Abstract:
A shoe with retractable metal spikes on a heel area is herein disclosed. A bottom portion of a shoe heel comprises a plurality of metal spikes that retract in and out via a cam plate, driven by a cam lever and activated by a control dial located on the outside face of the heel. When the metal spikes are extended, they can be used to walk safely on snow and/or ice, and can also be used in wintertime sporting events. The metal spikes can be retracted by simply turning the dial and allowing them to retract flush or slightly below the surface of the shoe sole. The invention is viewed as being particularly useful for those in construction, public service, law enforcement or any profession in which walking outside in winter conditions and walking inside on finished floors is a regular and repeating part of their work day.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in an Official Record of Invention on Mar. 1, 2007; on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to footwear with an integral retractable spike assembly located therein a heel portion thereof said footwear and to a method for retracting and deploying said spike assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Almost every state in the U.S. has seen snowfall or below-freezing temperatures at some point. In fact, forty-four (44) of the fifty (50) states will typically see temperatures as low as ten degrees (10 F.°) over the course of the winter. 
     Those of us who live in those areas where the winter climate brings snow, sleet, high winds and ice know the harshness and hazards associated with such weather. For those who must walk outside in such conditions, ice and snow present a major slipping risk. Studded shoes, or clip on devices provide some protection against these dangers, but quickly become impractical when walking in and out of buildings all day. If left on when walking on finished floors, such devices can quickly cause damage to the surface or might even present tripping or slipping hazards, themselves. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which one can walk safely on snow and ice without the disadvantages mentioned above. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 435,333 filed by Robbins et al. discloses a footwear tread. This design patent does not appear to disclose a similar ornamental or industrial design to the instant invention nor does it appear to disclose an integral spike mechanism located solely in the heel portion of the article of footwear that extends and retracts spikes through the use of an activation dial. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,982 filed by Bell discloses a readily mountable traction enhancing attachment for footwear. This patent does not appear to disclose an integral spike mechanism located in the heel portion of an article of footwear. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,627 filed by Violette discloses all-terrain footwear with retractable spikes. This patent does not appear to disclose an integral spike mechanism located solely in the heel portion of the article of footwear that extends and retracts spikes through the use of an activation dial. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,143 filed by Bell and Bell discloses a convertible non-slip footwear attachment device having ice/snow engaging cleats. This patent does not appear to disclose an integral spike mechanism located in the heel portion of an article of footwear. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,729 filed by Buchanen discloses footwear having retractable spikes. This patent does not appear to disclose an integral spike mechanism located solely in the heel portion of the article of footwear that extends and retracts spikes through the use of an activation dial. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,338 filed by Schwimmer and Crozier discloses a spike heel plate. This patent does not appear to disclose an integral spike mechanism located solely in the heel portion of the article of footwear capable of extending and retracting the spikes through the use of an activation dial. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,355,823 filed by Vogt discloses a skid protector for footwear. This patent does not appear to disclose an integral spike mechanism located solely in the heel portion of the article of footwear capable of extending and retracting the spikes through the use of an activation dial. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,026,013 filed by Arieti discloses an invention named creeper. This patent does not appear to disclose an integral spike mechanism located solely in the heel portion of the article of footwear capable of extending and retracting the spikes through the use of an activation dial. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,349,542 filed by Yank discloses an ice creeper. This patent does not appear to disclose an integral spike mechanism located solely in the heel portion of the article of footwear capable of extending and retracting the spikes through the use of an activation dial. 
     The prior art appears to disclose articles possessing spikes that are attachable to footwear or that possess spikes that deploy through a slide mechanism. The prior art does not appear to disclose an integral spike mechanism located solely in the heel portion of the article of footwear that extends and retracts spikes through the use of an activation dial. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a boot with heel spikes which provides a means for a specialized shoe with retractable metal spikes on the heel area. With the metal spikes in an extended position, the boots can be used to walk safely on snow and/or ice, and can also be used in wintertime sporting events. 
