Patent Publication Number: US-2022230900-A1

Title: Handle for wafer carrier

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/851,983 filed, May 23, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to a front opening substrate container. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a handle for a front opening substrate container. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A semiconductor device can be manufactured from a wafer substrate. The wafer substrate, or simply wafer, undergoes a series of fabrication steps. For example, fabrication steps can include, but are not limited to, material layer deposition, doping, etching, or chemically or physically reacting material(s) of the substrate. One or more wafers can be stored and transported in a front opening substrate container before, during, or after fabrication. In some fabrication steps, the wafers may be treated while still inside the front opening substrate container. The front opening substrate container protects the stored wafer(s) from physical damage (e.g., impacts) and contamination. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure generally relates to a front opening substrate container used for storing or transporting wafers. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a handle for a front opening substrate container. 
     A handle for a wafer carrier is disclosed. The handle includes a body, an insertable member with a tab, and a locking mechanism with a flexible extension. The insertable member is configured to be inserted into an aperture of a wafer carrier. When in an engaged state, the insertable member is retained in the aperture. The locking mechanism is moveable between a locked state and an unlocked state. When in the locked state, the locking mechanism maintains the tab in the engaged state and the flexible extension is positioned to maintain the locking mechanism in the locked state. 
     In an embodiment, the tab is disposed on a first side of the insertable member. The insertable member includes a second side opposite to the first side, and the locking member extends along the second side when in the locked state. 
     In an embodiment, the handle includes a projection disposed at a first end of the body. The projection includes a first portion and a second portion that extend in different directions. The projection is configured engage a rail of the wafer carrier to help secure the handle to the wafer carrier. 
     A wafer carrier is disclosed. The wafer carrier includes an outer surface, a handle, and a locking mechanism. The wafer carrier also includes a protrusion that extends from the outer surface. An aperture is defined by the protrusion and is between the outer surface and an extent of the protrusion. The handle is attached to the outer surface of the wafer carrier and includes a body. The body includes an insertable member that extends into the aperture of the wafer carrier to secure the handle to the outer surface. The insertable member includes a tab that retains the insertable member in the aperture when in an engaged state. The locking mechanism includes a flexible member and is moveable relative to the insertable member between a locked state and an unlocked state. When in the locked state, the locking mechanism maintains the tab in the engaged state and the flexible extension maintains the locking mechanism in the locked state. 
     In an embodiment, the locking mechanism moves from the unlocked state to the locked state in a direction that is parallel to the direction in which the insertable member is inserted into the aperture. 
     In an embodiment, the wafer carrier includes a rail that extends along its outer surface, and the handle includes a projection disposed at a first end of the body of the handle. The projection is configured to engage the rail of the wafer carrier to help secure the handle. In an embodiment, the projection is moved to engage the rail in the same direction as the insertable member is inserted into the aperture of the wafer carrier. In an embodiment, the engagement of the projection and the rail inhibits movement of the handle away from or towards the first side of the wafer carrier. 
     In an embodiment, the wafer carrier is a front opening unified pod (FOUP). In an embodiment, the wafer carrier is a front opening shipping box (FOSB). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description of various illustrative embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a right perspective view of a wafer carrier according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a left perspective view of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 1  without a front door. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 1  without a front door. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 1  without a front door. 
         FIG. 5  is a right perspective view of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 1  with the handle detached. 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of a detachable handle for a wafer carrier according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6B  is a front view of the detachable handle shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6C  is a rear view of the detachable handle in shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a locking mechanism for a detachable handle of a wafer carrier according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8A  is a sectional view of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 3  along the line VIII-VIII. 
         FIG. 8B  is an enlarged view of the area B shown in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8C  is an enlarged view of the area C shown in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of a portion of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 4  along the line IX-IX. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a portion of a wafer carrier according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of a locking mechanism of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of the locking mechanism of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a portion of a wafer carrier according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the locking mechanism of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of the locking mechanism of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view of a portion of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 13  along the line XVI-XVI. 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of a wafer including a handle and a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 18A  is a perspective view of the handle shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18B  is a front view of the handle shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18C  is a side view of the handle shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the locking mechanism shown in  FIG. 17  that interacts with the handle. 
         FIG. 20A  is an enlarged view of the area D shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20B  is an enlarged view of the area E shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 17  taken along the line  21 A- 21 A. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a wafer carrier having a handle in a detached state in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  is a side view of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24A  is a perspective view of the handle shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . 
         FIG. 24B  is a front view of the handle shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . 
         FIG. 24C  is a side view of the handle shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . 
         FIG. 25A  is an enlarged view of the area F shown in  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25B  is an enlarged view of the area G shown in  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 26  is a partial cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism engaged with a rail provided on the side wall of the wafer carrier shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23  in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a wafer carrier in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of the wafer carrier of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the handle shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is a close-up view of the handle attached to the side wall of the wafer carrier shown in  FIG. 28 . 
     
    
    
     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. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     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. 
     The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that is considered equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. 
     Numerical ranges expressed using endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4 and 5). 
     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 invention. 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. 
     A semiconductor device is formed by fabricating a wafer substrate. One or more wafer substrates, or simply wafers, can be stored within a wafer carrier during, before, or after fabrication. The front opening substrate container protects the wafer(s) within the wafer carrier during storage or transport. For example, a wafer carrier protects the wafer(s) from damage caused by impacting other objects and from impacting each other. For example, a wafer carrier may be configured to minimize or prevent contaminated air from entering the wafer carrier when the front of the wafer carrier is closed. The wafer carrier has a size and weight that allows for a person (e.g., a technician, handler, etc.) to carry it between locations. 
     The wafer carrier may be, for example but not limited to, a front opening unified pod (FOUP) or a front opening shipping box (FOSB). Generally, a FOUP is used to transport substrate wafers within a manufacturing facility, while a FOSB is used for transporting substrate wafers across longer distances (e.g., between manufacturing facilities, from a manufacturing facility to another facility). For example, a FOUP may be configured to prevent contaminated air from entering the FOUP when the front of the FOUP is open. For example, a FOUP may also be configured to selectively allow gases into the FOUP, such as, but are not limited to, processes gas for fabrication or filtered gas for creating a positive air pressure within the FOUP. 
     Embodiments disclosed are directed to a wafer carrier that includes handles. The handles allow a person to safely carry the wafer carrier. Advantageously, the wafer carrier disclosed includes handles having, among other features, a locking mechanism and rails that reduce the risk of accidental detachment of the handles and reduce an amount of flexion/deformation of the wafer carrier when carried, thereby increasing a security of the contents of the wafer carrier. 
     The locking mechanism prevents the accidental removal of the handles from the wafer carrier. The handles advantageously can be installed with a force applied to the wafer carrier that is relatively lower than prior configurations, which can, for example, result in damage to the wafer carrier. The handles in this disclosure allow for a structure with increased strength over integrally formed handles and for separate cleaning of the handle that increases wafer carrier cleanliness. 
       FIGS. 1-4  show a wafer carrier according to an embodiment. The wafer carrier shown in  FIGS. 1-4  is an embodiment of a wafer carrier  1 .  FIG. 1  is a right perspective view of the wafer carrier  1 .  FIG. 2  is a left perspective view of the wafer carrier  1 .  FIG. 3  is a front view of the wafer carrier  1 .  FIG. 4  is a side view of the wafer carrier  1 . According to various embodiments wafer carrier  1  can be a FOUP. In other embodiments, wafer carrier  1  can be a FOSB. 
     The wafer carrier  1  includes a first handle  100 A, a second handle  100 B ( FIG. 2 ), a first locking mechanism  150 A for the first handle  100 A ( FIG. 4 ), and a second locking mechanism  150 B for the second handle  100 B ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Each handle  100 A,  100 B are preferably configured to be non-destructively detachable. The handles  100 A,  100 B have the same structure and are configured to be attached or detached in the same manner, except for being mirror images of each other. Features of the first handle  100 A and first locking mechanism  150 A are described and labeled in the drawings with the suffix “A”, while features of the second handle  100 B and the second locking mechanism  100 B are described and labeled in the drawings with the suffix “B”. Unless specifically described or shown otherwise, it should be understood that the handle  100 B and locking mechanism  150 B include a corresponding “B” feature for each “A” feature described or shown for the handle  100 A and the locking mechanism  150 A, respectively. 
     The wafer carrier  1  includes a front door  7 , and a top  10 , a right side  12  ( FIGS. 1 and 4 ), a left side  14  ( FIG. 2 ), a rear  16 , and a bottom  18  that are generally referred to as sides  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 . The front door  7  and sides  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  form an enclosed internal space  6  ( FIG. 3 ). The wafer carrier  1  has a front opening  9  ( FIG. 2 ) at the front  8  of the wafer carrier  1 . The front door  7  covers the front opening  7  ( FIG. 1 ) and the wafer carrier  1  can be accessed by moving (e.g., opening, removing) the front door  7 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate the wafer carrier  1  with the front door  7  removed (e.g., opened). 
