Patent Description:
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 adjacent 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 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 do not apply forces along a top of the foot; rather, when the laces are tightened, forces are applied 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.

The invention relates to an article of footwear as specified in appended independent claim <NUM>. Additional embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

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.

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 ± <NUM>% 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's finger(s) across a panel or touchscreen to activate a function. A "swipe" involves touching a panel or touchscreen, moving one's finger along the panel or touchscreen in a first direction, and subsequently removing contact of one'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.

<FIG> depicts a footwear assembly <NUM> that includes a pair of shoes <NUM>, each of which includes an automatic lacing system <NUM>, a charger <NUM> for charging one or more batteries (not shown) that are disposed within each of the shoes <NUM>, a charging cartridge <NUM> for receiving a battery (not shown) for charging when the battery has been removed from one of the shoes <NUM>, and an electronic device <NUM>, which may be a cellular phone or tablet, that can be used to send one or more signals to the automatic lacing system <NUM> based on one or more inputs from a user. The footwear assembly <NUM> may include additional components not specifically addressed herein.

As discussed in greater detail hereinafter below, the footwear assembly <NUM> is intended to allow a user to tighten or loosen the laces of the shoes <NUM> by swiping, tapping, pressing, or applying a pressure to a control or swipe panel <NUM> of the automatic lacing system <NUM>. As nonlimiting examples, a user can swipe down along the panel <NUM> of the automatic lacing system <NUM> to close or tighten laces of the automatic lacing system <NUM>, swipe up to open or loosen the laces, tap an upper end of the panel <NUM> to more precisely loosen the laces, or tap a lower end of the panel <NUM> to more precisely tighten the laces. These and other features will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to <FIG>, the shoes <NUM> are shown in greater detail. The shoes <NUM> comprise a first or left shoe <NUM> and a second or right shoe <NUM>. The left shoe <NUM> and the right shoe <NUM> may be similar in all material aspects, except that the left shoe <NUM> and the right shoe <NUM> 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 <NUM> will be referenced to describe aspects of the disclosure. In some figures, the article of footwear <NUM> 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 <NUM> is applicable to both the left shoe <NUM> and the right shoe <NUM>. In some embodiments, there may be differences between the left shoe <NUM> and the right shoe <NUM> other than the left/right configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the left shoe <NUM> may include the automatic lacing system <NUM>, while the right shoe <NUM> may not include the automatic lacing system <NUM>, or vice versa. Further, in some embodiments, the left shoe <NUM> may include one or more additional elements that the right shoe <NUM> does not include, or vice versa. As discussed hereinafter below, the article of footwear <NUM> need not include the automatic lacing system <NUM>, but rather may be manually laced according to the lacing system disclosed herein.

<FIG> depict an exemplary embodiment of the article of footwear <NUM> including an upper <NUM> and a sole structure <NUM>. As will be further discussed herein, the upper <NUM> is attached to the sole structure <NUM> and together define an interior cavity <NUM> (see <FIG>) into which a foot of a user may be inserted. For reference, the article of footwear <NUM> defines a forefoot region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM> (see <FIG>). The forefoot region <NUM> generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear <NUM> 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 <NUM> is proximate and adjoining the forefoot region <NUM>, and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear <NUM> that encase the arch of a foot, along with the bridge of a foot. The heel region <NUM> is proximate and adjoining the midfoot region <NUM> and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear <NUM> 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 <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another area of the upper <NUM> may be formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. Using this configuration, properties of the upper <NUM> may vary throughout the upper <NUM> by selecting specific yarns for different areas of the upper <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, and referring to <FIG>, the article of footwear <NUM> includes a first or mesh layer <NUM> and a second or base layer <NUM>. The base layer <NUM> may include multiple layers, such as an outer surface <NUM> upon which a plurality of eyelets <NUM> may be provided, and an interior surface <NUM> that engages with a foot when a user puts on the article of footwear <NUM>. The mesh layer <NUM> and the base layer <NUM> may be connected at one or more locations along the article of footwear <NUM>.

With reference to the material(s) that comprise the upper <NUM>, 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 <NUM>.

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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>, 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 <FIG>, the article of footwear <NUM> also defines a lateral side <NUM> and a medial side <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM> being shown in <FIG> and the medial side <NUM> being shown in <FIG>. When a user is wearing the shoes, the lateral side <NUM> corresponds with an outside-facing portion of the article of footwear <NUM> while the medial side <NUM> corresponds with an inside-facing portion of the article of footwear <NUM>. As such, the left shoe <NUM> and the right shoe <NUM> have opposing lateral sides <NUM> and medial sides <NUM>, such that the medial sides <NUM> are closest to one another when a user is wearing the shoes <NUM>, while the lateral sides <NUM> are defined as the sides that are farthest from one another while the shoes <NUM> are being worn. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> adjoin one another at opposing, distal ends of the article of footwear <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> adjoin one another along a longitudinal central plane or axis <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. As will be further discussed herein, the longitudinal central plane or axis <NUM> may demarcate a central, intermediate axis between the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. Put differently, the longitudinal plane or axis <NUM> may extend between a rear, distal end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> and a front, distal end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> and may continuously define a middle of an insole <NUM>, the sole structure <NUM>, and/or the upper <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, i.e., the longitudinal plane or axis <NUM> is a straight axis extending through the rear, distal end <NUM> of the heel region <NUM> to the front, distal end <NUM> of the forefoot region <NUM>.

Unless otherwise specified, and referring to <FIG>, the article of footwear <NUM> may be defined by the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM>. The forefoot region <NUM> may generally correspond with portions of the article of footwear <NUM> that encase portions of a foot <NUM> that include the toes or phalanges <NUM>, the ball of the foot <NUM>, and one or more of the joints <NUM> that connect the metatarsals <NUM> of the foot <NUM> with the toes or phalanges <NUM>. The midfoot region <NUM> is proximate and adjoins the forefoot region <NUM>. The midfoot region <NUM> generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear <NUM> that encase an arch of a foot <NUM>, along with a bridge of the foot <NUM>. The heel region <NUM> is proximate to the midfoot region <NUM> and adjoins the midfoot region <NUM>. The heel region <NUM> generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear <NUM> that encase rear portions of the foot <NUM>, including the heel or calcaneus bone <NUM>, the ankle (not shown), and/or the Achilles tendon (not shown).

Still referring to <FIG>, the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the medial side <NUM>, and the lateral side <NUM> are intended to define boundaries or areas of the article of footwear <NUM>. To that end, the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the medial side <NUM>, and the lateral side <NUM> generally characterize sections of the article of footwear <NUM>. Certain aspects of the disclosure may refer to portions or elements that are coextensive with one or more of the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the medial side <NUM>, and/or the lateral side <NUM>. Further, both the upper <NUM> and the sole structure <NUM> may be characterized as having portions within the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, and/or along the medial side <NUM> and/or the lateral side <NUM>. Therefore, the upper <NUM> and the sole structure <NUM>, and/or individual portions of the upper <NUM> and the sole structure <NUM>, may include portions thereof that are disposed within the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, and/or along the medial side <NUM> and/or the lateral side <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the medial side <NUM>, and the lateral side <NUM> are shown in detail. The forefoot region <NUM> extends from a toe end <NUM> to a widest portion <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. The widest portion <NUM> is defined or measured along a first line <NUM> that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis <NUM> that extends from a distal portion of the toe end <NUM> to a distal portion of a heel end <NUM>, which is opposite the toe end <NUM>. The midfoot region <NUM> extends from the widest portion <NUM> to a thinnest portion <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. The thinnest portion <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> is defined as the thinnest portion of the article of footwear <NUM> measured across a second line <NUM> that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The heel region <NUM> extends from the thinnest portion <NUM> to the heel end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>.

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 <NUM> and components thereof, may be described with reference to general areas or portions of the article of footwear <NUM>, with an understanding the boundaries of the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the medial side <NUM>, and/or the lateral side <NUM> as described herein may vary between articles of footwear.

However, aspects of the article of footwear <NUM> and individual components thereof, may also be described with reference to exact areas or portions of the article of footwear <NUM> and the scope of the appended claims herein may incorporate the limitations associated with these boundaries of the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the medial side <NUM>, and/or the lateral side <NUM> discussed herein.