     Therefore, an object of the present invention provides for the bottom portion of the heel to comprise four (4) metal spikes that retract in and out via a cam plate, driven by a crank shaft which is manually activated by an activation dial located on the outside face of the heel. 
     Another object of the present invention provides for the boot with heel spikes to comprise a shoe assembly, a spike retracting mechanism, a lid assembly, four (4) spikes, and an activation dial. The boot with heel spikes may be a standard work shoe comprising expected features such as, but not limited to, an upper shoe portion, a lower shoe portion, a sole, a heel, a tongue, padding, a plurality of lacing eyelets, and an insole. The shoe assembly further provides custom features including an internal cavity located in a heel area and four (4) heel apertures. 
     Another object of the present invention provides a mounting means thereto a spike retracting mechanism and lid assembly. The cavity is formed within the heel portion having particular internal rectangular dimensions providing a snug fit thereto the spike retracting mechanism and lid assembly. The spike retracting mechanism and lid assembly form a rectangular shape sized so as to fit discretely within the heel portion. The spike retracting mechanism and lid assembly are held permanently therein said cavity using preferably a durable weather-resistant adhesive. The insole portion provides a user with a comfortable covering of the spike retracting mechanism and lid assembly. 
     Yet another object of the present invention provides for the spike retracting mechanism to further comprises four (4) extendable and retractable cylindrical spikes approximately one-eighth (⅛) inch in diameter which extend outwardly toward a ground or floor surface extending approximately one-quarter (¼) of an inch below a bottom surface of the heel portion. Each spike comprises a sharp conical point at a lower end thereof providing an improved traction means thereto a user. The spikes are slidingly guided through the heel portion via four (4) heel apertures located in a corresponding pattern to that of the spikes, thereby providing a guiding inner diameter to the spikes. Vertical movement of the spikes is provided by a cam plate, a lift strap, and a manually activated crank shaft. 
     Yet another object of the present invention provides for various articles of footwear to be configured with the spike retracting mechanism, thereby providing an improved traction means to a user. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention provides for the spike retracting mechanism to comprise an activation dial, four (4) spikes, a base plate, a crank shaft, a pair of crank shaft apertures, four (4) spike apertures, an activation dial slot, a cam plate, a lift strap, and a lift strap groove. The elements of the spike retracting mechanism are envisioned being made using durable corrosion-resistant materials. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention provides for the base plate to comprise a rugged metal “U”-shaped structure with a horizontal rectangular lower platform approximately two (2) inches long along an edge providing a sturdy mounting platform thereto spike motivating devices within. The base plate provides an attachment means thereto the crank shaft via a pair of opposing crank shaft apertures comprising horizontally aligned drilled holes approximately one-eighth (⅛) inch in diameter located at an intermediate position thereupon the two (2) vertical sides of the base plate along respective upper edges. The crank shaft is rotatably joined to the base plate in the crank shaft apertures extending between said crank shaft apertures. The crank shaft further comprises a parallel offset section formed between said apertures being slidingly engaged to a cam plate. The cam plate comprises a rectangular horizontal metal plate similar in size to the base plate being located above the bottom surface of said base plate and contained between the two vertical sides of the base plate. The cam plate provides a means to convert a rotary motion of the crank shaft to a vertical motion of the cam plate via insertion therein a lift strap being welded to an upper surface of the cam plate. 
     Another object of the present invention provides for the lift strap to comprise an inverted “U”-shaped metal strap approximately one-quarter (¼) inch wide comprising an offset section defining an enclosed horizontal lift strap groove therewith the upper surface of the cam plate surface. The crank shaft is inserted therein the lift strap groove providing free rotary motion of the crank shaft slidingly inserted therewithin resulting in a vertical displacement of the cam plate. The cam plate provides a permanent attachment means thereto four (4) spikes being affixed thereto. 
