GB2094878A - Luggage case lock - Google Patents

Abstract

A luggage case fastener assembly comprises a latching mechanism integrated into the valences V, V' of the case and its lid respectively. The latching mechanism includes a pair of longitudinally sliding latch bars S, S' mounted on the underside of a valance member 56 attached to the body of the luggage case, each bar having an end 30 projecting through an opening 102 in an adjacent corner member 58, 58' and shaped to be manually pressed inwardly so that ribs 120 clear keepers H, H' on the lid to release the fastening. A combination lock C mounted on the lid of the case at 222 has a tiltable blocking element 220 which extends beyond the edge of the lid and may be positioned between the inner ends of the sliding latch bars when the case is closed for preventing the movement of these bars towards each other necessary to release the fastening of the case. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Luggage case hardware assembly Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to console-type hardware assemblies for luggage cases and the like comprising a latching mechanism controlled by a combination lock.

In known luggage case hardware assemblies in which a combination lock is employed for controlling a latching mechanism used for releasably holding the parts of the case together, the combination lock and the latching mechanism are mounted on the same part of the case so that the combination lock is in close proximity to one or more operating components of the latching mechanism. Since such hardware assemblies are normally mounted on the body of a luggage case, i.e., the part on which the handle is mounted, the combination lock is also mounted on the body of the case, often under the handle, making it difficult to read the dials when the case is lying on a horizontal surface.

Known hardware assemblies also tend to have a complicated construction and require the maintenance of rather close tolerances to ensure proper operation. Moreover, they have generally been "applied" to a valance member of the luggage case, rather than integrated with the valance member to form a unitary assembly. This has imposed limitations on both the valance member and the hardware assembly.

It is desirable to provide improved hardware assemblies which avoid these and other disadvantages of prior hardward assemblies, and it is to this end that the present invention is directed.

Summary of the Invention The invention provides improved hardware assemblies for luggage which have significant advantages over prior art hardware assemblies.

The hardware assemblies of the invention have a simple construction and employ relatively few parts. Accordingly, they are economical to produce and easy to assemble. The hardware assemblies of the invention may include a latching mechanism which may be mounted on the body of a luggage case, and may include a combination lock mounted on the lid of the case for controlling the latching mechanism. Optionally, the mounting of the combination lock on the lid may be such that the dials are appropriately angled for easy viewing by the user when the luggage case is lying on a horizontal surface. In addition, the hardware assemblies may be integrated into a luggage case valance, rather than being simply applied thereto, so that the valance forms an integral part of the assembly.

Briefly stated, in one aspect the invention provides a hardware assembly which may comprise latch means disposed on a first part of the luggage case, the latch means being movable between latching and unlatching positions and being cooperable with associated hasp means on a second part of the case for holding the case closed when the parts are brought together, actuator means on the first part for operating the latch means, and a combination lock on the second part of the case. The combination lock has means cooperable with the latch means when the case is closed for preventing movement of the latch means to unlatching position except when the combination lock is on combination.

In accordance with another aspect, a hardware assembly may comprise a pair of elongated slide members, means for mounting the slide members on the first part of a luggage case adjacent to an edge for sliding movement along the edge, each slide member having latch element means for engaging an associated hasp on a second part of the luggage case when the parts are brought together to hold the case closed, and means for biasing the slide members apart to a latching position. Each slide member has one end adapted to project through an opening in a corner of the case and shaped to form a manually engageable actuator for moving the slide members together to unlatching position.

In accordance with still another aspect, the invention provides a combination lock adapted to be mounted on a lid of a luggage case. The combination lock comprises a frame and a cover plate, the cover plate having first and second mounting surfaces connected by a contoured mounting surface portion formed to mate with a contoured intersection of first and second side walls of the lid to enable to cover plate to be mounted on the lid with the first and second mounting surfaces located on the first and second side walls, respectively, with the contoured mounting surface portion located on the contoured intersection, and with the frame received in an opening in the lid.

In accordance with another aspect, the invention provides a combination lock adapted to be mounted on a first part of a luggage case which comprises a frame, a shaft supported on the frame, a plurality of combination dials rotatably supported on the shaft, a bolt pivotally supported on the frame for movement between locking and unlocking positions, and means associated with the dials for controlling the position of the bolt in accordance with the rotational positions of the dials. The bolt, which is in unlocking position only when the dials are on combination, has a projection which extends beyond the frame and the edge of the first part of the case for engaging an associated latch means on a second part of the case when the bolt is in locking position.