Still referring to <FIG>, the medial side <NUM> begins at the distal toe end <NUM> and bows outward along an inner side of the article of footwear <NUM> along the forefoot region <NUM> toward the midfoot region <NUM>. The medial side <NUM> reaches the first line <NUM>, at which point the medial side <NUM> bows inward, toward the central, longitudinal axis <NUM>. The medial side <NUM> extends from the first line <NUM>, i.e., the widest portion <NUM>, toward the second line <NUM>, i.e., the thinnest portion <NUM>, at which point the medial side <NUM> enters into the midfoot region <NUM>, i.e., upon crossing the first line <NUM>. Once reaching the second line <NUM>, the medial side <NUM> bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis <NUM>, at which point the medial side <NUM> extends into the heel region <NUM>, i.e., upon crossing the second line <NUM>. The medial side <NUM> then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end <NUM>, and terminates at a point where the medial side <NUM> meets the longitudinal, center axis <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the lateral side <NUM> also begins at the distal toe end <NUM> and bows outward along an outer side of the article of footwear <NUM> along the forefoot region <NUM> toward the midfoot region <NUM>. The lateral side <NUM> reaches the first line <NUM>, at which point the lateral side <NUM> bows inward, toward the longitudinal, central axis <NUM>. The lateral side <NUM> extends from the first line <NUM>, i.e., the widest portion <NUM>, toward the second line <NUM>, i.e., the thinnest portion <NUM>, at which point the lateral side <NUM> enters into the midfoot region <NUM>, i.e., upon crossing the first line <NUM>. Once reaching the second line <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM> bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis <NUM>, at which point the lateral side <NUM> extends into the heel region <NUM>, i.e., upon crossing the second line <NUM>. The lateral side <NUM> then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end <NUM>, and terminates at a point where the lateral side <NUM> meets the longitudinal, center axis <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> is connected or secured to the upper <NUM> and extends between a foot of a user and the ground when the article of footwear <NUM> is worn by the user. The sole structure <NUM> 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.

Referencing <FIG> the sole structure <NUM> of the present embodiment may be characterized by an outsole or outsole region <NUM>, a midsole region <NUM>, and an insole or insole region <NUM> (see <FIG>). The outsole region <NUM>, the midsole region <NUM>, and the insole region <NUM>, and/or any components thereof, may include portions within the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and/or the heel region <NUM>. Further, the outsole region <NUM>, the midsole region <NUM>, and the insole region <NUM>, and/or any components thereof, may include portions on the lateral side <NUM> and/or the medial side <NUM>.

In other instances, the outsole region <NUM> may be defined as a portion of the sole structure <NUM> that at least partially contacts an exterior surface, e.g., the ground, when the article of footwear <NUM> is worn. The insole region <NUM> may be defined as a portion of the sole structure <NUM> that at least partially contacts a user's foot when the article of footwear is worn. Finally, the midsole region <NUM> may be defined as at least a portion of the sole structure <NUM> that extends between and connects the outsole region <NUM> with the insole region <NUM>.

The upper <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, extends upwardly from the sole structure <NUM> and defines the interior cavity <NUM> that receives and secures a foot of a user. The upper <NUM> may be defined by a foot region <NUM> and an ankle region <NUM>. In general, the foot region <NUM> extends upwardly from the sole structure <NUM> and through the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM>. The ankle region <NUM> is primarily located in the heel region <NUM>; however, in some embodiments, the ankle region <NUM> may partially extend into the midfoot region <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, which depict the article of footwear <NUM> without the outer mesh layer <NUM>, portions of the lacing of the automatic lacing system <NUM> are shown in greater detail. The automatic lacing system <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> defining the panel <NUM>, and laces that include a lateral or first lace <NUM> and a medial or second lace <NUM>. The automatic lacing system <NUM> also includes a number of electronic components, which will be discussed hereinafter below. The first lace <NUM> extends through a plurality of lateral eyelets <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> extends through a plurality of medial eyelets <NUM>. The lateral eyelets <NUM> include a first lateral eyelet <NUM>, a second lateral eyelet <NUM>, a third lateral eyelet <NUM>, a fourth lateral eyelet <NUM>, and a fifth lateral eyelet <NUM>. The medial eyelets <NUM> include a first medial eyelet <NUM>, a second medial eyelet <NUM>, a third medial eyelet <NUM>, a fourth medial eyelet <NUM>, and a fifth medial eyelet <NUM>. Both the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> also extend through a first channel or slit <NUM> and a second channel or slit <NUM> that are provided within a strap <NUM> that extends across the midfoot region <NUM>, adjacent a base of a tongue <NUM>. The lateral eyelets <NUM> are disposed within all of the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM>, and the medial eyelets <NUM> are disposed within all of the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM>.

Further, both the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> include portions that are disposed within the housing <NUM>, which allows the automatic lacing system <NUM> to draw in the laces <NUM>, <NUM>, or let out the laces <NUM>, <NUM>, depending on a particular input or desired operation of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> are closed loops, and each include a portion that is disposed within the housing <NUM>, a portion that extends through the strap <NUM>, and portions that extend through the eyelets <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first lace <NUM> and/or the second lace <NUM> may not comprise a closed loop, and may instead have ends that are fixedly attached to portions of the article of footwear <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first lace <NUM> extends from a first lateral aperture <NUM> along the housing <NUM> downward and slightly toward the forefoot region <NUM> to the first lateral eyelet <NUM>. The first lace <NUM> may slightly bend or angle as it passes through the first lateral eyelet <NUM>, however, the first lace <NUM> remains substantially linear as it passes through the first lateral eyelet <NUM>. The first lace <NUM> then extends to the second lateral eyelet <NUM> through which the first lace <NUM> passes as it extends toward the third lateral eyelet <NUM>. The first lace <NUM> forms an angle of about <NUM> degrees as it passes through the second lateral eyelet. After passing through the second lateral eyelet <NUM>, the first lace <NUM> extends toward the forefoot region <NUM> and through the third lateral eyelet <NUM>. The first lace <NUM> forms an angle of about <NUM> degrees as it passes through the third lateral eyelet <NUM>. After passing through the third lateral eyelet <NUM>, the first lace <NUM> extends upward and rearward, toward the strap <NUM>. The first lace <NUM> then passes through the first channel <NUM> in the strap <NUM> toward the heel region, and extends downward toward the fourth lateral eyelet <NUM>. As it extends toward the fourth lateral eyelet <NUM>, the first lace <NUM> crosses over a portion of the first lace <NUM> that extends between the first lateral eyelet <NUM> and the second lateral eyelet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first lace <NUM> crosses under a portion of the first lace <NUM> that extends between the first lateral eyelet <NUM> and the second lateral eyelet <NUM>. The first lace <NUM> forms an angle of about <NUM> degrees as it passes through the fourth lateral eyelet <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, once reaching the fourth lateral eyelet <NUM>, the first lace <NUM> angles slightly, and extends to the fifth lateral eyelet <NUM>. The first lace <NUM> forms an angle of about <NUM> degrees as it passes through the fifth lateral eyelet <NUM>. At the fifth lateral eyelet <NUM>, the first lace <NUM> sharply turns back toward the midfoot region <NUM> and extends upward to a second lateral aperture <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The first lace <NUM> then passes through the second lateral aperture <NUM>, and into the housing <NUM>, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter below. Alternative configurations of the lacing structure as outlined above are contemplated, and more or fewer eyelets and or intersections of the first lace <NUM> with itself may be included. However, as noted above, in a preferred embodiment the first lace <NUM> crosses over itself a single time. In some embodiments, the first lace <NUM> may cross over itself two, three, four, five, six, or seven times. However, in the preferred embodiment, the specific orientation of the housing <NUM>, the first eyelets <NUM>, and the strap <NUM>, allows the article of footwear <NUM> to be adequately and securely tightened around a user's foot, and forces applied by the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> are spread over a user's foot in an efficient and retentive manner so as to apply reduced forces along a user's foot while the article of footwear <NUM> is being worn. In that sense, a preferable orientation of the first lace <NUM> is to extend from the housing <NUM> downward, toward the sole structure <NUM> through two of the first eyelets <NUM> and through the remaining eyelets, as noted above.

