US20130061497A1

US20130061497A1 - Lace Tag For Footwear

Info

Publication number: US20130061497A1
Application number: US13/228,863
Authority: US
Inventors: Meeghn L. Antonovich; Jay W. Riverman
Original assignee: Nike Inc
Current assignee: Nike Inc
Priority date: 2011-09-09
Filing date: 2011-09-09
Publication date: 2013-03-14
Also published as: US20150020321A1

Abstract

An article for mounting on a lace of an article of footwear is provided. The article may include a first wall disposed in a first plane and a second wall extending from the first wall in a second plane, wherein the second plane is different than the first plane. In addition, the article may include a third wall extending from the first wall in a third plane, wherein the third plane is different than the first plane. Further, the article may include at least a first side wall extending between the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall, the first side wall having a substantially T-shaped slot configured to receive a lace of an article of footwear.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a lace tag for mounting on a lace of an article of footwear and, more particularly, to a lace tag having features to facilitate mounting and removal of the tag.

BACKGROUND

It is sometimes desired to provide a removable tag or label on an article of footwear. In some cases, the tag may be ornamental. In some cases, the tag may be used to convey a message, such as by indicating the price of the article of footwear in a store.
Tags have been developed that may be affixed to laces of an article of footwear. In some cases, the tags have holes through which laces may be threaded. However, such tags may not be mounted or removed without unlacing the article of footwear.
Some tags have been developed that clamp around or onto laces. Such tags may be quickly removed, but may also become unintentionally unclamped. In addition, such tags have a more complicated structure that is more expensive to produce. Further, tags that clamp onto, or stick a pin-like structure through laces may deform and/or damage laces.
One-piece tags have been developed with slits through which laces may be passed without unlacing the article of footwear. Slits, however, have a very small opening, through which the lace may be slid, which makes it more difficult and slower to mount the tag onto the lace. In addition, it may be difficult to align a lace with an entire slit, in order to feed the lace through the slit.
The present disclosure is directed to improvements in existing footwear tags.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an article for mounting on a lace of an article of footwear. The article may include a first wall disposed in a first plane and a second wall extending from the first wall in a second plane, wherein the second plane is different than the first plane. In addition, the article may include a third wall extending from the first wall in a third plane, wherein the third plane is different than the first plane. Further, the article may include at least a first side wall extending between the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall, the first side wall having a substantially T-shaped slot configured to receive a lace of an article of footwear.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an article for mounting on a lace of an article of footwear. The article may include a top wall disposed in a first plane, the top wall having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top wall includes indicia. The article may also include a front wall extending from the top wall in a second plane, wherein the second plane is different than the first plane, and a rear wall extending from the top wall in a third plane, wherein the third plane is different than the first plane. In addition, the article may include first and second side walls extending between the top wall, the front wall, and the rear wall, the first and second side walls including slots configured to receive the lace of the article of footwear. Each slot may have a first portion and a second portion, wherein the bottom surface of the top wall, when mounted on a lace on an article of footwear, is disposed further from the article of footwear than the second portion of each slot, and wherein the bottom surface of the top wall is spaced from the second portion of each slot.
Advantages and features of novelty characterizing aspects of the presently disclosed embodiments are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. Additional systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following descriptive matter and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary lace tag mounted on a lace of an article of footwear;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a bottom, perspective view of the lace tag shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another illustration of a bottom, perspective view of the lace tag shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a process of mounting a lace tag on a lace of an article of footwear;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary lace tag mounted on a lace of an article of footwear;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary lace tag including indicia;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary lace tag including indicia;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary lace tag including indicia;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary lace tag including indicia;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary lace tag including indicia;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary lace tag including indicia;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary lace tag including indicia;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary lace tag including indicia;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary lace tag including indicia; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary lace tag including indicia.