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Late last night we broke the news of Tinker discussing the Nike MAG 2015 with Power Laces and wanted to share some additional information about the shoes and the power lacing system. As a son of an engineer, I will always remember my father’s words with regard to “how things work” since I was a kid.
“The proof is in the patent.” – David Halfhill
With that in mind, we pulled up a copy of the US Patent papers that Nike filed for and were approved. Something to note is that since their initial patent paper filings, the shoes have drastically changed since we first spotted them in 2010.
We have highlighted some of the important pages below and have attached all 29 pages of the US Patent filing (8,769,844 B2) that explicitly states the designer/inventor as Tiffany Beers, Michael Friton, and Tinker Hatfield – all top-level Nike designers and engineers.
While the shoes are commonly referred to as the Nike Air MAG, it appears that with the power lacing system deep in the midsole of the shoe, there is no room for an Air unit. In 2011, the shoes were referred officially as the Nike MAG due to lack of Air cushioning and it looks like the same will be true with the 2015 release of the Marty McFly shoes.
Something to note as well is a weight sensor in the shoe. Perhaps future Hoverboard compatibility? That’s next.
Nike MAG 2015 US Patent header listing Designers and Inventors
Nike MAG 2015 US Patent with button to activate Power Laces Nike MAG 2015 US Patent detailing Power Lacing System Nike MAG 2015 US Patent detailing Power Lacing System Nike MAG 2015 US Patent schematic Nike MAG 2015 US Patent ankle collar power lacing system