     The sides  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  and the front door  7 , define an outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1 . In an embodiment, the sides  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  are a single integral structure. For example, the sides  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  may be molded as a single continuous piece of material or from multiple pieces that are permanently bonded together. In an embodiment, the wafer carrier  1  is made of a material that is generally unreactive and containment resistant (e.g., having low permeability) such as, but not limited to, a high purity polycarbonate. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , wafer teeth  20  are disposed within the wafer carrier  1  for storing a plurality of wafers (not shown) in the internal space  6 . The wafers are inserted into the spaces of the wafer teeth  20  and stacked in a vertical direction with respect to the page within the wafer carrier  1 . In an embodiment, the wafer carrier  1  may include a different structure known for holding wafer(s) within the internal space  6  of the wafer carrier  1  other than the wafer teeth  20  shown. The front door  7  covers the front opening  9  of the wafer carrier  1  to enclose the internal space  6 . The wafers are protected within the internal space  6  by the wafer carrier  1 . The front door  7  is configured to seal with the sides  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  18  to prevent air from leaking into internal space  6  of the wafer carrier  1  and contaminating the stored wafers. 
     The top  10  includes an automation interface  26  and the bottom  18  includes a base  24 . The automation interface  26  may also be referred to as a top handling flange. In an embodiment, the automation interface  26  allows a standard automated attachment (not shown) for moving the wafer carrier  1 , such as but not limited to an automated arm, to be connected to the wafer carrier  1 . For example, the automated arm may be used to move the wafer carrier  1  between different fabrication equipment. The handles  100 A,  100 B are configured not to extend into the volume around the wafer carrier  1  typically reserved for the automated attachment. In an embodiment, the base  24  can be for connecting the wafer carrier  1  to different fabrication equipment. 
     In an embodiment, the wafer carrier  1  may include one or more ports  28 . For example, a port  28  may be an inlet for providing gas into the wafer carrier  1  (e.g., opened when a port  28  is fluidly connected to a fluid source) or an outlet (e.g., a purge) for allowing gas to flow out of the wafer carrier  1 . For example, a port  28  may be an inlet for creating a positive pressure within the wafer carrier  1  when the front door  7  is open or for circulating one or more process gases through the wafer carrier  1  in a fabricating step. For example, the base  24  is connected (e.g., placed on, attached, etc.) to the appropriate fabrication equipment (not shown) at the different fabrication steps, and gas is injected into and circulated through the wafer carrier  1  via the ports  28 . 
     The first handle  100 A is attached to one side  12  of the wafer carrier  1  ( FIG. 1 ) and the second handle  100 B is attached to a different side  14  of the wafer carrier  1  ( FIG. 2 ). The handles  100 A,  100 B allow for a person to carry the wafer carrier  1  between locations by hand. 
     The wafer carrier  1  is configured to prevent accidental detachment of the handles  100 A,  100 B. Each of the handles  100 A,  100 B includes a locking mechanism  150 A,  150 B ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ) configured to prevent accidental detachment of its respective handle  100 A,  100 B from the wafer carrier  1 . For example, the accidental detachment of a handle  100 A,  100 B from the wafer carrier  1  while being carried can cause the wafer carrier  1  to be dropped and the wafer(s) stored in the wafer carrier  1  to be damaged. 
       FIG. 5  is a right perspective view of the wafer carrier  1  with the handle  100 A detached. When attached ( FIG. 1 ), the handle  100 A extends along the side  12  of the wafer carrier  1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , The wafer carrier  1  includes protrusions  30 A,  40 A, and rails  50 A,  60 A provided along the side  12 . The protrusions  30 A,  40 A each extend from the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1 . The handle  100 A is secured to the wafer carrier  1  via the protrusions  30 A,  40 A, and the rails  50 A,  60 A. As shown in  FIG. 2 , protrusions  30 B,  40 B and rails  50 B,  60 B are provided along the opposite side  14  of the wafer carrier  1  for securing the second handle  100 B to the wafer carrier  1 . 
     Apertures  32 A,  42 A are formed by the protrusions  30 A,  40 A. The aperture  32 A is defined by the protrusion  30 A and is located between the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1  and an extent  34 A of the protrusion  30 A. The aperture  42 A is defined by the protrusion  40 A and is located between the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1  and an extent  44 A of the protrusion  40 A. Each aperture  32 A,  42 A extends along the side  12  of the wafer carrier  1  from the front  8  to the rear  16  of the wafer carrier  1 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  are views of the handle  100 A according to an embodiment.  FIG. 6A  is a side view of the handle  100 A.  FIG. 6B  is a front view of the handle  100 A. For example,  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 6B  are similar viewpoints of the handle  100 A.  FIG. 6C  is a rear view of the handle  100 A. 
     The handle  100 A includes a body  110 A with a first end  112 A and a second end  114 A. A grip  120 A is disposed between the first end  112 A and the second end  114 A of the body  110 A. As shown in  FIG. 6A , the grip  120 A has a first end  122 A that is closer to the first end  112 A of the body  110 A and a second end  124 A that is closer to the second end  114 A of the body  110 A. 
     When the handle  100 A is attached to the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1 , the handle  100 A is configured for a person to grab the grip  120 A of the handle  100 A to carry the wafer carrier  1 . The grip  120 A is configured to be easy to grasp and handle when the handle  100 A is attached to the side  12 . For example as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the grip  120 A is spaced apart from the side  12  and extends in a direction that allows for adequate space for a person to grab and hold the grip  120 A. As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C , the grip  120 A defines a portion of the body  110 A of the handle  100 A. 
     In an embodiment, the grip  120 A may include a color indicator  126 A ( FIG. 6B ). For example, a color indicator may be used to indicate the contents of the wafer carrier  1  (e.g., the specific type of wafer contained in the wafer carrier  1 , the current fabrication stage of the wafers in the wafer carrier  1 , or the like). In an embodiment, the color indicator  126 A may be integral to the body  110 A of the handle  100 A to avoid forming difficult cleaning surfaces (e.g., cracks, grooves, etc.) as the detachability of handles  100 A,  100 B allows for the handles  100 A,  100 B to be replaced when a different color indicator for the wafer carrier  1  is desired. For example, the color indicator  126 A in such an embodiment may be provided by coloring of the body  110 A itself or by a colored material being integrally formed in the body  110 A. 
     The handle  100 A also includes a first insertable member  130 A and a second insertable member  140 A. As shown in  FIG. 6A , the first insertable member  130 A is located between the first end  112 A and the grip  120 A. In an embodiment, the first insertable member  130 A may be disposed at the end  122 A of the grip  120 A, at the first end  112 A, or between the first end  112 A and the grip  120 A. The insertable member  130 A includes a tab  132 A, a front side  134 A, and a back side  136 A that is opposite the front side  134 A. The tab  132 A is on the front side  134 A of the insertable member  130 A and extends away from the front side  134 A of the insertable member  130 A. The insertable member  130 A has an end  138 A ( FIGS. 6B and 8C ) that is opposite to the body  110 A. In an embodiment, the tab  132 A is located on the front side  134 A of the insertable member  130 A closer to the end  138 A than to the body  110 A. For example, the tab  132 A is located on the front side  134 A and extends along the end  138 A. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , the second insertable member  140 A is disposed between the grip  120 A and the second end  114 A. In an embodiment, the second insertable member  140 A may be disposed at the end  124 A of the grip  120 A, at the second end  114 A, or between the second end  114 A and the grip  120 A. Similar to the first insertable member  130 A, the second insertable member  140 A also includes a tab  142 A, a front side  144 A, and a back side  146 A. In an embodiment, one or both of the first insertable member  130 A and the second insertable member  140 A may be integral with the body  110 A (e.g., formed as a single continuous piece of material). For example, handle  100 A when molded (e.g., injection molded) includes at least the body  110 A and the insertable member  130 A formed as a single piece. In such an embodiment, the insertable member  130 A is formed to have the desired amount of flexibility relative to the body  110 A for allowing attachment and detachment of the handle  100 A as described below. 
     In an embodiment, the insertable members  130 A,  140 A are located along portions of the body  110 A different from the grip  120 A (i.e., not located along the grip  120 A). This can provide space for grabbing the grip  120 A and can help prevent a person from accidentally contacting one of the insertable members  130 A,  140 A when handling the grip  120 A. For example, such accidental contact may eventually damage or loosen the insertable members  130 A,  140 A. 
     The handle  100 A also includes a first projection  170 A and a second projection  180 A. The first projection  170 A is located at the first end  112 A of the body  110 A. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first projection  170 A is configured to be even or below the outer surface  22  of the top  10  of the wafer carrier  1 , when the wafer carrier  1  is viewed from the side. For example, the first projection  170 A is configured not to extend above the outer surface  22  of the top  10  of the wafer carrier  1 . This prevents the projection  170 A from interfering with the space in which the standard automated attachment operates when attaching to the automation interface  26  or when attached to the automation interface  26 . The second projection  180 A is located at the second end  114 A of the body  110 A. The first projection  170 A is configured to engage first rail  50 A of the wafer carrier  1 . The second projection  180 A is configured to engage with the second rail  60 A of the wafer carrier  1 . 
