Patent attributes
Three congruent prongs (16A, 16B, 16C) mounted on a shaft tube (12), converges simultaneously when an operating sleeve (14) moves forward. This action, along with their notches and shape provides a firm grip for holding and starting nuts and bolts. These prongs, made out of 304 grade stailess steel bands, provide good spring-like flexibility and rigidity. The concave sides of the prongs mate with the outside surface of the shaft tube (12) every time the operating sleeve (14) is moved forward. These physical features provide consistent alignment of the prongs every time the tool is used. With rubber sealant (16D) coated on the inside surface of the prongs, the nut and bolt starter gives a firm grip to hold and start a wide variety of shapes and sizes of screws, nuts and bolts. Additional uses of this tool are done with the prop rod (20) supplementing the prongs. More versatility of this instrument is derived from the prop rod (20) using nuts of the same thread pattern to position flat washers and lock washers into their threaded studs. Furthermore, the socket extension receiver (30) provides a convenient extra-reach supplement whenever needed.
