BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to footwear and laces for such, including shoelaces, and more particularly apparatuses and methods for managing laces on footwear.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a footwear lace management apparatus. The lace management apparatus may comprise a base, an attachment portion, a clip, and a connection portion.

The base may have a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central region between the first and second ends. The attachment portion may include a first attachment device on the first end of the base and a second attachment device on the second end of the base. The clip may have a fixed end, a free end, and a central part between the fixed end and the free end. The fixed end may be connected to the first end of the base by the connection portion. The base, the connection portion, and the clip may form a lace receiving space between them. The connection portion may bias a mouth toward a closed position. The mouth may be between the second end of the base and the free end of the clip. The lace-receiving space may extend across the central region on a front side of the base and extend across the central part on a back side of the clip.

The apparatus may further comprise a ramp surface on the mouth. The ramp surface may be angled toward the lace-receiving space.

The ramp surface may be formed at least in part by the free end of the clip.

The ramp surface may be formed at least in part by the second end of the base.

The clip may include a cantilevered portion that extends from the connection portion. The mouth may be biased toward the closed position by an elasticity of the cantilevered portion.

The first attachment device may include a first aperture. The second attachment device may include a second aperture. The first and second apertures may extend through a thickness of the base.

The apparatus may include a concave surface that extends laterally across a back side of the base. The base may have an overall length from 30 mm to 40 mm, an overall height from 10 mm to 15 mm, and a thickness from 3 mm to 5mm.

The clip may have an overall length from 18 mm to 24 mm, and overall height from 6 mm to 10 mm, and a thickness from 2 mm to 5 mm.

A footwear lacing method may comprise providing a footwear lace management apparatus, passing a first portion of a lace around a first anchor point on a footwear upper, securing the first portion of the lace to the first attachment device of the apparatus, passing a second portion of the lace around a second anchor point on a side of the footwear opposite the first anchor point, securing the second portion of the lace in a knot, grasping between a thumb and finger of only one hand at least two from among a first loop, a second loop, a first loose end, and a second loose end of the lace, and while grasping, sweeping the hand from a second end of the apparatus toward a first end of the apparatus to pass the at least two from among the first loop, the second loop, the first loose end and the second loose end through a mouth of the apparatus into a lace-receiving space of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A shows a front view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B shows a top view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2C shows a right-hand side view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2D shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2E shows a back view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2F shows a bottom cross-section view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2G shows a left-hand side cross-section view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2H shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 A shows a front view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B shows a top view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3C shows a right-hand side view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3D shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3E shows a back view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3F shows a bottom cross-section view according to an embodiment. FIG. 3G shows a left-hand side cross-section view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3H shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed partial top view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 A shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5C shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5D shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6B shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7B shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7C shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10A shows a top view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10B shows a top view according to an embodiment.

FIG. IOC shows a top view according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a process according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a footwear lace management apparatus 20 according to an embodiment. The apparatus 20 is shown in use on a shoe 100. The shoe 100 has a lace 110, a footwear upper 130, and a sole 150. According to various embodiments, the lace 110 may be used with a variety of footwear, including shoes, boots, skates, and the like.

The lace 110 may be tied in a knot 112 to maintain a desired fit of the shoe 100 on a person’s foot. Tying the knot 112 may cause one or more loops 114 or loose ends 116 to appear, extending from the knot 112. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the lace 110 has two loops 114 and two loose ends 116. In some embodiments, each of the loose ends 116 of the lace 110 includes an aglet 118.

When the loops 114 or loose ends 116 extend away from the shoe 100, they can pose a nuisance or safety hazard to a person wearing the shoe 100, to others, to property, and to the shoe 100 itself. For example, when a person is walking or running, one of their feet might step on a loop 114 or loose end 116 of the shoe 100 on their other foot, causing them to trip or lose balance. The lace 110 may be caught or tangled in another object. For example, if a person is riding a bicycle, the loops 114 and loose ends 116 can become tangled in the bicycle drivetrain, such as in the pedals, cranks, chain, chainrings, or derailleur. If the person is operating or riding in or on a motor vehicle, such as a motorcycle, a loop 114 or loose end 116 can melt or burn if it contacts a hot exhaust pipe. Thus, it may be desirable to restrain the loops 114 and/or loose ends 116 of the lace 110 while maintaining a low profile on the shoe 100 and while providing ornamentation, branding, or other information.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the footwear lace management apparatus 20 includes a base 200 and a clip 400. A lace-receiving space 610 is formed between the base 200 and the clip 400. One or more of the loops 114 and loose ends 116 of the lace 110 may be held in the lace-receiving space 610. FIG. 1 shows both loose ends 116 in the lace-receiving space 610. The base 200 is fixed to the footwear upper 130 by lacing the lace 110 through an attachment portion 300 that includes a first attachment device 310 and a second attachment device 320. With the base 200 fixed to the footwear upper 130 and the loose ends 116 secured in the lace-receiving space 610 of the apparatus 20, the lace 110 is less likely to cause problems.

