Abstract: A closure system including a body for receiving an object. An activation device is connected to a base structure, and is activated by placement of the object within the closure system. The activation device operates between a raised or depressed configuration, depending on the position of the object within the closure system. A tightening mechanism is responsive to the operation of the activation device. When the activation device is in the raised configuration, the tightening mechanism is loose. When the user depresses the activation device, the tightening mechanism tightens around the object. A movable displacer in a locking device for locking the configuration of the closure system and removably insertable into a recess helps better control tension within the tightening mechanism and improves comfort by disengaging the activation device from the tightening mechanism. A lace lock for locking a lace is disclosed. A lace tension distributor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A closure system including a body for receiving an object. An activation device is connected to a base structure, and is activated by placement of the object within the closure system. The activation device operates between a raised or depressed configuration, depending on the position of the object within the closure system. A tightening mechanism is responsive to the operation of the activation device. When the activation device is in the raised configuration, the tightening mechanism is loose. When the user depresses the activation device, the tightening mechanism tightens around the object. A movable displacer in a locking device for locking the configuration of the closure system and removably insertable into a recess helps better control tension within the tightening mechanism and improves comfort by disengaging the activation device from the tightening mechanism. A lace lock for locking a lace is disclosed. A lace tension distributor is also disclosed.

Abstract: The trolley is used in a fall arrest system and comprises a frame, a channel formed within the frame for engagement therein of a lifeline, and a self-blocking mechanism carried by the frame. The self-blocking mechanism comprises a brake movable between a braking position wherein the brake extends within the channel for frictionally engaging the lifeline; and an enabling position wherein the brake clears the channel for clearing the lifeline. The self-blocking mechanism also comprises a manually operable enabling actuator connected to the brake and capable of forcing the brake towards the enabling position.

Abstract: The trolley is used in a fall arrest system and comprises a frame, a channel formed within the frame for engagement therein of a lifeline, and a self-blocking mechanism carried by the frame. The self-blocking mechanism comprises a brake movable between a braking position wherein the brake extends within the channel for frictionally engaging the lifeline; and an enabling position wherein the brake clears the channel for clearing the lifeline. The self-blocking mechanism also comprises a manually operable enabling actuator connected to the brake and capable of forcing the brake towards the enabling position.

Abstract: A weight-activated tying shoe wherein user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe, will depress a movable inner sole. This activates a side mechanism composed of a winch with a cable system used to close the tongue of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user simply uses his weight to activate the mechanism. Using his other foot, the user can move a pedal to release the mechanism's tension. Most of the mechanical components are located on both sides of the shoe body.

Abstract: The elevator work platform assembly comprises a base movable over ground, an intermediate platform, a first stairway pivotally linked to the base and the intermediate platform and leading from one to the other, a work platform, a second stairway pivotally linked to the intermediate platform and the work platform and leading from one to the other, a linkage pivotally linked to the base and the first and second stairways, and an actuator capable of actuating the linkage and first and second stairways to move the work platform between a collapsed position in which it is adjacent to the base and a deployed position in which it is located away from the base. The stairways have self-levelling steps to allow access to the work platform in all positions thereof between the collapsed and deployed positions.

Abstract: A weight-activated tying shoe wherein user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe, will depress a movable inner sole. This activates a side mechanism composed of a winch with a cable system used to close the tongue of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user simply uses his weight to activate the mechanism. Using his other foot, the user can move a pedal to release the mechanism's tension. Most of the mechanical components are located on both sides of the shoe body.

Abstract: A self tying shoe wherein the weight of a user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe will depress a hingedly movable inner sole which actuates a mechanism which pulls on the laces so as to close in the tongue of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user can simply pump the inner sole or walk a couple of steps to accomplish the lacing of the shoes. Using his other foot, the user can move a knob in either one of two positions, one being for tying and the other being for untying the shoe. Most of the mechanical components are situated underneath the movable inner sole and are interconnected in a way reminiscent of the cooperating interconnections of clockwork.