Abstract:
An automated tightening shoe is provided where a tightening mechanism operates to cause automatic tightening of the shoe laces about a wearer&#39;s foot and which releases the laces to allow loosening of the shoe. The shoe laces travel to the interior of the tightening mechanism located at the heel whereat the laces are operatively associated in a tightening or a loosening direction with the tightening mechanism. The tightening shoe further has a locking mechanism for locking said at least one lace in a tightened condition and a release mechanism for unlocking the locking mechanism and releasing the shoe laces. The release mechanism includes a lever arm which projects rearwardly from the rear of said shoe. Depression upon the lever arm causes the locking mechanism to unlock and release the shoe laces from being in a tightened condition.

Description:
This patent application is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 10/732,664, filed Dec. 9, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,096,559 which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/093,918, filed on Mar. 7, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,128 which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/675,607, filed Sep. 29, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,194, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/048,772, filed Mar. 26, 1998, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention pertains to a shoe and, more particularly, to an automated tightening shoe. The shoe is provided with an automated tightening system including a tightening mechanism which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the shoe about a wearer&#39;s foot, and which can be released easily so that the shoe can be readily removed from the wearer&#39;s foot. The invention is chiefly concerned with an automated tightening shoe of the sport of athletic shoe variety, but the principles of the invention are applicable to shoes of many other types and styles. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Shoes which incorporate an automated tightening system are known in the prior art. However, none of the automated tightening systems heretofore devised has been entirely successful or satisfactory. Major shortcomings of the automated tightening systems of the prior art are that they fail to tighten the shoe from both sides so that it conforms snugly to the wearer&#39;s foot, and that they lack any provision for quickly loosening the shoe when it is desired to remove the shoe from the wearer&#39;s foot. Aspects of prior art automated tightening systems contributing to their lack of success and satisfaction have been (1) complexity, in that they involve numerous parts; (2) the inclusion of expensive parts, such as small electric motors; (3) the use of parts needing periodic replacement, e.g., a battery; and (4) the presence of parts requiring frequent maintenance. these aspects, as well as others not specifically mentioned, indicate that considerable improvement is needed in order to attain an automated tightening shoe that is completely successful and satisfactory. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The general purpose of the present invention is to provide an automated tightening shoe that is devoid of the various shortcomings and drawbacks characteristic of shoes of this sort which exist in the prior art. 
     Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention is to produce an automated tightening shoe, especially a sport or athletic shoe, that tightens snugly about the wearer&#39;s foot from both sides and that can be loosened easily. It is further objective of the present invention to attain the primary objective by providing an automated tightening system which requires no complex or expensive parts, and which includes no parts that need frequent maintenance or periodic replacement. Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automated tightening shoe which is easy to operate and trouble-free in use. 
     The foregoing general purpose and objectives of the present invention are fully achieved by the automated tightening shoe of the present invention. As stated previously, the principles of the invention are applicable to shoes of many types and styles, but are especially applicable to shoes of the sport or athletic variety. Accordingly, it is this sort of shoe which has been selected for illustrating the principles of the invention. 
     The automated tightening shoe of the invention includes a sole and an integral body member or shoe upper constructed of any common sport or athletic shoe material or materials connected to the sole. The integral body member or shoe upper includes a toe, a heel, a tongue, a gap above the tongue, and a reinforced lacing pad aligned about the edge of the gap and aligned generally to the tongue, the reinforced lacing pad having a number of pairs of lace eyelets provided around the periphery of the gap. The shoe also includes a tightening mechanism in the heel. A pair of shoe laces, or alternatively a single length shoe lace, is provided for tightening the shoe at the gap. Each shoe lace has one external end anchored preferably to the region of the shoe upper at or near the junction of the tongue and the lower part of the gap by an anchoring fixture which can be a loop or other suitable device. The shoe laces extend through alternate lace eyelets in crisscross fashion over the tongue, and then pass through guide tubes which extend from the tightening mechanism through the material at the side of the shoe upper to within the tightening mechanism in the heel whereat the shoe laces are operatively associated in a tightening or in a loosening direction with the tightening mechanism. 
     The tightening mechanism includes an actuator cord which resides partly within a guide tube extending from the tightening mechanism through the fabric of the rear vertical portion of the heel and which has an actuator loop at one end. The actuator cord is movable in the guide tube in a tightening or in a loosening direction with the tightening mechanism. 
     The tightening mechanism includes an actuator cord which resides partly within a guide tube extending from the tightening mechanism through the fabric of the rear vertical portion of the heel and which has an actuator loop at one end. The actuator cord is movable in the guide tube in a tightening or in a loosening direction with the tightening mechanism. 
     The tightening mechanism includes a shaft located within a lower housing and an upper housing, or alternatively a one-piece housing, located in the heel upon which a ratcheted actuator spool including a plurality of ratchet teeth is sizeably mounted and upon which a closely associated adjoining coupling collar with a plurality of ratchet teeth is mounted. The ratcheted actuator spool includes two disks, one of which is beveled and serves as a cam which is utilized during shoe lace tension release. A ratchet wheel having a coupling collar also mounts upon the shaft and is incorporated with a pawl to tighten the shoe laces. A compression spring and a return spring co-locate between the ratchet wheel and the ratcheted actuator spool. 
     A release lever, which protrudes from the rear of the heel, pivotally mounts to support panels extending from the upper and lower housings and includes a pawl which is engageable with the ratchet wheel and a cam actuator bar opposing the pawl. 
     The shoe laces, after entering the upper and lower housings of the tightening mechanism, are directed or soiled in the same direction about opposite ends of the shaft, and the actuator cord is coiled about and secured to the ratcheted actuator spool in a direction which is opposite to the direction in which the shoe laces are directed or coiled. The actuator cord has an end extending out of a passageway in the heel and, as previously mentioned, includes an actuator loop for grasping to move the actuator cord in the tightening direction. When the actuator cord is pulled by the actuator loop, the shoe laces further coil about the shaft or alternatively about a drum, thereby the shoe is tightened. The pawl successively engages the ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel to prevent reverse movement. 
     Although all of the aspects and features of the automated tightening shoe enumerated above are important to the attainment of the purpose and objectives of the present invention and contribute to the overall superior quality, easy operation, and trouble-free performance of the shoe, certain ones are especially significant and merit special recognition. 
     One such significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the arrangement of crisscrossed shoe laces which effects tightening of the automated tightening shoe from. both sides, thus producing a snug fit about the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a tightening mechanism which includes a ratchet wheel mounted on a shaft, the ratchet wheel including ratchet teeth engageable by a pawl. 
     Still another such significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ratchet wheel and pawl arrangement which allows movement of the shoe laces during tightening and which prevents reverse movement of the shoe laces after tightening is completed. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ratcheted actuator spool sizeably mounted along, over and about and being positionable along, over and about a rotatable shaft which can ratchetingly engage a ratcheted coupling collar mounted and secured over and about the rotatable shaft, whereby the rotatable shaft can be rotated in a suitable direction by rotation of the ratcheted actuator spool to tighten shoe laces. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a rotatable shaft he opposing ends of which or drums mounted thereto accommodate the securing of and the coiling of one end of separate shoe laces thereto, thereby providing the same shoe lace tensioning tension. 
     Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a release lever having both a pawl and a cam actuator bar being incorporated singularly or together utilized to tighten and maintain tightness of the shoe laces or to release (loosen) the shoe laces. 
     Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a simple to use release lever. 
     A still further such significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ratcheted actuator spool and connected recoil or return spring incorporated for maintaining the actuator cord in a coiled position after loosening is completed. 
     Yet another such significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a release lever for disengaging the ratcheted actuator spool to allow free reverse movement of the shoe laces to enable loosening of the shoe for removal from the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     Alternatively, another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of drums having concave profile winding surfaces and the use of a ratcheted actuator spool being in close tolerance fit with upper and lower housings to prevent shoe lace jammming. 
     Alternatively, another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ratcheted actuator spool mounted along, over and about a rotatable shaft which can be ratchetingly engaged by a positionable ratcheted cam disk sizeably mounted along, over and about and being positionable along the rotatable shaft. 
     Alternatively, another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is the use of a locating pin on a shaft to engage an elongated slot of a ratcheted cam disk to transfer power anywhere along the length of the elongated slot and locating pin engagement from the shaft to the ratcheted cam disk. 
     Alternatively, another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ratcheted actuator spool including a spring housing interacting with a return spring. 
     Alternatively, another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a ratchet wheel having an attached drum. 
     Having thus described embodiments of the present invention and set forth significant aspects and features thereof, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide an automated tightening shoe. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of an automated tightening shoe, the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view, in partial cutaway, of the automated tightening shoe; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the outwardly visible components of the tightening shoe; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric topside view of the tightening mechanism showing the upper housing, the lower housing and mechanical structure there between; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric underside view of the tightening mechanism showing the upper housing, the lower housing and mechanical structure there between; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded isometric view of the elements comprising the tightening mechanism; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded isometric view of the tightening mechanism where the mechanical structure is residing in the lower housing; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the tightening mechanism in the inactive mode awaiting the tightening process; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the tightening mechanism in the last stage of the tightening mode where the shoe laces have been tightened; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the tightening mechanism in the tightened/recoiled mode; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the tightening mechanism in the release mode where the shoe laces are released from the tightening influence of the tightening mechanism; 
         FIG. 12 , an alternate embodiment, is an isometric topside view of a tightening mechanism which can be utilized in lieu of a previously disclosed tightening mechanism; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded isometric view of the mechanical structure of the alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the tightening mechanism of the alternative embodiment in the inactive mode awaiting the tightening process; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of the tightening mechanism of the alternative embodiment just after the last stage of the tightening mode where the shoe laces have been tightened; 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the tightening mechanism of the alternative embodiment in the tightened/recoiled mode; and 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of the tightening mechanism of the alternative embodiment in the release mode where the shoe laces are released from the tightening influence of the tightening mechanism. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of an automated tightening shoe  10 , the present invention, and  FIG. 2  illustrates a side view, in partial cutaway, of the automated tightening shoe  10 . 
     The automated tightening shoe  10 , as illustrated, is a sport or athletic shoe having a sole  12 , an integral body member or shoe upper  14  including a tongue  16 , a toe  18 , a heel  20 , and a reinforced lacing pad  22 , all constructed of any common sport or athletic shoe materials. An anchoring fixture  24 , which could be a loop or other geometric configuration, and which could be fabric, leather, plastic, metal, clot or other suitable material, suitably secures to the forward regions of juncture of the tongue  16  and the reinforced lacing pad  22  to secure or anchor one end of each of the opposed shoe laces  26  and  28 , preferably having a round cross section, but alternatively having a flat cross section. Preferably, the shoe laces  26  and  28  then mutually crisscross over the tongue  16  and pass through lace eyelets  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  28  and  40  mounted along and about the reinforced lacing pad  22 , as illustrated, before passing through an optical lace containment loop  42  secured to the upper and outward portion of the tongue  16 . After passing through lace containment loop  42 , shoe lace  26  passes through a hole  44  in the reinforced lacing pad  22  and travels downwardly and rearwardly through a guide tube  46  or other suitable guide structure which passes in between the outer and inner materials of the shoe upper  14 . In a similar fashion, the shoe lace  28  passes through a hole  48  in the reinforced lacing pad  22  and travels downwardly and rearwardly through a guide tube  50  which also passes in between the outer and inner materials of the shoe upper  14 , as illustrated. The lower ends of guide tube  46  and guide tube  50  lead to and secure to a tightening mechanism  52  located in the heel  20  of the automated tightening shoe  10  to introduce the shoe laces  26  and  28 , respectively, to the interior of the tightening mechanism  52  where shoe laces  26  and  28  leave guide tubes  46  and  50  and secure to components located interiorly of the tightening mechanism  52 . The guide tubes  46  and  50  can be plastic tubes, cloth tubes or of other suitable material. The guide tubes  46  and  50  could be round, oval or other suitable shape to offer an unrestricted path of travel for th shoe laces  26  and  28  there through and to offer a low profile at the side of the integral body member or shoe upper  14 . 
