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.

A ratcheting strap adjuster comprising a bracket, a webbing plate, and one or more captive members. The webbing plate is rotatably coupled to the bracket. Each of the one or more captive members is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the one or more captive members restrict rotation of the webbing plate in one direction when the one or more captive members are in the engaged position and allow rotation of the webbing plate in the one direction and in an opposite second direction when the one or more captive members are in the disengaged position.

A ratcheting strap adjuster comprising a bracket, a webbing plate, and one or more captive members. The webbing plate is rotatably coupled to the bracket. Each of the one or more captive members is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the one or more captive members restrict rotation of the webbing plate in one direction when the one or more captive members are in the engaged position and allow rotation of the webbing plate in the one direction and in an opposite second direction when the one or more captive members are in the disengaged position.

A bi-directional tightening device and a method for tightening of a threadable line, the tightening device having: a rotatable spool; a frame for supporting the spool, the frame has a handle for rotating the spool; a ratchet mechanism rotationally fixed to the spool; a drive pawl coupled to the frame; a locking mechanism configured for keeping the ratchet mechanism in place during a return stroke of the handle, wherein the ratchet mechanism has at least one first ratchet wheel for rotating the spool in a first direction, and at least one second ratchet wheel for rotating the spool in a second direction opposite the first direction, to allow bi-directional tightening of the line.

A bi-directional tightening device and a method for tightening of a threadable line, the tightening device having: a rotatable spool; a frame for supporting the spool, the frame has a handle for rotating the spool; a ratchet mechanism rotationally fixed to the spool; a drive pawl coupled to the frame; a locking mechanism configured for keeping the ratchet mechanism in place during a return stroke of the handle, wherein the ratchet mechanism has at least one first ratchet wheel for rotating the spool in a first direction, and at least one second ratchet wheel for rotating the spool in a second direction opposite the first direction, to allow bi-directional tightening of the line.

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.

An apparatus for automatically adjusting tension on a retention member and thereby applying compression or other forces to an object. Sensors may be used to sense changes associated with the object involved or the environment, and an actuator may be included that automatically rotates a rotating member such as a gear or pulley to automatically adjust tension on the retention member. The adjustments in tension may be made performed automatically and many times per second based on control signals from control logic responsive to the sensors.

A system and method for pulling a cable. The system includes a cable which has at least one button located along its length. A cable puller is coupled to the cable and has at least one slot for receiving the cable. The cable puller also has a plate for engaging the button. The cable puller has a sleeve with an upstream end and a downstream end, and the plate is located on the upstream end. The plate prevents movement of the button upstream of the plate.

A system and method for pulling a cable. The system includes a cable which has at least one button located along its length. A cable puller is coupled to the cable and has at least one slot for receiving the cable. The cable puller also has a plate for engaging the button. The cable puller has a sleeve with an upstream end and a downstream end, and the plate is located on the upstream end. The plate prevents movement of the button upstream of the plate.

An article of footwear, lacing engine, and method includes a motor, a transmission operatively coupled to the motor, and a lace spool. The lace spool is operatively coupled to the transmission and includes a top lace groove in a top surface of the lace spool and a circumferential channel, wherein the lace is configured to be inserted in the top lace groove and be taken up around the circumferential channel based on a turning of the lace spool from action by the motor and transmission. A fastener is configured to couple the lace spool to the transmission and is inserted into the lace spool via the top surface, the fastener having a head having a head width sufficient to partially cover the top lace groove, leaving a top gap having a gap width less than a thickness of the lace.