Patent Publication Number: US-2015076146-A1

Title: Tray configured for packaging, packaged product assembly, and method for packaging a product

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/618,523, filed Mar. 30, 2012, and entitled “TRAY CONFIGURED FOR PACKAGING, PACKAGED PRODUCT ASSEMBLY, AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING A PRODUCT,” and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to packaging for products, and more particularly to methods, apparatuses, and assemblies for packaging products. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Competition in the consumer products markets has led manufacturers to improve not only the products they sell, but also the packaging therefor. In this regard, appealing retail packaging may encourage purchase of products that a consumer may otherwise overlook. Accordingly, design considerations for packaging have become increasingly more important. 
     In addition to having aesthetic appeal, packaging should protect the product such that it is not damaged or deformed during shipping. Regardless of whether or not the deformation is reversible, a user may prefer that a product arrive in an undeformed condition. While many designs and techniques used to package products have generally worked well in the past, there is always a desire to improve packaging, such that improved functionality and/or appearance is provided. 
     SUMMARY 
     An accessory unit for a consumer electronic device may include a rear cover that may receive the consumer electronic device therein, and a front flap that pivots relative thereto to either allow for use of the consumer electronic device or protect a screen thereof. The recessed portion of the accessory unit may be formed from a flexible material such that it conforms to the shape of the consumer electronic device. However, during shipping or handling thereof it may be possible for the recessed portion of the rear cover to become deformed as a result of forces applied thereto. 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a tray that is configured for packaging an accessory unit. In this regard, the tray may include a substantially planar portion and a curved perimeter portion that are respectively configured to support a bottom wall and a sidewall of the recessed portion of the accessory unit. For example, the substantially planar portion and the curved perimeter portion may be sized and shaped similarly to the bottom wall and the sidewall of the recessed portion of the accessory unit. The curved perimeter portion may extend to a rim that engages a frame coupled to the recessed portion of the accessory unit such that the tray is retained in the recessed portion. 
     The substantially planar portion of the tray may have cutout portions therein. The cutout portions may allow a consumer to view through the tray such that the consumer is quickly able to determine that the tray is a piece of packaging materials that should be discarded, as opposed to a portion of the accessory unit itself. In some embodiments, the cutout portions may also extend through the curved perimeter portion of the tray such that the tray defines flaps that extend from a center section. Further, score lines may be provided that extend between the cutout portions and facilitate folding of the flaps such that insertion and removal of the tray with respect to the recessed portion of the accessory unit may be facilitated. A handle feature such as a pull-tab or a raised portion with an aperture therethrough may also assist the user during insertion or removal of the tray. 
     A packaging system for the accessory unit may include a box and lid, in addition to the tray. Thereby, the tray may be inserted into the recessed portion of the accessory unit, and the accessory unit may then be inserted into the box and the lid closed. Accordingly, a packaged product assembly may mitigate deformation of the recessed portion of the accessory unit that may otherwise occurring during shipping or handling of the accessory unit. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed trays, packaging systems, packaged product assemblies, and methods for packaging. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the disclosure by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of a tray configured for packaging comprising a pull-tab and cutout portions in a substantially planar portion according to a first example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the tray of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of a tray configured for packaging comprising a raised portion with an aperture therethrough and cutout portions in a substantially planar portion according to a second example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of a tray configured for packaging comprising a raised portion with an aperture therethrough and cutout portions in a substantially planar portion and a curved perimeter portion according to a third example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom view of the tray of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the tray of  FIG. 4  in a folded configuration; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an accessory unit that may be packaged in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a partial top view of the accessory unit of  FIG. 7  with the tray of  FIG. 4  received therein; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a sectional view through the accessory unit and tray of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of a packaging system including a box and a lid according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a top perspective view of a packaged product assembly including the packaging system of  FIG. 10  in an open configuration and the accessory unit of  FIG. 7  received therein according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the packaged product assembly of  FIG. 11  in a partially assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a bottom view of the packaged product assembly of  FIG. 11  in a fully assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a method for packaging according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view through a tray comprising multiple layers of material in which an upper layer defines a handle feature according to a fourth example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view through a tray comprising multiple layers of material in which a lower layer defines a handle feature according to a fifth example embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a top schematic view of a tray in which a second layer is selectively included at desired locations according to a sixth example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary applications of apparatuses, assemblies, systems, and methods according to the present disclosure are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the disclosure. It w ill thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     Improved packaging that protects a product is desirable. Thus, a consumer may be presented with a product in new and undamaged condition. Improved aesthetic appeal for packaging also remains desirable, particularly when the packaging is employed for retail sale of a product. Further, packaging that simplifies the process for accessing the product may also be desirable to consumers. 
