Patent Publication Number: US-2023148710-A1

Title: Article of footwear having an automatic lacing system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     SEQUENCE LISTING 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear including an automatic lacing system for tightening or loosening a lace. 
     2. Description of the Background 
     Many conventional shoes or articles of footwear generally comprise an upper and a sole attached to a lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space, i.e., a void or cavity, which is created by interior surfaces of the upper and sole, that receives a foot of a user before securing the shoe to the foot. The sole is attached to a lower surface of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is being worn and/or is in use. In some instances, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The outsole may provide traction to a bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole may be attached to an inner surface of the outsole, and may provide cushioning and/or added stability to the sole. For example, a sole may include a particular foam material that may increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or a foam material that may reduce stress or impact energy on the foot and/or leg when a user is running, walking, or engaged in another activity. 
     The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an interior cavity that completely or partially encases a foot. In most cases, an upper extends over instep and toe regions of the foot, and across medial and lateral sides thereof. Many articles of footwear may also include a tongue that extends across the instep region to bridge a gap between edges of medial and lateral sides of the upper, which define an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be disposed below a lacing system and between medial and lateral sides of the upper, the tongue being provided to allow for adjustment of shoe tightness. The tongue may further be manipulable by a user to permit entry and/or exit of a foot from the internal space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow a user to adjust certain dimensions of the upper and/or the sole, thereby allowing the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having varying sizes and shapes. 
     The upper may comprise a wide variety of materials, which may be chosen based on one or more intended uses of the shoe. The upper may also include portions comprising varying materials specific to a particular area of the upper. For example, added stability may be desirable at a front of the upper or next to a heel region so as to provide a higher degree of resistance or rigidity. In contrast, other portions of a shoe may include a soft woven textile to provide an area with stretch-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, or moisture-wicking properties. 
     Further, lacing systems associated with typical shoes historically have included a single lace that is drawn through a plurality of eyelets in a crisscrossing or parallel manner. Many shoes have historically included laces that extend from one side of the upper to another side, i.e., from the medial side to the lateral side of the upper. The lace for each shoe is laced through the eyelets and the two ends of the lace extend out of the eyelets such that a user can grasp the ends and tie the shoe in a manner that the user sees fit. Some shoes utilize ghillies rather than eyelets, the ghillies being disposed near the tongue on the medial and lateral sides of the upper. The lace for each shoe is laced through the plurality of ghillies in a crisscrossing or parallel manner. Some shoes do not require a user to tie the laces, but rather include laces that are stretchable such that the laces can be stretched when a user puts the shoe on, and can return to an original tightness once the user has taken the shoe off. 
     Still further, some shoes do not include laces, such as slip on shoes, and some shoes include straps that can be adjusted to vary the tightness of the shoe. With respect to shoes that do include laces, it may be desirable to utilize a system that can automatically lace the shoes, for example, in situations where a user may desire adjustability of laces in differing circumstances. It also may be desirable to have an automatic lacing system for users who have difficulty tying shoes, such as the elderly or the infirm. It may also be desirable to include a lacing system where the laces apply forces along a top of the foot and along the medial and lateral sides of the foot. Still further, it may be desirable to include a system by which the shoes can be automatically laced via a graphical user interface displayed on a portable electronic device. 
     Therefore, articles of footwear having uppers with automatic lacing systems may be desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     An article of footwear, as described herein, may have various configurations. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a lacing system for an article of footwear including a sole structure, an upper that is attached to the sole structure and having a lateral side, a medial side, and a tongue, and a housing that is disposed on the tongue. A lateral side flap extends from the sole structure and along the lateral side of the upper toward the tongue, such that an upper end of the lateral side flap is next to a lateral side of the tongue. A medial side flap extends from the sole structure and along the medial side of the upper toward the tongue, such that an upper end of the medial side flap is next to a medial side of the tongue. A plurality of lateral lace retainers is disposed along the upper end of the lateral side flap, and a plurality of medial lace retainers is disposed along the upper end of the medial side flap. A lace extends from the housing through the plurality of lateral lace retainers and the plurality of medial lace retainers in a crisscrossing manner across the tongue. A plurality of lace channels defined by the tongue are configured to receive portions of the lace extending though the plurality of lateral and medial lace retainers. 
     In some embodiments, the housing may define a lateral aperture and a medial aperture, and the lace may extend through the lateral aperture, the medial aperture, and the plurality of lateral and medial lace retainers. In some embodiments, the plurality of lateral lace retainers includes a first, a second, and a third lateral lace retainer and the plurality of medial lace retainers includes a first, a second, and a third medial lace retainer. The lace may extend from the housing in a first direction through the lateral aperture of the housing, through the first lateral lace retainer, across the tongue in a second direction, opposite the first direction, and through the second medial lace retainer, across the tongue in the first direction and through the third lateral lace retainer, across the tongue in the second direction and through the third medial lace retainer, across the tongue in the first direction and through the second lateral lace retainer, across the tongue in the second direction and through the first lateral lace retainer, and in the first direction through the medial aperture of the housing. In some embodiments, the tongue may define a housing recess configured to receive the housing, and the plurality of lace channels of the tongue can be configured to receive portions of the lace extending through the lateral and medial apertures of the housing and the plurality of lateral and medial lace retainers. 
     In some embodiments, the housing is configured to draw the lace into the housing. When the lace is drawn into the housing, the lateral side flap is pulled inward toward the lateral side of the upper, the medial side flap is pulled inward toward the medial side of the upper, and the tongue is pulled downward toward the sole structure. In some embodiments, the plurality of lateral and medial lace retainers include an elongated lace aperture configured to retain portions of the lace extending through the lateral and medial lace retainers at an angle relative to portions of the lace extending from the lateral and medial lace retainers across the tongue. In some embodiments the housing may include a motor and a gear train having a wheel gear disposed within a base of the housing, and an upper extension of the wheel gear disposed on a base cover of the housing. The upper extension of the wheel gear can be configured to receive a portion of the lace received through the lateral and medial apertures defined by a top cover of the housing, and when the motor drives the gear train, the lace is drawn into the housing. In some embodiments, the lacing system may include a controller disposed within the sole structure of the article of footwear. The controller can include a battery, and the controller can be electrically connected to the housing and power the motor. In some embodiments, the housing can include a swipe sensor disposed on the base cover of the housing and along a panel of the top cover of the housing. The swipe panel can be powered by the battery of the controller and be operable to receive user inputs. In some embodiments the controller is removable from the sole structure via an opening in the upper of the article of footwear. 
     In some embodiments, the lacing system for an article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper attached to the sole structure including a tongue, a housing disposed on the tongue and next to an instep region of the upper, a plurality of lateral lace retainers disposed on the upper next to a lateral side of the tongue, and a plurality of medial lace retainers disposed on the upper next to a medial side of the tongue. A lace extends from the housing and through the plurality of lateral lace retainers and the plurality of medial lace retainers in a crisscrossing manner across the tongue. A plurality of lace channels is defined by the tongue and is configured to receive portions of the lace extending though the plurality of lateral lace retainers and the plurality of medial lace retainers. The housing disposed on the tongue is configured to draw the lace into the housing. In some embodiments, the tongue is pulled downward, toward the sole structure when the lace is drawn into the housing. In some embodiments, a lace channel is defined in the housing and is configured to receive two or more portions of the lace extending through the plurality of lateral and medial lace retainers, and a housing recess is defined in the tongue that is configured to receive the housing. The plurality of lace channels of the tongue can be configured to receive portions of the lace extending through the plurality of lateral and medial lace retainers and the lace channel of the housing. In some embodiments, the lace is a closed loop lace. 
     In some embodiments, the lacing system for an article of footwear includes a sole structure having an insole, a midsole, and an outsole, an upper attached to the sole structure, a housing disposed along the upper next to an instep region of the upper, a lateral side flap extending from the sole structure along a lateral side of the upper toward the housing and having an upper end being next to a lateral side of the instep region, and a medial side flap extending from the sole structure along a medial side of the upper toward the housing and having an upper end being next to a lateral side of the instep region. A plurality of lateral lace retainers is disposed along the upper end of the lateral side flap, and a plurality of medial lace retainers is disposed along the upper end of the medial side flap. A lace extends from the housing through the plurality of lateral and medial lace retainers. The lateral and medial lace retainers include an elongated lace aperture configured to retain portions of the lace extending through the lateral and medial lace retainers at an angle relative to the portions of the lace extending from the lateral and medial lace retainers. A plurality of lace channels is defined by a portion of the upper and are configured to receive portions of the lace extending through the plurality of lateral and medial lace retainers. The housing includes a motor and a gear train having a wheel gear with an aperture configured to receive a portion of the lace. The lace is drawn into the housing when the motor drives the gear train. 
     Other aspects of the articles of footwear described herein, including features and advantages thereof, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the figures and detailed description herein. Therefore, all such aspects of the articles of footwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an automatic lacing footwear assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the pair of shoes of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a front elevation view of one of the shoes of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a right or lateral side view of the shoe of  FIG.  3    with a lateral side flap shown in broken lines; 
         FIG.  5    is a left or medial side view of the shoe of  FIG.  3    with a lateral side flap shown in broken lines; 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of the shoe of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a top plan view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  3   , with an upper removed and a user&#39;s skeletal foot structure overlaid thereon; 
         FIG.  8    is a detail view of the automatic lacing system of the shoe of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a front view of one of the lace retainers of the shoe of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a first or left side view of the lace retainer of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a top view of the lace retainer of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of the shoe of  FIG.  3    with the housing, lateral and medial side flaps, lateral and medial lace retainers, and lace removed and with an alternative embodiment of the tongue; 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of the shoe of  FIG.  3    with the alternative embodiment of the tongue of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    is a detail view of the automatic lacing system of the shoe of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    is an isometric view of the housing of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a bottom view of the housing of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a front view of the housing of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a first or right side view of the housing of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  19    is a detail, perspective, phantom view of some internal components of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  3    with a top cover of the housing removed and the automatic lacing system shown in a loosened configuration; 
         FIG.  20    is a detail, perspective, phantom view of some internal components of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  3    with the top cover of the housing removed and the automatic lacing system shown in a tightened configuration; 
         FIG.  21    is an exploded, perspective view of various components disposed within the housing of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  22    is an exploded, perspective view of some components disposed within the housing of  FIG.  21   ; 
         FIG.  23    is an exploded, bottom view of a housing base, a housing base cover, a housing top cover, and a powertrain of the housing of  FIG.  21   ; 
         FIG.  24    is an exploded, top view of the components of the housing of  FIG.  23   ; 
         FIG.  25    is an exploded, side view of some components disposed within the housing of  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  26    is a side elevation view of one of the shoes of  FIG.  2    shown in a loosened configuration; 
         FIG.  27    is a side elevation view of one of the shoes of  FIG.  2    shown in a tightened configuration; 
         FIG.  28    is a side view of the housing of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  3    and a controller of the automatic lacing system in connection with the housing with the shoe of  FIG.  3    shown in broken lines; 
         FIG.  29    is a perspective view of the controller of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  28    shown separated from the sole structure of the shoe of  FIG.  3    with an upper of the shoe removed; 
         FIG.  30    is an isometric view of the controller of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  28   ; 
         FIG.  31    is an isometric view of the controller of  FIG.  30    showing a charging coil in phantom lines disposed below a top surface of the controller; 
         FIG.  32    is a side view of the housing and controller of  FIG.  28    and one of the charging pucks of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  1    in a wireless charging configuration above the controller, with the shoe of  FIG.  3    shown in broken lines; 
         FIG.  33    is a perspective view of the charging puck of  FIG.  32    shown with a cable removed from the charging puck; 
         FIG.  34    is a perspective view of the charging puck of  FIG.  32    shown with the cable inserted into the charging puck; 
         FIG.  35    is a front view of the charging puck of  FIG.  33   ; 
         FIG.  36    is a top view of the charging puck of  FIG.  35   ; 
         FIG.  37    is a first or right side view of the charging puck of  FIG.  35   ; 
         FIG.  38    is a side view of the charging pucks of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  1    in a mated configuration; 
         FIG.  39    is a side view of another embodiment of the insole of the shoe of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  40    is a top plan view of the insole of  FIG.  39   ; and 
         FIG.  41    is a block diagram of various electrical components of the automatic lacing system of  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a shoe and an automatic lacing system for the shoe. Although embodiments are disclosed with reference to a sports shoe, such as a running shoe, tennis shoe, basketball shoe, etc., concepts associated with embodiments of the shoe may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and cleats, walking shoes, and track cleats, for example. Concepts of the shoe or the automatic lacing system may also be applied to articles of footwear that are considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels. In addition to footwear, particular concepts described herein, such as the automatic lacing concept, may also be applied and incorporated in other types of articles, including apparel or other athletic equipment, such as helmets, padding or protective pads, shin guards, and gloves. Even further, particular concepts described herein may be incorporated in cushions, backpacks, suitcases, backpack straps, golf clubs, or other consumer or industrial products. Accordingly, concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products. 