Referring to <FIG>, the second lace <NUM> extends from a first medial aperture <NUM> along the housing <NUM> downward and slightly toward the forefoot region <NUM> to the first medial eyelet <NUM>. The second lace <NUM> may slightly bend or angle as it passes through the first medial eyelet <NUM>, however, the second lace <NUM> remains substantially linear as it passes through the first medial eyelet <NUM>. The second lace <NUM> then extends to the second medial eyelet <NUM> through which the second lace <NUM> passes as it extends toward the third medial eyelet <NUM>. The second lace <NUM> forms an angle of about <NUM> degrees as it passes through the second medial eyelet. After passing through the second medial eyelet <NUM>, the second lace <NUM> extends toward the forefoot region <NUM> and through the third medial eyelet <NUM>. The second lace <NUM> forms an angle of about <NUM> degrees as it passes through the third medial eyelet <NUM>. After passing through the third medial eyelet <NUM>, the second lace <NUM> extends upward and rearward, toward the strap <NUM>. The second lace <NUM> then passes through the second channel <NUM> in the strap <NUM>, toward the heel region <NUM>, and then extends downward toward the fourth medial eyelet <NUM>. As it extends toward the fourth medial eyelet <NUM>, the second lace <NUM> crosses over a portion of the second lace <NUM> that extends between the first medial eyelet <NUM> and the second medial eyelet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second lace <NUM> crosses under a portion of the second lace <NUM> that extends between the first medial eyelet <NUM> and the second medial eyelet <NUM>. The second lace <NUM> forms an angle of about <NUM> degrees as it passes through the fourth medial eyelet <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, once reaching the fourth medial eyelet <NUM>, the second lace <NUM> angles slightly, and extends to the fifth medial eyelet <NUM>. The second lace <NUM> forms an angle of about <NUM> degrees as it passes through the fifth medial eyelet <NUM>. At the fifth medial eyelet <NUM>, the second lace <NUM> sharply turns back toward the midfoot region <NUM> and extends upward to a second medial aperture <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The second lace <NUM> then passes through the second medial aperture <NUM>, and into the housing <NUM>, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter below. Alternative configurations of the lacing structure as outlined above are contemplated, and more or fewer eyelets and or intersections of the second lace <NUM> may be included.

As noted above, the second lace <NUM> crosses over itself a single time. In some embodiments, the second lace <NUM> may cross over itself two, three, four, five, six, or seven times. However, in the preferred embodiment. the specific orientation of the housing <NUM>, the second eyelets <NUM>, and the strap <NUM>, allows the article of footwear <NUM> to be adequately and securely tightened around a user's foot, and forces applied by the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> are spread over a user's foot in an efficient and retentive manner so as to apply reduced forces along a user's foot while the article of footwear <NUM> is being worn. In that sense, a preferable orientation of the second lace <NUM> is to extend from the housing <NUM> downward, toward the sole structure <NUM> through two of the second eyelets <NUM> and through the remaining eyelets, as noted above.

The lacing system <NUM> as described above may allow a user to modify dimensions of the upper <NUM>, e.g., to tighten or loosen portions of the upper <NUM>, around a foot as desired by the user. As will also be discussed in further detail herein, the lacing system <NUM> may allow a user to modify tightness, as desired by the user. In some embodiments, both the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> are tightened or loosened the same amount when a command is input by a user. In some embodiments, only one of the first lace <NUM> or the second lace <NUM> is tightened or loosened when a command is input by a user. In some embodiments, the first lace <NUM> tightens or loosens to a first tightness level, and the second lace <NUM> tightens or loosens to a second tightness level, different than the first tightness level. As such, the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> may be tightened to the same tightness level or may be tightened to different levels.

Referring to <FIG>, the upper <NUM> extends along the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>, and across the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM> to house and enclose a foot of a user. When fully assembled, the upper <NUM> also includes an interior surface <NUM> and an exterior surface <NUM>. The interior surface <NUM> faces inward and generally defines the interior cavity <NUM>, and the exterior surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM> faces outward and generally defines an outer perimeter or boundary of the upper <NUM>. The interior surface <NUM> and the exterior surface <NUM> may comprise portions of the layers <NUM>, <NUM> disclosed above. The upper <NUM> also includes an opening <NUM> that is at least partially located in the heel region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, that provides access to the interior cavity <NUM> and through which a foot may be inserted and removed. In some embodiments, the upper <NUM> may also include an instep area <NUM> that extends from the opening <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> over an area corresponding to an instep of a foot to an area adjacent the forefoot region <NUM>. The instep area <NUM> may comprise an area similar to where tongue <NUM> of the present embodiment is disposed. In some embodiments, the upper <NUM> does not include the tongue <NUM>, i.e., the upper <NUM> is tongueless, and the housing <NUM> is disposed along a portion of the upper <NUM> as discussed above.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM>, or components thereof, may be formed through additive manufacturing techniques, such as by 3D printing. To that end, a number of 3D printed techniques may be implemented to form the housing <NUM>, such as vat photopolymerization, material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, material extrusion, directed energy deposition, and/or sheet lamination. In some embodiments, the housing <NUM>, or components thereof, may be 3D printed directly upon the instep region <NUM>, or along another region of the foot, such as the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, or the heel region <NUM>. In some embodiments, the housing <NUM>, or components thereof, may be 3D printed and then separately coupled with a portion of the shoe <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> of the automatic lacing system <NUM> is shown in greater detail. The housing <NUM> is centrally disposed along the tongue <NUM>, which is located between the lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. The strap <NUM> is located at the base of the tongue <NUM>, the strap <NUM> including the channels <NUM>, <NUM> through which the first and second laces <NUM>, <NUM> can move when the laces are being tightened or loosened. The panel <NUM> along the housing <NUM> is shown clearly in <FIG>. The first and second lateral apertures <NUM>, <NUM> and the first and second medial apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are also shown, through which the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> extend. A design element <NUM> is also provided along the tongue <NUM>, which, in some embodiments, may include an LED or sensor disposed therealong, which may receive or provide feedback from a user. The tongue <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> may be connected to the upper <NUM> at a number of connection points, or along the sides and base thereof. The tongue <NUM> may also include additional aspects not specifically recited herein.

Referring now to <FIG>, a partially exploded view of the layering of the article of footwear <NUM> is shown. As provided in the exploded view, the first or mesh layer <NUM> and the second or base layer <NUM> are shown separated from the article of footwear <NUM>. The mesh layer <NUM> is shown comprising a web or web-like structure with a plurality of apertures <NUM> provided along the web-like structure. The base layer <NUM> is a generally homogenous layer without any apertures or holes therealong. Further, the base layer <NUM> comprises the plurality of eyelets <NUM>. Portions of the base layer <NUM> and portions of the mesh layer <NUM>, in combination, form the exterior surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. The base layer <NUM> is also disposed under the mesh layer <NUM> when the article of footwear <NUM> is fully assembled. There may be additional layers provided intermediate the mesh layer <NUM> and the base layer <NUM>, e.g., in some embodiments, one or more additional layers are provided between the base layer <NUM> and the mesh layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, additional layers are provided above or below the mesh layer <NUM> or the base layer <NUM>, respectively.

The first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM> may include varying characteristics, 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 between the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM>, and/or or other portions of the upper <NUM>. For example, the upper <NUM>, and the individual components thereof, e.g., the mesh layer <NUM> and the base layer <NUM>, may be individually formed using a variety of elements, textiles, polymers (including foam polymers and polymer sheets), leather, synthetic leather, etc. Further, the upper <NUM>, and the individual components thereof, may be joined together through bonding, stitching, or by a seam to create the upper <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the lacing system <NUM> will now be described in greater detail. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, ghost views of some internal components of the automatic lacing system <NUM> illustrate a wheel gear <NUM>, a worm gear <NUM>, a gear train <NUM> comprising additional gears, and a motor <NUM>. A spool (not shown) is formed by an underside of the wheel gear <NUM>, and is operable to spool the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM>. Portions of the housing <NUM> are removed for clarity. The specific gear configuration will be discussed below, but the motor <NUM> is operable to rotate the worm gear <NUM> via the gear train <NUM>. The worm gear <NUM> is configured to drive the wheel gear <NUM>, which allows the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> to rotate about a wheel gear axis <NUM>. As the wheel gear <NUM> turns and draws the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> around the axis <NUM>, which is coincident with an axis of the spool, the laces <NUM>, <NUM> are either tightened or loosened, depending on a direction of rotation of the wheel gear <NUM> (and by extension, the worm gear <NUM>, the gears of the gear train <NUM>, and the motor <NUM>). As described below, the motor <NUM> may be a DC brushless motor.

Referring specifically to <FIG>, the wheel gear <NUM> includes a first aperture <NUM> and a second aperture <NUM> on a lateral or right side <NUM> thereof, and a third aperture <NUM> and a fourth aperture <NUM> on a medial or left side <NUM> thereof. The first and second apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed adjacent one another, and the third and fourth apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed adjacent one another. In a preferred embodiment, the first lace <NUM> passes into the housing <NUM>, is strung upward through the first aperture <NUM>, and back downward through the second aperture <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the second lace <NUM> passes into the housing <NUM>, is strung upward through the third aperture <NUM>, and back downward through the fourth aperture <NUM>. This orientation allows the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> to be drawn inward, around the gear axis <NUM> in a direction of arrows A or B, depending upon whether the automatic lacing system <NUM> is being used to tighten or loosen the laces <NUM>, <NUM>. As may be apparent from the orientation of the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> along the wheel gear <NUM>, the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> are tightened or loosened at the same time in this orientation and to the same degree.