In accordance with still another aspect, the invention provides a combination lock comprising a frame, a shaft supported on the frame, a plurality of combination dials rotatably supported on the shaft, a movable locking element, means associated with the dials for controlling the movement of the locking element, and a dial spring on the frame for holding the dials in a series of discrete rotational positions. The dial spring is formed from a length of spring wire and has an arm for engaging each dial, and a plurality of spring sections extending transversely from the arms for mounting the dial spring on the frame and for enabling the arms to move independently of one another.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a luggage case embodying the invention, the luggage case being shown in the normal position it would occupy when lying on a flat horizontal surface; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a hardware assembly in accordance with the invention, the hardware assembly being illustrated as it would appear on an upright luggage case with the lid of the case being closest to the viewer; Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the bottom of the luggage case of Figure 1 taken approximately along the lines 3-3; Figure 4 is an enlarged top view, partially broken away, of the left-hand top corner of the hardware assembly of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken approximately along the lines 5-5 of Figure 4;; Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view taken approximately along the lines 6-6 of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a top view of a lid corner member which may be employed in a hardware assembly of the invention; Figure 8 is an end view of the corner member of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a side view of the corner member of Figure 7; Figure 10 is a top view, partially broken away, of a combination lock which may be employed in the hardware assembly of the invention; Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view taken approximately along the lines 11-11 of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a transverse sectional view taken approximately along the lines 12-12 of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a top view of a cover plate of the combination lock of Figures 10-12;; Figure 14 is a transverse sectional view taken approximately along the lines 14-14 of Figure 13; Figure 1 5 is a perspective view of a bolt which may be employed in the combination lock; Figures 16 and 17 are a top view and a side view, respectively, of a dial spring which may be employed in the combination lock; Figure 1 8 is an end view of a combination dial which may be employed in the combination lock; and Figure 19 is an end view of a sleeve which may be employed in the combination lock.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment The hardware assembly of the invention is preferably employed on luggage cases and the like and will be described in that environment.

However, as will become apparent from the following description, this environment is only representative of one utility of the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a luggage case 20 employing a hardware assembly 22 embodying the invention. As shown, and as will be described in detail hereinafter, the luggage case may have frames or valances V, V' attached to the edges of the side walls of the body shell 24 and the lid shell 26, respectively, of the case, and the hardware assembly may be integrated into the valances so that the valances form an integral part of the assembly. The hardware assembly may include a latching mechanism for holding the parts of the case closed and a locking mechanism for preventing operation of the latching mechanism necessary to open the case. As shown in Figure 2, the latching mechanism may comprise a pair of slide members S, S', mounted adjacent to an edge of the body 24 of the case on valance V, and engageable with associated hasps H, H' on the lid of the case for holding the case closed.The slide members may be biased apart to latching position by coil springs 28 and each slide member may have an end shaped to form a manually engageable actuator 30 which is accessible at a corner of the case for moving the slide members together to unlatching position. The locking mechanism preferably comprises a combination lock C mounted on the lid of the case which prevents movement of the slide members toward the center of the case (to unlatching position), except when the combinaion lock is on combination. As shown in Figure 1 , the combination lock may be mounted on the contoured intersection 32 of adjacent side walls 34 and 36 of the lid of the case with the dials angled with respect to the lid for easy visual access when the case is lying on a horizontal surface.The luggage case may further include a carrying handle 38 attached to valance V on the body of the case by handle studs 39 in a wellknown manner.

In greater detail now, Figure 2 illustrates the principal components of the hardware assembly 22 and their relationships to one another.

(Figure 2 illustrates the hardware assembly as it would appear when attached to a luggage case standing upright with the lid of the case closest to the viewer.) As shown, each valance V, V' may be a generally rectangular frame comprising a plurality of elongated straight side valance sections or members connected together at their ends by right-angled corner members. The straight valance members, which may be extruded, as of aluminum, and the corner members, which may be die-cast, preferably have the shapes illustrated in the figure. Valance V' includes a straight bottom member 40 connected at its opposite ends to a pair of straight side members 42 by bottom corner members 44, 44', and a straight top member 46 connected to the side members by top corner members 48, 48'. (Terms such as "top", "bottom" and "side" refer to the orientation of the various members in Figure 2 and are not intended to be limiting.) Similarly, valance V includes a straight bottom member 50 connected at its opposite ends to straight side members 52 by bottom corner members 54, 54', and a straight top member 56 connected to the side members by top corner members 58, 58'.

To connect the straight members and the corner members of valance V' together, each straight member may have a pair of longitudinally extending ribs 60 which form a longitudinally extending channel 62 therebetween for receiving projecting tabs 64 of the corner members (see Figures 5 and 6 also which illustrate the connection of corner members 48 and 58 to side members 42 and 52). Once the corner members are assembled with the straight members, tabs 64 may be staked (not illustrated) in channels 62 to permanently connect the corner members and the straight members together. As shown in Figure 2, tabs 64 of each corner member are located at right angles to one another, and the corner members are formed to connect adjacent straight members at right angles to one another.

The side and bottom members of valance V may similarly be formed with channels 62 for receiving tabs 64 of the corner members of valance V to connect the side and bottom members to the corner members in the same manner as described for valance V'. However, tabs are not employed for connecting the straight top member 56 of valance V with top corner members 58, 58'. Rather, the corner members are preferably formed to extend over the ends of the top member and to be connected thereto, in the manner illustrated in Figure 5, by a threaded fastener 66 which passes through a hole 67 in the end of the top member and is threaded into the underside of the corner member.

For connecting the valances to the edges of the side walls of the luggage case shells, i.e., body 24 and lid 26, each straight valance member may have another longitudinally extending channel 68 formed at a right angle to channel 62 by an outer flange 70 of the valance member and an inner flange or tail 71. Channels 68 of the straight valance members receive the edges of the luggage case side walls, as best illustrated in Figures 3, 6, and 12, for attaching the valances thereto. Inner flanges 71 may also be formed with sharp inward projections 72, as shown, which bite into the luggage case shells, as when the flanges are crimped together, for example.

