Nike patents 'BTTF' autolacing trainers

Sportswear manufacturer Nike has applied for a patent for a pair of automatically lacing trainers.

The papers filed with World Intellectual Property Organisation outline a product similar to that sported by Marty McFly in 1989 movie Back To The Future Part II.

"The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper," the abstract of the filing states.

"The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper."

Meanwhile, inventor Blake Bevin, who has manufactured her own prototype for self-lacing shoes, claimed that her product will not be affected by the Nike patent.

"I have my doubts that Nike will be releasing anything close to Power Laces in the near future and I believe my project can fill that niche," she told Electricpig.

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