In a preferred embodiment, from an initial or loose configuration (shown in <FIG>), rotation of the wheel gear <NUM> by about <NUM> degrees results in a first level of tightness, rotation of the wheel gear <NUM> by about <NUM> degrees results in a second level of tightness, rotation of the wheel gear by about <NUM> degrees results in a third level of tightness, etc. In some embodiments, rotation of the wheel gear <NUM> in increments of about <NUM> degrees results in a first level of tightness, second level of tightness, third level of tightness, etc. In some embodiments, rotation of the wheel gear <NUM> by increments of about <NUM> degrees results in a first level of tightness, second level of tightness, third level of tightness, etc. In some embodiments, rotation of the wheel gear <NUM> in increments of about <NUM> degrees results in a first level of tightness, second level of tightness, third level of tightness, etc. In some embodiments, rotation of the wheel gear <NUM> by increments of about <NUM> degrees results in a first level of tightness, second level of tightness, third level of tightness, etc..

Still referring to <FIG>, the worm gear <NUM> defines a worm gear axis <NUM>, along which a first gear <NUM> is disposed, which is one of the gears in the gear train <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, a motor housing <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) of the housing <NUM> is shown removed, while a gear base <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is shown having the wheel gear <NUM> coupled thereto. In <FIG>, the first gear <NUM> is visible, along with the wheel gear <NUM> and the worm gear <NUM>, however, the remaining gears of the gear train <NUM> are hidden by a gear train housing <NUM>. The gear train housing <NUM> is provided to retain the gear train <NUM> in a compact, and protected configuration. As provided in <FIG> and <FIG>, the gear train <NUM> and the gear train housing <NUM> are disposed along a lateral side of the footprint of the housing <NUM>. Further, the motor <NUM> is disposed at a heel end of the footprint of the housing <NUM>, while the wheel gear <NUM> is provided at a midfoot end of the footprint of the housing <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, ghost views of some internal components of the automatic lacing system <NUM> illustrate the wheel gear <NUM>, the worm gear <NUM>, the gear train <NUM>, and the motor <NUM>. Referring specifically to <FIG>, the wheel gear <NUM> includes the first aperture <NUM> and the second aperture <NUM> on the right side <NUM> thereof, and the third aperture <NUM> and the forth aperture <NUM> on the left side <NUM> thereof. The first and second apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed adjacent one another, and the third and fourth apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed adjacent on another. In the alternative embodiment depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first lace <NUM> passes into the housing <NUM>, is strung upward through the first aperture <NUM>, and back downward through the third aperture <NUM>. In the same embodiment, the second lace <NUM> is passed into the housing <NUM>, strung upward through the second aperture <NUM>, and strung back downward through the fourth aperture <NUM>. This orientation allows the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> to be drawn inward, around the gear axis <NUM> in a direction of arrows A or B, depending upon whether the automatic lacing system <NUM> is being used to tighten or loosen the laces <NUM>, <NUM>. As may be apparent from the orientation of the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> along the wheel gear <NUM>, the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> are tightened or loosened at the same time in this orientation to the same degree.

<FIG> depict elements of the automatic lacing system <NUM> in an exploded configuration. Referring specifically to <FIG>, an exploded perspective view of some components of the automatic lacing system <NUM> is shown. The components include a top cover <NUM>, the gear base <NUM>, the motor housing <NUM>, the gear train housing <NUM>, the wheel gear <NUM>, the worm gear <NUM>, and the gear train <NUM>. The worm gear <NUM> is provided about a first shaft <NUM>, and the first gear <NUM> is disposed at an end of the first shaft <NUM>. The worm gear <NUM>, the first shaft <NUM>, and the first gear <NUM> comprise a first gear assembly <NUM>. A second gear assembly <NUM> includes a second gear <NUM> and a third gear <NUM> (see <FIG>) that are disposed along a second shaft <NUM>. The second gear <NUM> and the third gear <NUM> are fixedly coupled to one another, thus, when the second gear <NUM> is rotated, the third gear <NUM> is also rotated. A third gear assembly <NUM> is also provided, the third gear assembly <NUM> including a fourth gear <NUM> and a fifth gear <NUM> (see <FIG>). The fourth gear <NUM> and the fifth gear <NUM> are fixedly coupled to one another and are disposed along a third shaft <NUM>. A motor gear <NUM> is also shown extending from the motor <NUM>, the motor gear <NUM> being disposed along a motor shaft <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The first gear <NUM>, second gear <NUM>, third gear <NUM>, fourth gear <NUM>, and fifth gear <NUM> 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 <NUM> and the third gear <NUM>, if one gear is bigger than the other (the first gear <NUM> has a diameter that is larger than third gear <NUM>), 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 <NUM> is proportionally greater than the torque of the first gear <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the first gear assembly <NUM> includes the worm gear <NUM>, which is in communication with the wheel gear <NUM>. A worm gear is a species of helical gear, but its helix angle is usually somewhat large (close to <NUM> 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 <NUM> results in a simple and compact way to achieve a high torque, low speed gear ratio between the worm gear <NUM> and the wheel gear <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the worm gear <NUM> can always drive the wheel gear <NUM>, but the opposite is not always true. The combination of the worm gear <NUM> and the wheel gear <NUM> results in a self-locking system, thus, an advantage is achieved, i.e., when a particular tightness level is desired, the worm gear <NUM> can be easily used to hold that position. The worm gear <NUM> can be right or left-handed. For purposes of this disclosure, a worm gear assembly <NUM> includes the wheel gear <NUM>, the worm gear <NUM>, the first shaft <NUM>, and the first gear <NUM>. The worm gear <NUM>, the first shaft <NUM>, and the first gear <NUM>, may comprise a single material, or may comprise different materials.

The worm gear assembly <NUM> is in communication with the second gear assembly <NUM>, which is in communication with the third gear assembly <NUM>, which is in communication with the motor gear <NUM>. As a result, when the motor shaft <NUM> is rotated by the motor <NUM>, the motor gear <NUM> spins in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending upon whether the wheel gear <NUM> is intended to be spun clockwise or counterclockwise, i.e., to tighten or loosen the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM>. The motor gear <NUM> is in communication with the fifth gear <NUM>, rotation of which causes the third shaft <NUM> and the fourth gear <NUM> to rotate. The fourth gear <NUM> is in communication with the second gear <NUM>, which is fixedly coupled with the third gear <NUM>. As noted above, the second gear <NUM>, the third gear <NUM>, and the second shaft <NUM> comprise the second gear assembly <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the second gear assembly <NUM> is thereby caused to rotate when the third gear assembly <NUM> is caused to rotate by the motor gear <NUM>. The third gear <NUM> of the second gear assembly <NUM> is in communication with the first gear <NUM>, thus, rotation of the third gear <NUM> causes rotation of the first gear <NUM>. When the first gear <NUM> is caused to rotate by the second gear assembly <NUM>, the first gear <NUM> causes the first shaft <NUM> to rotate, and the first shaft <NUM> is fixedly coupled with the worm gear <NUM>. The worm gear <NUM> is thereby caused to rotate when the first gear <NUM> is caused to rotate. Since the wheel gear <NUM> is in communication with the worm gear <NUM>, the wheel gear <NUM> is also caused to rotate when the first gear assembly <NUM> is caused to rotate. When the wheel gear <NUM> rotates, the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> are drawn into the housing, about the wheel gear axis <NUM> or spool. As noted above, the first gear assembly <NUM> includes the first gear <NUM>, the first shaft <NUM>, and the worm gear <NUM>. The worm gear assembly <NUM> includes the first gear assembly <NUM> and the wheel gear <NUM>. To that end, when the motor gear <NUM> rotates, the third gear assembly <NUM> is caused to rotate, which causes the second gear assembly <NUM> to rotate, which causes the worm gear assembly <NUM> to rotate.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the motor housing <NUM>, the base <NUM>, the gear housing <NUM>, and the top cover <NUM> of the housing <NUM> are shown in detail. The motor housing <NUM> includes lace apertures <NUM> on left and right (or medial and lateral) sides thereof, and a gear train aperture <NUM> along the right (or lateral) side thereof. The lace apertures <NUM> allow the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> to enter into the motor housing <NUM> unimpeded. The motor housing <NUM> further includes an outer platform <NUM> that circumscribes a motor compartment <NUM>. The motor compartment <NUM> houses all of the gear assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the motor <NUM>. The gear housing <NUM> includes a plurality of shaft retaining holes <NUM> (see <FIG>), which retain the shafts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the gear assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The motor compartment <NUM> generally defines a profile of the housing <NUM>, and the top cover <NUM> is formed to be seated over the motor housing <NUM> and gear housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the gear housing <NUM> is shown in greater detail. The gear housing <NUM> includes the shaft retaining holes <NUM>, which are located so as to allow the shafts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to rotate securely in place. A spool <NUM> is shown depending downward from the wheel gear <NUM>, the spool <NUM> comprising a cylindrical reel <NUM> and a lower flange <NUM>, which are both centered around a spool shaft <NUM>. The cylindrical reel <NUM> may be sized and shaped to retain the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> when the laces are wound around the spool <NUM> during operation of the lacing system <NUM>. The reel <NUM> may have varying diameters, but in a preferred embodiment, the reel <NUM> has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the wheel gear <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spool <NUM> need not include the lower flange <NUM>, thus, the spool may simply comprise a cylindrical structure on which the laces are wound. When the gear <NUM> is rotated, the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> are wound around the reel <NUM>, and are thereby drawn into the housing <NUM>. The spool <NUM> may be spun clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on whether the laces <NUM>, <NUM> are being tightened or loosened. The spool shaft <NUM> may disposed on or in rotatable communication with the gear base <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the top cover <NUM> is shown, the top cover <NUM> being securable with the outer platform <NUM> of the motor housing <NUM> via snap fit. Fastener bores <NUM> are disposed along an underside <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>, the bores <NUM> aligning with screw holes <NUM> along the motor housing <NUM>. Fasteners, such as bolts or screws, can be inserted through the screw holes <NUM> and into the fastener bores <NUM> along the top cover <NUM> to further secure the top cover <NUM> with the motor housing <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> can also be securable to the motor housing <NUM> via other methods of coupling.