     In this regard,  FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of a tray  100 A configured for packaging. As discussed below, the tray  100 A may be configured to provide support to an accessory unit by acting as internal packaging therefor. The tray  100 A may comprise a substantially planar portion  102 A. One or more cutout portions  104 A may be defined in the substantially planar portion  102 A. The cutout portions  104 A decrease the weight of the tray  100 A so as to reduce the shipping cost associated with shipping the tray. and any product supported thereby. Further, the cutout portions  104 A allow a consumer to view through the tray  100 A. Accordingly, the consumer may be provided with an indication that the tray  100 A is apiece of packaging material, rather than a component of the accessory unit that the tray supports. Thus, a consumer may not improperly attempt to attach the accessory unit to a consumer electronic device with the tray still therein. 
     The tray  100 A may further comprise a curved perimeter portion  106 A that extends from the substantially planar portion  102 A. In the embodiment of the tray  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the curved perimeter portion  106 A surrounds the substantially planar portion  102 A. Further, the curved perimeter portion  106 A extends to a rim  108 A. 
     The tray  100 A may additionally include a handle feature  110 A. The handle feature  110 A may be configured for grasping the tray  100 A during insertion into, or removal from, an accessory unit. In. the embodiment of the tray  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the handle feature  110 A comprises a pull-tab  112 A. The pull-tab  112 A may comprise a semicircular piece of material that is formed by cutting the substantially planar portion  102 A along a semicircular line  114 A. To provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance, a corresponding debossed semicircle  116 A may be positioned next to the pull-tab  112 A. Thus, the pull-tab  112 A and the debossed semicircle  116 A may combine to form a circular shape. In this regard, the cutout portions  104 A may define circular shapes of the same size as the circle defined by the pull-tab  112 A and the debossed semicircle  116 A in some embodiments. Further, a score line  118 A may be provided between the debossed semicircle  116 A and the pull-tab  112 A. The score line  118 A may encourage the pull-tab  112  A to fold cleanly therealong. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , which is a side view of the embodiment of the tray  100 A illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the rim  108 A may define a flange  120 A in some embodiments. The flange  120 A may be provided in order to simplify production of the tray  100 A. In this regard, the flange  120 A may define a planar configuration that is more easily cut than a curved surface. Accordingly, the flange  120 A may reduce costs associated with production of the tray  100 A. However, the trays disclosed herein may not include a planar flange in all embodiments. 
     The tray  100 A may be formed from a variety of materials. However, in one embodiment the tray  100 A may comprise a molded fiber material. The molded fiber material may define a smooth inner surface  122 A (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ), which may be aesthetically pleasing to a consumer. Further, the molded fiber material may define a mesh pattern at an outer surface  124 A (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ) thereof. The patterned outer surface  124 A may be configured to engage the inner surface of an accessory unit such that the tray  100 A remains properly positioned therein. The mesh defining the patterned outer surface  124 A may also provide the molded fiber material with additional strength and rigidity. 
     Various other embodiments of trays are also provided. The additional embodiments of trays may include many of the features of the first embodiment of a tray  100 A illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Accordingly, features that are substantially similar may not be discussed for purposes of brevity. Similar features are indicated by similar reference numerals. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of a second embodiment of a tray  100 B configured for packaging. In one aspect, the tray  100 B differs from the above-described embodiment of a tray  100 A in the position and shape of the cutout portions  104 B in the substantially planar portion  102 B. However, the cutout portions  104 B may serve the same purpose of reducing weight and allowing a consumer to view through the tray  100 B portions. 
