| 摘要 |
The present invention concerns apparatus for locating utility structures behind construction panels. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is realized in the form of a locator element comprising a body portion, an attachment portion, a puncture portion, and an engaging portion having a knurled or textured surface. The body portion has a longitudinal extent with first and second end portions. The attachment portion is provided to the first end portion for attaching to the utility structure, whereas the puncture portion provides to the second end portion for puncturing through the construction panel. The engaging portion on the other hand, is provided for engaging with a tool for removably detaching the locator element from the utility structure. According to the method of the present invention, location of the utility structure is determined using the exposed portion of the locator element which protrudes beyond the construction panel when the construction panel is positioned over the utility structure and in the predetermined mounting position. Thereafter, prior to formation of the access-opening, the locator element is removably detached from the utility structure using the tool. The present invention also provides a hand-holdable tool which has a housing that serves as a utility box template, provides a storage compartment for storing a plurality of locator elements, and further provides one or more gripping sockets for installing and removing locator elements from utility structures.
|