Still referring to <FIG>, the lace apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are provided along the sides of the top cover <NUM>. The lace apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are sized to allow the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> to extend into the housing <NUM> and out of the housing <NUM>. The laces <NUM>, <NUM> therefore extend into the lace apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> through the lace holes <NUM> of the motor housing <NUM>, and are engaged with the apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the wheel gear <NUM>, as discussed above. Referring again to <FIG>, the gear base <NUM> is shown. The gear base <NUM> includes a wheel gear compartment <NUM>, which is sized and shaped to receive the wheel gear <NUM>. The wheel gear <NUM> may be coupled with the gear base <NUM> via a shaft, or the wheel gear <NUM> may sit upon a protrusion or shaft that extends from the base <NUM>. The wheel gear <NUM> is disposed within the wheel gear compartment <NUM> so as to rotate freely when caused to rotate via the gear train <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the top cover <NUM> includes the panel <NUM>, a lateral side <NUM>, a front side <NUM>, and a medial side <NUM>. The panel <NUM> and the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> of the housing <NUM> are intended to completely cover the electronics and sensors of the automatic lacing system <NUM>. As will be discussed in greater detail below, one or more LEDs are disposed under the lateral side <NUM>, the front side <NUM>, and the medial side <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>. While the top cover <NUM> may be any color, including the color black, in a preferred embodiment, light can be seen through the top cover <NUM> when one or more light sources are activated within the housing <NUM>. Specific activation of the light sources is discussed with respect to <FIG>.

A sensor system <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, the sensor system <NUM> being configured to be disposed between the top cover <NUM> and the motor housing <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The sensor system <NUM> comprises a flexible circuit <NUM>, which includes a plurality of swipe sensors <NUM> disposed therealong. The swipe sensors <NUM> are in the shape of repeating chevrons or the letter "M," however, the swipe sensors <NUM> may comprise alternative shapes, such as ovals, squares, rectangles, circles, triangles, or other polygonal shapes. The swipe sensors <NUM> are responsive to tactile interaction with the panel <NUM> of the housing <NUM> by a user. The sensor system <NUM> includes a plurality of layers, which may comprise varying circuitry, sensors, LEDs, etc. The sensor system <NUM> also includes a first controller or microcontroller <NUM>, which is shown disposed along a medial or left side <NUM> of the sensor system <NUM>. A plurality of resistors <NUM> are disposed along the flexible circuit <NUM>. Further a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes, or LEDs <NUM>, are provided along a periphery of the flexible circuit <NUM>. The plurality of LEDs <NUM> are disposed along the flexible circuit <NUM> so that the LEDs <NUM> are aligned with the lateral side <NUM>, the front side <NUM>, and the medial side <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> when fully assembled.

As noted above, the flexible circuit <NUM> may be disposed between the top cover <NUM> and the motor housing <NUM>. The flexible circuit <NUM> includes the plurality of swipe sensors <NUM> which, in some embodiments, may also be caused to flash or light up in response to a signal sent by one or more controllers, including the microcontroller <NUM>. In some embodiments, additional LEDs are provided along the panel <NUM>, or along another portion of the housing <NUM>. The flexible circuit <NUM> may be disposed in a reverse configuration, as noted above, in light of the differences between the left shoe <NUM> and the right shoe <NUM>. When the automatic lacing system <NUM> is assembled, the swipe sensors <NUM> of the flexible circuit <NUM> are disposed beneath the panel <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. As a result, the plurality of LEDs <NUM> are disposed along and adjacent the sides of the top cover <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> may have portions that are transparent or translucent to allow the light emitted from the LEDs <NUM> to shine through.

Still referring to <FIG>, in the present embodiment, the flexible circuit <NUM> includes <NUM> of the LEDs <NUM>, which are positioned around a periphery of the motor compartment <NUM> and under the top cover <NUM> when the lacing system <NUM> is assembled. The LEDs <NUM> provide light-based feedback to a user. In particular, the LEDs <NUM> provide visual cues that indicate a tightness level of the laces <NUM>, <NUM> and/or an energy level of a battery <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>), e.g., a low power warning, as well as visual cues that indicate when the battery <NUM> is being charged. For example, none of the LEDs <NUM> may be illuminated when the laces <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration, four of the LEDs <NUM> are illuminated when the automatic lacing system <NUM> is in a first state, nine of the LEDs <NUM> are illuminated when the automatic lacing system <NUM> is in a second state (which is tighter than the first state), and/or sixteen of the LEDs <NUM> are illuminated when the automatic lacing system <NUM> is in a third state (which is tighter than the first state and the second state). As noted above, LEDs <NUM> are positioned under the top cover <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The LEDs may also be disposed in such a way as to light up a variety of symbols along or within the top cover <NUM>, such as stars, battery charge information, etc., when the battery is in a low power mode, or a lightning symbol when the battery is charging, for example.

Referring now to <FIG>, side views of the shoe <NUM> are shown in a loosened configuration, and a tightened configuration, respectively. Referring specifically to <FIG>, in the loosened configuration, the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> are not taut, but are laced through all of the first eyelets <NUM> and the second eyelets <NUM>, respectively. In some embodiments, the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> have a slight amount of pretensioning to ensure a more comfortable instep if the shoe is in an untightened mode. To that end, the shoe <NUM> as shown in <FIG> achieves a more comfortable instep position, which may be utilized by a user in certain circumstances when the shoe <NUM> is being worn. Referring back to <FIG>, in the loosened configuration, the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM> may be disposed as shown in this detail view, where the wheel gear <NUM> is not rotated in such a way as to cause the first lace <NUM> or the second lace <NUM> to be tightened. While the wheel gear <NUM> may be disposed in alternative configurations in the loosened state, the wheel gear <NUM> is preferably disposed in a similar fashion as shown in <FIG> in the loosened configuration. In a preferred embodiment, a line drawn between the first aperture <NUM> and the third aperture <NUM> of the wheel gear <NUM> is parallel with an axis of the first shaft <NUM> in the loosened configuration.

Referring now to <FIG>, when the automatic lacing system <NUM> is commanded to tighten the first lace <NUM> and the second lace <NUM>, the tongue <NUM>, and, therefore, the housing <NUM> are drawn downward in a direction of the arrow C, 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 <NUM>. 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>, the first level of tightness may be achieved when the wheel gear <NUM> is rotated by about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees. Each subsequent level of tightness may be achieved by rotating the wheel gear <NUM> by another amount, which may be about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM> degrees.

