Abstract: A securement for zippered luggage, including a housing to substantially cover a pair of sliders of a zipper of the luggage and to prevent movement of the sliders along a tape of the zipper, the housing being formed of a first part which receives the sliders and a second part which engages the first part to substantially encapsulate and prevent movement of the sliders, wherein the first and second parts are secured together in the inoperative securing condition by an element which requires breaking or permanent deformation to permit displacement of the second part to allow movement of the sliders.

Abstract: A luggage article, such as luggage case, with zipper pull-tabs laterally engaged along inner sides and separably secured by a magnetic force, without interlocking with each other, to allow enhanced manipulation of the zipper pull-tabs, zipper sliders and optionally improved operation of the lock mechanism.

Abstract: The method comprises a technique for securing a storage container to a fixed structure or object. The steps include providing a container having a compartment for storage and a lid for covering the container. The container is located near the fixed structure, such as a truck bed. The container is secured to the structure with a first lock having a first lock body and a cable by using a key. The lid of the container is secured to the container using a second lock, the second lock having a second lock body and a shackle. Though the two locks are different, they each use the same key to lock and unlock each lock.

Abstract: A zip fastener comprises two opposing and mutually engageable rows of zip teeth each being mounted upon a respective stringer tape; first and second sliders movably mounted upon the teeth, each slider being movable forward along the teeth to cause interdigitation of the teeth thereby to fasten the zip and backwards to cause extradigitation and unfastening of the zip, the sliders being mounted on the teeth in opposing directions such that motion of the sliders towards and away from each other results in the same action (e.g. fastening or unfastening) on the zip teeth; a docking member, mounted upon the teeth and being movable along the teeth, the docking member being mounted between the two sliders; and each slider being engageable with the docking member thereby to fasten the zip.

Abstract: The present invention is referred to as a theft prevention strap operable to secure one or more zipper sliders. In embodiments, the strap may include at least two strap ends and a tag end, wherein each strap end includes an opening. A first strap end may be passed underneath a handle of a piece of luggage, a second strap end may be passed over the top of the handle, and a padlock shackle may be passed through both openings and one or more openings associated with one or more zipper sliders. Thereby, the strap may be held in place by the handle, and the zipper sliders may be held in place along a corresponding zipper track such that the zipper sliders cannot be moved along the zipper track to cover up an attempted theft.

Abstract: A container (1) has first and second body portions, (2,3) and a closure device operable to hold the first and second body portions (2,3) in a closed position. The closure device comprises an engagement element (5) which extends from the first body portion (2) of the container, and a clasp (6) attached to the second body portion (3) of the container (1), and releasably engageable with the engagement element, thereby to hold the second body portion (3) in position with respect to the first body portion (2).

Abstract: A luggage piece may include a first shell and a second shell pivotably joined to the first shell. The luggage piece may include a clamp-type latch configured to releasably secure the first shell to the second shell. The luggage case may further include a frame assembly. The frame assembly may include opposing first and second frame members. The first frame member and the second frame member may be joined to the first shell and the second shell, respectively. The first and second frame members may be pivotably joined together by a hinge. The first frame member may be configured with a first recess to receive therein at least a portion of the clamp-type latch such that exterior surfaces of the first shell, the first frame member, and the clamp-type latch are substantially flush with each other when the clamp-type latch is positioned in its latched position.

Abstract: A container system includes a plurality of containers, a plurality of container receiving regions, a plurality of base unit latches, and a base unit. Each base unit latch is arranged to latch an associated one of the containers at least partially within an associated one of the container receiving regions. The containers may be transported separately from the base unit, and may be used to store tools and other accessories. In one embodiment of the container system, each base unit latch comprises a resilient latch member connected to the base unit. The resilient latch member is biased into a lock position to engage a lock engagement portion on an associated one of the containers. The resilient latch member may be movable against the bias to a release position wherein the associated container is able to be removed from the associated container receiving region.