As shown in Figure 2, corner members 44, 44', 48 and 48' of valance V' are formed such that when they are assembled with the straight members, the curvature of an inner surface 74 of a flange portion 75 of each corner member provides a smoothly curved right-angled transition from channel 68 of one straight member to channel 68 of an adjacent straight member. As shown, the flange portion of bottom corners 44 and 44' is stepped to provide tabs 76 which overlap the outer flanges 70 of an adjacent side and bottom member, the dimensions of the steps being equal to the thickness of the outer flanges 70 to provide the smooth transition between channels 68.

Similarly, top corner members 48, 48' have a recess 78 (see Figures 5, 8 and 9) which receives an end of a side member 42, and which is sized so that the inner surface of flange portions 75 will be flush with the side wall of the case received in channel 68, as shown in Figure 5. The curvature of surface 74 of the corner members is sized to match the curvature of the corners of the luggage case shell, so that when the valance is assembled with the shell, the corner members will be flush with the outer surfaces of the shell to provide a finished appearance to the case, as shown in Figure 1.By overlapping the outer flanges 70 of the straight valance members, tabs 76 of the bottom corner members and the overlapping flange portion 75 of the top corner members cover any slight openings between the straight valance members and the corner members which may be occasioned by dimensional variations in the luggage case shell. The corner members of valance V may be constructed similarly to provide a smooth transition between channels 68 of the straight members of valance V and to have an inner surface curvature which matches the curvature of the body shell so that they mount flush therewith. In addition, the corner members of valance V may overlap the straight valance members, in the manner just described for valance V', to accommodate dimensional variations in the body of the case.

As best illustrated in Figure 3, the inner flanges 71 of the bottom valance members 40 and 50 may extend beyond the outer flanges 70 of the valance members to provide a good connection for rivets 79 for attaching hinges 80 to the case. If desired, the inner flanges 71 of the other straight valance members may also extend beyond their outer flanges to provide connection points for other hardware. As also shown in Figure 3, the bottom of the case may be provided with resilient feet 81, as of rubber, for supporting the case when in an upright position. In addition, the mating sides of the valance members are preferably formed as male/female surfaces for interfitting engagement when the case is closed.As shown in Figures 2, 3, 6, and 12, valance V' may be a female valance having U-shaped longitudinal grooves 82 for receiving U-shaped longitudinal projections 84 on valance V. As best shown in Figure 2, the grooves and the projections are continued-through the curvatures of the bottom corner members.

However, the mating sides of the top corner members of the valances are preferably smooth as shown.

As will be explained shortly, the operating components of the latching mechanism of the hardware assembly are preferably integrated into the top valance member 56 and top corner members 58, 58' of valance V. Accordingly, these members may have a width which is somewhat greater than the other members of the valance. In order to accommodate the wider top valance member and top corner members of valance V, the top valance member 46 and a portion of the top corner members 48, 48' of valance V' may be offset, as shown in Figures 2 and 6. The offset is towards the left in Figure 6 from the center line P between the valances when the case is closed and forms a recess 85 in the lid 26 for receiving the top valance member 56 and top corner members 58, 58' of the body 24.

To provide the offset, the top corner members 48, 48' of valance V' may be shaped as shown in Figures 2 and 6-9. As shown, the offset in corner members 48, 48' is preferably such that recess 85 is approximately equal to one-half the width of valance member 56 and corner members 58, 58' of valance V. Similarly, corner members 58 and 58' may be shaped to provide an offset between the center line P and channel 68 of top valance member 56 which receives the edge of the body 24 of the case. This offset is likewise approximately equal to one-half the width of the top valance member and the top corner members of valance V, so that when the parts of the case are brought together the mating sides of the straight valance members and the mating sides of the corner members may come together in interfitting engagement.As shown, corner members 48, 48' are preferably formed with hook-shaped hasps H, H', respectively, which cooperate with slide members S, S', as will be explained, to hold the parts of the case together in latched relationship. As is also shown in Figures 5 and 6, corner members 58, 58' of valance V may provide flanges 86 which cover flanges 75 of corner members 48, 48' when the case is closed, to provide a finished appearance, and may each have a recess 87 for receiving an initial 88 or other design or logo.

An advantage of the foregoing sectional-type construction of the valances is that the construction enables a small radius of curvature in the valance corners (and also a small radius of curvature at the corners of the luggage case shells) without unduly weakening the valances, as would occur with a continuous extruded valance construction. The valance construction also provides other advantages which will become apparent shortly.

Having described the valance construction of the hardware assembly, it is now appropriate to describe the latching mechanism of the assembly.

As previously indicated, the hardware assembly employs a pair of elongated slide members S, S', which may be identical stamped steel members having a shape best illustrated in Figure 2. The slide members may have a generally U-shaped cross section and may be supported on the underside of the top valance member 56 by a channel 90 which is connected to the underside of the top valance member and to the corner members 58, 58' by a threaded fastener 91 received in a depending boss 92 of each corner member, as shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 6, one side 94 of channel 90 may abut the underside of the top valance member 56 adjacent to male projection 84 of the valance member.The other, shorter, side 96 of the channel may be received in a longitudinally extending notch 97 formed in a depending portion 98 on the underside of the top valance member by a pair of parallel ribs 99. Notch 97 is similar to the channels 62 formed in the other straight valance members which receive tabs 64 of the corner members. As shown, channel 90 and top valance member 56 form an elongated housing having a generally rectangular cross section which is sized to confine the slide members for longitudinal movement within the housing.

