Fastener assembly having a removable locking pin and engagement member - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

The locking pin and engaging member are provided for joining articles. The locking pin includes a head portion, a neck portion, and a base portion. The head portion is located above the second member and has a lower surface. The neck portion is connected to the lower surface of the head portion at an upper end, and the width of the neck portion is smaller than the width of the lower surface of the head portion. The base portion is located within the first bore and is connected to the lower end of the neck portion opposite the upper end. The engaging member surrounds the neck portion and is sandwiched between the lower surface of the head portion and the surface of the article to which the locking pin is connected.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to fastening assemblies for fastening a first item to a second item, and more particularly to fastening assemblies that can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled to the items. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, one common method for joining articles to other articles is to use ultrasonic welding operations. However, the weld quality of ultrasonic welding operations is a major concern in various manufacturing settings. Poor weld quality can lead to part failure and safety concerns. Furthermore, ultrasonic welding methods may not be applicable to articles with irregular geometric shapes (such as curved surfaces) or articles with weld spots located within channels with deep, narrow profiles. Furthermore, once articles are connected together by welding, the procedures for undoing the weld are complex and time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a container is provided. The container includes an outer housing, a locking pin, an engagement member, and an accessory. The outer housing has at least one bore formed in a sidewall of the outer housing. The locking pin includes a head portion, a neck portion, and a base portion. The head portion is located in the interior space of the outer housing and has a lower surface. The neck portion is connected to the lower surface of the head portion at an upper end. The width of the neck portion is smaller than the width of the lower surface of the head portion. The base portion is located within the bore and connected to the lower end of the neck portion opposite the upper end. The engagement member surrounds the neck portion and is sandwiched between the lower surface of the head portion and the inner surface of the sidewall. The accessory is connected to the base portion and secured to the outer housing via the locking pin and the engagement member.

[0004] According to some other embodiments of the present invention, a fastener assembly is provided. The fastener assembly includes a first member, a second member, a locking pin, and an engaging member. The first member has a first bore, and the second member is positioned on the first member and has a second bore aligned with the first bore. The locking pin includes a head portion, a neck portion, and a base portion. The head portion is located above the second member and has a lower surface. The neck portion is connected to the lower surface of the head portion at an upper end. The width of the neck portion is smaller than the width of the lower surface of the head portion. The base portion is located within the first bore and is connected to the lower end of the neck portion opposite the upper end. The engaging member surrounds the neck portion and is sandwiched between the lower surface of the head portion and the upper surface of the second member.

[0005] In the following detailed description, embodiments are described by way of example only, since various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a container according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of the locking pin and accessories such as handles of the container of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2A to 2C are schematic cross-sectional views showing the assembly process of the container of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial element of the container of FIG. 1 when the locking pin is held by the engagement member. [Figure 5] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of accessories such as locking pins and handles according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of accessories such as locking pins and handles according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]1 is a schematic diagram of a locking pin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification. In the drawings, like numerals generally identify like components unless the context dictates otherwise. Moreover, unless otherwise noted, the description of each successive drawing may reference features from one or more of the previous drawings to provide a clearer context and a more substantive description of the present exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings, may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated herein.

[0008] Spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "over," "upper," "on," and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature shown in the figures to another element or feature(s). Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be similarly interpreted accordingly.

[0009] As used herein, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" represent various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, and these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. When used herein, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" do not imply an order or sequence unless clearly indicated by context.

[0010] As used herein, terms such as "approximately," "substantially," "substantial," and "about" are used to describe and account for small variations. When used in conjunction with an event or circumstance, these terms can refer to instances where the event or circumstance occurs exactly, as well as instances where the event or circumstance approximately occurs.

[0011] 1 is a schematic diagram of a container 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, container 1 includes an outer housing 10, an inner cassette 20, several locking pins and engaging members, such as four locking pins 30 and four engaging members 40, and several accessories, such as two accessories 50. In one exemplary embodiment, container 1 is used to receive multiple semiconductor wafers 5.