     The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for articles of footwear or other articles of manufacture that may include embodiments of the disclosure herein; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or mixtures or carry out the methods; and the like. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to a range of values ±5% of the numeric value that the term precedes. The term “swipe” or variations thereof used herein refers to an act or instance of moving one&#39;s finger(s) across a panel or touchscreen to activate a function. A “swipe” involves touching a panel or touchscreen, moving one&#39;s finger along the panel or touchscreen in a first direction, and subsequently removing contact of one&#39;s finger with the panel or touchscreen. The term “tap” or variations thereof used herein refers to an act or instance of pressing one&#39;s finger on a panel or touchscreen to activate a function. A “tap” involves pressing a panel or touchscreen, holding one&#39;s finger on the panel or touchscreen for a brief period of time, and subsequently removing contact of one&#39;s finger with the panel or touchscreen. 
     The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear and/or specific components of the article of footwear, such as an upper and/or a sole or sole structure, and an automatic lacing system. The upper may comprise a knitted component, a woven textile, a non-woven textile, leather, mesh, suede, and/or a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials. The knitted component may be made by knitting of yarn, the woven textile by weaving of yarn, and the non-woven textile by manufacture of a unitary non-woven web. Knitted textiles include textiles formed by way of warp knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, circular knitting, and/or other suitable knitting operations. The knit textile may have a plain knit structure, a mesh knit structure, and/or a rib knit structure, for example. Woven textiles include, but are not limited to, textiles formed by way of any of the numerous weave forms, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobbin weave, jacquard weave, double weaves, and/or double cloth weaves, for example. Non-woven textiles include textiles made by air-laid and/or spun-laid methods, for example. The upper may comprise a variety of materials, such as a first yarn, a second yarn, and/or a third yarn, which may have varying properties or varying visual characteristics. 
     Referring now to the figures,  FIG.  1    depicts a footwear assembly  50  that includes a pair of shoes  52 , each of which includes an automatic lacing system  54 , a pair of charging pucks  56 , including a first charging puck  60  and a second charging puck  62  for charging one or more batteries (not shown) that are disposed within each of the shoes  52 , and an electronic device  64 . The electronic device  64  may be a cellular phone or tablet, which can be used to send one or more signals to the automatic lacing system  54  based on one or more inputs from a user. The footwear assembly  50  may include additional components not specifically addressed herein. 
     As discussed in greater detail hereinafter below, the footwear assembly  50  is intended to allow a user to tighten or loosen each of the shoes  52  by swiping, tapping, pressing, or applying a pressure to a control or swipe panel  66  (see  FIG.  2   ) of the automatic lacing system  54 . As non-limiting examples, a user can swipe down along the panel  66  of the automatic lacing system  54  to close or tighten shoes  52  of the automatic lacing system  54 , swipe up to open or loosen the shoes  52 , tap an upper end of the panel  66  to incrementally loosen the shoes  52 , or tap a lower end of the panel  66  to incrementally tighten the shoes  52 . These and other features will be described in greater detail below. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , the shoes  52  are shown in greater detail. The shoes  52  comprise a first or left shoe  70  and a second or right shoe  72 . The left shoe  70  and the right shoe  72  may be similar in all material aspects, except that the left shoe  70  and the right shoe  72  are sized and shaped to receive a left foot and a right foot of a user, respectively. For ease of disclosure, a single shoe or article of footwear  74  (see  FIG.  3   ) will be referenced to describe aspects of the disclosure. In some figures, the article of footwear  74  is depicted as a right shoe, and in some figures the article of footwear is depicted as a left shoe. The disclosure below with reference to the article of footwear  74  is applicable to both the left shoe  70  and the right shoe  72 . In some embodiments, there may be differences between the left shoe  70  and the right shoe  72  other than the left/right configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the left shoe  70  may include the automatic lacing system  54 , while the right shoe  72  may not include the automatic lacing system  54 , or vice versa. Further, in some embodiments, the left shoe  70  may include one or more additional elements that the right shoe  72  does not include, or vice versa. As discussed hereinafter below, the article of footwear  74  need not include the automatic lacing system  54 , but rather may be manually laced according to the lacing system disclosed herein. 
       FIGS.  3 - 7    depict an exemplary embodiment of the article of footwear  74  including an upper  80  and a sole structure  82 . As will be further discussed herein, the upper  80  is attached to the sole structure  82  and together define an interior cavity  84  (see  FIGS.  4  and  5   ) into which a foot of a user may be inserted. For reference, the article of footwear  74  defines a forefoot region  86 , a midfoot region  88 , and a heel region  90  (see  FIGS.  6  and  7   ). The forefoot region  86  generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear  74  that encase portions of the foot that include the toes, the ball of the foot, and joints connecting the metatarsals with the toes or phalanges. The midfoot region  88  is proximate and adjoining the forefoot region  86 , and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear  74  that encase the arch of a foot, along with the bridge of a foot. The heel region  90  is proximate and adjoining the midfoot region  88  and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear  74  that encase rear portions of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus bone, the ankle, and/or the Achilles tendon. 
     Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple elements, e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, and/or synthetic leather, which are joined through bonding or stitching at a seam. In some embodiments, the upper  80  of the article of footwear  74  is formed from a knitted structure or knitted components. In various embodiments, a knitted component may incorporate various types of yarn that may provide different properties to an upper. For example, one area of the upper  80  may be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another area of the upper  80  may be formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. Using this configuration, properties of the upper  80  may vary throughout the upper  80  by selecting specific yarns for different areas of the upper  80 . 
     With reference to the material(s) that comprise the upper  80 , the specific properties that a particular type of yarn will impart to an area of a knitted component may at least partially depend upon the materials that form the various filaments and fibers of the yarn. For example, cotton may provide a soft effect, biodegradability, or a natural aesthetic to a knitted material. Elastane and stretch polyester may each provide a knitted component with a desired elasticity and recovery. Rayon may provide a high luster and moisture absorbent material, wool may provide a material with an increased moisture absorbance, nylon may be a durable material that is abrasion-resistant, and polyester may provide a hydrophobic, durable material. 
     Other aspects of a knitted component may also be varied to affect the properties of the knitted component and provide desired attributes. For example, a yarn forming a knitted component may include monofilament yarn or multifilament yarn, or the yarn may include filaments that are each formed of two or more different materials. In addition, a knitted component may be formed using a particular knitting process to impart an area of a knitted component with particular properties. Accordingly, both the materials forming the yarn and other aspects of the yarn may be selected to impart a variety of properties to particular areas of the upper  80 . 
     In some embodiments, an elasticity of a knit structure may be measured based on comparing a width or length of the knit structure in a first, non-stretched state to a width or length of the knit structure in a second, stretched state after the knit structure has a force applied to the knit structure in a lateral direction. In further embodiments, the upper  80  may also include additional structural elements. For example, in some embodiments, a heel plate or cover (not shown) may be provided on the heel region  90  to provide added support to a heel of a user. In some instances, other elements, e.g., plastic material, logos, trademarks, etc., may also be applied and fixed to an exterior surface using glue or a thermoforming process. In some embodiments, the properties associated with the upper  80 , e.g., a stitch type, a yarn type, or characteristics associated with different stitch types or yarn types, such as elasticity, aesthetic appearance, thickness, air permeability, or scuff-resistance, may be varied. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the article of footwear  74  also defines a lateral side  96  and a medial side  98 , the lateral side  96  being shown in  FIG.  4    and the medial side  98  being shown in  FIG.  5   . When a user is wearing the shoes, the lateral side  96  corresponds with an outside-facing portion of the article of footwear  74  while the medial side  98  corresponds with an inside-facing portion of the article of footwear  74 . As such, the left shoe  70  and the right shoe  72  have opposing lateral sides  96  and medial sides  98 , such that the medial sides  98  are closest to one another when a user is wearing the shoes  52 , while the lateral sides  96  are defined as the sides that are farthest from one another while the shoes  52  are being worn. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the medial side  98  and the lateral side  96  adjoin one another at opposing, distal ends of the article of footwear  74 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the medial side  98  and the lateral side  96  adjoin one another along a longitudinal central plane or axis  100  of the article of footwear  74 . As will be further discussed herein, the longitudinal central plane or axis  100  may demarcate a central, intermediate axis between the medial side  98  and the lateral side  96  of the article of footwear  74 . Put differently, the longitudinal plane or axis  100  may extend between a rear, proximal end  102  of the article of footwear  74  and a front, distal end  104  of the article of footwear  74  and may continuously define a middle of an insole  106 , the sole structure  82 , and/or the upper  80  of the article of footwear  74 , i.e., the longitudinal plane or axis  100  is a straight axis extending through the rear, proximal end  102  of the heel region  90  to the front, distal end  104  of the forefoot region  86 . 
     Unless otherwise specified, and referring to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the article of footwear  74  may be defined by the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , and the heel region  90 . The forefoot region  86  may generally correspond with portions of the article of footwear  74  that encase portions of a foot  110  that include the toes or phalanges  112 , the ball of the foot  114 , and one or more of the joints  116  that connect the metatarsals  118  of the foot  110  with the toes or phalanges  112 . The midfoot region  88  is proximate and adjoins the forefoot region  86 . The midfoot region  88  generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear  74  that encase an arch (not shown) of a foot  110 , along with a bridge (not shown) of the foot  110 . The heel region  90  is proximate to the midfoot region  88  and adjoins the midfoot region  88 . The heel region  90  generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear  74  that encase rear portions of the foot  110 , including the heel or calcaneus bone  120 , the ankle (not shown), and/or the Achilles tendon (not shown). 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , the heel region  90 , the medial side  98 , and the lateral side  96  are intended to define boundaries or areas of the article of footwear  74 . To that end, the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , the heel region  90 , the medial side  98 , and the lateral side  96  generally characterize sections of the article of footwear  74 . Certain aspects of the disclosure may refer to portions or elements that are coextensive with one or more of the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , the heel region  90 , the medial side  98 , and/or the lateral side  96 . Further, both the upper  80  and the sole structure  82  may be characterized as having portions within the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , the heel region  90 , and/or along the medial side  98  and/or the lateral side  96 . Therefore, the upper  80  and the sole structure  82 , and/or individual portions of the upper  80  and the sole structure  82 , may include portions thereof that are disposed within the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , the heel region  90 , and/or along the medial side  98  and/or the lateral side  96 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , the heel region  90 , the medial side  98 , and the lateral side  96  are shown in detail. The forefoot region  86  extends from a toe end  122  to a widest portion  124  of the article of footwear  74 . The widest portion  124  is defined or measured along a first line  126  that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis  100  that extends from a distal portion of the toe end  122  to a distal portion of a heel end  128 , which is opposite the toe end  122 . The midfoot region  88  extends from the widest portion  124  to a thinnest portion  130  of the article of footwear  74 . The thinnest portion  130  of the article of footwear  74  is defined as the thinnest portion of the article of footwear  74  measured across a second line  132  that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis  100 . The heel region  90  extends from the thinnest portion  130  to the heel end  128  of the article of footwear  74 . 
