Abstract: A work vehicle steering system for a work vehicle having a frame, a plurality of wheels, and a coupling assembly coupled to at least one of the wheels is provided. The coupling assembly includes first, second, and third rotatable assemblies. The first rotatable assembly is coupled to the frame and is configured to rotate on a first axis. The second rotatable assembly is coupled to the first rotatable assembly and is configured to rotate on a second axis. The third rotatable assembly is coupled between the second rotatable assembly and the wheel and is configured to rotate on a third axis. The coupling assembly provides the wheel with three degrees of movement.

Abstract: An equipment (engine) compartment at one end of an automotive vehicle is closed by a structurally stiff hood panel having laterally opposite edges supported in side rails. The hood panel is longitudinally slidable in the side rails between a closed position covering an upper opening and an open position wherein the hood panel is moved to a longitudinally outward position along the rails to open the compartment for servicing equipment in the compartment. Releasable latches hold the hood panel closed until released for sliding to the open position with a releasable stop for full removal of the panel. The hood panel and side rails are preferably extruded members forming structurally stiff box sections that provide significant energy absorption to the front structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-contained compressed air system comprising a modified Wankel engine for driving various vehicles, mining gear boxes, pumping oil and water in oil fields and industrial plants, electrical power generators, and specifically, a 5-speed transmission for a front wheel drive vehicle. The compressor engine does not require electrical ignition and water-cooled components.

Abstract: A snowmobile having an adjustable width front suspension. The snowmobile has a chassis and front skis spaced laterally from each other. For at least one of the skis, a mounting column extends generally upward and parallel radius rods, which may be of adjustable length, are pivotally connected between the chassis and the mounting column. The lateral spacing of the front skis may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the radius rods or by adjusting the lateral position on which the radius rods mount to the chassis or the mounting column.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus which generates a steering assist force to be applied to a steering mechanism by a hydraulic pressure generated by a pump driven by an electric motor. The apparatus determines a rotation speed of the motor in accordance with a steering angular speed sensed when the steering mechanism is operated. The motor is driven at a lower motor rotation speed when the steering mechanism is operated toward a steering angle midpoint than when the steering mechanism is operated away from the steering angle midpoint.

Abstract: A raising system for scaffolding, elevator cabins and the like which comprises a vertical stationary beam member from one side of which equally vertically spaced similar rack teeth are protruding, each tooth having a substantially horizontal straight top face, a framework guided for up and down movement along said beam member, a power driven shaft rotatably supported by said framework and carrying spaced radial supports, a series of parallel idle shafts extending between the supports, equally spaced from one another and radially equally spaced from the driven shaft, and a plurality of cylindrical roller assemblies rotatably mounted on the idle shafts and adapted to come in successive rolling engagement with the top faces of said teeth during upward or downward movement of said framework. Each roller assembly includes several rollers disposed side by side.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus for an elevator includes an auxiliary power source for storing energy for driving a brake coil of an electromagnetic brake upon release of a brake wheel. A DC voltage is boosted only when the brake is released, and the voltage-boosting function ceases when the brake is held in a released condition. This brake control apparatus for an elevator uses a lower voltage and only one DC power source and immediately supplies the necessary energy to the brake coil to release the brake independently of the power source voltage at the time.

Abstract: A velocity instruction generating apparatus for a car of an elevator system and a velocity instruction generating method which make it possible to decrease a computation time, computation amount and computation error by computing a velocity instruction based on an integer number computation and control the velocity of the car in real time.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the position of a moveable object along a path such as a rail or a wire. The apparatus includes an acoustic signal conductor, a signal input coupler, and a signal extractor. The acoustic signal conductor extends along the travel path and has a predetermined, uniform speed at which sound is propagated. The signal input coupler is located on the moveable object to couple a clocked acoustic signal into the acoustic signal waveguide. The signal extractor is arranged at one end of the acoustic signal waveguide and is connected to an evaluation unit for determining the propagation-time of the sound signal from a position at which the sound signal is coupled to the signal extractor to accordingly generate a signal representative of the instantaneous position of the moveable object on the travel path. A sensor on the acoustic signal conductor is actuated by being passed over by the moveable object.

