A rope comprises a core extending along a longitudinal axis and a sheath surrounding the core, the sheath extending along the longitudinal axis. A strap at least partially surrounds the sheath, the strap being separated from the core by the sheath. At least one thread passes several times through the strap, sheath and core to form several links fixedly securing the strap on the core and sheath. The links pass through a central section of the core, the central section corresponding to a circular section representing less than 50% of the cross-section of the core. The links are angularly offset from one another when observed along the longitudinal axis.

A rope comprises a core extending along a longitudinal axis and a sheath surrounding the core, the sheath extending along the longitudinal axis. A strap at least partially surrounds the sheath, the strap being separated from the core by the sheath. At least one thread passes several times through the strap, sheath and core to form several links fixedly securing the strap on the core and sheath. The links pass through a central section of the core, the central section corresponding to a circular section representing less than 50% of the cross-section of the core. The links are angularly offset from one another when observed along the longitudinal axis.

A retaining device configured for retaining at least one medical device adjacent to a supporting surface. The retaining device includes a plate shaped holding portion defining a peripheral edge, a slot extending from the peripheral edge defining a loading channel, and communicating with an internal holding area. The internal holding area is dimensioned to accept the largest medical device the retaining device is configured to be used with. An attachment mechanism is connected to the holding portion to secure the retaining device to a supporting surface. A section of medical device may be inserted into and along the loading channel to enter the holding area and be retained within.

A retaining device configured for retaining at least one medical device adjacent to a supporting surface. The retaining device includes a plate shaped holding portion defining a peripheral edge, a slot extending from the peripheral edge defining a loading channel, and communicating with an internal holding area. The internal holding area is dimensioned to accept the largest medical device the retaining device is configured to be used with. An attachment mechanism is connected to the holding portion to secure the retaining device to a supporting surface. A section of medical device may be inserted into and along the loading channel to enter the holding area and be retained within.

The specification discusses various lacing engine configurations for use in an automated footwear platform. For example, lacing engines with mechanisms to detect lace cable position and/or lace cable tensions are discussed. In an example, the lacing engine can include a housing, a lace spool and a detection mechanism. The lace spool can be at least partially disposed within the housing, and be adapted to collect a portion of the lace cable in response to rotation in a first direction during tightening of the footwear platform. The detection mechanism can detect a state of the lace cable manipulated by the lacing engine.

The specification discusses various lacing engine configurations for use in an automated footwear platform. For example, lacing engines with mechanisms to detect lace cable position and/or lace cable tensions are discussed. In an example, the lacing engine can include a housing, a lace spool and a detection mechanism. The lace spool can be at least partially disposed within the housing, and be adapted to collect a portion of the lace cable in response to rotation in a first direction during tightening of the footwear platform. The detection mechanism can detect a state of the lace cable manipulated by the lacing engine.

A relief apparatus and method of use for providing a flexible connection point between straps of a harness and mitigating suspension trauma for a user of the harness. In various embodiments, the relief apparatus comprises a base plate comprising one or more base strap slots and a central cavity defined by a cavity wall protruding out of a plane of the base plate, and an upper plate comprising one or more upper strap slots and an aperture configured to fit around the cavity wall of the base plate. The base plate and the upper plate are arrange concentrically along a central axis and may be configured to each rotate about the central axis. The relief apparatus further comprises a relief step comprised of a line and having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being secured to a deployment feature.

A relief apparatus and method of use for providing a flexible connection point between straps of a harness and mitigating suspension trauma for a user of the harness. In various embodiments, the relief apparatus comprises a base plate comprising one or more base strap slots and a central cavity defined by a cavity wall protruding out of a plane of the base plate, and an upper plate comprising one or more upper strap slots and an aperture configured to fit around the cavity wall of the base plate. The base plate and the upper plate are arrange concentrically along a central axis and may be configured to each rotate about the central axis. The relief apparatus further comprises a relief step comprised of a line and having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being secured to a deployment feature.

In an example, a lacing engine apparatus can include a housing and a drivetrain. The housing can be securable within a footwear article. The drivetrain can include a motor, a sun gear, a planet gear, a rotating ring gear, and a spool. The spool can be secured to the ring gear and can be rotatable therewith. The spool can be configured to control a lace of the footwear article and can be configured to wind the lace as the ring gear rotates in a first direction.

In an example, a lacing engine apparatus can include a housing and a drivetrain. The housing can be securable within a footwear article. The drivetrain can include a motor, a sun gear, a planet gear, a rotating ring gear, and a spool. The spool can be secured to the ring gear and can be rotatable therewith. The spool can be configured to control a lace of the footwear article and can be configured to wind the lace as the ring gear rotates in a first direction.