Patent Publication Number: US-11653631-B2

Title: Leash locking mechanism

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a non-provisional application which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/155,739 filed on Mar. 3, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention is directed to locking devices, and more particularly to a locking device that can be integrated onto a flat webbing. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Dog collars of various types exist. Some collars have a loop that passes over the dog&#39;s head and then is tightened. These collars generally take the form of “choker” collars that have no mechanism to stop the collar from tightening or loosening and are held on the dog&#39;s neck by keeping tension on the collar. Choker collars can restrict the breathing of a dog wearing the collar with enough tension. Further, if no tension is kept on the choker collar the collar may become loose and move out of position (e.g., over the head of the dog or tangled in the legs of the dog) or even fall off the dog. 
     Some collars exist that slip over the head of the dog and include mechanisms to stop the collar from becoming too tight. Others include mechanisms that prevent the collar from becoming too loose. However, all of these attempts have been inconvenient for a variety of reasons. One example of these inconvenient solutions is a collar with a strap that includes holes through which a locking mechanism may pass through to keep the collar from tightening or loosening. This solution is inconvenient because a person putting on the collar must place the locking mechanism in a hole while the collar is around the dog&#39;s neck, which may be difficult when a dog is excited to go outside or otherwise is not being compliant, and which is far less convenient than a choker collar which simply slips over the dog&#39;s head and is ready to use. 
     Another example of an inconvenient solution is a collar with a disc or similar device on the strap to prevent the collar from becoming too tight. Although many of these collars can be easily slipped over the head of the dog, the disc does not prevent the collar from becoming too loose or falling off the dog. Also, it can be difficult or impossible to adjust the collar size on the dog because the disc must be fixed to a location on the strap to prevent the collar from tightening. 
     SUMMARY 
     One or more embodiments are provided below for a locking device that may be used with a leash. The locking device may be integrated onto a webbing material to form a a slip-on leash for a dog or another animal. In other words, the locking device integrated onto a webbing material may form a leash and collar all in one and that with the locking device the collar can be set to a certain width and then locked to prevent overtightening or loosening. The locking device may also be included on a dog collar that can be slipped around a dog&#39;s neck or another animal&#39;s neck. The locking device may also be on any other object that can benefit from such a locking device. The locking device may include a main body that is divided into a first section and a second section. One or more arms are connected within the second section. The locking device may also include a locking piece and a hook. The locking piece is configured to fit within the first section of the main body and includes a tab that projects outward from the locking piece which engages with an overhanging portion on one of the arms of the one or more arms to securely lock the locking piece within the main body. The hook is configured to fit within the second section with the one or more arms holding the hook in place within the second section of the main body. The one or more arms may be moved by pressing on to release the locking piece, the hook, or both. 
     The disclosed device is unique and may provide significant advantages when compared with other devices and solutions known in the arts because it provides a locking device that may be used with a slip-on dog leash or dog collar which prevents the device from tightening or loosening as the leash or collar is being pulled on. The disclosed device also provides a convenient method for putting or removing a slip-on dog leash or dog collar. Additionally, the locking device, when included on a slip-on dog leash or dog collar, allows for convenient adjustments in size of a collar portion of a strap of the device. 
     Other advantageous features as well as other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    shows an example perspective view of a locking device integrated onto a leash according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    shows a close-up view of collar section of the leash with the locking device according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG.  3 A  shows an exploded view of the locking device according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG.  3 B  shows a close-up view of the locking device in an engaged position according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    shows an example top view of a main body of the locking device according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG.  5 A  shows an example of a lock piece of the locking device according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG.  5 B  shows the lock piece and the leash before the lock piece is fixed to the leash according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG.  5 C  shows the lock piece fixed onto the leash and further shows a projecting element on the lock piece according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG.  6 A  shows a partial cross-sectional view of the locking device in  FIG.  3 B  taken along line B-B illustrating a hook engaging with a first and second arm of the locking device. 
         FIG.  6 B  shows the locking device from  FIG.  6 A  illustrating the hook engaged with the first and second arms of the locking device. 
