Abstract: Combination locks employ dial-driven rotary elements that must be turned to a 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 latching system for a luggage article in which an elongate latch console attaches interiorly to one section of the article for cooperation with a hasp assembly on another section of the article. The latch console includes a pair of left-hand latches which pivot in a counterclockwise direction from hasp-engaging to hasp-disengaging positions and a pair of right-hand latches which pivot in a clockwise direction from hasp-engaging to hasp-disengaging positions. Slide rods within the console are connected between the latches, and a central swiveling actuator moves the latches from their hasp-engaging to their hasp-disengaging positions responsive to movement from the actuator from a rest position. Springs return the latches, slide rods and actuator to their initial positions when the actuator is released.

Abstract: A hardware assembly, which is readily adaptable to luggage cases of widely varying constructions, dimensions and configurations, includes a housing which may be positioned within cut-outs in adjacent edges of the side walls of the luggage case, and be mounted on the exterior of one side wall. The housing contains slideable latches for engaging associated hasps mounted on the exterior of the other side wall, and a flexible member connecting the latches to a slideable actuator mounted on the housing for opening the case. The coupling between the latches and the flexible member allows the latches to move to unlatching position independently of the actuator to facilitate closing and latching of the case when the parts are brought together. The actuator is U-shaped and supported for transverse movement on the housing by a rocker located within the housing.

Abstract: A zipper slider latching assembly includes a latch unit adapted to be mounted on and attached to a standard zipper slider by means of a snap fastener. The latch unit has spring-biased latching means engageable with a latch member received in the latch unit to fasten the latch member and the latch unit together, and has slider pull means mounted thereon for moving the slider and for controlling the latching means. When the slider pull means is in a rest position, the latching means is in a latching position. When the slider pull means is moved to a slider-moving position, the latching means is in a non-latching position. The latch unit also includes a locking mechanism for locking the slider pull means in its rest position. The latch member may be part of a hasp unit adapted to be mounted on a second zipper slider arranged with respect to the first zipper slider in a double-slider zipper arrangement.

Abstract: A combination lock having dial-driven sleeves mounted in axial alignment on a shaft is provided with a shift member to move the sleeves axially out of coupling engagement with the dials for changing the combination of the lock. The shift member includes a manual actuating portion extending through an opening in the face plate of the lock, and when the lock is on combination, the shift member can be moved transversely to the axis of the sleeves to effect uncoupling of the sleeves from the dials by a camming action.

Abstract: Safety devices are provided for use with combination locks of the type which permit the combination of the lock to be changed from the faceplate of the lock by manipulation of the same actuator which is employed for opening the lock. The safety devices include removable elements insertable into the lock and engageable with the actuator for preventing movement of the actuator to a combination-changing position, while permitting normal movement of the actuator required to open the lock.

Abstract: A latching device for apertured members, such as the sliders of a double-slider zipper employed as a closure on a luggage case, has a latch pivotally mounted on a body member and an upstanding stud which is adapted to be covered by the latch when in latched position. The latching device employs a latching mechanism which is operated by the movement of the pivoted latch without the necessity of manipulating a secondary, manual actuator, thereby permitting the latching device to be operated with one hand. The device includes a pair of plungers slideably disposed within a housing, the plungers having end portions extending beyond the housing which are shaped for cooperation with cams attached to the underside of the latch. The plungers are driven into the housing by the cams when the latch is lowered or raised. When the latch is open, the plungers are held partially driven into the housing, thereby reducing the downward force necessary to close the latch.

Abstract: A latching assembly for luggage cases and the like includes a pair of spaced latches pivotally mounted on a base attached to the interior surface of a first part of a luggage case, the latches being cooperable with associated hasps mounted on a second part of the case for holding the case closed. A slideable actuator is mounted on the exterior surface of the first part of the case and associated with one of the latches for moving the latch to unlatching position. An elongated member extending between the latches constrains the latches for concerted pivotal movement between latching and unlatching positions. A combination lock may also be included for controlling the movement of the actuator necessary to open the case.

Abstract: A latching system particularly for a latching console used on a luggage article to releasably secure a body section of the article to a hinged lid, includes a pivotal latch assembly conveniently incorporated in the handle structure of the luggage article. The latch assembly includes a dial and sleeve type combination lock so that the latch assembly can only be operated when the lock is "on combination." The latch assembly is linked to a rod extending lengthwise of the console and having sliding latch members at its opposite ends which cooperate with complementary hasp formations on the respective sections of the luggage article. Pivotal movement of the latch assembly is thereby accompanied by longitudinal movement of the rod to operate the sliding latch members. The hasp formations may be in the form of ribs integrally formed with the respective sections of the luggage article.

Abstract: A latching system for a luggage article comprises a pair of spaced swiveling latches mounted on the interior of a front wall of the article, the latches being connected together for swiveling movement in unison between latching and unlatching positions by means of an endless drive cable. The latches are operated by a single manual actuator including a swiveling lever connected to one of the latches by a lost motion connection which allows the lever to be returned to a rest position after moving the latches into their latching or unlatching positions. A combination lock is provided for locking the actuator lever in the rest position except when the lock is on combination.

Abstract: A hardware assembly for luggage and the like includes a latch pivotally supported on a luggage case and held in a closed position by engagement between catch elements on the latch and cooperating catch elements on a control member supported for movement along the case, the control member being biased in a direction to engage the catch elements. A pivoted manual actuator associated with the latch engages the control member and is capable of moving the control member in a direction to disengage the catch elements to allow the latch to be opened, when the manual actuator is operated. The catch elements serve as a safety catch to prevent the latch from being opened until the catch elements are disengaged. The hardware assembly may further include a latching slide member coupled to the latch by a link member for movement with the latch, and for engaging a cooperable latch element on a second part of the case when the latch is in the closed position.

Abstract: A latching device for the sliders of a double-slider zipper arrangement comprises a pair of tab assemblies formed for attachment to the pull tabs of the sliders, and a latch assembly mounted on one of the tab assemblies and formed for latching engagement with the other tab assembly. In the latched position, the latching device securely holds the sliders in substantially abutting relationship. The latch assembly may be sized to cover the sliders. A locking mechanism is also included for locking the latching device in a latched position.

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 obliquely to the axis of the sleeves and movement of the actuator in the opening effects axial movement of the sleeves by a camming action effected against an obliquely extending surface of the opening.