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose an article for mounting on a lace of an article of footwear. The article may include a lace tag configured to be mounted on and removed from a lace. The concepts associated with the disclosed articles may be applicable to a variety of lace types and footwear types, including athletic shoes, dress shoes, casual shoes, or any other type of footwear having laces. The disclosed lace tag may be configured to be mounted and removed from laces without unlacing the article of footwear. Further, the lace tag may be configured to be mounted on any type of lace. In some embodiments, the lace tag may be configured to receive a generally flat or oblong lace.
FIG. 1 shows an article for mounting on a lace of an article of footwear. As shown in FIG. 1, the article may be a lace tag 100, configured to be mounted on a lace 105 of an article of footwear 110. In some embodiments, lace tag 100 may include indicia 115. Lace tag 100 may be generally box-shaped. In some embodiments, lace tag 100 may be substantially rectangular box-shaped, as shown in the accompanying figures. While lace tag 100 is shown and described as having a substantially rectangular box shape, other configurations are possible. For example, instead of a rectangular cross-sectional shape, lace tag 100 may have a triangular or trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. Further, lace tag 100 may have any other suitable shape. It will be understood that the concepts described below will be applicable to lace tags having other shapes.
Lace tags may be formed of any suitable material and formed of any suitable method. For example, in some embodiments, lace tags may be formed of plastic. Some such embodiments may be molded, for example, using injection molding. Other embodiments may be formed of metal, for example, by stamping, machining, forging, or other metal forming techniques. Lace tags may be formed of a single piece of material or may be formed of multiple components. However, it may be desirable for purposes of cost and construction for lace tags to have a unitary, molded construction.
The lace tag may be provided with features to facilitate mounting and removal of the tag. For example, the lace tag may include side walls having slots for receiving a lace. In some embodiments, the slots may be configured to facilitate mounting and removal without unlacing the lace from the article of footwear. For example, in some embodiments, the slots may extend to the edges of the side walls. In addition, the slots may be configured to receive a lace having a relatively flat or oblong cross-section. For example, the slots may be elongated, having a size and shape that generally corresponds with the size and shape of a flat or oblong lace. In some embodiments, the slots may have a T-shape configuration. For example, each slot may have a first portion that extends to an edge of the side wall, and a second portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the first portion, thus forming a T-shaped slot.
FIG. 2 is a bottom, perspective view of lace tag 100. As shown in FIG. 2, lace tag 100 may include a first wall 120 disposed in a first plane. Lace tag 100 may also include a second wall 125 extending from the first wall in a second plane, the second plane being different than the first plane. In addition, lace tag 100 may include a third wall 130 extending from first wall 120 in a third plane, the third plane being different than the first plane.
Lace tag 100 may include first side wall 135 extending between first wall 120, second wall 125, and third wall 130. First side wall 135 may include a substantially T-shaped slot 140 configured to receive a lace of an article of footwear. Slot 140 may include a first portion 145 that extends to an edge 150 of first side wall 135 opposite first wall 120. Slot 140 may also include an elongate second portion 155 that is oriented perpendicular to first portion 145, thereby forming the substantial T-shape of slot 140.
Lace tag 100 may include second side wall 160 extending between first wall 120, second wall 125, and third wall 125. Second side wall 160 may include a substantially T-shaped slot 165 configured to receive a lace of an article of footwear. Slot 165 may be configured substantially the same or identically to slot 140. Accordingly, slot 165 may include a first portion 170 that extends to an edge 175 of second side wall 160 opposite first wall 120. Slot 165 may also include an elongate second portion 180 that is oriented perpendicular to first portion 170, thereby forming the substantial T-shape of slot 165.
The T-shaped slots may have any suitable size and/or shape to receive a lace. FIG. 2 includes an associated cross-sectional view 185, showing a cross-section of first side wall 135. In some embodiments, the height 190 of first second portion 155 of slot 140 may be approximately one third the height 195 of first side wall 135. In some embodiments, second portion 155 of slot 140 may be centered in first side wall 135. Therefore, an upper dimension 200 and a lower dimension 205 of first side wall 135 may be substantially the same as height 190 of slot 140. In addition, in some embodiments, first side wall 135 may have a length 210, such that a side dimension 215 of first side wall 135 may also be substantially the same as upper dimension 200 and lower dimension 205, as well as substantially the same as height 190 of slot 140.
