Loc-Nobs were first invented because of the invention of short globe lanterns, where the more spherical globe had a tendency to roll out of the wire basket. The only one I ever broke happened that way. The step in the outer circumference of the Junior Loc-Nob provided an easier transition in the engagtement of the wires with the globe and allowed the actual nobs to be more shallow. The nobs on Dietz short and tall globes all were similarly minimized after 1923 and became more of a gimmick, as any bending of the globe wires could negate the locking effect. All the other lantern makers simply tightened their globe protecting wires to become globe retaining wires.