The invention relates to a push/pull rod (10) comprising at least one first fastening device (12) with a coupling element (12a) and a shank (12b) which is arranged on it, at least one first connection piece (18), wherein the first fastening device (12) is connected to the first connection piece (18) such that it can be rotated via a threaded arrangement (30) in order to change the length of the push/pull rod (10), a holding device with first and second holding elements interact, and are pressed against one another by means of a spring element (28), wherein the first holding element of the holding device is connected fixedly to the first connection piece (18) for conjoint rotation, and the second holding element is arranged fixedly on the first fastening device (12) for conjoint rotation.

The invention relates to a push/pull rod (10) comprising at least one first fastening device (12) with a coupling element (12a) and a shank (12b) which is arranged on it, at least one first connection piece (18), wherein the first fastening device (12) is connected to the first connection piece (18) such that it can be rotated via a threaded arrangement (30) in order to change the length of the push/pull rod (10), a holding device with first and second holding elements interact, and are pressed against one another by means of a spring element (28), wherein the first holding element of the holding device is connected fixedly to the first connection piece (18) for conjoint rotation, and the second holding element is arranged fixedly on the first fastening device (12) for conjoint rotation.

A rigid locking binder for mechanically securing large, heavy loads and tie-down chains used for securing loads. The variable length binder comprises a rigid, threaded rod coaxially coupled within an elongated sleeve, such that relative axial displacements of the rod relative to the sleeve or vice-versa results in lengthwise expansion or contraction. The binder has chain hooks at opposite ends, that are pivotally associated with remote ends of the rod and sleeve for coupling to loads or anchor points. An assembly for selectively locking the sleeve and rod together establishing a selected binder length comprises a rigid lever pivotally mounted to the sleeve that controls a thread locking mechanism. The lever is pivoted between parallel pin plates secured to the sleeve. The thread locking mechanism comprises a threaded half nut that selectively engages or disengages rod thread portions that are exposed through an access window defined in the sleeve.

A rigid locking binder for mechanically securing large, heavy loads and tie-down chains used for securing loads. The variable length binder comprises a rigid, threaded rod coaxially coupled within an elongated sleeve, such that relative axial displacements of the rod relative to the sleeve or vice-versa results in lengthwise expansion or contraction. The binder has chain hooks at opposite ends, that are pivotally associated with remote ends of the rod and sleeve for coupling to loads or anchor points. An assembly for selectively locking the sleeve and rod together establishing a selected binder length comprises a rigid lever pivotally mounted to the sleeve that controls a thread locking mechanism. The lever is pivoted between parallel pin plates secured to the sleeve. The thread locking mechanism comprises a threaded half nut that selectively engages or disengages rod thread portions that are exposed through an access window defined in the sleeve.

An apparatus for connecting one or more guy wires to a down rod, the connector having first and second separable portions which form an aperture for receiving the down rod. At least one of the first or second portions includes at least one passage adapted for releasably receiving a portion of the guy wire. The guy wire may include an anchor, and the passage for receiving the guy wire may be adapted for capturing the anchor so as to preclude movement of the guy wire in a radial direction.

An apparatus for connecting one or more guy wires to a down rod, the connector having first and second separable portions which form an aperture for receiving the down rod. At least one of the first or second portions includes at least one passage adapted for releasably receiving a portion of the guy wire. The guy wire may include an anchor, and the passage for receiving the guy wire may be adapted for capturing the anchor so as to preclude movement of the guy wire in a radial direction.

An energy absorption device for absorbing at least a portion of impact energy occurring in an impact of an impact body in a safety net construction includes at least one cable guiding unit forming at least one cable receiving region for receiving and/or guiding at least one cable, and further includes at least one energy absorption element, arranged in the cable receiving region and forming at least one friction surface for the guided cable, the energy absorption element being configured, if a force inducing movement of the cable across the friction surface is exerted on the cable, to selectively absorb at least a portion of energy the force created via substantial deformation and/or abrasion of the friction surface. A cable brake, particularly a block-and-tackle cable brake, includes an energy absorption element of the energy absorption device, which is arranged at the deflection element on a side facing toward the cable.

An energy absorption device for absorbing at least a portion of impact energy occurring in an impact of an impact body in a safety net construction includes at least one cable guiding unit forming at least one cable receiving region for receiving and/or guiding at least one cable, and further includes at least one energy absorption element, arranged in the cable receiving region and forming at least one friction surface for the guided cable, the energy absorption element being configured, if a force inducing movement of the cable across the friction surface is exerted on the cable, to selectively absorb at least a portion of energy the force created via substantial deformation and/or abrasion of the friction surface. A cable brake, particularly a block-and-tackle cable brake, includes an energy absorption element of the energy absorption device, which is arranged at the deflection element on a side facing toward the cable.

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 tensioning device includes a housing, a drive member, an inner sleeve and a driven member. The housing includes a first attachment feature. The driven member includes a second attachment feature. The inner sleeve is disposed at least partially in the housing and is rotatably coupled with the housing. The drive member is rotatably coupled with the housing and is operably coupled with the inner sleeve such that rotation of the drive member facilitates rotation of the inner sleeve. The driven member is movable with respect to the guide member between a retracted position and an extended position along a centerline.