Patent ID: 8714420

Claim:
A stringer spike sheath comprising: an outer tube for encasing and securing an inner stringer spike grasping mechanism; an “O” shaped end cap for sealing the bottom end of the outer tube and serving as a lower spring stop for a helical spring; an “O” shaped end cap for sealing the top end of the outer tube exhibiting a downward projecting tubular bead deflector; said tubular bead deflector machined to reveal an inner conical shape tapered at the point closest to spike insertion and widening as it descends into said outer tube; an inner tube stem comprising at least 3 drilled holes to accommodate 3 beads of slightly lesser diameter than said holes; said inner tube stem incorporating a inner bead stop; a receiver cap atop said inner tube stem having a circumference slightly greater than said inner tube stem at the point of attachment to said stem and circumference roughly equal to the circumference of said outer tube at the point of spike insertion; a spring stop about the circumference of the inner tube at some distance below the drilled holes serving as an upper spring stop; a helical spring disposed of at the bottom end of the outer tube abutted at either end by said “O” shaped end cap and said spring stop and coiled around said inner tube stem; and at least three beads, wherein the beads are accommodated by the 3 drilled holes; wherein the inner tube is for receiving a stringer spike where said beads are pressed against said spike due to the force of said spring when fully extended and narrowing of the bead deflector diameter and are made to release said spike when the inner tube is depressed, the bead deflector diameter broadens, tension on the beads is reduced, and the spike may be withdrawn.