Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a shoe comprising an upper and a sole. The sole has a heel portion that includes an outsole and a gel cushion. Preferably, the heel portion has a cushioning factor of at least about 1.18.

Abstract: The present invention discloses golf shoes comprising outsoles including multiple jointing holes installing spikes respectively, uppers sewed or adhered with the outer circumstance of the top of the outsoles, and midsoles and insoles stacked sequentially to the outsoles within the uppers, wherein the protrusions 12 and 12? are protruded from the surroundings of the jointing holes 11 and 11? formed at the outsoles 10 and 10? of the golf shoes and protruded more and more form the inside to the outside direction to have a slope from the outside to the inside direction, the inside of the toe of the right outsole 10? is rounded to make rotation of the right golf shoe smooth at the finish step, and the outsole 10 of the left golf shoe, making a role of a prop at the finish step, is wider than the outsole 10? of the right golf shoe to widen the contact area with the ground in maximum.

Abstract: A shoe cleat with improved traction includes at least one dynamic traction element and at least one static traction element extending from a hub, where the traction elements are asymmetrically positioned about a central axis of the hub. The dynamic traction element is configured to deflect toward the shoe sole when the shoe to which the cleat is secured engages a ground surface, whereas the static traction element is configured to substantially resist flexing when the shoe engages the ground surface. The asymmetrical arrangement of traction elements on the hub facilitates the indexing of the shoe cleat with respect to the shoe sole to provide a variety of forms of enhanced traction for the shoe for different applications.

Abstract: A shoe cleat with improved traction includes at least one resiliently flexible traction element extending from a hub and being resiliently deflectable in a direction toward the sole of a shoe when the cleat is secured to the sole. The cleat is further configured to trap and engage blades of grass during resilient deflection of the traction element when the shoe is forced against a turf surface. The grass blades are frictionally engaged and secured in a non-planar engaging area by the traction element resulting in an enhanced traction of the shoe with respect to the turf surface. A convex foot on the traction element includes a suitable curvature to facilitate sliding of the foot along the turf surface as the traction element deflects to avoid penetration into the turf.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a golf shoe that includes a golf ball marker receiver element and an opening that allows the shoe lace to pass through for attaching the apparatus to the shoe. A golf shoe that has such an apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf shoe that incorporates a blade scraper that may be used to scrape and clean debris from the blade of a golf club. The present invention provides a blade scraper that is a permanent part of a golf shoe or may be removeably attached to an off-the-shelf golf shoe. With minimal effort, and without having to bend over or reach for a cleaning cloth, a golfer may swipe the blade of a club across the blade scraper to clean off debris. If a golfer needs a divot tool and/or ball marker during the course of play, the golfer need only reach to the shoe rather than hunt through a golf bag for such accessories.

Abstract: A shoe stud for a sports shoe has a ground-engaging part and a multi-start threaded spigot for engagement in a complementary socket on a receptacle secured in the shoe sole or heel. The stud and receptacle also have a locking device which inter-engages when the spigot is fully inserted into the socket, to resist unscrewing. In order to ensure that the stud takes up a precise position relative to the receptacle, which may be needed if the stud is not rotationally symmetrical, the stud and receptacle have means to determine the initial position of the stud relative to the receptacle, and means to determine the final position of the stud relative to the receptacle. Determination of the initial position may be provided by a thread and complementary groove of the screw-thread connection which are of different dimensions from the others.

Abstract: An outsole for an athletic shoe, in particular a golf shoe, having a plurality of traction elements of resisting rotational movement parallel to a plane surface of the ground. Traction elements in a forefoot region of the outsole are oriented with resist surfaces facing a lateral edge and traction elements in a rearfoot region of the outsole are oriented with resist surfaces a medial direction. The resist surfaces of the traction elements are substantially perpendicular to a base surface of the outsole and other surfaces of the traction element can be connected to the base surface by concave curvatures. The traction elements may have an indented surface. A plurality of the traction elements may be arranged along longitudinal and radial arrays in a forefoot region.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a golfer's putt is provided. Included is a ball, putter, and ball marker, each of which bear directional indicia, such as arrows or triangles. The indicia of the various elements are aligned toward the hole, with the indicia of each element creating a desired directional path. The golfer uses the directional path created by the proper alignment of one or more elements to aim his or her putt. Furthermore, the directional indicia of the golf ball are designed to blend together when the ball is hit in the direction of the indicia, but create a swirl pattern when the ball is mis-hit for visualization of proper and improper putting.

