Abstract:
A poke-through device for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defining a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The second working environment including a junction box. The poke-through device including a body having upper and lower ends and sized for insertion within the hole. The lower end communicating with the junction box and the upper end including a receptacle-receiving basket. The basket defining a peripheral wall, wherein the wall includes at least one channel extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the floor. Also included is a connector supporting bracket sized to removeably engage the channel, wherein the bracket is maintained in a stationary position upon installation.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/692,384 filed Jun. 21, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     A poke-through device or simply a “poke-through” is a common device that enables power, data or other cabling to pass through a hole in a floor of a structure, generally a concrete floor. A Fire and/or smoke retardant element, particularly intumescent material, is incorporated within the poke-through to seal the floor opening in the event of a fire. This helps prevent a fire or the smoke from spreading from one floor to the next.  
         [0003]     Generally, during the design stage of a building, decisions are made as to the desired location of various types of electrical service. Such service can include power, phone, data or other special cabling that needs to be extended to that particular location. Accordingly, building plans are developed that show the type of connectors to install at each such location to accommodate conventional electrical and/or data service(s). For example, the decision to provide 110 volts, 220 volts or some other voltage at a particular location affects the power cabling and types of connectors that will have to be installed, such as but not limited to duplex, GFCI, or round. In addition, the particular data cabling desired must be chosen according to the requirements needed at a particular location. For example, different data cabling and connector types will be required depending on whether a data connection is needed for telephone, co-axial, USB, fiber optics or other types of data communication. Furthermore, for servicing both power and data handling needs, the quantity of each connector type at each service location must be identified.  
         [0004]     However, detailed information, such as what types of connectors are needed at each individual poke through, is not generally available at the early stages of building design or construction. Instead, building plans typically call for a poke-through at a particular location without indicating the particular service, type of connector or quantity to be supplied at any particular poke-through location. This greatly complicates the process of planning and ordering these devices. Without knowing the final power or data configurations purchasers can not place orders for these devices. Similarly, the manufacturers must hold-off in their production and assembly.  
         [0005]     Even further complications occur in the later stages of construction. Namely, even when the connector detail is known, so that ordering and manufacturing of the poke-through insert can begin, often such specifications are incorrect or it is determined later that they need to be changed. Thus, a poke-through may already be undergoing assembly when the specifications concerning the service this poke-through is to provide changes. Alternatively, as the building nears completion, a change may be made which affects a poke-through that is already on the job-site. Hence the device will need to be returned and replaced with a different one. This will obviously cause delays in construction and increase costs by lowering efficiencies.  
         [0006]     From a manufacturer&#39;s perspective, the type of end service to be provided by a conventional poke-through greatly dictates the components and configuration of the final product. A poke-through that only supplies power will be assembled differently than a poke-through that only supplies data connectors. Likewise, the configuration of a poke-through that supplies a combination of power and data will vary depending on the quantity of power and data components to be installed. Thus, a manufacturer typically needs to have the final requirements of a poke-through before the appropriate product can be assembled. Likewise, if the needs of the poke-through change at any time, a whole new poke-through will need to be constructed since the old one is not likely to be adaptable to the new requirements.  
         [0007]     There is a need, therefore, for a poke-through device that is modular in construction, and that can be retrofit after manufacture or even after installation, in order to accommodate last-minute changes to the requirements of a poke-through.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention relates to a poke-through device for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defining a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The second working environment including a junction box. The poke-through device including a body having upper and lower ends and sized for insertion within the hole. The lower end communicating with the junction box and the upper end including a receptacle-receiving basket. The basket defining a peripheral wall, wherein the peripheral wall includes at least one channel extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the floor. Also included is a connector supporting bracket sized to removeably engage the channel, wherein the bracket is maintained in a stationary position upon installation.  