       FIG. 1  shows the handle  100 A attached to the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1  while  FIG. 5  shows the handle  100 A when detached. As shown by comparing  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the handle  100 A is attached by moving the detached handle  100 A (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) in a first direction D 1  relative to the wafer carrier  1 . In an embodiment, the first direction D 1  extends from the rear  16  to the front  8  of the FOUP. For example, the first direction D 1  may be generally parallel to the side  12  of the wafer carrier  1 . As the handle  100 A is moved in the first direction D 1  relative to the wafer carrier  1 , each of the insertable members  130 A,  140 A is inserted into its corresponding aperture  32 A,  42 A and each projection  170 A,  180 A is engaged with a corresponding one of the rails  50 A,  60 A. The inserted insertable members  130 A,  140 A and engaged projections  170 A,  180 A secure the handle  100 A to the wafer carrier  1 . Detachment of the attached handle  100 A (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) includes moving the handle  100 A in a direction D 2  opposite the first direction D 1 . Detachment of the attached handle  100 A is described in more detail below. 
     The insertable member  130 A is configured to flex relative to the body  110 A (i.e., bend relative to the body  110 A). More specifically, the insertable member  130 A is configured to flex in a direction perpendicular to the direction D 1  in which it extends from the body  110 A (e.g., in a direction into or out of the page in  FIG. 6B ). In an embodiment, this flexible configuration allows for (repeated) flexion of insertable member  130 A towards and away from the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1 . In an embodiment, when the insertable member  130 A is inserted into the aperture  32 A, the tab  132 A contacts the protrusion  30 A and the insertable member  130 A is forced to flex towards the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1  for the insertable member  130 A to fit into the aperture  32 A. For example, the flexion of the insertable member  130 A allows for the insertion of the insertable member  130 A into the aperture  32 A. Accordingly, as the insertable member  130 A is moved to and into the aperture  32 A, the tab  132 A contacts the protrusion  30 A which applies a pressure to the insertable member  130 A and flexes the insertable member  130 A towards the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1 . 
     Once the tab  132 A passes through the aperture  32 A, the tab  132 A is flexed to be farther away from the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1 . More specifically, the tension of the flexed insertable member  130 A flexes the tab  132 A to be farther away from the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1 . The flexing of the tab  132 A puts the tab  132 A into an engaged state. The tab  132 A in the engaged state retains the insertable member  130 A in the aperture  32 A. More specifically, the tab  134 A in its engaged state prevents the insertable member  130 A from being removed from the aperture  32 A. The tab  132 A prevents removal of the insertable member  130 A by contacting the front outer surface  36 A ( FIG. 4 ) of the protrusion  30 A when the handle  100 A moved (e.g., pulled) in the direction D 2  opposite to the insertion direction D 1 . For example, the tab  132 A is hooked on front outer surface  36 A of the protrusion  30 A. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the front outer surface  36 A faces away from the body  110 A of the handle  100 A (e.g., in direction D 1 ). 
     In an embodiment, the tab  132 A also has an unengaged state. The tab  132 A is configured to allow removal of the insertable member  130 A from the aperture  32 A when in the unengaged state. For example, the tab  132 A in the unengaged state allows movement of the insertable member  130 A relative to the protrusion  30 A in the direction D 2  opposite to the insertion direction D 1 . In an embodiment, the wafer carrier  1  is configured to allow detachment of the handle  100 A when all of the tab(s)  132 A,  142 A of the insertable member(s)  130 A,  140 A of the handle  100 A are in the unengaged state. 
     The movement of the handle  100 A that inserts the insertable member  130 A into the apertures  32 A (e.g., the movement in the first direction D 1 ) also moves the first projection  170 A relative to the first rail  50 A and the second projection  180 A relative to the second rail  60 A. More specifically, this movement of the handle  100 A causes the first projection  170 A to engage the first rail  50 A and the second projection  180 A to engage the second rail  60 A. The engagement of each projection  170 A,  180 A with its corresponding rail  50 A,  60 A is configured to prevent movement of the handle  100 A away from the wafer carrier  1  (e.g., direction D 3  in  FIG. 3 ). For example, the engagement of a projection  170 A,  180 A, with its rail  50 A,  60 A can mitigate force(s) that pull the handle  100 A away from the side  12  of the wafer carrier  1  and outward deflection of the side  12  by distributing pulling forces to the corners of the wafer carrier  1 . 
     The insertable member  140 A and tab  142 A are inserted in corresponding protrusion  40 A and aperture  42 A of the wafer carrier  1  in a similar manner to the insertable member  130 A and the tab  132 A. In an embodiment, the handle  100 A may be configured such that the one movement in the first direction D 1  of the handle  100 A inserts the insertable members  130 A,  140 A and engages the projections  170 A,  180 A. In an embodiment, the handle  100 A may be configured such that the one movement in the first direction D 1  of the handle  100 A inserts the insertable members  130 A,  140 A, moves the tabs  132 A,  142 A into an engaged state, and engages the projections  170 A,  180 A. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a locking mechanism  150 A according to an embodiment. The locking mechanism  150 A is configured to prevent unintended detachment of the handle  100 A from the wafer carrier  1 . For example, the locking mechanism  150 A when in a locked state is configured to ensure that that accidental contact with an insertable member  130 A,  140 A or a force on the handle  100 A (e.g., weight of a full wafer carrier  1 , jostling of the wafer carrier  1 , etc.) are unable to force the tab  132 A from its engaged state. 
     The locking mechanism  150 A includes a front end  152 A, a rear end  154 A, a contact surface  156 A, and a flexible extension  160 A. The locking mechanism  150 A also has a length L that extends from the front end  152 A to the rear end  154 A. The contact surface  156 A is located between the front end  152 A of the locking mechanism  150 A and the flexible extension  160 A. In an embodiment, a largest thickness T 1  of the locking mechanism  150 A between the front end  152 A and the flexible extension  160 A is at the contact surface  156 A. The thickness T 1  of the locking mechanism  150 A is perpendicular to its length L. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the locking mechanism  150 A is retained in a guide  116 A of the body  110 A of the handle  100 A. The locking mechanism  150 A is retained in the guide  116 A so as to be slidably attached to the body  110 A. For example, the guide  116 A allows the locking mechanism  150 A to move along the first direction D 1  while preventing the locking mechanism  150 A from moving in directions perpendicular to the first direction D 1  (e.g., direction D 3 , direction D 4  in  FIG. 3 , etc.). In an embodiment, the locking mechanism  150 A includes an upper restriction  164 A and a lower restriction  166 A ( FIG. 7 ). The locking mechanism  150 A is slidably attached to the body  110 A of the handle  100 A by the guide  116 A and the two restrictions  164 A,  166 A. The upper restriction  164 A is positioned above the guide  116 A (e.g., in a direction out of the page in  FIG. 4 , the guide  116 A closer to the outer surface  22  than upper restriction  164 A in  FIG. 4 ) and the lower restriction  166 A is positioned below the guide  116 A (e.g., the lower restriction  166 A closer to the outer surface  22  than the guide  116 A in  FIG. 4 ). For example, when the handle  100 A is viewed from side (e.g., the view in  FIG. 6A ), the guide  116 A is positioned between the upper restriction  164 A and the lower restriction  166 A. In an embodiment, one upper restriction  164 A and one lower restriction  166 A may be provided along each side of the locking mechanism  150 A. 
     In an embodiment, one of the restrictions  166 A is bendable (e.g., bendable in a direction of the width W) to allow the locking mechanism  150 A to be formed separately from the handle  100 A and then snapped into the guide  116 A. The restrictions  164 A,  166 A are configured to prevent removal of the locking mechanism  150 A after being snapped into the guide  116 A. In another embodiment, the handle  100 A may be formed (e.g., molded, etc.) with the locking mechanism  150 A integral with the body  110 A and in the guide  116 A, and a portion connecting the locking mechanism  150 A to the body  110 A formed to be broken so that the locking mechanism  150 A becomes slidably attached to the body  110 A. 
     The body  110 A of the handle  100 A includes a through-hole  118 A and a retaining space  119 A. In an embodiment, the retaining space  119 A is provided in a rear  102 A ( FIG. 6A ) of the body  110 A that faces the outer surface  22  of the side  12  of the wafer carrier  1  when the handle  100 A is attached. For example, when the handle is  100 A is attached to the side  12  of the wafer carrier  1 , the retaining space  119 A is located between the body  110 A and the outer surface  22  of the side  12  of the wafer carrier  1 . The through-hole  118 A connects to the retaining space  119 A. The through-hole  118 A is adjacent to the insertable member  130 A between the ends  112 A,  114 A of the body  110 A of the handle  100 A. The retaining space  119 A is located between the through-hole  118 A and the insertable member  130 A. The locking mechanism  150 A is configured to extend through the through-hole  118 A into the retaining space  119 A. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6C , the retaining space  119 A is open along the rear  102 A of the handle  100 A. However, in an embodiment, the retaining space  119 A may be enclosed along the rear  102 A of the handle  100 A. For example, in such an embodiment, a through-hole may extend through the body  110 A, and the retaining space  119 A may be a larger volume within the through-hole. 
