Abstract: A wheeled suitcase has a handle connected via a cabling mechanism to a brake or lock for at least one wheel. A first spring mechanism acts upon the brake or lock in a locking direction with a lesser force than that of a second spring mechanism acting upon the cabling mechanism in the opposite direction. Engagement of the handle by the user releases the brake. The relaxation of the second spring mechanism allows the first spring mechanism to reengage the brake when the handle is released.

Abstract: A luggage latch for securing together two relatively movable parts has a latch housing on one of the parts, a latch component on the other of the parts engageable in the latch housing, and a keeper displaceable in the latch housing between a retaining position engaging and retaining the latch component and a freeing position out of engagement with the latch component and permitting same to be withdrawn from the housing. A combination lock on the housing has combination-lock elements operatively engageable with the keeper and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position respectively corresponding to the retaining and freeing positions of the keeper. In addition a key lock on the housing has a key-lock element operatively engageable with the keeper and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position respectively corresponding to the retaining and freeing position of the keeper.

Abstract: Luggage cases which include four wheels may uncontrollably roll down inclined conveyor belts and the like. Disclosed is a brake system for selectively disabling at least some of the four wheels 12,14 on such a case 10. Preferably, this brake system is selectively operated by a pull strap or the like. In one condition, the brake system deploys a ground engaging arm which supports one end of the case 10 and prevents the wheels to be disabled from engaging the inclined surface of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A luggage latch has a housing mounted on a piece of luggage and a latch body or slide displaceable in the housing between a latched and unlatched position and engageable only in the latched position with a latch component on the luggage lid to retain the latch component. A slide button fixed to the latch body is longitudinally displaceable on the housing between a forward position corresponding to the latched position and a back position corresponding to the unlatched position. A plurality of number wheels rotatable on the housing are associated with respective rotatable members and formations can engage between the members and the latch body to prevent movement of the latch body into the unlatched position except when the wheels are in a predetermined angular position.

Abstract: A latch for securing together two relatively movable parts of a suitcase, pocketbook, or the like, has a latch housing secured to one of the parts and formed internally with a retaining guide, a strike secured to the other of the parts and engageable in the housing on juxtaposition of the two parts, and a button displaceable on the housing between an outer position and an inner position. The button is formed unitarily with a latching dog retainingly engageable with the strike when same is engaged in the housing and the button is in the outer position and with a retaining formation engaged inward of the retaining guide and preventing removal of the button from the housing. A spring is braced between the housing and the button and urges the button into the outer position.

Abstract: A strap for towing a wheeled suitcase, passing through a slit in an end wall of the suitcase, is retractable into a housing adjoining that wall from within and containing a coil spring whose free end is coupled with that strap, advantageously through a roller or other deflecting member around which the strap is looped inside the housing. The free outer end of the strap is secured to a handgrip by having holes traversed by pins on a backing plate integral with that handgrip, the front of this strap end being covered by a flap which may be an integral extension of the backing plate folded around the strap and clamped in position with a snap fit. The backing plate has two rearwardly projecting lips which enter the slit of the suitcase wall in a retracted position and are separated by a gap traversed by the strap, these lips passing between ribs of a shield plate that penetrate the slit and engage the housing.