03/09/16

Patent No. U.S. 8,046,937 B2

Written By: Roland Casillas
       Web and Blog Editor

Patent No. U.S. 8,046,937 B2

Automatic Lacing System

Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Michael R. Friton, Tinker L. Hatfield

Assignee: Nike, Inc.


Description: Nike has created an automatic lacing system for shoes. The invention describes a plurality of straps connected to at least one driveshaft that is connected to a motor. The straps are tightened when the motor is activated, either through some type of button, switch, or sensor. The laces or straps will tighten and loosen upon activation.

In one embodiment, Nike has utilized one or more sensors to sense the presence of a foot to active the strap moving mechanism. As an example, Nike describes a weight sensor, located anywhere within the structure of the shoe, to identify the presence of an object, your foot, and to activate the strap moving mechanism based off of the information gathered from the sensor. Aside from a weight sensor, other sensors, such as light, audio, heat, and more could be used in place of or in conjunction with the weight sensor.

Nike has always been at the forefront of technology, whether it be clothes or sporting equipment, and even though Nike was not the first to tackle a lacing system, this one seems to be a cut above the rest, in my modest opinion.

To see the full description of the invention follow the link.

If you have come across an interesting or innovative issued patent, new or old, and would like the IP community to know about it, please contact the Web and Blog Editor. 

© 2000-2023, Journal of the Patent & Trademark Office Society
Disclaimer & Privacy Policy