     The handle feature  110 B of the tray  100 B also differs. As illustrated, the handle feature  110 B comprises a raised portion  126 B with an aperture  128 B therethrough. The raised portion  126 B may include a substantially planar ring  130 B that surrounds the aperture  128 B. The raised portion  126 B of the handle feature  110 B may define an annular pocket that is accessible through the aperture  128 B. Thereby, a user may be able to grasp the tray  100 B my extending one or more fingers through the aperture  128 B and curl his or her fingers into contact with the outer surface  124 B of the tray (e.g., at the substantially planar ring  130 B of the raised portion  126 B). Additionally, the user may press his or her thumb against the inner surface  122 B of the tray  100 B (e.g., at the raised portion  126 B or the substantially planar portion  100 B) in order to stabilize the tray while grasping the handle feature  110 B. 
     A third embodiment of a tray  100 C configured for packaging is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The tray  100 C includes many of the features discussed above with respect to the second embodiment of the tray  100 B. For example, the tray  100 C includes an embodiment of the handle feature  110 C with a raised portion  126 C having a substantially planar ring  130 C that surrounds an aperture  128 C. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , which is a rear perspective view of the tray  100 C, the raised portion  126 C may define an annular pocket  132 C at the outer surface  124 C of the tray that is accessible through the aperture  128 C, as described above. 
     However the cutout portions  104 C of the tray  100 C differ from the above-described embodiments of cutout portions. In particular, the cutout portions  104 C extend not only through the substantially planar portion  102 C, but also through the curved perimeter portion  106 C. Extending the cutout portions  104 C through the curved perimeter portion  106 C may provide the tray  100 C with additional flexibility, which may assist a user in installing the tray in, and removing the tray from, an accessory unit. 
     The tray  100 C additionally includes a plurality of score lines  134 C defined in the substantially planar portion  102 C. As illustrated, the score lines  1340  may extend between the cutout portions  104 C around the handle feature  110 C. Thus, the score lines  1340  may divide the substantially planar portion  102 C into a center section  136 C, which may surround the handle feature  1100 , and a plurality of flaps  138 C that are foldable relative to the center section. The flaps  1380  may also respectively include portions of the curved perimeter portion  106 C extending therefrom. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the score lines  134 C may facilitate folding of the substantially planar portion  102 C therealong such that when the flaps  138 C are folded, the substantially planar portion  102 C may cleanly bend therealong. The folded configuration of the flaps  138 C illustrated in  FIG. 6  may be employed to facilitate insertion of the tray  100 C into an accessory unit. 
     In this regard,  FIG. 7  illustrates an example embodiment of an accessory unit  200  for a consumer electronic device that may be supported by the embodiments of the trays  100 A-C (collectively, “ 100 ”) disclosed herein. By way of example, the accessory unit  200  may comprise an embodiment of an accessory unit disclosed in U.S. Patent Application entitled, “ACCESSORY UNITS FOR CONSUMER ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND RELATED ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS” by Balaji et. al. filed Mar. 6, 2012 having Application No. PCT/US2012/027921 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, the trays  100  may he employed to support various other embodiments of accessory units. 
     As illustrated, the accessory unit  200  may comprise a front flap  202  and a rear cover  204 . The front flap  202  may include a plurality of segments  206  and a folding region  208  positioned between each of the segments. The folding regions  208  may be configured to allow the segments  206  to fold with respect to each other. The front flap  202  may also include an end region  210 . The end region  210  hingedly couples the front flap  202  to the rear cover  204 . 
     The rear cover  204  may include a recessed portion  212  and a frame  214 . The recessed portion  212  may include a plurality of sidewalls  216  and a bottom wall  218  that collectively define a chamber  220 . The frame  214  may be coupled to the recessed portion  212  and extend about an opening  222  of the chamber  220 . The recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204  may be formed from a flexible material. Additionally, the frame  214  may be formed from a material that is more rigid than the flexible material of the recessed portion  212 . In this regard, the frame  214  of the rear cover  204  may be configured to retain a consumer electronic device in the chamber  220 . 
