Here is something that I particularly like… a Kickstarter project called “POWERLACE ADVANCED AUTO-LACING SHOE TECHNOLOGY“. I always found the concept of an auto-lacing shoe very attractive… probably I loved the Back to the Future movies back then in the 80’s.
The cool thing about this particular version is that it is totally mechanical. No complex batteries, springs, etc. Just a down to hearth system that use the user’s weight to lace the shoe.
I hope they get to the $650K mark before the project run out of time. This is not s small amount of money by any mean… but I think they are honest in their estimates of what it will take to get to a manufactured product.
The look of the shoe is actually pretty good. Sort of a cross between a running shoe and a walking shoe. Nothing like those Nike that looked like the original movie… not necessarily a good thing. Those guys took a fresh look at the problem and did not get stuck trying to replicate the original vision of the movie. This is the main reason why I think they will succeed. Low tech and reliable is better than hightech and complex 
Some research with the Patent office reveal that a patent was awarded recently in July for the Powerlace. You can read more details in the actual filing. This is a very serious team that deserve funding to bring to market this great innovation!
The word “Powerlace” was also trademarked in 2011 by the Kickstarter team as can be seen here.
I am toying with the idea of giving away a pair to handyPrint donators that are interested… What do you think? Would this be cool?