         [0009]     The poke-through device as set forth above, can also have the at least one channel formed by two ribs protruding from the peripheral wall, the ribs extending generally perpendicular to the floor. Also, the ribs can include a top surface for supporting the bracket. The bracket can include a dividing wall for separating a first portion of the basket from a second portion of the basket. Additionally, an edge of the dividing wall can engage at least a portion of the channel. The bracket can include at least one protrusion conformed to mate with a recessed portion in the peripheral wall upon installation. Further, the poke-through can include at least one first connector for communicating data and/or power, at the at least one first connector can be mounted on the bracket. Further still, the poke-through can include at least one plate secured to the basket and/or the bracket for supporting the at least one first connector.  
         [0010]     The poke-through device as set forth above, can further have the peripheral wall include at least one flange for engaging the floor and the at least one flange can extend generally parallel to the floor. Also, the bracket can include at least one flange for engaging the floor, the at least one flange extending generally parallel to the floor. Additionally, the body of the device can include at least one wire passageway for communicating the upper and lower ends. Further, at least one mounting cap can be disposed below the lower end, wherein the at least one mounting cap includes, at least one opening for communicating with the at least one passageway. Yet further, the at least one well can accommodate the bending of a wire passing therethrough, the well communicating with the opening. The at least one mounting cap can additionally include a first mounting cap configured for communicating at least one first wire and a second mounting cap configured for communicating at least one second wire. Further still, the at least one passageway can include more than one passageway, wherein the at least one opening can include more than one opening, and each of the passageways is in vertical alignment and communicates separately with one of the openings.  
         [0011]     The poke-through device as set forth above, can further have as part of the body an intumescent member disposed between the basket and the at least one mounting cap. The at least one mounting cap can include at least one alignment recess and the intumescent member can include at least one protrusion conformed to mate with the alignment recess upon installation. Additionally, the intumescent member can include a hollow inner chamber for accommodating the bending of the wire therein.  
         [0012]     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a poke-through device for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure is defined by a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a-second working environment. The hole includes a peripheral surface extending between the floor and the ceiling. The poke-through device includes a body adapted to be secured within and sized to conform to the hole. The body includes an upper end and a lower end communicating respectively with the first and second working environments. Also, the upper end includes a receptacle-receiving basket. The basket includes at least one peripheral wall covering a substantial portion of the peripheral surface. Also, the basket includes at least one flange extending from an upper portion of the peripheral wall for engaging the floor. Additionally, at least one connector supporting bracket is removeably secured within at least a portion of the basket. Further, the at least one bracket can be slidingly mounted to the basket.  
         [0013]     These and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a bottom exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the poke-through insert of the present invention with a cover assembly, conduit structures and wiring.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a top exploded perspective view similar to  FIG. 1 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective assembled view of the overall assembly shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the cover assembly in the open position.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a bottom exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the poke-through insert of the present invention with a cover assembly, conduit structures and wiring.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a top exploded perspective view similar to  FIG. 5 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a top perspective assembled view of the overall assembly shown in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  with the cover assembly in the open position.  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is a bottom exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the poke-through insert of the present invention with a cover assembly.  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is a top exploded perspective view similar to  FIG. 10 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective assembled view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a top perspective assembled view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 9   
         [0026]      FIG. 13  is a top exploded perspective view of a basket, heat resistant member, bottom plate and related assembly elements in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 14   a  is a top view of the heat resistant member shown in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 14   b  is a side view of the heat resistant member shown in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 14   c  is a bottom view of the heat resistant member shown in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 15   a  is a top perspective assembled view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 15   b  is a top perspective view showing two power brackets each holding duplex connectors with wiring and a center data plate in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 15   c  is a top perspective view showing one power bracket holding a duplex connector with wiring, a center data plate, and a side data bracket with side data plate, in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 15   d  is a top perspective view showing two data brackets each with a side data plate and a center data plate in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 