A joining assembly (12) comprises two joining devices (10). Each joining device (10) comprises a securing arrangement (46) for securing at least one article (14) to the joining devices (10). One of the joining devices (10) comprises a first attaching arrangement (30, 32), and the other of the joining devices (10) comprises a second attaching arrangement (30, 32). The first and second attaching arrangements can cooperate with each other to attach the joining devices (10) to each other.

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 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 connecting device (10) is provided for connecting a first article (14) to an elongate second article (24). The connecting device (10) comprises a securing arrangement (25) for securing the device (10) to the elongate second article (24), and an attaching arrangement (26) for attaching the connecting device to the first article (14). The attaching arrangement (26) is receivable through an opening (22) in the first article (14). The attaching arrangement (26) comprises a locking arrangement (40) for locking the connecting device (10) to the first article (14). The locking arrangement (40) comprises a detent formation (42) configured to be received by an opening in the first article (14).

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 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.

A device for holding onto a rope to form a loop that can be tighten about two objects. The device including a base portion having at least one hole for securing one end of the rope. A clamping portion slidably engages a plurality of posts enabling the clamping portion to slide between a clamp position and release position for securing a portion of the rope therebetween. A clamp/release mechanism provides a means to clamp and release the clamping portion onto from the posts. The clamp/release mechanism includes a plurality of levers to selectively engage a respective post to clamp the clamping portion onto the posts when in a clamp position and disengage the at least one post to release the clamping portion from the posts when in a release position.

A clamping device (10) for clamping an elongate article (100) is disclosed. The clamping device (10) includes a body (12) and a clamping arrangement (26) in the body (12). The clamping arrangement (26) includes a clamping member (28) and an urging member (30) for urging the clamping member (2B) into clamping engagement with the elongate article (100). The body (12) has a reaction formation (56) along which the elongate article (100) can extend. The reaction formation (56) applies a reaction force to the elongate article (100) when so engaged by the clamping member (28). The clamping device (10) further includes a carriage (32) on which the clamping member (28) is provided, and a release member (42) on the carriage (32) for releasing the clamping member (28) from engagement with the elongate article (100). The release member (42) extends outwardly from the body (12).

A directional lock or a headgear or interface assembly comprising 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 comprises a housing and a sleeve and the catch arrangement comprises 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.

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.