Method and apparatus for forming a through-hole and running wire in a building structure

Abstract

An apparatus for creating a through-hole in a building structure includes an elongated member defined by a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is defined by a penetrating point configured to form the through-hole in the building structure. The second end is defined by a receptacle device defining the second end. The receptacle device is configured to releasably retain a wire extending from the second end while the penetrating point penetrates the building structure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a method and apparatus for forming a through-hole in a building structure, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for forming a through-hole in a building structure while facilitating threading a wire through the through-hole. [0002] In the telecommunications or electronics industry, it is common practice for a technician to route wires through partitions including walls, floors, and ceilings of a building structure, such as a home or business. Conventional practice provides several approaches that involve drilling holes through the walls, floors, and ceilings when provisioning new wiring. For example, the technician normally uses a drill with a long drill bit to penetrate both sides of the wall and then attempts to poke a wire through a pair of through-holes on either side defining the wall. If insulation is disposed intermediate opposing sides defining the wall, the technician commonly dispose...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a through-hole in walls, floors, and ceilings of a building structure and simultaneously routing a wire therethrough. The apparatus includes an elongated member with a penetrating point and a receptacle device for releasably retaining the wire extending from the second end. The method involves manually biasing the elongated member through the building structure from one side and pulling it from the opposite side when the penetrating point penetrates the second side. The wire is released once exposed on the second side. This invention allows for the efficient and safe installation of wires in building structures without the need for a drill bit."

Problems solved by technology

However, when drilling a through-hole in the wall using a drill bit, for example, there is a risk of nicking power wires, water lines, or gas lines disposed in the wall with the rotation of a sharp drill bit.

Further, once a through-hole is successively drilled, several attempts are commonly required to poke the wire alone through both sides of the wall.

Insulation within the wall exacerbates this problem, as the insulation interferes with poking the wire to the other side of the wall and obstructs the exit hole.

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