Patent Application
20210213637
The present disclosure relates to a tool for puncturing holes with a resulting concave rim, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a tool that utilizes a cylindrical head with an inner lip to deform a surrounding portion of the punctured material which can be employed to run cables, wires and pipes through.
Current handheld metal stud punch devices employed for puncturing holes into metal studs perform their function adequately. However, for instances in which the purpose for puncturing a hole into the metal stud involves running cables or pipes through the hole, a clean cut can act to hinder feeding and retrieving the cables and pipes. There currently exist additional components, such as plastic bushings, that can be equipped to the punctured hole which act to aid in running cables and pipes. For a project that requires a plurality of puncture holes, this solution can greatly increase cost and extend time for the project.
U.S. Pat. No. 263,110 A (Buettner) discloses an improvement to a hand-held punch used in lacing-stud sets or hole punching for boots and shoes. Shortcomings include its physical inability to be employed with metal studs.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,205,520 B2 (Cooke) discloses a two-stage punch in a fastener press for installing a nut into a sheet of host material. Shortcomings include its physical inability to be employed with metal studs.
U.S. Pat, No. 3,044,531 A (Wilson) discloses a handheld tubing flaring tool where the circumference of the deformation is adjustable for various sizes of tubing. Shortcomings include its inability to be employed with an operational metal stud.
All references cited above are incorporated herein.
The devices above lack applicability with regard to puncturing a smooth, concave opening into metal studs for running cables and pipes. There exists the need for a device that creates a smooth hole with a concave feature inward which allows for easy pulling of electrical, optical and data cables and plumbing pipes through metal studs while reducing manpower, time and the force against the metal studs.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a bevel stud punch tool.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a bevel stud punch attachment comprising a cylindrical head with an inner lip coupled to a punch to puncture a hole through a preselected material when a force is applied to drive the punch to penetrate the cylindrical head with the inner lip and the hole having a concave rim around an outer edge of the hole created by the inner lip.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method of using the bevel stud punch attachment to puncture a hole with a concave rim, comprising positioning the preselected material between the cylindrical head with the inner lip and the punch and applying a force to drive the punch through the preselected material and into the cylindrical head with the inner lip.
Another aspect of the present invention is a bevel stud punch comprising a stud punch having a frame comprising a body and a head, the head having first and second portions being separated from each other by a space for receiving a preselected material to be punched, a cylindrical head with an inner lip operatively associated with the first portion, a punch operatively associated with the second portion and the body supporting the first portion and the second portion wherein a hole is punctured through the preselected material when a force is applied to the first or second portions and the hole having a concave rim around an outer edge of the hole created by the inner lip.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical head with the inner lip is attached to an existing stud punch.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical head with the inner lip is fused to an existing stud punch.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the preselected material is a metal stud.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a conduit is run through said hole.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the conduit is one or more cables.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the conduit is one or more wires.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the conduit is one or more pipes.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, one or more of the body and head are connected to the frame by one or more members.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the members are moveable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.
The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.
Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.
Embodiments of the invention relate to a metal stud punch that functions to create a hole in a metal stud with a gradual smooth, concave opening. Prior to the cutting edge meeting the metal stud, a force is applied in a larger diameter to that of hole which forces the metal to bend around the punctured hole. Once the hole is punctured, the metal has a smooth, concave feature leading into the hole where various types of materials may be easily run through.
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 embodiments described were 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.