     It should be understood that numerous modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description, and individual components thereof, may be incorporated into numerous articles of footwear. Accordingly, aspects of the article of footwear  74  and components thereof, may be described with reference to general areas or portions of the article of footwear  74 , with an understanding the boundaries of the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , the heel region  90 , the medial side  98 , and/or the lateral side  96  as described herein may vary between articles of footwear. However, aspects of the article of footwear  74  and individual components thereof, may also be described with reference to exact areas or portions of the article of footwear  74  and the scope of the appended claims herein may incorporate the limitations associated with these boundaries of the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , the heel region  90 , the medial side  98 , and/or the lateral side  96  discussed herein. 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the medial side  98  begins at the distal, toe end  122  and bows outward along an inner side of the article of footwear  74  along the forefoot region  86  toward the midfoot region  88 . The medial side  98  reaches the first line  126 , at which point the medial side  98  bows inward, toward the central, longitudinal axis  100 . The medial side  98  extends from the first line  126 , i.e., the widest portion  124 , toward the second line  132 , i.e., the thinnest portion  130 , at which point the medial side  98  enters into the midfoot region  88 , i.e., upon crossing the first line  126 . Once reaching the second line  132 , the medial side  98  bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis  100 , at which point the medial side  98  extends into the heel region  90 , i.e., upon crossing the second line  132 . The medial side  98  then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end  128 , and terminates at a point where the medial side  98  meets the longitudinal, central axis  100 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the lateral side  96  also begins at the distal, toe end  122  and bows outward along an outer side of the article of footwear  74  along the forefoot region  86  toward the midfoot region  88 . The lateral side  96  reaches the first line  126 , at which point the lateral side  96  bows inward, toward the longitudinal, central axis  100 . The lateral side  96  extends from the first line  126 , i.e., the widest portion  124 , toward the second line  132 , i.e., the thinnest portion  130 , at which point the lateral side  96  enters into the midfoot region  88 , i.e., upon crossing the first line  126 . Once reaching the second line  132 , the lateral side  96  bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis  100 , at which point the lateral side  96  extends into the heel region  90 , i.e., upon crossing the second line  132 . The lateral side  96  then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end  128 , and terminates at a point where the lateral side  96  meets the longitudinal, central axis  100 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3 - 5   , the sole structure  82  is connected or secured to the upper  80  and extends between a foot of a user and the ground when the article of footwear  74  is worn by the user. The sole structure  82  may also include one or more components, which may include an outsole, a midsole, a heel, a vamp, and/or an insole. For example, in some embodiments, a sole structure may include an outsole that provides structural integrity to the sole structure, along with providing traction for a user, a midsole that provides a cushioning system, and an insole that provides support for an arch of a user. 
     The sole structure  82  of the present embodiment may be characterized by an outsole region  134 , a midsole region  136 , and an insole region  138  (see  FIGS.  4  and  5   ). The outsole region  134 , the midsole region  136 , and the insole region  138 , and/or any components thereof, may include portions within the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , and/or the heel region  90 . Further, the outsole region  134 , the midsole region  136 , and the insole region  138 , and/or any components thereof, may include portions on the lateral side  96  and/or the medial side  98 . 
     The outsole region  134 , the midsole region  136 , and the insole region  138  are not intended to define precise or exact areas of the sole structure  82 . Rather, the outsole region  134 , the midsole region  136 , and the insole region  138  are generally defined herein to aid in discussion of the sole structure  82  and components thereof. In other instances, the outsole region  134  may be defined as a portion of the sole structure  82  that at least partially contacts an exterior surface, e.g., the ground, when the article of footwear  74  is worn. The insole region  138  may be defined as a portion of the sole structure  82  that at least partially contacts a user&#39;s foot when the article of footwear is worn. Finally, the midsole region  136  may be defined as at least a portion of the sole structure  82  that extends between and connects the outsole region  134  with the insole region  138 . 
     The upper  80 , as shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , extends upwardly from the sole structure  82  and defines the interior cavity  84  that receives and secures a foot of a user. The upper  80  may be defined by a foot region  140  and an ankle region  142 . In general, the foot region  140  extends upwardly from the sole structure  82  and through the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , and the heel region  90 . The ankle region  142  is primarily located in the heel region  90 ; however, in some embodiments, the ankle region  142  may partially extend into the midfoot region  88 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the upper  80  extends along the lateral side  96  and the medial side  98 , and across the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , and the heel region  90  to house and enclose a foot of a user. When fully assembled, the upper  80  also includes an interior surface  144  and an exterior surface  146 . The interior surface  144  faces inward and generally defines the interior cavity  84 , and the exterior surface  146  of the upper  80  faces outward and generally defines an outer perimeter or boundary of the upper  80 . The upper  80  also includes an opening  148  (see  FIGS.  4 - 6   ) that is at least partially located in the heel region  90  of the article of footwear  74 , which provides access to the interior cavity  84  and through which a foot may be inserted and removed. In some embodiments, the upper  80  may also include an instep region  150  (see  FIG.  6   ) that extends from the opening  148  in the heel region  90  over an area corresponding to an instep of a foot to an area proximate the forefoot region  86 . The instep region  150  may comprise an area similar to where a tongue  152  of the present embodiment is disposed. In some embodiments, the upper  80  does not include the tongue  152 , i.e., the upper  80  is tongueless. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the sole structure  82  includes a lateral side wing or flap  154  and a medial side wing or flap  156 , which are each shown in phantom or dashed lines. A lower end  158  of the lateral side flap  154  extends from the lateral side  96  of the sole structure  82  next to the exterior surface  146  of the upper  80 . The lateral side flap  154  extends along the lateral side  96  of the upper  80 , and a top end  160  of the lateral side flap  154  is next to the tongue  152 . Likewise, a lower end  162  of the medial side flap  156  extends from the medial side  98  of the sole structure  82  next to the exterior surface  146  of the upper  80 . The medial side flap  156  extends along the medial side  98  of the upper  80 , and a top end  164  of the medial side flap  156  is next to the tongue  152 . In some embodiments, the side flaps  154 ,  156  may be attached to the sole structure  82  and extend from the sole structure  82  next to the interior surface  144  (see  FIG.  6   ) of the upper  80 . In some embodiments, the side flaps  154 ,  156  may be attached to the sole structure  82  and extend from the sole structure  82  between the interior and exterior surfaces  144 ,  146  of the upper  80 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the side flaps  154 ,  156  are disposed within both the heel region  90  and the midfoot region  88  of the sole structure  82 . In some embodiments, the side flaps  154 ,  156  are disposed within the heel region  90 , the midfoot region  88 , and/or the forefoot region  86  of the sole structure  82 . The side flaps  154 ,  156 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , include openings disposed on a body  166  of the lateral side flap  154  and on a body  168  of the medial side flap  156  that may provide air flow through the side flaps  154 ,  156 . In some embodiments, the side flaps  154 ,  156  have continuous bodies  166 ,  168 . The side flaps  154 ,  156  may be comprised of a material similar to the material comprising the upper  80  or a different material, such as plastic or rubber. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , portions of the lacing of the automatic lacing system  54  are shown in greater detail. The automatic lacing system  54  includes a housing  170  defining the panel  66 , and a lace  172 . The automatic lacing system  54  also includes a number of electronic components that are disposed within the housing  170 , as discussed hereinafter below. The lace  172  extends through a plurality of lateral ghillies or lace retainers  174 , disposed on an inner surface  176  (see  FIG.  8   ) of the lateral side flap  154  and along the top end  160  of the lateral side flap  154 , and a plurality of medial ghillies or lace retainers  178 , disposed on an inner surface  180  (see  FIG.  8   ) of the medial side flap  156  and along the top end  164  of the medial side flap  156 . The lateral lace retainers  174  include a first lateral lace retainer  182  disposed nearest the opening  148  of the upper  80  of the article of footwear  74 , a second lateral lace retainer  184  disposed next to the first lateral lace retainer  182  and toward the toe end  122  of the article of footwear  74 , and a third lateral lace retainer  186  disposed next to the second lateral lace retainer  184  and nearest the toe end  122  of the article of footwear  74 . 
     The medial lace retainers  178  include a first medial lace retainer  188  disposed nearest the opening  148  of the upper  80  of the article of footwear  74 , a second medial lace retainer  190  disposed next to the first medial lace retainer  188  and toward the toe end  122  of the article of footwear  74 , and a third medial lace retainer  192  disposed next to the second medial lace retainer  190  and nearest the toe end  122  of the article of footwear  74 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral and medial lace retainers  174 ,  178  are disposed within the midfoot region  88  and the heel region  90 . In some embodiments, the lace retainers  174 ,  178  are disposed entirely within the midfoot region  88 . In some embodiments, the lace retainers  174 ,  178  are disposed within the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , and the heel region  90 . In some embodiments, the plurality of lateral and medial lace retainers  174 ,  178  are disposed on outer surfaces  194 ,  196  (see  FIG.  8   ) of the side flaps  154 ,  156 , respectively. In some embodiments, the plurality of lateral and medial lace retainers  174 ,  178  are disposed on the exterior surface  146  of the upper  80 , next to the instep region  150 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , a portion of the lace  172  (see  FIGS.  18  and  19   ) is disposed within the housing  170 , which allows the automatic lacing system  54  to draw in the lace  172 , or let out the lace  172 , depending on a particular input of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the lace  172  is a closed loop, such that a section of the lace  172  is disposed within the housing  170  while the remainder of the lace  172  extends through the lace retainers  174 ,  178 . In some embodiments, a section of the closed loop lace  172  is fixed within the housing  170 , i.e., the same section of lace  172  is disposed within the housing when the lace is fully let out. In some embodiments, the lace  172  may not comprise a closed loop, and may instead have ends that are fixedly attached to portions of the article of footwear  74 . In some embodiments, ends of the lace  172  are fixedly attached to one or more lace retainers  174 ,  178 . In some embodiments, ends of the lace  172  are fixedly attached to the side flaps  154 ,  156 . In some embodiments, the ends of the lace  172  may not be fixedly attached to the article of footwear  74 , and may instead have free ends that are tied together by the user. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , the housing  170  is centrally disposed along the tongue  152 , which is located between the lateral side  96  and the medial side  98  of the upper  80  and within the instep region  150  of the upper  80 . The lateral lace retainers  174  are disposed along the top end  160  of the lateral side flap  154 , next to the tongue  152  and the lateral side  96  of the upper. The medial lace retainers  178  are disposed along the top end  164  of the medial side flap  156 , next to the tongue  152  and the medial side  98  of the upper  80 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the lateral and medial lace retainers  174 ,  178  are identical in structure (see  FIGS.  9 - 11   ), with the lateral lace retainers  174  being mirrored relative to the medial lace retainers  178 , and vice versa. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  8   , the lace  172  extends from a lateral aperture  204  of the housing  170  toward a proximal opening  208  of an aperture  210  of the first lateral lace retainer  182 . Depending on the amount of lace  172  disposed in the housing  170 , the lace  172  may slightly bend or angle as it extends from the housing  170  and through the proximal opening  208  of the first lateral lace retainer  182 . The lace  172  extends parallel to the top end  160  of the lateral side flap  154  through the aperture  210  and out of a distal opening  212  of the aperture  210  of the first lateral lace retainer  182 . From the distal opening  212  of the first lateral lace retainer  182 , the lace  172  extends to a proximal opening  216  of an aperture  218  of the second medial lace retainer  190  and across the tongue  152  through a lateral opening  220  of a lace channel  222  (see  FIGS.  18  and  19   ) in the housing  170  and out of the lace channel  222  through a medial opening  224  of the housing  170 . 