Abstract: A system for electrically detecting different positions of a movable piston within a piston housing of a hydraulic system is provided. The system includes at least two electrically conductive pads mounted on the piston housing at different locations along the path of movement of the piston, an electrically conductive segment mounted on the piston housing along the path of movement of the piston adjacent the conductive pads, and an electrical coupler, such as a spring-loaded conductor, attached for movement with the piston to provide an electrical connection between each conductive pad and the conductive segment as the piston moves along within the piston housing. The system also includes an electronic control unit, which may be a microprocessor, coupled to each conductive pad and the conductive segment to detect electrical connection between each conductive pad and the conductive segment. Each electrical connection corresponds to a specific position of the piston.

Abstract: A balanced braking system to be used on a bicycle with a front brake and a rear brake, the balanced braking system comprising: a connecting unit and a secondary cable. The connecting unit is driven by primary cables, carrying a roll. The secondary cable has two ends that connect the front and rear brakes and a middle part that runs around the roll, turning the roll with little friction when shifting. When the primary cables are pulled on, the secondary cable is moved aside by the roll, in turn pulling on the front and rear brakes. Any different forces on the front brake and the rear brake are compensated by the secondary cable shifting with little friction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved piston construction for use in a braking system. The piston construction employs an insulator at its inner end and a conical aperture at it outer end. Both of these promote increased heat isolation during braking operations. The piston of the present invention also employs an o-ring which is secured within a cylindrical recess. The o-ring ensures a fluid tight seal between the piston and the piston housing. Through the use of the o-ring, air is prevented from entering the brake lines.

Abstract: A brake calliper for a disc brake comprises a yoke carrying a pair of opposite brake pads and an electric actuating mechanism connected to the yoke, the actuating mechanism engaging a displaceable support member for displacing the brake pads towards and from each other. The actuating mechanism is driveable over a first range of rotations as well as over a second range of rotations, one of which ranges being for displacing the pads towards and from each other for exerting a braking effect on an associated brake disc, and the other range of which being for wear compensation of the pads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined service and parking brake system, especially for automotive vehicles, which includes a hydraulically clampable combined service and parking brake with a mechanical locking device. The mechanical locking device is electrically operable and thus satisfies in a simple fashion the parking function of the hydraulically clamped combined service and parking brake.

Abstract: A first screw body (58) is rotatively mounted around a screwing axis (C; C′, C″), that extends parallel to the axis (A) of the brake disk (10) in a housing axially arranged next to the brake disk (10) in the mounted position. A second screw body (66) is secured against rotation and linked to the first screw body (58) by a readjustment threaded coupling (68), so that both screw bodies (58, 66) form together a longitudinally adjustable tappet for exercising an actuating force on a brake shoe (22). A rotary body (42) can be rotated around its own axis of rotation (B) by means of an actuating member (38) in order to axially displace the tappet The axis of rotation (B) is at least approximately parallel to the brake disk. Linking gears arranged between the rotary body (42) and the first screw body (58) have a right-angle gear a drive and a coupling device (90) which transmit a limited torque for readjusting said brake shoe.

Abstract: A novel and improved magnetorheological fluid damper is provided which effectively secures a flux ring to a piston core in a manner which prevents relative axial and radial movement between the flux ring and the core throughout operation while minimizing the size of the piston assembly yet providing effective damping. Several connector devices are disclosed for both axially and radially securing the flux ring relative to the piston core at one end of the piston assembly in a simple manner without increasing the length of the piston assembly. The connector device may include an outer portion brazed to the flux ring, an inner portion connected to the piston core, bridge portions extending between the outer and inner portions, flow passages formed between the bridge portions and an inlet cavity formed adjacent an annular flow gap to permit unimpeded, enhanced laminar flow through the flow gap by improving the damping effect.

Abstract: A pneumatic type of stabilizer for an automobile uses pressurized air as an elastic means of the stabilizer. The stabilizer comprises a cylindrical case in which a left rotating rod and a right rotating rod, each having a radial blade, respectively, are pivotally mounted, a rotator connected with an outer end of the rotating rods and protrudes out of the cylindrical case, a connecting rod connected with the ends of the rotators, and two arms connecting the connecting rods with two suspension arms of a suspension system.