     An actuator cord  54  having an actuator loop  56  passes through a guide tube  58  located between the layers of fabric forming the upper region of the heel  20 . The lower end of the guide tube  58  leads to and secures to the tightening mechanism  52  where the lower end of the actuator cord  54  leaves the guide tube  58  and secures to one or more components located interiorly of the tightening mechanism  52 . There is also provided a release lever  60 , being part of the tightening mechanism  52 , which is pivotally secured to the structure of the tightening mechanism  52  and which passes through and projects from the lower region of the heel  20 , which lower region has a flexible consistency. Downward actuation of the end of the release lever  60  functions to discontinue the tightening influence of the tightening mechanism  52  with the shoe laces  26  and  28  for subsequent removal of the automated tightening shoe  10  from the wearer. The projecting end of the release lever  60  is influenced and held in position by the flexible lower region of the heel  20 . The release lever  60  acts to release the inner workings of the tightening mechanism  52  from a tightened state when the outwardly extending end is pressed downwardly. In the alterative, a spring can be incorporated between the release lever  60  and a convenient pivot point and anchor point to provide for suitable positioning of the release lever  60 . The heel  20  suitably accommodates and encases the tightening mechanism  52  and can be formed around and about the tightening mechanism  52  and portions of the guide tubes of all sorts described herein. The heel  20  can be bifurcated to include shaped recesses, passages, and the like to accommodate the tightening mechanism  52  and the guide tubes of all sorts described herein; or, the tightening mechanism  52  and portions of the guide tubes of all sorts can be otherwise suitably accommodated according to the art. 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the tightening mechanism  52  where outwardly visible components include opposing lower and upper housings  64  and  66  which mate to form enclosing structure resembling a configured closed cylinder to house and enclose inwardly located components, as described later in detail. In the alternative, other types and styles of housings or enclosures and other structures in lieu of the lower and upper housings  64  and  66  and associates structures can be incorporated to support and enclose the inwardly located components to form a tightening mechanism performing the same functions as the tightening mechanism  52 . In addition, structure having internal attributes similar to the upper and lower housing  66  and  64  could be molded into the heel  14  to accommodate mounting of the components comprising the mechanical structure  65 . Also shown are the release lever  60 , foreshortened guide tubes  46 ,  50  secured to tightening mechanism at the upper housing  66 , and foreshortened shoe laces  26  and  28 . The foreshortened guide tube  58  and actuator cord  54  are shown detached from the tightening mechanism  52 . 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric topside view of the tightening mechanism  52  show in the upper housing  66 , the lower housing  64 , and mechanical structure  65  there between. The lower housing  64  includes a central body  68 , being semi-cylindrical in shape, located between and being continuous with larger and opposed end bodies  70  and  72 , also being semi-cylindrical in shape, where end bodies  70  and  72  additionally include planar ends  74  and  76 , respectively. A journal box half  78  is located on one side of the planar end  74  facing into the end body  70 , and another journal box half  80  is located on one side of the planar end  76  facing into the end body  72  each for partial support of a shaft  82 , which is rotatable, of the mechanical structure  65 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Extending outwardly in perpendicular fashion and rearwardly from the central body  68  is a lower release lever support  84  including a horizontally aligned panel  86 , a vertically aligned panel  88  extending upwardly from one edge of the panel  86 , and another, opposed vertically aligned panel  90  extending upwardly from another edge of the panel  86 . An upwardly oriented semi-0circular notch  92  is located near the outboard end of the panel  88 , and an opposing upwardly oriented semi-circular notch  94  is located near the outboard end of the panel  90  to offer partial support of an axle pin  96 . An elongated mounting lug  98  is located along the underside of the end body  70  and an elongated mounting lug  100  is located along the underside of the end body  72 . An upwardly facing semicircular notch  101  is located on the forwardly facing edge of the central body  68  for accommodation of one end  147  of a return spring  148  of the mechanical structure  65 . 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric underside view of the tightening mechanism  52  showing the upper housing  66 , the lower housing  64 , and mechanical structure  65  there between. Shown in particular is the structure of the upper housing  66  where reference is understood to be made also to  FIG. 4  which shows the outwardly visible structure thereof. The upper housing  66  includes a central body  102 , being semi-cylindrical in shape, located between and being continuous with larger and opposed end bodies  104  and  106 , also being semi-cylindrical in shape, where end bodies  104  and  106  additionally include planar ends  108  and  110 , respectively. A journal box half  112  is located on one side of the planar end  108  facing into the end body  104 , and another journal box half  114  is located on one side of the planar end  110  facing into the end body  106  each for partial support of the shaft  82  of the mechanical structure  65 . Extending outwardly in perpendicular fashion and rearwardly from the central body  102  is an upper release lever support  116  including a horizontally aligned panel  118 , a curved wall panel  120  extending downwardly from one edge of the panel  118 , and another, opposed, curved wall panel  124  extending downwardly from another edge of the panel  118 . A downwardly oriented semi-circular notch  126  is located near the outboard end of the curved wall panel  120 , and an opposing downwardly oriented semi-circular notch  128  is located near the outboard end of the curved wall panel  124  to offer partial support of an axle pin  96  of the mechanical structure  65 . A configured rearwardly facing panel  130  intersects panel  118 , the curved wall panel  120 , and curved wall panel  124 , and includes a mounting formation  132 , which can be a slot or a hole, for accommodation and securing of the lower end of the guide tube  58  which partially houses the actuator cord  54 . Also included in the upper and forward facing regions of the end body  104  and the end body  106  are mounting holes  134  ( FIG. 4) and 136  for accommodation of the guide tubes  46  and  50 , respectively. Preferably, the mounting holes  134  and  136  are at a suitable angle to best accommodate the appropriate path of the guide tubes  46  and  50  through the integral body member or shoe upper  14 . A cam actuator bar access orifice  137  is also included extending through the junction of the central body  68  and the end body  70  of the lower housing  64 . 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded isometric view of the elements comprising the tightening mechanism  52  including but not limited to the lower housing  64 , the upper housing  66 , and the mechanical structure  65  including the shaft  82 , a ratcheted actuator spool  140 , a ratcheted coupling collar  142 , a ratchet wheel  144 , a compression spring  146 , the return spring  148 , the release lever  60 , and the axle pin  96 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , and other described figures, the structure and relationship of the elements comprising the tightening mechanism  52  is now described. The mechanical structure  65  centers about components either fixedly or sizeably positioned and mounted along and about the shaft  82 . One such component is the one-piece ratcheted actuator spool  140  which sizeably aligns along and about the shaft  82  and has a full length central bore  150  extending central to an actuator spool drum  152  having a flanking actuator spool disk  154  at one end and a flanking actuator spool cam disk  156  with a plurality of ratchet teeth  158  at the other end. Included in the actuator spool disk  154  are spring receptor holes  162 . A holed actuator cord attachment flange  164  extends from the actuator spool cam disk  156  to the actuator spool drum  152  for attachment of the actuator cord  54  to the ratcheted actuator spool  140 . Another such component which mounts along and about the shaft  82  is the ratcheted coupling collar  142  having a central bore  165  and plurality of ratchet teeth  166  at one end which fixedly attaches to the shaft  82  by a pin  168  driven through a hole set  170  of the ratcheted coupling collar  142  and through a pin receptor hole  172  near one end of the shaft  82 . Also located near the pin receptor hole  172  near one end of the shaft  82  is a shoe lace attachment hole  174  which can be countersunk at one or more locations. Another such component which fixedly mounts along and about the shaft  82  is the ratchet wheel  144  having a central bore  176 , which is countersunk to accommodate one end of the compression spring  146 , where the central bore  176  is central to an integral ratchet wheel coupling collar  178  and central to the ratchet wheel  144 . A pin  180  driven through a hole set  182  in the ratchet wheel coupling collar  178  and through a pin receptor hole  184  near another end of the shaft  82  secures the ratchet wheel  144  to the shaft  82 . Also located near the pin receptor hole  184  near the other end of the shaft  82  is a shoe lace attachment hole  186  which can be countersunk at one or more locations. 