     The lace  172  may slightly bend or angle as it extends across the tongue  152  and through the proximal opening  216  of the second medial lace retainer  190 , depending on the amount of lace  172  disposed in the housing  170 . The lace  172  extends parallel to the top end  164  of the medial side flap  156  through the aperture  218  and extends through a distal opening  230  of the aperture  218  of the second medial lace retainer  190 . From the distal opening  230  of the second medial lace retainer  190 , the lace  172  extends across the tongue  152  to a proximal opening  234  of an aperture  236  in the third lateral lace retainer  186 . Depending on the amount of lace  172  disposed in the housing  170 , the lace  172  may slightly bend or angle as it extends across the tongue  152  and through the proximal opening  234  of the third lateral lace retainer  186 . The lace  172  extends parallel to the top end  160  of the lateral side flap  154  through the aperture  236  and out a distal opening  238  of the aperture  236  of the third lateral lace retainer  186 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  8   , from the distal opening  238  of the third lateral lace retainer  186 , the lace  172  extends across the tongue  152  to a distal opening  242  of an aperture  244  of the third medial lace retainer  192 . The lace  172  may slightly bend or angle as it extends across the tongue  152  and through the distal opening  242  of the third medial lace retainer  192 , depending on the amount of lace  172  disposed within the housing  170 . The lace  172  extends parallel to the top end  164  of the medial side flap  156  through the aperture  244  and out a proximal opening  246  of the aperture  244  of the third medial lace retainer  192 . From the proximal opening  246  of the third medial lace retainer  192 , the lace  172  extends across the tongue  152  to a distal opening  250  of an aperture  252  of the second lateral lace retainer  184  and crosses over itself along the tongue  152 . 
     Depending on the amount of lace  172  disposed within the housing  170 , the lace  172  may slightly bend or angle as it extends across the tongue  152  and through the distal opening  250  of the second lateral lace retainer  184 . The lace  172  extends parallel to the top end  160  of the lateral side flap  154  through the aperture  252  and out a proximal opening  254  of the aperture  252  of the second lateral lace retainer  184 . From the proximal opening  254  of the second lateral lace retainer  184 , the lace  172  extends across the tongue through the medial opening  224  and out the lateral opening  220  of the lace channel  222  in the housing  170  to a distal opening  258  of an aperture  260  of the first medial lace retainer  188 , crossing over itself within the lace channel  222  of the housing  170 . 
     The lace  172  may slightly bend or angle as it extends through the lace channel  222  of the housing  170  and through the distal opening  258  of the first medial lace retainer  188 , depending on the amount of lace  172  disposed within the housing  170 . The lace  172  extends parallel to the top end  164  of the medial side flap  164  through the aperture  260  and out a proximal opening  262  of the aperture  260  of the first medial lace retainer  188 . From the proximal opening  262  of the medial lace retainer  188 , the lace  172  extends to a medial aperture  266  of the housing  170 . 
     Alternative configurations of the lacing structure as outlined above are contemplated, such as more or fewer lace retainers  174 ,  178  that would result in more or fewer intersections of the lace  172  crossing over itself. For example, some embodiments may not include any intersections of the lace  172  crossing over itself. As noted above, in the illustrated embodiment the lace  172  crosses over itself two times. In some embodiments, the lace  172  may cross over itself three, four, five, six, or seven times. In other embodiments, the lace  172  may extend from the housing  170  through the lateral lace retainers  174  in series toward the distal end  104  of the article of footwear  74 , across the tongue  152 , and through the medial lace retainers  178  in series back toward the housing  170 , such that the lace  172  does not cross over itself. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the specific orientation of the housing  170 , the lace retainers  174 ,  178 , and the side flaps  154 ,  156 , allows the article of footwear  74  to be adequately and securely tightened around a user&#39;s foot, and forces applied by the lace  172  are spread over a user&#39;s foot in an efficient and retentive manner while the article of footwear  74  is being worn. In that sense, a preferable orientation of the lace  172  is to extend from the housing  170  and through the lace retainers  174 ,  178  in a crisscrossing manner across the tongue  152 , as noted above. 
     The lacing system  54  as described above may allow a user to modify the tightness of the side flaps  154 ,  156  along the lateral side  96  and the medial side  98  of the upper  80 , e.g., to tighten or loosen the side flaps  154 ,  156  that extend along the upper  80  relative to the housing  170  via the lace  172  extending through the lace retainers  174 ,  178  disposed on the side flaps  154 ,  156 , around a foot as desired by the user. As will also be discussed in further detail herein, the lacing system  54  may allow a user to modify tightness, as desired by the user. With reference to the material(s) comprising the lace  172 , the material may be conventional cotton, polyester, or nylon having a circular cross-section to prevent twisting and improve the operation of the automatic lacing system  54 . In some embodiments, the lace  172  is a cable having a diameter in a range from 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, the lace  172  comprises a high modulus polyethylene fiber cable having increased strength and abrasion resistance compared to conventional shoelaces. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  9 - 11   , an embodiment of one of the lace retainers  174 ,  178  is shown in greater detail. As noted above, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  8   , each of the lateral and medial lace retainers  174 ,  178  are identical. For ease of disclosure, a single lace retainer  270  is referenced in  FIGS.  9 - 11    to describe aspects of the lace retainers  174 ,  178 . In some embodiments, there may be differences between the lateral lace retainers  174  and the medial lace retainers  178 . For example, the lateral lace retainers  174  can have different features in different locations of the lace retainer  270  than the medial lace retainers  178 , and vice versa. In some embodiments, there may be differences between the first, second, and third lateral lace retainers  182 ,  184 ,  186  and the first, second, and third medial lace retainers  188 ,  190 ,  192 . For example, the first lateral lace retainer  182  and the first medial lace retainer  174  may have different features in different locations of the lace retainer  270  than the second lateral and second medial lace retainers  184 ,  190  and/or the third medial and third lateral lace retainers  186 ,  192 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  9 - 11   , the lace retainer  270  includes a base portion  272  and a body portion  274 . The base portion  272  includes a first surface  276  (see  FIGS.  10  and  11   ) that contacts the inner surfaces  176 ,  180  of the side flaps  154 ,  156  (see  FIG.  8   ), and a second surface  278  from which the body portion  274  extends. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion  272  includes a plurality of fastener holes  280 , which are each configured to receive a fastener to fixedly attach the lace retainer  270  to the inner surfaces  176 ,  180  of the side flaps  154 ,  156 . The plurality of fastener holes  280  are aligned to counteract forces, such as a force perpendicular or parallel to the base portion  272 , imposed by the tightened lace  172  passing through and retained by the lace retainer  270 . In other embodiments, the lace retainer  270  can be fixedly attached to the inner surfaces  176 ,  180  of the side flaps  154 ,  156  by any attachment means known in the art, such as by glue or ultrasonic welding. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10  and  11   , the body portion  274  of the lace retainer  270  includes a front surface  294 , a top surface  296 , a bottom surface  298 , a first side surface  300 , and a second side surface  302  that define a lace aperture  304 . The lace aperture  304  extends through the first and second side surfaces  300 ,  302 . The first and second side surfaces  300 ,  302  can include features other than those illustrated, such as angled surfaces and rounded corners that reduce friction to the lace  172  passing through the lace aperture  304 . Similarly, the front, top, and bottom surfaces  294 ,  296 ,  298  can include angled surfaces and/or rounded corners that reduce irritation to a user&#39;s foot when the lace  172  is tightened and the lace retainer  270  contacts the upper  80  of the footwear  74 . An inner portion of the front surface  294  includes a rounded pad  292  configured to provide a smooth surface for the lace  172  to contact when the lace  172  is tightened. In some embodiments, the pad  292  includes a lace channel configured to receive the lace  172 . In some embodiments, the pad  292  is comprised of a different material than the lace retainer  270 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lace aperture  304  extends parallel to the first surface  276  of the base portion  272 . In some embodiments, the lace aperture  304  extends at an angle to the first surface  276  of the base portion  272 . In some embodiments the lace aperture  304  is configured to be a cylindrical shaped aperture having a diameter that is the same or larger than a diameter of the lace  172 . 
     The lace retainer  270  may be formed through additive manufacturing techniques, such as by one or more of the various 3D printing techniques mentioned above. In some embodiments, the lace retainers  174 ,  178 , or components thereof, may be 3D printed directly onto the side flaps  154 ,  156 , or along another region of the upper  80 , such as the midfoot region  88 . In some embodiments, the lace retainers  174 ,  178 , or components thereof, may be 3D printed and then separately fastened to a portion of the article of footwear  74 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  12 - 14   , an alternative embodiment of the tongue  152  of the article of footwear  74  is shown. Referring to  FIG.  12   , the article of footwear  74  is shown with the medial and lateral side flaps  154 ,  156  removed for clarity. A tongue  310  of the upper  80  is disposed in the same location and functions similarly to the tongue  152  of the article of footwear  74  of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  3 - 8   , as discussed above. However, the tongue  310  in this embodiment includes a plurality of recesses  312  disposed along or within an upper surface  314  of the tongue  310  that extend from the upper surface  314  to a lower surface  316  of the tongue  310 . The plurality of recesses  312  include a housing recess  318  and a plurality of lace channels  320 . The housing recess  318  is disposed toward a proximal end  322  of the tongue  310 , which is next to the opening  148  of the article of footwear  74 . The housing recess  318  is configured to receive the housing  170  (see  FIGS.  15 - 18   ), such that the housing  170  sits partially below the upper surface  314  of the tongue  310 . The plurality of lace channels  320  are disposed next to and below the housing recess  318  toward a distal end  324 , and along a lateral and medial side  326 ,  328  of the tongue  310 . In some embodiments, the housing recess  318  extends below the lower surface  316 . In some embodiments, the housing recess  318  extends through the tongue  310 , such that the housing recess  318  defines a housing opening. 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  12 - 14   , the plurality of lace channels  320  are configured to receive and guide portions of the lace  172  extending through the plurality of lateral and medial lace retainers  174 ,  178  in a crisscrossing manner as described above (and as shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14   ). The plurality of lace channels  320  include a first lateral lace channel  330 , a second lateral lace channel  332 , a third lateral lace channel  334 , a fourth lateral lace channel  336 , a first medial lace channel  338 , a second medial lace channel  340 , a third medial lace channel  342 , and a fourth medial lace channel  344 . The first lateral lace channel  330  extends from the lateral side  326  of the tongue  310  at a distance from the proximal end  322  of the tongue that is aligned with the proximal opening  208  of the aperture  210  of the first lateral lace retainer  182  toward the housing recess  318  at an angle that aligns with the lateral aperture  204  of the housing  170  when the housing  170  is disposed within the housing recess  318  (see  FIG.  14   ). 