       FIG. 8A  is a sectional view of the wafer carrier  1  along the line VIII-VIII in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 8B  is an enlarged view of area B in  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8C  is an enlarged view of area C in  FIG. 8A . The area B as shown in  FIG. 8B  is inverted and rotated and the area C as shown in  FIG. 8C  is rotated relative to  FIG. 8A  for clarity and easier comparison. 
     The locking mechanism  150 A has a locked state and an unlocked state. Each of the handles  100 A,  100 B includes a locking mechanism  150 A,  150 B ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The locking mechanism  150 A for the first handle  100 A is shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8C  in the locked state. The locking mechanism  150 B of the second handle  100 B is shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  in the unlocked state. The locking mechanism  150 B in  FIG. 8B  is moved from its unlocked state to the locked state (which is shown by the locking mechanism  150 A in  FIG. 8C ) by moving in the first direction D 1 . The locking mechanism  150 A in  FIG. 8C  is moved from its locked state to the unlocked state (which is by shown by the locking mechanism  150 A in  FIG. 8B ) by applying a force to the flexible extension  160 A and then moving the locking mechanism  150 A in the opposite direction D 2 . 
     The locking mechanism  150 A is configured to be moveable relative to the insertable member  130 A. For example, the locking mechanism  150 A is selectively moveable as the flexible extension  160 A inhibits the movement of the locking mechanism  150 A in the locked state until acted upon by an external force, as discussed in further detail below. 
     In  FIG. 8B , the locking mechanism  150 B is in the unlocked state. The locking mechanism  150 B in the unlocked state allows the tab  132 B to be moved from its engaged state. For example, the locking mechanism  150 B allows the insertable member  130 B to flex by an amount that moves the tab  132 B from the engaged state. The contact surface  156 B of the locking mechanism  150 B may still contact the back surface  136 B of the insertable member  130 B when in the unlocked state. In another embodiment, the contact surface  156 B may not contact the insertable member  130 B when in the unlocked state. The locking mechanism  150 B in its unlocked state allows the insertable member  130 B to be flexed away from the protrusion  30 B, which disengages the tab  132 B from the protrusion  30 B. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism  150 B is in the locked state when the flexible member  160 B is disposed external to the retaining space  119 B. The locking mechanism  150 B is moved in the direction D 1  and moves into the locked state when the flexible member  160 B is located in the retaining space  119 B. 
     In  FIG. 8C , the tab  132 A is in the engaged state and the locking mechanism  150 A is in the locked state. For example, the tab  132 A in  FIG. 8C  is positioned to contact the front outer surface  38 A of the protrusion  30 A when the handle  100 A is moved (e.g., pulled) in the direction D 2 , which prevents the insertable member  130 A from being removed from the aperture  32 A. The locking mechanism  150 A in the locked state is configured to maintain the tab  132 A in the engaged state. The tab  132 A extends from the insertable member  130 A in a first direction D 3 , and is moved out of the engaged state by moving in the opposite direction D 4 . The position of the locking mechanism  150 A in the locked state prevents the tab  132 A from moving from the engaged state. The position of the contact surface  156 A of the locking mechanism  150 A in the locked state limits the tab  132 A from moving in the opposite direction D 4  by limiting the flexion of the insertable member  130 A. For example, the position of the contact surface  156 A of the locking mechanism  150 A in the locked state prevents removal of the tab  132 A from the engaged state. In an embodiment, the contact surface  156 A of the locking mechanism  150 A contacts the insertable member  130 A when the locking mechanism  150 A is in the locked state. This contact by the locking mechanism  150 A prevents flexion of the insertable member  130 A. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism  150 A may maintain the tab  132 A in the engaged state without contacting the insertable member  130 A. For example, a minimum amount of flexion of the insertable member  130 A is necessary to move the tab  132 A from the engaged state. The contact surface  156 A of the locking mechanism  150 A in the locked state prevents the insertable member  130 A from reaching the minimum amount of flexion. 
     The locking mechanism  150 A extends into the aperture  32 A and along the back side  136 A of the tab  132 A. The insertable member  130 A is disposed between the contact surface  156 A of the locking mechanism  150 A and the inner surface  38 A of the protrusion  30 A. The thickness T 1  of the locking mechanism  150 A maintains the tab  132 A in the engaged state by limiting the flexion of the insertable member  130 A. The thickness T 1  of the locking mechanism  150 A in  FIG. 8C  stops the insertable member  130 A from flexing and moving the tab  132 A. The thickness T 1  extends perpendicular to the direction D 1  in which the insertable member  130 A extends from the body  110 A of the handle  100 A into aperture  32 A. 
     The flexible extension  160 A is configured to be flexible by an external force F 1  (e.g., bendable relative to the rest of the locking mechanism  150 A). For example, the external force F 1  can be applied by a person wanting to move the locking mechanism  150 A. The retaining space  119 A can prevent accidental contact from applying the external force F 1  to the flexible extension  160 A. The positioning of the flexible extension  160 A prevents movement of the locking mechanism  150 A in the direction D 2  opposite to the first direction D 1 . 
     The locking mechanism  150 A is selectively movable as the flexible extension  160 A is configured to limit movement of the locking mechanism  150 A from the locked state unless flexed by the external force F 1 . The locking mechanism  150 A moves from the unlocked state to the locked state by moving in the direction D 1 . The movement of the locking mechanism  150 A in the first direction D 1  moves the flexible extension  160 A through the through-hole  118 A and into the retaining space  119 A. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism  150 A enters the locked state when the flexible extension  160 A is positioned in the retaining space  119 A. 
     The size of the retaining space  119 A relative to the through-hole  118 A allows the flexible extension  160 A to at least partially un-flex. The normal geometry of the flexible extension  160 A within the retaining space  119 A (i.e., when not being acted on by the external force F 1 ) is unaligned (e.g., match, fit within) with the through-hole  118 A in the direction D 2 . This non-alignment prevents the flexible extension  160 A from fitting into the through-hole  118 A and prevents movement of the locking mechanism  150 A in the direction D 2  that would move the locking mechanism  150 A from the locked position. Thus, the position of the flexible extension  160 A in the retaining space  119 A maintains the locking mechanism  150 A in the locked state. The external force F 1  flexes the flexible extension  160 A and causes the flexible extension  160 A to align with the through-hole  119 A in the direction D 2 , which allows the flexible extension  160 A to fit into the through-hole  118 A. Accordingly, the locking mechanism  150 A is moved from the locked state to the unlocked state by applying the external force F 1  to the flexible extension  160 A and moving locking mechanism  150 A in the direction D 2 , which moves the flexible extension  160 A into the through-hole  118 A from the retaining space  119 A. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism  150 A enters the unlocked state when the flexible extension  160 A is positioned outside of the retaining space  119 A. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism  150 A enters the unlocked state when the flexible extension  160 A is positioned outside both the through-hole  118 A and the retaining space  119 A. 
     In an embodiment, the non-alignment of the flexible extension  160 A with the through-hole  118 A in the second direction D 2  is caused by the width W of the locking mechanism  150 A. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the locking mechanism  150 A has a width W defined by the flexible extension  160 A. In an embodiment, the flexible extension  160 A is configured to be flexed by the external force F 1  such that the width W of the locking mechanism  150 A is changed (e.g., reduced). For example, the locking mechanism has a width W 1  when the external force F 1  flexes the flexible extension  160 A. In an embodiment, the external force F 1  may compress the flexible extension  160 A to reduce the width W of the locking mechanism  150 A. The flexible extension  160 A is configured to be compressed without being permanently deformed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6B , the through-hole  118 A has a width W 2  and the retaining space  119 A has a width W 3 . The width W 3  of the retaining space  119 A is greater than the width W 2  of the through-hole  118 A. When the locking mechanism  150 A is moved from the unlocked position (as shown by the locking mechanism  150 B in  FIG. 8B ) to the locked position (as shown by the locking mechanism  150 A in  FIG. 8C ), the flexible extension  160 A moves from the through-hole  118 A into the retaining space  119 A. The larger width W 3  of the retaining space  119 A (relative to the width W 2  of the through-hole  118 A) allows the flexible extension  160 A to at least partially un-flex in the retaining space  119 A. This un-flexing of the flexible extension  160 A causes the width W of the locking mechanism  150 A (e.g., along the flexible extension  160 A) to be larger than the width W 2  of the through-hole  118 A. Thus, the normal width W of the locking mechanism  150 A in the locked state (i.e., when not being acted on by the external force F 1 ) is greater than the width W 2  of the through-hole  118 A. When the external force F 1  flexes the flexible extension  160 A, the width W 1  of the locking mechanism  150 A is equal to or smaller than the width W 2  of the through-hole  118 A. Accordingly, the locking mechanism  150 A moves from the unlocked state to the locked state by flexing the flexible extension  160 A to reduce the width W of the locking mechanism  150 A and then moving the locking mechanism  150 A in the second direction D 2 . 