Abstract: A slip-on, moccasin-style golfing shoe has a shoe sole having a bottom surface with contours for gripping a golfing surface during striking of a golf ball; an upper, with the shoe sole, defining a volume for receiving a wearer's foot and defining an opening for insertion of a wearer's foot into the volume, the upper including resilient closure assembly fixedly extending across a forward portion of the opening; and, disposed within the volume, a heel cup of extended length, reduced width, and increased stiffness, for resisting lateral movement of a heel region of the wearer's foot during striking of a golf ball. The shoe sole defines a depressed footbed surface for a lower center of gravity and increased stability during golfing play.

Abstract: A shoe body for a left foot which includes an outsole body, double-side-slip-preventing projections and additional projections formed on a bottom surface of the outsole body, the outsole body, the double-side-slip-preventing projections and the additional projections being formed integrally and having a composition containing rubber or synthetic resin as a principal component. Each of the double-side-slip-preventing projections includes a bottom surface to be a grounding surface, a tiptoe side slip prevention wall, and a heel side slip prevention wall. The tiptoe side slip prevention wall is formed substantially along a line to be convex in a tiptoe direction and the heel side slip prevention wall is formed substantially along a line to be convex in a heel direction.

Abstract: An outsole (1) has a body (2), a spike (3), a first projected portion (4), and a second projected portion (5). The spike (3) has a disk-like portion (7) and a pin (8). The disk-like portion (7) and the pin (8) are composed of a rubber-molded material. The rubber-molded material contains 30 wt % or more of polybutadiene or acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer as a rubber component thereof. The JIS-C hardness of the rubber-molded material is set to the range from 35 to 95 both inclusive. The cutting-time elongation of the rubber-molded material is set to 280% or more. The difference (h1−h2) between a projected height (h1) of the spike (3) and a projected height (h2) of the first projected portion (4) as well as the second projected portion (5) is set to the range from 0 mm to 15 mm both inclusive.

Abstract: A golf alignment system and method that allows a golfer to properly align his or her feet in relation to the already positioned golf club prior to attempting a shot. The invention comprises one or more substantially horizontal alignment stripes disposed upon a pair of shoes worn by a golfer. The alignment stripes may be of any color or material provided they are visually discernable from the rest of the shoe. The present invention uses aligned stripes skewed at a slight angle, offset from the longitudinal axis of the golfer's shoes. Because a human's back or heel portion of the foot is narrower than the front portion, adjacent horizontally disposed alignment stripes on each individual shoe, when brought together, would not result in a series of horizontal lines. However, when utilizing the present invention at the beginning of the alignment process before the golfer actually strikes the ball, the golfer brings his or her feet together or very close to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a stud for a shoe which is light in weight, has a long service life and excellent abrasion resistance, and a shoe using the same. The stud for the shoe is made up of a central protruding member, a seating plate, and peripheral binding members. The seating plate is formed of a metallic material, and the central protruding member or the peripheral binding members are formed of RB ceramic or CRB ceramic. The shoe is fabricated by securely attaching the studs to an outsole thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a golfer's putt is provided. Included is a ball, putter, and ball marker, each of which bear directional indicia, such as arrows or triangles. The indicia of the various elements are aligned toward the hole, with the indicia of each element creating a desired directional path. The golfer uses the directional path created by the proper alignment of one or more elements to aim his or her putt. Furthermore, the directional indicia of the golf ball are designed to blend together when the ball is hit in the direction of the indicia, but create a swirl pattern when the ball is mis-hit for visualization of proper and improper putting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an outsole for use with a shoe and a shoe having an improved outsole. The outsole includes a forward portion and a rearward portion that are connected by a ball-and-socket connection that allows the portions to move freely. The outsole may include a flexible member disposed between two pieces, for example, of the forward portion to allow these pieces to flex freely. The outsole may be used with a sole construction that includes a gel cushion that is adjacent a transparent window member of the outsole.