     Likewise, the first medial lace channel  338  extends from the medial side  328  of the tongue  310  at a distance from the proximal end  322  of the tongue that is aligned with the proximal opening  262  of the aperture  260  of the first medial lace retainer  188  to the housing recess  318  at an angle that aligns with the medial aperture  266  of the housing  170  when the housing  170  is disposed within the housing recess  318  (see  FIG.  14   ). The first lateral lace channel  330  and the first medial lace channel  338  each have a width that is the same or larger than a diameter of the lace  172  (see  FIGS.  13  and  14   ). In some embodiments, the first lateral lace channel  330  and the first medial lace channel  338  extend along the tongue  310  toward the housing recess  318  at the same angle. In some embodiments, the first lateral lace channel  330  and the first medial lace channel  338  do not extend toward the housing recess  318  in a straight line at an angle, but are instead shaped in order to distribute tension forces imposed on the housing  170  to the side walls of the channels  330 ,  338  when the lace  172  is tightened. For example, in some embodiments the first lateral lace channel  330  and the first medial lace channel  338  have an arc shape with a radius or are shaped along a line resembling a sine wave. 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  12 - 14   , the second lateral lace channel  332  is disposed along the tongue  310  below the first lateral lace channel  330  relative to the proximal end  322  of the tongue  310  and extends from the lateral side  326  of the tongue  310  to the housing recess  318 . The second lateral lace channel  332  is triangular shaped or tapered, such that the lateral end of the second lateral lace channel  332  that extends from the lateral side  326  of the tongue  310  is wider than the other, lateral end proximate to the housing recess  318 . The lateral end of the second lateral lace channel  332  has a width that aligns with both the distal opening  212  of the aperture  210  of the first lateral lace retainer  182  at a proximal side of the lateral end of the second lateral lace channel  332  and the proximal opening  254  of the aperture  252  of the second lateral lace retainer  184  at the other, distal side of the lateral end of the second lateral lace channel  332  (see  FIG.  14   ). The medial end of the first lateral lace channel  330  has a width that is less than the width of the lateral end and is aligned with the lateral opening  220  of the lace channel  222  of the housing  170  when the housing  170  is disposed within the housing recess  318  (see  FIG.  14   ). 
     Likewise, and still referring to the  FIGS.  12 - 14   , the second medial lace channel  340  is disposed along the tongue  310  below the first medial lace channel  338  relative to the proximal end  322  of the tongue  310  and extends from the medial side  328  of the tongue  310  to the housing recess  318 . The second medial lace channel  340  has a similar shape to the second lateral lace channel  332  but mirrored, such that the medial end of the second medial lace channel  340  that extends from the medial side  328  of the tongue  310  is wider than the other, lateral end proximate to the housing recess  318 . The medial end of the second medial lace channel  340  has a width that aligns with both the distal opening  258  of the aperture  260  of the first medial lace retainer  188  at a proximal side of the medial end of the second medial lace channel  340  and the proximal opening  216  of the aperture  218  of the second medial lace retainer  190  at the distal side of the medial end of the second medial lace channel  340  (see  FIG.  14   ). 
     The lateral end of the second medial lace channel  340  has a width that is less than the width of the medial end and is aligned with the opening  224  of the lace channel  222  of the housing  170  when the housing  170  is disposed within the housing recess  318  (see  FIG.  14   ). In some embodiments, the second lateral lace channel  332  and the second medial lace channel  340  each comprise two separate lace channels. For example, in some embodiments the second lateral lace channel  332  can comprise a first channel extending from the proximate side of the lateral end of the second lateral lace channel  332  to a proximal side of the lateral opening  220  of the lace channel  222  of the housing  170 , and a second channel separate from the first channel that extends from the distal side of the lateral end of the second lateral lace channel  332  to a distal side of the lateral opening  220  of the lace channel  222  of the housing  170 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  12 - 14   , the third and fourth lateral lace channels  334 ,  336  are disposed next to the distal opening  250  of the aperture  252  of the second lateral lace retainer  184  and the proximal opening  234  of the aperture  236  of the third lateral lace retainer  186  at one end, respectively, and at an intersection where the lace  172  crosses over itself below the housing  170  at the other ends (see  FIG.  14   ). Likewise, the third and fourth medial lace channels  342 ,  344  are disposed next to the distal opening  230  of the aperture  228  of the second medial lace retainer  190  and the proximal opening  246  of the aperture  244  of the third medial lace retainer  192  at one end, respectively, and an intersection point  348  where the lace  172  crosses over itself along the tongue  310  (see  FIGS.  13  and  14   ). In some embodiments, the tongue  310  further includes an additional lace channel disposed below the fourth lateral lace channel  336  and the fourth medial lace channel  344  toward the distal end  324  of the tongue  310 . For example, the additional lace channel can be disposed next to the distal opening  238  of the aperture  236  of the third lateral lace retainer  186  at one end, and next to the distal opening  242  of the aperture  244  of the third medial lace retainer  192  at the other end (see  FIG.  14   ). In some embodiments, the plurality of lace channels  320  extend within the tongue  310  such that the plurality of lace channels  320  are covered by the upper surface  314  of the tongue  310 . 
     Referring in particular to  FIG.  12   , the tongue  310 , or components thereof, may be formed through additive manufacturing techniques, such as by one or more of the various 3D printing techniques mentioned above. In some embodiments, the tongue  310 , or components thereof, may be 3D printed directly upon the instep region  150 , or along another region of the foot, such as the midfoot region  88 . In some embodiments, the tongue  310 , or components thereof, may be 3D printed and separately coupled with a portion of the article of footwear  74 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  15 - 18   , the housing  170  and the components disposed therein will be described in greater detail. The housing  170  has a first or proximal side  350 , a second or distal side  352 , a third or lateral side  354  (see  FIGS.  15 - 17   ), a fourth or medial side  356  (see  FIGS.  16 - 18   ), a fifth or top side  358 , and a sixth or bottom side  360  (see  FIGS.  16  and  18   ). The swipe panel  66  is disposed below the top side  358 . The lateral aperture  204  is disposed on the lateral side  354  and toward the proximal side  350  of the housing  170 , and the medial aperture  266  is disposed on the medial side  356  and toward the proximal side  350  of the housing  170 . The lateral and medial apertures  204 ,  266  are configured to receive a portion of the lace  172  within the housing  170  (see  FIG.  8   ). The lace channel  222  extends through the lateral and medial sides  354 ,  356  of the housing  170 , and includes the lateral opening  220  and the medial opening  224  of the lace channel  222 . The lace channel  222  is configured to receive portions of the lace  172  extending from the lateral and medial lace retainers  174 ,  178  when the housing  170  is disposed on the tongue  152  of the upper  80  of the article of footwear  74  (see  FIG.  8   ). 
     Referring to  FIG.  16   , the bottom side  360  of the housing  170  is concavely-shaped between the lateral and medial sides  354 ,  356 . The concavely-shaped bottom side  360  of the housing  170  provides a more ergonomic alignment with a top surface of a user&#39;s foot  110  when the housing  170  is disposed on the tongue  152  of the upper  80  of the article of footwear  74 . In other embodiments, the bottom side  360  of the housing  170  can be convexly-shaped or can be flat, for example, if the housing  170  is disposed within the housing recess  318  of the tongue  310  (see  FIGS.  12  and  13   ). Referring to  FIG.  18   , as discussed in greater detail below, the housing comprises a housing base  362 , a housing base cover  364  (see  FIGS.  19 - 25   ) attached to a top surface of the housing base  362 , and a housing top cover  366  attached to an outer surface of the housing base  362  and above the housing base cover  364 . The housing  170 , or components thereof, may be formed through additive manufacturing techniques, such as by one or more of the various 3D printing techniques mentioned above. In some embodiments, the housing  170 , or components thereof, may be 3D printed directly upon the instep region  150 , or along another region of the foot, such as the forefoot region  86 , the midfoot region  88 , or the heel region  90 . In some embodiments, the housing  170 , or components thereof, may be 3D printed and then separately coupled with a portion of the article of footwear  74 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  19 - 25   , the automatic lacing system  54  will now be described in greater detail. Referring to  FIGS.  19  and  20   , ghost views of some internal components of the housing  170  of the automatic lacing system  54  illustrate an upper wheel gear assembly  370  disposed within an upper wheel gear recess  372  of the housing base cover  364 . Portions of the housing  170 , including the housing top cover  366  (see  FIGS.  21 - 25   ), are removed for clarity. The housing base cover  364  includes a lateral lace channel  374  and a medial lace channel  376  having first ends configured to align with the lateral and medial apertures  204 ,  266  of the housing top cover  366  (see  FIGS.  8  and  15 - 18   ), respectively, and second ends extending through the upper wheel gear recess  372 . The lateral and medial lace channels  374 ,  376  are configured to receive lateral and medial portions of the section of lace  172  disposed within the housing  170 , guiding the portions of the lace  172  to the upper wheel gear assembly  370  where the lace  172  is received in an aperture  378  of the upper wheel gear assembly  370 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  19  and  20   , the upper wheel gear assembly  370  includes an upper extension component  392  having a cylindrical body  394  ( FIG.  19   ) with the lace aperture  378  disposed therethrough and a flange  396  disposed on a top portion of the cylindrical body  394 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lace  172  passes into the housing  170  along the lateral and medial channels  374 ,  376  of the housing base cover  364 , and is received through the lace aperture  378  of the cylindrical body  394  of the upper extension component  392 . This configuration allows the lace  172  to be drawn inward, around the wheel gear axis  390  in a direction of arrows A or B (see  FIG.  20   ), depending upon whether the automatic lacing system  54  is being used to tighten or loosen the lace  172 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, from an initial or loose configuration (shown in  FIG.  19   ), rotation of the upper wheel gear assembly  370  by about 90 degrees results in a first level of tightness, rotation of the upper wheel gear assembly  370  by about 180 degrees results in a second level of tightness, rotation of the upper wheel gear assembly  370  by about 270 degrees results in a third level of tightness, etc. In some embodiments, rotation of the upper wheel gear assembly  370  in increments of about 60 degrees results in a first level of tightness, second level of tightness, third level of tightness, etc. In some embodiments, rotation of the upper wheel gear assembly  370  by increments of about 45 degrees results in a first level of tightness, second level of tightness, third level of tightness, etc. In some embodiments, rotation of the upper wheel gear assembly  370  in increments of about 30 degrees results in a first level of tightness, second level of tightness, third level of tightness, etc. In some embodiments, rotation of the upper wheel gear assembly  370  by increments of about 15 degrees results in a first level of tightness, second level of tightness, third level of tightness, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  21 - 25   , elements of the automatic lacing system  54  are depicted in an exploded configuration. Referring specifically to  FIGS.  21  and  22   , a powertrain assembly  380  that includes a motor  382 , a wheel gear  384 , and a gear train  388 , is disposed within the housing base  362  and the housing base cover  364 . The wheel gear  384  of the powertrain assembly  380  is in mechanical connection with the upper wheel gear assembly  370 , which is disposed on the housing base cover  364  (see  FIGS.  19 - 21   ). The specific gear configuration will be discussed below, but the motor  382  is operable to rotate the upper wheel gear assembly  370  (via rotation of the wheel gear  384  via rotation of the gear train  388 ) about the wheel gear axis  390 , which allows the lace  172  to rotate and spool around the cylindrical body  394  of the upper wheel gear assembly  370  (see  FIG.  20   ). As the upper wheel gear assembly  370  turns and draws the lace  172  about the wheel gear axis  390 , the lace  172  is either tightened or loosened, depending on the direction of rotation (see arrows A and B in  FIG.  20   ) of the upper wheel gear assembly  370  (and by extension, the wheel gear  384 , the gear train  388 , and the motor  382 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG.  21   , an exploded perspective view is shown of some of the components that are disposed within the housing  170  of the automatic lacing system  54 . The components include the housing base  362 , a lower gasket  400  disposed within a lower gasket channel  402  of the housing base  362 , the housing base cover  364 , an upper gasket  404  disposed within an upper gasket channel  406  of the housing base cover  364 , and the housing top cover  366 . The powertrain assembly  380  is disposed within the housing base  362  and the housing base cover  364 , and includes the motor  382 , the gear train  388 , and the wheel gear  384 . A worm gear  410  is provided about a first shaft  412 , and a first gear  414  is disposed at an end of the first shaft  412  (see  FIG.  21   ). The worm gear  410 , the first shaft  412 , and the first gear  414  comprise the first gear assembly  416  of the gear train  388 . The first gear assembly  416  has a rotational axis  408  that is perpendicular to the wheel gear axis  390  (see  FIG.  22   ). A second gear assembly  418  of the gear train  388  includes a second gear  420  and a third gear  422  that are disposed along a second shaft  424 . The second gear  420  and the third gear  422  are fixedly coupled to one another, thus, when the second gear  420  is rotated, the third gear  422  is also rotated. A third gear assembly  426  of the gear train  388  is also provided, the third gear assembly  426  including a fourth gear  428  and a fifth gear  430  (see  FIG.  21   ). The fourth gear  428  and the fifth gear  430  are fixedly coupled to one another and are disposed along a third shaft  432 . A motor gear  434  of the gear train  388  is also shown extending from the motor  382 , the motor gear  434  being disposed along a motor shaft  436  (see  FIG.  21   ). 