15   e  is a top perspective view showing one power bracket holding a duplex connector with wiring, and an alternate bracket with an alternate support plate, in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of a power bracket in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 17  is a reverse top perspective view of the power bracket of  FIG. 16  holding a duplex connector, in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 18  is a bottom perspective view the assembly of  FIG. 17 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 19  is perspective views of a data bracket in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0038]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a side data plate in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a center data plate in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an alternative bracket in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0041]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an alternative support plate in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0042]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another alternative support plate in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0043]      FIG. 25  is a bottom view of the mounting cap shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 26  is a top perspective view of the mounting cap shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 27  is a bottom view of the left mounting cap shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 28  is a top perspective view of the left mounting cap shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 29  is a bottom view of the right mounting cap shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 30  is a top perspective view of the right mounting cap shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 31  is a bottom view of the mounting cap shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 32  is a top perspective view of the mounting cap shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0051]     This invention pertains to a poke-through device that provides a conduit through a floor of a building and more particularly to a modular poke-through assembly that allows interchangeability of parts either during assembly or in the field to accommodate a variety of types and combinations of electrical, data and custom connectors. The invention, in its broadest sense, pertains to a poke-through device that can be readily adapted to a variety of different connectors including power, data, and special connectors tailored to the end user&#39;s need. Accordingly, the manufacturer and/or assembler may ‘mix and match’ various modular components to construct a poke-through that fits the current need. Such modularity further enables the installer and end-user to likewise make changes to the poke-through as such need may arise, for example, during construction or subsequent renovation of the building containing the poke-through.  
         [0052]     Such modularity and flexibility enables the manufacturer and/or assembler to make last-minute changes to the requirements of a poke-through without having to re-build a whole separate unit and/or scrap the earlier one. In addition, if changes need to be made during installation, the modularity of the poke-through enables the change to be accommodated in the field by the installer or end-user, obviating the need to return the device to the manufacturer. Also, if the service needs of an installed poke-through change, for example, due to building renovations, the modularity of the poke-through of the present invention enables the necessary changes to be made without complete removal and replacement of the old poke-through. Therefore, the cost and disruption of altering the requirements of an installed poke-through are advantageously minimized.  
         [0053]      FIGS. 1-12  show several embodiments of a poke-through  10  formed in accordance with the present invention. Each embodiment encompasses a different connector configuration and/or a different wiring configuration. The various combinations are achieved using modular, interchangeable connector supports and plates to pass data and/or power wires from upper connectors  12  to lower mounting cap(s)  14 .  
         [0054]     Preferably, the poke-through device  10  includes a body  20 , which is configured for interchangeability of any of the modular connector components. Referring particularly to  FIG. 13 , and  FIGS. 14   a - c , body  20  includes fire/smoke retardation or intumescent member  22 , also referred to herein as fire stop  22 . Fire stop  22  is bounded on its lower side  35  by bottom plate  24  and on its upper side  34  by a receptacle-receiving basket  26 . The three components are preferably held together via screws as shown. Additionally, a protrusion that forms an alignment tab  23  is included on fire stop  22 . The alignment tab  23  preferably aligns with cut-out  31  in bottom plate  24  as well as the cut-out or recessed portion  110  in the mounting cap  14 . In addition, retainer barbs  28  can be included to help secure body  20 , and, subsequently, poke-through  10 , within an opening in a floor.  
         [0055]     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 15   a , the basket  26  is made to receive the various connector supporting brackets or components. While the basket  26  shown forms a cup-like member, with various openings and cutouts, it should be understood that this element could have many variations known in the art. For example, the peripheral side walls of the basket  26  need not be continuous, but preferably cover a substantial portion of the floor hole in which it is installed. Similarly, fewer or additional openings or cutouts could be provided. Additionally, while the basket  26  can be made of various materials, it is preferably made of die-cast zinc or aluminum.  
         [0056]     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14   a - c , the fire stop  22  is configured with a series of passageways therethrough. Larger opening  30  is preferably for passing data wires while the pair of smaller openings  32  can be used for either power or data feed, depending on how poke-through  10  is configured. The upper surface or top  34  of fire stop  22  is configured with cavities  36  therein that are designed to accommodate the bending of any wires that extend through feed openings  30  or  32 , and which terminate at corresponding connectors.  