Abstract: A zipper for luggage or a travel bag may include a slider and a releasable security device to provide access to the bag by authorized persons. The releasable security device may be configured to receive a portion of a locking apparatus, such as a padlock. A portion of the releasable security device may be received within the slider.

Abstract: A travel luggage includes: a luggage body including a case and a cover, the case having a case base wall and a case surrounding wall that extends transversely from a periphery of the case base wall and defining an opening opposite to the case base wall, the cover openably covering the opening and having a cover base wall and a cover surrounding wall that extends transversely from a periphery of the cover base wall and that is hinged to the case surrounding wall; at least two belt loops respectively disposed on outer surfaces of the case and the cover; and a belt unit passing through the belt loops and disposed around outer surfaces of the case and the cover.

Abstract: A security device is removably affixable to an article. The security device includes a housing having a securing pad, a locking element and a strap. The locking element is disposed within the housing. The strap includes a first end having a latching region that is insertable into the housing and a second end having a securing region. The strap is slidingly movable between an open position and a locked position. The locking element engages with the latching region of the strap. When in the locked position, the strap secures the article between the securing pad and the securing region of the strap.

Abstract: A suitcase featuring a biometric lock may be provided. The suitcase may include a plurality of hard-sided shells for forming storage compartments of the suitcase. Additionally the suitcase may include a fastening mechanism for connecting the plurality of hard-sided shells. The fastening mechanism may be utilized to provide access to at least one storage compartment of the storage compartments. The biometric lock of the suitcase may be configured to prevent unauthorized access to one or more storage compartments of the suitcase. The biometric lock may include a memory device configured to store a plurality of fingerprints. Also, the biometric lock may include a biometric reader, which may be configured to receive a fingerprint from a user. The biometric reader may be further configured to unlock the biometric lock when a received fingerprint matches a stored fingerprint of the plurality of stored fingerprints.

Abstract: This invention relates to a carrying case used to transport objects or documents, such as posters, drawings, or blueprints for presentation at conventions, exhibitions, meetings or similar functions. The expandable carrying case is made of leather or similarly sturdy, durable synthetic material such as nylon. It has flexible tubes that constitute a protective container for objects or rolled-up documents when deployed, and can be coiled up and stored in the said cylindrical case when not in use. The benefits of the present invention include its versatility in transporting objects or documents of different sizes or lengths. The flexible extensions are interconnected to each other, and to the cover and elongated tubular member through zippers, or similarly durable, sturdy fasteners to form one enclosed, protective carrier. This makes the current invention a uniquely versatile, flexible and reusable (hence “green”) transport/storage device.

Abstract: Soft-sided luggage having means for preventing unauthorized access through the zipper is disclosed herein. Preferred means for preventing unauthorized access through the zipper include a rigid barrier attached internally to a first side of the luggage, positioned alongside and extending to the length of the zipper track, and extending past the plane of the zipper towards the second side of the luggage. Further security features can also be used with soft luggage provided herein, including padlocks, and flaps crossing the zipper plane, for example.

Abstract: A suitcase comprises a body and a frame, said frame movable from a first position contained within said suitcase when said suitcase is closed, to a second position extending from said suitcase when said suitcase is open, said frame including a shield portion supporting a canopy, said canopy movably mounted on said shield portion.

Abstract: A trigger latch assembly for releasably securing a latch by pivotal rotation comprising a latch trigger pivotally joined to a rotatable latch cover. The trigger latch assembly may be attached to a variety of devices including luggage type transport cases. A latch trigger biasing member is attached to the latch trigger and also engages the latch cover. The latch trigger has a perpendicularly extending member having a detent which pivotally engages a retaining lip on a device to be latched when downward force is applied to the latch cover which pivotally rotates the latch trigger in cooperation with the biasing member, thereby latching closed the device. The latch is released by pivotably rotating the trigger latch towards the latch cover to displace the detent from engagement with the lip to thereby unlatch the device.