As previously mentioned, the slide members constitute sliding latches which cooperate with the hasps H, H' to hold the parts of the case together, as will be explained, and one end of each slide member is shaped to form a manually engageable actuator 30 for moving the slide members together. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the actuator of each slide member may be formed as a curved extension of the upper surface 1 00 of the slide member, and may be located within a recessed portion 101 of an associated corner member. The recessed portion of each corner member communicates with the interior of the housing by means of an opening 102 formed in an interior surface 1 04 of the recessed portion.The curvature of each actuator 30 preferably matches the curvature of its corner member, as illustrated in Figure 5, and is sized such that when the slide members are in latching position (the position illustrated in Figure 5) the actuators are recessed from the outer surfaces of flanges 86 of the corner members, as shown. Accordingly, as shown in Figures 1,4 and 5, the actuators are located at the corners of the luggage case. This imparts a unique esthetic appearance to the case, and reduces the possibility of the actuators being operated inadvertently, as when the case is dropped. As shown in Figure 5, the curved end 30 of each slide member forming the actuator may be provided with a decorative covering 106, as of leather or vinyl.

Boss 92 of each corner member 58, 58', which connects channel 90 to the underside of the top valance member 56, also serves as an additional connection between the valance member and each corner member. As shown in Figure 4 for corner member 58, each boss 92 is preferably D-shaped and the flat surface of each boss faces opening 102. Each boss may extend through a Dshaped hole 110 in top valance member 56 and through an elongated slot 112 in the upper surface 100 of an associated slide member. One end of each of slots 112 may have a depressed tab 114 (see Figures 2, 5 and 6), which supports an end of one of coil springs 28; the other end of the coil springs engage the flat sides of bosses 92, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The coil springs bias the slide members outwardly from the center of the valance member causing the opposite ends of slots 11 2 from tabs 114 to engage the bosses.

This is the latching position of the slide members in which the end of one side 120 of each slide member adjacent to side 94 of the channel 90 engages the hook portion 122 of an associated hasp H, H' which is received within the housing through a cut-out 124 in side 94.

Upon depressing the actuators 30 of the slide members located within recesses 101 of the corner members, the slide members are moved together toward the center of the valance member 56 compressing the coil springs 28 against the flat surfaces of bosses 92. This allows the ends of sides 120 of the slide members to disengage from the hasps. This is the unlatching position of the mechanism.

As best illustrated in Figure 2, each slide member may have elongated openings 126, 127 for threaded fasteners 66 and for mounting posts (not illustrated) of the handle studs 39. Elongated openings 126, 127 are sized to provide clearance for the threaded fasteners and the mounting posts and to permit movement of the slide members between latching and unlatching positions. The top surface 100 of each slide member and a portion of each of sides 1 20, 1 20' at their inner end (near the combination lock C) may be cut away to form a notch 128 (see Figures 2 and 10), which cooperates with the combination lock to provide a locking mechanism, as will be explained shortly. The upper surface of each slide member near notch 1 28 may also have a curved projection 130, as shown, which abuts the underside of top valance member 56.Projections 130 reduce the area of surface contact between the slide members and the underside of the valance member (see Figure 12) to reduce friction and facilitate movement of the slide members.

Projections 1 30 also maintain the sides of the slide members in contact with the bottom of channel 90, which is important to ensure proper operation of the locking mechanism of the hardware assembly, as will be described.

The hardware assembly may also incorporate ejector means ajacent to each hasp for moving the lid and the body of the case apart when the latches are operated to facilitate opening of the case. As shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5, a leaf type, somewhat U-shaped ejector spring 1 36 may be associated with corner member 58. One end 1 38 of the spring, formed as a curved extension of an arm 140 may be located in a notch 142 formed in corner member 58 adjacent to the end of top valance member 56 and side 96 of channel 90, as shown in Figure 4. As shown, the spring is sized to fit between the sides 1 20, 120' of slide member S with its curved central portion 144 passing around boss 92.In relaxed position, another arm 146 of the ejector spring adjacent to cut-out 124 for hasp H is in the phantom line position illustrated in Figure 4. When the hasp enters cut-out 1 24 in the channel, the angled portion 147 of the hasp adjacent to hook portion 122 engages the angled portion 148 of side 120 of slide member S to cam the slide member to unlatching position (to the right in the figure) so that hasp H may enter the opening. The hasp engages arm 146 of the spring to move it to the solid line position illustrated. When the hasp has fully entered the opening, coil spring 28 moves slide member S back to latching position at which the side 1 20 of the slide member engages the hook portion 122 of hasp H to hold the parts of the case together.

Hasp H' (at the right-hand side of the hardware assembly in Figure 2) cooperates with slide member S' and another ejector spring associated with corner member 58' (not illustrated) in the same manner.

