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 hinge for control surfaces of model aircraft, comprising a first hinge member formed with a lateral keyhole slot for removably engaging a lateral barbell portion of a second hinge member. The first hinge member is preferably attached to a fixed structure of the aircraft with the second hinge member attached to a control surface, such as, an aileron or elevator. Relative rotation of one hinge member with respect to the other hinge member allows the lateral barbell portion to operatively engage or disengage from the lateral keyhole slot. When engaged, the operatively coacting hinge members provide rotating hinge action between the control surface and the fixed structure of the aircraft.

Abstract: A bistable electromagnetic latch, particularly adapted for use with an electronic combination lock on a luggage case, comprises a magnetic member pivotally mounted for rotation between a pair of pole pieces, the magnetic member having first and second stable rotational positions at which each magnetic pole is adjacent to a different pole piece, and a pair of oppositely wound coils associated with the pole pieces and responsive to the momentary flow of electrical current therethrough for producing a magnetic flux that causes the magnetic member to rotate from one position to the other.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock for luggage and the like comprises a microcomputer, a display having a plurality of display locations, and a plurality of push buttons, one being associated with each display location. Each push button advances its associated display location through a sequence of digits and enables selection of a desired digit for display. A displayed set of digits is compared with a stored predetermined set of digits, and a bistable electromagnetic latch is operated to open the lock when the sets of digits match.

Abstract: A combination padlock has dial-driven rotary sleeves mounted within the lock casing on a longer leg of the padlock shackle. The sleeves have peripheral teeth with at least one tooth being omitted on each sleeve to define a bypass gap. To open the lock, the dials must be rotated so as to turn each of the bypass gaps into alignment with a respective blocking projection in the lock casing. To thwart any attempt to pick the lock, alternate teeth on each sleeve are shorter than the adjacent teeth whereby a detent-type feel may be produced when the sleeve is rotated, simulating the feel produced when the bypass gap is brought into line with the respective blocking projection.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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: 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 connector for electrically connecting a power source to a glow plug. An electrically conductive cylindrical housing encloses an insulated central conductor which is spring biased toward one end of the cylinder. The open end of the cylinder is formed to fit over the nut of a typical glow plug and permit the connector to be easily manipulated to a locked, vibrationless electrical contact with the glow plug.