         [0057]     to  FIGS. 15   a - 15   f , several different modular connector components and configurations are shown ( FIGS. 15   b - 15   f ) for interchangeably securing to the body  20  of  FIG. 15   a . Regardless of the connector configuration selected, each modular component is secured to body  20  ( FIG. 15   a ) according to any means known to those skilled in the art, such as by screws or the like. Accordingly, regardless of the final connector configuration, each embodiment of the poke-through  10  of the present invention shares the body  20 , to which a particular connector support(s) having one or more connector plates is removably secured. To change the final connector configuration at any time, the poke-through  10  only needs be modified for the particular connector support, plate, and/or individual connectors being interchanged or added. As shown in the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 15   b - 15   f , different connector configurations may require different supporting structures in order to be secured to body  20  and, in particular, to basket  26 .  
         [0058]     Various supporting structures and connector plates are shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 16-24 . It is understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary supporting structures and plates shown. One or more of the same or different supporting structures can be combined together and secured to body  20  (‘mix or match’) in various configurations. For example, the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15   b ,  16 ,  17 ,  18  includes connector supporting brackets in the form of two duplex holders  40 , which preferably secure to body  20 . Each duplex holder  40  accommodates a pair of power outlets  42  that preferably individually snap-fit into duplex holder  40 . Intermediate to the duplex holders  40  shown in  FIG. 15   b  is center data plate  50 , which is configured to hold typical data connectors therein, as shown in  FIG. 21 . Each duplex holder  40  is preferably configured with a depending wall section  44  that extends all the way to the bottom of basket  26 . This wall section  44  separates power wires  46  from data wires running to center data plate  50 .  
         [0059]      FIGS. 15   c - 15   e  show the use of holder  40  and other brackets  50 ,  52 ,  60 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15   c , the duplex holder  40  is secured to the body  20 , along with data holder  52  shown in  FIG. 19 . Data holder  52  is configured to support side data plate  54  as shown in  FIG. 20 . This side data plate  54  can be designed to hold the same or different data connectors than center data plate  50 . As shown, side data plate  54  is preferably screw mounted to data holder  52 . Data holder  52  is also preferably configured with a depending wall section  56  to provide rigidity. In a preferred embodiment, wall section  56  does not extend all the way to the bottom of basket  26 , so that the data wires can extend underneath wall section  56  and run to either center data plate  50  or side data plate  54 .  
         [0060]     In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 15   d , a pair of data holders  52  having the same or different data plates  54  are secured in the body  20 . These data holders  52  are, as shown, preferably positioned on opposite sides of center data plate  50 , so that the user is provided with a multitude of data connectors to select from. Similar to the basket  26 , the holders  40 ,  50 ,  52  and  60  are preferably made from die-cast zinc or aluminum.  
         [0061]     Referring to  FIG. 15   e , yet another embodiment of the poke-through of the present invention includes the data holder  60  shown individually in  FIG. 22 , along with special data plate  62  shown individually in  FIG. 23 , which can be removeably secured to the body  20 . The special data plate  62  can be configured to accommodate any special requirement the end user may have. It will be appreciated that screws can also be threaded into both bosses  72  and  76  when data holder  60  is employed.  