[0012] In the exemplary embodiment, the semiconductor wafers 5 are placed in slots formed in the inner cassette 20, which can be removably received, together with the semiconductor wafers 5, in the interior space 11 formed in the outer housing 10 for storage purposes. The inner cassette can then be covered by the top lid 15 of the container 1.

[0013] In some embodiments, the outer housing 10 includes a lower body 13 and a top cover 15. The top cover 15 is pivotally connected to an upper edge of a rear wall 131 of the lower body 13 and is selectively positioned between an open state ( FIG. 1 ) and a closed state. In the closed state, the top cover 15 completely covers the interior space 11 of the outer container 10 to keep the interior space 11 isolated from the surroundings. One or more locking members 17 may be connected to an upper edge of the front wall 132 of the lower body 13. The locking members 17 are used to fasten the top cover 15 in a closed state to prevent the top cover 15 from opening.

[0014] 1, the lower body 13 further includes two side walls 133. Each of the two side walls 133 connects the rear wall 131 to the front wall 132 and includes a lower vertical segment 134 and an upper inclined segment 135. The upper inclined segment 135 extends upward and outward from the lower vertical segment 134 and is inclined relative to the lower vertical segment 134.

[0015] In some embodiments, two bores 139 are formed in each of the upper sloped segments 135. The bores 139 may be formed during the molding process of the outer housing 10. Alternatively, the bores 139 may be formed by drilling circular holes in the upper sloped segments 135. It will be understood that the number of bores and the positions of the bores can be changed according to actual needs and should not be limited to this embodiment.

[0016] 2 is a schematic diagram of the lock pin 30 and accessory 50 of the container of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, accessory 50 is a handle and includes a grip portion 51 and a connecting portion 52. Connecting portion 52 has a rectangular plate-like shape, and grip portion 51 is connected to connecting portion 52 and is configured so that accessory 50 can be grasped and operated by hand. Because container 1 (FIG. 1) loaded with semiconductor wafers 5 often weighs around 20 pounds, using such a handle makes it relatively easy for personnel to manually transport such a container.

[0017] In some embodiments, two locking pins 30 are connected to the rear surface of connecting portion 52. Each of locking pins 30 includes a head portion 31, a neck portion 32, and a base portion 33. Head portion 31, neck portion 32, and base portion 33 are arranged in sequence along a longitudinal axis L of locking pin 30.

[0018] The head portion 31 has an upper surface 311 at the end of the locking pin 30 and a lower surface 312 opposite the upper surface 311. The head portion 31 has a frustum shape that tapers away from the neck portion 32. The neck portion 32 is connected to the lower surface 312 of the head portion 31 at an upper end 321. The neck portion 32 has a cylindrical shape with a second width W2 (FIG. 3) that is smaller than the first width W1 (FIG. 3) of the lower surface 312 of the head portion 31. The base portion 33 is connected to the lower end 322 of the neck portion 32. The base portion 33 may have a third width W3 (FIG. 3) that is substantially equal to the first width W1 of the head portion 31. The locking pin 30 is connected to a connecting portion 52 of the accessory 50 by the base portion 33. The locking pin 30 may be integrally formed with the connecting portion 52 of the accessory 50 by a molding process.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2 , a slot 35 is formed in the head portion 31 and the neck portion 32. The slot 35 extends transversely in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the locking pin 30, and both ends of the slot 35 are connected to the side surfaces of the locking pin 30. In some embodiments, the depth of the slot 35 is less than the sum of the heights of the head portion 31 and the neck portion 32. That is, the bottom of the slot 35 is spaced apart from the base portion 33. The slot 35 allows the halves of the head portion 31, along with the neck portion 32, to bend toward each other when a compressive force is applied to the locking pin 30. However, it will be appreciated that many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the depth of the slot 35 is equal to the sum of the heights of the head portion 31 and the neck portion 32. That is, the head portion 31 and the neck portion 32 are bisected. In yet another embodiment, the slot 35 may be omitted, and the locking pin may be formed of a resilient material.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the engaging member 40 is an O-ring made of an elastomeric type plastic. The material of the engaging member 40 has the advantages of excellent corrosion resistance and rust resistance, and can be selected to be suitable for use in a high-temperature environment. In some embodiments, the inner diameter D1 (FIG. 4) of the engaging member 40 is slightly or substantially equal to the second width W2 of the neck portion 32. Furthermore, the outer diameter D2 (FIG. 4) of the engaging member 40 is larger than the first width W1 of the lower surface 312 of the head portion 31 and is larger than the width W4 of the bore 139. For example, the outer diameter D2 (FIG. 4) of the engaging member 40 is approximately 3 mm to 4 mm larger than the width W4 of the bore 139.