Abstract: An indication device for instructing a predetermined golf swing action, or for instructing a predetermined stance during skiing, includes inserts 1, 6, 10, 22 which are adapted and which can be located in use to provide a tactile indication to the user that a predetermined stance has been maintained or deviated from. In the case of golf, the device is particularly adapted such that when not swinging, no such tactile indication to the golfer is provided.

Abstract: The invention is a traction element for an article of footwear that reduces rotation in the footwear during activities such as golf. The traction elements are configured to penetrate the ground and include undercut surfaces that contact the ground. During a golf swing, for example, the ground will induce a force upon the undercut surfaces, thereby deforming the traction element and securely engaging the traction element with the ground. The traction elements may also have back surfaces opposite the undercut surface that assist with disengaging the traction elements following the golf swing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pair of golf shoes, each comprising an outsole provided with a plurality of spikes protruded from a lower surface of the outsole, in which the lower surface of the outsole is inclined from an outer edge of the outsole to an inner edge of the outsole so that the spikes at the inner edge of the outsole have a height larger than that of the spikes at the outer edge of the outsole, and the spikes respectively have heights so that an upper surface of the outsole is substantially parallel with a ground. The golf shoes allow golfer's feet to be stably mounted on the surface of a green, thereby assisting a golfer in taking a stable position during address and swing motions.

Abstract: A shoe cleat with improved traction includes at least one dynamic traction element and at least one static traction element extending from a hub, where the traction elements are asymmetrically positioned about a central axis of the hub. The dynamic traction element is configured to deflect toward the shoe sole when the shoe to which the cleat is secured engages a ground surface, whereas the static traction element is configured to substantially resist flexing when the shoe engages the ground surface. The asymmetrical arrangement of traction elements on the hub facilitates the indexing of the shoe cleat with respect to the shoe sole to provide a variety of forms of enhanced traction for the shoe for different applications.

Abstract: A golf shoe includes an outsole having a sole member. The sole member has a sole, a heel, and an arch disposed intermediate the sole and heel. The sole and heel each have a ground engagement surface. The heel has a centerline and left and right side portions disposed on either side of the centerline. The left side portion of the heel (the medial side portion for the right golf shoe and the lateral side portion for the left golf shoe) includes a flare having a ground engagement surface. The ground engagement surfaces of the flare and left side portion of the heel have an area which is greater than the area of the ground engagement surface of the right side portion of the heel.

Abstract: A shoe cleat with improved traction includes at least one resiliently flexible traction element extending from a hub and being resiliently deflectable in a direction toward the sole of a shoe when the cleat is secured to the sole. The cleat is further configured to trap and engage blades of grass during resilient deflection of the traction element when the shoe is forced against a turf surface. The grass blades are frictionally engaged and secured in a non-planar engaging area by the traction element resulting in an enhanced traction of the shoe with respect to the turf surface. A convex foot on the traction element includes a suitable curvature to facilitate sliding of the foot along the turf surface as the traction element deflects to avoid penetration into the turf.

Abstract: A plastic cleat (10) for a golf shoe is disclosed, including a cleat body (3), a plurality of flexible protrusions (1) and rigid protrusions (2) extending from the cleat body (3). The flexible protrusions (1) and rigid protrusions (2) provide good grips on grass without damaging the grass. The flexible protrusions (1) bend outwardly on a hard surface, when the rigid protrusions (2) chiefly support weight. The cleat (10) can be economically manufactured by “forced extraction molding” utilizing the shape rebounding nature of half hardened plastic materials.

Abstract: A shoe (L) for a left foot includes an outsole body (1). Both side slip prevention projections (3a) and (3b) and a non-both side slip prevention projection (5) are formed on a bottom surface of the outsole body (1). The outsole body (1), the both side slip prevention projections (3a) and (3b) and the non-both side slip prevention projection (5) are integrally formed of a composition containing rubber or synthetic resin as a principal component. Each of the both side slip prevention projections (3a) and (3b) has a bottom surface to be a grounding surface, a toe side slip prevention wall and a heel side slip prevention wall. The toe side slip prevention wall is formed along a convex line in a direction of a toe. The heel side slip prevention wall is formed along a convex line in a direction of a heel. A shoe (R) for a right foot has a shape obtained by transversely inverting the shape of the shoe (L) for the left foot.