     The first gear  414 , second gear  420 , third gear  422 , fourth gear  428 , and fifth gear  430  may be spur or cylindrical gears. Spur gears or straight-cut gears include a cylinder or disk with teeth projecting radially. Though the teeth are not straight-sided, the edge of each tooth is straight and aligned parallel to the axis of rotation. When two of the gears mesh, e.g., the first gear  414  and the third gear  422 , if one gear is bigger than the other (the first gear  414  has a diameter that is larger than third gear  422 ), then a mechanical advantage is produced, with the rotational speeds and the torques of the two gears differing in proportion to their diameters. Since the larger gear is rotating less quickly, its torque is proportionally greater, and in the present example, the torque of the third gear  422  is proportionally greater than the torque of the first gear  414 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  21 - 25   , the first gear assembly  416  includes the worm gear  410 , which is in communication with the wheel gear  384 . A worm gear is a species of helical gear, but its helix angle is usually somewhat large (close to 90 degrees) and its body is usually fairly long in the axial direction. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, use of the worm gear  410  results in a simple and compact way to achieve a high torque, low speed gear ratio between the worm gear  410  and the wheel gear  384 . In the present embodiment, the worm gear  410  can always drive the wheel gear  384 , but the opposite is not always true. The combination of the worm gear  410  and the wheel gear  384  results in a self-locking system, thus, an advantage is achieved, i.e., when a particular tightness level is desired, the worm gear  410  can be easily used to hold that position. The worm gear  410  can be right or left-handed. For purposes of this disclosure, as noted above, the first gear assembly  416  includes the worm gear  410 , the first shaft  412 , and the first gear  414 . The worm gear  410 , the first shaft  412 , and the first gear  414 , may comprise a single material, or may comprise different materials. 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS.  21  and  22   , the first gear assembly  416  is in communication with the second gear assembly  418 , which is in communication with the third gear assembly  426 , which is in communication with the motor gear  434 . As a result, when the motor shaft  436  is rotated by the motor  382 , the motor gear  434  spins in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending upon whether the wheel gear  384  is intended to be spun clockwise or counterclockwise, i.e., to tighten or loosen the lace  172 . The motor gear  434  is in communication with the fifth gear  430  (see  FIG.  21   ), rotation of which causes the third shaft  432  (see  FIG.  21   ) and the fourth gear  428  (see  FIG.  21   ) to rotate. The fourth gear  428  (see  FIG.  21   ) is in communication with the second gear  420  (see  FIG.  21   ), which is fixedly coupled with the third gear  422  (see  FIG.  21   ). As noted above, the second gear  420 , the third gear  422 , and the second shaft  424  (see  FIG.  21   ) comprise the second gear assembly  418 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  21  and  22   , the second gear assembly  418  is thereby caused to rotate when the third gear assembly  426  is caused to rotate by the motor gear  434 . The third gear  422  of the second gear assembly  418  is in communication with the first gear  414 , thus, rotation of the third gear  422  causes rotation of the first gear  414 . When the first gear  414  (see  FIG.  21   ) is caused to rotate by the second gear assembly  418 , the first gear  414  causes the first shaft  412  (see  FIG.  21   ) to rotate, and the first shaft  412  is fixedly coupled with the worm gear  410 . The worm gear  410  is thereby caused to rotate when the first gear  414  (see  FIG.  21   ) is caused to rotate. As illustrated in  FIGS.  22 - 25   , the wheel gear  384  is in mechanical connection with the worm gear  410 , thus the wheel gear  384  is also caused to rotate when the first gear assembly  416  is caused to rotate. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  22 - 25   , the upper wheel gear assembly  370  is fixedly attached to the wheel gear  384 , thus when the wheel gear  384  rotates the upper wheel gear assembly  370  is caused to rotate, and the lace  172  is drawn into the housing  170 , about the wheel gear axis  390  (as shown in  FIGS.  19  and  20   ). As noted above, the first gear assembly  416  includes the first gear  414  (see  FIG.  21   ), the first shaft  412  (see  FIG.  21   ), and the worm gear  410 . To that end, when the motor gear  434  rotates, the third gear assembly  426  is caused to rotate, which causes the second gear assembly  418  to rotate, which causes the first gear assembly  416  to rotate, which causes the wheel gear  384  to rotate. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  21   , the upper wheel gear assembly  370  includes the upper extension component  392  that is coupled to the wheel gear  384  via a fastener  442 . As noted with reference to  FIGS.  19  and  20   , the upper extension component  392  includes the cylindrical body  394  with the lace aperture  378  disposed through it and the flange  396 . The fastener  442  is disposed through the cylindrical body  394  of the upper extension component  392  and a fastener hole  444  (see  FIG.  22   ) in the cylindrical upper wheel gear recess  372  of the housing base cover  364 . The fastener  442  is fixedly received in a center of the wheel gear  384 , as shown in  FIGS.  22 - 25   . Thus, the upper wheel gear assembly  370  and the wheel gear  384  have the same rotational axis  390 , as shown in  FIGS.  21 ,  22 , and  25   . 
     As noted above, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper wheel gear assembly  370  is coupled to the wheel gear  384  and holds the lace  172  in the tightened configuration (see  FIG.  20   ), in the illustrated embodiment. As such, the connection between the upper wheel gear assembly  370  and the wheel gear  384  may be subject to rotational friction as the lace  172  is tightened and also to radial and axial loads from the tightened lace  172 . As shown in  FIG.  21   , in order to support radial and axial loads and to reduce rotational friction, the upper wheel gear assembly  370  includes ball bearings  446 , a bearing holding collar  448  configured to hold the ball bearings  446  in contact with a bottom portion of the upper extension component  392 , and an outer retaining ring  450  configured to axially retain the bearing holding collar  448  with the upper extension component  392 . In some embodiments, other components or methods may be used to support radial and axial loads and to reduce rotational friction imposed on the upper wheel gear assembly  370  that is coupled to the wheel gear  384  in operation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  23 - 25   , the housing base  362  is shown in greater detail. The housing base  362  includes a bottom side  458 , a top side  460 , a first or lateral side  462 , a second or medial side  464  (see  FIGS.  23  and  24   ), a third or proximal side  466 , and a fourth or distal side  468 . When the housing  170  is assembled, the bottom side  458  of the housing base  362  is the bottom side  360  of the housing  170 , as shown in  FIGS.  15 - 18   . The powertrain  380  (including the motor  382 , the gear train  388 , and the wheel gear  384 ) is disposed on the top side  460  of the housing base  362  and within the lower gasket channel  402  (see  FIGS.  24  and  25   ). Specifically, the motor  382  is contained within a motor compartment  472  (see  FIGS.  24  and  25   ), the worm gear  410  is contained within a worm gear compartment  474  (see  FIG.  24   ), and the wheel gear  384  is contained within a wheel gear compartment  476  (see  FIGS.  22  and  24   ). The wheel gear compartment  476  (see  FIG.  24   ) is configured to receive the wheel gear  384 , such that the wheel gear  384  can freely rotate within the wheel gear compartment  476  when caused to rotate via the gear train  388 . The wheel gear  384  may be coupled to the housing base  362  via a protrusion or shaft (not shown) extending from the housing base  362 . A motor wire  480  (partially shown in  FIGS.  21 - 24   ) of the motor  382  extends from an end of the motor  382  opposite the motor gear  434  and out the bottom side  458  of the housing base  362  via a wire hole  482  (see  FIGS.  23  and  24   ). Referring to  FIG.  21   , a flexible circuit  484  is disposed on the motor  382  and in electrical connection with the motor wire  480 . A lighting system  486  including a first lighting element or light emitting diode (LED)  488  and a second lighting element or LED  490  is also disposed on the flexible circuit  484 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  23 - 25   , the housing base cover  364  is shown in greater detail. The housing base cover  364  includes a top side  492  (see  FIG.  24   ), a first or bottom side  494  (see  FIG.  25   ), a second or lateral side  496 , a third or medial side  498  (see  FIGS.  23  and  24   ), a fourth or proximal side  500 , and a fifth or distal side  502 . The housing base cover  364  is formed to be seated over the housing base  362 . The housing base cover  364  is secured to the housing base  362  via a plurality of projections  504  (see  FIG.  25   ) included on the bottom side  494  of the housing base cover  364  that are configured to mate with a plurality of recesses  512  included on the top side  460  of the housing base  362 . The housing base cover  364  can also be securable to the housing base  362  via other methods of coupling. The sides  492 ,  496 ,  498 ,  500 ,  502  of the housing base cover  364  are formed to completely cover the powertrain assembly  380  of the automatic lacing system  52 , including the flexible circuit  484  disposed on the motor  382  (see  FIGS.  21  and  22   ). A swipe sensor recess  520  (see  FIG.  24   ) is disposed on the top side  492  of the housing base cover  364  and is configured to receive a swipe sensor  522  (see  FIG.  21   ) in connection with the flexible circuit  484 . A lighting system cover hole  524  (see  FIGS.  23  and  24   ) is included on the proximal side  500  of the housing base cover  364  and is configured to receive a lighting system cover  526  (see  FIG.  21   ) that encloses the lighting system  486  disposed on the flexible circuit  484  (shown in  FIGS.  21  and  22   ). 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  23 - 25   , the housing top cover  366  is shown in greater detail. The housing top cover  366  includes a first or top side  530 , a second or bottom side  532 , a third or lateral side  534 , a fourth or medial side  536  (see  FIGS.  23  and  24   ), a fifth or proximal side  538 , and a sixth or distal side  540 . The housing top cover  366  is formed to be seated over the housing base  362  and the housing base cover  364 , and is attached to the housing base  362  via a plurality of projections  542  (see  FIG.  23   ) included on the bottom side  532  of the housing top cover  366 , and a plurality of recesses  554  (see  FIGS.  24  and  25   ) included on the proximal, lateral, and medial sides  462 ,  464 , and  466  of the housing base  362 . The housing top cover  366  may also be securable to the housing base  362  or the housing base cover  364  via other methods of coupling. The top side  530  of the housing top cover  366  defines the panel  66  of the automatic lacing system  54 , which is in contact with the swipe sensor  522  disposed on the housing base cover  364  (see  FIGS.  21  and  22   ) on the bottom side  532  of the housing top cover  366 . As noted above, the top, lateral, medial, proximal, and distal sides  530 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540  of the housing top cover  366  are intended to completely cover the housing base  362  and the housing base cover  364 , including the swipe sensor  522  (see  FIG.  21   ) disposed within the swipe sensor recess  520  of the housing base cover  364  and the lighting system cover  526  (see  FIG.  21   ) disposed within the lighting system cover hole  524  of the housing base cover  364 . 