When actuators 30 of the two slide members are depressed to move the slide members to unlatching position, the slide members disengage from the hasps and the ejector springs push the hasps out of cut-outs 1 24 in the channel, causing the lid to pop open. Since the slide members operate independently from one another, to open the case both slide members must be moved to unlatching position.

As previously mentioned, a combination lock C may be employed for controlling the operation of the latching mechanism of the hardware assembly. However, unlike conventional hardware assemblies, the hardware assembly of the invention is unique in that the combination lock is mounted on the lid of the case rather than on the body of the case with the latching mechanism.

Referring to Figures 2 and 10-14, the combination lock may comprise a cover plate 1 50 and back plate 151 which together form a housing for the operating parts of the combination lock. As best illustrated in Figures 2, 12, 13, and 14, cover plate 150, which is preferably a die-cast member, may be formed with first and second mounting surfaces 1 52, 1 53 located at substantially a right angle to one another and connected by arcuate or contoured portions 1 54 constituted as portions of a peripheral flange 1 55 of the cover plate. In the center portion of the cover plate, a recessed faceplate 1 58 extends between the first and second mounting surfaces at an angle of approximately 45 to each mounting surface.On the underside of faceplate 158, the cover plate has a generally rectangular cavity 1 60 formed by side walls 161 and end walls 162. A mounting post 164, for receiving a threaded fastener 1 65 for connecting the back plate to the cover plate may be formed adjacent to each end wall 162, as shown in Figure 11. Each end wall 162 may also be formed with an arcuate recess 1 66 for receiving an end of a shaft 1 68 which rotatably supports a plurality of combination dials 1 70 and associated sleeves 171.A bracket 1 72 may be connected to the end walls 1 62 by means of bosses 1 74 cast on the underside of each end wall 162 which are received in openings 176 in a flanged end 177 (Figure 10) of the bracket and are swedged over to make the connection, as illustrated in Figure 11. When attached to the end walls, bracket 172 captures the ends of shaft 1 68 in the arcuate recesses 1 66. Faceplate 1 58 also has a plurality of transverse slots 1 78 through which the combination dials 1 70 extend. The rectangular portion (side walls 161 and end walls 1 62) of the cover plate and bracket 1 72 constitute the frame of the combination lock.

The cover plate is adapted to be mounted on the contoured intersection 32 of adjacent side walls 34, 36 of lid 26 of the luggage case, i.e., on the curve of the lid between the side walls, as shown in Figures 1, 11, and 12. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, a cut-out 180 may be provided in the contoured intersection sized to pass the rectangular portion of the cover plate formed by side walls 161 and end walls 162, with mounting surfaces 152 and 1 53 positioned on side walls 34 and 36, respectively, and with arcuate portions 154 of the cover plate positioned on the contoured intersection 32 (see Figure 10 also).

The shape of arcuate portions 1 54 preferably matches the shape of the contoured intersection between the side walls (an arcuate shape being illustrated in the figures although other shapes, e.g., angled, are also contemplated for the contoured intersection) so that the cover plate is flush with the side walls and the contoured intersection, as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 12 and 14, mounting surface 153 of the cover plate may have a shorter length than mounting surface 1 52 and be sized to abut the outer flange 70 of the top valance member 46.

The cover plate is held in position on the lid of the case by back plate 151.

As shown in Figure 2, back plate 151 comprises a generally rectangular base 1 82 having an angled portion 1 84 along a longitudinal side thereof, and arcuate flanges 1 86 connected to opposite ends of the base and to the angled portion. Along the opposite side of the base from angled portion 184, the back plate has a pair of angled tabs 187 having a cut-out 188 therebetween and another pair of shorter angled tabs 189, one located between each of tabs 187 and arcuate flanges 186. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, when back plate 1 51 is connected to cover plate 150, angled portion 184 abuts the underside of side wall 34 of the lid and flanges 186 abut the underside of contoured intersection 32.Tabs 1 89 of the back plate are located within channel 62 of valance member 46, and tabs 1 87 are positioned within a cut-out 1 90 formed in channel 62, as shown in Figure 12. The back plate 1 51 thus serves to connect the cover plate to the lid of the case.

Combination lock C is preferably a pivoted bolt combination lock, which, except as described herein, may be generally similar to well-known combination locks of this type. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, a coil spring 192 on one end of the shaft 168 biases the sleeves 171 into abutting relationship against a collar 1 94 formed near the other end of the shaft. Each sleeve may have a cylindrical portion 1 96 which is received in a central opening 197 of its associated dial 1 70 (see Figures 1 1, 18--19), and each sleeve may be releasably keyed to its associated dial for rotation therewith by detents 1 98 (see Figure 19) received in recesses 199 (see Figure 18) of the dial. Each sleeve may have a circular flange 200 with a flat 202, as shown in Figure 19.