         FIG.  6 C  shows the locking device from  FIG.  6 B  illustrating the hook disengaged from the first and second arms of the locking device. 
         FIG.  7 A  shows a partial cross-sectional view of the locking device in  FIG.  3 B  taken along line A-A illustrating the lock piece engaging with the first arm. 
         FIG.  7 B  shows the locking device from  FIG.  7 A  illustrating the lock piece disengaged from the first arm. 
         FIG.  8    is an example top view of the locking device according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG.  9 A  shows an example view of the collar portion of the leash with the lock piece disengaged from the main body of the locking device. 
         FIG.  9 B  shows the collar portion of the leash integrated with the locking device placed around a dog&#39;s neck with the lock piece disengaged from the main body. 
         FIG.  9 C  shows the locking device on the leash in a locked position. 
         FIG.  9 D  shows the hook released from the main body to quickly remove the collar portion of the leash from the dog&#39;s neck. 
         FIG.  10   a    shows an example view of an alternative embodiment of a locking device. 
         FIG.  10 B  shows the alternative embodiment of the locking device integrated with a leash and with a hook and a lock piece engaged in a main body of the locking device. 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded view of the alternative embodiment of the locking device. 
         FIG.  12    shows a top view of a main body of the alternative embodiment of the locking device. 
         FIG.  13    shows an internal view of the alternate embodiment of the locking device illustrating the hook engaged with the first and second arms. 
         FIG.  14    shows an internal view of the alternate embodiment of the locking device illustrating the lock piece engaged with the first and second arms. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the Summary above, in this Detailed Description, the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used—to the extent possible—in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
     The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components. 
     Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility). 
     The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range including that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range, including that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number),” this means a range whose limits include both numbers. For example, “25 to 100” means a range whose lower limit is 25 and upper limit is 100 and includes both 25 and 100. Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted. 
     The term “coupled to” as used herein may mean a direct or indirect connection via one or more components. 
     Referring now to the drawings and the following written description of the present invention, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the detailed description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. This disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. 
       FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of an example of a non-limiting embodiment of a locking device  100  integrated onto a leash  400  that is adapted to be slipped onto an animal&#39;s neck, such as a dog. For the remainder of this disclosure, the leash  400  and locking device  100  will be used with a dog, as an example. The locking device  100  is integrated onto a leash  400  to form a collar section  410  and a strap section  420 . The collar section  410  of the leash  400  forms a loop that is placed around the dog&#39;s neck. The collar section  410  further includes an adjustment piece  412 , such as and not limited to a buckle or a slide glider, that allows the collar section  410  to widen or shorten. The strap section  420  of the leash may include a handle  422 . The leash  400  may be similar to other leashes that are known and available in the arts or will be in the future. The leash  400  integrated with the locking device  100  can come in many sizes and lengths to accommodate small, medium, and large sized dogs. The leash  400 , for example, may have a length of about 5-8 feet. In some example embodiments, the leash  400  may be parts of a single continuous webbing strap, cord, chain, rope, or other similar material. In other embodiments, portions of the leash  400  may be made of different materials. 
     The handle  422  and the collar portion  410  are formed on opposite ends of the leash  400  with a length of the strap  420  separating the two. The leash  400  may have a first end  401  and a second end  402 . The collar portion  410  is formed near the first end  401 . The handle  422  is formed near the second end  402 , which may be formed by doubling over the strap  400  and attaching (by sewing, glue, rivet, etc.) the second end  402  of the leash  400  to another portion of the strap  422  to form a loop sized for a human hand. The adjustment piece  412  is attached to the leash  400  within the collar section  410 . As mentioned above, the adjustment piece  412  allows the collar section  410  to widen or shorten the loop to fit around a dog&#39;s neck. It is to be understood that this is an example of how the leash  400  may be formed, however, there are variations to other forms and shapes that the leash  400  may take. 