Abstract: A device, e.g. a pressure regulator, for realizing an opening and/or closing function in connection with the force-velocity curves of the device incorporates two parts which work away from and towards each other at different velocities and accelerations, e.g. slide and housing. The parts work with a stroke and determine, in dependence upon the present size of the stroke, the passage of a fluid by way of a restrictor function realized by the parts. At least the one part (the slide) is subjected to force on both its sides. The restrictor function is made up of at least two part-restrictors which can be simultaneously actuated by a respective stroke and thereupon vary, preferably successively, their restrictor sizes differently from each other in dependence upon the respective stroke size. In the restrictor function, a passage of fluid is herein obtained which produces a smooth curve shape in the introductory and concluding part of the respective opening or closing function.

Abstract: An axially movable switching sealing ring within a groove having an axial width greater than the axial width of the ring, in particular in the piston of a piston-cylinder unit, where the switching sealing ring has sealing surfaces on its upper side surface, lower side surface and radial outer wall surface in each instance. The upper and lower side surfaces each have an axially relieved section adjacent the radially outer diameter of the ring, so that the upper and lower sealing surfaces are formed optimally by only part of the upper and lower side surfaces.

Abstract: A one-way clutch has rollers individually disposed in wedge-shaped spaces formed at positions along a circumference between an inner annular body and an outer annular body which are disposed concentrically. The wedge angle of each wedge-shaped space is fixed at a preferred value. As a result, an engagement position of the roller becomes shallow when the roller is positioned on a narrower side of the wedge-shaped space and gaps between the roller and the inner and outer annular bodies become small when the roller is positioned on a wider side of the wedge-shaped space. Therefore, the rollers move smoothly when switching between the lock state and the free state.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a textured separator plate having specific desirable surface characteristics and method of manufacture of said plate. The separator plate in one embodiment is fashioned from steel which is textured by cold working, for example, by a laser-matte rolling process. Preferably, the surface texture is a repeatable bi-dimensional pattern exhibiting a surface profile which is plateau-like in appearance, the texture comprising a regular pattern of curvilinear recesses defining island-like features.

Abstract: A pressure plate housing for a clutch of a motor vehicle includes a housing cover and a housing wall integrally produced from sheet metal. Sleeves are arranged in the housing wall that have recesses designed for receiving connecting elements. The pressure plate housing has particularly small radial dimensions and can be produced very cost-effectively.

Abstract: A protector device for a danger zone of the machine includes two parallel slides 10 disposed along two sides of this danger zone and two normally open switches 11, 11a connected in series in the electrical supply of at least one motor of the machine. One of these switches is disposed adjacent one end of one of the slides 10 while the other 11a is disposed adjacent the opposite end of one of the slides 10. It also comprises a protector element 8 sliding in the slides and whose length is such that in service position, this protector element 8 actuates the control members of the two switches 11, 1a to close them.

Abstract: A clutch fork assembly for use with a motor vehicle clutch includes a shaft and a fork. The shaft has an axis of fork rotation at a first location. The fork has a pair of tines and a lever arm. Each tine has a first bearing engagement point at a first bearing distance from the axis of fork rotation. The lever arm has a first linkage engagement point at a first linkage distance from the axis of fork rotation. The link engagement point is a predetermined distance from the bearing engagement point. A first clutch fork lever ratio is established by dividing the first linkage distance by the first bearing distance.

Abstract: A currency evaluation device for receiving a stack of currency bills and rapidly evaluating all the bills in the stack. The device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be evaluated and a plurality of output receptacles for receiving the bills after the bills have been evaluated. A transport mechanism transports the bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle to the output receptacles along a transport path. A discriminating unit including a detector positioned along the transport path between the input receptacle and the output receptacles counts and determines the denomination of the bills. The device further comprises a processor which flags a bill meeting or failing to meet a certain criteria. The processor causes the transport mechanism to halt in response to the detection of a bill meeting or failing to meet the criteria.

Abstract: The coin validator is calibrated by inserting a calibration key different from coins to be validated in a static position in the validator such that eddy currents are induced in the key by operation of its sensor coils so as to produce a calibration value of signals form the sensor coils as a function of the individual characteristics of the validator. The calibrating value of the sensor signals may be compared with ensemble data concerning corresponding calibration values derived from an ensemble of coin validators of the same design.

Abstract: A material processing plant e.g. a crusher or shredder (2) adapted to be suspended between a first wheeled unit (3) and a second wheeled unit (4) during transport, in which the first and second units have respective couplings, and in which the plant comprises: a plant frame; and front coupling and a rear coupling provided at the front and rear of the plant frame respectively; an arrangement of the front and rear couplings such that when the front coupling and the rear coupling of the plant frame are connected to the respective couplings of the first and second wheeled units, the plant (2) is suspended between the first and second units; and a lifting means (37) connected to one or both of the wheeled units (3,4), or to the plant frame, and operable to lift the plant for connecting the couplings of the plant frame to the respective couplings of the first and second wheeled units.

