An article of footwear and related method includes a midsole, an upper secured with respect to the midsole, and a lace extending through the upper. A motorized lacing system positioned within the midsole, configured to engage with the lace to increase and decrease tension on the lace. The motorized lacing system includes a motor, including a motor shaft, a spool, coupled to the motor shaft, configured to spool and unspool the lace based on the turning of the motor shaft, a processor circuit, and an optical encoder. The optical encoder comprises a three-dimensional encoder defining a major axis and having a surface having a first plurality of segments positioned between a second plurality of segments, and an optical sensor, positioned within optical range of the cylindrical encoder, configured to output a signal to the processor circuit indicative of a detected one of a first and second plurality of segments.

A trussed suspended platform having uniform weigh distribution for use as part of a temporary shelter such as a tent or other structure or to hold or hang equipment and other materials off the ground. A modular geometric embodiment includes a polygon shaped center cell, a plurality of polygon shaped body cells, and a plurality of polygon shaped edge cells forming the platform edge and corners, each corner having an anchor bar with attachment holes and hardware for attaching the platform to support posts and for attaching a center extended truss hub structure positioned over the center cell with truss cables extending from the hub to anchored platform corners. A hub and spoke embodiment provides a unique trussing hub assembly for supporting a weight bearing spoke platform. Each embodiment is a sturdy suspend able mobile platform allowing assembly and disassembly in the field.

Deployable slackline systems are disclosed which can support a slackline at a desired height and nominal tension. The disclosed systems may maintain one or more slacklines and can adjust height and tension of individual slacklines while the slacklines are in use. The disclosed slackline systems are stowable; tensioning and termination assemblies of the slackline system can each fold into a compact housing having a height substantially less than a vertical range of motion of the slackline. The disclosed slackline systems can be implemented in aquatic or non-aquatic performance environments such as on cruise ships or other hospitality settings.

The present invention discloses a string tightening device that can easily adjust the characteristics of the string, such as the length or tension of the string used in various wearing products or household items, including shoes, bags, clothing, and the like. A string tightening device of the present invention includes: a base having a space therein and including a first projection portion; a lower rotation member that is disposed in the base and moves a predetermined distance in a direction of separation from the base or the opposite direction thereof, an upper rotation member coupled to the lower rotation member, including a second locking portion corresponding to the first locking portion, and rotating only in one direction when the first locking portion and the second locking portion are closely attached; and an inner housing portion provided in the lower rotation member or the upper rotation member and wound therearound.

There is provided a tensioning device for tensioning chains to secure loads on a transport vehicle. The tensioning device comprises first and second U-shaped yokes with parallel arms and an open end for coupling to fitments. The first yoke bottom has a threaded hole, while the second yoke bottom has an unthreaded hole. A threaded bolt rotatably extends through the unthreaded hole and engageably extends through the threaded hole, coupling the first and second yokes together. A limiter with a limiter leg is secured to the first yoke at the open end. The leg limits rotation of a fitment relative to the first yoke. The tensioning device includes a drive assembly having a universal type joint releasably coupleable with the threaded bolt, and an extension bar extending therefrom. Actuating the extension bar of the drive assembly rotates the threaded bolt, moving the first yoke relative to the second yoke.

A camera mounting system may include first and second self-standing post assemblies. The first post assembly may include a first post including a first tube extending between bottom and top ends of the first post, and a first base attached to the bottom end of the first post. The second post assembly may include a second post including a second tube extending between bottom and top ends of the second post, a second base attached to the bottom end of the second post, a tension device attached to the second post, and a cable configured to extend between the first and second posts and including a first end portion configured to removably attach to the first post assembly and a second end portion attached to the tension device. The tension device may be configured to adjust tension of the cable between the second post and the first post.

A modular barge includes a first barge section and a section barge section. The first barge section is buoyant in water, and includes a first locking mechanism. The second barge section is buoyant in water, and includes a second locking mechanism. The second locking mechanism is attached to the second barge and includes a protrusion configured to couple to the first locking mechanism.

A collar assembly for retrofitting a barrier to one or more bollards comprises a barrier and at least one collar adapted to fit around each of bollard. Each collar comprises two or more openings. Each opening is configured to receive a barrier mounting device or a securing element. Each collar has at least one securing element configured to affix the collar to the one or more bollards. Each collar has at least one barrier mounting device configured to attach the barrier to the one or more bollards. The barrier is mounted to each barrier mounting device.

A collar assembly for retrofitting a barrier to one or more bollards comprises a barrier and at least one collar adapted to fit around each of bollard. Each collar comprises two or more openings. Each opening is configured to receive a barrier mounting device or a securing element. Each collar has at least one securing element configured to affix the collar to the one or more bollards. Each collar has at least one barrier mounting device configured to attach the barrier to the one or more bollards. The barrier is mounted to each barrier mounting device.

Disclosed herein attachment mechanisms and methods of using the same. The attachment mechanism includes a first connector, a second connector, and a coupling positioned between and coupled to each of the first and second connectors. The first connector is adapted to be mounted to a stable or unstable base. The second connector is adapted to be mounted to a body-secured or gripped object. The coupling is adapted for free 360° rotation relative to at least one of the first and second connectors without decoupling therefrom. A method of using an attachment mechanism includes mounting a coupling to a first connector and mounting the coupling to a second connector opposite the first connector. The coupling is adapted for free 360° rotation relative to at least one of the first and second connectors without decoupling therefrom.