     Refer to  FIGS.  2 ,  3 A, and  3 B  regarding the locking device  100  integrated on to the leash  400 .  FIG.  2    is close-up view of the collar section  410  of the leash  400  with the locking device in an unengaged position.  FIG.  3 A  is an exploded view of the locking device  100 .  FIG.  3 B  is a close-up view of the locking device  100  in a fully engaged position. As shown in  FIG.  2   , the locking device  100  is integrated onto the leash  400  and the placement of the different elements of the locking device  100  assist in forming the collar section  410  of the leash  400 . The locking device  100  comprises of a main body  110 , a hook,  120 , a lock piece  130 , and one or more arms  140 ,  142 . The hook  120  is connected to the first end  401  of the leash  400 . The lock piece  130  is fixedly connected to the leash  400  and is positioned between the adjustment piece  412  and the main body  110  which is positioned on the leash  400  between the lock piece  130  and the handle  422 . The adjustment piece  412  of the leash is between the hook  120  and the lock piece  130 . In other words, when looking at the leash  400  from the first end  401  to the second end  402 , the hook  120  is connected to the first end  401 , next is the adjustment piece  412  on the leash  400 , next is the locking piece  130  which is fixed onto the leash, then the main body  110  of the locking device  100 , then the strap section  420 , and lastly the handle  422  configured from looping the second end  402 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates that the lock piece  130  is fixedly connected to the leash  400 , and the leash  400  may then pass through a slit  112   a  (shown in  FIG.  4   ) in the main body  110  on a side that moves toward the second end  402  which has the handle  422 . From the lock piece  130 , on a side moving toward the first end  401 , the leash  400  may pass through the adjustment piece  412  (with the fixed lock piece  130  positioned between the main body  110  and the adjustment piece  412 ). From the adjustment piece  412 , the leash  400  may then pass through an opening  122  in the hook  120  of the locking device  100  and loop back to the adjustment piece  412 . Because a section of the collar portion  410  between the hook  120  and the adjustment piece  412  is a looped section  414 , the adjustment piece  412  can be used to adjust the length of the collar portion  410 , which will be discussed below. 
     The strap portion  420  of the leash  400  may slide through the slit  112   a  (See,  FIG.  4   ) in the main body  110  of the locking device  100 , except when the lock piece  130  is engaged with the main body  110 , which will be discussed in more detail below. In other words, the main body  110  is not fixed to the leash  400  such that the main body  110  may slide along the strap portion  420  between the handle and the lock piece  130 . When the lock piece  130  is engaged with the main body  110 , the main body  110  is prevented from sliding on the leash  400 . When the lock piece  130  is not engaged with the main body  110 , the collar portion  410  may be widened allowing for the collar portion  410  to be placed over the head of a dog. Then, the lock piece  130  may be slid toward the main body  110  by pulling on the strap section  420  to engage the lock piece  130  with the main body  110  to lock and prevent further movement of the main body  110  on the leash  400  and lock a size of the collar portion  410 . The one or more arms  140 ,  146  are connected to the main body  110  and may be used to engage and disengage the lock piece  130  from the main body  110 . Additionally, the one or more arms  140 ,  142  may also be used to engage and disengage the hook  120  from the main body  110 . The hook  120  when engaged is attached to the main body  110 , and when disengaged can be removed from the main body  110 , allowing the collar portion  410  of the leash  400  to fully open and undo the loop of the collar portion  410 . Removing the hook  120  from the main body  110  allows the collar portion  410  to come off the dog&#39;s neck quickly. 
     The size of the loop of the collar portion  410  may be adjusted using the adjustment piece  412 . The looped section  414 , and a straight section  416  (a section between the lock piece  130  and the adjustment piece  412 ) together determine the length of the loop of the collar portion  410  (when the lock piece  130  is engaged with the main body  110 ). By moving the adjustment mechanism  412 , the looped section  414  can be lengthened or shortened, and this changes the size of the loop of the collar portion  410 . The size of the loop of the collar portion may be increased (and conversely the length of the looped section  414  can be shortened) when the adjustment mechanism  412  is slid away from the lock piece  130  and toward the hook  120  of the locking device  100 . The size of the loop of the collar portion  410  may be decreased (and conversely the length of the looped section  414  may be increased) when the adjustment piece  412  is moved toward the lock piece  130  and away from the hook  120  of the locking device  100 . 