Abstract: A level is adapted for attachment to an upper surface of a shoe in such a manner that the level is visible to a wearer of the shoe. The level is calibrated by using a known level surface to stand upon and then adjusting the level so that it reads level when standing on the known level surface. The user then walks intermediate a first and second location, pausing as desired, and noting the reading that is provided by the level. Accordingly, a method of determining the grade at any given location is provided. If the user combines two or more readings that are taken intermediate the first and the second location, an average grade intermediate the first and the second location is provided. A preferred bubble level and method of adjusting the level to the shoe and of detaching it therefrom is disclosed.

Abstract: A golf shoe (1) comprises a sole portion (an outsole) (3) and an upper portion (5). The sole portion (3) is formed of an elastic material. The golf shoe (1) has a toe side flexibility evaluation value (Gt) of 0.0015 to 0.0100. The toe side flexibility evaluation value (Gt) is calculated by the following equation (I); Gt=(20/L)/Ft  (I) In the equation (I), L represents an overall length (mm) of the sole portion (3). Furthermore, Ft represents a tensile load (N) required for fixing a half part of the sole portion (3) close to a heel and pulling a front end close to a toe, thereby displacing the front end by 20 mm.

Abstract: An attachment for fastening a brush to a shoe having a sole. The attachment having a disk-like flange for fitting in a snug and gripping manner against the shoe's sole. This flange having a bottom surface opposite an upper surface. Extending down from the bottom surface are a number of bristles for supplying brushing surface for brushing an object. Extending up from the center of the upper surface is a threaded stud for removably attaching the attachment to the shoe.

Abstract: An attachment for fastening a brush to a shoe. The attachment having a first (horizontal) flange extending to a second (vertical) flange. The first flange attaching to the sole of the shoe, with the second flange attaching to a wiping element such as a brush. The attachment could alternatively be provided with a disk-like single flange having threading allowing the attachment to be screwed into a standard golf shoe threaded spike hole.

Abstract: Combination of golf shoes and other golfing tools. For example a multi-functional shoe (20) which includes divot repair-tool (22), and golf tee (46). Golf shoes are constructed with holding mechanism (32) so that divot repair-tool (22) and or golf tee (38) may be easily attached to the shoe. Divot repair-tool (22) may also be constructed with a holding mechanism to attach to an ordinary golf shoe.

Abstract: A shoe cleat connector for use with a receptacle attached to a shoe includes a substratum having a plurality of independent posts extending therefrom, with a retaining member disposed at a distal end and extending radially from each post. The receptacle includes a cavity with cantilevered fingers disposed near the periphery of the cavity. Each retaining member of the cleat connector includes a peripherally contoured series of adjacent planar surfaces that successively engage a corresponding cantilevered finger when the retaining members are inserted and rotated within the receptacle cavity, which results in the cleat connector being secured within the receptacle.

Abstract: A shoe stud and receptacle combination for specifically oriented studs, the shoe stud (1) including a ground-engaging part (4). The stud (1) and receptacle (2) are adapted to be secured together by a multi-start threaded connection comprising a screw-threaded spigot (5) on one of the components adapted to be inserted with rotation into a screw-threaded socket on the other component. A locking means (7) of the components is arranged to become interengaged at least when the spigot (5) is fully inserted into the socket (22) to resist unscrewing of the components. The locking means (7) comprises at least one locking assembly (8), the arrangement is such that the relative number and/or position of the threads of the threaded connection and the locking assemblies (8) determine the initial and final positions of the stud (1) relative to the receptacle (2).

Abstract: An outsole for an article of studded footwear in which said outsole (1) includes receptacles (2) for specifically-oriented studs (5). The outsole (1) also includes traction elements (7) formed integrally with the outsole (1). The studs (5) and traction elements (7) being so constructed and arranged to interact in use of the footwear. The traction elements (7) are designed to complement the spike configuration of the stud (5).

Abstract: A spikeless golf shoe includes an upper portion and an outsole portion which further includes a front portion and a heel portion. The outsole portion includes several rows of approximately trapezoidal shaped interconnected cleats designed so that the golfer is provided with stability and traction during a golf swing, traction while walking up an incline, stability while walking on a firm surface other than grass and increased flexibility and comfort. The cleats are also reduce or eliminate the spike mark problems to grass surfaces and reduce the accumulation of debris within the cleats. Several rows of cleats are positioned along the inner and outer periphery of the outsole portion and are oriented so that substantial traction is provided during a golf swing as well as allowing the golf shoe to roll during the follow through of a golf swing.