     Also positioned and mounted along and about the shaft  82  are the compression spring  146  and the return spring  148 . The compression spring  146  also aligns between the countersunk end of the ratchet wheel  144  and the actuator spool disk  154  of the ratcheted actuator spool  140 , thus urging the ratcheted actuator spool  140  toward the ratcheted coupling collar  142  and causing engagement of the plurality of ratchet teeth  158  of the ratcheted actuator spool  140  with the plurality of ratchet teeth  166  of the ratcheted coupling collar  142 . Such an engaged relationship takes place and is useful during the tightening of the shoe laces  26  and  28  where the actuator cord  54 , pre-wound about the ratcheted actuator spool  140 , is pulled, whereby the plurality of ratchet teeth  158  of the ratcheted actuator spool  140  positively engage the plurality of ratchet teeth  166  of the ratcheted coupling collar  142  to cause rotation of the shaft  82  to windingly tighten the shoe laces  26  and  28  about the opposing ends of the shaft  82 . Co-located with the compression spring  146  is the return spring  148  one end  147  of which is anchored between the semicircular notch  101  in the lower housing  64  and a facing semicircular notch  188  ( FIG. 5 ) in the upper housing  66 , and the other end  149  of which is fashioned to secure in the spring receptor holes  162  in the actuator spool disk  154  of the ratcheted actuator spool  140 . In such an engaged relationship, the rotation of the shaft  82  is springingly countered to urge rotation of the shaft  82  in a direction opposing the rotational direction utilized for shoe lace tightening. The release lever  60  includes a pawl  190  and an opposed cam actuator bar  192  extending from the main body of the release lever, the pawl and cam actuator bar having holes  194  and  196 , respectively, there through for receipt of the axle pin  96 . The pawl  90  interfaces with the ratchet wheel  144  and the cam actuator bar  192  interfaces with the ratcheted actuator spool  140  to influence the rotational positioning of the shaft  82 . A pawl access orifice  138  is included in the upper housing  66  extending through the junction of the central body  102  and the end body  106 . the stationary relationship of the release lever  60  and the features incorporated therein to the shaft  82 , the ratcheted actuator spool  140 , the ratchet wheel  144 , and other adjacent components is best viewed in  FIG. 4  where the pawl  190  is engaged with the ratchet wheel  144  and where the cam actuator bar  192  is in close proximity to the actuator spool cam disk  156  of the ratcheted actuator spool  140 . 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded isometric view of the tightening mechanism  52  where the mechanical structure  65  is residing in the lower housing  64 . The shoe laces  26  and  28  are shown passing through the guide tubes  46  and  50 , through the upper housing  66 , and connected to the shaft  82  at shoe lace attachment holes  174  and  186 , respectively. The actuator cord  54  is shown passing through the guide tube  58  and thence coiled partially about the actuator spool drum  152  of the ratcheted actuator spool  140 . the opposing ends of the shaft  82  are supported in part by the journal box halves  78  and  70  and in part by the corresponding journal box halves  112  and  114 , shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10  and  11  best illustrate the mode of operation of the automated tightening shoe  10  where reference is made to elements previously described in previous figures. Central to the operation of the invention is the tightening mechanism  52 , where  FIG. 8  shows a top view of the tightening mechanism  52  in the inactive mode awaiting the tightening process,  FIG. 9  shows a top view of the tightening mechanism  52  in the last stage of the tightening mode where the shoe laces  26  and  28  have been tightened,  FIG. 10  shows a top view of the tightening mechanism  52  in the tightened/recoiled mode, and  FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the tightening mechanism  52  in the release mode where the shoe laces  26  and  28  are released from the tightening influence of the tightening mechanism  52 . For purposes of brevity and clarity, the guide tubes  46 ,  50  and  58  are not necessarily shown. For uniformity of discussion and reference regarding rotation of the shaft  82  or components mounted thereupon or thereabout, direction of the rotation is referenced to a view from the end of the shaft  82  adjacent to the end body  70 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a tope view of the tightening mechanism  52  in the inactive mode awaiting the tightening process. In the illustration, the tightening mechanism  52  is shown in the lower housing  64 . The shoe laces  26  and  28  are loose in the lace eyelets  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  and  40 , allowing the tongue  16  to be positioned toward the shoe laces  26  and  28 , thereby allowing the user to insert his foot into the automated tightening shoe  10 . Although the tightening mechanism  52  is still in the inactive mode, forces are continually applied along the shaft  82  by the compression spring  146  to influence and cause the ratcheted actuator spool  140  to be positioned toward the ratcheted coupling collar  142 , whereby the plurality of ratchet teeth  158  of the ratcheted actuator spool  140  are forced into intimate contact and engagement with the plurality of ratchet teeth  166  of the ratcheted coupling collar  142 . Such engagement is beneficial to unidirectional actuation of the connected shaft  82  for tightening of the shoe laces  26  and  28  as caused by rotation of the ratcheted actuator spool  140  in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the end of the shaft  82  adjacent to the end body  70 . Also influencing rotation of the shaft  82  is the release lever pawl  190  at one inwardly located end of the release lever  60  which successively and forcefully engages the ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel  144  where such engagement maintains the position of the shaft  82  against reverse (clockwise) rotation when the shaft  82  is rotated in the counterclockwise direction. One end of the actuator cord  54  is attached such as by a knot in one end engaging the holed actuator cord attachment flange  164  and is coiled about the actuator spool drum  152 . For purposes of illustration, the shoe laces  26  and  28  are shown entering the shoe lace attachment holes  174  and  186  from the top. Preferably, each of the shoe laces  26  and  28  would enter the shoe lace attachment holes  174  and  186  from the opposite side of the shaft  82  and would secure thereto preferably by a knot which engages a countersunk portion of the respective shoe lace attachment holes  174  and  186  to achieve a flush mount. Other suitable methods of attachment of the shoe laces  26  and  28  to the shaft  82  can also be incorporated. 
       FIG. 9  shows the tightening mechanism  52  just after the last stage of the tightening mode where the shoe laces  26  and  28  have been tightened sufficiently in a direction indicated by adjacent dark arrows and the tightening mechanism  52  awaits the tightened/recoiled mode. In the illustration, the tightening mechanism  52  is shown in the  15  lower housing  64 . During the tightening mode, the actuator loop  56  is manually positioned to reposition and uncoil the actuator cord  54  outwardly, thereby forcing and causing the ratcheted actuator spool  140 , the ratcheted coupling collar  142 , and the shaft  82  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as shown, whereupon the shoe laces  26  and  28  tighteningly coil over and about the opposite ends of the shaft  82 , thereby tightening the shoe laces  26  and  28  of the automated tightening shoe  10 . During counterclockwise rotation of the shaft  82 , the pawl  190  ratchetingly engages the ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel  144  preventing meaningful rotational slippage in a reverse clockwise direction during tightening and during the static tightened mode. The static tightened mode incorporates the engagement of the pawl  190  with the ratchet wheel  144  to maintain tension of the shoe laces  26  and  28  during the static tightened mode. 