FIG. 2A shows a front view of the apparatus 20 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2B shows a top view of the apparatus 20 according to an embodiment. A convex surface 242 extends between a first end 210 and a second end 220 on a front side 240 of the base 200. In other embodiments, the front side 240 is concave or flat. A concave surface 252 extends between the first end 210 and the second end 220 on a back side 250 of the base 200. In other embodiments, the back side 250 is convex or flat.

In some embodiments, the attachment portion 300 includes the first attachment device 310 on the first end 210 of the base 200 and the second attachment device 320 on the second end 220 of the base 200. The first and second attachment devices 310, 320 include respective first and second apertures 312, 322 and flange portions 314, 324 on the opposing ends 210, 220 of the base 200. Each of the apertures 312, 322 has an oblong profile. The flange portions 314, 324 adjoin the apertures 312, 322 on the opposing ends 210, 220 and on a top side 260 and a bottom side 270 of the base 200. In some embodiments, the concave surface 252 provides clearance for portions of the lace 110 to be passed through the attachment portion 300 and behind the base 200, thereby maintaining a low profile. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second attachment devices 310, 320 provides attachment for a portion of the lace 110 by means other than an aperture; for example, a cleat, a hook, a knob, a buckle, or the like.

In some embodiments, the clip 400 has a fixed end 410, a free end 420 opposite the fixed end 410, and a central part 430 between the fixed end 410 and the free end 420. A connection portion 500 connects the fixed end 410 of the clip 400 to the first end 210 of the base 200 to form the lace-receiving space 610 and a mouth 620 biased toward a closed position. Fig. 2B shows the mouth 620 in the closed position with the clip 400 in solid lines and shows the mouth 620 in an open position with the clip 400 in dashed lines.

Still referring to Fig. 2B, the lace-receiving space 610 extends across a central region 230 on the front side 240 of the base 200. The central region 230 is between the two ends 210, 220. The central region 230 includes a medial plane y-z and extends laterally on either side of the medial plane y-z. The lace-receiving space 610 also extends across a central part 430 on a back side 450 of the clip 400. The central part 430 is between the fixed end 410 and the free end 420. The central part 430 includes the medial plane y-z and extends laterally on either side. The mouth 620 is between the second end 220 of the base 200 and the free end 420 of the clip 400. In some embodiments, the clip 400 includes a cantilevered portion 412 that extends from the connection portion 500 on the front side 240 of the base 200.

FIG. 2C shows a right-hand side view of the apparatus 20 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2D shows a perspective view of the apparatus 20 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2E shows a back view of the apparatus 20 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2F shows a bottom cross-section view taken along the line F-F of the apparatus 20 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2G shows a left-hand side cross-section view taken along the line G-G according to an embodiment. FIG. 2H shows a perspective view according to an embodiment.

FIGs. 3 A-3H show various views of another embodiment of the apparatus 20 in accordance with the respective views presented in FIGs. 2A-2H. In some embodiments, the apparatus 20 has symmetry above and below a central plane x-z. In some embodiments, the base 200 has lateral symmetry on either side of the medial plane y-z.