     Thus, when the housing  170  is assembled, the top, lateral, medial, proximal, and distal sides  530 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540  of the housing top cover  366  are the top, lateral, medial, proximal, and distal sides  358 ,  354 ,  356 ,  350 ,  352  of the housing  170  (see  FIGS.  15 - 18   ). The housing top cover  366  includes a lateral lace channel cutout  566  (see  FIGS.  23  and  25   ) and a medial lace channel cutout  568  (see  FIG.  23   ) disposed on the lateral and medial sides  534 ,  536  of the top cover  366 , and is configured to provide clearance to the lateral and medial openings  220 ,  224  of the lace channel  222  of the housing base  362  when the housing  170  is assembled. While the top cover  366  may be any color, including the color black, light can be seen through the top cover  366  when one or more light sources are activated within the housing  170 . 
     As noted above with reference to  FIG.  21   , the flexible circuit  484  may be disposed between the housing base  362  and the housing base cover  364 . The flexible circuit  484  includes the swipe sensor  522  disposed on the housing base cover  364 , which, in some embodiments, may also be caused to flash or light up in response to a signal sent by one or more controllers discussed below. In some embodiments, additional LEDs may be provided along another portion of the housing  170 . When the housing  170  of the automatic lacing system  54  is assembled, the swipe sensor  522  of the flexible circuit  484  is disposed beneath the panel  66  of the housing top cover  366  of the housing  170 , and the first and second LEDs  488 ,  490  of the lighting system  486  are disposed beneath the proximal and top sides  538 ,  530  of the top cover  366  through the lighting system cover  526  disposed within the lighting system cover hole  524  of the housing base cover  364 . While the top cover  366  may be any color, including the color black, light can be seen through the top cover  366  when the lighting system  486  is activated within the housing  170 . In some embodiments, the top cover  366  may have portions that are transparent or translucent to allow the light emitted from the lighting system  486  to project light through the top cover  366 . The lighting system  486  can provide light-based feedback to a user. In particular, the lighting system  486  provides visual cues that indicate a tightness level of the lace  172  and/or an energy level of a battery (not shown) of a controller  570  (see  FIGS.  28 - 32   ), e.g., a low power warning, as well as visual cues that indicate when the battery is being charged. 
     Conventional articles of footwear, including articles of footwear with automatic lacing systems, are commonly exposed to outdoor conditions, such as dust and water, when worn by a user. The presence of dust and/or water within the automatic lacing system can damage the electronics and mechanical components commonly utilized in conventional articles of footwear with automatic lacing systems. In addition, in conventional articles of footwear with automatic lacing systems, the automatic lacing systems may generate noise/sound during operation thereof. For example, each time the automatic lacing system is activated, e.g., during tightening or loosening of the lace, the components within the automatic lacing system may generate sound that is undesirable from a user-experience perspective. 
     As such, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing  170  of the automatic lacing system  54  of the article of footwear  74  may include ingress protection means, i.e., resistance to water or dust entering the housing  170 , and/or operational sound damping means. In the embodiment of the housing  170  illustrated in  FIGS.  23 - 25   , and as noted above, the powertrain assembly  380 , the flexible circuit  484 , and the lighting system  486  are contained within the housing base cover  364 . Furthermore, the swipe sensor  522  is disposed within the swipe sensor recess  520  disposed on the top surface  492  of the housing base cover  364  and the lighting system cover  526  is disposed within the lighting system cover hole  524  of the housing base cover  364 . In order to provide ingress protection to the electronics mentioned above and to the powertrain assembly  380  disposed within the housing  170  and/or to reduce noise from outside the housing  170  during the operation of the powertrain assembly  380 , the housing  170  is configured to provide one or more seals between the housing base  362 , the housing base cover  364 , and/or the housing top cover  366 . 
     For example, in the illustrated embodiment with reference to  FIG.  21   , the housing base cover  364  is configured to provide an ingress protecting and/or noise reducing seal with the housing base  362  via the lower gasket  400  disposed within the lower gasket channel  402  of the housing base  362  when the housing base cover  364  is attached to the housing base  362 . Similarly, the housing top cover  366  is configured to provide an ingress protecting and/or noise reducing seal with the housing base cover  364  over the swipe sensor  522  and the lighting system cover  526 , via the upper gasket  404  disposed within the upper gasket channel  406  of the housing base cover  364  when the housing top cover  366  is attached to the housing base cover  364 . In some embodiments, the housing  170  is configured to provide an ingress protection rating, under codes established in international standard IEC 60529 or European standard EN 60529, in a range between IP-31 to IP-68. In some embodiments, other operational sound damping means may be included, such as electronic-based sound damping. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  26  and  27   , side views of the article of footwear  74  are shown in a loosened configuration, and a tightened configuration, respectively. Referring specifically to  FIG.  26   , in the loosened configuration, the lace  172  is not taut, but is laced in a crisscrossing manner through each of the lateral and medial lace retainers  174 ,  176 , respectively (see  FIG.  8   ). As such, the upper ends  160 ,  164  of the lateral and medial side flaps  154 ,  156  may be free to pivot away from the tongue  152  and the upper  80  about the fixed lower ends  158 ,  162  of the side flaps  154 ,  156 , respectively, because the lace  172  does not pull and maintain the lateral and medial lace retainers  174 ,  178  toward the tongue  152  in the loosened configuration. In some embodiments, the lace  172  has a slight amount of pre-tensioning to ensure a more comfortable instep if the shoe is in the loosened configuration. To that end, the article of footwear  74  as shown in  FIG.  26    achieves a more comfortable instep position, which may be utilized by a user in certain circumstances when the article of footwear  74  is being worn. Referring back to  FIG.  19   , in the loosened configuration, the lace  172  may be disposed as shown in this detail view, where the upper wheel gear assembly  370  is not rotated in such a way as to cause the lace  172  to be tightened. While the upper wheel gear assembly  370  may be disposed in alternative configurations in the loosened configuration, the upper wheel gear assembly  370  is preferably disposed in a similar fashion as shown in  FIG.  19    in the loosened configuration. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  27   , when the automatic lacing system  54  is commanded to tighten the lace  172 , the tongue  152 , and, therefore, the housing  170  are drawn downward in a direction of the arrow C, and the upper ends  160 ,  164  of the side flaps  154 ,  156  are drawn inward toward the tongue  152  while the bodies  166 ,  168  of the side flaps  154 ,  165  are drawn inward around the upper  80  of the article of footwear  74 , thereby achieving a first tightened configuration. There may be any number of tightened configurations, based on levels of tightness that can be achieved based on user inputs or pre-set settings of the automatic lacing system  54 . The first tightened configuration may have a first level of tightness, and a second tightened configuration may have a second level of tightness that is greater than the first level of tightness. Referring again to  FIG.  20   , the first level of tightness may be achieved when the wheel gear  384  (coupled with the upper wheel gear assembly  370 ) is rotated by about 15 degrees, or about 30 degrees, or about 45 degrees, or about 60 degrees, or about 90 degrees. Each subsequent level of tightness may be achieved by rotating the wheel gear  384  by another amount, which may be about 15 degrees, or about 30 degrees, or about 45 degrees, or about 60 degrees, or about 90 degrees. 
     Once the article of footwear  74  has achieved the first tightened configuration, the article of footwear  74  may be returned to the loosened configuration by rotating the wheel gear  384  in a reverse direction, i.e., if the wheel gear  384  is tightened by rotating in the direction of arrow A (see  FIG.  20   ), then the wheel gear  384  is loosened by being rotated in the direction of arrow B. To that end, the article of footwear  74  shown in  FIG.  26   , which is shown in a loosened configuration, may be adjusted into the tightened configuration as shown in  FIG.  27   , and may subsequently be returned to the original, loosened configuration shown in  FIG.  26   . The lace  172  of the article of footwear  74  may be tightened or loosened any number of times and in any number of increments. Certain tightening/loosening sequences are described in the present application, however, the present disclosure is not intended to be limiting. 
     As previously noted, the automatic lacing system  54  may be manipulated by a user using two methods: (1) physical contact with the panel  66  of the housing  170 , i.e., user interaction with the swipe sensor  522  disposed within the housing  170 ; and (2) using the wireless device  64  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). The first method of manipulation, i.e., physical adjustment, will be discussed. To that end, the automatic lacing system  54  can have predetermined levels of tightness, which includes the loosened or open configuration of  FIG.  26   , wherein the lace  172  is loosened to a predetermined tightness, and the tightened or closed configuration of  FIG.  27   , wherein the lace  172  is tightened to a predetermined tightness. In practice, a user may be able to swipe down on or tap a distal end of the panel  66  to tighten the lace  172  to the predetermined tightness of the closed configuration, or swipe up on or tap a proximal end of the panel  66  to loosen the lace  172  to the predetermined tightness of the open configuration. The second method of manipulation, i.e., wireless adjustment, is provided in that the automatic lacing system  54  can also be controlled using the wireless device  64 , which can be paired with or connected to the lacing system  54  via Bluetooth® or another wireless signal, the details of which will be discussed below with reference to  FIG.  40   . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  28 - 31   , a controller  570  of the automatic lacing system  54  is shown in greater detail. The controller  570  of the automatic lacing system  54  is shown in  FIG.  28    and is disposed within the sole structure  82  of the article of footwear  74 . Specifically, the controller  570  is disposed within the insole region  138  of the sole structure  82  that is within the interior cavity  84  of the article of footwear  74 . The controller  570  is in electrical connection with the motor  382  of the housing  170  via the motor wire  480  extending from the controller  570  to the housing  170  within the upper  80  of the article of footwear  74 . The motor wire  480  has a first end  572  in connection with the motor  382  (see  FIGS.  21 - 25   ) and a second end  574  having a controller connector  576 . The controller  570  is configured to power and control the motor  382  of the automatic lacing system  54 . 
     In some embodiments, the controller  570  is permanently installed within the sole structure  82  of the article of footwear  74 . In some embodiments, the controller  570  is removable from the sole structure  82 . For example, referring now to  FIG.  29   , the sole structure  82  of the article of footwear  74  is shown with the upper  80  removed for clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller  570  is removably contained within a controller recess  578  disposed on the insole region  138  of the sole structure  82  and within the heel region  90  and the midfoot region  88  of the article of footwear  74 . In some embodiments, the controller recess  570  may be disposed entirely within the heel region  90  of the article of footwear  74 . In some embodiments, the controller recess  570  may be disposed within the heel region  90 , the midfoot region  88 , and/or the forefoot region  86  of the article of footwear  74 . The controller recess  578  is configured to receive the controller  570  and includes a controller connector recess  580  and a motor wire recess  582 . The motor wire recess  582  is configured to receive the motor wire  480 , and the controller connector recess  580  is configured to receive the controller connector  576  of the second end  574  of the motor wire  480  when the motor wire  480  is connected to the controller  570 . A controller recess cover  584  (see  FIG.  29   ) is configured to cover the controller recess  578  and provide a continuous surface of the insole region  138  of the sole structure  82 , such that the insole  106  (see  FIG.  6   ) may be disposed within the insole region  138  and on top of the recess cover  584 . The controller  570  is removable from the controller recess  578  when the controller recess cover  584  is removed or otherwise opened, and is accessible to a user through the opening  148  into the interior cavity  84  of the upper  80  of the article of footwear  74  (see  FIG.  28   ). 