     During the tightening mode, a one-way clutch-like positive engagemental relationship is maintained in one rotational direction between the ratcheted actuator spool  140  and the ratcheted coupling collar  142  during counterclockwise rotation. In this relationship, the return spring is wound and tightened, thereby storing energy to be directed in an opposing and clockwise direction, thereby urging the ratcheted actuator spool  140  in a clockwise direction to foster clockwise rotation of the ratcheted actuator spool  140  in a clockwise direction, when required. Force from the return spring  148  overcomes the minute and weak frictional engagement of the ratcheted actuator spool  140  and the ratcheted coupling collar  142  offered in a clockwise direction. Accordingly, a slipping weak engagemental relationship is also maintained in an opposite rotational direction (clockwise) between the ratcheted actuator spool  140  and the ratcheted coupling collar  142  during clockwise rotation of the ratcheted actuator spool  140 . During rotation of the ratcheted actuator spool  140  in either direction, the tightened rotational state of the shaft  82  is maintained by engagement of the pawl  190  with the ratchet wheel  144 . Such relationships, as described above, cause and allow the actuator cord  54  to be automatically retracted into the tightening mechanism  52  and stored as a coil about the actuator spool drum  152  of the ratcheted actuator spool  140 , while still maintaining the shoe laces  26  and  28  in a tightened state. In the alternative, short actuations of the actuator cord  54  can be repeated to incrementally tighten the shoe laces  26  and  28 . 
       FIG. 10  shows the tightening mechanism  52  in the tightened/recoiled mode where the automated tightening shoe  10  has been secured to the foot of a user and ready for use. In the illustration, the tightening mechanism  52  is shown in the lower housing  64 . In the illustration, the actuator cord  54  has been automatically coiled and stored about the actuator spool drum  152  of the ratcheted actuator spool  140  by the recoiling action of the return spring  148 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates the tightening mechanism  52  in the release mode where the shoe laces  26  and  28  are released from the tightening influence of the tightening mechanism  52 . In the illustration, the tightening mechanism  52  is shown in the upper housing  66 . The release mode is accomplished by actuation of the end of the release lever  60  downwardly either manually or by using the toe portion or other portion of the opposite shoe or foot followed by or including simultaneous flexing in a forward and upward direction of the dorsal (upper) region of the foot contained in the subject automated tightening shoe  10 . Such urging of the release lever  60  end downwardly causes the release lever  60  to pivot about the axle pin  96 , thereby simultaneously affecting the relationship of the pawl  190  to the ratchet wheel  144  and affecting the relationship of the cam actuator bar  192  to the ratcheted actuator spool  140 . The changing relationships of the above components cause freewheeling of the shaft  82  so that the shoe laces  26  and  28  may be loosened. During such actuation and event, the pawl  190  is removed from intimate contact with the teeth of the ratchet wheel  144 , thereby allowing the ratcheted actuator spool  140  and shaft to freewheel. Also, during such actuation and event, the cam actuator bar  192  contacts the actuator spool cam disk  156 , which is beveled, to urge the ratcheted actuator spool  140  toward center to discontinue any relationship of the ratcheted coupling collar  142  and the ratcheted spool  140  to which the actuator cord  54  is secured, thereby leaving the ratcheted actuator spool  140  and attached actuator cord  54  rotationally untouched and unencumbered by any attachment thereto by the ratcheted coupling collar  142  (i.e., the winding means is totally disassociated from engagement with the ratcheted coupling collar  142  to allow freewheeling of the shaft  82 .) Such action leaves the actuator cord  54  coiled about the actuator spool drum  152  of the ratcheted actuator spool  140  in readiness for the next tightening event. As the user flexes the dorsal region of the foot forwardly and upwardly, the shoe laces  26  and  28  are urged upwardly and forwardly thereby tensioning the shoe laces  26  and  28  and causing the shaft to rotate in a clockwise direction to uncoil the shoe laces  26  and  28  from the ends of the shaft  82  and to loosen so that the user may remove his foot from the automated tightening shoe  10 . 
       FIG. 12 , an alternative embodiment, is an isometric topside view of a tightening mechanism  200  which can be utilized in lieu of the tightening mechanism  52 . The figure shows an upper housing  202  removed from a lower housing  204  and mechanical structure  206  residing in the lower housing  204 . In the alternative, other types and styles of housing or enclosures, an alternative embodiment, in lieu of the lower and upper housings  204  and  202  and associated structures can be incorporated to support and enclose the inwardly located components to form a tightening mechanism performing the same functions as the tightening mechanism performing the same functions as the tightening mechanism  200 . In addition, structure having internal mounting attributes similar to the upper and lower housings  204  and  202  could be molded into the heel  14  to accommodate mounting of the components comprising the mechanical structure  206 . The mechanical structure  206  includes components correspondingly similar to those of the mechanical structure  65 , but reconfigured and redistributed to form the tightening mechanism  200  for the tightening of the shoe laces  26  and  28 . The lower housing  204  includes a central body  208  which is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape and which has configured ends  210  and  212  which are also substantially semi-cylindrical in shape. A journal box half  214  is located on one side of the end  210  facing into the center of the lower housing  204  for partial support of a shaft  218  of the mechanical structure  206 . Extending outwardly in perpendicular fashion and rearwardly from the central body  208  is a lower release lever support  220  including a horizontally aligned panel  222 , a vertically aligned panel  224  extending upwardly from one edge of the panel  222 , an opposed vertically aligned panel  226  extending upwardly from another edge of the panel  222 , and a vertically aligned panel  228  extending upwardly from a third edge of the panel  222  as well as extending between the panels  224  and  226 . A vertically oriented notch  230  located near the outboard end of the panel  224  and an opposing vertically oriented notch  232  located near the outboard end of the panel  226  offer partial support of the ends of an axle pin  234 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . Opposed notches  236  and  238  located on panel  228  accommodate the outward portions and vertical movement of an opposed cam actuator bar  242  and a pawl  240  of a release lever  244 . Exterior mounting fixtures  246  and  248  integral to the structure of the low4re housing  204  are located along the forward portion of the central body  208 , and interior mounting fixtures  250  and  252  integral to the structure of the lower housing  204  are located on the panel  222 . Each mounting fixture  246 ,  248 ,  250  and  252  includes an alignment hole  254 . Alignment pins  256 , which can extend upwardly from the interior of the heel  20 , are shown engaging and extending through and beyond the alignment holes  254  in order to engage corresponding alignment holes  288  in corresponding components in the upper housing  202  in order to mate the upper housing  202  and the lower housing  204 , thereby also securing the upper housing  202  and the lower housing  204  to the heel  20 . Adhesive applied to some or all of the alignment pins  256  and alignment holes  254  and other mating portions of the upper housing  202  and the lower housing  204  can be incorporated to join the corresponding members of the upper housing  202  and the lower housing  204  and to secure the upper housing  202  and the lower housing  204  to the heel  20 . In the alternative, and in lieu of the alignment holes  254 , the alignment pins  256  could be part of and integral to the lower housing  204  and extend upwardly to engage and join the corresponding members of the upper housing  202 . Further, other suitable means could be incorporated to join the upper housing  202  to the lower housing  204 . 