In various embodiments, the apparatus 20 is made of a polymer, such as a thermoplastic or a thermoset plastic, for example acetal or nylon. In other embodiments, the apparatus 20 is made of a metal, for example steel or aluminum. In some embodiments, the apparatus 20 is made of a single material. In other embodiments, the apparatus 20 is made of two or more materials. For example, some embodiments of the apparatus 20 include plastic-reinforced fiber composite. In some embodiments, the apparatus 20 is made in a single piece. In other embodiments, the apparatus 20 includes two or more pieces. For example, some embodiments of the apparatus 20 include the clip 400 being attached to the base 200 at the connection portion 500, e.g ., by over-molding, by thermal welding, or by a hinge, a spring, or another type of mechanical linkage. In some embodiments, at least one of the base 200 and the clip 400 is formed by extrusion, by stamping, or by 3D printing. In some embodiments, the cantilevered portion 412 has an elasticity that permits the cantilevered portion 412 to deform when a force is applied to the free end 420 of the clip 400 and which elastically returns the free end 420 toward the closed position when the force is removed. In some embodiments, the cantilevered portion 412 has a lower spring constant than the rest of the clip 400.

In various embodiments, the base 200 has an overall length aa from 20.0 mm to 40.0 mm, from 30.0 mm to 50.0 mm, or 35.0 mm; the base 200 has an overall height bb from 5.0 mm to 15.0 mm, from 10.0 mm to 20.0 mm, or 12.5 mm; and the base 200 has a thickness cc from 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm, from 3.0 mm to 8.0 mm, or 4.0 mm. In some embodiments, where the back side 250 has a curved surface, the offset cc’ between the lateral ends 210, 220 and a medial apex of the surface is from 0.1 mm to 2.1 mm, from 0.9 mm to 2.9 mm, or 1.0 mm. In other embodiments, the base 200 has an overall length aa less than 20.0 mm or greater than 50.0 mm; an overall height bb less than 5.0 mm or greater than 20.0 mm; a thickness cc less than 1.0 mm or greater than 8.0 mm. In some embodiments, where the back side 250 has a curved surface, an offset cc’ is less than 0.1 mm or greater than 2.9 mm.

In various embodiments, the clip 400 has an overall length dd from 12.0 mm to 24.0 mm, from 18.0 mm to 30.0 mm, or 20.5 mm; the clip 400 has an overall height ee from 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm, from 6.0 mm to 14.0 mm, or 8.0 mm; and the clip 400 has an thickness ff from 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm, from 2.0 mm to 7.5 mm, or 2.5 mm. In other embodiments, the clip 400 has an overall length dd less than 12.0 mm or greater than 30.0 mm; an overall height ee less than 2.0 mm or greater than 14.0 mm; and a thickness ff less than 0.5 mm or greater than 7.5 mm.

In various embodiments, each of the first and second apertures 312, 322 has a width gg from 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm, from 2.5 mm to 5.5 mm, or 3.5 mm; and each of the apertures 312, 322 has a height hh from 4.0 mm to 14.0 mm, from 8.0 mm to 18.0 mm, or 9.0 mm.

In some embodiments, each of the apertures 312, 322 extends through the base 200 in a direction normal to a surface (e.g., the concave surface 252) on the back side 250 of the base 200. In other embodiments, each of the apertures 312, 322 has a width gg less than 1.5 mm or greater than 5.5 mm; and a height hh less than 4.0 mm or greater than 18.0 mm. In other embodiments, each of the apertures 312, 322 extends through the base 200 at an angle greater than or less than 90 degrees relative to a surface of the back side 250.

In various embodiments, each of the flange portions 314, 324 has an end width nn from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, from 1.5 mm to 6.0 mm, or 2.0 mm; and each of the flange portions 314, 324 has a height oo from 0.25 mm to 2.00 mm, from 1.50 mm to 5.00 mm, or 1.75 mm. In other embodiments, each flange portion 314, 324 has an end width nn less than 0.5 mm or greater than 6.0 mm; and a height oo less than 0.25 mm or greater than 5.00 mm.

In various embodiments, the lace-receiving space 610 has an overall length dd’ from 5.0 mm to 20.0 mm, from 10.0 mm to 35 mm, or 15.0 mm; when the mouth 620 is in a closed position, the lace-receiving space 610 has an overall height ff from 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm, from 2.5 mm to 6.5 mm, or 3.0 mm; when the mouth 620 is in a closed position, a minimum spacing between the free end 420 of the clip 400 and the second end 220 of the base 200 has a height kk from 0 mm to 1.00 mm, from 0.20 mm to 1.2 mm, or 0.25 mm; and when the mouth 620 is in a closed position, a maximum spacing between the free end 420 of the clip 400 and the second end 220 of the base 200 has a height jj from 0 mm to 1.25 mm, from 0.75 mm to 2.00 mm, or 1.00 mm. In other embodiments, when the mouth 620 is in the closed position, the lace-receiving space 610 has an overall height ff less than 0.5 mm or greater than 6.5 mm; the minimum spacing between the free end 420 and the second end 220 has a height kk greater than 1.2 mm; and the maximum spacing between the free end 420 and the second end 220 has a height jj greater than 2.00 mm.