     Referring specifically to the locking device  100 ,  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate the elements that comprise the locking device  100  and how the key components are connected to each other to provide a useful functionality. Also referring to  FIG.  4   , a top view of a non-limiting example of the main body  110  is shown. The main body  110  provides a structural support for the remainder of the elements comprising the locking device  100 . The main body  110  is configured with four sides connected to a closed bottom end and having an open top end. The terms “bottom” and “top” are strictly being used for reference purposes. The main body  110  is further configured with a first section  112  and a second section  114  separated by a center wall  116 . The main body may be fashioned from a durable material including and not limited to plastic, metal, a composite, or other durable materials suited for withstanding the forces exerted by a dog pulling on a leash attached to the locking device  100 . 
     The first section  112  and the second section  114  are configured to accept the lock piece  130  and the hook  120 , respectively. The first section  112  has the slit  112   a  configured on the bottom end of the locking device  100 . As mentioned above, the lock piece  130  is fixedly connected to the leash  400  and the slit  112   a  is adapted to allow the leash  400  to pass through when the locking device is attached to the leash  400 . In operation, the leash  400  can slide back and forth through the slit  112   a  as the main body  110  is not fixed to the leash  400 . In other words, the main body  110  is connected to the leash  400  by the leash  400  being inserted through the slit  112   a . The leash  400  will slide through back and forth till the lock piece  130  slides into the first opening  112  from the open top end and is locked into place. The slit  112   a  has a width that allows the leash  400  to slide back and forth but not wide enough for the lock piece  130  to go through. In other words, the lock piece  130  abuts against the bottom end of the main body  110  which includes the slit  112   a  and allows the lock piece  130  to nest in first section  112  of the main body  110 . The nesting of the lock piece  130  in the first section  112  of the main body  110  keeps the collar portion from tightening any further, so the width of the collar portion is set when the lock piece  130  is nesting in the main body  110 . 
     The second section  114  is configured to include the one or more arms  140 ,  142 . The one or more arms  140 ,  146  are attached to the main body  110  within the second section  114 . As clearly seen in  FIG.  3 A , the second section  114  is configured with a depression  115  on the side defining part of the second section and which is parallel to the center wall  116 . The depression  115  is included to allow the hook  120  to be inserted into the second section  114  and sit flush against the top side and further prevent any side-to-side movement of the hook  120 , as shown in  FIG.  3 B . The second section further includes openings  117  that traverse the side of the main body  110  which defines part of the second section  114  and includes openings  117  in the center wall  116 . The openings  117  on the side of the main body  110  and the center wall  116  are aligned together on the same plane so that the one or more arms  140 ,  146  may be to be connected to the main body  110  within the second section  114 , which will be discussed below. 
     The first section  112  and the second section  114  of the main body  110  may be rectangular in shape. A rectangular shape is well suited for the leash  400  integrated with the lock device  130  that includes a flat shape for the leash  400 . The first section  112  and second section  114  may have other shapes if the leash that passes through the first section  112  is a rope, chain, cable, etc. It is to be understood that the first section  112  and the second section  114  may have different shapes wherein the second section  114  may have a rectangular shape and the first section may have an alternate shape designed to accommodate the shape of the leash  400 . 
     The lock device  130  is depicted in  FIGS.  3 A-B  and  5 A-C. In  FIG.  3 A , the lock device  130  is shown to be integrated onto the leash  400  which is inserted into the slit  112   a  in the first section  112  of the main body  110 . In  FIG.  3 B , the lock device is inserted into the first section and engaged with the one or more arms  140 ,  146 , which will be discussed below. In  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C , the lock device  130  is shown to be comprised of two pieces, a first lock piece  130   a  and a second lock piece  130   b  which are fixed onto the leash  400  with the leash  400  between the first and second lock pieces  130   a ,  130   b . As best seen in  FIG.  5 A , an inside surface of the first and second lock pieces  130   a ,  130   b  are shown.  FIG.  5 B  shows that the inside surfaces of the first and second lock pieces  130   a ,  130   b , face each other and attach to the leash  400 . In some embodiments, the inside surfaces of the first and second lock pieces  130   a ,  130   b  are configured with a plurality of spikes  132 ,  134 , respectively. One example of the spikes  132 ,  134 , may be an arrowhead type appearance with a pointed tip. The spikes are useful to pierce into the leash  400  to partially secure the lock piece  130  to the leash  400 . It is to be understood that the first and second lock pieces  130   a ,  130   b , may not include the spikes  132 ,  134 . 