The relative dimensions describe above may provide lace tag 100 with a configuration suitable for mounting on a lace that is laced in an article of footwear. Lower dimension 205 may be sized to provide strength to lower portions 220 and 225 of first side wall 135, while maintaining a relatively low profile such that the lace is not substantially raised up off the article of footwear when received in slot 140. Dimension 200 may be sized to suitably project first wall 120 up off the article of footwear by a certain amount, for example, in order to prominently feature the indicia on first wall 120. Such a configuration may be more suitable for lace tags 100 that may be used, for example, in stores to label footwear. In some embodiments, however, lace tag 100 may have an overall low profile. That is, height 195 may be sized so as not to protrude significantly from the article of footwear. Such low profile embodiments may be more suitable for lace tags 100 intended for use during wear of the footwear, such as ornamental tags.
First portion 145 of slot 140 may have a width dimension 230 that may be sized to accommodate a lace. In some embodiments, width dimension 230 may be sized to be smaller than a width of a flat or oblong lace, but similar to (for example, slightly smaller, slightly larger, or the same size) the thickness of the lace, thus, enabling a flat or oblong lace to be inserted edgewise into first portion 145 of slot 140. Second portion 155 of slot 140 may have a length 235 that may be sized to be similar to (for example, slightly smaller, slightly larger, or the same size) the width of a flat or oblong lace. Therefore, as described in greater detail below, when a lace is inserted edgewise through first portion 145 of slot 140, the lace may be turned 90 degrees to reside within second portion 155 of slot 140 (alternatively, or additionally, the tag may be turned relative to the lace). In this manner, unintended removal of the lace from slot 140 may be prevented, since removal involves turning the lace and/or lace tag 90 degrees relative to one another.
The dimensions of slot 140 may vary according to the type and size of laces on which lace tag 100 may be configured to be mounted. In addition, the sizing of slot 140 may be configured to enable rapid mounting and removal. In some embodiments, the dimensions of slot 140 may be desired to be smaller, in order to provide a more secure fit of lace tag 100 on lace 105. For example, for lace tags that are intended to be worn by the wearer may benefit from relatively narrower slots 140 and 165, in order to prevent lace tag 100 from coming off during wear. This will be understood to differentiate from a slit. The structure of a slit article includes a wall that is divided into two parts by a discontinuity. With such a discontinuity, there may not be any gap between the two wall components, and the two wall components may be in contact with each other. Alternatively, a slit may include a very small gap, for example, the width of a tool blade used to form the slit. In contrast, a slot may be configured to form a predetermined gap between components (which, in some embodiments, may be relatively small) to allow for a lace to be passed through the gap readily and quickly. This may expedite mounting and removal of the lace tag and/or prevent damage to the lace during mounting and removal.
In addition, the configuration of lace tag 100, including two short slots, has benefits over configurations including one long slot or slit. For example, when mounting a lace tag having a long slot or slit, the entire lace must be aligned with the slot or slit. In contrast, only two short segments of the lace are aligned with first portion 145 of slot 140 and first portion 170 of slot 165. Further, while the alignment of the lace with first portion 145 and first portion 170 may be performed simultaneously, the alignment of the lace with first portion 145 and first portion 170 may also be performed sequentially. Thus, the lace need only be aligned with one relatively short slot at a time (the length of which is the thickness 238 of first side wall 135 or the thickness 239 of second side wall 160.
In other embodiments, speed of removal may be more desirable, and wider slots may be provided accordingly. For example, for lace tags intended to be frequently switched from shoe to shoe, such as in a store, ease of mounting and removal may be of significant concern. In addition, in some embodiments that are intended to be worn by a wearer, rapid mounting and removal may also be desirable. For example, when a player plays for multiple teams, the player may play in the same footwear, but may wish to wear different lace tags with different indicia for games played for each different team. Such frequent mounting and removal may be facilitated by wider slots.
As noted above, lace tag 100 may have a substantially rectangular box shape, as shown in FIG. 2, and described below. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the first plane, in which first wall 120 is disposed, and the second plane, in which second wall 125 is disposed, may be substantially perpendicular to one another. In addition, the second plane, in which second wall 125 is disposed, and the third plane, in which the third wall 130 is disposed, may be substantially parallel. In addition, first side wall 135 is disposed in a fourth plane, and second side wall 160 is disposed in a fifth plane. In some embodiments, the fourth plane and the fifth plane may be substantially perpendicular to the first plane. In addition, in some embodiments, the fourth plane and the fifth plane may be substantially parallel to one another.
