278
Backers
$25,024
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on October 11, 2010.
Pledge $15 or more Pledge $15 or more
The Above, plus a laser engraved Power Laces logo keychain
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
All of the above, plus notification when Power Laces is shipping and have the first opportunity to purchase before they go on general sale.
Pledge $200 or more Pledge $200 or more
Be one of the First to receive Power Laces right off the assembly line (in Mens sizes 9-12 for the first manufacturing run), along with a logo T-shirt.
Pledge $210 or more Pledge $210 or more
Same as the Limited Reward above, (Be one of the First to receive Power Laces right off the assembly line- sizes 9-12) but also includes Logo keychain in addition to T-Shirt
Pledge $225 or more Pledge $225 or more
Same as the Limited Reward above, (Be one of the First to receive Power Laces right off the assembly line- Mens sizes 9-12) but also includes Logo Keychain, T-shirt, and Flash Drive. THIS WILL BE YOUR LAST CHANCE TO RECEIVE 'POWER LACES' AS A PLEDGE REWARD!
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
Own the shoe that started it all and has been seen around the world- the brightly colored Power Laces version 1.0 shoe, mens size 11. (Possible to wear, but not recommended) Non-modified second shoe will be included.
Absolutely, just settling in now and getting over a nasty bug but there will be an update at power-laces.com this week.
Hi Blake, Can we get another mini-update on whats going on? How did the factory tours go? any pictures or design screenshots?
Hey there, thanks for writing. Of course I understand a bit of frustration as regards to product release. I still believe that I'm track for a mid to late 2012 release. Most of 2011 was spent working with an engineer in the UK, trying to shrink the mechanism as much as possible while maintaining durability. It's important to note that I've always said that the prototype I made, though it worked as a demo, wasn't fit for mass production and needed almost a complete overhaul.
I admitted that the skills for that was beyond me, which was where the engineer came in. The design work was done in multiple stages, with a lot of back and forth. With his help, we came up with a solution that seemed to fit the bill. He was only a mechanical engineer though, and to really complete it I will need to finalize some subsystems with software and electrical engineers. it's pretty standard work, we won't be reinventing the wheel, so this part of the process will only take a couple of months.
The software is really the heart of the project, as this device will really be made for the medical community. As such there will be systems in place for things such as gait monitoring and even physical rehab.
A few of the things that have slowed me down over the past few months include my personal health and my job. I'm fine! But there have been some internal issues I've been dealing with that have lead to short jaunts of time where I can't do much of anything. And my day job has gotten more demanding of my time steadily over the last year, (and I believe might be a contributor to my health issues) which was one of the reasons I decided to quit and focus more on my project, full time.
I've already bought the tickets overseas, and will be leaving in late March as soon as my contract is up with my job. These past few weeks have been spent moving nonessentials into storage and such. Australia will act as my homebase for the next few months for trips into Asia. I have family out there, along with a few people who have ideas for the cosmetic design of the product- nothing that will inpart any manufacturing delays.
I suspect finding the right manufacturer will only be a matter of weeks. When it's all totaled I believe that I will meet my imposed deadline of late 2012. I appreciate everyones continued patience, and please, don't hesitate to contact me at my personal email address if you have any questions or just want to talk! BlakeBevin [AT] Gmail[DOT]com
Hi Blake, it seems you've really slowed down with this project. From when we initially backed you and your hyped up positive attitude, to now when you're touring a lot of the world still in search of a manufacturer and discussing designs. Can you please give a in depth update of exactly what you have been doing with your time and the funds we've supplied you?
I'll be in Melbourne, but if I make my way up there I'll definitely let you know! ;)
Where in Australia? Would be great to catchup if you're in Sydney!!
Hey there, I've opted more for personal updates, from people messaging me through twitter or facebook as opposed to mass emailing that was sometimes caught by spam filters and such. I received provisional patent protection but the bigger news was I'll be leaving for Australia at the end of March to spend a bit of a time with some product designers to finalize some things, and then heading to Turkey and China to tour some factories for manufacturing.
Any updates on the design & patents etc? Interested in hearing some more about the progress in general... can't believe how quiet it is here. I'm on another project and people are screaming because the last update from the developer was a mere 9 days ago...
Had some trouble arise with my day job, so I've turned in my notice there and have to finish out my contract. I've already bought the ticket overseas, leaving 3/9, and yesterday I just received my travelling Visas. It was about 6 weeks later than I would have preferred, but still leaves me on track.
Hi Blake, how's the factory tours coming along?
Yes, I had to reschedule the factory tours for January do to scheduling conflicts, but that has been put on the books and we'll have a manufacturer shortly after.
Hi Blake, any updates? Cheers!
You're on Wimp.com! It's a video of the 2nd version of the Power Laces. Check September 16th, it's the last link.
Looking good!
They're now on ebay, will cost at least $4K, proceeds to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
http://nikemag.ebay.com/shoes
Thanks for the links! I'll be posting a response/update after Nike's announcement, but in short I believe we're targeting different markets, and Nike's product shouldn't interfere with my system that is being tailor made with accessibility for the disabled in mind.