Abstract: A baggage handling system includes a plurality of baggage trays for carrying baggage and a conveyor for transporting the trays at a given speed. A diverter selectively removes baggage from the conveyor and positions the baggage on an accumulator. An unloader is provided to unload the baggage from the accumulator. The accumulation in one mode slows baggage as received from the conveyor and presents the slowed baggage to an unloading device at a generally constant rate, such a rate being dependent of the rate at which the baggage is diverted from the conveyor. The unloader uses a tipping mechanism employing wheel guides an and actuator for gentle tipping of the baggage from the accumulator to another zone such as a make-up area in an airport baggage handling system.

Abstract: A conveying device for a paper web roll in a web-fed printing press includes a conveyor car that rides on a support track recessed into the floor. A pair of alignment rails are situated adjacent to the support track. These alignment rails, or at least one of them is moveable between a rest position flush with the floor, and a roll alignment position in which it is inclined, at an acute angle with respect to the floor. In the roll alignment position, both of the alignment rails are inclined with respect to the floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotatable gripper device (1) for picking up and rotating products which are supplied on a conveyor belt. The device according to the invention comprises a gripper head (2, 3) which can rotate about a vertical central shaft (4) and has a gripping member (18) which can rotate about its axis. For upward and downward movement, the device comprises a first cam roller (6, 7) and cam discs (8), and for rotation about the axis comprises a second cam roller (9, 10) and cam disc (11). The device according to the invention is of a simple and relatively lightweight design, so that it is suitable for operating at high speeds. The gripper device according to the invention can be used to accurately set the rotational path of the gripping member (18) at the gripping position and the release position, by means of the shape of the cam disc, in order to produce a gradual transfer.

Abstract: A recirculating device receives parts in bulk which are bunched together. The device includes a cone-shaped rotating disk which receives the parts and redistributes the parts into separate units. The parts are delivered to an inner periphery of the cone of the cone-shaped disk and then slide down the inclined slope of the cone. As the parts slide down the rotating cone, they become spaced further apart due to the increase in radius of the outer periphery of the cone as compared with the radius of the inner periphery of the cone. The separated parts may then be effectively handled by a picker-type robot utilizing a vision system or sensors to discriminate the individual parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling sheet metal items comprises a declustering station for such items arriving in a stack followed by at least one conveying station and/or processing station and/or working station, which convey away, process and work the sheet metal items. At one station at least there are individual members to be adapted to the outline of the items, as for instance positioning abutments. There is an outline detecting means with an associated data processing computer for finding the outline of the sheet metal items. Power-operated setting means are associated with the individual members, said power-operated setting means being connected with a setting computer. This data processing computer processes the outline data to produce setting values and the setting computer converts the setting values into control signals for the setting means so that the individual members are adapted to the respective sheet metal item outline.

Abstract: A device for supplying cigarettes on a conditioning machine with two packing lines has a hopper with four outlets; an intermittent conveyor having a succession of pockets arranged with a given spacing, and extending along a straight path located at the outlets and at a supply station for supplying the packing lines; and an ejector for simultaneously transferring respective groups from the four outlets to respective successive, adjacent pockets during a stop phase of the conveyor; the outlets being arranged with the aforementioned given spacing.

Abstract: A board positioning device selectively positions in a lateral direction in a generally horizontal plane a board translating in a longitudinal direction in the horizontal plane, wherein the board is aligned along its length in the lateral direction. The device includes a stepped fence, which may be selectively positionable, lying generally in the horizontal plane. A fence positioner cylinder may selectively position the stepped fence in the lateral direction in the horizontal plane so as to position one step of a plurality of steps on the fence to correspond to a desired transition path so as to position the end of the board at a board optimizing position as determined by an optimizer, whereby the board may be laterally, selectively positioned into an optimized position relative to trimmer saws located downstream from the stepped fence in the longitudinal direction when the board is urged laterally against the stepped fence by ending rolls.