     The upper housing  202  includes a central body  258  which is substantially semi-cylindrical in shape and which has configured opposed ends  260  and  262  which are also substantially semi-circular in shape. A journal box half  274  is located on one side of the end  260  facing into the center of the upper housing  202  and an opposing journal box half  276  is located on one side of the end  262  facing into the center of the upper housing  202  for partial support of the shaft  218  of the mechanical structure  206 . Extending outwardly and rearwardly from the central body  258  is an upper release lever support cover  264  having a plurality of panels each extending outwardly and rearwardly from the central body  258  is an upper release lever support cover  264  having a plurality of panels each extending outwardly and rearwardly from the central body  258  including a horizontally aligned panel  266 , a vertically aligned panel  268  and an opposed vertically aligned panel  270  extending downwardly from opposing edges of the panel  266  and another panel  272  extending downwardly from an outer and rearward edge of the panel  266  whereat panels  266 ,  268 ,  270 ,  272  intersect, as illustrated. A mounting formation  278 , which preferably is a hole for accommodation and securing of the lower end of the guide tube  58  which partially houses the actuator cord  54 , is located on the panel  266 . Included at the intersections of the central body  258  and the upper and forward facing regions of the end  260  and the end  262  are opposed mounting fixtures  280  and  282 , preferably being tubular, for accommodation of the guide tubes  46  and  50 , respectively. Preferably, the mounting fixtures  280  and  282  extend at a suitable angle to best accommodate the appropriate path of the guide tubes  46  and  50  through the integral body member or shoe upper  14 . Interior mounting fixtures  284  and  286  each having an alignment hole  288  on the underside of the upper release lever support cover  264  align to corresponding interior mounting fixtures  250  and  252  on the lower release lever support  220  as well as aligning to and accommodating alignment pins  256 . Exterior mounting fixtures  290  and  292  each having an alignment hole  288  extend forwardly from the central body  258  and align to corresponding exterior mounting fixtures  246  and  248  on the lower housing  204  as well as aligning to and accommodating alignment pins  256 , respectively. 
     The mechanical structure  206  include the shaft  18  which slidingly, fixedly or otherwise accommodates a plurality of components aligned along and about the shaft  218  including at least a drum  294 , a compression spring  296 , a ratcheted cam disk  298 , a ratcheted actuator spool  300 , a return spring  302 , a return spring mount  304 , a ratcheted drum  306 , and other components, described later in detail. 
       FIG. 13  is an exploded isometric view of the mechanical structure  206  including the shaft  218 , the drum  294 , the compression spring  296 , the ratcheted cam disk  298 , the ratcheted actuator spool  300 , the return spring  302 , the return spring mount  304 , the ratcheted drum  306 , the release lever  244 , an axle pin  234 , a positioning spring  382  and other components described later in detail. 
     With reference to  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , and other described figures, the structure and relationship of the elements comprising the tightening mechanism  200  is now described. For uniformity of discussion and reference regarding rotation of the shaft  218 , or components mounted thereupon or thereabout, direction of rotation is referenced to a view from the end of the shaft  218  adjacent to the end  210 . 
     The mechanical structure  206  centers about components either fixedly or sizeably or rotationally positioned and mounted along and about the shaft  218 . The shaft  218  is a multi-radius shaft including an annular shoulder  308  which engages a mating annular surface interior to the ratcheted actuator spool  300  (not shown) to restrict movement of the ratcheted actuator spool  300  toward the larger radiused portion of the shaft  218 . The one-piece ratcheted actuator spool  300  is an example of such a component fixedly, or sizeably, or rotationally positioned and mounted along and about the shaft  218  which rotatingly aligns to and about the shaft  218 . The ratcheted actuator spool  300  has a central bore  310  extending central to an actuator spool drum  312 , a flanking actuator spool disk  314 , and ratchet teeth  316  at one end, all of which extend along and about the centerline of the ratcheted actuator spool  300 . Also included in the actuator spool disk  300  is a spring housing  318  where an edge of the outwardly located visible structure of the spring housing  318  forms an annular surface  320  opposing the actuator spool disk  314  where the actuator spool disk  314 , the actuator spool drum  312 , and the annular surface  320  comprise a spool for containment of the actuator cord  54  as appropriate. Also included on one side of the actuator spool disk  314  is a holed actuator cord attachment flange  324  for appropriate attachment of the actuator cord  54  to the ratcheted actuator spool  300 . 
     Another such component which mounts fixedly or sizeably or rotationally positions and mounts along and about the shaft  218  is the ratcheted cam disk  298  aligned over and about the shaft  218 . The ratcheted cam disk  298  includes a central body  326 . The tubular-like central body  326  includes an elongates slot  328  perpendicular to the central axis of the central body  326  and extending through the central body  326 , as well as intersecting a central bore  334 . A plurality of ratchet teeth  329  are located at one end of the central body  326  for engagement with the plurality of ratcheted teeth  316  of the ratcheted actuator spool  300 . A cam disk  330  and an annular spring locator  332  are located at the end of the central body  326  including the elongated slot  328 , and the plurality of ratchet teeth  329 . A locating pin  336  frictionally engages a pin receptor hole  338  in the shaft  218 . The locating pin  336  is of sufficient length so that both ends thereof extend beyond the circumference of the shaft  218  at both sides whereby both ends of the locating pin  336  opposingly extend to engage the elongates slot  328 , thereby slideingly coupling the shaft  218  and the ratcheted cam disk  298 . Such a relationship allows the ratcheted cam disk  298  to be slidingly positioned along the shaft  218  a distance determined by the engagement of the locating pin  336  with the finite length elongate slot  328 . Yet another relationship is that where rotation of the ratcheted cam disk  298  in either direction about the central axis of the ratcheted cam disk  298  causes subsequent rotation of the shaft  218  about the central axis of the shaft  218 . The later relationship is reversible in that rotation of the shaft  218  causes like rotation of the ratcheted cam disk  298 . Thus, sliding communication and rotational communication between the shaft  218  and the ratcheted cam disk  298  is established. 
     A shoe lace attachment hole  340 , which may be countersunk at one or more locations, is located near one end of the shaft  218 . Drum  294 , having a central bore  339 , fixedly co-locates about the shaft  218  in proper alignment to the shoe lace attachment hole  340 . The drum  294  has a winding surface  342  preferably having a concave or like profile to ensure centralizing of the shoe lace winding to prevent unwanted potential of lace jamming between the outer extremities of the drum  294  and the sidewalls of the upper housing  202  and the lower housing  204 . Additionally, the tolerance fit of the drum  294  with the sidewalls of the upper housing  202  and the lower housing  204  is sufficiently close so that a shoe lace cannot jammingly engage the spaces there between. Access hole set  344  allows access to opposing ends of the shoe lace attachment hole  340 . A hot set  346  extends through an edge of the drum  294  to accommodate a pin  348  extending through a pin receptor hole  350  located near the end of the shaft  218 . The drum  354  associated with the ratcheted drum  306  is constructed in a similar fashion. 