[0021] To secure the accessory 50 to the outer housing 10, first, two locking pins 30 are inserted into bores 139 formed in the upper sloped segments 135 of the lower body 13. Insertion of the locking pins 30 stops when the connecting portions 52 of the accessory 50 abut the outer surfaces of the upper sloped segments 135. When the locking pins 30 are fully inserted into the bores 139, the head portions 31 are positioned within the interior space 11 ( FIG. 1 ) of the container 1, and the base portions 33 are positioned within the bores 139. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4 , the height of the base portions 33 is substantially equal to the thickness T2 of the upper sloped segments 135, such that the upper surfaces of the base portions 33 and the inner surfaces 136 of the upper sloped segments 135 are flush with each other.

[0022] After the lock pin 30 is inserted into the bore 139, the engagement member 40 is connected to the lock pin 30. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the process for connecting the engagement member 40 to the lock pin 30 includes attaching the engagement member 40 to the head portion 31 of the lock pin 30, applying a thrust force to the engagement member 40 to compress the halves of the head portion 31 separated by the slot 35, thereby reducing the width of the head portion 31, moving the engagement member 40 through the lower surface 312 of the head portion 31, and disposing the engagement member 40 between the lower surface 312 of the head portion 31 and the inner surface 136 of the upper angled segment 135. It will be appreciated that the frustum shape of the head portion 31 advantageously reduces resistance during movement of the engagement member 40 through the head portion 31.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 4 , after the engagement member 40 is positioned between the lower surface 312 of the head portion and the inner surface 136 of the upper sloped segment 135, the engagement member 40 is sandwiched and compressed by the lower surface 312 and the inner surface 136. Due to its elasticity and because the thickness of the engagement member 40 is slightly greater than the width of the gap formed between the lower surface 312 and the inner surface 136, the engagement member 40 deforms slightly, thereby providing a stopping force to the lock pin 30 and preventing it from slipping out of the bore 139. As shown in FIG. 4 , the width of the gap formed between the lower surface 312 and the inner surface 136 may be equal to the difference between the thickness T1 of the neck portion 32 and the base portion 33 and the thickness T2 of the upper sloped segment 135. In one exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the engagement member 40 is approximately 3 mm, and the width of the gap is less than 3 mm. However, the dimensions of the engagement member 40 should not be limited to the above embodiment and may vary depending on the material of the engagement member 40.

[0024] It will be appreciated that because engaging member 40 provides flexibility to accommodate stacking tolerances between parts, locking pin 30 can be effectively attached to outer housing 10 even if locking pin 30 is not fully inserted into bore 139 or is positioned at an angle relative to the central axis of bore 139. Thus, accessory 50 is securely attached to outer housing 10. When accessory 50 is a handle with two locking pins 30 attached to outer housing 10 as shown in FIG. 1, the handle exhibits a high load-holding capacity, allowing for a static load of 20 kg during a load-holding test.

[0025] When the engaging member 40 is an O-ring, the engaging member 40 also acts as a seal for the bore 139 surrounding the neck portion 32. Additionally, the O-ring may provide a dampener / shock absorber to reduce vibration between the storage box and the handle, and may avoid or reduce rattle noise between the locking pin 30 and / or accessory 50 and the outer housing 10. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are suitable for use with mechanical moving parts while preventing the locking pin from loosening during operation or vibration.