Once the shoe <NUM> has achieved the first tightened configuration, the shoe <NUM> may be returned to the loosened configuration by rotating the wheel gear <NUM> in a reverse direction, i.e., if the wheel gear <NUM> is tightened by rotating in the direction of arrow A (see <FIG>), then the wheel gear <NUM> is loosened by being rotated in the direction of arrow B. To that end, the shoe <NUM> shown in <FIG>, which is shown in a loosened configuration, may be adjusted into the tightened configuration as shown in <FIG>, and may subsequently be returned to the original, loosened configuration shown in <FIG>. The laces <NUM>, <NUM> of the shoe <NUM> 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.

Referring now to <FIG>, and as previously noted, the automatic lacing system <NUM> may be manipulated by a user using two methods: (<NUM>) physical contact with the panel <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, i.e., user interaction with the swipe sensors <NUM>; and (<NUM>) using the wireless device <NUM>. The first method of manipulation, i.e., physical adjustment, will be discussed with in reference to <FIG>. To that end, the automatic lacing system <NUM> can have predetermined levels of tightness, which includes an open configuration, wherein the laces <NUM>, <NUM> are loosened to a predetermined tightness, and a closed configuration, wherein the laces <NUM>, <NUM> are tightened to a predetermined tightness. In practice, a user may be able to swipe down on the panel <NUM> to tighten the laces <NUM>, <NUM> to the predetermined tightness of the closed configuration, or swipe up on the panel <NUM> to loosen the laces <NUM>, <NUM> to the predetermined tightness of the open state. Further, a user can adjust the predetermined tightness of the laces of the open and closed states by tapping the upper end of the panel <NUM> to decrease the tightness of either the closed configuration or the open configuration, or by tapping the bottom end of the panel <NUM> to increase the tightness of either the closed configuration or the open configuration. In addition, a user can reset the aforementioned predetermined levels by applying a pressure to the panel <NUM> for a predetermined amount of time, e.g., <NUM> seconds, the user can "wake up" or activate the automatic lacing system <NUM> by tapping the panel <NUM>, or the user can connect/pair the wireless device <NUM> by applying a pressure to the top surface for a second predetermined amount of time, e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> seconds, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter below.

<FIG> depict schematic illustrations of swipe commands along the control/display panel <NUM> in various states and show various responses to one or more input commands. The plurality of LEDs <NUM> are shown illuminated in various configurations based on the state of the automatic lacing system <NUM>. For example, when the article of footwear <NUM> is in a loose configuration, none of the LEDs <NUM> are activated. When the article of footwear <NUM> is in a first tightness level configuration, a bottom row of the LEDs <NUM> is illuminated. When the article of footwear <NUM> is in a second tightness level configuration, the bottom row of the LEDs <NUM> and side columns of the LEDs <NUM> are illuminated. In the figures, a first circle <NUM> indicates a touch point along the panel <NUM> by a user, and an arrow <NUM> indicates a swipe direction to a second circle <NUM>, which indicates another touch point along the panel <NUM>.

The various swipe commands will now be described. Referring specifically to <FIG>, a first or closing swipe command <NUM> is shown. To effectuate the closing swipe command <NUM>, a user touches the panel <NUM> at the first circle <NUM> and swipes down in the direction of the arrow <NUM> toward the second circle <NUM>. The closing swipe command <NUM> may fully tighten the shoes <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, a second or opening swipe command <NUM> is shown. To effectuate the opening swipe command <NUM>, a user touches the panel <NUM> at the first circle <NUM> and swipes up in the direction of the arrow <NUM> toward the second circle <NUM>. The opening swipe command <NUM> may fully loosen the shoes <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, an adjust/loosen command <NUM> is shown. To effectuate the adjust/loosen command <NUM>, a user touches the panel <NUM> at the first circle <NUM>. The adjust/loosen command <NUM> incrementally loosens the laces of the automatic lacing system <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, an adjust/tighten command <NUM> is shown. To effectuate the adjust/tighten command <NUM>, a user touches the panel <NUM> at the first circle <NUM>. The adjust/tighten command <NUM> incrementally tightens the laces of the automatic lacing system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a reset command <NUM> is shown. To effectuate the reset command <NUM>, a user touches or presses the panel <NUM> for <NUM> seconds at the first circle <NUM>. The reset command <NUM> may return the automatic lacing system <NUM> to factory settings, or another type of null setting. Referring to <FIG>, a connect/pair command <NUM> is shown. To effectuate the connect/pair command <NUM>, a user depresses the panel <NUM> at the first circle <NUM> for one to two seconds. The connect/pair command <NUM> may be used to connect or a pair the shoes <NUM> with the electronic device <NUM> via Bluetooth®. Referring to <FIG>, a wake up command <NUM> is shown. To effectuate the wake up command <NUM>, a user touches the panel <NUM> at the first circle <NUM>. The wake up command <NUM> may turn on the automatic lacing system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, various illumination configurations of the LEDs <NUM> are shown, the illumination configurations representing an open configuration <NUM>, a first closed configuration <NUM>, a second closed configuration <NUM>, and a third closed configuration <NUM>, respectively. In the open configuration <NUM>, none of the LEDs <NUM> are illuminated. In the first closed configuration <NUM>, four of the LEDs <NUM> along the bottom row of LEDs <NUM> are illuminated. In the second closed configuration <NUM>, four of the LEDs <NUM> along the bottom row and six of the LEDs <NUM> along each of the side columns of the panel <NUM> are illuminated. In the third closed configuration <NUM>, all of the LEDs <NUM> are illuminated. As one may appreciate, the open configuration <NUM> may indicate that the automatic lacing system <NUM> is in a fully open state, while the third closed configuration <NUM> may indicate that the automatic lacing system <NUM> is in a fully closed state. The first closed configuration <NUM> and the second closed configuration <NUM> may be intermediate states of closure between the fully open state and the fully closed state.

Referring to <FIG>, a low battery state <NUM> is shown. In the low battery state <NUM>, all of the LEDs <NUM> may flash or blink to indicate to a user that the automatic lacing system <NUM> is running low on battery. In some embodiments, the automatic lacing system <NUM> may enter the low battery state <NUM> when the battery has run down to about <NUM>% of charge. In some embodiments, if the battery runs under <NUM>% of charge, the automatic lacing system <NUM> will loosen the laces <NUM>, <NUM> to the open configuration <NUM> to allow a user to remove the shoes <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG>, a charging state <NUM> is shown. In the charging state <NUM>, all of the LEDs <NUM> are illuminated, and may display a different color than the color of the open/closed states <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. While the above configurations and states have been described with respect to varying illumination configurations of the LEDs <NUM>, alternative variations are contemplated. For example, in some configurations or states, the LEDs <NUM> may flash, turn a different color, blink, or blink one at a time to indicate alternative states or configurations.

<FIG> is a side view of the pair of shoes and charger of <FIG>, with the pair of shoes being placed onto the charger <NUM> to begin charging or to enter the charging state <NUM>. As shown in the figure, a user may place the heel regions <NUM> of the shoes <NUM> onto heel receiving docks <NUM> of the charger <NUM>. The heel receiving docks <NUM> may be circular, or otherwise elliptically-shaped, and may be generally formed to receive the heel regions <NUM> of the shoes <NUM>. The charger <NUM> also includes a detachable power cord <NUM> that may be plugged into a charging source, such as an electrical socket within a wall (not shown). As discussed in greater detail below, the charger <NUM> includes inductive coils (not shown), which provide electric charge to shoe coils <NUM> (see <FIG>) that are disposed within the shoes <NUM>. The shoe coils <NUM> are electrically coupled to the batteries <NUM> that are disposed within the sole structures <NUM> of the shoes <NUM>. As also noted herein, the battery <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> can be charged either wirelessly, or by removing the battery <NUM> from the article of footwear <NUM> and by connecting the battery <NUM> directly to a power source. In some embodiments, the act of the user placing the shoes <NUM> along the charger <NUM> activates a power source to transmit inductive power to the coils positioned within the sole structures <NUM> of the shoes <NUM> and, thereby, provide power to the battery.