     Referring to  FIG.  30   , the controller  570  has a first or top side  590  and a second or distal side  592 . A controller connection port  594  is disposed within a port recess  596  that is disposed on the top and distal sides  590 ,  592  of the controller  570 , and is configured to receive the controller connector  576  at the second end  574  of the motor wire  480 . Referring to  FIG.  31   , inductive coils  598  are disposed below the top side  590  of the controller  570 , such that the charging coils  598  face upward from insole region  138  of the sole structure  82  when the controller  570  is disposed within the controller recess  578  (as shown in  FIG.  28   ). The charging coils  598  are configured to provide wireless charging to a battery  600  (see  FIG.  41   ) of the controller  570  via one of the dual charging pucks  56  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  32 - 38   , the first charging puck  60  of the dual charging pucks  56  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) of the automatic lacing system  54  is shown in detail and in various configurations. For purposes of ease of disclosure,  FIGS.  32 - 37    refer to the first charging puck  60 , which is identical to the second charging puck  62 , of the dual charging pucks  56 . Referring to  FIG.  32   , the first charging puck  60  is shown in a charging configuration and is disposed on the insole region  138  of the sole structure  82  above the top side  590  (see  FIGS.  30  and  31   ) of the controller  570 , which is disposed within the controller recess  578 . The first charging puck  60  is configured to wirelessly charge the battery  600  (see  FIG.  41   ) of the controller  570  via inductive coils (not shown) disposed on a bottom side  602  (see  FIGS.  33 - 37   ) of the first charging puck  60  that are in an inductive connection with the charging coils  598  of the controller  570  when the first charging puck  60  is in the charging configuration shown in  FIG.  32   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  33 - 37   , the first charging puck  60  includes the first or bottom side  602 , a second or top side  604 , a third or proximal side  606 , and a fourth or distal side  608 , opposite the proximal side  606 . An electrical connector port  610  is disposed on the proximal side  606  of the charging puck  60 , the electrical connector port  610  is configured to receive an electrical connector  612  disposed on a first end  614  of a charging cable  616 . A second end  618  of the charging cable  616  can include a USB connector, or other type of electrical connector, to provide an electrical connection to an external power source. The electrical connector port  610  of the charging puck  60  can be of the same electrical connector type as the controller connection port  594  of the controller  570 , such as a Mini USB or a USB-C connector. Thus, as an alternative to the wireless charging configuration shown in  FIG.  32   , the charging cable  616  can be utilized to directly charge the battery  600  of the controller  570  via the controller connection port  594  of the controller  570  when the controller  570  is removed from the controller recess  578  of the sole structure  82  of the article of footwear  74 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  38   , as noted above, the first charging puck  60  is identical to the second charging puck  62 , and each of the dual charging pucks  56  can wirelessly charge either of the left shoe  70  or the right shoe  72 . The charging pucks  56  are configured to mate with one another in a mating configuration (as shown in  FIG.  38   ) for ease of storage and transport when the charging pucks  56  are not in use. Specifically, each of the top sides  604  of the charging pucks  56  are angled downward from the proximal ends  606  relative to the bottom surfaces  602  (see FIG.  37 ). Thus, when the bottom surfaces  602  of the charging pucks  56  are mated, the top sides  604  of the charging pucks  56  are parallel to one another. Furthermore, a first magnetic component (not shown) can be included within the bottom surfaces  602  of the charging pucks  56  that is configured to releasably hold the charging pucks  56  in the mated configuration shown in  FIG.  38   . Similarly, a second magnetic component (not shown) can be included within the top surface  590  of the controller  570  that is configured to releasably hold one of the charging pucks  60 ,  62  in position on the insole region  138  of the sole structure  82  and over the inductive coils  598  of the controller  570  in the wireless charging configuration shown in  FIG.  32   . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  39  and  40   , an alternative embodiment of the insole  106  of the article of footwear  74  is shown (see  FIG.  6   ). An insole  630  is configured to be disposed in the same location and function similar to the insole  106  disposed in the insole region  138  of the article of footwear  74  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 7   . However, the insole  630  in this illustrated embodiment is configured to align the bottom surface  602  of the charging pucks  56  with the inductive coils  598  of the controller  570  disposed within the controller recess  578  of the sole structure  82  when one of the charging pucks  56  are in the charging configuration shown in  FIG.  32   . For example, the insole  630  has a first or top surface  632 , a second or bottom surface  634 , and an outer profile  636  configured to contact an inner profile  638  (see  FIG.  29   ) of the insole region  138  (see  FIG.  29   ) of the sole structure  82  of the article of footwear  74 . A charging puck recess  640  is disposed on the top surface  632  of the insole  630 . The charging puck recess  640  is configured to align with the inductive coils  598  of the controller  570  when the controller  570  is disposed within the controller recess  578  of the sole structure  82  and the insole  630  is inserted into the insole region  138  of the sole structure  82 . In some embodiments, the insole  630  may be an insert that is entirely removable from the insole region  138 . In some embodiments, a first portion of the insole  630  may be stitched or otherwise fixedly attached to the insole region  138  near the toe end  122  of the article of footwear  74  and a second portion of the insole  630  may be configured to be rotatable, or otherwise movable, within the insole region  138  in order for a user to access the controller recess cover  584  disposed on the insole region  138 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  41   , a block diagram  650  is illustrated, the block diagram  650  including the various electrical components described above within the automatic lacing system  54 . The automatic lacing system  54  broadly includes at least a control printed circuit board (PCB)  652 , a charging PCB  654 , the motor  382 , the flexible circuit  484 , and the battery  600 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting system  486 , a microcontroller  656 , and a Hall Effect sensor  658  are provided along the flexible circuit  484 . In the illustrated embodiment, the control PCB  652  includes a wireless communication module  660 , a voltage regulator  662 , a switching regulator  664 , a motor driver  668 , a gyroscope sensor  670 , and an accelerometer sensor  672 . The motor  382  is in electrical communication with the control PCB  652  of the controller  570  via the motor wire  480  (see  FIG.  28   ). The flexible circuit  484  is also in electrical communication with the control PCB  652  of the controller via the motor wire  480  (see  FIG.  28   ). The charging PCB  654  includes a charging module  674 . The battery  600  is in electrical communication with all of the electrical components and is directly coupled with the control PCB  652  of the controller  570 . In the embodiment of the controller  570  illustrated in  FIGS.  28 - 32   , the battery  600  is included within the controller  570 . In some embodiments, the battery  600  may be separate from the controller  570  and removably connected to the controller  570  by an electrical wire or other means. Additional electrical components not specifically addressed herein may also be included along one of the control PCB  652  or the flexible circuit  484 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  41   , a plurality of resistors, capacitors, and other electrical components are also disposed along the control PCB  652  but are not specifically referenced herein. The wireless communication module  660  supports Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) wireless communication. In an embodiment, the wireless communication module  660  includes onboard crystal oscillators, chip antenna, and passive components. The wireless communication module  660  may support a number of peripheral functions, e.g., ADC, timers, counters, PWM, and serial communication protocols, e.g., I2C, UART, SPI, through its programmable architecture. The wireless communication module  660  may include a processor, a flash memory, a timer, and additional components not specifically noted herein. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  41   , the motor driver  668  is also provided along the control PCB  652 . The motor driver  668  may be a dual brushed DC motor driver that works with 3 V to 5 V logic levels, supports ultrasonic (up to 20 kHz) pulse width modulation (PWM), and features current feedback, under-voltage protection, over-current protection, and over-temperature protection. The motor driver  668  can supply up to or above 3 Amps of continuous current per channel to the motor  382 , and supports ultrasonic (up to 20 kHz) PWM of a motor output voltage, which helps to reduce audible switching sounds caused by PWM speed control. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  41   , the voltage regulator  662  may also be provided. The voltage regulator  662  may comprise a fixed output voltage low dropout linear regulator. The voltage regulator  662  may include built-in output current-limiting. The switching regulator  664  is also included on the control PCB  652 . The switching regulator  664  may be a monolithic nonsynchronous switching regulator with integrated 5-A, 24-V power switch. The switching regulator  664  may regulate output voltage with current mode PWM control and may include an internal oscillator. The switching frequency of PWM may be set by an external resistor or by synchronizing to an external clock signal. The switching regulator  664  may include an internal 5-A, 24-V Low-Side MOSFET Switch, 2.9-V to 16-V Input Voltage Range, a fixed-Frequency-Current-Mode PWM Control, and/or a frequency hat that is adjustable from about 100 kHz to about 1.2 MHz. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  41   , the microcontroller  656  is shown disposed along the flexible circuit  484 . The microcontroller  656  enables and controls a capacitive, touch sensing user interface along the panel  66  of the housing  170 . The microcontroller  656  may be able to support a plurality of capacitive sensing inputs, and allows for capacitive buttons, sliders, and/or proximity sensors to be electrically coupled thereto, some or all of which may be incorporated along the flexible circuit  484 . The microcontroller  656  can include an analog sensing channel and delivers a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of greater than 100:1 to ensure touch accuracy even in noisy environments. The microcontroller  656  may be programmed to dynamically monitor and maintain optimal sensor performance in all environmental conditions. Advanced features, such as LED brightness control, proximity sensing, and system diagnostics, may be programmable. The microcontroller  656  may be operable to enable liquid-tolerant designs by eliminating false touches due to mist, water droplets, or streaming water. 
     The Hall effect sensor  658  may be provided (shown disposed along the flexible circuit  484  in  FIG.  41   ), which may be operable to detect a switch in a magnetic field adjacent the motor  382  from N to S, or vice versa, and maintain its detection result on the output until the next switch. Output is pulled low for S-pole fields and high for N-pole fields. The Hall effect sensor  658  may be operable to provide feedback regarding a direction of the motor  382 . Additional sensors may be provided, and varying types of sensors may be provided along the flexible circuit  484  or along portions of the article of footwear  74 . The Hall effect sensor  658  therefore may operate to detect rotation, position, open/closed configuration, current detection, and/or various other aspects of the motor  382 . As noted above, the Hall effect sensor  658  is electrically coupled with the microcontroller  656 . 
     The gyroscope sensor  670  may be provided (shown disposed along the control PCB  652  in  FIG.  41   ), which may be operable to detect angular deviations in X, Y, and/or Z axes relative to the position of the housing  170  and/or the controller  570  of the automatic lacing system  54  of the article of footwear  74 . The gyroscope sensor  670  therefore may operate to detect angular rotation of the shoes  52  in the X, Y, and/or Z axes while a user performs various activities, such as running. The gyroscope sensor  670  may alternatively be provided along the flexible circuit  484  or along portions of the article of footwear  74 . 
     The accelerometer sensor  672  may also be provided (shown disposed along the control PCB  652  in  FIG.  41   ), which may be operable to detect linear acceleration in the X, Y, and/or Z axes of the housing  170  and/or the controller  570  of the automatic lacing system  54  of the article of footwear  74 . The accelerometer sensor  672  therefore may operate to detect velocity and acceleration of the shoes  52  in the X, Y, and/or Z axes while a user performs various activities, such as running. The accelerometer sensor  672  may alternatively be provided along the flexible circuit  484  or along portions of the article of footwear  74 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  41   , the charging module  674  may be provided (shown disposed along the charging PCB  654 , which may be housed within the controller  570 . The charging module  674  comprises a variety of capacitors, diodes, and rectifiers, and may have a number of alternative configurations. The charging module  674  is configured to allow for charging of the battery  600  via the connection port  594  or the inductive coils  598  of the controller  570 . 
     Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with different embodiments. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to articles of footwear of the type specifically shown. Still further, aspects of the articles of footwear of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to work with any type of footwear, apparel, or other athletic equipment. 
     As noted previously, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the disclosure has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.