Stud and rider for use on matrix trays

Abstract

A carrier for articles has a main body ( 10 ) with one or more engagement means ( 28 ) for receiving one or more indicators ( 40, 60 ). The indicators ( 40, 60 ) have one or more contrasting colors compared to the color of the main body ( 10 ). The color or shape or both of the indicator provides the user with information regarding the articles, carrier or characteristics of the articles or carrier.

1. A matrix tray carrier for supporting one or more articles, the matrix tray carrier comprising:
 a main body for supporting the one or more articles and having at least one engagement means, at least one indicator means for engagement with the engagement means, the at least one indicator means providing information to an observer regarding the matrix tray carrier or the articles supported thereon, the at least one indicator means having a first rider part adapted to engage the engagement means of the main body and a second stud part releasably attachable to the first rider part.  
 
     
     
       2. The matrix tray carrier of  claim 1  wherein said indicator means have one or more colors which provide information to the observer. 
     
     
       3. The matrix tray carrier of  claim 1  wherein the main body has a first color and the indicator means have one or more different colors. 
     
     
       4. The matrix tray carrier of  claim 1  wherein the second stud part is releasably attachable to the first rider part in at least two positions. 
     
     
       5. The matrix tray carrier of  claim 1  wherein the second stud part is releasably attachable to the first rider part in at least two orientations. 
     
     
       6. The matrix tray carrier of  claim 1  wherein the first rider path has surface portions which provide information to the user. 
     
     
       7. The matrix tray carrier of  claim 1  wherein the second stud part has surface portions which provide information to the observer. 
     
     
       8. The matrix tray carrier of  claim 1  wherein the first rider part and the second stud part have at least one complimentary protrusion and at least one recess for receiving the at least one complimentary protrusion such that the second stud part is releasably attachable to the first rider part. 
     
     
       9. The matrix tray carrier of  claim 1  wherein the engagement means has a recess, the indicator means received in the recess. 
     
     
       10. The matrix tray carrier of  claim 1  wherein the engagement means is engaged by the indicator means in only one orientation. 
     
     
       11. The matrix tray carrier of  claim 1  wherein the one or more articles are semiconductor chips. 
     
     
       12. The matrix tray carrier of  claim 1  wherein the main body is made of a material capable of withstanding a baking temperature of up to 200°. 
     
     
       13. The matrix tray carrier of  claim 1  wherein the at least one indicator means is made of a material capable of withstanding a baking temperature of up to 200°. 
     
     
       14. A matrix tray carrier for supporting one or more articles, comprising:
   a main body for supporting the one or more articles and having a plurality of receptacles adapted to receive and support the one or more articles, at least some of the receptacles being aligned along one side of the main body and having an open end lying generally in a plane;        an end wall along the one side of the main body and extending away from the receptacles, the end wall including at least one engagement means, comprising a slot near an edge of the end wall; and        at least one indicator means for engagement with the engagement means, the at least one indicator means providing information to an observer regarding the matrix tray carrier or the one or more articles, the at least one indicator means comprising a rider that is configured to be received into the slot such that the rider is moveable relative to the slot in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the plane and is secured within the slot against movement in a direction that is generally parallel to the plane.      
     
     
       15. The matrix tray of  claim 14 , wherein the slot has a side wall having at least a portion arranged at an oblique angle relative to the edge of the end wall.  
     
     
       16. The matrix tray of  claim 14 , wherein the slot includes opposing side walls each having a portion arranged at an oblique angle relative to the edge of the end wall.  
     
     
       17. The matrix tray of  claim 14 , wherein the slot has a width in a direction that is generally parallel to the edge of the end wall and wherein the width is greater near the receptacles than near the edge of the end wall.  
     
     
       18. The matrix tray of  claim 14 , wherein the end wall and the receptacles are a first color and the rider is a second, different color.  
     
     
       19. The matrix tray of  claim 18 , wherein the second color is indicative of contents in the receptacles.  
     
     
       20. The matrix tray of  claim 14 , wherein the slot is at least partially open along the edge of the end wall such that at least a portion of the rider is visible along the edge.  
     
     
       21. The matrix tray of  claim 14 , wherein the rider has at least one securing member on at least one side of the rider and including a stud that is adapted to be secured to the securing member.  
     
     
       22. The matrix tray of  claim 14 , wherein the end wall has a length and the slot has a width that is less than one- half the end wall length.    
     
     
       23. The matrix tray of  claim 14 , wherein the rider has a first surface that is visible when the rider is received in the slot and a second surface perpendicular to the first surface, and wherein the second surface is visible when the rider is received in the slot.