US 4,756,171 A · Luggage lock system

Abstract

A locking system is described for securing luggage to a fixed object to prevent the theft or unauthorized removal of such luggage. The unique system comprises a compact durable housing having an opening therein, a rotatable spool contained within the housing, a length of flexible cable carried on the spool, the cable having first and second ends. The second end of the cable is secured to the spool; and the first end includes a first component of a separable lock device. A second component of the lock device is secured to the housing in a manner such that when the first end of the cable is withdrawn from the housing, passed through a handle or loop of the luggage, and then around the fixed object, the first component of the lock device can be coupled to the second component to thereby secure the luggage to the fixed object. The locking system is especially suited for use by travelers to secure their luggage in terminals (e.g., airports, depots, etc.) so that it is protected from theft or unauthorized removal. The locking system is small and light-weight so that it is easily carried and stored. In an alternative embodiment the locking system may be secured to an interior wall of an item of luggage having two openings therein. The first end of the cable can be pulled through one of the openings, passed around a fixed object, and then through the other opening where it is coupled to the second lock component.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A portable locking system for securing luggage to a fixed object to prevent the theft or unauthorized removal of said luggage, said system comprising a compact durable housing having an opening therein, a rotatable spool contained within said housing, a length of flexible cable carried on said spool, said cable having first and second ends;

wherein said second end of said cable is secured to said spool;
wherein said first end includes a first component of a separable lock device;
wherein a second component of said lock device is secured to said housing in a manner such that when said first end of said cable is withdrawn from said housing, passed through a handle or loop of said luggage, and then around said fixed object, said first component of said lock device can be coupled to said second component to thereby secure said luggage to said fixed object;
and further comprising a crank handle accessible on one side of said housing, said crank handle being operably connected to said spool in a manner such that said cable can be wound onto said spool by rotation of said crank handle.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Luggage lock system

Life of this patent

Luggage lock system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18