[0026] A method for removing the locking pin 30 from the outer housing 10 is described below. To remove the locking pin 30, an operator may compress the head portion 31 of the locking pin 30, moving the halves of the head portion 31 separated by the slot 35 toward each other, and then remove the engagement member 40 from the locking pin 30. After the engagement member 40 is removed, the locking pin 30 is free to be removed from the outer housing 10. The locking pin 30 can be easily and readily assembled and disassembled from the outer housing 10, allowing accessories 50 with different functions to be substituted as needed. Furthermore, the accessories 50 can be easily disassembled for replacement for cleaning and / or maintenance.

[0027] It will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to these specific examples described above. In one exemplary embodiment, rather than a molded handle as shown in FIG. 2, a gripping member such as a rope may be fastened to the outer housing 10 via two locking pins 30 to allow a worker to manually carry the container 1 or to allow a robot to automatically carry the container. Furthermore, the accessory 50 may be a colored ID tag, an ID card, a card holder, an RFID holder, or any other item that can be used to identify the outer housing 10.

[0028] The arrangement of the bores 139 and the locking pins 30 may be changed. For example, the number of bores 139 and the number of locking pins 30 formed in the outer housing 10 can be changed as desired. Furthermore, the bores 139 may be formed in any other suitable position on the outer housing 10 as long as the locking pins 30 can be firmly attached. Due to the advantage of flexibility, the application of the locking pins 30 and the engaging members 40 can be realized in any commercially available container by forming the bores 139 therein according to any specific requirements.

[0029] 5 and 6, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, different configurations of the locking pin are provided.

[0030] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the lock pin 30a includes a head portion 31a, a neck portion 32a, and a base portion 33a. The head portion 31a, the neck portion 32a, and the base portion 33a are arranged in sequence along the longitudinal axis L of the lock pin 30a. The lock pin 30a differs from the lock pin 30 shown in FIG. 2 in that the slot 35 is omitted from the lock pin 30a and two notches 36a are formed on two opposing sides of the lock pin 30a. The two notches 36a may each be V-shaped or U-shaped and are formed on the side surfaces of the lock pin 30a corresponding to the head portion 31a and the neck portion 32a.

[0031] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, each notch 36a extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the locking pin 30a from the upper surface 311a of the head portion 31a to the lower end 322a of the neck portion 32a connected to the base portion 33a. The notches 36a not only facilitate assembly and disassembly of the locking pin 30a and an engaging member (e.g., engaging member 40 shown in FIG. 1) but also prevent sink marks from forming during the molding process. Sink marks can form when the interior material, such as plastic, of a thick portion of a molded part cools more slowly than the surrounding material. As the surrounding material cools and solidifies, the molten interior material creates sink marks on the surface of the molded part, which are aesthetically unpleasing.

[0032] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the lock pin 30b includes a head portion 31b, a neck portion 32b, and a base portion 33b. The head portion 31b, the neck portion 32b, and the base portion 33b are arranged in order along the longitudinal axis L of the lock pin 30b. The lock pin 30b differs from the lock pin 30 shown in FIG. 2 in that the slot 35 of the lock pin 30 is replaced with a slot 35b, and two notches 36b are formed on two opposing sides of the lock pin 30b. The slot 35b is recessed into the upper surface 321b of the head portion 32b but is spaced apart from the lower surface 312b of the head portion 31b. The two notches 36b may each be V- or U-shaped and are formed on the side of the lock pin 30b corresponding to the neck portion 32b. The slot 35b can facilitate the assembly and disassembly process of the lock pin 30b and the engagement member (e.g., the engagement member 40 shown in FIG. 1), and the notch 36b can prevent sink marks from being formed during the molding process of the lock pin 30b.

