Three stage multi-point closure system for luggage

A method for adjusting one or more latching mechanisms located around the perimeter of a luggage case and the like by use of a single operative mechanism, comprising:

• laterally moving a flexible link that comprises knobs that provide stiffness of flexible link, continuity and ease of motion of flexible link, and repeatable accurate positioning of flexible link within a frame located inside a shell of said luggage case.

A method for providing ease of motion of a link around corners of a luggage case frame by providing knobs that are attached to the link.

A method for adjusting one or more latching mechanisms located around the perimeter of a luggage case comprising providing said latching mechanisms with at least three stages of latching.

A system for adjusting one or more latching mechanisms located around the perimeter of a luggage case and the like by use of a single operative mechanism, which provides said latching mechanisms with at least three stages of latching, including at least an open stage, said open stage providing disengagement of said latching mechanisms and allowing said luggage case to be easily and freely opened, a pre-close stage, said pre-close stage providing a secure engagement of said latching mechanisms, and a secure stage, said secure stage providing a drawing action of a mating portion and a secondary mating portion of said luggage case.

A system for adjusting one or more latching mechanisms located around the perimeter of a luggage case and the like by use of a single operative mechanism, comprising:

• a flexible link that is moved laterally within a frame located inside a shell of said luggage case, said flexible link having knobs that provide stiffness of flexible link, continuity and ease of motion of flexible link, and repeatable accurate positioning of flexible link.

A system for adjusting one or more latching mechanisms located around the perimeter of a luggage case and the like having a lid shell and a base shell by use of a single operative mechanism, comprising:

• a flexible link and means for sensing the relative position of a lid shell of the luggage case to a base shell of the luggage case to place the latching mechanisms in a pre-close position.

A system for adjusting one or more latching mechanisms located around the perimeter of a luggage case or the like comprising at least three stages of latching.