An additional feature that the lace tag may include to facilitate mounting and removal of the lace tag is an open back side. For example, in some embodiments, the lace tag may have the form of a six-sided box, with one wall of the box omitted. That is, five walls of the box may define a cavity that is open on one side. The open side may be opposite the wall with indicia. Therefore, when mounted on a lace of an article of footwear, the indicia may face outward, away from the article of footwear, and the open side may be facing toward the article of footwear.
FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective back side view of lace tag 100. As shown in FIG. 3, first wall 120, second wall 125, third wall 130, first side wall 135, and second side wall 160 may define a cavity 240. As also shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, cavity 250 may be open opposite first wall 120. Cavity 240 may have a width 245, a length 250, and a height 255. As discussed above, in some embodiments, lace tag 100 may have a substantially rectangular box shape. Therefore, in such embodiments, length 250 of cavity 250 may be consistent over substantially the entire height 255 of cavity 250. Similarly, width 245 of cavity 250 may also be consistent over substantially the entire height 255 of cavity 250.
FIG. 4 illustrates the process of mounting lace tag 100 on lace 105 of footwear 110. As shown in FIG. 4, lace tag 100 may be slid in a direction indicated by an arrow 260. In doing so, lace 105 may be received by first portion 145 of slot 140, as shown in FIG. 4. Lace tag 100 may then be rotated in a direction indicated by arrow 265, in order to insert lace 105 into second portion 155 of slot 140. Simultaneously with the process described above (or subsequently), lace 105 may be inserted into slot 165 in the same manner as lace 105 is inserted into slot 140. The insertion of the lace into slot 140 and slot 165 may be simultaneous or may be executed sequentially.
FIG. 5 illustrates the completion of the process of mounting lace tag 100 on lace 105. After rotating lace tag 100 in the direction of arrow 265, lace 105 may fall into place within second portion 155 of slot 140, as shown in FIG. 5. Similarly, lace 105 may also fall into place within second portion 180 of slot 165, which features are hidden in FIG. 5.
FIG. 5 illustrates the orientation of lace tag 100 when mounted on a lace on an article of footwear. As shown, in FIG. 5, first wall 120 may form a top wall disposed in a generally upward direction, furthest from the article of footwear 110. The top wall may include a top surface 275, which may include indicia 115. The top wall may also include a bottom surface 280. Second wall 125 may form a front wall disposed generally toward a front or forefoot region of the article of footwear 110, and third wall 130 may form a rear wall disposed generally toward a rear or heel portion of the article of footwear 110. Bottom surface 280 of the top wall, when mounted on the lace on article of footwear 110, may be disposed further from the article of footwear 110 than the second portion (only second portion 155 shown in FIG. 5) of each slot (only slot 140 shown in FIG. 5), and wherein bottom surface 280 of the top wall is spaced from the second portion of each slot.
Lace tag 100 may be configured to be mounted on a lace that is laced in a generally horizontal manner, such as lace 105. However, it may also be possible to mount lace tag 100 on laces having other orientations, such as a diagonal lace 270.
The indicia on the lace tag may have any of a variety of configurations. Although indicia are shown on the first wall, alternatively, or additionally, indicia may be provided on other walls of the lace tag. Indicia could be incorporated into the lace tag in any suitable way. For example, indicia may be painted, etched, molded, applied as a decal, or added to the lace tag in any other suitable manner. In addition, the indicia may take any suitable form. In some embodiments, the indicia may be alpha-numeric. In some embodiments, the indicia may include an image. In some embodiments the lace tag may include both alpha-numeric and image-type indicia.
As shown in FIG. 6, indicia 115 of lace tag 100 may include alpha-numeric lettering. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, lace tag 100 may include lettering that may relate to footwear sales. In some embodiments, lace tag 100 may include the word “SALE.” Such a lace tag 100 may be used by a sales establishment to label footwear in the store that is on sale (that is, offered for purchase at a discounted price). Other exemplary words that may be used by sales establishments may be “NEW” for products that are newly available for purchase, or “CLEARANCE,” indicating a certain kind of sale. Other possibilities may be a percentage, such as “10% OFF,” indicating a discounted price in terms of a percentage. Further, exemplary lace tags may have a shoe size, to indicate to shoppers the sizes of footwear on display.
Other types of alpha-numeric indicia that may be included on the lace tag may include wording that a wearer may want to use to adorn his footwear. For example, in some embodiments, the alpha-numeric indicia may include the names of a school or team. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a lace tag 700, including indicia 705 that reads “STATE.” This will be understood to represent the name of a school or other organization. Similarly, FIG. 8 illustrates a lace tag 800 including indicia 805 that reads “COUGARS.” This will be understood to represent the name of a team. Another form of alpha-numeric indicia may be brand names or model names of footwear.
