Packaging Tray with Interlocking Sidewalls

Abstract

A packaging tray configured to physically support an electronic device that includes a center panel, first and second opposing sidewalls, and first and second compartments. The center panel includes a first and second pairs of opposing fold edges, with the fold edges of the first and second pairs oriented substantially perpendicular to one another. The first opposing sidewall extends from a first fold edge, and the second opposing sidewall extends from a second fold edge, substantially perpendicular to the first opposing sidewall. A first compartment is defined in the first opposing sidewall and includes a first locking portion. A second compartment is defined in the second opposing sidewall and includes a second locking portion. The second locking portion is configured to engage the first locking portion to connect the first and second opposing sidewalls together. This provides enhanced structural integrity and allows for securing accessories.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A packaging tray configured to physically support an electronic device, the packaging tray comprising:
 a center panel comprising:
 a first pair of opposing fold edges; and 
 a second pair of opposing fold edges, the fold edges of the first and second pairs of opposing fold edges oriented substantially perpendicular to one another; 
   at least one first opposing sidewall that extends from a first fold edge of the fold edges;   at least one second opposing sidewall that extends from a second fold edge of the fold edges, the second opposing sidewall extending substantially perpendicular to the first opposing sidewall;   a first compartment defined in the first opposing sidewall, the first compartment including a first locking portion; and   a second compartment defined in the second opposing sidewall, the second compartment including a second locking portion, the second locking portion configured to engage the first locking portion to connect the first and second opposing sidewalls together.   
     
     
         2 . The packaging tray of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second compartments are trapezoidal-prism shaped. 
     
     
         3 . The packaging tray of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second locking portions are defined in lateral faces of the respective trapezoidal-prism shapes. 
     
     
         4 . The packaging tray of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first locking portion further comprises a rib that is located in and extends inwardly into the first compartment,   the second locking portion further comprises a channel that is located on and extends outwardly from the second compartment, and   the rib is slightly larger than the channel, such that when the rib is inserted into the channel an interference fit is created to interlock the first locking portion and the second locking portion to connect the first and second opposing sidewalls together.   
     
     
         5 . The packaging tray of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the center panel is spaced apart from the opposing sidewalls by the fold edges to define an accessory space between an underside of the center panel and inside lateral faces of the first and second compartments, and   the accessory space is configured to receive a product accessory.   
     
     
         6 . The packaging tray of  claim 1 , wherein the center panel defines at least one receiving cavity configured to receive a portion of the electronic device. 
     
     
         7 . The packaging tray of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a base defining a recess configured to receive the packaging tray therein; and   a lid configured to slidably fit over the base.   
     
     
         8 . The packaging tray of  claim 1 , wherein the packaging tray comprises a molded fiber material. 
     
     
         9 . The packaging tray of  claim 1 , wherein a fold edge of at least one of the first pair of opposing fold edges or the second pair of opposing fold edges includes multiple fold edges separated by a notch defined in the center panel, the notch configured to receive a cable of a product accessory therethrough.