     Due to the recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204  of the accessory unit  200  being formed from a flexible material, it may be possible for the recessed portion to collapse, dent, or otherwise become deformed when a consumer electronic device is not held therein. For example, during shipment of the accessory unit  200 , the accessory unit may be compressed or otherwise subjected to forces that affect the shape of the recessed portion  212 . 
     Accordingly, the trays l  00  discussed herein may be employed as packaging configured to support the accessory unit  200 . In this regard,  FIG. 8  illustrates the accessory unit  200  with the front flap  202  in an open configuration and the third embodiment of the tray  100 C is received in the rear cover  204 . However, as noted above, other embodiments of trays  100  may be employed to support the accessory unit  200 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the tray  100 C may be received in the recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204 . In particular, the substantially planar portion  102 C and the curved perimeter portion  106 C of the tray  100 C may engage the recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204 . For example, the curved perimeter portion  106 C of the tray  100 C may engage and support the sidewalls  216  of the recessed portion  212 . Further, the substantially planar portion  102 C may engage and support the bottom wall  218  of the recessed portion  212 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view through the accessory unit  200  when the tray  100 C is received therein and the front flap  202  is in a closed position. As illustrated, the rim  108 C of the curved perimeter portion  106 C may engage an inner edge  224  of the frame  214 , Thus, the frame  214  may retain the tray  100 C inside the recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204 . 
     Accordingly, each of the above-described embodiments of a tray  100  may function to support the accessory unit  200  by respectively engaging the bottom wall  218  and the sidewalls  216  of the recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204  with the similarly shaped substantially planar portion  102  and curved perimeter portion  106  of the trays. Thus, each embodiment of the tray  100  may resist deformation of the recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204  by providing support thereto. 
     In some embodiments it may be desirable to provide the trays  100  with dimensions that are greater than the dimensions of the opening  222  to the chamber  220  defined in the recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204 . Thus, when the tray  100  is received in the chamber  220 . the frame  214  may retain the tray therein such that the recessed portion  212  remains supported. For example, as noted above, the rim  108  of the curved perimeter portion  106  may engage the inner edge  224  of the frame  214 . 
     However, the third embodiment of the tray  100 C provides additional functionality. In this regard, as noted above, the score lines  134 C divide the substantially planar portion  102 C into the center section  136 C, which may surround the handle feature  110 C, and a plurality of flaps  138 C that are foldable relative to the center section. The flaps  138 C may also respectively include sections of the curved perimeter portion  106 C. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , each of the flaps  138 C may fold along the score lines  134 C. By facilitating folding in this manner, the score lines  134 C may make it easier to insert the tray  100 C through the frame  214  into the compartment  220  by allowing the tray to bend during insertion. Further, the flaps  138 C may facilitate removal of the tray  100 C from the accessory unit  200  by allowing the flaps to fold in an opposite manner as a consumer withdraws the tray from the compartment  220 . In this regard, the score lines  134 C may be particularly advantageous in embodiments of the tray  100 C that define dimensions greater than that of the opening  222  to the compartment  220 . For example, when the flaps  138 C are folded down and inwardly, the dimensions of the tray  100 C (e.g., length and width) may be decreased such that the tray fits through the opening  222 . As the flaps  138 C are inserted through the frame  214 , the flaps may unfold into a substantially planar configuration. 
     Use of oversized dimensions of the tray  100  may also function to retain the tray in the recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204  of the accessory unit  200  when the accessory unit and the tray are subjected to changes in temperature. For example, changes in temperature may cause the tray  100  to shrink relative to the accessory unit  200 . Accordingly, use of oversized dimensions may allow the tray  100  to retain a sufficient size to remain engaged with the recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204  despite the relative shrinkage. 