Abstract: Soft-sided luggage having means for preventing unauthorized access through the zipper is disclosed herein. Preferred means for preventing unauthorized access through the zipper include a rigid barrier attached internally to a first side of the luggage, positioned alongside and extending to the length of the zipper track, and extending past the plane of the zipper towards the second side of the luggage. Further security features can also be used with soft luggage provided herein, including padlocks, and flaps crossing the zipper plane, for example.

Abstract: Checked luggage security sleeve system for airlines provides a cover or sleeve of transparent plastic sheeting having a closed end and an open end to receive a piece of luggage. The cover identifies the airline and reaches partially around the base of the piece of luggage. Security tape identifying the airline seals the free end of the sleeve under the base of the piece of luggage near the center, exposing wheels at an end or spaced along a side of the base of the piece of luggage. The tape cannot be removed without leaving evidence of tampering. If the piece of luggage is searched, the screener cuts airline tape and applies security tape printed with their logo. Self-adhesive labels with matching identification number and flight number are placed on the sleeve on each side of the luggage, which matches a passenger self-adhesive label number expediting arrival pickup.

Abstract: A carrying case for storing and carrying items of high value and/or potentially dangerous items such as firearms, which has an improved, latching mechanism and a reinforced case construction.

Abstract: A golf bag comprises a golf bag having a closed bottom end and an open top end for receiving golf clubs. The golf bag also includes at least one pocket and a fastening mechanism that is operable to open and close the pocket. Also included is a locking mechanism and a cable that is coupled to the bag body. The cable is extendable from the bag body such that a free end of the cable may be inserted through a portion of the fastening mechanism and then locked to the bag body with the locking mechanism. In this way, operation of the fastening mechanism is prevented by the cable to deter access into the pocket.

Abstract: A golf bag system comprises a bag body having a closed bottom end and an open top end that is adapted to receive golf clubs. At least one coupling mechanism is disposed on the bag body. A plurality of storage devices are removably attachable to the bag body by the coupling mechanism. In this way, the storage devices are interchangeable to permit one of the storage devices to be removed from the bag body and replaced with another one of the storage devices using the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A vacuum packed suitcase with specially arranged sealable compartments for vacuum sealing of articles of travel such as clothing and makeup accessories, the suitcase including a top cover and a more rigidly constructed bottom receptacle, the bottom receptacle having one or more separate article compartments separated by vertical or horizontal walls for organizing the articles of travel, the top cover and bottom receptacle being airtight when sealed over each other so that after packing the articles of travel the air in the compartments can be removed separately or collectively by means of a vacuum pump, thereby reducing the volume of the articles of travel to a minimum and thus increasing storage efficiency.

Abstract: A portable safe construction (10) adapted to be attached to a stationary fixed object (60)(70) and including an enclosure member (20) fabricated from ballistic cloth (21) and having a lid element (22) and a receptacle element (24) hingedly connected together and further provided with a zipper element (25) for releasably joining the lid element (22) to the receptacle element (24) which are both provided with lopped panel elements (26)(26′) adapted to be threadedly engaged by an elongated cable member (40) which will entirely overlie the zipper element (25) and is further provided with cable outlets (41)(42) that can be joined together by a conventional lock (50).

Abstract: A strap and lock assembly for luggage for preventing luggage from breaking open. The strap and lock assembly for luggage includes a strap assembly including an elastic strap member being adapted to wrap about a piece of luggage; and also includes ring assemblies including ring members being securely attached to ends of the elastic strap member; and further includes a hook member being securely attached to one of the ring members and being adapted to removably engage about the other of the ring members; and also includes a padlock member for locking the elastic strap member about the piece of luggage.

Abstract: Zipper closures, luggage locks attached to zipper closures and retractable handles on travel bags are protected by covers which conceal such luggage hardware when in the closed or retracted position. The protective covers are in the form of rectangular flaps or the like which have one edge secured to the bag and aligned so that the flap is extendable over and attached or attachable to the bag on the opposite side of the zipper or handle so that the luggage hardware is covered and protected during transit.

