Automatic lacing system

Abstract

An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An article of footwear, comprising:
 an upper and a sole structure;   the upper comprising an inner void and an inner surface;   at least one removable element, wherein the at least one removable element is configured to be removable and re-insertable after manufacture of the article of footwear;   wherein a portion of the at least one removable element is fixedly attached to a portion of the upper;   one or more compartments disposed within the article of footwear, including a first compartment; and   wherein the removal of the at least one removable element provides access to the first compartment.   
     
     
         3 . The article of footwear of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one removable element includes a bootie that is disposed within the inner void, and wherein the bootie is arranged to be adjacent to a majority of an inner surface of the upper. 
     
     
         4 . The article of footwear of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one removable element includes a collar lining. 
     
     
         5 . The article of footwear of  claim 2 , wherein the sole structure includes a sole plate, wherein the sole plate includes the first compartment, and wherein the first compartment comprises a cavity configured to receive a component. 
     
     
         6 . The article of footwear of  claim 2 , wherein the sole structure includes a heel region, wherein the heel region of the sole structure includes the first compartment, and wherein the first compartment comprises a recess configured to receive a component. 
     
     
         7 . The article of footwear of  claim 2 , wherein the upper includes a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first compartment is disposed between a portion of the first layer and a portion of the second layer, and wherein the first compartment comprises a tunnel configured to receive a component. 
     
     
         8 . The article of footwear of  claim 7 , wherein the upper includes a heel counter, wherein the first compartment is disposed adjacent to the heel counter, and wherein the heel counter comprises a light diffusive material. 
     
     
         9 . The article of footwear of  claim 2 , wherein the upper includes a first layer and a second layer, and wherein the upper includes one or more cables disposed between the first layer and the second layer. 
     
     
         10 . A method of installing one or components in an article of footwear, comprising:
 manufacturing the article of footwear with one or more compartments, including a first compartment;   incorporating a sole plate that includes a cavity into the article of footwear during manufacturing, wherein the cavity comprises the first compartment;   removing one or more inner lining materials associated with the article of footwear;   inserting one or more components into the article, including a first component;   installing the first component in the first compartment; and   reinserting the one or more inner lining materials in the article of footwear.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first component includes a housing unit containing a motorized tightening device. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein manufacturing the article of footwear further comprises incorporating a sole structure with a recess into the article of footwear, wherein the recess comprises the first compartment. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first component includes a heel sensor. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  10 , further comprising exposing a region in the article of footwear and therein providing access to the first compartment. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein manufacturing the article of footwear further comprises forming an upper, utilizing at least two layers of material in the upper including a first layer and a second layer, and positioning a portion of wire between the first layer and the second layer. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein installing the first component further comprises connecting the first component to the portion of wire that is disposed within the upper. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein removing one or more inner lining materials further includes removing a bootie from an interior void. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein removing one or more inner lining materials further includes removing a collar lining from an interior void. 
     
     
         19 . An assembly system for installing components in an article of footwear, comprising:
 an article of footwear, wherein the article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure, wherein the sole structure includes a first compartment, wherein the upper includes a second compartment;   a removable inner liner material associated with the upper;   at least two components, the at least two components including a first component and a second component;   wherein the first component is configured to be inserted into the first compartment and wherein the second component is configured to be inserted into the second compartment; and   wherein the removable inner liner material is configured to be reinsertable within the upper.   
     
     
         20 . The assembly system of  claim 19 , wherein the removable inner liner material comprises a bootie and a collar lining. 
     
     
         21 . The assembly system of  claim 19 , wherein the sole structure includes a sole plate, wherein the sole plate includes a cavity, wherein the cavity comprises the first compartment, and wherein the cavity is configured to receive the first component. 
     
     
         22 . The assembly system of  claim 21 , wherein the article of footwear includes a connecting element, and wherein the first component is configured to be attached to the connecting element.