A bolt 204, best illustrated in Figure 15, may be pivotally supported on bracket 172 of the frame by tabs 206 received in cut-outs 208 in the ends of the bracket (see Figures 10 and 12) so that the bolt may pivot about a longitudinal axis through the tabs along one side of the bolt. As shown in Figure 15, the bolt may have a plurality of transverse slots 210 through which the dials pass, and may have a depression 212 adjacent to each tab 206 to provide a boss on which a bolt spring 214 (Figure 12) may be located. The bolt springs on bosses 212 bias tabs 206 of the bolt into engagement with projections 21 6 cast downwardly from the end walls 1 62 of the cover plate (see Figures 12 and 14) and received in cutouts 208, and bias the bolt into engagement with the sleeves.The circular flanges 200 (including flats 202) of the sleeves are adjacent to surface 218 of the bolt. When the dials are all rotated so that the flats 202 of their associated sleeves are adjacent to the bolt surface, bolt springs 214 cause the bolt to pivot counterclockwise about tabs 206 to the solid line position illustrated in Figure 12. This is the unlocked or on-combination position of the combination lock. When any dial is turned off combination, the circular flange 200 of its associated sleeve is positioned adjacent to the surface 218 of the bolt, causing the bolt to pivot clockwise to the phantom line position of Figure 12. This is the locked position or off-combination position of the combination lock.

As shown in Figures 2, 10, 12 and 15, bolt 204 may be formed with a projecting tab 220 on the opposite side of the bolt from the side about which the bolt is pivoted. Projecting tab 220 is angled with respect to the surface 21 8 of the bolt (see Figure 1 2) and sized to extend through notch 188 in back plate 1 51 and cut-out 1 90 in channel 62 of valance member 46. As shown, the end of projecting tab 220 extends beyond valance member 46 and is received in an opening 222 in side 94 of channel 90 when the case is closed.

As shown in Figures 10 and 12, when the case is closed, the notched end 128 of each slide member S, S' is positioned adjacent to projecting tab 220 of the bolt. When the combination lock is off combination and the bolt is in the phantom line position illustrated in Figure 12, the projecting tab 220 of the bolt is positioned in abutting relationship with the ends 224 of the slide members. Projecting tab 220 of the bolt and ends 224 of the slide members constitute cooperable blocking elements, and engagement between the projecting tab and the slide members prevents inward movement of the slide members to unlatching position necessary to open the case.

When the combination lock is on combination and the projecting tab is in the solid line position illustrated in Figure 12, the projecting tab is located above ends 224 of the slide members.

Accordingly, when actuators 30 of the slide members are depressed to move the slide members to unlatching position, ends 224 pass beneath projecting tab 220, the projecting tab being received within notches 128 of the slide members, allowing the slide members to move to unlatching position. Accordingly, the operation of the latching mechanism of the hardware assembly is controlled by the combination lock.

Figures 1 6 and 17 are a top view and a side view, respectively, of a dial spring 230 which may be employed in the combination lock for holding the dials in discrete rotational positions. The dial spring, which may be formed from spring wire with a shape as illustrated in the figures (see Figure 1 2 also for a side view), provides an arm 232 for each dial. Arms 232, which engage notches 234 spaced around the periphery of the dials, are connected to loop portions 236 of the spring by parallel staggered straight spring sections 238 and 239, connected together by angled spring sections 240. As shown in Figure 12, loops 236 are in a plane which lies substantially at a right angle to a plane formed by arms 232 and straight sections 238.As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the dial spring may be positioned on bracket 172 with loops 236 located on an outside wall 242 of the bracket, with straight sections 239 of the spring extending through side wall openings 244 (see Figure 10) and located on the bottom 246 of the bracket. As the dials are turned, the sloping side walls of notches 234 cam the arms 232 of the dial spring out of the notches so that the dials may be turned.

As each dial is turned, the angled portion 240 of the dial spring connecting its associated arm 232 with a loop 236 is flexed to allow the arm to be cammed out of a notch. As the dial is rotated to the next rotational position, arm 232 rides along the periphery of the dial until it enters the next notch. Accordingly, the dial spring serves to hold each of the dials in a series of discrete rotational positions to successively display indicia spaced around the periphery of the dial.

To permit changing of the combination, a shifter 250 may be located on the end of shaft 168 between collar 194 and an adjacent end wall 1 62 of the cover plate, as shown in Figure 11. The shifter may have an arm 252 projecting through openings 254 and 256 in bracket 172 and the base of back plate 151, respectively, to enable the shaft and the sleeves to be moved to the left in Figure 11 against the bias of coil spring 1 92 sufficiently to disengage the sleeves from the dials so that the dials may be rotated independently of the sleeves to the new combination.

As may be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the hardware assembly of the invention provides significant advantages over prior art hardware assemblies. Since the combination lock used for controlling the latching mechanism is mounted on the "curve" of the lid of the case, i.e., at the contoured intersection of the side walls, and the faceplate 1 58 of the combination lock is angled with respect to the side walls, the dials may be easily read when the luggage case is lying in its normal position on a horizontal surface.

Moreover, the invention provides a hardware assembly which is integrated into the valance of the luggage case, rather than simply being applied to the valance. Ths simplifies the hardware assembly and provides a luggage case having a very clean, distinctive and esthetically pleasing appearance.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made in this embodiment without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:

Claims (28)

1. A hardware assembly for luggage and the like comprising latch means disposed on a first part of a luggage case, the latch means being movable between latching and unlatching positions and being cooperable with associated hasp means disposed on a second part of the case for holding the case closed when the parts are brought together, actuator means located on the first part for operating the latch means, and a combination lock disposed on the second part of the case, the combination lock having means cooperable with the latch means when the case is closed for preventing movement of the latch means to unlatching position except when the combination lock is on combination.