     Further embodiments of the tray  100  (e.g. tray  100 B and tray  100 C) including a handle feature  110  with a raised portion  126  may provide additional benefits. In this regard, the raised portion  126  of the handle feature  110  may be provided with a height that is slightly greater than a height to which the curved perimeter portion  106  extends. For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of the tray  100 C in which the raised portion  126 C of the handle feature  110 C extends to a height  140 C that is slightly greater than a height  142 C to which the curved perimeter portion  106 C extends, Accordingly, whereas the rim  108 C of the curved perimeter portion  106 C comes into contact with the inner edge  224  of the frame  214  of the accessory unit  200 , the raised portion  126 C may contact the front flap  202  of the accessory unit when the front flap is in the closed configuration. For example, in some embodiments the height  140 C of the handle feature  110 C may be greater than or equal to a height  226  of the rear cover  204 . Thus, force applied to the bottom wall  218  of the rear cover  204  may be transferred through the handle feature  110 C to the front flap  202 , due to the raised portion  126 C being in contact therewith. Thereby, deformation of the recessed portion  212  of the accessory unit  200  may be avoided. 
     Further, in embodiments of the tray  100 C employing the score lines  134 C and enlarged dimensions relative to the compartment  220  defined by the recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204 , the center section  136 C of the tray may be lifted slightly relative to the flaps  138 C and the bottom wall  218  of the recessed portion. This may assist in providing the raised portion  126 C with a greater height  140 C than the height  142 C of the curved perimeter portion  106 C. Further, this configuration may provide the tray  100 C with a spring bias that applies pressure to the bottom wall  218  of the rear cover  204  when the front flap  202  is closed and thereby brought into contact with the raised portion  126 C of the tray  100 C. Accordingly, the spring bias may further resist deformation of the recessed portion  212 . 
     In order to further protect the accessory unit  200  from damage, additional packaging may be provided. In this regard,  FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a packaging system  300  in an open configuration. The packaging system  300  may incorporate some or all of the features of the embodiments of packaging systems disclosed in U.S. Patent Application entitled, “PACKAGING ASSEMBLY” by Akana et. al. filed Mar. 9, 2012 having application Ser. No. 13/416,855 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, various other embodiments of packaging systems may be employed in other embodiments. 
     Briefly, the packaging system  300  may comprise a box  302  and a lid  304 . The packaging system  300  may also include an embodiment of the tray  100 , although not illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In one example embodiment the box  302  may comprise one or more layers of cardboard. paperboard, paper, and/or other materials that are folded, glued, and/or otherwise formed into a plurality of walls. In particular, the walls may include a bottom wall  306  and a plurality of sidewalls  308 . The sidewalls  308  and the bottom wall  306  may define an interior compartment  310  that is configured to receive a product such as the above-described accessory unit  200 . The sidewalls  308  may define an upper opening  312  to the interior compartment  310  opposite the bottom wall  306 , Further, a slot  314  may be defined in the bottom wall  306 . 
     The lid  304  may be hingedly coupled to the box  302 . In some embodiments the lid  304  and the box  302  may be integrally formed and/or formed from the same material. However, in other embodiments the lid  304  and the box  302  may be separate components formed from different materials. In this regard, in some embodiments the lid  304  may comprise a plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Embodiments of plastic materials that are translucent or transparent may be advantageously employed to form all or a part of the lid  304  in embodiments of the packaging system  300  employed for retail sales. since consumers may thereby be able to view a product therethrough. The lid  304  may comprise a major panel  316  and a plurality of side panels  318  with score lines  320  therebetween, which may be formed by radio frequency (RF) scoring in some embodiments. In order to hingedly couple the lid  304  to the box  302 , one of the side panels  318  of the lid may be coupled to one of the sidewalls  308  of the box. Accordingly, the lid  304  may pivot between an open configuration (see, e.g.,  FIG. 10 ) in which the upper opening  312  of the box  302  is open and a closed configuration (see, e.g.,  FIG. 11 ) in which the lid covers the upper opening. 
     The lid  304  may additionally include a tab  322  in some embodiments. The tab  322  may extend from one of the side panels  318  that is opposite to the one of the side panels hingedly coupled to one of the sidewalls  308  of the box  302 . Accordingly, the tab  322  may align with the slot  314  in the bottom wall  306  of the box  302  when the lid  304  is folded to the closed configuration. 