In other embodiments, indicia may also serve to individualize footwear. For example, indicia could include names of individuals, such as “JOE” or “SALLY,” which wearers may use to customize their footwear. Another way to individualize footwear may be to provide indicia that include a number that a player may select to match his uniform number. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates a lace tag 900, including indicia 905 that reads “34.” Individualization may be desirable for ornamental purposes and/or for distinguishing a person's footwear, for example, in a team environment, where many players wear the same style and color shoes. It may be desirable in a locker room for players to be able to readily distinguish their own shoes among many pairs of the same shoes. Indicia such as names and/or uniform numbers may provide such distinguishability.
In some embodiments, the edges and corners of the walls and slots of the lace tag may be substantially square edged (that is, having a relatively small radius of curvature), as shown in many of the appended drawings. Alternatively, in some embodiments, some or all of the edges and/or corners may be substantially rounded, as shown in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, rounded edges and corners may be advantageous to prevent the lace from catching on substantially square edges or corners of the lace tag during mounting and/or removal. In addition to facilitating mounting and/or removal of the lace tag, it may also prevent damage to the lace during mounting and removal.
In some embodiments, the indicia may include an image, as an alternative, or in addition, to alpha-numeric indicia. Such an image may include a drawing, a photograph, or other type of image. Footwear can be activity-specific in construction. Although footwear can often be versatile, footwear is often designed to be particularly suited for a specific activity. In some cases, an indicia image may be provided for a lace tag to be used in a store, in order to indicate the type of activity for which the footwear is suited.
FIG. 10 illustrates a lace tag 1000 with indicia 1005. As shown in FIG. 10, indicia 1005 may include an image of a runner. This may indicate to potential buyers that the type of shoes to which lace tag 1000 is affixed may be suited for running or jogging. Similarly, FIG. 11 illustrates a lace tag 1100, having indicia 1105, which is an image of a basketball. This may indicate that the footwear to which lace tag 1100 may be suited for use to play basketball. Further, FIG. 12 illustrates a lace tag 1200, having indicia 1205, which is an image of a dumbbell. This may indicate that the footwear to which lace tag 1200 is affixed may be suite for general athletic training. Such tags may be useful to assist customers in distinguishing between shoes having similar structures. For example, some basketball shoes and cross-training shoes have similar configurations. Also, such tags may assist in distinguishing between cleated shoes, which may also tend to appear very similar, but may be tailored for a certain type of activity. For example, it may be desired to assist customers in determining whether cleated shoes are suited for soccer, baseball, or football.
Further, alternative or additional indicia may indicate a particular specialization within a given sport. For example, a soccer tag may provide an indication of whether the soccer shoe is best configured for hard surfaces or soft surfaces, speed or stability, or overall versatility. Similarly, football cleats are often tailored to the type of position played. For example, running backs and wide receivers may tend to favor shoes constructed for speed, whereas linemen may favor shoes constructed for stability. Lace tags may be provided that indicate which type of characteristics each shoe may provide.
Lace tags may be reused by sales establishments or, alternatively, may be sold with the shoes for use as ornamental tags. For example, lace tags that include image-type indicia, such as lace tag 1100, may be worn ornamentally by athletes or other wearers, who are players or fans of the sport, in this case basketball.
In other embodiments, image-type indicia may include branding, stylistic images, and/or characters. For example, FIG. 13 shows a lace tag 1300 that includes indicia 1305 in the form of a stylized logo. Such image-type indicia may be used by a shoe manufacturer to promote their branding. Other, fashion-based indicia may include any of a variety of types of imagery. For example, FIG. 14 illustrates a lace tag 1400, including indicia 1405 having the form of a flower. Such imagery may be favored by children, such as young girls. FIG. 15 illustrates a similar embodiment including a lace tag 1500 with indicia 1505 including the face of a character, which, for example, may be familiar to children.
It will be understood that the various types of indicia described above may be incorporated separately, as shown, or in combination. For example, some lace tags may include both alpha-numeric indicia and image-type indicia, such as the face of a character along with the character's name. Further, in some embodiments, lace tags may be color coded to indicate certain things. For example, in a sales establishment, different colored lace tags may indicate different discounts that may apply to different shoes. For instance, red lace tags may indicate a discount of 50% off, blue lace tags may indicate 40% off, and so on. In some such embodiments, the indicia may be omitted altogether.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Features of any embodiment described in the present disclosure may be included in any other embodiment described in the present disclosure. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. An article for mounting on a lace of an article of footwear, comprising:

