Shoe with retractable spikes

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates in general to footwear. In particular, the invention relates to shoes having spikes, such as golf shoes.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#FIG. 1 is a side view of a golf shoe including the retractable spikes of the invention.

#FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of a single spike assembly of the invention, with a portion of the golf shoe shown in dashed lines.

#FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional side view of one of the spike assemblies shown in FIG. 1, with the spike in the extended position.

#The golf shoe 11 of the invention, shown in FIG. 1, has a sole 13 and a heel 15 attached to a standard golf shoe upper 17. A typical golf shoe 11 will have about six spike assemblies 19 in the sole 13 and about four additional spike assemblies 19 in the heel 15.

#FIGS. 2-4 illustrate a single spike assembly 19 in greater detail. Each spike assembly 19 includes a housing 21, a spike 23, and a biasing means 25. Each housing 21 is a hollow cylinder 27, with a cap 29 on one end and a disc 31 on the other end. The cylinder 27 has external threads 33, so the spike assembly 19 can be threaded into a hole drilled in the sole 13 or heel 15 of the shoe 11.

#The cylinder 27 and the cap 29 are preferably integral to one another, although, alternatively, the cap 29 could be friction f i t or threaded onto the cylinder 27. The cap 29 is attached to the upper end of the housing 21 and supports one end of the biasing means 25.