In various embodiments, when the mouth 620 is in an open position, the lace receiving space 610 has an overall height ii’ from 2.0 mm to 8.0 mm, from 6.0 mm to 16.0 mm, or 7.0 mm; when the mouth 620 is in an open position, the minimum spacing between the free end 420 of the clip 400 and the second end 220 of the base 200 has a height kk’ from 1.0 mm to 7.0 mm, from 5.0 mm to 11.0 mm, or 6.0 mm; and when the mouth 620 is in an open position, the maximum spacing between the free end 420 of the clip 400 and the second end 220 of the base 200 has a height jj’ from 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm, from 6.0 mm to 18.0 mm, or 8.0 mm. In other embodiments, when the mouth 620 is in an open position, the lace-receiving space 610 has an overall height ii’ less than 2.0 mm or greater than 16.0 mm; the minimum spacing between the free end 420 and the second end 220 has a height kk’ less than 1.0 mm or greater than 7.0 mm; and the maximum spacing between the free end 420 and the second end 220 has a height jj’ less than 2.0 mm and greater than 18.0 mm.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed partial top view of the apparatus 20 according to an embodiment. The mouth 620 includes at least one ramp surface 622 angled toward the lace-receiving space 610. The ramp surface 622 includes an angled surface 222 on the second end of the base 200 and an angled surface 422 on the free end 420 of the clip 400. The surface 222 forms an angle Q222 with a lateral axis x. The angle Q222 converges toward the lace-receiving space 610. The surface 422 forms an angle Q422 with the lateral axis x. The angle Q422 converges toward the lace-receiving space 610. In some embodiments, only one or the other of the base 200 and the clip 400 forms the ramp surface 622. In other embodiments, the ramp surface 622 is formed by features of both the base 200 and the clip 400.

In various embodiments, when the mouth 620 is in a closed position, the angle Q222 is from 0 degrees to 12 degrees, from 3 degrees to 30 degrees, or 6 degrees; and the angle Q422 is from 0 degrees to 45 degrees, from 15 degrees to 60 degrees, or 30 degrees. In other embodiments, when the mouth 620 is in a closed position, the angle Q222 is greater than 30 degrees; and the angle Q422 is greater than 60 degrees.

FIGs. 5A-5D show a progression of the apparatus 20 in use, according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 A shows a perspective view of the apparatus 20 in an initial arrangement according to an embodiment with the mouth 620 in a closed position. A first portion 11 la of the lace 110 passes over the first flange portion 314 and through the first aperture 312. A second portion 11 lb of the lace 110 passes over the second flange portion 324 and through the second aperture 322.

In the closed position of the mouth 620, the free end 420 of the clip 400 is proximal to the second end 220 of the base 200. According to some embodiments, the free end 420 contacts the second end 220 in the closed position of the mouth 620. In other embodiments, the free end 420 is spaced apart from the second end 220 in the closed position of the mouth 620.

FIG. 5B shows a perspective view a subsequent arrangement with the mouth 620 in an open position. One of two loose ends 116 of the lace 110 is in the mouth 620. In an open position of the mouth 620, the free end 420 of the clip 400 is spaced apart further from the second end 220 of the base 200 relative to the closed position of the mouth 620. In some embodiments, an open position of the mouth 620 corresponds to a diameter pp of the lace 110. For example, one of the loose ends 116 of the lace 110 can be moved into the mouth 620 until it abuts the free end 420 of the clip 400 and the front side 240 on the second end 220. Moving the loose end 116 into the mouth 620 and then continuing toward the lace receiving space 610 may cause the mouth 620 to move from the closed position to an open position.

FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of a subsequent arrangement with the mouth 620 in an open position. The one loose end 116 is in the lace-receiving space 610 and the other loose end 116 is in the mouth 620. As successive portions of the lace 110 pass through the mouth 620, the mouth 620 may move from the closed position to various open positions and back toward the closed position.

