Multi-functional shipping system for integrated circuit devices

A method for using a shipping container assemblage for integrated circuit devices;

• the method comprising the steps of:
• a) providing a multifunctional container comprising:
• a base unit having a plurality of side-walls, said side-walls extending essentially perpendicular from the bottom of the base unit to form a container having an inner cavity,
• a first set of the parallel said side-walls in a fixed position perpendicular to the bottom of the base,
• a transverse second parallel set of side-walls having a means to move and expand said cavity in the longitudinal direction,
• said first and second set of side-walls attached to and hinged from the bottom of the base unit,
• a pair of shock absorbing pads positioned inside and adjacent to the transverse side-walls, and extending partially along the length of the fixed side-walls,
• a lid having a plurality of side-walls, the first set of said side-walls approximately equal in length to the transverse side-walls of the base, the second set of side-walls approximately equal in length to the fixed side-walls of the base, and said side-walls extending essentially perpendicular from the top to form an inner cavity,
• inner dimensions of the lid being slightly larger than the outer dimensions of said base unit,
• a series of self-aligning openings in said transverse side-walls of the base, in the first set of side-walls of the lid, and in the shock absorbing pad, and
• a pair of interlocking, flanged handles capable of mating said openings,
• b) loading a plurality of empty primary carriers for integrated circuit into said container base having shock absorbing pads, positioning the lid on the base, affixing the handles and shipping to a user site,
• c) removing the primary carriers from the container, and reloading the container with carriers filled with integrated circuit devices at each subsequent work station, including assembly, test, distribution centers, and end product user production work sites,
• d) loading the empty carriers into the container and shipping to a re-cycle center.

A multiple use transport container comprising:

• a base unit having a plurality of side-walls, said side-walls extending essentially perpendicular from the bottom of the base unit to form a container having an inner cavity,
• one parallel set of said side-walls in a fixed position perpendicular to the bottom of the base,
• a transverse second parallel set of side-walls having a means to move and expand said cavity in the longitudinal direction,
• said first and second set of side-walls attached to and hinged from the bottom of the base unit,
• a pair of shock absorbing pads positioned inside and adjacent to the transverse side-walls, and extending partially along the length of the fixed side-walls,
• a lid having a plurality of side-walls, the first set of said side-walls approximately equal in length to the transverse side-walls of the base, the second set of side-walls approximately equal in length to the fixed side-walls of the base, and said side-walls extending essentially perpendicular from the top to form an inner cavity,
• said lid inner dimensions slightly larger than the outer dimensions of said base,
• a series of self-aligning openings in said transverse side-walls of the base, the first set of side-walls in the lid, and in the shock absorbing pads, and
• a pair of interlocking, flanged handle capable of mating said openings.