Abstract: A shoe having at least one elongated shape memory alloy element and an electric circuit which when energized will produce a tightening of the shoe upper around the foot of a wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the shoe in one of a pair of golf shoes and the circuit in the shoe is energized by a switch in the heel that is turned on by the golfer clicking his heels together. Typically the golfer does this prior to each important swing of a golf club. A battery contained in the shoe provides a power source to produce a current in the circuit that heats the shape memory alloy causing it to reduce its length providing the tightening of the shoe uppers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a shoe comprising an upper and a sole. The sole has a heel portion that includes an outsole and a gel cushion. Preferably, the heel portion has a cushioning factor of at least about 1.18.

Abstract: A cleaning device for golf clubs that can be integrated into the sole of golf shoes (Integral ClubScrub) or bolted to it by using the cleats as fasteners (External ClubScrub). It comprises a brush-like section and a blade-like pre-cleaner, similar to a windshield wiper blade. It enables the user to quickly remove mud, sand, cut grass or leaves from the golf club without carrying an extra brush or cloth while the golf bag or golf cart is out of reach.

Abstract: A plastic cleat (10) for a golf shoe is disclosed, including a cleat body (3), a plurality of flexible protrusions (1) and rigid protrusions (2) extending from the cleat body (3). The flexible protrusions (1) and rigid protrusions (2) provide good grips on grass without damaging the grass. The flexible protrusions (1) bend outwardly on a hard surface, when the rigid protrusions (2) chiefly support weight. The cleat (10) can be economically manufactured by “forced extraction molding” utilizing the shape rebounding nature of half hardened plastic materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an outsole for use with a shoe and a shoe having an improved outsole. The outsole includes a forward portion and a rearward portion that are connected by a ball-and-socket connection that allows the portions to move freely. The outsole may include a flexible member disposed between two pieces, for example, of the forward portion to allow these pieces to flex freely. The outsole may be used with a sole construction that includes a gel cushion that is adjacent a transparent window member of the outsole.

Abstract: A replacement outer sole and method for converting a non-spiked dress or sport shoe to a spiked shoe. The replacement outer sole includes an outer sole that supports a plurality of surface gripping devices in an outer periphery thereof. The replacement outer sole is coupled to the upper portion of a flat-soled shoe, converting the non-spiked shoe to a sports shoe having a surface gripping device such as cleats or spikes generally used for walking, running golfing or other activities.

Abstract: A golf ball marker holder is provided that can be placed upon the top surface of a golfer's shoe and attached to the shoe by sliding the shoe lace of the golfer's shoe up a slot, past a retaining structure, and into a receiving area, after which the shoe lace is tightened and the golf ball marker holder is retained in place. The holder is of a unitary structure having two major portions, in which these two portions are pivotally attached to one another to form an upper and lower portion that forms a slot therebetween. This slot is used to receive the shoe lace of a golfer's shoe, and the holder is maneuvered to slide the shoe lace through the slot and into a receiving area. Once the shoe lace reaches that receiving area, the shoe lace will be retained by a corner structure within the slot, which will not allow the shoe lace to easily slide back out of the slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides new softspike overshoes for wearing over an existing shoe. The new softspike overshoes are suited for use in playing sports and are particularly suited for playing golf. The softspike overshoes are flexible yet sufficiently form retentive to securely hold their proper position on the shoe while playing golf. The softspike overshoe is a one-piece overshoe with soft spikes integrally molded into the bottom of the sole of the overshoe.

Abstract: A shoe device that is useful in obtaining the proper stance when playing the game of golf. The shoe device has a sole section, wherein the sole section has a left side and a right side. The shoe also includes an upper section that is coupled to the sole section. The upper section is sized to receive a foot. The upper section has a right side area that is disposed above the right side of the sole and a left side area that is disposed above the left side of the sole. A slanting mechanism is disposed within the shoe for selectively slanting the sole section of the shoe so that either the right side area or the left side area is elevated to a height above the opposite area. By slanting the shoe to one side, a golfer is reminded to keep his/her weight the inside of their right foot when swinging a golf club, thereby making for a better swing.

