Abstract: A padlock for luggage that can be operated by setting a combination or by inserting and turning a key is provided with an indicator that normally displays a first state when the lock being used in a normal way as a combination operated padlock, but which displays a second state if the padlock has been opened by utilizing a key.

Abstract: A push button actuator unit has a housing which defines a through passage that extends along an axis of the housing, and a slot that extends in a plane which transversely intersects the axis and communicates with the passage for supporting in the housing-defined slot a disc-shaped member having a central opening that aligns with the passage. Movable in the aligned passage and opening is a push button sub-assembly of the unit which includes a front element that, when depressed rearwardly, may cause a rear element of the push button sub-assembly to extend rearwardly from the housing to release a latch or to operate a switch or the like. If the unit is to be lockable, an optional locking mechanism is added to the elements of the push button sub-assembly to selectively drivingly connect the front and rear elements so that depression of the front element will cause rearward extension of the rear element only when the unit is unlocked.

Abstract: A latching system includes a control unit that houses a remote signal responsive relay and a crank arm that is pivoted by the armature of the relay when the relay is energized to oppositely move a pair of elongate links each of which is connected to a separate latch assembly for moving operating arms of the latch assemblies to unlatched positions for causing the latch assemblies to release their latched engagement with strikers that hold a closure closed.

Abstract: Paint shields formed from relatively stiff but pliable material are configured to cover the transparent or translucent lenses of light fixtures so that frames of the fixtures which extend perimetrically about the lenses can be painted by brush, by roller or by spray without getting paint on the lenses. Edge regions of the paint shields are configured to be inserted between the frames and the lenses, and central regions of the paint shields preferably are transparent or translucent to permit light from the fixtures to pass through the installed paint shields. Peripheral regions of the shields preferably are provided with visible guide formations or may be scored or perforated to facilitate trimming the shields to fit small and undersized fixtures. Central portions may be designed to fold away from other portions of the shields to stiffen the installed shields to minimize sagging.

Abstract: A padlock for luggage that can be operated by setting a combination or by inserting and turning a key is provided with an indicator that normally displays a first state when the lock being used in a normal way as a combination operated padlock, but which displays a second state if the padlock has been opened by utilizing a key.

Abstract: A linkage assembly includes a frame, an arm movement coordinating member slidably supported by the frame, and a pair of arms pivotally connected to the frame and connected to the coordinating member to ensure that the arms pivot in unison when the coordinating member is slided relative to the frame by depressing a push button that is connected to the frame for translation relative thereto. Either of the arms can be link-connected to a latch assembly for operating either a single latch assembly or for concurrently operating a pair of latch assemblies in response to depression of the push button. An optional emergency release cable may connect with the arm movement coordinating member to facilitate latch operation from inside a tonneau cover of a pickup truck or the like that is held closed by the latch or latches.

Abstract: A padlock for luggage that can be operated by setting a combination or by inserting and turning a key is provided with an indicator that normally displays a first state when the lock being used in a normal way as a combination operated luggage padlock, but which displays a second state if the padlock has been opened by government inspectors utilizing a key for purposes of inspecting contents of the luggage. The indicator can be reset from a display of the second state to a display of the first state only after the padlock has been opened utilizing a combination known to the owner. The indicator is movable between first and second positions, and has first and second surfaces of different appearance, one or the other of which is displayed through a window of the housing depending on whether the indicator is in the first position or the second position.