Abstract: Device to separate rolled bars (12), the bars (12) emerging from the cooling zone and being fed by conveyor means in a direction substantially transverse to the axis of the bars (12) and displaced along a plane by movement means (14), the movement means (14) being separated lengthwise, there being included a counting device (13) to form bundles consisting of a desired and defined number of bars (12), the device comprising a plurality of separator units (15) aligned lengthwise parallel to the bars (12) and each arranged between two adjacent movement means (14), each separator unit (15) comprising at least a pair of distancing pins (16), the distancing pins (16) including a first inactive position lowered and “retracted below the plane (“x”) on which the bars (12), lie and a second active position raised and protruding with respect to the plane (“x’”) on which the bars (12) lie and inserted between two adjacent bars (12), the distancing pins (16),in the first inactive positio

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting elongate articles along a conveying surface to a workstation. The conveying surface forms an endless path having an upper conveying path and a lower return path. The conveying surface has article holders fixedly connected on the conveying surface for holding the elongated articles on the conveying surface with longitudinally extending sides of the article essentially extending outwardly from the conveying surface. A gripping device is positioned adjacent the conveying surface and pivots about an axis for unloading and loading the article to and from the conveying surface in a single pivotal motion. A first article holder type includes a pair of arcuate portions positioned to form a discontinuous cylindrical configuration having open areas between each end of the arcuate portions and an upper lip for receiving a complementary groove in the elongate article.

Abstract: A tube loading system includes two flat conveyor belts which are perpendicular to each other for holding a tube having an open end thereagainst with two lines of contact; a motor drive for moving the conveyor belts; a gap between the two lines of contact at meeting edges of the conveyor belts; a vacuum source positioned behind the conveyor belts for supplying a vacuum to the gap so as to pull the tube against both conveyor belts in engagement with the two lines of contact; a pin chain having a plurality of pins spaced therealong for receiving the open ends of the tubes thereon, the pins being positioned adjacent the conveyor belts; and a delivery device for supplying the tubes in sequence to the conveyor belts such that each tube is held in engagement against both conveyor belts with the two lines of contact by the vacuum at the gap, and as the belt moves, each tube is deposited on a respective pin of the pin chain.

Abstract: A beltless magnetic conveyor assembly including a housing defining a longitudinal length of the conveyor and a magnetic rack assembly moveably supported in the housing. The magnetic rack assembly includes a plurality of magnet assemblies supported at spaced intervals relative to one another along the longitudinal length of the conveyor. The beltless magnetic conveyor assembly also includes a drive system which is operable to index the magnetic rack assembly between a home position proximate to one end of the housing and an end position which is proximate to an opposite end of the housing over the same path. The magnet assemblies are operable to generate a magnetic force which acts to attract ferromagnetic material toward the housing and to move the ferromagnetic material in the direction of the longitudinal length of the conveyor when the magnet rack assembly is indexed in one direction.

Abstract: Contact lens cleaning and conditioning liquids, dispensers and a lens storage case are consolidated and arranged in a common unit with features for effectively maintaining contact lens from a single functional package. A molded plastic enclosure accommodates and positions containers of cleaner and conditioner in a manner that allows liquid transfer into lens case compartments without repeated handling of individual bottles. The enclosure provides a single structure that replaces multiple bottles and lens cases that ordinarily occupy counter top space. The enclosure also provides protection for the contact care products and devices when the unit is transported.

Abstract: A hinge-lid box for cigarettes has a box part (10) and a lid (11). Hinge-lid boxes have, because of their design or structure, four vertical edges. These edges have a particular design, ie., two vertical edges are designed as rounded edges (24, 25), and the two other edges as angular edges (26, 27) with a rectangular cross-section. The rounded edges (24, 25) can be located in the area of one and the same side wall (14/19) or be in diagonally opposite positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for holding a compact disk, composed of a cylindrical body around which the central hole of the compact disk is fit and disk-receiving member, forming a plurality of tongue-shaped members extending between cut openings from the cylindrical body to the disk-receiving member, each with a nail-shaped member at the front end, wherein the nail-shaped members at the end of the tongue-shaped members rise to lift the compact disk when the cylindrical body is pushed downward.

