Photomask container

Abstract

A container suitable for storing and transporting photomasks and including a container body, a cover, first and second cushions and left and right channels disposed in slots formed in the container body. In one embodiment, the container of this invention is formed in a one-piece design by rotomolding. The cover is subsequently separated from the body and machined so as to provide a slidingly sufficient seal and disposed therein.

1 . A container for transporting photomasks in combination with a photomask, the photomask being generally rectangular and planar and having two ends, two sides, and a thickness, the container comprising: 
 an elongate polymer container portion having a closed top wall with an exterior surface, a closed bottom wall with a exterior surface, a closed end and an open front, a pair of opposite side walls each with an exterior surface, each of the pair of sidewalls comprising an elongate polymer insert with an channel extending lengthwise and secured into the sidewall by weldments, the photomask positioned in the channels,    a cover closing the open end and partially extending over and engaging the exterior surface of the top wall, the exterior surface of the bottom wall, and the exterior surfaces of the two sidewalls, and    a pair of end supports positioned at each end of the photomask in the container, the end supports engaging and securing the photomask in position when the cover closes the open end.    
   
   
       2 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the container portion and the side wall inserts are comprised of polyethelene.  
   
   
       3 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the end supports are comprised of a foamed polymer.  
   
   
       4 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the photomask has a length of at least 24 inches.  
   
   
       5 . A container for transporting photomasks, the photomask being generally rectangular and planar and having two ends, two sides, and a thickness, the container comprising: 
 an elongate polymer container portion having a closed top wall with an exterior surface, a closed bottom wall with a exterior surface, a closed end and an open front, a pair of opposite side walls each with an exterior surface, each of the pair of sidewalls comprising an elongate polymer insert with an channel extending lengthwise and secured into the sidewall by weldments, the photomask positioned in the channels,    a cover closing the open end and partially extending over and engaging the exterior surface of the top wall, the exterior surface of the bottom wall, and the exterior surfaces of the two sidewalls, and    a pair of end supports positioned at each end of the photomask in the container, the end supports engaging and securing the photomask in position when the cover closes the open end.    
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the container portion and the side wall inserts are comprised of polyethelene.  
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the end supports are comprised of a foamed polymer.  
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the photomask has a length of at least 24 inches.