FIG. 5D shows a perspective view of the apparatus 20 in a final arrangement according to an embodiment with the mouth 620 in the closed position. Both loose ends 116 of the lace 110 are secured in the lace-receiving space 610. With the loose ends 116 in the lace-receiving space 610, no portion of the lace 110 remains in the mouth 620, and the mouth 620 returns toward the closed position.

FIGs. 6A and 6B show an embodiment in which only one hand grasps one or more portions of the lace 110 to secure them in the lace-receiving space 610 by sweeping the hand in a single direction across the shoe 100. For example, referring to FIG. 6A, a person may grasp one or both loose ends 116 between a thumb and index finger of only one hand. Next, referring to FIG. 6B, moving the hand from the second end 220 of the base 200 toward the first end 210 may cause the loose end 116 or ends 116 to pass through the mouth 620 into the lace-receiving space 610, thereby securing the loose end 116 or ends 116. Upon completion of this sweeping movement, the hand can let go of the loose end 116 or ends 116 and the lace 110 will be configured as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of the apparatus 20 arranged according to an embodiment with the mouth 620 in an open position. A first loose end 116 of the lace 110 is in the mouth 620. In FIGs. 7A-7C and FIG. 8, the first portion 111a and the second portion 11 lb of the lace 110 are omitted for clarity. However, it will be understood that in use, the base 200 is secured to the footwear upper 130.

FIG. 7B shows a perspective view arranged with the mouth 620 in an open position. The first loose end 116 and one side of each of the loops 114 are in the lace-receiving space 610. A second loose end 116 is in the mouth 620.

FIG. 7C shows a perspective view in a final arrangement according to an embodiment with the mouth 620 returned toward closed position. Both loops 114 and both loose ends 116 of the lace 110 are secured in the lace-receiving space 610. As for the loops 114, one side of each is in the lace-receiving space 610 and the other side of each is outside the lace-receiving space 610.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 20 in a final arrangement according to an embodiment with the mouth 620 in the closed position. Both loops 114 and both loose ends 116 of the lace 110 are secured in the lace-receiving space 610. As for the loops 114, both sides of each loop 114 are in the lace-receiving space 610.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 20 according to an embodiment in use on the shoe 100. As in FIG. 7C, only one side of each of the loops 114 is in the lace receiving space 610. An embodiment of the footwear upper 130 includes a first pair of lacing anchors 131a, 131b on opposing sides of the footwear upper 130; a second pair 132a, 132b; a third pair 133a, 133b; a fourth pair 134a, 134b; and a fifth pair of 135a,

135b. In various embodiments, at least one of the lacing anchors 131a, 131b, 132a, 132b, 133a, 133b, 134a, 134b, 135a, 135b is an eyelet, a grommet, a hook, a cleat, or a knob that provides an anchor point to which the apparatus 20 is attached. In other embodiments, the anchor points include other kinds of lacing anchors. FIG. 10A shows a top view of the apparatus 20 arranged according to an embodiment with the mouth 620 returned toward the closed position, enclosing two strands of the lace 110 in the lace-receiving space 610. In FIGs. 10A-10C, each strand is shown by a shaded circular cross-section of diameter pp. In some embodiments, the lace 110 has a diameter pp from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, from 3 mm to 8 mm, or 4 mm. In other embodiments the diameter pp is less than 0.1 mm or greater than 8 mm. FIG. 10A corresponds to FIG.

5D, with two loose ends 116 in the lace-receiving space 610. Alternatively, FIG. 10A corresponds to an arrangement in which both sides of a single loop 114 are enclosed in the lace-receiving space 610.

FIG. 10B shows a top view of an arrangement with the mouth 620 returned toward the closed position, enclosing four strands of the lace 110 in the lace-receiving space 610. FIG. 10B corresponds to FIG. 7C, with two loose ends 116 and one side of each of two loops 114 in the lace-receiving space 610 and the other side of each of the two loops 114 falling outside the lace-receiving space 610. It will be understood that in some embodiments the arrangements shown in FIGs. 7C and 10B can be achieved using only one hand, in a manner like that discussed with respect to FIGs. 6A and 6B.