[0033] In addition to being used in a container 1 as shown in Figure 1, the locking pin 30 and engaging member 40 can also be used to join two items for different purposes. Various embodiments are provided as follows:

[0034] 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly 6 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The fastener assembly 6 includes a first member 61, a second member 62, a locking pin 30c, and an engagement member 40. The first member 61 and the second member 62 may be the outer chassis of two devices. The first member 61 has a bore 610, and the second member 62 has a bore 620. Both the bores 610 and 620 are circular or polygonal. One of the bores 610 and 620 has a groove formed in its inner wall. For example, a groove 615 is formed in the inner wall of the bore 610 and is located directly adjacent to a lower surface 612 remote from the second member 62.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 8, locking pin 30c has a configuration similar to locking pin 30 shown in FIG. 2, but further includes extension 34. Extension 34 is formed at the bottom of base 33 and has a width greater than that of base 33. In some embodiments, the width and thickness of extension 34 conform to the width and thickness of groove 615 in which it engages. In some other embodiments, slot 35 of locking pin 30c can be replaced by slot 35b shown in FIG. 5. Additionally or alternatively, locking pin 30c may have two notches formed therein, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0036] To assemble the first member 61 and the second member 62, the first member 61 and the second member 62 are placed one on top of the other and the bores 610, 620 are aligned, and then the head portion 31 of the lock pin 30c is moved to pass through the bores 610 and 620 in sequence, and the lock pin 30c is positioned within the bores 610, 620. When the lock pin 30c is positioned within the bores 610, 620, the head portion 31 is positioned above the upper surface 621 of the second member 62, the base portion 33 is fitted into the bore 610, and the extension portion 34 is fitted into the groove 615.

[0037] After the lock pin 30c is placed in the bores 610, 620, the engaging member 40 is connected to the lock pin 30c by performing the same operation as the above-described connection between the engaging member 40 and the lock pin 30. When the engaging member 40 is connected to the lock pin 30c, the engaging member 40 is sandwiched and compressed between the lower surface 312 of the head portion 31 and the upper surface 621 of the second member 62. As a result, the engaging member 40 applies a stopping and holding force to the lock pin 30c to prevent the first member 61 and the second member 62 from disengaging.

[0038] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly 6c according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Components in Figure 9 that are numbered the same as components in Figure 8 indicate the same or equivalent components, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. Differences between fastener assembly 6 and fastener assembly 6c include the replacement of engagement member 40 with engagement member 40c.

[0039] The engagement member 40c is a pad of specific dimensions appropriate for the fastening assembly 6c. In some embodiments, the engagement member 40c is a molded plastic component made of a moldable polymer material, such as polyurethane. The outer shape of the engagement member 40c may be circular, rectangular, or polygonal, but is not limited to being circular. The engagement member 40c has a through-hole 400c formed therein through which the locking pin 30c passes. The through-hole 400c has an upper inner wall 401c and a lower inner wall 402c. The upper inner wall 401c is connected to and perpendicular to an upper surface 411c of the engagement member 40c, and the lower inner wall 402c is connected to a lower surface 412c of the engagement member 40c. In some embodiments, the lower inner wall 402c is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the locking pin 30c. The diagonally extending lower inner wall 402c can facilitate the movement of the head portion 31 of the lock pin 30c through the engagement member 40c.

[0040] The engaging member 40c may have geometric specifications specific to the application of the fastener assembly 6c. For example, the thickness of the engaging member 40c is substantially equal to the distance between the lower surface 312 and the upper surface 621 of the second member 62. Therefore, when the fastener assembly 6c is assembled, the upper surface 411c and the lower surface 412c of the engaging member 40c mate with the lower surface 312 of the head portion 31 and the upper surface 621 of the second member 62, advantageously reducing or preventing rocking or vibration of the locking pin 30c during operation of a system including the fastener assembly 6c. It is understood that the engaging member 40c can be used in the container 10 in place of the engaging member 40.

[0041] Embodiments of the fastening assembly of the present disclosure can be adapted to fit variable surface shapes, requiring minimal working area / space, and the items connected by the locking pin and engaging member can be formed from different materials, such as metal and plastic. Therefore, the fastening assembly can be used in a wider range of applications than traditional ultrasonic welding methods. Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to Figures 10-12.