     Another object of the present invention provides for the spikes to be flush with an upper surface of the cam plate and extend perpendicularly downward from said cam plate slidingly protruding through four (4) respective spike apertures located in the horizontal portion of the base plate. The spikes are held securely in an extended position as the crank shaft is rotated slightly beyond a vertical orientation positioning the offset portion of the crank shaft against an extreme end portion of the lift strap groove. While the crank shaft is in this orientation the cam plate and spikes are extended downwardly allowing a user of the boot with heel spikes to walk securely upon a snow and/or icy surface. 
     Yet another object of the present invention provides for the crank shaft to comprise an end portion which extends through the crank shaft aperture providing an attachment thereto a manually manipulated activation dial being affixed perpendicularly thereto a flat surface of said activation dial. The activation dial provides a circular manual grasping means allowing a user to affect a torque to the internal crank shaft, thereby providing extension and retraction of the spikes as desired. The activation dial comprises a circular knob approximately one (1) inch in diameter comprising parallel vertical flat surfaces providing mechanical engagement of the crank shaft by a centrally located drilled hole therein a rear side thereof being particularly sized so as to engage said crank shaft. The actuation dial further comprises an activation dial slot along a front side thereof providing optional manipulation of said activation dial. The activation dial slot comprises a large female groove-type feature extending diametrically across a front surface of the activation dial face. 
     Another object of the present invention provides for the boot with heel spikes to possess a spike retracting mechanism portion that provides a user the option of wearing the boot with heel spikes indoors or upon a normal high-friction walking surface. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention provides for the lid to comprise a five-sided, open bottomed rectangular box which slidingly engages and covers the spike retracting mechanism. The lid works in conjunction with the base plate to form a protective housing around said spike retracting mechanism. The lid comprises a lid top panel, a pair of lid side panels, a lid front panel, a lid rear panel, and a lid front panel slot. The lid front panel further comprises an integral front lid panel slot at an intermediate location providing clearance to the crank shaft which protrudes horizontally through the base plate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1   a  is a side view of a boot with heel spikes  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1   b  is a side cut-away view of a boot with heel spikes  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a spike retracting mechanism portion  20  depicting an extended state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a spike retracting mechanism portion  20  depicting a retracted state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a perspective of a lid portion  40  depicting application thereto a spike retracting mechanism  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4   b  is a perspective of a spike retracting mechanism  20  depicting a lid portion  40  in an installed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  boot with heel spikes 
               20  spike retracting mechanism 
               21  activation dial 
               22  spike 
               23  base plate 
               24  crank shaft 
               25  crank shaft aperture 
               26  spike aperture 
               27  activation dial slot 
               31  cam plate 
               32  lift strap 
               33  lift strap groove 
               40  lid assembly 
               41  lid top panel 
               42  lid side panel 
               43  lid front panel 
               44  lid rear panel 
               45  lid front panel slot 
               50  shoe assembly 
               51  upper shoe 
               52  lower shoe 
               53  sole 
               54  heel 
               55  tongue 
               56  padding 
               57  lacing eyelets 
               58  insole 
               59  cavity 
               60  adhesive 
               61  heel aperture 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4   b . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a device and method for a boot with heel spikes (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for a specialized shoe  50  with retractable metal spikes  22  on a heel area  54  is herein disclosed. A bottom portion of a shoe heel  54  comprises four (4) metal spikes  22  that retract in and out via a cam plate  31 , driven by a crank shaft  24  which is manually activated by an activation dial  21  located on the outside face of the heel  54 . When the metal spikes  22  are extended, they can be used to walk safely on snow and/or ice, and can also be used in wintertime sporting events. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , side and cut-away views of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a shoe assembly  50 , a spike retracting mechanism  20 , a lid assembly  40 , four (4) spikes  22 , and an activation dial  21 . 