     The first and second lock pieces  130   a ,  130   b  are attached to the leash  400  by using a securing element. Referring to  FIGS.  5 A-C , in one or more embodiments, the first and second lock pieces  130   a ,  130   b , may have a plurality of holes  136  that traverse through each lock piece  130 . The holes  136  on the first lock piece  130   a  and the second lock piece  130   b  align with each other when each lock piece  130  is placed onto the leash  400 . The plurality of holes  136  allow the first and second lock pieces  130   a  and  130   b  to be fixed to the leash  400  and to each other. The plurality of holes  136  are particularly useful for using a fastener  137  to be placed through to attach the lock pieces  130  together to the leash  400 . An example of a fastener  137  may include rivets. It is also to be understood that the first and second pieces  130   a ,  130   b , may be fixed to each other and the leash  400  by using other securing elements such as and not limited to thread, glue, staples, or another securing element. 
       FIG.  5 C  shows an example side view of the lock device  130  on the leash  400 . In this Figure, only the first lock piece  130   a  of the strap  100  is shown to allow for greater detail to be shown on the described portion. The first lock piece  130   a  has a projecting element  138  on an outward facing surface (surface opposite the side fixed to the leash  400 ) which is shaped to engage with the one or more arms  140 ,  142  to lock the locking device  130  into the main body  110 . The first lock piece  130   a  with the projecting element  138  when slid into the first section  112  of the main body  110  enters facing the center wall  116 . The center wall  116  has a groove  118  that is open from the top end of the main body  110  to the bottom end of the main body  110 . The projecting element  138 , as the name suggests, projects outward from the first lock piece  130   a , and as the lock device slides into the first element  112 , the projecting element is guided into the groove  118  of the center wall  116  (See,  FIG.  7 A ). 
     As discussed earlier, the one or more arms  140 ,  142 , are connected to the main body  110  within the second section  114 . The one or more arms  140 ,  142 , may be configured to cause the lock piece  130  to engage and disengage within the main body  110  of the locking device  100 . Additionally, the one or more arms  140 ,  142 , may also be configured to cause the hook  120  to engage and disengage within the main body  110 . As seen in the Figures, the locking device  100  has two arms, a first arm  140  and a second arm  142 . Each of the first and second arms  140 ,  142 , are attached to the main body  110  within the second section  114  by a pin  145  which is inserted into the openings  117  in the second section and the openings  141 ,  143 , on the first and second arms  140 ,  142 , respectively. The pin  145  fixes each of the first and second arms  140 ,  142  to the first section  114  of the main body. A portion of the first and second arms  140 ,  142  extends outside of the main body  110 , which allows a surface for a user to press on to move the first and second arms  140 ,  142  at the pin  145  which functions as an axel. Stated another way, the first and second arms  140 ,  142  rotate at the pin  145  within the second section  114  of the main body  110 . 
     The first and second arms  140 ,  142  extend toward the bottom end of the main body  110  and a tip of each arm  140 ,  142  at the bottom end are relatively close to each other or almost touching. Referring to  FIG.  7 A  the first and second arms  140 ,  142 , may each include a spring engaging portion  140   a ,  142   a , respectively. Specifically, the spring engaging portions  140   a ,  142   a  are relatively configured near the tip of each arm  140 ,  142 , and facing toward the side of the main body  110 . Each of the spring engaging portions  140   a ,  142   a , are attached to a spring device  144 ,  146 , respectively, which push against an inside wall of the second section  114  in the main body  110 . The spring engaging portions  140   a ,  142   a  attached to their respective spring device  144 ,  146 , provide a restoring force on the first and second arms  140 ,  142 , respectively. A user applies pressure (by pressing) on the first and second arms  140 ,  142 , rotating the first and second arms at the pin  145 . The rotation with the applied pressure moves the first and second  140 ,  142 , upward at the outside portion and the tips away from a center of the bottom end of the second section  114 . Releasing the pressure off the first and second arms  140 ,  142 , returns the first and second arms  140 ,  142 , back to their resting position which is with the tips near the center of the bottom end of the second section  114  of the main body  110 . The spring devices  144 ,  146  may be steel springs or other similar devices that provide a restoring force. The first and second arms  140 ,  142  may be fashioned from the same material as the main body  110  including and not limited to metal, plastic, or other durable materials. 