[0042] FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly 6d according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in which a locking pin 30c and an engaging member 40 are used to connect a first member 61d and a second member 62d. The first member 61d includes a bottom wall 613d and a side wall 614d, with a bore 610d formed in the bottom wall 613d. The second member 62d includes a bottom wall 623d and a side wall 624d, with a bore 620d formed in the bottom wall 623d. The bottom walls 613d and 623d are connected to each other by an assembly method similar to that employed in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. After assembly of the locking pin 30c and the engaging member 40, the engaging member 40 is sandwiched between the lower surface 312 and the upper surface 621d of the second member 62d, and the extension 34 of the locking pin 30c is engaged with the lower surface 612d of the bottom wall 613d.

[0043] In some embodiments, at least one of the first member 61d and the second member 62d is a component having a deep and narrow profile. For example, the bore 610d of the first member 61d is formed at the bottom of a cavity having a relative height depth-to-width ratio. That is, the height of the side wall 614d is, for example, at least five times greater than the width of the bottom wall 613d.

[0044] FIG. 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly 6e according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in which a locking pin 30c and an engaging member 40 are used to connect two members, a first member 61e and a second member 62e. The first member 61e is formed in a planar shape, and a bore 610e is formed in the first member 61e. The second member 62e is formed in a curved or circular shape, and a bore 620e is formed in the curved surface of the second member 62e. The first member 61e and the second member 62e are connected to each other using an assembly method similar to that employed in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. After assembly of the locking pin 30c and the engaging member 40, the engaging member 40 is sandwiched between the lower surface 312 and the upper surface 621e of the second member 62e, and the extension 34 of the locking pin 30c engages the lower surfaces 612e of the first and second members 61e. The flexibility and compressibility of the engaging member 40 allows the first member 61e and the second member 62e to be stably and firmly connected together despite the curved surface of the second member 62e.

[0045] FIG. 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fastener assembly 6f according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in which a locking pin 30c and an engaging member 40 are used to connect two first and second members 61f and 62f. Both the first and second members 61f and 62f are formed in a curved or circular shape, and bores 610f and 620f are formed in the curved surfaces of the first and second members 61f and 62f. The first and second members 61f and 62f are connected to each other using an assembly method similar to that employed in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. After assembly of the locking pin 30c and the engaging member 40, the engaging member 40 is sandwiched between the lower surface 312 and the upper surface 621f of the second member 62f, and the extension 34 of the locking pin 30c engages with the lower surfaces 612f of the first and second members 61f. The flexibility and compressibility of the engaging member 40 allows the first member 61f and the second member 62f to be stably and firmly connected together despite the curved surface of the second member 62f.

[0046]

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for assembling articles by using locking pins and engaging members instead of conventional ultrasonic welding or mechanical fastening methods. The locking pins and engaging members for joining articles may be made of any suitable material and are not limited to metallic materials, and therefore can be used in severe metal-contaminated environments. Furthermore, the locking pins and engaging members have a simple structure and assembly operation, so that no tools or simple tools are used during assembly and disassembly, and maintenance requirements can be minimized.

[0047] Aspect 1. An outer housing having at least one bore formed in a sidewall of the outer housing; a head portion located in the interior space of the outer housing and having a lower surface; a neck portion connected at an upper end to the underside of the head portion, the neck portion having a width smaller than the width of the underside of the head portion; and A base portion located within the bore and connected to the bottom end of the neck portion opposite the top end. a locking pin comprising: an engaging member surrounding the neck portion and sandwiched between the lower surface of the head portion and the inner surface of the side wall; An accessory that is connected to the base portion and thereby secured to the outer housing via a lock pin and an engagement member; A container comprising:

[0048] Embodiment 2. The container of embodiment 1, wherein a slot is formed in the head portion and at least a portion of the neck portion, and the slot extends transversely in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the locking pin.