Abstract: An athletic shoe attachment comprises a wedge-shaped shim adapted to be interposed between the bottom of a shoe and a ground engageable traction member. Any selected traction member may be removed and replaced by a shim, and the removed traction member may be mounted on the shim in ground engageable position.

Abstract: A golf shoe is provided which facilitates a stable swing by causing a golfer to pull his knees inward securely. Because of the inwardly pulled knees, a gap is inevitably formed between the outer edge of fore shoe and ground surface. This gap usually causes unnecessary body movement during swing, and eventually leads to a loss of swing strength and accuracy (this is referred to as a sway). In order to prevent the sway by avoiding formation of the gap, a special golf shoe sole is invented. When a golfer is taking a stance with his knees pulled inward the inner part of the fore sole is lowered and the outer part of the fore sole is raised. Technical function of the sole is achieved by installing the inner (1) and outer (2) fluid chambers which are interconnected by the solution moving velocity control path (3). During swing, the slope at the fore part of the sole is adjusted optimally by itself by the pressure distribution of foot.

Abstract: An inner circumference side annular groove is formed in an inner circumference edge part of a golf shoe sole of a synthetic rubber, an outer circumference side annular groove is formed in the radial outside of the annular groove, and an annular packing protrusion is formed between them. An inner circumference side annular rib is provided on the lower face of the base of the friction part, an outer circumference side annular rib is provided in the outer circumference edge part thereof, and the area between them is made an annular packing face. When the friction body is fitted in and held by the holder, the inner circumference side annular rib and the outer circumference side annular rib fit in the inner circumference side annular groove and the outer circumference side annular groove, respectively, and the annular packing protrusion tightly and elastically contacts and presses the annular packing face over the entire circumference.

Abstract: The present invention provides a critical design element for the sole (20) of a golf shoe that has been heretofore overlooked. This novel improvement is provided by precisely defining a previously unknown proper angle (26) of inclination at 4.5 degrees for the height of the heel area (24) of the sole above the ball of the foot area (22) of the sole. This better balanced “foot print” permits better traction during the golf swing by means of more of the sole being in contact with the ground. More importantly, the present invention defines an improved “platform” angle of inclination for playing golf that provides proper posture, proper balance, optimum body position versus the ball position, enhanced weight distribution for better traction, and better short game posture.

Abstract: A high top golf shoe comprising; spikes, a heel, fastening means and high top uppers.

Abstract: A spike (1) for golf shoes has a base plate (2) formed of a quench-hardened metal plate and having a concave upper face to be fixed on a shoe-sole, the base plate (2) being of a dish-washer-like shape. The base plate has a periphery formed integral with a plurality of tooth-shaped lugs (3) that are disposed at regular angular intervals and bent downwards. The spike further has a fastenable columnar member (4) having a male-threaded shank and protruding from a central part of the base plate. The tooth-shaped lugs (3) are tapered downwards and outwards relative to the base plate.

Abstract: A slip-on, moccasin-style golfing shoe has a shoe sole having a bottom surface with contours for gripping a golfing surface during striking of a golf ball; an upper, with the shoe sole, defining a volume for receiving a wearer's foot and defining an opening for insertion of a wearer's foot into the volume, the upper including resilient closure assembly fixedly extending across a forward portion of the opening; and, disposed within the volume, a heel cup of extended length, reduced width, and increased stiffness, for resisting lateral movement of a heel region of the wearer's foot during striking of a golf ball. The shoe sole defines a depressed footbed surface for a lower center of gravity and increased stability during golfing play.

Abstract: A shoe cleat apparatus is provided which includes a receiver and a spike which is configured for swiveling within the receiver. The receiver includes a barrel which has an interior space and a surrounding disc. A neck with a central opening is positioned below the barrel, the opening being smaller in transverse dimension than the interior space. A seat is provided below the neck. The spike includes a shank having a shaft, a tip, a collar positioned between the shaft and the tip, and an enlarged head. The shaft is sized to fit within the opening and the collar to fit within the seat. The head may be pushed through the opening of the receiver to retain the spike on the receiver. The head, shaft and collar are sized respective to the interior space, opening and seat to permit limited swiveling and thus tilting of the spike relative to the receiver.