     The packaging system  300  may further comprise an adhesive member  324  coupled to the tab  322  defined by the lid  304 . In some embodiments the adhesive member  324  may comprise a first flap  326  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 10 and 12 ) and a second flap  328  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 13 ) with adhesive on inner surfaces thereof that couple the flaps to the tab  322 . Further, an extension  330  may extend from the first and second flaps  326 ,  328 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a packaged product assembly  400  comprising the packaging system  300  and the accessory unit  200  received in the interior compartment  310  of the box  302 . An embodiment of the tray  100  may be received in the rear cover  204  of the accessory unit  200  such that the recessed portion  212  thereof is supported by the substantially planar portion  102  and curved perimeter portion  106  of the tray. Further, the front flap  202  of the accessory unit  200  may be configured in the closed configuration (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ). After the accessory unit  200  and tray  100  are received in the interior compartment  310  of the box  302 , the lid  304  may be configured to the closed configuration illustrated in  FIG. 11  in which the lid covers the upper opening  312  of the box. 
     As the lid  304  is configured to the closed configuration, the tab  322  and the adhesive member  324  may align with the slot  314  defined in the bottom wall  306  of the box  302  as the lid and the box are pivoted toward one another. Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the tab  322  and the adhesive member  324  may extend through the slot  314  defined in the bottom wall  306  of the box  302  when the lid  304  is pivoted to the closed configuration, The adhesive member  324  may further comprise an adhesive at an outer surface  332  of the first flap  326 . The adhesive member  324  may also include an adhesive liner  334 , which is shown as partially removed in  FIG. 12 , coupled to the adhesive at the outer surface  332 . The adhesive liner  334  may prevent the adhesive from adhering to the bottom wall  306  of the box  302  as the adhesive member  324  is inserted through the slot  314 . 
     After the tab  322  and the adhesive member  324  are inserted through the slot  314  defined in the bottom wall  306  of the box  302 , the adhesive liner  334  may be removed such that the adhesive at the outer surface  332  of the first flap  326  is exposed. The tab  322  may then be bent about a score line  336  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 10 ). Accordingly, the adhesive at the outer surface  332  of the first flap  326  of the adhesive member  324  may couple the tab  322  to an outer surface of the bottom wall  306  of the b ix  302 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Thereby, the lid  304  may be retained in the closed configuration. 
     In the closed configuration, the various parts of the packaging system  300  cooperate to protect the accessory unit  200  from damage. In this regard, the box  302  and the lid  304  may function to protect the accessory unit  200  from external damage. Further, the tray  100  functions to prevent the recessed portion  312  of the rear cover  204  of the accessory unit  200  from deforming. The box  302  and the lid  304  may also assist in preventing deformation of the recessed portion  312 . For example, in embodiments of the tray  100  including a handle feature  110  with a raised portion  126 , the box  302  and the lid  304  may restrain movement of the front flap  202  relative to the rear cover  204  of the accessory unit  200 , such that the packaging assembly resists force transferred from the recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204  through the tray  100  to the front flap such that the front flap remains in the closed configuration. Accordingly, the box  302  and the lid  304  assist in resisting deformation of the recessed portion  212  of the rear cover  204  of the accessory unit. 
     In order to access the accessory unit  200  from the packaged product assembly  400 , a consumer may grasp the extension  330  of the adhesive member  324 , which is decoupled from the bottom wall  306  of the box  302  because it does not include an adhesive, in order to detach the adhesive member from the box. Thereafter, a consumer may perform the above-noted operations performed in assembling the packaged product assembly substantially in reverse order. However, various ones of the above-noted steps need not be conducted. For example. after the consumer detaches the adhesive member  324  from the bottom wall  306  of the box  302 , he or she may simply push the adhesive member and the tab  322  back through the slot  314  without detaching the adhesive member from the tab. 
     The consumer may then pivot the lid  304  relative to the box  302  such that the lid reaches the open configuration in which the upper opening  312  to the interior compartment  310  of the box is open. The consumer may then remove the accessory unit  200  from the box  302  and pivot the front flap  202  to the open configuration. The handle feature  110  may then be employed to lift the tray  100  from accessory unit  200 . Accordingly, a user may unpackage the accessory unit  200  in a relatively simple manner. In this regard, scissors or other tools may not be required to retrieve the accessory unit  200  from the packaging system  300  or remove the tray  100 . 