2. The hardware assembly of Claim 1, wherein the latch means comprises a latching slide member having an end and having a portion projecting through an opening in the first part, the projecting portion comprising the actuator means, and wherein the preventing means comprises means positionable adjacent to the end of the slide member for blocking movement of the slide member to unlatching position.

3. The hardware assembly of Claim 2, wherein the slide member is disposed for sliding movement along an edge of the first part of there luggage case, and wherein the opening is located at a corner of the first part, and the projecting portion comprises another end of the slide member located at the corner.

4. The hardware assembly of Claim 2, wherein the combination lock includes a bolt movable between locked and unlocked positions, the bolt having an extension which projects beyond adjacent edges of the first and second parts of the case and which abuts the end of the slide member when the bolt is in locked position.

5. The hardware assembly of Claim 1, wherein the combination lock comprises frame and a cover plate, the cover plate having first and second mounting surfaces connected by an arcuate mounting surface portion, and wherein the frame is positioned in an opening in the second part of the luggage case at a contoured intersection of first and second side walls of the second part, with the first and second mounting surfaces being positioned on the first and second side walls, respectively, and the arcuate mounting surface portion being positioned on the contoured intersection.

6. The hardware assembly of Claim 5, wherein the combination lock further comprises a plurality of dials rotatably supported on the frame, and the cover plate includes a recessed faceplate adjacent to the arcuate mounting surface portion, the faceplate being positioned between the first and second mounting surfaces at an angle thereto and having a plurality of openings therein through which the dials project.

7. The hardware assembly of Claim 6, wherein the combination lock further comprises a movable bolt and means cooperable with the bolt and the dials for moving the bolt between locked and unlocked positions in accordance with the rotational positions of the dials, the bolt having a portion projecting beyond an edge of the second part of the case for engaging the latch means when the bolt is in locked position, the bolt comprising said preventing means.

8. A hardware assembly for luggage and the like comprising a pair of elongated slide members, means for mounting the slide members on a first part of a luggage case adjacent to an edge thereof for sliding movement along said edge, each slide member having latch element means for engaging an associated hasp on a second part of the luggage case when the parts are brought together to hold the case closed, and means for biasing the slide members apart to a latching position at which they engage the associated hasps, each slide member having an end adapted to project through an opening in a corner of the case and being shaped to form a manually engageable actuator for moving the slide members together to unlatching position.

9. The hardware assembly of Claim 8, wherein the mounting means comprises a frame member adapted to be attached to an edge of the first part of the luggage case, and a base member connected to the underside of the frame member to form an elongated housing, the slide members being positioned within the housing.

10. The hardware assembly of Claim 9, wherein the base member comprises a channel, and wherein the slide members comprise substantially U-shaped members confined for longitudinal movement within the channel.

11. The hardware assembly of Claim 10, further comprising a pair of substantially right-angled corner members connected to opposite ends of the frame member and adapted to be positioned on opposite corners of the first part of the luggage case, the openings in the corners of the luggage case being formed in the corner members such that the openings communicate with the interior of the housing.

12. The hardware assembly of Claim 11, wherein each corner member has a recess adjacent to said opening, and the end of the slide member projecting through said opening is positioned within the recess.

13. The hardware assembly of Claim 11, further comprising a second frame member having other corner members and adapted to be attached to the edge of the second part of the luggage case, the hasps being formed on the other corner members, and wherein the channel has openings therein for receiving the hasps when the parts of the case are brought together.

14. The hardware assembly of Claim 13, wherein the latch element means comprises a side wall of the U-shaped slide members which engages an associated hasp when the slide members are in the latching position.

1 5. The hardware assembly of Claim 8, wherein the mounting means comprises a frame having four side members, each side member adapted to be attached to an edge of a side of the first part of the luggage case, a channel attached to the underside of a first one of said side members of the frame to form an elongated housing, and a corner member at opposite ends of said first side member for attaching the first side member to adjacent side members, said openings being formed in the corner members and communicating with the interior of the housing.

1 6. The hardware assembly of Claim 15, wherein the openings are formed in recesses in the corner members, and the ends of the slide members projecting through the openings are located within the recesses.

17. The hardware assembly of Claim 16, further comprising another frame having corner members and adapted to be attached to edges of the second part of the luggage case, and wherein the associated hasps are formed on the corner members of said other frame.

1 8. The hardware assembly of Claim 17, wherein the corner members of the firstmentioned frame are formed to cover the corner members of said other frame when the case is closed.

19. The hardware assembly of Claim 17, wherein said first-mentioned frame and said other frame comprise luggage case valances.

20. The hardware assembly of Claim 8, further comprising a combination lock having means for preventing movement of the slide members together except when the combination lock is on combination.

21. The hardware assembly of Claim 20, wherein the preventing means is located between the slide members and comprises a movable element engageable with the slide members.

22. The hardware assembly of Claim 21, wherein the combination lock includes means for mounting the combination lock on the second part of the luggage case, and wherein said movable element is formed to extend beyond the edge of the second part and to be received within the housing.