     Accordingly, when disposed in the retaining space  119 A, the geometry of the flexible extension  160 A maintains the locking mechanism  150 A in the locked state. For example, when the locking mechanism  150 A is moved from the unlocked state to the locked state by moving in the first direction D 1 , the geometry of the flexible extension  160 A in the retaining space  119 A then prevents the locking mechanism  150 A from being moved in the opposite direction D 2 . In an embodiment, the geometry of the flexible extension  160 A that maintains the locking mechanism  150 A in the locked state is the width W of the locking mechanism  150 A as described above. 
     The flexible extension  160 A may be flexed to move the locking mechanism  150 A from the unlocked state to the locked state. In an embodiment, one or both of the through-hole  118 A and the flexible extension  160 A may configured so that the force that moves the locking mechanism  150 A in the first direction D 1  also flexes the flexible extension  160 A to fit through the through-hole  118 A. For example, when in the unlocked state, one or more of the surface(s) of the through-hole  118 A and the surface(s) of the flexible extension  160 A that face each other when the locking mechanism  150 A is in the unlocked position may be sloped. 
     The upper surface  158 A of the locking mechanism  150 A is generally flat relative to the insertable member  130 A. However, the locking mechanism  150 A, in an embodiment, may have a concave upper surface  158 A and a length L that positions the contact surface  156 A external to the aperture  32 A when the flexible extension  160 A is disposed in the retaining space  119 A. The convex shape of the upper surface  158 A allows for a sufficient flexion of the insertable member  130 A to move the tab  132 A from its engaged state to the unengaged state. In such an embodiment, the locking mechanism  150 A may be moved from its locked state to the unlocked state by moving in the direction D 2  opposite of the first direction D 1 . The locking mechanism  150 A is in the unlocked state when the flexible extension  160 A is disposed in the retaining space  119 A, and is in the locked state when the flexible extension  160 A is disposed external to the retaining space  119 A. In such an embodiment, the flexible extension  160 A may be configured to inhibit movement of the locking mechanism  150 A in the direction D 1  when in the locked state as similarly discussed above except with respect to movement in direction D 2 . For example, the flexible extension  160 A in such an embodiment is prevented from being inserted into the through-hole  118 A in the same manner as discussed above, except with respect to direction D 1  instead of direction D 2 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 8C , when the handle  100 A is pulled in the detachment direction D 2 , the tab  132 A in the engaged state is configured to contact the front outer surface  38 A of the protrusion  30 A to prevent removal of the insertable member  130 A from the aperture  32 A. However, in an embodiment, a notch (not shown) may be provided within the aperture  32 A, and the tab  132 A may be configured to prevent removal of the insertable member  130 A by engaging with said notch. For example, the notch may be provided in the inner surface  38 A of the protrusion  30 A or the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1 . In such an embodiment, the insertable member  130 A may only partially extend through the aperture  32 A. In such an embodiment, a portion of the locking mechanism  150 A when in its locked state may be disposed between the protrusion  30 A and insertable member  130 A. In an embodiment, the tab  132 A may extend from the insertable member  130 A in a different direction than away from the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1  (e.g., different from direction D 3  in  FIG. 8C ). For example, the tab  132 A in an embodiment may extend from the insertable member  130 A towards the outer surface  22  (e.g., in direction D 4 , etc.) of the wafer carrier  1  or in a direction perpendicular to the direction away from the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1  (e.g., in direction D 5  in  FIG. 9 , etc.) 
     As discussed above, the insertable member  130 A is configured to automatically flex the tab  132 A into the engaged state when inserted through aperture  32 A. However, in an embodiment, the insertable member  130 A may not be configured to flex the tab  132 A into the engaged state. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism  150 A may flex the insertable member  130 A to flex the tab  132 A into the engaged position. For example, the tab  132 A may be on the front surface  134 A of the insertable member  130 A and the insertable member may need to be flexed in the second direction D 2  to flex the tab  132 A into the engaged state. The locking mechanism  150 A when moved into the locked state may be configured to push the insertable member  130 A in the second direction D 2  to flex the tab  132 A into the engaged state. 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view of a portion of the wafer carrier  1  along the line IX-IX in  FIG. 4 . The first projection  170 A of the handle  100 A is engaged with the first rail  50 A of the wafer carrier  1 . More specifically, the first projection  170 A is configured to interlock with the first rail  50 A. 
     The projection  170 A includes a first portion  172 A and a second portion  174 A that is directly connected to the first portion  172 A. The first portion  172 A extends away from the body  110 A of the handle  100 A in a first direction D 4 , and the second portion  174 A extends away from the first portion  172 A in a different direction D 5 . The direction D 4  of the first portion  172 A is not planar with the first end  112 A of the body  110 A. In an embodiment, the first rail  50 A extends away from the outer surface  22  of the side  12  of the wafer carrier  1 . The first rail  50 A includes an inner surface  52 A and a slot  54 A. The slot  54 A is defined by the inner surface  52 A. The projection  170 A extends into the slot  54 A of the rail  50 A. Contact between the inner surface  52 A and the rail  50 A and the second portion  174 A of the projection  170 A is configured to prevent movement of the attached handle  100 A away from the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1  (e.g., movement in direction D 3 ). The second rail  60 A and second projection  180 A have a similar structure and engagement as described for the first rail  50 A and the first projection  180 A, except being rotated as the projection rail  180 A is disposed along the second end  114 A of the handle  100 A. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the wafer teeth  20  are attached to the sides  12 ,  14  of the wafer carrier  1 . A force pulling on the handle  100 A (e.g., in direction D 3 ) can cause the side  12  to outwardly deflect, which can affect the form of the wafer teeth  20  and damage the wafers in the wafer teeth  20 . For example, the rails  50 A,  60 A and projections  170 A,  180 A provide more rigid contact points (e.g., at or near the corners) for attaching the handle  100 A to outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1 . The more rigid contact points can help mitigate outward deflections of the side  12  by distributing pulling forces from the handle  100 A to the corners of the wafer carrier  1 . 
     The slot  54 A defined by the first rail  50 A faces upward in  FIG. 9  (i.e., in direction D 5 ). However, in an embodiment, directions of the first rail  50 A and the second portion  174 A may be revered. For example, in such an embodiment, the slot  54 A may face downward (i.e., opposite the direction D 5 ). In an embodiment, the second rail  60 A and the second projection  180 A may also be modified in such a manner. 
     The handle  100 A of the wafer carrier  1  has two insertable members  130 A,  140 A, two rails  170 A,  180 A, and one locking mechanism  150 A. However, the handle  100 A in an embodiment may have a different number of insertable members  130 A,  140 A, rails  170 A,  180 A, and locking mechanisms  150 A. In an embodiment, the handle  100 A may include one or more of insertable members  130 A,  140 A. In an embodiment, the handle  100 A may include one or more rails  170 A,  180 A. In such embodiments, the wafer carrier  1  may include a corresponding number of protrusions  30 A,  40 B and rails  50 A,  60 A. In an embodiment, the wafer carrier  1  may include multiple of the locking mechanisms  150 A for the handle  100 A. For example, the wafer carrier  1  in an embodiment may have each of the insertable members  130 A,  140 A of the handle  100 A provided with a respective locking mechanism. 
     The handles  100 A,  100 B and locking mechanisms  150 A,  150 B shown in  FIGS. 1-9  and described above are for a wafer carrier  1 . However, it should be appreciated that the handles  100 A,  100 B, locking mechanisms  150 A,  150 B, and protrusions  30 A,  30 B may be similarly applied to other types of wafer carrier such as, but not limited to, a front opening shipping box (FOSB) in a similar manner as shown and described for the wafer carrier  1 . In an embodiment, a front opening shipping box (FOSB) may include at least a protrusion  30 A,  30 B, a handle  100 A,  100 B, and a locking mechanism  150 A,  150 B for the handle  100 A,  30 B. 
       FIGS. 10-12  illustrate a locking mechanism  350 A according to another embodiment.  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a portion of a FOUP  300 .  FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the locking mechanism  350 A.  FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of the locking mechanism  350 A. 
     The FOUP  300  includes the handles  100 A,  100 B similar to the wafer carrier  1  in  FIGS. 1-5 . Accordingly, the FOUP  300  also includes a second locking mechanism similar to the locking mechanism  350 A for the second handle  100 B of the wafer carrier  1 . 
       FIG. 10  shows the locking mechanism  350 A in the locked position. The locking mechanism  350 A is separate from the handle  100 A and wafer carrier  1  when in the unlocked position, and is moved to the locked position by coupling the locking mechanism to the handle  350 A. The locking mechanism  350 A has a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking mechanism  350 A moves from the unlocked state to the locked state by being coupled to the handle  100 A. When in the locked state, the locking mechanism  350 A maintains the tab  138 A of the insertable member  130 A in its engaged state. The tab  132 A is not labeled in  FIG. 10  as it is obscured by the locking mechanism  350 A in the view of  FIG. 10 . More specifically, the locking mechanism  350 A in its locked state is configured to prevent movement of the tab  138 A that would remove the tab  138 A from its engaged state. The locking mechanism  350 A moves from the locked state to the unlocked state by being uncoupled from the handle  350 A. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the locking mechanism  350 A has a front end  352 A, a rear end  354 A, an inner surface  366 A, and a length L 2 . The locking mechanism  350 A has a generally concave shape. The locking mechanism  350 A includes a first tab  356 A disposed at the front end  352 A and a second tab  357 A disposed at the rear end  354 A. The first tab  356 A and the second tab  357 A have a similar structure. The first tab  356 A and the second tab  357 A each extend from the inner surface  366 A of the locking mechanism  350 A. In an embodiment, the first tab  356 A and the second tab  357 A each extend from the inner surface  366 A in a direction parallel to the length L 2  of the locking mechanism  350 A. The locking mechanism  350 A is coupled to the handle  100 A with the first tab  356 A and the second tab  357 A. 