     The shoe assembly  50  is depicted here being a standard work shoe  50  comprising expected features such as, but not limited to, an upper shoe portion  51 , a lower shoe portion  52 , a sole  53 , a heel  54 , a tongue  55 , padding  56 , a plurality of lacing eyelets  57 , and an insole  58 . Said shoe assembly  50  is envisioned to be made using conventional shoe manufacturing methods, materials, and processes common in the industry. Said shoe assembly  50  provides further custom features including an internal cavity  59  located in a heel area  54  and four (4) heel apertures  61 . The cavity  59  provides a mounting means thereto a spike retracting mechanism  20  and lid assembly  40 . The cavity  59  is formed therewithin said heel portion  54  having particular internal rectangular dimensions providing a snug fit thereto the spike retracting mechanism  20  and lid assembly  40 . Said spike retracting mechanism  20  and lid assembly  40  form a rectangular shape sized so as to fit discretely within the heel portion  54 . The spike retracting mechanism  20  and lid assembly  40  are held permanently therein said cavity  59  using preferably a durable weather-resistant adhesive  60 ; however, other fastening means may be used such as screws, rivets, or the like with equal benefit. The insole portion  58  provides a user with a comfortable covering of the spike retracting mechanism  20  and lid assembly  40  using common shoe manufacturing processes and materials. 
     The spike retracting mechanism  20  further comprises four (4) extendable and retractable cylindrical spikes  22  approximately one-eighth (⅛) inch in diameter which extend outwardly toward a ground or floor surface extending approximately one-quarter (¼) of an inch below a bottom surface of the heel portion  54 . Each spike  22  comprises a sharp conical point at a lower end thereof providing an improved traction means thereto a user. Said spikes  22  are slidingly guided therethrough the heel portion  54  via four (4) heel apertures  61  located in a corresponding pattern to that of the spikes  22  providing a guiding inner diameter thereto said spikes  22 . Vertical movement of the spikes  22  is provided by a cam plate  31 , a lift strap  32 , and a manually activated crank shaft  24  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
     Although the apparatus  10  is illustrated here as a common work boot  50 , it is understood that various boots and shoes may be configured in like manner comprising the spike retracting mechanism  20 , thereby providing an improved traction means thereto a user and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of a spike retracting mechanism portion  20  depicting an extended state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The spike retracting mechanism  20  comprises an activation dial  21 , four (4) spikes  22 , a base plate  23 , a crank shaft  24 , a pair of crank shaft apertures  25 , four (4) spike apertures  26 , an activation dial slot  27 , a cam plate  31 , a lift strap  32 , and a lift strap groove  33 . The elements of the spike retracting mechanism  20  are envisioned being made using durable corrosion resistant materials such as plated steel, stainless steel, or the like using stock rolled materials incorporating machining, welding, and common metal forming processes. 
     The base plate  23  comprises a rugged metal “U”-shaped structure with a horizontal rectangular lower platform approximately two (2) inches long along an edge providing a sturdy mounting platform thereto spike  22  motivating devices therewithin. The base plate  23  provides an attachment means thereto the crank shaft  24  via a pair of opposing crank shaft apertures  25  comprising horizontally aligned drilled holes approximately one-eighth (⅛) inch in diameter located at an intermediate position thereupon the two (2) vertical sides of the base plate  23  along respective upper edges. The crank shaft  24  is rotatably joined thereto the base plate  23  therein the crank shaft apertures  25  extending therebetween said crank shaft apertures  25 . The crank shaft  24  further comprises a parallel offset section formed therebetween said apertures  25  being slidingly engaged thereto a cam plate  31 . The cam plate  31  comprises a rectangular horizontal metal plate similar in size to the base plate being located above the bottom surface of said base plate  23  and contained therebetween the two vertical sides of said base plate  23 . The cam plate  31  provides a means to convert a rotary motion of said crank shaft  24  thereto a vertical motion of said cam plate  31  via insertion therein a lift strap  32  being welded thereto an upper surface of said cam plate  31 . The lift strap  32  comprises an inverted “U”-shaped metal strap approximately one-quarter (¼) inch wide comprising an offset section defining an enclosed horizontal lift strap groove  33  therewith the upper surface of the cam plate surface  31 . The crank shaft  24  is inserted therein said lift strap groove  33  providing free rotary motion of the crank shaft  24  slidingly inserted therewithin resulting in a vertical displacement of the cam plate  31 . The cam plate  31  provides a permanent attachment means thereto four (4) spikes  22  being affixed thereto using welding, press fits, or similar fastening means securing said spikes  22  perpendicularly therein. The spikes  22  are flush with an upper surface of the cam plate  31  and extend perpendicularly downward therefrom said cam plate  31  slidingly protruding therethrough four (4) respective spike apertures  26  located therein the horizontal portion of the base plate  23 . The spike retracting mechanism  20  is illustrated here in an extended and locked position with the crank shaft  24 . The spikes  22  are held securely in an extended position as the crank shaft  24  is rotated slightly beyond a vertical orientation positioning the aforementioned offset portion of the crank shaft  24  thereagainst an extreme end portion of the lift strap groove  33 . While the crank shaft  24  is in this orientation the cam plate  31  and spikes  22  are extended downwardly allowing a user of the apparatus  10  to walk securely upon a snow and/or icy surface. The apparatus  10  is illustrated here depicting four (4) spikes; however, it is understood that any suitable number of spikes  22  and respective features may be utilized based upon particular sizes and styles of shoe assemblies  50  as well as a user&#39;s preference. 
