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.

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.

A cable securing device facilitates secure connection to a cabling end, and employs a retaining cap, a barrel and a cable receiving component. The cable receiving component can include a spacer gland, a fastening ring and a retaining jaw, or a subset thereof, and the elements of the cable receiving component may either be joined together as individual elements or provided as an integrated cartridge.

A capping assembly (10) for mounting on a covering (12) is disclosed. The capping assembly (10) comprises a cap (14) which can be disposed on the covering (12), a securing arrangement (18) to enable the capping assembly (10) to be secured on the covering (12). The capping assembly (10) further includes an insertion member (16) for insertion through the covering (12). The cap (14) can be attached to the insertion member (16). The securing arrangement (18) comprises a securing device (20) and a holding formation (44) to hold the securing device (20), the holding formation (44) being provided on the insertion member (16).

An apparatus for securely joining ropes for rope suspension or payload tie down. The apparatus includes a two substantially identical channel assemblies configured having a first bend to form a rope groove on one end and a second bend to form a cam channel on the other end, the cam channel having a rivet hole and a pin therethrough to enable a cam to rotate therein, and an attachment mechanism to secure the channel assemblies back-to-back thereto. By opening the cam of either assembly, a rope may be threaded through the rope grove, then again on the opposite assembly. The rope can be pulled from its end away from the assemblies to tighten prior to closing the cam(s) upon the ropes. The rope can further be secured by continuing to pull after the cam has been closed, or by using an optional tightening mechanism and method. A method of tying down cargo or rope suspension using the apparatus of the disclosure for uses such as general-purpose camping, hiking, and other general-purpose tie-down and/or suspension uses of ropes. A method of tightening one or more ropes using the tie-down apparatus disclosed.

A device for retaining a cord comprises a body having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is spaced from or disposed at an angle relative to the first surface. The body defines a recess disposed on and extending along the first surface. The body defines a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is disposed adjacent the recess and the second opening is disposed on the second surface. The body defines a bore that extends between the first opening and the second opening to allow the cord to extend through the body. A plurality of teeth extend from opposing walls of the recess for engaging the cord to retain the cord in a taut position.

A fastener assembly for securing a string and/or netting includes a cord fastener and a cord. The cord fastener includes a clasp defining a first opening and a second opening spaced apart from the clasp. The cord is detachably coupled to the cord fastener, and includes a first end extending through the second opening, and a second end insertable into the clasp. The clasp is configured to allow the cord to be pulled through the clasp in a first direction, and to substantially prevent the cord from being pulled in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, the clasp includes a plurality of fingers that extend at an angle relative to a central axis of the second opening.

A directional lock or a headgear or interface assembly has one or more directional locks that include a catch arrangement for initiating or assisting in movement of a lock member of the direction lock. In some configurations, the catch arrangement assists movement of the lock member in only a portion of a range of travel of the lock member. In some configurations, the directional lock has a housing and a sleeve and the catch arrangement has a catch arm carried by the sleeve. The catch arm includes a catch end that contacts the lock member, which can be a lock washer in some configurations.

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.

A fastener assembly for securing a string and/or netting includes a cord fastener and a cord. A cord fastener includes: a body including a base wall; a clasp disposed on the base wall; and an opening disposed on the base wall and spaced apart from the clasp. The base wall has a curved surface between the clasp and the opening. A cord is detachably coupled to the cord fastener and extends through at least one of the clasp or the opening.