Here are a couple articles on this: http://www.businessinsider.com/back-to-the-future-shoes-2011-9#comments
http://www.slashfilm.com/producer-frank-marshall-teases-big-back-future-announcement/
I heard about the Nike concept. How does that go against the patent you got? I am just wondering if you are going to beat them to the punch.
Thanks for the link! I'll post a response soon about Nike's announcement as an Update and on the blog.
What's that?! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch…
Hey Luigi, you never responded to the customer survey so I don't have your information on file. I will send you a private message requesting the info to get your merch to you as quickly as possible.
hi blake - pledged my 50 and nothing ever arrived as promised.
please advise.
luigi
hey Chris, I defintely sent you out a resend and it should have been there by now. Could you write me at blakebevin (At) Power-Laces.com to confirm your address? Before I send a new package out I want to make sure there's not a problem with the shipping address.
Thanks!
still havent received any of my goodies :(:(:( but i still LOVE this :D all the best
My stuff arrived today!
I don't think stuff sent my way was _lost_, but I think my address wasn't yet in the system when stuff started being sent out.
No problem G.L, adding your info to the resend list :)
I just realized reading your latest update that I've been waiting in vain for the keychain :)
You've made me really curious about the extra fetures you're building in, can't wait to see the prototype!
Hey there, I think the weather has been a factor in the shipping times. Rest assured it should be there soon :)
No goodies received yet, is there a delay ? I hope things are progressing smoothly in other areas Blake :)
I joined Kickstarter just so i could comment on this awesome project.
Just wanted to give a word of support...please ensure this is available internationally as I know MANY people I have showed this too have a GENUINE interest in buying these shoes. They just are sceptical of paying money (backing) for a ‘prototype’ which may ‘fall apart’ after a few days of wearing.
If you could make that shoe within 12 hours and with scrap parts...i can’t wait to see the final product.
-
Jonathan from Australia
Hi Blake,
I know I am late on the draw here, but I would absolutely love a pair of these shoes. Is there any way that I can get a pair from you even though the "backing" period is over?
Hi Blake,
Wonderful to see what you have created and the interest and backing!
I would be interested in speaking with you regarding assistance sales channel strategy and branding if you are interested.
Thank you,
David
Nice going Blake! Re: your grandmother - my Dad died of complications from PD after deteriorating over a period of 30 years so I know a bit of what you're referring to. He certainly could've used these Power Laces but there are SO many people with other disabilities/impairments who could also benefit (not just sports celebs).
I hadn't heard of the Nike patent issue before.
Are you seeking extra funding?
Have you a group and a corporate structure?
Best wishes; Larry (lp115lp@yahoo.com)
I WANT THAT SHOWS WHAT I NEED TO DO, WHERE I PAY
Heya Mark, your reward will be sent as soon as I receive the T-Shirts. Thanks for you patience and support!
Hey Blake, I haven't gotten any envelope. I guess I was one of the unlucky lost ones. I've kept waiting hoping the mailman was just really slow. Could you take a look? Thanks and keep up the awesome job!
Yes, the prototype shown was hand-built and demonstrates the concept only. We have every intention of making sure the final version has customized fitting, with at least three easily adjustable levels of lacing firmness.
I like the idea. The video of you (on the project home page) trying on the shoe had the laces rather loose. I'm sure that was just you were demonstrating, but I was wondering if there would be some kind of way to customize the fit? Like, set the shoes to a custom tightness they will keep in memory and go to every time. It looked like you had other buttons on the shoe that you didn't use in the demonstration, and I imagine maybe they served that function. Is that true, or is it something you expect to put into the shoes in the future?
pledge money gets shoes made slow if u realy wanna make shoes hit me up they can sell easly in canada but i have connections back home korea -funding ,factory space, whole sale pricing on parts custom shoes
i want shoes made but hmm no response money is no issue tell me what i need to send ill buy it u make them
ps if you use cell phone batteries u can use a DURACELL MY GRID MOBILE PHONE CHARGING PAD to easly charge the shoes
Hey Caleb, sorry about that! I'll send out a new one this week.
Hey Blake, I got half of an envelope in the mail today. I guess the mailman had a grudge with me or something...
Can't wait to see the finished product!
The shoes will have batteries and will have to be charged. Exactly how charging takes place, and other tech specs will be decided later on in the design process. We have a few ideas on the table but right now we're focusing more on the basics. We don't want to put the cart before the horse, so to speak. As the process evolves I'll have more information to post.
Do the shoes have to be charged or do they run on batteries. If batteries how do you replace them. If it gets charged how long would it take and what part of the shoe would it plug in.
@Buck Apologies! Will resend in a few days.
I got a part of a glassine envelope in my chewed-up paper envelope. I guess I was a victim of the feds, as well. Thanks for reaching out.
buck
Sorry about that Sarah, no need to send it bak. I'll ship out a new one when I'm back in the States on Tuesday.
Mine got chewed up as well, and at first I thought it was fine, but my keychain fell apart today, so I'm guessing it was because of the machinery. Do I need to send the pieces back to you?
i want them shoes if u could put power laces to the shoes in the link id buy the shoes and pay for the upgrades no matter what cost if u can do that let me know im in canada send me an email cause i might not remeber this site
http://www.youtube.com/watch…
Ay can i still buy a power lace?