     Another such component which fixedly mounts along and about the shaft  218  is the one-piece ratcheted drum  306  which includes a rachet wheel  352  and a drum  354 . The drum  354  extends in mirror-like fashion with respect to the drum  294 . The drum  354  has the same attributes accorded to drum  294  including hole sets  356  and  358  and a concave profile winding surface  360 . A central bore  362  is central to the drum  294  including hole sets  356  and  358  and a concave profile winding surface  360 . A central bore  362  is central to the drum  354  and central to the ratchet wheel  352 . A pin  364  driven through the hole set  358  in the drum  354  and through a pin receptor hole  366  in the shaft  218  near the end of the shaft  218  secures the ratcheted drum  306  to the shaft  218 . A shoe lace attachment hole  368 , similar to the shoe lace attachment hole  340 , is located near the end of the shaft  218  in alignment with hole set  356 . Although the winding surfaces  342  and  360  of the drums  294  and  354  shoe winding surfaces  342  and  360  of the drums  294  and  354  shoe winding surfaces  342  and  360  having a concave profile, other suitable surfaces, such as, but not limited to, a cylindrical surface, can be incorporated into the drums  294  and  354 . 
     Also positioned and mounted along and about the shaft  218  are the compression spring  296  and the return spring  302 . One end of the compression spring  296  is in close communication with the drum  294 . The opposing end of the compression spring  296  aligns over the spring locator  332  and against the cam disk  330  of the ratcheted cam disk  298  in close communication, thus urging the ratcheted cam disk  298  toward the ratcheted actuator spool  300  causing engagement of the ratchet teeth  329  of the ratcheted cam disk  298  with the ratchet teeth  316  of the ratcheted actuator spool  300 . Such an engaged relationship takes place and is useful during the tightening of the shoe laces  26  and  28  where the actuator cord  54 , pre-would about the ratcheted actuator spool  300 , is pulled, whereby the ratchet teeth  316  of the ratcheted actuator spool  300  positively engage the ratchet teeth  329  of the ratcheted cam disk  298  to cause counterclockwise rotation of the shaft  218  to windingly tighten the shoe laces  26  and  28  about the drum  294  and the drum  354  of the ratcheted drum  306  at opposing ends of the shaft  218 . 
     The return spring mount  304 , which secures to the lower housing  204 , includes a spring anchor support plate  370  having a cylindrical spring anchor  372  with a slot  374  therein and a central bore  375 . The return spring  302  includes an inwardly placed tab  376  which engages the slot  374 . The main body of the return spring  302  aligns over and about the cylindrical spring anchor  372 . The cylindrical spring anchor  372  and the mounted return spring  302  align together in the spring housing  318  of the ratcheted actuator spool  300 . The outboard end of the return spring  302  includes geometry to connect to the spring housing  318  which also includes connective geometry (now shown). Such an engaged relationship takes place and is useful where the rotation of the shaft  218  is springingly countered to urge rotation of the shaft  218  in a direction opposing the rotational direction utilized for shoe lace tightening. 
     The release lever  244  includes a pawl  240  and an opposed cam actuator bar  242  extending from the main body of the release lever and having holes  378  and  280 . The axle pin  234  engages holes  378  and  380  of the release lever  244  and extends through and outwardly from the holes  378  and  280  to engage notches  230  and  232  in the lower housing  204 . The pawl  240  interfaces with the ratchet wheel  352  and the cam actuator bar  242  interfaces with the ratcheted cam disk  298  to influence the rotational positioning of the shaft  218 . A positioning spring  382  aligns over and about the axle pin  234  and has a first end which engages the top side of the cam actuator bar  242  and a second end which engages the closest interior mounting fixture  250  or alignment pin  256  to keep the pawl  240  positioned to engage the ratchet wheel  352 , as well as to return the cam actuator bar  242  after release of the shoe laces  26  and  28 . The stationary relationship of the release lever  244  and the features incorporated therein to the shaft  218 , the ratcheted actuator spool  300 , the ratcheted drum  306 , and other adjacent components is best viewed in  FIG. 12  where the pawl  240  is engaged with the ratchet wheel  352  and where the cam actuator bar  242  is in close proximity to but not engaging the cam disk  330  of the ratcheted cam disk  298 . 
     MODE OF OPERATION 
     In the same manner as previously described, the shoe laces  26  and  28  pass from the integral body member or shoe upper  14  through the guide tubes  46  and  50  which connect to the mounting fixtures  280  and  282 , respectively, and through the upper housing  202  to connect through hole set  344  and hole set  356  of the drum  294  and the drum  354  of the ratcheted drum  306  to the shoe lace attachment holes  340  and  368 , respectively. The actuator cord  54  passes through the guide tube  58  which is attached to the mounting formation  278  and thence coils partially about the actuator spool drum  312  of the ratcheted actuator spool  300  where on end of the actuator cord  54  suitably attaches, such as by a knot or other suitable arrangement, to the holed actuator cord attachment flange  324 . The opposing ends of the shaft  218  are supported in part by the journal box halves  214  and  216  of the lower housing  204  and in part by the corresponding journal box halves  274  and  276  of the upper housing  202 . 
       FIGS. 14 ,  15 ,  16  and  17  best illustrate the mode of operation of the automated tightening shoe  10  alternatively incorporating the tightening mechanism  200  where reference is made to elements previously described in previous figures. Central to the operation of the invention is the tightening mechanism  200 , where  FIG. 14  is a top view of the tightening mechanism  200  in the inactive mode awaiting the tightening process,  FIG. 15  is a top view of the tightening mechanism  200  just after the last stage of the tightening mode where the shoe laces  26  and  28  have been tightening,  FIG. 16  is a top view of the tightening mechanism  200  in the tightened/recoiled mode, and  FIG. 17  is a top view of the tightening mechanism  200  in the release mode where the shoe laces  26  and  28  are released from the tightening influence of the tightening mechanism  200 . For purposes of brevity and clarity, the guide tubes  46 ,  50  and  58  are not necessarily shown. For uniformity of discussion and reference regarding rotation of the shaft  218 , or components mounted thereupon or thereabout, direction of rotation is referenced to a view from the end of the shaft  218  adjacent to the end  210 . 