a first wall disposed in a first plane;

a second wall extending from the first wall in a second plane, wherein the second plane is different than the first plane;

a third wall extending from the first wall in a third plane, wherein the third plane is different than the first plane;

at least a first side wall extending between the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall, the first side wall having a substantially T-shaped slot configured to receive a lace of an article of footwear.

2. The article according to claim 1, further including a second side wall extending between the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall, the second side wall having a substantially T-shaped slot configured to receive a lace of an article of footwear.

3. The article according to claim 2, wherein the first wall, second wall, third wall, first side wall, and second side wall define a cavity that is open opposite the first wall.

4. The article according to claim 3, wherein each of the slots in the first and second side walls, includes a first portion that extends to an edge of the respective side wall opposite the first wall.

5. The article according to claim 4, wherein each of the slots includes an elongate second portion that is oriented perpendicular to the first portion, thereby forming the substantial T-shape of the slot.

6. The article according to claim 1, wherein the first plane and the second plane are substantially perpendicular.

7. The article according to claim 1, wherein the second plane and the third plane are substantially parallel.

8. The article according to claim 1, wherein the first side wall is disposed in a fourth plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane.

9. The article according to claim 1, wherein the first wall includes indicia.

10. The article according to claim 9, wherein the indicia is alpha-numeric.

11. The article according to claim 9, wherein the indicia is an image.

12. An article for mounting on a lace of an article of footwear, comprising:

a top wall disposed in a first plane, the top wall having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top wall includes indicia;

a front wall extending from the top wall in a second plane, wherein the second plane is different than the first plane;

a rear wall extending from the top wall in a third plane, wherein the third plane is different than the first plane; and

first and second side walls extending between the top wall, the front wall, and the rear wall, the first and second side walls including slots configured to receive the lace of the article of footwear, each slot having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the bottom surface of the top wall, when mounted on a lace on an article of footwear, is disposed further from the article of footwear than the second portion of each slot, and wherein the bottom surface of the top wall is spaced from the second portion of each slot.

13. The article according to claim 12, wherein the top wall, front wall, rear wall, first side wall, and second side wall define a cavity that is open opposite the top wall.

14. The article according to claim 12, wherein the first portion of each of the slots extends to an edge of the respective side wall opposite the top wall.

15. The article according to claim 14, wherein the second portion in each of the slots is elongate and is oriented perpendicular to the first portion, thereby forming a substantially T-shaped slot in each of the first and second side walls.

16. The article according to claim 12, wherein the first plane and the second plane are substantially perpendicular.

17. The article according to claim 12, wherein the second plane and the third plane are substantially parallel.

18. The article according to claim 12, wherein the first side wall is disposed in a fourth plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane.

19. The article according to claim 12, wherein the indicia is a alpha-numeric.

20. The article according to claim 12 wherein the indicia is an image.