RETRACTABLE AUXILIARY LUGGAGE CASE ATTACHMENT AND SECURITY TETHER MECHANISM AND METHOD

摘要

An attachment mechanism (22) comprises a clutch mechanism (34), an elongated flexible strap (28) having an inner end fixed to the clutch mechanism (34) and an outer end (44) attached to a hook (32), the clutch mechanism (34) being spring biased to pull the strap (28) onto the clutch mechanism (34) and retract the hook (32) to the clutch mechanism (34). A lid (36) is pivotally mounted adjacent to the clutch mechanism (34) and has an open position where the hook (32) and strap (28) are accessible, and a closed position where the lid (36) covers the clutch mechanism (34) and the strap (28) or hook (32) to the extent that the strap (28) is retracted onto the clutch mechanism (34). The lid (36) engages the clutch mechanism (34) in the open position to release the clutch mechanism (34) whereby the strap (28) can be extended from the clutch mechanism (34) and engages the clutch mechanism (34) in the closed position to hinder movement of the clutch mechanism (34) and fix the length of extension of the strap (28).