US20060107493A1

US20060107493A1 - Micro - Lock

Info

Publication number: US20060107493A1
Application number: US11/157,417
Authority: US
Inventors: Harry Howell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-05-28
Filing date: 2005-06-21
Publication date: 2006-05-25
Also published as: US20040237351A1

Abstract

A round mechanical locking device, permanently attached to a shoe by stitching to the outside, left or right side of the shoe; the locking device is capable of holding different items that are made to inter-lock into the locking device; by having same measurements, items are twisted and turned to lock into place; by turning the reverse direction, items can be removed from locking device; the locking device may come in various sizes and hold different items; items may be located on various locations on footwear, headwear, belts, wristbands, and straps; the locking device may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic, so that it is lightweight and washable.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to a holding/locking device for footwear, headband, hat, wristband, strap, or belt. More precisely, holding/locking device, hereafter referred to as “Micro-Lock” is permanently attached to footwear, headband, hat, wristband, strap, or belt that can hold various items. The items are made to inter-lock into the holding/locking device. People have taken liking to items that can be interchangeable to one item or another. For example, typically, items are fixed onto a shoe such as parameters disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,921 to Sorofman et al. The Sorofman patent discloses a shoe in the side of its upper or along its outsole has a transparent diffusing element with a convex front face and a multitude of facets in its back face. A pocket opens out of the back face and contains a light emitting diode which is connected to an energizing module in the outsole of the shoe. The Sorofman patent discloses that the circuit contains a switch which is sensitive to impacts, and a battery, and when the switch is subjected to impact of sufficient magnitude, the circuit impresses across the diode an electrical potential that is derived from the battery. The electrical potential illuminates the diode and the illumination spreads through the diffusing element, reflecting off the facets of its back face so that the diffusing element illuminates large areas on the shoe. While the Sorofman patent is directed to an apparatus and method for illuminating lights on a shoe, there is a need for a locking device that allows for interchangeable to items. In this example, this will make shoes more flexible to meet specific needs, such as pedometers for walker and runners and a compass for hikers and campers. Therefore this locking device can be used with many products to meet many needs. People of all ages have taken a liking to different designs to shoes, headbands, wristbands, straps, or belts. Typically, the locking device will allow people to interchange items that they prefer to use. When a person chooses to switch an item, they simply press and turn to remove and then install a new item. The items may vary, so some will require to be battery operated. To a measure, the locking device represents a novelty, but when worn at night, it makes the footwear more noticeable since it will have light(s), which may be different colors and/or flashing, in the locking device. These items may be considered as survival gear while hiking, for safety while walking down the street at night or just plain fun for kid of all ages. For whatever reason, this all-purpose piece of equipment will help reduce accidents and be a value-added device. The items can be used by all ages. They device may come in various sizes and styles. The device may be located on various locations on the footwear, headband, wristband, or belt.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will reside on shoes, headbands, wristbands, straps, or belts having a locking device that will hold different items. The items will be interchangeable by pushing and turning into place. The invention also consists in the arrangements, parts, and combination of parts, hereinafter described and claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, which form part of the specification and wherein like numerals refer to like parts wherever they occur:
FIG. 1. is an outside elevation view of a shoe. It shows the left shoe with a locking device attached to the outside of the shoe. Both right and left shoes may have the device attached on the outside or in various locations. The items are interchangeable and may be battery operated.
FIG. 2. is a perspective view of a shoe showing the tow and same side of the show, with outside of the shoe containing a locking device.
FIG. 3. is a front view of the locking device forming part of the present invention.
FIG. 4. is a front view of an item that goes into the locking device, forming part of the present invention.
FIG. 5. is a side view of an item that will fit into the locking device forming part of the present invention.
FIG. 6. is a side view of the locking device with an item locked into position forming part of the present invention.
FIG. 7. is a front view of the spring coil that will be permanently installed onto the locking device. The spring will be between the housing casing and a cover plate forming part of the present invention.
FIG. 8. is a side view of a spring coil that will be permanently installed onto the locking device forming part of the present invention.
FIG. 9. is a front view of a cover metal plate over the spring on the locking device forming part of the present invention.
FIG. 10. is a side view of a cover plate over the spring coil on the locking device forming part of the present invention.
FIG. 11. is a side view of an item over the metal cover plate, over the spring coil in the locking device that is attached to the shoe, forming the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, a shoe:
FIG. 1, the round locking device is attached to left shoe on the outside. It being configured to receive and fit over a person's foot. 1 Points to locking device shows made of stainless steel, 2 shows openings in locking device (light area), where items fit into locking device, 3 Locked position (dark area), 4 Arrows show direction to be turned clockwise to lock position, 5 shows locking device has been stitched on the shoe
FIG. 2, Round locking device on a different type of footwear, such as a boot. 6 shows same type of locking device on footwear (boot), 7 shows locking device stitched on to the left boot.
FIG. 3, Shows round locking device with openings, 8 show opening in locking device, 9 shows closed areas on locking device where items will be locked into position when turned in clockwise direction, 10 shows clockwise direction.
FIG. 4, Shows side view of locking device, 11 opening with grooves, for items to be turned into, 12 metal that is stitched to the shoe to hold locking device.
FIG. 5, Front view of and item that goes into the locking device, 13 an item that will fit into round locking device (such as a pedometer) when in locked position.
FIG. 6, A side view of the locking device (Micro-Lock), 14 this view shows the locking device and item is both round, 15 shows item in locked position.
FIG. 7, A front view of the locking device with cover plate removed, 16 exposed spring coil under the cover plate, 17 indicates spring coil, 18 spring coil is permanently set into locking device.
FIG. 8, A side view of locking device, 19 round locking device with, 20 spring coil attached to lock device, 21 welded together.
FIG. 9, 22 A front view of locking device, 23 the permanent metal cover that goes over top of the coil spring
FIG. 10, 24 A side view of locking device, 25 the permanent metal cover that goes over top of the coil spring, 26 permanently set spring coil underneath the permanent metal cover.
FIG. 11, 27 A side view of a show with an attached, 28 bottom plate of “Micro-Lock” locking device attached to the shoe, 29 locking device itself, 30 permanently set spring coil underneath the permanent metal cover, 31 metal cover plate over the spring coil and under the interchangeable item, 32 item such as pedometer inside “Micro-Lock” locking device in locked position; other items can be used in “Micro-Lock”, such as a compass.

Claims

1. Harry M. Howell and Michael W. Howell: what we claim is that our holding/locking devise is a permanent stainless steel product, that is attached a shoe, other items such as a pedometer, can be easily put on or taken out by turning/holding/locking devise, clockwise or counter-clockwise. This design different from all other designs, because the locking devise can also be put on footwear, headband, belt and other clothing.