[0049] Embodiment 3. The container of embodiment 1, wherein at least one notch is formed in a side of the locking pin.

[0050] Embodiment 4. The container of embodiment 3, wherein the notch extends from the upper surface of the head portion opposite the lower surface to the neck portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking pin.

[0051] Aspect 5. The container of aspect 1, wherein the head portion tapers away from the neck portion.

[0052] Embodiment 6. The container of embodiment 1, wherein the engaging member has a tubular shape and an outer diameter of the engaging member is larger than the diameter of the bore of the outer housing.

[0053] Aspect 7. A container as described in Aspect 1, wherein the engaging member has a plate-like shape, the engaging member has a through hole through which the neck portion passes, the through hole has a lower inner wall that intersects with the lower surface of the engaging member, and the lower inner wall is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the locking pin.

[0054] Embodiment 8. The container of embodiment 1, wherein the engagement member comprises a polymeric material and is deformable when compressed by the undersurface of the head portion and the inner surface of the outer housing.

[0055] Embodiment 9. The container of embodiment 1, further comprising an inner cassette positioned within the interior space of the outer housing for receiving at least one semiconductor wafer.

[0056] Embodiment 10. The container of embodiment 1, wherein the accessory comprises a handle, a colored ID tag, an ID card, a card holder, or an RFID holder.

[0057] Embodiment 11. A first member having a first bore; a second member positioned on the first member and having a second bore aligned with the first bore; a head portion located above the second member and having a lower surface; a neck portion connected at an upper end to the underside of the head portion, the neck portion having a width smaller than the width of the underside of the head portion; and a base portion located within the first bore and connected to a lower end of the neck portion opposite the upper end; a locking pin comprising: an engaging member surrounding the neck portion and sandwiched between the lower surface of the head portion and the upper surface of the second member; A fastening assembly comprising:

[0058] Embodiment 12. The fastener assembly of embodiment 11, wherein a slot is formed in the head portion and at least a portion of the neck portion, the slot extending transversely in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the locking pin.

[0059] Embodiment 13. The fastener assembly of embodiment 11, wherein at least one notch is formed in a side of the locking pin.

[0060] Embodiment 14. The fastener assembly of embodiment 11, wherein the head portion tapers away from the neck portion.

[0061] Embodiment 15. The fastener assembly of embodiment 11, wherein the engaging member has a tubular shape and an outer diameter of the engaging member is greater than a diameter of the second bore.

[0062] Aspect 16. A fastening assembly as described in aspect 11, wherein the engaging member has a through hole through which the neck portion passes, the through hole having a lower inner wall that intersects with the lower surface of the engaging member, and the lower inner wall is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lock pin.

[0063] Embodiment 17. The fastener assembly of embodiment 11, wherein the engaging member comprises a polymeric material and is deformable when compressed by the lower surface of the head portion and the upper surface of the second member.

[0064] Aspect 18. The fastening assembly of aspect 11, wherein the locking pin further comprises an extension connected to a bottom of the base portion remote from the neck portion, and wherein a groove extends circumferentially around the inner wall of the first bore, the extension being received in the groove.

[0065] Embodiment 19. The fastener assembly of embodiment 11, wherein the locking pin further comprises an extension connected to a bottom of the base portion remote from the neck portion, and the extension abuts the underside of the first member.

[0066] Embodiment 20. The fastener assembly of embodiment 11, wherein at least one of the first member and the second member has a curved surface, and the first bore or the second bore is formed in the curved surface.

[0067] The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

[0068] The terminology used herein describes particular embodiments and is not limiting. The terms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural unless expressly indicated otherwise. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0069] With regard to the foregoing description, it should be understood that changes in detail may be made, particularly in matters of the materials of construction used and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The specification and described embodiments are exemplary only, the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. an outer housing having at least one bore formed in a sidewall of the outer housing; A locking pin, a head portion located in the interior space of the outer housing and having a lower surface; a neck portion connected at an upper end to the underside of the head portion, the neck portion having a width smaller than the width of the underside of the head portion; and a base portion located within the bore and connected to a lower end of the neck portion opposite the upper end; a locking pin comprising: an engagement member surrounding the neck portion and sandwiched between the lower surface of the head portion and the inner surface of the sidewall; an accessory connected to the base portion and thereby secured to the outer housing via the lock pin and the engagement member; A container comprising:

2. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein a slot is formed in the head portion and at least a portion of the neck portion, the slot extending transversely in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the locking pin.

