Abstract: Latching system hardware for luggage articles such as attache cases and the like includes an elongated latch console for attachment interiorly to one section of the article, an actuator assembly for manually operating the console latches, and a lock assembly for selectively locking the latches. The hardware can be assembled in different configurations and operating modes and the console can be used with different types of lock and actuator assemblies so that diverse latching systems can be developed from the same basic console components.

Abstract: A handle for luggage cases and the like includes a grip molded from resilient, low durometer plastic and means for mounting the grip on a case and for supporting the weight of the case. The grip is formed with a cavity in a central portion thereof and has a plurality of resilient members within the cavity, the members adapted to be deformed when the handle is grasped to allow the central portion to flex to impart a soft feel to the grip. The handle may also include a shell assembled on the grip, and a clip having first projections adapted to enter an opening in the shell and a second projection adapted to be received in a slot in the grip, for holding the shell and the grip in assembled relationship.

Abstract: A dial and sleeve type combination lock is provided with a shift member to move the sleeves out of coupling engagement with the dials for changing the combination of the lock. The shift member includes a manual actuator extending through an opening in the face plate of the lock which opening extends transversely to the axis of the sleeves and movement of the actuator in the opening in the transverse direction effects axial movement of the sleeves by means of an oblique camming surface on the shift member.

Abstract: A dial and sleeve type combination lock is provided with a shift mechanism for moving the sleeves out of coupling engagement with the dials for changing the combination of the lock. The shift mechanism includes a rotary actuator mounted coaxially with the sleeves and having a portion of its periphery extending through an opening in the face plate of the lock. When the lock is on combination, the actuator can be rotated to move the sleeves out of coupling engagement with the respective dials by a camming action.

Abstract: A support assembly for luggage comprises a base plate adapted to be attac to a suitcase, for example, and a support unit, including a caster or runner, that is removably attached to the base plate. The base plate has opposed channels along its longitudinal edges into which the support unit is inserted longitudinally. A stop at the trailing end of the support unit limits insertion of the support unit into the channels, and a latch at the leading end of the support unit prevents unintentional withdrawal of the support unit from the channels.

Abstract: A combination lock having a latch mechanism capable of being closed even when the lock is off combination employs an axially movable shaft rotatably supporting combination dials and having a latch element for engaging a cooperable hasp, the latch element being spring biased to a latched position. A slide member, the movement of which is blocked when any dial is off combination, is coupled to the latch element and the shaft and connected to a manual actuator for moving the latch element to an unlatched position. The coupling permits the latch element to move to its unlatched position independently of the slide member so that the hasp may enter the lock and be engaged by the latch element when movement of the slide member is blocked. The operating mechanism of the lock is supported on a frame by a support member connected to one end of the shaft and by a shift lever slidably related to the shaft at its opposite end.

Abstract: Combination locks employ dial-driven rotary elements that must be turned to predetermined position to open the lock. Each rotary element has a periphery that is circular except for a notch that mates with a ridge portion on cooperable means when the corresponding dial is "on-combination." The cooperable means may comprise a bolt that pivots or slides, for example.

Abstract: A key-actuated padlock comprises a shackle, a case to receive the shackle d a flat, substantially U-shaped spring within the case. One leg of the spring serves as a bolt to restrain the movement of the shackle and the other leg serves as an ejector, urging the shackle out of engagement with the bolt leg. The bolt leg is formed to receive a key to unlock the padlock.

Abstract: Improved hardware for luggage comprises handle studs mounted on a valance member and pivotally supporting latches that are spring-biased to an open position and that are held closed by spring-biased control rods. Manual actuators move the control rods in a direction to release the latches, and a combination lock mounted in one handle stud blocks or permits such movement. In a modification, a single latch and manual actuator are employed with a combination lock disassociated from the luggage handle.

Abstract: A device for mounting a handle on a luggage case or the like includes a s having a pair of posts spaced apart on opposite ends of a mounting base. Between the posts is an opening through the stud sized to pass the end of a handle. The stud has a slot which extends perpendicular to the base on opposite sides of the opening into the interior of the posts. An L-shaped pin passed through a hole in the end of the handle is held closely captured in the slot to connect the handle to the stud.

Abstract: A clip for securing a valance to a luggage shell encompasses the edge of shell and includes means for biting into the shell to securely attach the clip to the shell, and a pair of members formed for abutting engagement with inner shoulders on both the inner and outer flanges of the valance to oppose forces tending to separate the valance from the shell.

Abstract: A pair of combination locks is employed to hold the lid of a luggage case cked closed, with a left-hand lock operating as a mirror image of a right-hand lock. Principal parts of the locks, including improved dial-indexing springs (but not the dials) are interchangeable. The dial-indexing springs cooperate with the dials of left-hand and right-hand locks in the same manner, so that all of the dials have the same action.

Abstract: A combination lock for luggage, for example, which may be surface mounted. ial gears and cooperable gears have separate axes parallel to the thickness of the lock. In the on-combination position, hubs of the cooperable gears are aligned with openings in a slide that is moved relative to the hubs to permit an actuator to move a latch to its open position. The latch may also be moved to its open position by a hasp, even when the combination is scrambled. A shifter, which has an operator accessible at the face of the lock only when the hasp has been released by the latch, moves the slide and the cooperable gears as a unit, to disengage the cooperable gears from the dial gears for changing the combination.