         [0062]     Each holder  40 ,  52  and  60  is preferably flush with or just slightly recessed within basket  26  of body  20 . Referring to  FIG. 15   a , outer ribs  70  protrude from a side wall of basket  26 . The underside of holders  40 ,  52  and  60  also preferably rest upon the top of these ribs  70  upon installation. These holders  40 ,  52 ,  60  are also preferably supported by appropriately located rib or boss  72 . Additionally, another rib or boss  76  and a second set of ribs  74 , which are interior of ribs  70 , similarly protrude from the side wall of basket  26 . Center data plate  50  preferably is supported by or rests upon the top of these other ribs  74 ,  76  within basket  26 . It should be noted that the gap between ribs  70  and  74  forms a channel or slot. Thus, the dividing walls  44 ,  56  of the brackets  40 ,  52  fit therein to provide even further guidance and support for such holders and to further isolate power/data wires from the separated portion of the basket  26 . Similarly, the dividing walls  44 ,  56  preferably include protruding central ribs  82 . The center data plate  50  also preferably rests upon these central ribs  82  when their respective holders  40  or  52  are used. Alternatively, the channels or slots could be formed by one or more vertical grooves or recesses in the wall of the basket (not shown). A step (not shown) could thus be alternatively introduced to the inner portion of flange  38  to provide a support surface for the various brackets or plates discussed herein.  
         [0063]     Basket  26  also preferably includes flanges  38 . Similar flanges  48  and  58  are preferably located on each of holders  40  and  52 , respectively. These flanges,  38 ,  48  and  58 , become sandwiched between the floor material (i.e. concrete) and a cover  76  ( FIG. 1 ) placed over poke-through  10  to provide even more support and rigidity to each of holders  40  and  52  along with basket  26 .  
         [0064]     Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 22 , data holders  52  and  60  are each preferably configured with vertical protrusions or tabs  78 . These tabs  78  fit within mating recesses or cut-outs  80  in basket  26 . Such mating elements can ensure proper alignment of parts as well as provide stability to the assembly.  
         [0065]     Referring now to  FIG. 24 , in one embodiment, a plate  84  is included for mounting a turn-lock or twist-lock or some other special connector type. In this embodiment, no accompanying holder  40 ,  52  or  60  is required to support the plate  84  as is needed for plates  54  and  62 . Instead, plate  84  fits within basket  26  and preferably rests upon bosses  72  and  76 , as well as on ribs  70  and  74 . Plate  84  can be fastened to basket  26  via screws threaded into bosses  76  or by any other means known to those skilled in the art. It will be appreciated that screws can also be threaded into both bosses  72  and  76  when data holder  60  is employed. Plates  54 ,  62  and  84  are preferably made from galvanized steel. However, other materials may be used as are known in the art.  
         [0066]     Accordingly, the poke-through  10  of the present invention via body  20  can interchangeably incorporate a variety of different combinations of data and power connectors. Each of these data or power connectors can be accessed individually (i.e. removed from its respective holder/plate) without the need to disassemble body  20  or otherwise separate the various components of the poke-through  10 . In fact, each such connector can be worked on or re-wired or separated from its holder/plate without affecting any adjacent connector. In addition, the replacement and addition of connector components (i.e., connector supports, plates, and individual connectors) can be done from above poke-through  10 , without removing the poke-through  10  from the floor.  
         [0067]     In contrast to the conventional poke-through, the interchangeability of the connector supports and plates in the body  20  of the present poke-through  10  allows decisions to be made about the types of connectors to be installed at any time during the construction (or renovation) process. In other words, poke-through  10  is not limited after the manufacturing stage to just one type of connector or one type of connector configuration as are conventional poke-throughs. Instead, poke-through  10  provides the user with a much greater degree of design freedom, so that changes in the field, or even changes after installation, can be readily accommodated without having to order a new poke-through or undergo a major dis-assembly or re-wiring of the poke-through. Instead, if a change is desired with poke-through  10 , the user only needs to remove the connector in question from its plate/holder (such as via a screwdriver). Then the new connector can be re-inserted, for example, by snapping it into its respective holder/plate. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace a plate or a holder (such as by removing one or more screws) if a whole new connector type is to be installed. Such modularity greatly simplifies the installation and the re-working of the poke-through  10  of the present invention in comparison to conventional poke-throughs, which typically must be replaced in their entirety in order to modify the connector configuration.  