<FIG> is a top view of the charger <NUM> without the power cord <NUM> coupled thereto. As shown in <FIG>, the charger <NUM> includes two of the heel receiving docks <NUM>, which are generally circular and include recessed portions <NUM> that are capable of receiving and retaining the heel regions <NUM> of the shoes <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the battery cartridge <NUM> of <FIG> shown in an open configuration and retaining the battery <NUM>. The battery cartridge <NUM> is shown connected with the power cord <NUM>, which may be the same power cord as shown in <FIG>, or may be a different power cord. The power cord <NUM> may be fixedly coupled with the battery cartridge <NUM>, or the power cord <NUM> may be removably coupled with the battery cartridge <NUM>. The battery cartridge <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a cover <NUM> that is pivotally connected with the base <NUM>. When the battery <NUM> is inserted into the base <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may be closed over the battery <NUM> to completely secure the battery <NUM> within the battery cartridge <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> of the shoe <NUM> is shown with the upper <NUM> having been removed. A battery case <NUM> is shown disposed within a battery cavity <NUM> that is defined within the sole structure <NUM>. The battery cavity <NUM> may be shaped to fittingly receive the battery case <NUM>, and is generally disposed centrally between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. The battery cavity <NUM> does not extend all the way through the sole structure <NUM>. The battery case <NUM> is shown, which includes the battery <NUM>, a coil housing <NUM>, which encases the charging coil <NUM> (see <FIG>), a control PCB or second controller <NUM> (see <FIG>) and a charging PCB or third controller <NUM> (see schematic of <FIG>). Referring to <FIG>, the battery case <NUM> is electrically coupled with the housing <NUM> via at least one motor wire <NUM>, which is/are electrically coupled with the motor <NUM>, and a control wire <NUM>, which is electrically coupled to the flexible circuit <NUM> disposed within the housing <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter below, the motor wires <NUM> couple the control PCB <NUM> with the motor <NUM>, and the control wire <NUM> (which may comprise a number of wires) couples the control PCB <NUM> with the flexible circuit <NUM>, including the electrical components disposed thereon.

<FIG> depict the battery case <NUM> without the coil housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the coil housing <NUM> is not included. Referring specifically to <FIG>, the shoe coil <NUM> is shown in greater detail. The coil <NUM> is electrically coupled with the battery <NUM> via a charging wire <NUM>. During charging, the coil <NUM> is aligned with the coil (not shown) within the charger <NUM>, and is capable of charging the battery <NUM> through wireless or inductive charging. The battery <NUM> is shown disposed within the battery case <NUM>, the battery <NUM> being removable through the use of a battery removal strap <NUM> disposed at an end of the battery <NUM>. The battery case <NUM> further includes a controller housing <NUM>, which is disposed at an opposing end of the battery case <NUM>. The controller housing <NUM> may provide access to the control PCB <NUM> and/or the charging PCB <NUM>. The battery case <NUM> may comprise alternative forms so as to efficiently and securely be retained within the sole structure <NUM> of the shoe <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict illustrative views of the steps of removing the battery <NUM> from the sole structure <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, a user <NUM> is shown removing the insole <NUM> from the interior cavity <NUM> of the shoe <NUM>. The insole <NUM> may be secured within the shoe <NUM> as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Once the insole <NUM> has been removed, and referring specifically to <FIG>, the user <NUM> is able to access the removal strap <NUM> of the battery <NUM>. The user <NUM> can then grasp the strap <NUM> and remove the battery <NUM> from the battery case <NUM>. The user <NUM> can then place the battery <NUM> into the battery cartridge <NUM>, as discussed above. Additional steps of removal and/or charging may be included in addition to the steps disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the strap <NUM> is not included, and a finger groove (not shown) is provided within the battery case <NUM> so as to allow a user to grasp the battery <NUM> and pull it out manually.

Referring now to <FIG>, the control PCB <NUM> is shown. The control PCB <NUM> includes a plurality of components disposed thereon, including a wireless communication device <NUM>, which may be a module that supports wireless communication, a first regulator <NUM>, which may be a switching regulator, a motor driver <NUM>, which may be a DC motor driver, and a second regulator <NUM>, which may be a voltage regulator. A plurality of resistors, capacitors, and other electrical components are also disposed along the control PCB <NUM>, but are not specifically referenced herein. The wireless communication device <NUM> supports Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) wireless communication. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication device <NUM> includes onboard crystal oscillators, chip antenna, and passive components. The wireless communication device <NUM> may support a number of peripheral function, e.g., ADC, timers, counters, PWM, and serial communication protocols, e.g., I2C, UART, SPI, through its programmable architecture. The wireless communication device <NUM> may include a processor, a flash memory, a timer, and additional components not specifically noted herein.

Still referring to <FIG>, the motor driver <NUM> is also provided along the control PCB <NUM>. The motor driver <NUM> may be a dual brushed DC motor driver that works with <NUM> V to <NUM> V logic levels, supports ultrasonic (up to <NUM>) PWM, and features current feedback, under-voltage protection, over-current protection, and over-temperature protection. The motor driver <NUM> can supply up to or above <NUM> Amps of continuous current per channel to the motor <NUM>, and supports ultrasonic (up to <NUM>) pulse width modulation (PWM) of a motor output voltage, which helps to reduce audible switching sounds caused by PWM speed control.

Still referring to <FIG>, the linear regulator <NUM> may also be provided. The linear regulator <NUM> may comprise a fixed output voltage low dropout linear regulator. The linear regulator <NUM> may include built-in output current-limiting. The switching regulator <NUM> is also included on the control PCB <NUM>. The switching regulator <NUM> may be a monolithic nonsynchronous switching regulator with integrated <NUM>-A, <NUM>-V power switch. The switching regulator <NUM> regulates output voltage with current mode PWM control, and has 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 <NUM> may include an internal <NUM>-A, <NUM>-V Low-Side MOSFET Switch, <NUM>-V to <NUM>-V Input Voltage Range a fixed-Frequency-Current-Mode PWM Control, and a frequency hat that is adjustable from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the microcontroller <NUM> is shown disposed along the flexible circuit <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> enables and controls a capacitive, touch sensing user interface along the panel <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> may be able to support up to <NUM> 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 <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> can include an analog sensing channel and delivers a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of greater than <NUM>:<NUM> to ensure touch accuracy even in noisy environments. The microcontroller <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be operable to enable liquid-tolerant designs by eliminating false touches due to mist, water droplets, or streaming water.

Still referring to <FIG>, a Hall effect IC or sensor <NUM> may be provided (which is shown disposed along the flexible circuit <NUM>), which may be operable to detect a switch in a magnetic field adjacent the motor <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be operable to provide feedback regarding a direction of the motor <NUM>. Additional sensors may be provided, and varying types of sensors may be provided along the flexible circuit <NUM> or along portions of the shoe <NUM>. The Hall effect sensor <NUM> therefore may operate to detect rotation, position, open/closed configuration, current detection, and/or various other aspects of the motor <NUM>. The Hall effect sensor <NUM> is electrically coupled with the microcontroller <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, electrical schematics for the electrical components as described above are shown in greater detail. Referring to <FIG>, a schematic of the Hall effect sensor <NUM> is shown in greater detail. As noted above, the sensor <NUM> is intended to keep track of the number and/or direction of rotations of the motor <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, a schematic of the microcontroller <NUM> is shown in detail. As noted above, the microcontroller <NUM> is connected to the LEDs <NUM>, the swipe sensors <NUM>, and the Hall effect sensor <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> is also coupled with other electrical components that are disposed along the control PCB <NUM>. <FIG> is an electrical schematic of the wireless communication module <NUM>. <FIG> is an electrical schematic of the motor driver <NUM>. <FIG> is an electrical schematic of the switching regulator <NUM>. <FIG> is an electrical schematic of the regulator <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an electrical schematic of the charging <NUM> and a charging module <NUM> are shown. The charging controller <NUM> may be provided along the charging PCB <NUM>, which may be housed within the battery case <NUM>. The charging module <NUM> comprises a variety of capacitors, diodes, and rectifiers, and may have a number of alternative configurations. The charging module <NUM> is configured to allow for charging of the battery <NUM> when a user desires to charge the battery <NUM>.