FIG. IOC shows a top view arranged with the mouth 620 returned toward the closed position, enclosing six strands of the lace 110 in the lace-receiving space 610. FIG. IOC corresponds to FIG. 8, with two loose ends 116 and both sides of each of two loops 114 in the lace-receiving space 610. It will be understood that in some embodiments the arrangements shown in FIGs. 8 and IOC can be achieved using only one hand, as discussed with respect to FIGs. 6A and 6B.

FIG. 11 shows a process according to an embodiment. A footwear lacing method according to an embodiment includes providing S101 the footwear lace management apparatus 20; passing SI 11 the first portion 11 la of the lace 110 around a first anchor point, namely the lacing anchor 133a, on the footwear upper 130; securing SI 13 the first portion 11 la to the first attachment device 310; passing S121 the second portion 11 lb of the lace 110 around a second anchor point, namely the lacing anchor 133b, on a side of the footwear upper 130 opposite the first anchor point, namely the lacing anchor 133a; securing S123 the second portion 11 lb to the second attachment device 320; tying S131 the first portion 111a and the second portion 11 lb of the lace 110 in a knot 112; and passing S141 at least two from among the first loop 114a, the second loop 114b, the first loose end 116a, and the second loose end 116b of the lace 110 into the lace-receiving space 610. According to some embodiments, the footwear lace management apparatus 20 is not secured between the lowest pair of lacing anchors on a footwear upper. For example, referring again to Fig. 9, the footwear upper 130 of the shoe 100 has ten lacing anchors 131a, 131b, 132a, 132b, 133a, 133b, 134a, 134b, 135a, 135b, arranged in five pairs. The first pair of lacing anchors 131a, 131b occupies a position closer to the sole 150 than the other lacing anchors 132a, 132b, 133a, 133b, 134a, 134b, 135a, 135b. The lacing anchor 131a and the lacing anchor 131b are the lowest lacing anchors on the footwear upper 130. Collectively, the lacing anchor 131a and the lacing anchor 131b are the lowest pair of lacing anchors on the footwear upper 130 of the shoe 100. In Fig. 9, the footwear lace management apparatus 20 is secured between the third pair of lacing anchors 133a and 133b. The first portion 11 la of the lace 110 passes through the lacing anchor 133a before passing through the first attachment device 310. The second portion 11 lb of the lace 110 passes through the lacing anchor 133b before passing through the second attachment device 320.

According to some embodiments, the footwear lace management apparatus 20 is secured adjacent to at least one anchor point that is not among the lowest lacing anchors on a shoe upper. For example, in an embodiment having only two pairs of lacing anchors, i.e., four lacing anchors in total, the lace 110 would not be secured to the apparatus 20 until after the lace 110 had already been passed around at least one of the two lowest lacing anchors. In Fig. 9, the footwear lace management apparatus 20 is secured adjacent to the third pair of lacing anchors 133a, 133b and adjacent to the fourth pair of lacing anchors 134a, 134b.

Referring to Fig. 9, lacing the shoe 100 includes passing the first portion 11 la of the lace 110 through the lacing anchor 131a, then through the lacing anchor 132b, then through the lacing anchor 133a, then through the aperture 312 of the first attachment device 310 of the attachment portion 300 of the apparatus 20, then through the lacing anchor 134b, and finally through the lacing anchor 135a, before being tied in the knot 112. Lacing the shoe 100 further includes before, after, or in conjunction with the steps just noted with respect to the first portion 111a, passing the second portion 11 lb of the lace 110 through the lacing anchor 131b, then through the lacing anchor 132a, then through the lacing anchor 133b, then through the aperture 322 of the second attachment device 320 of the attachment portion 300 of the apparatus 20, then through the lacing anchor 134a, then through the lacing anchor 135b, before being tied in the knot 112.

Advantageously, securing the apparatus 20 to the footwear upper 130 without securing the apparatus 20 between the lowest two lacing anchors 131a and 131b can help ensure the first loop 114a, the second loop 114b, the first loose end 116a, and the second loose end 116b stay engaged in the lace-receiving space 610, even when a person wears the shoe 100 during activities that would otherwise cause the loops 114a, 114b and the loose ends 116a, 116b to slip out from the lace-receiving space 610 and move away from the shoe 100. Examples of such activities include running, jumping, and cycling. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second anchor points is not among two lowest lacing anchors on the footwear upper.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, who will recognize that aspects discussed with respect to any one embodiment may be combined with aspects of any other embodiments. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.