AUTOMATIC LACING SYSTEM

1 . (canceled)

2 . An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper and a sole structure;

the upper comprising an inner void and an inner surface;

at least one removable element, wherein the at least one removable element is configured to be removable and re-insertable after manufacture of the article of footwear;

wherein a portion of the at least one removable element is fixedly attached to a portion of the upper;

one or more compartments disposed within the article of footwear, including a first compartment; and

wherein the removal of the at least one removable element provides access to the first compartment.

3 . The article of footwear of claim 2 , wherein the at least one removable element includes a bootie that is disposed within the inner void, and wherein the bootie is arranged to be adjacent to a majority of an inner surface of the upper.

4 . The article of footwear of claim 2 , wherein the at least one removable element includes a collar lining.

5 . The article of footwear of claim 2 , wherein the sole structure includes a sole plate, wherein the sole plate includes the first compartment, and wherein the first compartment comprises a cavity configured to receive a component.

6 . The article of footwear of claim 2 , wherein the sole structure includes a heel region, wherein the heel region of the sole structure includes the first compartment, and wherein the first compartment comprises a recess configured to receive a component.

7 . The article of footwear of claim 2 , wherein the upper includes a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first compartment is disposed between a portion of the first layer and a portion of the second layer, and wherein the first compartment comprises a tunnel configured to receive a component.

8 . The article of footwear of claim 7 , wherein the upper includes a heel counter, wherein the first compartment is disposed adjacent to the heel counter, and wherein the heel counter comprises a light diffusive material.

9 . The article of footwear of claim 2 , wherein the upper includes a first layer and a second layer, and wherein the upper includes one or more cables disposed between the first layer and the second layer.

10 . A method of installing one or components in an article of footwear, comprising:

manufacturing the article of footwear with one or more compartments, including a first compartment;

incorporating a sole plate that includes a cavity into the article of footwear during manufacturing, wherein the cavity comprises the first compartment;

removing one or more inner lining materials associated with the article of footwear;

inserting one or more components into the article, including a first component;

installing the first component in the first compartment; and

reinserting the one or more inner lining materials in the article of footwear.

11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the first component includes a housing unit containing a motorized tightening device.

12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein manufacturing the article of footwear further comprises incorporating a sole structure with a recess into the article of footwear, wherein the recess comprises the first compartment.

13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the first component includes a heel sensor.

14 . The method of 10 , further comprising exposing a region in the article of footwear and therein providing access to the first compartment.

15 . The method of claim 10 , wherein manufacturing the article of footwear further comprises forming an upper, utilizing at least two layers of material in the upper including a first layer and a second layer, and positioning a portion of wire between the first layer and the second layer.

16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein installing the first component further comprises connecting the first component to the portion of wire that is disposed within the upper.

17 . The method of claim 10 , wherein removing one or more inner lining materials further includes removing a bootie from an interior void.

18 . The method of claim 10 , wherein removing one or more inner lining materials further includes removing a collar lining from an interior void.

19 . An assembly system for installing components in an article of footwear, comprising:

an article of footwear, wherein the article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure, wherein the sole structure includes a first compartment, wherein the upper includes a second compartment;

a removable inner liner material associated with the upper;

at least two components, the at least two components including a first component and a second component;

wherein the first component is configured to be inserted into the first compartment and wherein the second component is configured to be inserted into the second compartment; and

wherein the removable inner liner material is configured to be reinsertable within the upper.

20 . The assembly system of claim 19 , wherein the removable inner liner material comprises a bootie and a collar lining.

21 . The assembly system of claim 19 , wherein the sole structure includes a sole plate, wherein the sole plate includes a cavity, wherein the cavity comprises the first compartment, and wherein the cavity is configured to receive the first component.

22 . The assembly system of claim 21 , wherein the article of footwear includes a connecting element, and wherein the first component is configured to be attached to the connecting element.