compensation for uncertainties in the location of a second alignment point. Such uncertainties can be attributed, for example, to fabrication uncertainties and/or varying distances between the automation registration points. [0034] Referring to Figures 5 A and 5B, a spacer 1000 is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Spacer 1000 is mounted in receptacle 105, and substrates are mounted atop spacer 1000. Spacer 1000 is of predetermined height or thickness dimension (i.e., the dimension in the z-direction) based on the type of substrate that is shipped in substrate container 100. In the depicted embodiment, a top surface 1005 of spacer 1000 is planar and a bottom surface 1010 defines a cored structure. In some embodiments, spacer 1000 includes structure for retaining an RFID device 1015.

[0035] Functionally, spacer 1000 elevates a resident substrate stack (not shown) so that cover 110 engages the stack with a desired compressive force. Top surface 1005 provides uniform support to the substrate stack. The cored structure of bottom surface 1010 provides the necessary structural stiffness while reducing material and weight of spacer 1000. Because spacer 1000 is unique to the thickness of the substrates to be stored in substrate container 100, RFID device 1015 can be programmed to convey information about the substrates being stored, including their thicknesses.

[0036] Referring to Figures 6-10, a substrate container 1100 is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Substrate container 1100 includes many of the same components and attributes as substrate container 100, which should be apparent from the drawings. Substrate container 1100 includes a plurality of latches. Preferably, each of the latches is substantially identical. Accordingly, for simplicity, only a latch 1105 is discussed below. Latch 1105 is pivotally mounted to a cover 1110 to rotate about a hinge axis 1115. Latch 1105 is mounted within a latch recess 1120 defined in cover 1110, as shown in Figure 9. Latch recess 1120 includes a flat portion 1125 that is substantially parallel to hinge axis 1115. Latch 1105 includes a hinge portion 1130 and a hook portion 1135. In some embodiments, hinge portion 1130 includes a detent 1140 that projects radially outward from hinge axis 1115. Detent 1140 is dimensioned to interfere with flat portion 1125 when latch 1105 is in an open or unlatched position (Figure 14). This interference is enough to cause friction between hinge portion 1130 and flat portion 1125 when latch 1105 is rotated into the unlatched position but not so much as to prevent latch 1105 from being rotated into the unlatched position. In some embodiments, a groove or notch 1145 is defined near a distal end of hook portion 1135.

[0037] A receptacle 1150 of substrate container 1100 includes latch handles that project radially outward from receptacle 1150. The latch handles are configured to align below the latches when cover 1110 is in place on receptacle 1150. For simplicity, only a latch handle 1155 is discussed below. In some embodiments, latch handle 1155 includes a handle detent 1160. Handle detent 1160 and groove notch 1145 cooperate to provide a snapping engagement between latch 1105 and latch handle 1155.

[0038] In operation, latch 1 105 can be rotated into an unlatched position (Figure 9). The friction caused by the interference between hinge portion 1130 of latch 1105 and flat portion 1125 of latch recess 1120 enables latch 1105 to maintain the unlatched position. Cover 1110 is placed onto receptacle 1150 with latch 1105 aligned over latch handle 1155. Cover 1110 is pressed downward onto receptacle 1150, and latch 1105 is rotated into a latched position (Figure 10). In the latched position, groove 1145 of hook portion 1135 engages handle detent 1160 to secure latch 1105 (and cover 1110) to latch handle 1155 (and receptacle 1150).

[0039] Functionally, the friction between detent 1140 and flat portion 1125 in the latching arrangement of Figures 6-10 enables latch 1105 to be held in the open or unlatched position while cover 1110 is placed onto receptacle 1150 for easier assembly. Also, latch 1105 is engaged to latch handle 1155 by a downward motion coincidental with the downward pressure applied to cover 1110 to secure thin substrates inside substrate container 1100. That is, the latching action is not counter to the seating action of cover 1110 but is instead complementary to the seating action.

[0040] Referring to Figures 11 A, 1 IB, and 12, a protective insert 1600 is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. One aspect of a protective insert 1600 is shown in isolation in Figures 11 A and 1 IB, and in assembly in substrate container 1100 in Figure 12. Protective insert 1600 includes a rigid core possibly a polymer material 1605 clad on both sides by protective layers 1610 and 1611. An exposed edge portion 1615 of polymer core 1605 extends laterally from protective layers 1610 and 1611. In some embodiments, apertures (one of which is labeled 1620) are defined in exposed edge portion 1615, the apertures passing through a thickness of exposed edge portion 1615. In some embodiments, core 1605 and protective layers 1610 and 1611 are constructed from materials that are electrostatic dissipative (ESD). In some embodiments, core 1605 is less than 1 mm thick. Those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that a protective insert may be designed with various materials based on a specific flexible substrate that requires protection during storage and shipping. For example, a protective layer may include a foam insert without a rigid core. [0041] In assembly, protective inserts are disposed interstitially between substrates within substrate container 1100 to form a composite stack of protective inserts and substrates (Figure 12). Specifically, Figure 12 shows protective inserts 1600-1602 being used with flexible substrates 1700-1702. In the depicted embodiment, a lowermost of the protective inserts (i.e., protective insert 1602) is installed at the bottom of the composite stack to seat against the interior surface of a base portion 1705 of receptacle 1150 (or, when utilized, against the top surface of spacer 1000). Likewise, a protective insert can be installed at the top of the composite stack. In some embodiments, at least some of the apertures formed in the exposed edge portions of the protective inserts are aligned with apertures formed in exclusion areas of the substrates. For example, in Figure 12, apertures 1710-1712 formed in protective inserts 1600-1602 are aligned with apertures 1715-1717 formed in substrates 1700-1702.

[0042] Functionally, protective inserts 1600-1602 provide support across the span of substrates 1700-1702 to avoid excessive flexing during shipping and handling. Protective inserts 1600-1602 also prevent collisions between substrates 1700-1702 within substrate container 1100. Polymer core 1605 provides durability to protective insert 1600 for handling of protective insert 1600 and resident substrates. Exposed edge 1615 and, where utilized, the apertures of protective insert 1600 are amenable to handling with automation.

[0043] Having thus described several illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that yet other embodiments may be made and used within the scope of the claims hereto attached. Numerous advantages of the disclosure covered by this document have been set forth in the foregoing description. It will be understood, however, that this disclosure is, in many respect, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure's scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.