     When the locking mechanism  350 A is in its locked state, the first tab  356 A contacts the back side  136 A (shown in  FIG. 6C ) of the insertable member  130 A and the second tab  357 A is inserted into the through-hole  118 A of the handle  100 A. For example, when in the locked state, the first tab  356 A is hooked on the end  138 A of the insertable member  130 A and the second tab  357 A is hooked in the through-hole  118 A. In an embodiment, the through-hole  118 A for the tab  357 A may instead be a blind hole. When coupled to the handle  100 A, the first tab  356 A presses against the back side  136 A of the insertable member  130 A. This pressure on the insertable member  130 A by the locking mechanism  350 A in the locked state prevents the insertable member  130 A from flexing towards the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1 , and prevents movement of the tab  132 A from the engaged state. Thus, the locking mechanism  350 A maintains the engaged state of the tab  132 A. 
     The locking mechanism  350 A extends a length larger than its normal length L 2  (i.e., the length when no external force F 2 , F 3  is applied to the locking mechanism  350 A). The length for coupling to and coupling from the handle  100 A is larger than the length L 2 . The locking mechanism  350 A is configured to be flexible such that an external force (e.g., force F 2 , force F 3 ) can increase the length L 2  of the locking mechanism  350 A. In an embodiment, a portion of the locking mechanism  350 A at the first end  352 A is a flexible extension  353 A. When no external force F 2 , F 3  is applied to the locking mechanism  350 A, the extendable extension  353 A keeps its geometry and maintains the length L 2 . The position of the extendable portion  353 A keeping the locking mechanism  350 A coupled to the handle  100 A. Accordingly, geometry of the extendable portion  353 A maintains the locking mechanism  350 A in its locked state. 
     When the locking mechanism  350 A is in its locked state it can be moved to its unlocked state (i.e. decoupled) by applying an external force (e.g., force F 2 , force F 3 ) to the inner surface  366 A of the locking mechanism  350 A along the first end  352 A or the second end  354 A. For example, the external force F 2 , F 3  causes the extendable extension  353 A to extend and increases the length L 2  of the locking mechanism  350 A. The larger length L 2  decouples the locking mechanism  350 A from the handle  100 A. 
     The illustrated embodiment of the locking mechanism  350 A in  FIGS. 10-12  is separate from the handle  100 A when in the unlocked state (i.e., decoupled from the handle  100 A in the unlocked state). However, in an embodiment, the handle  100 A and the locking mechanism  350 A may be a single integral piece. In such an embodiment, the rear end  354 A may be integrally connected with the body  110 A of the handle  100 A. The front end  353 A is flexible relative to the insertable member  130 A such that the front end  353 A is configured to be pulled away from the insertable member  130 A in direction D 3  to allow the protrusion  30 A to fit between the front end  353 A and the insertable member  130 A to detach the handle  100 A from the wafer carrier  1 . 
     The locking mechanism  350 A is shown in  FIGS. 10-12  and described above as being for a FOUP  300 . However, it should be appreciated that the handle  100 A, the locking mechanism  350 A, and the protrusion  30 A may be similarly applied to other types of wafer carriers such as, but not limited to, a front opening shipping box (FOSB). In an embodiment, a wafer carrier may include a handle  100 A, a protrusion  30 A, and a locking mechanism  350 A for the handle  100 A in a similar manner as shown and described for the FOUP  300 . In an embodiment, the wafer carrier may include a pair of the protrusions  30 A,  30 B, a pair of the handles  100 A,  100 B, and a pair of the locking mechanisms  350 A. 
       FIGS. 13-16  illustrate a locking mechanism  450 A according to another embodiment.  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a portion of a FOUP  400 .  FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the locking mechanism  450 A.  FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of the locking mechanism  450 A.  FIG. 16  is a partial sectional view of the FOUP  400  along the line XVI-XVI in  FIG. 13 . 
     The FOUP  400  includes the detachable handles  100 A,  100 B similar to the wafer carrier  1  in  FIGS. 1-4 . Accordingly, the FOUP  400  includes a second locking mechanism similar to the locking mechanism  450 A for the second handle  100 B of the wafer carrier  1 . 
     The locking mechanism  450 A has a locked state and an unlocked state.  FIGS. 13 and 16  show the locking mechanism  450 A in the locked state. The locking mechanism  450 A moves from the unlocked state to the locked state by being inserted into the aperture  32 A in a direction D 2  opposite to the insertion direction D 1  of the insertable member  130 A into the aperture  32 A. The locking mechanism  450 A is moved from the locked state to the unlocked state by moving in the direction D 1 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , the locking mechanism  450 A includes a front end  452 A, a rear end  454 A, a length L 3 , a lip  453 A, a biasing member  458 A, and a flexible extension  460 A. The flexible extension  460 A includes a first arm  462 A with a first tab  463 A and a second arm  464 A with a second tab  465 A. In an embodiment, the length L 3  of the locking mechanism  450 A extends parallel to the direction in which the insertable member  130 A extends from the body  110 A of the handle  100 A. The length L 3  of the locking mechanism  450 A is perpendicular to its thickness T 2 . 
     When the locking mechanism  450 A is in its locked state, the biasing member  458 A contacts the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1  and pushes a contact surface  456 A into contact with the back side  136 A of the insertable member  130 A. The insertable member  130 A is pinched between the contact surface  456 A of the locking mechanism  450 A and the inner surface  38 A of the protrusion  30 A. The biasing member  464 A configured to provide the locking member  450 A with a thickness T 2  that prevents the flexing of the insertable member  130 A. The biasing member  464 A configured to provide the locking member  450 A with a thickness T 2  that prevents the flexing of the insertable member  130 A. In an embodiment, the biasing member  464 A is configured to provide the locking mechanism  450 A with a thickness T 2  that at least prevents the insertable member from flexing to the least amount that allows the tab  132 A to be moved from its engaged position. This prevents the insertable member  130 A from flexing the tab  134 A from its engaged state. Thus, the locking mechanism  450 A in its locked state maintains the engaged state of the tab  134 A. 
     The lip  453 A is located at the front  452 A of the locking mechanism  450 A. The lip  453 A is configured to limit how far the locking mechanism  450 A can be inserted into the aperture  32 A. The lip extends above the contact surface  453 A. When the locking mechanism  450 A is moved into the locked state, the lip  453 A contacts the end  138 A of the insertable member  130 A and prevents further the insertion of the locking mechanism  450 A. For example, the lip  453 A may prevent the locking mechanism  450 A from being fully inserted into or through the aperture  30 A. 
     The tabs  463 A,  465 A contact an inner surface  121 A of the handle  100 A when in the locked position and no external force F 4  is applied to the arms  462 A,  464 A. More specifically, the tabs  463 A,  465 A are hooked on one or more inner surface(s)  121 A of the handle  100 A. For example, the retaining space  119 A may define the inner surface  121 A of the handle  100 A. The contact of the tabs  463 A,  465 A on the inner surface(s) prevents the locking mechanism  450 A from moving in the first direction D 1 . The flexible extension  460 A is configured for an external force F 4  to flex the arms  462 A,  464 A closer together which reduces the width W 4  and moves the arms  462 A,  464 A away from their corresponding inner surface(s)  121 . For example, the external force F 4  may be applied by a person that wants to move the locking mechanism  450 A to the unlocked position. 
     Accordingly, the size and positioning of the arms  462 A,  464 A of the flexible extension  460 A maintains the locking mechanism in its locked position. For example, the width W 4  of the flexible extension  460 A along tabs  463 A,  465 A prevents movement of the locking mechanism  450 A from its locked state. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the contact surface  456 A is configured to push against the insertable member  130 A in the direction D 3 . However, as discussed above, the insertable tab  132 A in an embodiment be configured to extend from the insertable member  130 A in a direction different than away from the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1  (e.g., different than direction D 3 ). In such an embodiment, the locking mechanism  450 A may be configured to push against the insertable member  130 A in the appropriate direction so that the tab  132 A of the insertable member  130 A is maintained in its engaged state. For example, the locking mechanism  450 A may extend between the projection  30 A and the front side  134 A of the insertable member  130 A and be configured to push the insertable member  130 A towards the outer surface  22  of the wafer carrier  1  or be configured to push the insertable member  130 A in a direction perpendicular to the direction D 1  and the direction D 3 . 
