Patent ID: 7467529

Claim:
A dual mode lockable luggage strap system comprising: A. a belt or strap member constructed for peripherally surrounding any desired suitcase or package for maintaining the suitcase/package in a closed configuration; B. a housing securely affixed to a first end of the belt/strap member and incorporating a first key controlled locking section and a second combination controlled locking section, with both of said locking sections being constructed for controlling the movement of a pivotable locking plate mounted therein; C. a slider member affixed to a second end of the belt/strap member and constructed for longitudinal, sliding interengagement with the housing and incorporating an engaging member a) constructed for cooperative interengagement with the locking plate of the housing for securely engaging the locking plate of the housing and being maintained in locked interengagement there with, unless released by the activation of either the first key controlled locking section or the second combination controlled locking section of the housing, and b) comprising an elongated, longitudinally extending flange formed along the slider member and incorporating a plurality of ratchet teeth formed therein and D. the pivotable locking plate mounted to the housing and comprising an elongated substantially flat member incorporating a ratchet tooth engaging finger constructed for being biasingly maintained in position for continuously engaging one of said ratchet teeth unless acted upon by an opposing force, and a) incorporating a first side edge and a second, opposed side edge extending from a first end to a second, opposed end, b) mounted at the first end thereof to a surface of the housing for enabling the locking plate to pivot relative to the surface of the housing, c) cooperatively associated with biasing means mounted to the surface of the housing and positioned for contacting and continuously biasing the first side edge of the locking plate in a first direction, and d) incorporating the ratchet tooth engaging finger formed along the second side edge of the plate, and constructed for being continuously biased in the first direction for engagement in one of the ratchet teeth formed in the flange of the slider member; whereby a dual mode lockable luggage strap system is attained which is capable of quickly and easily being securely affixed to any desired suitcase or package in completely locked mode, while also being capable of being easily unlocked by activation of either the key controlled locking section or the combination controlled locking section thereof.