Abstract: A luggage lock covering device for protecting a luggage lock from damage as well as protecting the luggage from damage caused by-the luggage lock. The luggage lock covering device includes a panel having a plurality of fold indentations therein such that a first portion, a second portion and a third portion are defined. The second portion is positioned between the first and third portions. The second portion includes an elongated slot extending therethrough. The elongated slot includes a size designed for removably receiving the luggage zipper. There is a fastening means for removably coupling the first portion to the third portion. The fastening means comprises a hook and loop fastening means that includes a loop portion and a hook portion.

Abstract: A containment article, such as a luggage article, is provided which comprises a pair of substantially identical plastic shells which are hingedly connected to each other. The invention also includes an improved telescoping handle assembly for an article, such as wheeled luggage as well as a unique and novel safety latch for a containment article.

Abstract: A device to prevent unauthorized access to motorcycle saddle bags by inserting a lockable closure insert within the bag. A hinge closure is secured within the opening of a leather type saddle bag with a separate attachment hasp fitting engageable on the opposing bag wall. The locking device is covered by the bag closure flap for decorative and accessibility reasons.

Abstract: A bag includes a flap secured to the body of the bag, this flap being formed from a deformable piece and the bag further having at least two passages whose function is to allow the passage of a strap for the purpose of holding the flap on at least one wall of the body, the passages being situated at a sufficient distance from each other and disposed on the flap so that, when the flap is mounted on the body of the bag, the passages are opposite the wall in order to make it possible to secure the flap to the latter by the strap.

Abstract: A containment article, such as a luggage article, is provided which comprises a pair of substantially identical plastic shells which are hingedly connected to each other. The invention also includes an improved telescoping handle assembly for an article, such as wheeled luggage as well as a unique and novel safety latch for a containment article.

Abstract: A containment article, such as a luggage article, is provided which comprises a pair of substantially identical plastic shells which are hingedly connected to each other. The invention also includes an improved telescoping handle assembly for an article, such as wheeled luggage as well as a unique and novel safety latch for a containment article.

Abstract: A tamper evident file holder especially suited for use in containing hanging files in a file cabinet drawer. The file holder is normally a full enclosure pouch configured for holding a plurality of files with one access portal such as a zippered closure or the like. In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the enclosure is made of a heavy fabric such as leather, vinyl, canvas, nylon or other tear resistant material. The zipper is locked in the closed position by a locking device comprising a disposable element in the form of a plug and stem which must be fractured to permit unlocking the locking device to open the zipper and gain access to the interior of the pouch. By coding each disposable element with a unique and indelible code, one can readily ascertain that the zipper has been unlocked to permit access to the files within the pouch. The pouch is preferably configured with hanger rods to permit hanging the file holder on a standard pair of file cabinet drawer rails.

Abstract: The invention relates to hard sided luggage shells and other containers manufactured using vacuum forming or pressure forming of thermoplastics. Shells and containers with integrally molded frames are disclosed. The differential pressure formed shell containers have framed openings, but without the need to attach a separate frame element to the molded shell.

Abstract: A sealing container including a hooked lever turned about a pivot pin between two lugs at the periphery of a container body near its top and adapted to hold down a sealing cap being pivoted to the container body, wherein the lugs of the container body have each a through hole in which the pivot pin is moved, and a springy, smoothly curved projecting portion projecting into the through hole, the through hole of each lug defining a vertical sliding portion at the top, a transverse retaining portion at the bottom, and an arched intermediate portion communicating between the vertical sliding portion and the transverse retaining portion corresponding to the springy, smoothly curved projecting portion.

Abstract: A child-resistant locking device for a flexible bag, pouch or the like having an opening and requiring child-resistant packaging which is to be filled with hazardous articles including a zipper operatively associated with the opening and movable between an open and closed position, the zipper being provided with a pull tab having an opening for actuating the zipper and a releasable lock supported on the bag operatively associated with the pull tab opening for releasably retaining the zipper in the closed position with the lock including elements requiring manual dexterity with both hands at a skill level common to an adult as opposed to a child for release.