       FIGS.  6 A to  6 C  is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in  FIG.  3 B  to depict the hook  120  engaging and disengaging with the first and second arms  140 ,  142 . Disengaging the hook  120  detaches the hook from the main body  110  and opens up the collar portion  410 . In other words, the detaching the hook  120  from the main body undoes the collar portion  410 . The hook  120  has a broad tip  124  which enters the second section  114  and engages with the first and second arms  140 ,  142 .  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  show that as the hook  120  is inserted into the second section  114 , the broad tip  124  pushes against the first and second arms  140 ,  142 , causing them to move backwards to make space for the broad tip  124  on the hook  120  to move past the first and second arms  140 ,  142  to fit at the bottom end of the second section  114 . Once the broad tip  124  on the hook  120  moves past the first and second arms  140 ,  142 , the spring devices  144 ,  146  move the first and second arms  140  back to their original position engaging them over the broad tip  124  and preventing the hook  120  from moving. Thus, the first and second arms  140 ,  142  lock the hook  120  into the second section  114 .  FIG.  6 C  shows that the hook  120  is disengaged and unlocked when the first and second arms  140 ,  142  are moved at the pins  145  causing the first and second arms  140 ,  142  to move away from the broad tip  124  freeing the hook  120  to slide out of the second section  114 . 
       FIGS.  3 A and  8    also illustrate that the first arm  140  has a wide tip  148  which extends toward the center wall  116 , and more particularly toward the groove  118  in the center wall  116 . The wide tip  148  locks the lock piece  130  in the first section  112  of the main body  110 . Specifically, the wide tip  148  of the first arm  140  engages with the projecting element  138  on the lock piece  130  to hold the lock piece  130  within the first section  112  of the main body  110 .  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  show example cross-sectional views taken from  FIG.  3 B  along line A-A.  FIG.  7 A  and  FIG.  8    show the first and second arms  140 ,  146  connected within the second section  114  with a view of the lock device  130  within the first section (not shown in this figure). The projecting element  138  is shown in the groove  118  of the center wall  116 . The first arm  140  is shown to be engaged with the lock piece  130  by preventing the movement of the lock piece out of the first section of the main body  110 . Specifically, the wide tip  148  is above the projecting element  138  in the groove of the main body  110  such that the lock piece  130  is prevented from moving upward by the projecting element  138  prevented from moving upward in the groove  118  by the wide tip  148 .  FIG.  7 B  shows the first arm  140  disengaged from the lock piece  130 . Specifically, the first arm  140  may be moved at the pin  145  causing the wide tip  148  to be moved away from a position above the projecting element  138  and thus allowing the lock device  130  to move upward with the projecting element  138  moving upward through the groove  118  unhindered. 
       FIGS.  9 A to  9 D  depict an embodiment of the locking device  100  integrated onto a leash  400  being used with a dog  500 . In  FIG.  9 A , a user would ensure that the lock piece is disengaged and not inserted into the main body  110  of the locking device. The user may widen the collar portion  410  of the leash  400  to be able to slip it over the dog&#39;s head.  FIG.  9 B  shows that the collar portion  410  has been slipped over the dog&#39;s head and is loosely placed around the dog&#39;s neck. In  FIG.  9 C , the strap section  420  of the leash  410  may be pulled on to slide the leash through the main body  110  moving the lock piece  130  into the main body  110  to engage with the first arm locking the lock piece into place. Once locked, the width of the collar portion  410  is set and as the leash is pulled on while around the dog&#39;s neck, the collar portion will not tighten or loosen.  FIG.  9 D  shows where the hook  120  can detach from the main body  110  for a quick release of the locking device from the dog without needing to slip the collar portion  410  over the dog&#39;s head. This may be useful for speedily releasing the dog from the leash  400 . 
