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: 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: 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 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 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 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.

Abstract: A turnbutton latch has an improved male part comprising a hollow stud supting a turnbutton at one end of the stud. A bolt is fixed to the turnbutton within the stud, and a turnbutton spring biases the turnbutton to a closed position, at which the bolt depresses a trigger against the bias of a trigger spring. When the turnbutton is manually turned to open the latch, the trigger moves toward the turnbutton, blocking the bolt and preventing the turnbutton from closing the latch until the trigger is depressed. A female part placed over the turnbutton and the stud when the latch is open depresses the trigger to close the latch.

Abstract: A stay, which may be used to retain the open position of the cover of a scase, for example, comprises a pair of arms which turn relatively about a pivot pin extending through overlapped ends of the arms. The pivot pin holds a spring plate superposed with the overlapped ends of the arms, and the spring plate is connected to one of the arms for turning movement therewith relative to the other arm. A detent ball supported in a socket on one arm and retained therein by engagement with the spring plate enters a detent dimple when the arms reach a limit of their relative turning movement.

Abstract: A combination lock which employs a plurality of dials and respective sleeve eans for each dial has a pivotally mounted bolt member related to the sleeve means so that the bolt member may be pivoted to respective "on combination" and "off combination" positions. A latch member cooperable with the bolt member is mounted for sliding movement in a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft upon which the dials and their respective sleeve means are mounted. Cooperable means are provided by the bolt member and the latch member to block movement of the latch member toward release position when the lock is "off combination". The latch member is provided with means to allow by-passing the bolt member and movement of the latch member to release position when the lock is "on combination". The combination lock is particularly suited for briefcases or the like.

Abstract: A combination padlock has a plurality of permutation tumblers mounted on a ember shiftable in a cavity in the body of the lock to effect a change in combination. Limit means cooperate with the tumblers for preventing the member from being shifted except when the tumblers are set in the correct combination. The member can be shifted in response to movement of the shackle of the padlock, but only when the lock is open. The bolt of the padlock and the shackle are designed to permit the tumblers to be scrambled when the lock is open, thus concealing the correct combination from unauthorized persons, and preventing the combination from being changed while the lock is open.

Abstract: A wheel assembly is detachably connected to a mounting plate assembly that s attached to a corner of a luggage case. One assembly has a latch member resiliently urged into overlying relationship with an aperture that receives a tab on the other assembly, such tab having a cam surface that engages and displaces the latch member as the assemblies are being brought together, and a notch within which the latch member snaps after the assemblies are brought together thereby detachably retaining the one assembly to the other. An extension on the latch member is manually accessible allowing it to be manually displaced out of the notch to detach the assemblies.