Abstract: An alarm strap for luggage (10) for emitting an audible alarm when unauthorized entrance into baggage (34) is attempted. The alarm strap for luggage (10) includes an alarm housing (12), alarm circuitry (14), a lock switch (24), and a strap (26), made of substantially the same material of typical luggage straps, carrying an electrically conductive element (28). A ratcheting mechanism (30) is attached to the alarm housing (12). The strap (26) is wrapped around the baggage (34), passed through the ratcheting mechanism (30), and tightened down so that no slack is left, and the strap (26) is taut against the baggage (34). The lock switch (24) is turned to the on position to complete the alarm circuitry (14) circuit and arm the alarm. When someone tries to gain unauthorized access to the baggage (34) by cutting the strap (26), the severing of the electrically conductive element (28) energizes the alarm circuitry (14) and sets off an audible alarm.

Abstract: A method for protecting luggage in transit. A strip is made of a material which adheres to itself but not to the luggage or to a lock for the luggage. The strip is wrapped around the luggage and the lock, and the ends of the strip are pressed together, causing them to stick to one another and seal the luggage and the lock. If further protection is desired, a strand of wire, rope, cord, string, or the like is tied over the strip used to seal the luggage and lock, and a second strip of the same material wrapped over and around the strand, the first strip, the luggage, and the lock, and used to further seal the luggage and the lock by pressing the ends of the second strip against one another.

Abstract: A luggage case 11 comprises two shells 12 and 13 hinged together along their back wall 19. The case is fastened by three latches. One latch 26 is key operated and located at the middle of the front wall 18. The other two latches 24 and 25 are located at the front of the end walls of the case and prevent gaping of the case when it is overfilled. The latches 24 and 25 are secured by sliding bolts.

Abstract: A suitcase (K) consists of two suitcase shells (1) and (2), which can be folded together, and includes castors and a pull handle (Z). The pull handle is on the narrow side (14) opposite the castors, and is swingably seated on a mounting plate (17) attached to the other suitcase shell (2). The suitcase shell (2) is adapted to be connected to the opposite suitcase shell (1) by at least one closure which extends over a fold joint (3) of the suitcase. This achieves a structurally advantageous configuration which is stable in use due to an interpenetration between hasp closure (I) and the mounting plate.

Abstract: A flexible-walled security container has an opening provided with a fastener slidable along edges of the opening and a locking mechanism to releasably retain the slider in a position closing the container. The locking mechanism includes a body supporting a receiver with a recess in an upper surface thereof to receive the slider and a retainer closable on the received slider. Lugs at one end of the recess prevent slide removal of the slider. Gaps are formed along the upper surface between the lugs and a supporting wall of the body. A clip is provided to snap onto the receiver. Arms of the clip cover the gaps between the lugs and the supporting wall of the body. The clip is configured to conform closely to the receiver so as not to protrude discernably into the container.

Abstract: A convertible valet bag, characterized in that it is made from a generally rectangular bag opened at the top and fitted, at this level, with a holding means, as well as a supporting means which is movable between a resting position in which it is totally retracted within the bag and a working position in which it acts as a support to allow the bag to stand in a generally upright position.

Abstract: The slide latch gravity lock of the present invention includes means which prevent the lock from opening when the article with which the lock is utilized is in its vertical position. When the article is moved from its horizontal position to a vertical position, a ball located within the lock mechanism moves by gravity from a first position wherein it does not restrain movement of the slide latch to a second position where it does.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel covered zipper assembly for the top of a portfolio with two heavy duty magnetic catches, one at each end thereof and being secured between the portfolio panels at the top to hide the zipper from view. A combination lock cooperating with a hasp protrudes from one end to be inserted into a catch portion at the side of the portfolio whereby the pull tab of the zipper can be grasped to slide open the top of the portfolio. Lock means, preferably combination lock means, are provided at the hasp. The covering is preferably constructed of high grade leather which is fastened by sewing to the other side panels of the portfolio at the top inner edges thereof. Easy access to the top of the portfolio for opening is not readily suggested by observing from the top because the cover assembly hides the zipper from view.