     The locking mechanism  450 A is shown in  FIGS. 13-16  and described above as being for a FOUP  400 . However, it should be appreciated that the handle  100 A, the locking mechanism  450 A, and the protrusion  30 A may be similarly applied to other types of wafer carriers such as, but not limited to, a front opening shipping box (FOSB). 
       FIGS. 17-21  show various embodiments of a wafer carrier  500  and handle  510  in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 17  is a side view of a wafer carrier  500  including handle  510  and locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. The wafer carrier  500  can be a FOUP or a FOSB, as described herein and can have many of the same features as wafer carrier  1  described herein. In one embodiment, wafer carrier  500  is a FOUP. Handle  510  includes many of the same features as handle  100 A, discussed above, with reference in particularly to  FIGS. 6A-6C . It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the wafer carrier  500  includes a second handle having the same features as handle  510  on the opposite side wall of the wafer carrier  500  which is not shown here for the sake of brevity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , handle  510  is engaged with rails  50 A,  60 A provided on the side wall  506  of the wafer carrier  504 . Rails  50 A,  60 A are previously described herein with such as, for example, rails  50 A,  60 A, best viewed in  FIG. 5 . The handle  510  includes a handle body  512  and a first locking mechanism  520 A provided at an upper end  524  of the handle body  512  and a second locking mechanism  520 B provided at a lower end  526  of the handle body  512 . Each of the locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B are configured to be retained within vertical guide  530 A,  530 B provided at each of the upper end  524  and the lower end  526  of the handle body  512  such that they are able to slide within vertical guides  530 A,  530  to transition from an unlocked state to a locked state. Locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B can be retained in the locked state by retaining space  519 A,  519 B. In  FIG. 17 , locking mechanism  520 A is depicted in an unlocked state and locking mechanism  520 B is depicted in the locked state. 
       FIGS. 18A-18C  show different views of the handle  510 .  FIG. 18A  shows handle  510  including locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B each in the unlocked state.  FIG. 18B  is a front view of handle  510  with locking mechanism  520 A,  520 B removed such that vertical guides  530 A,  530 B in which locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B are retained and transition from the unlocked state to the locked state are visible.  FIG. 18C  is a side view of handle  510 . Like handle  100 A, described herein, handle  510  includes upper protrusion  580 A and lower protrusion  580 B that are configured to engage and slide along rails  50 A,  60 A. Upper and lower protrusions  580 A,  580 B have a shape that is complementary to the shape of rails  50 A,  60 A. In some embodiments, upper and lower protrusions  580 A,  580 B have a downwardly extending L shape defining a guide  582 A,  582 B which facilitates upper and lower protrusions  580 A,  580 B to be retained on and slide along rails  50 A,  60 A. 
       FIG. 19  shows locking mechanism  520 A in isolation.  FIGS. 20A and 20B  show close up views of first locking mechanism  520 A provided at an upper end  524  of the handle body  512  and second locking mechanism  520 B provided at a lower end  526  of the handle body  512 , respectively.  FIG. 21  is a cross sectional view showing locking mechanism  520 B in a locked state. 
     Locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B are configured to prevent unintended detachment of the handle  510  from the wafer carrier  500 . Locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B are configured to be retained in vertical guides  530 A,  530 B (best viewed in  FIG. 18B ) so as to be able to slide within vertical guides  530 A,  530 B when transitioning from an unlocked state to a locked state.  FIG. 20A  shows locking mechanism  520 A in an unlocked state.  FIG. 20B  shows locking mechanism  520 B in a locked state. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , locking mechanism  520 A includes a first end  552 A and a second end  554 A and a flexible extension  560 A located between the first end  552 A and second end  554 A. Locking mechanism  520  includes upper restriction  564 A and lower restriction  566 A provided at a first end  552 A. In an embodiment, one upper restriction  564 A and one lower restriction  566 A may be provided along each side of the locking mechanism  520 A. In an embodiment, one of the restrictions  566 A is bendable (e.g., bendable in a direction of the width W) to allow the locking mechanism  530 A to be formed separately from the handle  510  and then snapped into the vertical guide  530 A. Upper and lower restrictions  564 A,  566 A are configured to prevent removal of the locking mechanism  520 A after being snapped into vertical guide  530 A. 
     As best viewed in  FIGS. 20A and 20B , locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B are slidably attached to the handle body  512  through interaction of the two restrictions  564 A,  564 B, and  564 A,  566 B with vertical guides  530 A,  530 B. Upper restrictions  564 A,  564 B are positioned above the upper surface of a wall defining vertical guides  530 A,  530 B and lower restrictions  566 A,  566 B is positioned below a lower surface of a wall defining vertical guides  530 A,  530 B, respectively, such that the walls defining vertical guides  530 A,  530 B are positioned between upper restrictions  564 A,  564 B and lower restrictions  566 A,  566 B of locking mechanism  520 A,  520 B. 
     Flexible extension  560 A is configured is configured to flex inwardly toward a center liner x from a first state having a first width to a second state having a second width with that is less than the first width in response to an applied force. In the second state, the flexible extension  560 A can be received within retaining space  519 A when locking mechanism  520 A is transitioned to the locked stated. 
       FIGS. 20B and 21  are different views showing locking mechanism  520 B in the locked state. As previously indicated, locking mechanism  520 B includes the same features as locking mechanism  520 A described herein. As shown in  FIGS. 20B and 21 , flexible extension  560 B is retained within retaining space  519 B when locking mechanism  520 B is in the locked state. Upon release of the force applied to flexible extension  560 B, flexible extension can transition from the second state to the first state causing the flexible extension  560 B to be retained in the retaining space  519 B. To transition the locking mechanism  520 B from the locked state to the unlocked state, the force can be reapplied to the flexible extension  560 B so that that the flexible extension  560 B is in the second state and has a width that is less than a width of the retaining space  519  allowing for its removal. 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, second end  554 A is sized to be received and retained within a corresponding aperture provided in rail  50 A when locking mechanism  520 A is in the locked state. Locking mechanism  520 B is engaged with rail  60 A in the same manner. In some embodiments, rail  60 A can be provided with an aperture sized to receive and retain the second end of locking mechanism  520 B when locking mechanism  520 B is in the locked state. 
       FIGS. 22-26  show various views of a wafer carrier  600  and handle  610  in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. Wafer carrier  600  includes many of the same features as wafer carriers  1  and  500  described herein. Wafer carrier  600  can be a FOUP or a FOSB. In one embodiment, wafer carrier  600  is a FOUP. 
       FIG. 22  shows wafer carrier  600  including handle  610  prior to its attachment to rails  50 A,  60 A provided on the sidewall  606  of the wafer carrier  600 .  FIG. 23  shows wafer carrier  600  include handle  610  attached to the side wall  606  of the wafer carrier. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the wafer carrier  600  includes a second handle having the same features as handle  610  on the opposite side wall of the wafer carrier  600  which is not shown here for the sake of brevity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , handle  510  is engaged with rails  50 A,  60 A provided on the side wall  606  of the wafer carrier  600 . Rails  50 A,  60 A are previously described herein with such as, for example, rails  50 A,  60 A, best viewed in  FIG. 5 . The handle  610  includes a handle body  612  and a first locking mechanism  520 A provided at an upper end  624  of the handle body  612  and a second locking mechanism  620 B provided at a lower end  626  of the handle body  612 . Locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B are described in detail with reference to  FIG. 19 . Each of the locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B are configured to be retained within vertical guide  630 A,  630 B provided at each of the upper end  624  and the lower end  626  of the handle body  612  such that they are able to slide within vertical guides  630 A,  630  to transition from an unlocked state to a locked state. 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 22-26 , retaining space  619 B and vertical groove  630 B are offset from a center line x 2  extending through the lower end  626  of the handle body  612 . In the prior embodiment, described with reference to  FIGS. 17-21 , retaining space  619 B and vertical groove  630 B are centered with a center line x 2  extending through the lower end  526  of the handle body  512 . Rather than cooperating with an aperture provided in rail  60 , the second end  554 B of the locking mechanism  524 B abuts an end of rail  60 A, as will be described in greater detail below, when the locking mechanism  524 B is in the locked state. In some cases, retaining space  619 A and vertical groove  630 A located at an upper end  624  of handle  610  also can positioned on the upper end  524  of the handle body such that when the locking mechanism  524 A is in the locked state, the second end  554 A abuts an end of rail  50 A. 
       FIGS. 24A-24C  show different views of the handle  610 .  FIG. 24A  shows handle  610  including locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B each in the unlocked state.  FIG. 24B  is a front view of handle  610  with locking mechanism  520 A,  520 B removed such that vertical guides  630 A,  630 B in which locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B are retained and transition from the unlocked state to the locked state are visible.  FIG. 24C  is a side view of handle  610 . Like handles  100 A and  510 , described herein, handle  610  includes upper protrusion  680 A and lower protrusion  680 B that are configured to engage and slide along rails  50 A,  60 A. Upper and lower protrusions  680 A,  680 B have a shape that is complementary to the shape of rails  50 A,  60 A. In some embodiments, upper and lower protrusions  680 A,  680 B have a downwardly extending L shape defining a guide  682 A,  682 B which facilitates upper and lower protrusions  680 A,  680 B to be retained on and slide along rails  50 A,  60 A when the handle  610  is secured to the side wall  606  of wafer carrier  600 . 