         [0068]     The poke-through  10  of the present invention also preferably includes one or more mounting caps  14 ,  100 ,  120 ,  122 ,  140 .  FIGS. 25-32  show various embodiments of the mounting cap  100 ,  120 ,  122 ,  140  of the present invention. Generally, the mounting cap  14 ,  100 ,  120 ,  122 ,  140  abuts bottom plate  24  and is secured to body  20 . Preferably, the mounting cap  14 ,  100 ,  120 ,  122 ,  140  is made from cast iron, although other materials known in the art could be used.  
         [0069]     One embodiment of the poke-through  10  of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 3 , includes four power receptacles  42  and four data jacks mounted to center data plate  50 . Preferably, this embodiment also includes the mounting cap  100  as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . Mounting cap  100  is configured with data aperture  102  and power aperture  104 . Each aperture  102 ,  104  is adjacent to a respective cavity or well  106  and  108  that provides an area where the respective data and power wires may be bent so as to align with feed openings  30  and  32  in fire stop  22  ( FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b ). Because power receptacles  42  are to be located on both sides of this particular design of poke-through  10 , well  108  is configured so that power wires  46  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) can enter both feed through openings  32  in fire stop  22 . Wells  106  and  108  remain separated from each other in order to maintain separation between the respective data and power wires. Power aperture  104  is preferably configured to be coupled to conduit  126  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) by any appropriate means known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0070]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , another embodiment of the poke-through  10  includes two power receptacles  42  and  6  data jacks and, preferably, one or both of the mounting caps  120  and  122 , which are shown in  FIGS. 27-30 . Power mounting cap  120  contains conduit opening  124  to which conduit  126  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) is secured in the normal fashion, such as by threading. Also, conduit opening  124  connects with well  128  formed within mounting cap  120 . Well  128  provides an area where power wires  46  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) may be bent prior to entering one of feed openings  32  in fire stop  22 . Optional data mounting cap  122  is likewise configured with data opening  130  through which data wires (not shown) can pass. Data opening  130  is adjacent with cavity or well  132  that also provides an area where the data wires may be bent prior to entering fire stop  22 . Because poke-through  10  in this embodiment employs data connectors in addition to those provided by center data plate  50 , cavity  132  extends so as to provide access to data feed  30  as well as to the other feed opening  32  in fire stop  22 .  
         [0071]     The embodiment of poke-through  10  shown in  FIG. 11  includes eight data jacks, and no power feeds. In this case, mounting cap  140  as shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32  is also preferably included. Data mounting cap  140  is configured with opening  142  through which data wires can pass. This opening  142  connects with well  144  formed within mounting cap  140 . Cavity or well  144  provides an area where the data wires may be bent prior to entering feed openings  30  and  32  of fire stop  22 .  
         [0072]     Accordingly, the modularity of both upper connector ports  12  and lower mounting caps  14 , all secured to a body  20 , enables poke-through  10  to accommodate nearly every need or configuration a user may desire. Also, poke-through  10  can be configured with the desired connectors long after body  20  is secured in the concrete floor. There is no need, therefore, to know the desired configuration beforehand. Thus, the poke-through  10  of the present invention can advantageously be modified in the field with more, less, and/or different connectors.  
         [0073]     The embodiments of the poke-through of the present invention can consequently include any of the connector supports with any appropriate combination of plates and connectors of the present invention. Any of these embodiments can also include any of the mounting caps of the present invention that can accommodate the particular chosen connector configuration.  
         [0074]     With body  20 , therefore, many different poke-through configurations can be assembled. Such added-on parts or components can themselves be changed out as needed from this sub-assembly should the connector configuration change. These added-on parts, subject to change, can be located on either side of the flooring or the fire/smoke retardant material to be installed in the floor. Accordingly, the modularity or interchangeability of the poke-through extends to both the cable entrance end as well as the cable termination end of the poke-through. Also, these added-on components on either side of the body can be readily changed during assembly or afterwards. Such modularity is not limited to the manufacturer as these added-on components can also be readily changed just prior to, during and even after the installation of the poke-through in the floor.  
         [0075]     Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be applied therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.