Stackable Packaging Tray Corner Locking Mechanism

Instead of having upward-pointing stacking lugs that are prone to buckling, the patent inverts the concept by creating recesses in the bottom of each tray that receive protruding edges from the tray above. This inversion transforms the vulnerable upward-pointing structure into a stable interlocking structure where the protruding edges are supported from below by the recesses, eliminating the buckling problem while maintaining stacking capability.

The patent implements self-aligning stacking through geometrically complementary protruding edges and recesses. The protruding edges automatically find and engage with the recesses in the tray below without requiring operators to locate specific counter-openings. This self-service mechanism eliminates the difficulty of finding matching openings and simplifies assembly to a straightforward drop-and-lock action.

Instead of adding substantial stacking lugs that require significant cardboard material, the patent applies the stacking function locally through minimal protruding edges and corresponding recesses. These localized features are integrated into the tray corners and require minimal additional cardboard, dramatically reducing material waste compared to traditional stacking lug designs while maintaining the stacking function.

The patent segments the stacking function into simple, discrete corner elements with protruding edges and recesses rather than using complex integrated stacking lug structures. This segmentation into modular corner components simplifies the overall structure, making it easier to manufacture and connect by machine while maintaining stacking enablement through the coordinated interaction of these simple segmented elements.