3. The container of claim 1 , wherein at least one notch is formed in a side of the locking pin.

4. 4. The container of claim 3, wherein the notch extends from an upper surface of the head portion opposite the lower surface to the neck portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking pin.

5. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the engaging member has a tubular shape and an outer diameter of the engaging member is greater than a diameter of the bore in the outer housing.

6. 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the engaging member has a plate-like shape, the engaging member has a through hole through which the neck portion passes, the through hole has a lower inner wall that intersects with the lower surface of the engaging member, and the lower inner wall is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lock pin.

7. 10. The container of claim 1, further comprising an inner cassette positioned within the interior space of the outer housing for receiving at least one semiconductor wafer.

8. The container of claim 1 , wherein the accessory comprises a handle, a colored ID tag, an ID card, a card holder, or an RFID holder.

9. a first member having a first bore; a second member positioned on the first member and having a second bore aligned with the first bore; A locking pin, a head portion located above the second member and having a lower surface; a neck portion connected at an upper end to the underside of the head portion, the neck portion having a width smaller than the width of the underside of the head portion; and a base portion located within the first bore and connected to a lower end of the neck portion opposite the upper end; a locking pin comprising: an engagement member surrounding the neck portion and sandwiched between the lower surface of the head portion and the upper surface of the second member; A fastening assembly comprising:

10. The fastener assembly of claim 9 , wherein a slot is formed in the head portion and at least a portion of the neck portion, the slot extending transversely in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the locking pin.

11. The fastener assembly of claim 9 , wherein at least one notch is formed in a side of the locking pin.

12. The fastener assembly of claim 9 , wherein the head portion tapers away from the neck portion.

13. The fastener assembly of claim 9 , wherein the engaging member has a tubular shape and an outer diameter of the engaging member is greater than a diameter of the second bore.

14. 10. The fastener assembly of claim 9, wherein the engaging member defines a through hole through which the neck portion extends, the through hole having a lower inner wall that intersects with a lower surface of the engaging member, and the lower inner wall is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the locking pin.

15. 10. The fastener assembly of claim 9, wherein the locking pin further comprises an extension connected to a bottom of the base distal to the neck, and wherein a groove extends circumferentially around an inner wall of the first bore, the extension being received in the groove.

16. 10. The fastener assembly of claim 9, wherein the locking pin further comprises an extension connected to a bottom of the base remote from the neck, the extension abutting an underside of the first member.

17. The fastener assembly of claim 9 , wherein at least one of the first member and the second member has a curved surface, and the first bore or the second bore is formed in the curved surface.

18. An outer housing; an inner cassette removably received within the interior space of the outer housing; at least one bore formed in a sidewall of the outer housing; at least one accessory secured to the outer housing; one or more locking members for locking the accessory to the outer housing; A locking pin, a head portion located in the interior space of the outer housing and having a lower surface; a neck portion connected at an upper end to the underside of the head portion, the neck portion having a width smaller than the width of the underside of the head portion; and a base portion located within the bore and connected to a lower end of the neck portion opposite the upper end, the base portion being connected to the accessory to secure the accessory to the outer housing; a locking pin comprising: an engaging member surrounding the neck portion and sandwiched between the lower surface of the head portion and the inner surface of the side wall; a locking member comprising: A container comprising:

19. 20. The container of claim 18, wherein the inner cassette comprises a plurality of semiconductor wafer slots capable of removably receiving at least one wafer.

20. 20. The container of claim 18, wherein the accessory comprises a handle, a colored ID tag, an ID card, a card holder, or an RFID holder.

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