       FIG. 14  is a top view of the tightening mechanism  200  in the inactive mode awaiting the tightening process. In the illustration, the tightening mechanism  200  is shown in the lower housing  204 . The shoe laces  26  and  28  are loose in the lace eyelets  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  28  and  40 , allowing the tongue  16  to be positioned toward the shoe laces  26  and  28 , thereby allowing the user to insert his foot into the automates tightening shoe  10  incorporating the tightening mechanism  200 . Although the tightening mechanism  200  is still in the inactive mode, forces are continually applied along the shaft  218  by the compression spring  296  to influence and cause the ratcheted cam disk  298  to be positioned toward the ratcheted actuator spool  300 , whereby the ratchet teeth  329  of the ratcheted cam disk  298  are forced into intimate contact and engagement with the ratchet teeth  316  of the ratcheted actuator spool  300 . Such engagement is beneficial to uni-directional actuation of the connected shaft  218  for tightening of the shoe laces  26  and  28  as caused by rotation of the ratcheted actuator spool  300  in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the end of the shaft  218  adjacent to the end  210 . Also influencing rotation of the shaft  218  is the release lever pawl  240  at one inwardly located end of the release lever  244  which successively and forcefully engages the ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel  352  where such engagement maintains the position of the shaft  218  against reverse (clockwise) rotation when the shaft  218  is rotted in the counterclockwise direction. One end of the actuator cord  54  is attached, such as where a know in one end engages the holed actuator cord attachment flange  324  and is soiled about the actuator cord attachment flange  324  and is coiled about the actuator spool drum  312  of the ratcheted actuator spool  300 . The shoe laces  26  and  28  enter the drums  294  and  354  and the shoe lace attachment holes  340  and  368  in the shaft  218  and secure preferably therein by a knot which engages a preferably countersunk portion of the shoe lace attachment holes  340  and  368  to achieve a flush or near flush mount. Other such suitable methods of attachment of the shoe laces  26  and  28  to the shaft  218  can also be incorporated. 
       FIG. 15  shows the tightening mechanism  200  just after the last stage of the tightening mode where the shoe laces  26  and  28  have been tightened sufficiently in a direction indicated by adjacent dark arrows where the tightening mechanism  200  awaits the tightened/recoiled mode. In the illustration, the tightening mechanism  200  is shown in the lower housing  204 . During the tightening mode, the actuator loop  56  is manually positioned to reposition and uncoil the actuator cord  54  outwardly, thereby forcing and causing the ratcheted actuator spool  300 , the ratcheted cam disk  298 , the shaft  218 , the drum  294 , and the ratcheted drum  306  to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, as shown, whereupon the shoe laces  26  and  28  tighteningly coil over and center about the drums  294  and  354  at opposite ends of the shaft  218 , which tightens the shoe laces  26  and  28  of the automated tightening shoe  10 . During such rotation, the ends of the locating pin  336  extending through the shaft  218  which engages the surfaces defining the elongate slot  328  in the ratcheted cam disk  298  transfer and impart rotational forces to urge the shaft  218  in counterclockwise rotation. During counterclockwise rotation of the shaft  218 , the pawl  240  ratchetingly engages the ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel  352  preventing meaningful rotational slippage in a reverse clockwise direction during tightening and during the status tightened mode. The static tightened mode incorporates the engagement of the pawl  240  with the ratchet wheel  352  to maintain tension on the shoe laces  26  and  28  during the static tightened mode. 
     During the tightening mode, a on-way clutch-like positive engagemental relationship is maintained in one rotational direction between the ratcheted actuator spool  300  and the ratcheted cam disk  298  during counterclockwise rotation. In this relationship, the return spring  302  is wound and tightened, thereby storing energy to be directed in an opposing and clockwise direction, thereby urging the ratcheted actuator spool  300  in a clockwise direction to foster clockwise rotation of the ratcheted actuator spool  300 , when required. Force from the return spring  302  overcomes the minute and weak frictional engagement of the ratcheted actuator spool  300  and the ratcheted cam disk  298  offered in a clockwise direction. Accordingly, a slipping weak engagemental relationship is also maintained in an opposite rotational direction (clockwise) between the ratcheted actuator spool  300  and the ratcheted cam disk  298  during clockwise rotation of the ratcheted actuator spool  300 . During rotation of the ratcheted actuator spool  300  in either direction, the tightened rotational state of the shaft  218  is maintained by engagement of the pawl  240  with the ratchet wheel  352 . Such relationships, as described above, cause and allow the actuator cord  54  to be automatically retracted into the tightening mechanism  200  and stored as a coil about the actuator spool drum  312  of the ratcheted actuator spool  300 , while still maintaining the shoe laces  26  and  28  in a tightened state. In the alternative, short actuations of the actuator cord  54  can be repeated to incrementally tighten the shoe laces  26  and  28  about the ratcheted actuator spool  300 . 
       FIG. 16  shows the tightening mechanism  200  in the tightened/recoiled mode where the automated tightening shoe  10  has been secured to the foot of a user and ready for use. In the illustration, the tightening mechanism  200  is shown in the lower housing  204 . In the illustration, the actuator cord  54  has been automatically recoiled and stored about the actuator spool drum  312  of the ratcheted actuator spool  300  by the recoiling action of the return spring  302 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates the tightening mechanism  200  in the release mode where the shoe laces  26  and  28  are released from the tightening influence of the tightening mechanism  200 . In the illustration, the tightening mechanism  200  is shown in the lower housing  204 . The release mode is accomplished by actuation of the end of the release lever  244  downwardly either manually or by using the toe portion or other portion of the opposite shoe or foot followed by or including simultaneous flexing in a forward and upward direction of the dorsal (upper) region of the foot contained in the subject automated tightening shoe  10 . Such urging of the release lever  244  end downwardly causes the release lever  244  to pivot about the axle pin  234 , thereby simultaneously affecting the relationship of the pawl  240  and the ratchet wheel  352  and the relationship of the cam actuator bar  242  to the ratcheted cam disk  298 . The changing relationships of the above components cause freewheeling of the shaft  218  so that the shoe laces  26  and  28  may be loosened. During such actuation and event, the pawl  240  is removed from intimate contact with the teeth of the ratchet wheel  352 , thereby allowing the shaft  218  and the ratcheted actuator spool  300  and other fixedly attached or slidingly attached components to freewheel. Simultaneously during such actuation and event, the cam actuator bar  242  contacts the cam disk  330 , which is beveled, to urge the ratcheted cam disk  298  away from the ratcheted actuator spool  300  and toward the drum  294  to discontinue any relationship, ratcheted or otherwise, of the ratcheted cam disk  298  and the ratcheted actuator spool  300  to which the actuator cord  54  is secured, thereby leaving the ratcheted actuator spool  300  and attached actuator cord  54  rotationally untouched and unencumbered by any attachment thereto by the ratcheted cam disk  298 ; i.e., the winding means is totally disassociated by longitudinal sliding of the ratcheted cam disk  298  along the shaft  218  from engagement with the ratcheted actuator spool  300  to allow freewheeling of the shaft  218 , the ratcheted cam disk  298  and the drum  294  and the ratchet drum  306  including the drum  354 . During such actuation, the elongated slot  328  of the ratcheted cam disk  298  traverses the ends of the locating pin  336  extending from the shaft  218 . Such action leaves the actuator cord  54  unaffected and coiled about the ratcheted actuator spool  300  ready for the next tightening event. As the user flexes the dorsal region of the foot forwardly and upwardly, the shoe laces  26  and  28  are urged upwardly and forwardly tensioning and causing the shoe laces  26  and  28  to rotate the shaft  218  in a clockwise direction to uncoil from the drum  294  and the ratchet drum  306  including the drum  354  at the ends of the shaft  218  and loosening the shoe laces  26  and  28  so that the user may remove his foot from the automated tightening shoe  10 . 
     Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope thereof.