     The locking device  100  integrated onto a leash  400  has several advantages over existing dog collars. The locking device  100  may be slipped over the head of the dog and secured by sliding the main body  110  along the leash until the lock piece  130  fixed onto the leash  400  enters the main body  110 . Thus, the locking device  100  integrated onto a leash may be more easily and more conveniently placed over on a dog. The lock piece  130  engages with the first arm to prevent the collar portion  410  placed around the dog&#39;s neck from loosening by preventing the lock piece from sliding back out of the open top end. Additionally, the lock piece  130  is able to nest within the main body by pushing against the closed bottom end and thus the collar portion is prevented from tightening an further on the dog&#39;s neck. The size of the collar portion  410  can be adjusted using the adjustment mechanism  412  so the leash  400  integrated with the locking device  100  can be adjusted for dogs of different sizes. The quick release mechanism of the hook  120  allows the leash  400  integrated with the locking device  100  to be quickly and easily released from around the dog&#39;s neck. 
       FIGS.  10 A to  14    depict an alternative embodiment of a locking device  200  that may be integrated onto a leash  400  that can be secured around the neck of a dog similar to the disclosure above in reference to the first embodiment of the locking device  100  of  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  10 A  illustrates the locking device  200  only in order to provide a clear view of all the elements that comprise the locking device  200 .  FIG.  10 B  illustrates the locking device  200  integrated with leash  400  to show that the like elements of the locking device  200  are integrated onto the leash  400  as discussed above in reference to the locking device  100  integrated onto the leash  400 .  FIG.  11    illustrates an exploded view of the locking device  200  only to provide a clearer view of the elements comprising the locking device  200 . 
     The locking device  200  comprises of similar elements to the locking device  100  including a main body  210 , a hook  220 , a lock piece  230 , and first and second arms  240 ,  242 . All elements are the same as discussed in the above embodiment of the locking device  100 . There are a few differences which will be discussed herein. As best seen in  FIGS.  11  and  12   , the main body  210  has a center wall  216  with two parallel grooves  218  separated by a center post  216   a  (whereas the locking device  100  discussed above has one groove  118 ). The first and second arms  240 ,  242  both engage with the lock piece  230 , and both the first and second arms  240 ,  242  are configured with a wide tip  248 ,  249 , respectively as seen in  FIGS.  11  and  14   . Thus, as seen in  FIG.  14   , the lock piece  230  is configured with two projecting elements  238  wherein each of the projecting elements is guided into one groove so that each of the two grooves has one of the projecting elements  238  side by side as the lock piece is inserted into the first section. The two projecting elements  238  engage with the wide tips  248 ,  249 , on the first and second arms  240 ,  242 , respectively. The first and second arms  240 ,  242 , also engage with the hook  220 . The process to engage and disengage the hook  220  is the same as discussed above for the locking device  100 . However, both the first and second arms  240 ,  242 , need to be pressed on to move the arms  240 ,  242  away from the projecting elements  238  on the lock piece to allow the lock to be moved out of a first section  212  of the main body  210 . The first and second arms  240 ,  242  need only be pressed halfway to move them away from the projecting elements  238  to disengage and move the lock piece  230 . Fully depressing the first and second arms  240 ,  242 , moves them away from a broad tip  224  of the hook  220  and thus allowing both the hook  220  and the lock piece  230  to disengage and move out of the main body  210 . 
     Accordingly, the present description provides for various embodiments for a locking device that can be integrated onto a leash that can be secured around the neck of a dog, other animal, or object. Many uses and advantages are offered by the locking device as described above in one or more non-limiting embodiments in the present description. 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of any means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present invention, according to one or more embodiments described in the present description, may be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive of the present invention.