     A related method for packaging is also provided. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the method may include providing an accessory unit at operation  502 . The accessory unit may comprise the above-described embodiment of an accessory unit  200  described above. In this regard, the accessory unit may comprise a front flap and a rear cover. However, various other embodiments of accessory units may be packaged in other embodiments. 
     The method may further comprise providing a tray at operation  502 . The tray may comprise one of the above-described trays  100  in some embodiments. In this regard, the tray may comprise a substantially planar portion, a curved perimeter portion extending from the substantially planar portion, a plurality of cutout portions in the substantially planar portion, and a handle feature configured for grasping the tray. 
     The method may additionally include inserting the tray into the rear cover of the accessory unit at operation  504 . Inserting the tray into the rear cover at operation  504  may comprise inserting the tray through a frame coupled to the rear portion of the accessory unit. Further, inserting the tray through the frame coupled to the recessed portion may comprise folding the substantially planar portion of the tray at a plurality of score lines extending between the cutout portions around the handle feature. As a result of insertion of the tray at operation  504 , the substantially planar portion and the curved perimeter portion of the tray may support the accessory unit by engaging the recessed portion of the rear cover. 
     The method may also include pivoting the front flap relative to the rear cover to a closed configuration at operation  506 . Pivoting the front flap relative to the rear cover at operation  506  may comprise engaging the front flap with the hand e feature of the tray. 
     In some embodiments the method may additionally include providing a box comprising a plurality of walls defining an interior compartment and inserting the accessory unit in to the interior compartment of the box. Further, the method may include providing a lid coupled to one of the walls of the box and pivoting the lid relative to the box to a closed configuration in which the lid covers an upper opening of the box. 
     In some embodiments the trays  100  described herein may comprise a single layer of the above-described molded fiber material. In another embodiment the trays  100  may comprise two or more layers of material (e.g., the molded fiber material) that are glued or otherwise coupled together. The two layers may define differing properties, such as material composition and/or geometry. Thereby, the properties of the tray  100  at the inner and outer surfaces may be separately controlled as desired. For example, differing material properties of the two layers may be employed to provide the tray  100  with a balance of support and flexibility. Further, some embodiments of materials may have limits with respect to the thickness of a single layer thereof. Thus, in order to make the tray  100  thicker, multiple layers of material may be required. 
     In this regard,  FIG. 15  schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view through an embodiment of a tray  100 D comprising multiple layers  144 D,  146 D of material. The upper layer  144 D may define a handle feature  110 D with a raised portion  126 D having a substantially planar ring  130 D that surrounds an aperture  128 D. Accordingly, the tray  100 D may be lifted via the handle feature  110 D as discussed above. The lower layer  146  coupled thereto may be configured as needed to produce desired properties. For example, if more strength is required, the lower layer  146 D may be substantially continuous. Further, as illustrated, the lower layer  146 D may not include a raised portion, and thus the separation of the layers  144 D,  146 D at the handle features  110 D may define a three-dimensional structure that provides the tray  100 D with extra support. 
       FIG. 16  schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view through an alternate embodiment of the tray  100 E in which the upper layer  144 E defines an aperture  148 E. The aperture  148 F, in the upper layer  144 E may be configured to align with a handle feature  110 E defined by the lower layer  146 E. In this regard, during assembly of the tray  100 E, the raised portion  126 E of the lower layer  146 E may mate with the aperture  148 E in the upper layer  144 E to cause the two layers to self-align. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a top schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the tray  100 F in which a second layer is selectively included at desired locations. Thereby, for example, the tray  100 F may be provided with additional rigidity at the areas where the second layer is applied, and relatively greater flexibility where the second layer is not applied. In the illustrated embodiment, the tray  100 F includes a lower layer  146 F with an upper layer  144 F applied at each of the flaps  138 F. Thereby, each flap  138 F is individually stiffened, but each flap may still easily flex relative to the center section  136 F. 
     Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described disclosure may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.