23. For use with a hardware assembly for luggage and the like, a combination lock adapted to be mounted on the lid of a luggage case, comprising a frame, and a cover plate, the cover plate having first and second mounting surfaces connected by a contoured mounting surface portion formed to mate with a contoured intersection of first and second side walls of the lid to enable the cover plate to be mounted on the lid with the first and second mounting surfaces located on the first and second side walls, respectively, with the contoured mounting surface portion located on the contoured intersection, and with the frame received in an opening in the lid.

24. The combination lock of Claim 23, wherein the cover plate includes a recessed faceplate adjacent to the contoured mounting surface portion which connects the first and second mounting surfaces and is positioned at an angle with respect to the first and second mounting surfaces, and the combination lock includes a plurality of dials rotatably supported on the frame which project through openings in the faceplate.

25. The combination lock of Claim 24, wherein the first and second mounting surfaces of the cover plate are substantially at right angles to one another, and the faceplate is angled at approximately forty-five degrees with respect to both of said mounting surfaces.

26. The combination lock of Claim 24, further comprising a locking member movable between locking and unlocking positions in accordance with the rotational positions of the dials and adapted to project beyond an edge of the lid for controlling a latching mechanism located on another part of the case.

27. For use in a hardware assembly for luggage and the like, a combination lock adapted to be mounted on a first part of a luggage case, the combination lock comprising a frame, a shaft supported on the frame, a plurality of combination dials rotatably supported on the shaft, a bolt pivotally supported on the frame for movement between locked and unlocked positions, and means associated with the dials for controlling the position of the bolt in accordance with the rotational positions of the dials, the bolt being in unlocked position when the dials are on combination, the bolt having a projection extending beyond the frame and the first part of the luggage case for coritrolling an associated latch means on a second part of the case which moves toward the first part when the parts are brought together to close the case.

28. A hardware asscmbly for luggage and the like, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

28. The combination lock of Claim 27, further comprising a cover plate connected to the frame, the cover late being formed to be mounted on a contoured intersection of adjacent first and second side walls of the first part of the case.

29. The combination lock of Claim 28, wherein the cover plate includes a recessed faceplate, the faceplate having a plurality of slots through which the dials project, the faceplate being angled with respect to said side walls.

30. For use with a hardware assembly for luggage and the like, a combination lock comprising a frame, a shaft supported on the frame, a plurality of combination dials rotatably supported on the shaft, a movable locking element, means associated with the dials for controlling the movement of the locking element, and a dial spring on the frame for holding the dials in a series of discrete rotational positions, the dial spring comprising a length of spring wire shaped to form a plurality of arms for engaging the dials, and a plurality of spring sections extending transversely from the arms for mounting the dial spring on the frame and for enabling the arms to move independently of one another.

31. The combination lock of Claim 30, wherein the dial spring further comprises a loop between adjacent arms, and the plurality of spring sections comprises a plurality of straight and angled sections connecting adjacent arms to an associated loop.

32. The combination lock of Claim 31, wherein each arm is connected to an associated loop by a first straight section connected to the arm, a second straight section connected to the loop, and an angled section connected between said first and second straight sections.

33. The combination lock of Claim 32, wherein the loops are located in a plane at a right angle to a plane formed by said arms and said first straight sections.

34. The combination lock of Claim 33, wherein the loops are adapted to be positioned on the exterior of a side wall of the frame with said second straight sections extending through opehings in said side wall and being positioned on a bottom surface of the frame.

New claims or amendments to claims filed on 25th June 1982 Superseded claims 8, 23-34 New or amended claims:

8. The hardware assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the latch means comprises a pair of elongated slide members mounted on the first part of the luggage case adjacent to an edge thereof for sliding movement along said edge, each slide member having latch element means for engaging an associated hasp on the second part of the luggage case when the parts are brought together to hold the case closed, and means for biasing the slide members apart to a latching position at which they engage the associated hasps, each slide member having an end adapted to project through an opening in a corner of the case and being shaped to form a manually engageable actuator for moving the slide members together to unlatching position.

23. The hardware assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the combination lock comprises a frame, a shaft supported on the frame, a plurality of combination dials rotatably supported on the shaft, a movable locking element, means associated with the dials for controlling the movement of the locking element, and a dial spring on the frame for holding the dials in a series of discrete rotational positions, the dial spring comprising a length of spring wire shaped to form a plurality of arms for engaging the dials, and a plurality of spring sections extending transversely from the arms for mounting the dial spring on the frame and for enabling the arms to move independently of one another.

24. The hardware assembly of Claim 23, wherein the dial spring further comprises a loop between adjacent arms, and the plurality of spring sections comprises a plurality of straight and angled sections connecting adjacent arms to an associated loop.

25. The hardware assembly of Claim 24, wherein each arm is connected to an associated loop by a first straight section connected to the arm, a second straight section connected to the loop, and an angled section connected between said first and second straight sections.

26. The hardware assembly of Claim 25, wherein the loops are located in a plane at a right angle to a plane formed by said arms and said first straight sections.

27. The hardware assembly of Claim 26, wherein the loops are adapted to be positioned on the exterior of a side wall of the frame with said second straight sections extending through openings in said side wall and being positioned on a bottom surface the frame.