Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole structure coupled to the upper, at least one receiver integrated into an exterior surface of the upper, and a removable shield configured to selectively attach to the at least one receiver. The removable shield has an outward-facing ornamental exterior surface when attached to the at least one receiver.

Abstract: A method for displaying game-related images on footwear with integrated or coupled display devices. The method includes authenticating user credentials with a video game platform, querying the platform for game-related images associated with the user's profile, and receiving a user-selected image. The selected image is processed for display on the footwear's display device. A communication link is established between a computing device and the display device, and the processed image is transmitted and displayed. The method further involves receiving a unique article identifier from communication circuitry associated with the display device and recording an association between the displayed image and the article identifier.

Abstract: A method for displaying and managing digital collectables on wearable articles with integrated displays. The method involves receiving a digital collectable at a computing device and transmitting it to a wearable article for display on an integrated display. An identifier unique to the wearable article is received, and an association between the digital collectable and the wearable article identifier is recorded. The method further includes receiving information related to the usage of the wearable article while displaying the digital collectable. Based on this received information, metadata for the digital collectable is generated. The generated metadata is then recorded in association with the digital collectable.

Abstract: A method of displaying a cryptographically secured digital collectable on a digital display includes receiving the cryptographically secured digital collectable; receiving an indication from a user to display the cryptographically secured digital collectable on the digital display provided on an article of footwear or apparel; receiving an article identifier from communication circuitry provided on the article of footwear in response to receiving the indication to display the digital collectable on the article of footwear or apparel; transmitting the cryptographically secured digital collectable to the article of footwear or apparel for display on the digital display; and recording or requesting the recordation that the cryptographically secured digital collectable is displayed in connection with the article identifier of the article of footwear or apparel.

Abstract: An article of footwear, lacing engine, and method includes a motor, a transmission operatively coupled to the motor, and a lace spool. The lace spool is operatively coupled to the transmission and includes a top lace groove in a top surface of the lace spool and a circumferential channel, wherein the lace is configured to be inserted in the top lace groove and be taken up around the circumferential channel based on a turning of the lace spool from action by the motor and transmission. A fastener is configured to couple the lace spool to the transmission and is inserted into the lace spool via the top surface, the fastener having a head having a head width sufficient to partially cover the top lace groove, leaving a top gap having a gap width less than a thickness of the lace.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a fastener that can be used with various apparel and that can be easier to operate and can be less likely to create discomfort to a wearer. In at least some examples, the fastener includes a hook, which can be connected to a first portion of the article, and a receiver, which can be connected to a second portion of the article. The hook can be releasably connected to the receiver to selectively secure the first portion of the article to the second portion of the article. The receiver can include various elements, and in one example, the receiver includes a slot that can receive, at various angles and orientations, a bend of the hook. In addition, receiver can include a cross bar (e.g., anchor bar) that mates with the bend of the hook to retain the hook in a secure position.

Abstract: A method of displaying a cryptographically secured digital collectable on a digital display includes receiving the cryptographically secured digital collectable; receiving an indication from a user to display the cryptographically secured digital collectable on the digital display provided on an article of footwear or apparel; receiving an article identifier from communication circuitry provided on the article of footwear in response to receiving the indication to display the digital collectable on the article of footwear or apparel; transmitting the cryptographically secured digital collectable to the article of footwear or apparel for display on the digital display; and recording or requesting the recordation that the cryptographically secured digital collectable is displayed in connection with the article identifier of the article of footwear or apparel.

Abstract: An article of footwear, lacing engine, and method includes a motor, a transmission operatively coupled to the motor, and a lace spool. The lace spool is operatively coupled to the transmission and includes a top lace groove in a top surface of the lace spool and a circumferential channel, wherein the lace is configured to be inserted in the top lace groove and be taken up around the circumferential channel based on a turning of the lace spool from action by the motor and transmission. A fastener is configured to couple the lace spool to the transmission and is inserted into the lace spool via the top surface, the fastener having a head having a head width sufficient to partially cover the top lace groove, leaving a top gap having a gap width less than a thickness of the lace.

Abstract: An article of footwear, lacing engine, and method includes a motor, a transmission operatively coupled to the motor, and a lace spool. The lace spool is operatively coupled to the transmission and includes a top lace groove in a top surface of the lace spool and a circumferential channel, wherein the lace is configured to be inserted in the top lace groove and be taken up around the circumferential channel based on a turning of the lace spool from action by the motor and transmission. A fastener is configured to couple the lace spool to the transmission and is inserted into the lace spool via the top surface, the fastener having a head having a head width sufficient to partially cover the top lace groove, leaving a top gap having a gap width less than a thickness of the lace.

Abstract: An article of footwear, lacing engine, and method includes a motor, a transmission operatively coupled to the motor, and a lace spool. The lace spool is operatively coupled to the transmission and includes a top lace groove in a top surface of the lace spool and a circumferential channel, wherein the lace is configured to be inserted in the top lace groove and be taken up around the circumferential channel based on a turning of the lace spool from action by the motor and transmission. A fastener is configured to couple the lace spool to the transmission and is inserted into the lace spool via the top surface, the fastener having a head having a head width sufficient to partially cover the top lace groove, leaving a top gap having a gap width less than a thickness of the lace.