Abstract: A golf bag has a stand that effectively reduces the gap between a bag body and its actuating lever. Two legs are hinged to a bracket on the bag body at their top ends, while an actuating lever, used for selectively opening the two legs, is hinged to the two legs at the top end and is kept in substantial contact with the bag body while being operated. The lever has a longitudinal stem section with two diverging arms at the top end of the lever and a holding loop at the lower end. The two arms diagonally pass behind the two legs and are fitted into hinge holes on the legs from the outside to the inside. A base at the bottom of the bag body has a vertical cutout for the lever holder of the actuating lever, thus allowing the actuating lever to be kept in substantial contact with the bag body during its operation.

Abstract: A package for an article incorporating an on/off switch having a momentary-on position and a continuously-on position is disclosed. The package includes a cover such as a blister-type cover at least partially enclosing the article, and a recess arrangement formed in the cover proximate the switch. The recess arrangement prevents the switch from being slid into the continuously-on position while permitting the switch to be depressed into a momentary-on position. The recess arrangement includes a first recess positioned directly over the switch, and a second recess positioned directly adjacent the switch.

Abstract: An integrated package suited to the packaging of medical devices and surgical equipment including devices and equipment used in heart by-pass surgery has a container and a snap-fit lid. The container and the lid have topographies suitable to conform to the medical components in the container and hold them securely. The lid has first and second grooves which engage a projection on the container and permit the lid to be used in a shipping orientation and a disposal orientation.

Abstract: A package for an illuminating writing implement is provided which protects the writing implement, yet gives a consumer limited and controlled access to the operating mechanism used to activate the illumination of the writing implement while it remains packaged. The present package is a blister-type package which envelops the writing implement and protects it from abrasive and impact damage as well as, theft. An upper end of the writing implement includes a power switch which is linearly displaceable between an off position, a momentary-on position, and a locked-on position. An opening within the package allows the power switch to extend outside the package so that a consumer may operate the power switch without removing the writing implement from the package. The opening is sized and shaped to restrict linear displacement of the power switch between the off position and the momentary-on position.

Abstract: A personal identification method and system for improving personal hygiene in which provision is made for identifying a beverage, food product, or the like, with a particular person so that another person does not inadvertently access the identified item unintentionally. Identifying indicia such as numbers or alphabetical letters are selectable and conditioned by the user to be prominently displayed on the item so as to identify it with the individual involved. For necked beverage containers, in one embodiment, a re-usable snap-on display device, or assembly, is configured to snap onto the neck of the container; in another embodiment, the existing conventional cap-attaching ring is modified to include alpha-numeric indicia and/or to receive a cooperating indicia-indicating display element.

Abstract: A lap-tray and picnic-supply case made of light material has a case receptacle (1) with a lap-tray lid (2) attached removably. The lap-tray lid has a lid-plate cradle (3) intermediate a bowl end with a lid-bowl cradle (4) and a cup end with a lid-cup cradle (5). Between the lid-bowl cradle and the lid-plate cradle is a first lid-utensil cradle (6) and between the lid-cup cradle and the lid-plate cradle is a second lid-utensil cradle (7). The lid-bowl cradle and the lid-cup cradle protrude downwardly to provide lap-side buttresses on outsides of legs (8) of a user. The first lid-utensil cradle and the second lid-utensil cradle have flat bottom surfaces for resting on the user's lap between opposite sides of an attachment rim (11) for fitting down over a top of a receptacle wall (10).

Abstract: At least one corrugated sheet is formed into a corrugated carton has a top panel, a bottom panel, opposite side walls, and opposite end walls. Intermittently spaced slits are formed through the corrugated sheet along fold lines defined between the top panel and the side walls and between the top panel and the end walls. Discrete openings are provided in the top panel to receive individual cans.

Abstract: A series of packaging designs are provided, comprising relatively rigid sheets surrounded by a resilient element, such as a sleeve or tube. The relatively rigid sheets may have appropriately configured end panels, side panels, fold lines, divider panels, or other desired features. Products may be secured inside the sleeve, against the relatively rigid sheet, or against the outside of the sleeve.

Abstract: A packaging structure for holding an object securely against a rigid backing. The structure includes a substantially rigid panel having a first pair of fold lines defining respective folding side portions, a second pair of fold lines defining respective folding end portions oriented transverse to the folding side portions, and a center portion. A flexible film material is superimposed on one surface of the rigid panel and extends onto at least one of the folding side portions. The ends of the film material are connected to the rigid panel, with at least one end connected to one of the folding side portions. The folding side portions and folding end portions may include one or more lock tabs or lateral extensions for spacing the center portion of the rigid panel from the bottom and/or sidewalls of an outer box.