A block diagram <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, the block diagram <NUM> including the various electrical components described above within the automatic lacing system <NUM>. The automatic lacing system <NUM> broadly includes the control PCB <NUM>, the motor <NUM>, the flexible circuit <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, and the charging PCB <NUM>. The plurality of LEDs <NUM>, the microcontroller <NUM>, and the Hall Effect sensor <NUM> are provided along the flexible circuit <NUM>. The control PCB <NUM> includes the wireless communication module <NUM>, the regulator <NUM>, the switching regulator <NUM>, and the motor driver <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is in electrical communication with the control PCB <NUM>. The flexible circuit <NUM> is also in electrical communication with the control PCB <NUM>. The battery <NUM> is in electrical communication with all of the electrical components, however, the battery <NUM> may be directly coupled with the control PCB <NUM>. Additional electrical components not specifically addressed herein may also be included along one of the control PCB <NUM> or the flexible circuit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the automatic lacing system <NUM> can also be controlled using the wireless device <NUM>, which can be paired with or connected to the lacing system <NUM> via Bluetooth® or another wireless signal. The figures provide exemplary screenshots of a display screen <NUM> of the wireless device <NUM>, which has been paired, via Bluetooth®, with the automatic lacing system <NUM>. First, and referring to <FIG>, the display screen <NUM> prompts a user to pair their wireless device <NUM> with a particular pair of shoes <NUM> to be adjusted via the electronic device. Subsequent to pairing, the user is brought to a screen as shown in <FIG>. The user is provided shoe information <NUM>, which in the present case, is an energy level of the batteries <NUM> within the left shoe <NUM> and the right shoe <NUM>. The shoe information <NUM> is conveyed on the screen in the form of batteries having a certain level of charge. The shoe information may include other information, such as a tightness level, a temperature of the shoe(s), a configuration of the shoe(s), etc. The shoe information may also include additional aspects not specifically addressed herein.

<FIG> illustrates the display screen <NUM> just before both of the shoes <NUM> have been paired with the wireless device <NUM>. After selecting the pair of shoes <NUM>, the wireless device <NUM> activates the LEDs <NUM> along the left shoe <NUM> or the right shoe <NUM> and may prompt the user to indicate whether the LEDs <NUM> have illuminated on both of the shoes <NUM>. In some embodiments, the display screen may request information regarding the left shoe <NUM> or the right shoe <NUM>, such as whether the LEDs <NUM> have illuminated on both of the shoes <NUM>. In addition to the LEDs <NUM> along the actual pair of shoes <NUM>, the wireless device <NUM> also provides level indicators <NUM> that are proximate to the shoes shown on the display screen <NUM>, which indicate a tightness level or state of tightness of each of the shoes <NUM>. Once the shoes <NUM> are paired or connected to the wireless device <NUM>, the user can name or register the selected footwear, select the shoes <NUM> for manipulation of one or more settings of the shoes <NUM>, or select another input along the display screen <NUM>.

Once the shoes <NUM> are paired with the electronic device <NUM>, which is depicted in <FIG>, the user can loosen or tighten the shoes <NUM> as a pair by swiping up or swiping down on the left shoe <NUM>, the right shoe <NUM>, or the pair of shoes <NUM> shown on the display screen <NUM>. In order to tighten or loosen the shoes <NUM> a user first pushes or taps the left shoe <NUM>, the right shoe <NUM>, or the pair of shoes <NUM>. Next, a user swipes up or swipes down on the left shoe <NUM>, the right shoe <NUM>, or the pair of shoes <NUM> on the display screen <NUM> to loosen or tighten the shoes <NUM>. Similar to how a user would interact with the top surface of the panel <NUM> as discussed above, a user may also tap a certain region of the selected shoe <NUM>.

All of the commands as discussed above with respect to the first method of manipulation, i.e., physical adjustment, may also be implemented through interaction with the display screen <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. To that end, the automatic lacing system <NUM> can have predetermined levels of tightness, which includes a pre-set open configuration, wherein the laces <NUM>, <NUM> are loosened to a predetermined tightness, and a pre-set closed configuration, wherein the laces <NUM>, <NUM> are tightened to a predetermined tightness. In practice, a user may be able to swipe down on the pair of shoes <NUM> along the display screen <NUM> to tighten the laces <NUM>, <NUM> to the predetermined tightness of the pre-set closed configuration, or swipe up on the display screen <NUM> to loosen the laces <NUM>, <NUM> to the predetermined tightness of the pre-set open state. Further, a user can adjust the predetermined tightness of the laces of the pre-set open and closed states by tapping a toe end of the pair of shoes <NUM> along the display screen <NUM> to decrease the tightness of either the pre-set closed configuration or the pre-set open configuration, or by tapping a heel end of the pair of shoes <NUM> along the display screen <NUM> to increase the tightness of either the pre-set closed configuration or the pre-set open configuration.

The swipe commands of <FIG> are also applicable to the display screen <NUM>, and will now be discussed in that context. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, to effectuate the closing swipe command <NUM>, a user touches the display screen <NUM> and swipes down. The open swipe command <NUM> can be effectuated by a user touching the display screen <NUM> and swiping up. The opening swipe command <NUM> may fully loosen the shoes <NUM>. The adjust/loosen command <NUM> can be effectuated by a user touching the display screen <NUM> at a heel end of the shoes <NUM> on the display screen <NUM>. The adjust/loosen command <NUM> incrementally loosens the laces <NUM>, <NUM> of the automatic lacing system <NUM>. The adjust/tighten command <NUM> can be effectuated by a user touching the display screen <NUM> at a toe end of the shoes <NUM> on the display screen <NUM>. The adjust/tighten command <NUM> incrementally tightens the laces of the automatic lacing system <NUM>.

The reset command <NUM> can be effectuated by a user touching or pressing the display screen <NUM> for <NUM> seconds. The reset command <NUM> may return the automatic lacing system <NUM> to factory settings, or another type of null setting. The connect/pair command <NUM> can be effectuated by a user depressing the display screen <NUM> for one to two seconds. The connect/pair command <NUM> may be used to connect or pair the shoes <NUM> with the electronic device <NUM> via Bluetooth®. The wake up command <NUM> can be effectuated by a user touching the display screen <NUM> along the pair of shoes <NUM>. The wake up command <NUM> may turn on the automatic lacing system <NUM>.

The various illumination configurations of the LEDs <NUM> can also be manipulated through the electronic device <NUM>. A user may provide one or more inputs to the electronic device <NUM> to allow the shoes <NUM> to enter the open configuration <NUM>, the first closed configuration <NUM>, the second closed configuration <NUM>, and/or the third closed configuration <NUM>, respectively. Further, the configurations and states may be displayed to a user via the display screen <NUM>. For example, the low battery state <NUM> or the charging state <NUM> may be displayed on the electronic device <NUM>. While the above configurations and states have been described with respect to varying illumination configurations of the LEDs <NUM>, alternative variations are contemplated along the display screen <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, in some configurations or states, the LEDs <NUM> may flash, turn a different color, blink, or blink one at a time to indicate alternative states or configurations.

In some embodiments, additional controls are provided along the display screen <NUM>, such as one or more buttons that allow a user to fully tighten the selected shoes, fully loosen the selected shoes, incrementally tighten the selected shoes, incrementally loosen the shoes, select a particular color that will be displayed by the LEDs <NUM>, and/or select a desired or preferred tightness of the selected shoe. In some embodiments, the user may be able to set one or more timers along the display screen <NUM> that may automatically loosen or tighten the selected shoe to a desired degree at a certain time.

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. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claim 1:
An article of footwear, comprising:
a sole structure (<NUM>);
an upper (<NUM>) attached to the sole structure (<NUM>), the upper (<NUM>) comprising a lateral side (<NUM>), a medial side (<NUM>), and an instep region (<NUM>); and
a lacing system (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) disposed adjacent the instep region (<NUM>), the housing (<NUM>) including a wheel gear (<NUM>) disposed within the housing (<NUM>); and
wherein, when the wheel gear (<NUM>) rotates, a first lace (<NUM>) and a second lace (<NUM>) are drawn into the housing (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the wheel gear (<NUM>) includes a first aperture (<NUM>), a second aperture (<NUM>), a third aperture (<NUM>), a fourth aperture (<NUM>), and a spool (<NUM>) depending from the wheel gear (<NUM>),
the first and second apertures (<NUM>, <NUM>) are disposed on a first side of the wheel gear (<NUM>), and the third and fourth apertures (<NUM>, <NUM>) are disposed on a second side of the wheel gear (<NUM>), wherein the second side is arranged diametrically opposite the first side,
the first lace (<NUM>) passes into the housing (<NUM>), is strung upward through the first aperture (<NUM>), and back downward through the third aperture (<NUM>) such that the first lace (<NUM>) is drawn into the housing (<NUM>) around the spool (<NUM>) about a wheel gear axis (<NUM>), and
the second lace (<NUM>) passes into the housing (<NUM>), is strung upward through the second aperture (<NUM>), and back downward through the fourth aperture (<NUM>) such that the second lace (<NUM>) is drawn into the housing (<NUM>) around the spool (<NUM>) about the wheel gear axis (<NUM>), wherein the first and the second laces (<NUM>, <NUM>) are closed loops.