     The crank shaft  24  comprises an end portion which extends therethrough the crank shaft aperture  25  providing an attachment thereto a manually manipulated activation dial  21  being affixed perpendicularly thereto a flat surface of said activation dial  21 . The activation dial  21  provides a circular manual grasping means allowing a user to affect a torque thereto the internal crank shaft  24 , thereby providing extension and retraction of the spikes  22  as desired. The activation dial  21  comprises a circular knob approximately one (1) inch in diameter comprising parallel vertical flat surfaces providing mechanical engagement of the crank shaft  24  via a centrally located drilled hole therein a rear side thereof being particularly sized so as to engage said crank shaft end  24  using a press fit, welding, or a combination thereof. The actuation dial  21  further comprises an activation dial slot  27  along a front side thereof providing optional manipulation of said activation dial  21  using a coin, tool, or other suitably shaped device. The activation dial slot  27  comprises a large female groove-type feature extending diametrically across a front surface of the activation dial face  21 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of a spike retracting mechanism portion  20  depicting a retracted state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The spike retracting mechanism portion  20  is illustrated here showing the crank shaft  24  in the horizontal orientation and the cam plate  31  and attached spikes  22  in a retracted or raised position. The illustrated state of the spike retracting mechanism portion  20  provides a user an option of wearing the apparatus  10  indoors or upon a normal high-friction walking surface. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , perspective views of a lid portion  40  application thereto the spike retracting mechanism  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The lid  40  comprises a five-sided, open bottomed rectangular box which slidingly engages and covers the spike retracting mechanism  20 . The lid  40  works in conjunction therewith the base plate  23  to form a protective housing therearound said spike retracting mechanism  20 . The lid  40  comprises a lid top panel  41 , a pair of lid side panels  42 , a lid front panel  43 , a lid rear panel  44 , and a lid front panel slot  45 . The lid front panel  43  further comprises an integral front lid panel slot  45  at an intermediate location providing clearance thereto the crank shaft  24  which protrudes horizontally therethrough the base plate  23 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be utilized as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: selecting an appropriate model of the apparatus  10  based upon one&#39;s shoe size, occupation, or anticipated surroundings and terrain; applying the apparatus  10  to one&#39;s feet in a normal manner; rotating the activation dial  21  using one&#39;s hand, a tool, or a coin to retract the spikes  22  below the bottom surface of the heel portion  54 ; walking in a normal manner over indoor or dry high-friction terrain; rotating the activation dial  21  to extend and lock the spikes  22  in an extended position; walking over snow and/or icy surfaces as desired; retracting and extending the spikes  22  repeatedly using the actuating dial  21  as needed while traveling to/from high-friction surfaces to/from snow and ice covered surfaces; and, utilizing the apparatus  10  to obtain improved traction while walking on snowy/icy surfaces while performing one&#39;s occupation, participating in a winter event, or during a normal walking event. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.