       FIGS. 25A and 25B  are close-up views showing locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B in the locked state. Locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B can be retained in the locked state by retaining space  619 A,  619 B. Upon release of the force applied to flexible extensions  560 A, 560 B, flexible extensions  560 ,  560 B can transition from the second state to the first state causing the flexible extensions  560 A,  560 B to be retained in the retaining spaces  619 A,  619 B. To transition the locking mechanisms  520 A,  520 B from the locked state to the unlocked state, the force can be reapplied to the flexible extensions  560 A,  560 B so that that the flexible extensions  560 A,  560 B are in the second state and has a width that is less than a width of the retaining spaces  619 A,  619 B allowing for their removal. 
       FIG. 26  is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper end  624  of the handle body  612  showing locking mechanism  520 A in the locked state and engaged with rail  50 A. As can be seen in  FIG. 26 , flexible extension  560 A is received and retained within retaining space  619 A and the second end  554 A of locking mechanism  520 A abuts a distal end  558  of rail  50 A. This prevents the handle  610  from being inadvertently being backed off rail  50 A. 
       FIGS. 27-30  show various views of a wafer carrier  700  and handle  710  in accordance with another embodiment of the disclose. Wafer carrier  700  includes many of the same features as wafer carriers  1 ,  500 , and  600  described herein. Wafer carrier  700  can be a FOUP or a FOSB. In one embodiment, wafer carrier  700  is a FOUP. 
       FIG. 27  shows wafer carrier  700  including handle  710  prior to its engagement with rails  50 A,  60 A provided on the sidewall  706  of the wafer carrier  700 .  FIG. 28  shows wafer carrier  700  include handle  710  attached to the side wall  7606  of the wafer carrier  700 .  FIG. 30  is a view of the handle  710  in isolation. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the wafer carrier  700  includes a second handle having the same features as handle  710  on the opposite side wall of the wafer carrier  700  which is not shown here for the sake of brevity. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , handle  710  is engaged with rails  50 A,  60 A provided on the side wall  706  of the wafer carrier  700 . Rails  50 A,  60 A are previously described herein with such as, for example, rails  50 A,  60 A, best viewed in  FIG. 5 . The handle  710  includes a handle body  712  and a first locking arm  720 A provided at an upper end  724  of the handle body  712  and a second locking arm  720 B provided at a lower end  726  of the handle body  712 . The distal ends  760 A,  760 B of each of locking arms  720 A,  720  are configured to engage a distal end  758 A,  758 B of each of rails  50 A,  50 B. In some embodiments, the distal end  760 A,  760 B can be configured as a barb, a catch or other protrusion that can engage with the distal ends  758 A,  758 B of rails  50 A,  60 A through retention forces ( FIGS. 28 and 29 ). 
     Each of locking arms  720 A,  720 B are flexible such that they can be flexed outward and away from the side of the carrier and ride along an outer surface  750  of each of the rails  50 A,  60 A as the handle  710  is attached to the wafer carrier  700 . Upon reaching a distal end  758 A,  758 B of rails  50 A,  50 B, each of the flexible arms  720 A,  720 B are configured to flex back inwardly toward the side wall  706  of the wafer carrier  700  such that a distal end  760 A,  760 B of each of the flexible arms  720 A,  720 B is engaged with and retained on a distal end  758 A,  758 B of each of rails  50 A,  50 B as best viewed in  FIG. 29 . 
     Aspects: Any of aspects 1-13 can be combined with any of aspects 14-23. 
     Aspect 1. A handle for a wafer carrier, the wafer carrier including a protrusion extending from an outer surface of the wafer carrier, the protrusion defining an aperture between the outer surface of the wafer carrier and an extent of the protrusion for attaching the handle, the handle comprising: a body including: a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and an insertable member disposed between the first end and the second end of the body and configured to be inserted into the aperture to secure the handle to the wafer carrier, the insertable member including a tab that retains the insertable member in the aperture when in an engaged state and a locking mechanism moveable relative to the insertable member between a locked state and an unlocked state, the locking mechanism including a flexible extension, and in the locked state, the locking mechanism maintains the tab in the engaged state and the flexible extension positioned to maintain the locking mechanism in the locked state. 
     Aspect 2. The handle of aspect 1, wherein the handle is configured to be attached and non-destructively detached from the wafer carrier. 
     Aspect 3. The handle of either one of aspects 1 or 2, wherein the tab is disposed on a first side of the insertable member, and when in the locked state, the locking mechanism extends along a second side of the insertable member opposite to the first side. 
     Aspect 4. The handle of any one of aspects 1-3, wherein when in the locked state, a thickness of the locking mechanism maintains the tab in the engaged state. 
     Aspect 5. The handle of any one of aspect 1-4, wherein when the locking mechanism is in the locked state, a geometry of the flexible extension maintains the locking mechanism in the locked state. 
     Aspect 6. The handle of any one of aspects 1-5, wherein the flexible extension is configured to be flexible to a smaller geometry or a different position, and to allow movement of the locking mechanism from the locked state in response to an external force flexing the flexible extension to the smaller geometry or the different position. 
     Aspect 7. The handle of any one of aspects 1-6, wherein the body includes a guide disposed in the body adjacent to the insertable member, the locking mechanism retained by the guide such that the locking mechanism is slidably attached to the body. 
     Aspect 8. The handle of any one of aspects 1-7, wherein the insertable member is disposed at an end of the grip, at the first end, or between the grip and the first end. 
     Aspect 9. The handle of any one of aspects 1-8, further comprising: a projection extending from the first end of the body in a first direction and a second direction in that order, the first direction being away from the body and non-planar to the first end of the body, and the second direction different from the first direction, wherein the projection is configured engage a rail of the wafer carrier to secure the handle to the wafer carrier. 
     Aspect 10. The handle of any one of aspects 1-9, wherein the insertable member is flexible relative to the rest of the body, and the tab movable into the engaged state by the flexing of the insertable member. 
     Aspect 11. The handle of any one of aspects 1-10, wherein the locking mechanism extends through the body. 
     Aspect 12. The handle of any one of aspects 1-11, wherein the locking mechanism extends through a through-hole of the body, and when in the locked state, the flexible extension causes a width of the locking mechanism to be larger than a corresponding width of the through-hole. 
     Aspect 13. The handle of any one of aspects 1-12, wherein the body includes a grip disposed between the first end and the second end of the body. 
     Aspect 14. A wafer carrier, comprising: an outer surface; a protrusion extending from the outer surface, the protrusion defining an aperture between the outer surface and an extent of the protrusion; a handle attached to the outer surface via the aperture, the handle including: a body including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an insertable member disposed between the first end and the second end and extending into the aperture to secure the handle to the outer surface, the insertable member including a tab that retains the insertable member in the aperture when in an engaged state; and a locking mechanism moveable relative to the insertable member between a locked state and an unlocked state, the locking mechanism including a flexible extension, and when in the locked state, the locking mechanism maintains the tab in the engaged state and the flexible extension is positioned to maintain the locking mechanism in the locked state. 
     Aspect 15. The wafer carrier of aspect 14, wherein when in the locked state, the locking mechanism extends between the insertable member and the outer surface and a thickness of the locking mechanism maintains the tab in the engaged state. 
     Aspect 16. The wafer carrier of either one of aspect 14 and 15, wherein the insertable member extends into the aperture in a first direction, and the thickness of the locking mechanism extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. 
     Aspect 17. The wafer carrier of any one of aspects 14-16, wherein when in the locked state, the locking mechanism extends between the insertable member and the outer surface. 
     Aspect 18. The wafer carrier of any one of aspects 14-17, wherein the insertable member is inserted into the aperture in a first direction, and the locking mechanism moves from the unlocked state to the locked state in a second direction parallel to the first direction. 
     Aspect 19. The wafer carrier of any one of aspects 14, 15, 17, and 18, further comprising: a rail extending along the outer surface, wherein the handle includes a projection extending from the first end of the body in a first direction and a second direction in that order, the first direction being away from the body and non-planar to the first end of the body, and the second direction being different from the first direction, and the projection engaging the rail to secure the handle to the outer surface. 
     Aspect 20. The wafer carrier of aspect 19, wherein the projection of the handle is moved to engage the rail in the same direction as the insertable member is inserted into the aperture. 
     Aspect 21. The wafer carrier of either one of aspects 19 and 20, further comprising: a first side, the outer surface defined by the first side, and the handle extends along the first side, and the engagement of the projection and the rail inhibiting movement of the handle away from or towards the first side. 
     Aspect 22. The wafer carrier of any one of aspects 19-21, further comprising: a slot defined by an inner surface of the rail, the projection extending into the slot. 
     Aspect 23. The wafer carrier of any one of claims  14 - 22 , wherein the wafer carrier is one of a front opening unified pod and a front opening shipping box. 
     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 the details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure&#39;s scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.