Abstract: Hand luggage comprising a substantially rectangular shell including two opposed major walls and an open end therebetween. A single rectangular drawer is slidably mounted in the shell. The drawer includes a front wall having a marginal flange that overlaps and completely closes the open end when the drawer is slid to its closed position. A carrying handle is attached outside the luggage to the end wall. Also, there is a means for detachably latching the shell to the drawer when the drawer is in its closed position.

Abstract: A handle for a bag includes an elongated, flexible sheet member having an attachment region at each end. The attachment regions are adapted for attachment to the bag. The sheet member includes an elongated, rectangular intermediate region between the attachment regions. A welting member is adjacent to the intermediate region. The welting member includes an elongated sheet of relatively highly compressible and resilient material. The intermediate region is folded along its long principal axis so that the long sides of that region are mutually jointed at a seam with the welting member positioned between the two halves of the intermediate region on either side of the principal axis. The handle further includes a plurality of seams joining opposite portions of the two halves along substantially parallel axes extending transverse to the principal axis. The transverse axes are equally spaced in the direction of the principal axis by a distance D.

Abstract: A carrying case having a zipper-type closure element includes a pair of spaced apart pockets for receiving a cylindrical locking device carrying a lockable safety pin pivotal into and out of a closed position with a lock element. The locking device is retained in the pockets oppositely of the closure element when the carrying case is closed. The pin in the open position engages the closure element and is pivoted to the closed position to prevent movement of the closure element to open the carrying case. A length of strap extending from the case may be wrapped around a stationary object and secured to the closed pin to prevent theft of the carrying case.

Abstract: A lock possesses a lock housing which is connected with a cover plate protruding above the lock housing at all sides. Fastening clips which abut at the corresponding side walls of the lock housing and protrude beyond the rear or rear side thereof are arranged at at least two oppositely positioned sides of the lock housing. The lock is fastened to a flat object by inserting it into an opening through the flat object and bending over the fastening clips on the rear side of this flat object. A substantial simplification of the manufacture of the lock and its fastening in an opening of the flat object is possible due to this form of construction.

Abstract: A bag having side edges meeting at a corner, a slide fastener along one side edge, a hood conformably covering the bag corner and mounted to the bag for movement into and out of its corner covering relation, the hood having an opening for exteriorly passing the slider pull of the fastener when the latter is closed, and a tab extending externally from the hood for registry with the slider pull to receive a sealing shackle in the closed fastener condition.

Abstract: A simple trip-wire or magnetic circuit associated with a shipping container provides continuity, which is detected electrically. Simply, if continuity is disabled by a forced entry of the container, electrical detection means, such as a radio-frequency-identification (RFID) tag, will alert the owner or monitoring station. The trip-wire concept would require the replacing of a broken trip wire (resulting from forced entry), while the magnetic circuit concept can be reused repetitively. In a second embodiment a magnetic circuit and the detection device (RFID tag) are embedded into the shipping article during manufacturing. The preferred detection device, an RFID tag, could also be a battery backed transceiver type on which a replaceable or rechargeable battery could be mounted on the inside of the shipping container during manufacturing. The RFID tag would communicate with an interrogator unit, which could be connected to a host computer.

Abstract: A simple trip-wire or magnetic circuit associated with a shipping container provides continuity, which is detected electrically. Simply, if continuity is disabled by a forced entry of the container, electrical detection means, such as a radio-frequency-identification (RFID) tag, will alert the owner or monitoring station. The trip-wire concept would require the replacing of a broken trip wire (resulting from forced entry), while the magnetic circuit concept can be reused repetitively. In a second embodiment a magnetic circuit and the detection device (RFID tag) are embedded into the shipping article during manufacturing. The preferred detection device, an RFID tag, could also be a battery backed transceiver type on which a replaceable or rechargeable battery could be mounted on the inside of the shipping container during manufacturing. The RFID tag would communicate with an interrogator unit, which could be connected to a host computer.