Abstract: Described is a tightening device for automatically tightening a lace. The tightening device includes a housing with a power source and a pair of motors. A pair of planetary gear boxes are connected with the motors. A pair of spools are connected with the gear boxes. Laces are wound around the spools such that activation of the motors causes rotation of the spools. The housing can be attached with or otherwise incorporated into the tongue of a shoe, such that the laces are operable as shoe laces. Thus, when a user activates the motors, the laces are wound around the spools to automatically tighten the shoe laces.

Abstract: Described is a device for automatically tying and untying shoe laces. The device includes a gear box for positioning with the tongue of a shoe, the gear box having pulleys around which laces can be wound. A motor is included in the gear box for selectively turning the pulleys to wind and unwind the laces. Controls accessible via the tongue of a shoe are provided for activating the motor. The laces are included for winding through lace holes of the shoe and around the pulleys. To prevent snagging and provide for smooth operation of the laces, the laces are formed of a plastic cable with a lacing sleeve wrapped around the plastic cable.

Abstract: Described is a tightening device for automatically tightening a lace. The tightening device includes a housing with a power source and a pair of motors. A pair of planetary gear boxes are connected with the motors. A pair of spools are connected with the gear boxes. Laces are wound around the spools such that activation of the motors causes rotation of the spools. The housing can be attached with or otherwise incorporated into the tongue of a shoe, such that the laces are operable as shoe laces. Thus, when a user activates the motors, the laces are wound around the spools to automatically tighten the shoe laces.