Patent Publication Number: US-2011072947-A1

Title: Pneumatic punch device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to construction tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for creating holes in construction materials. 
     2. The Relevant Technology 
     Metal decking is an important component in modern construction. It may be used to provide roofing or flooring in structures such as airports, universities, hospitals, and other large commercial buildings. Metal decking is often used in conjunction with concrete to provide a floor base. In fact, metal decking can be used to form multiple levels within a building, even when not used in conjunction with concrete. Additionally, the use of concrete and metal decking is spreading from large commercial settings to a more broad use including smaller buildings and even single-family homes. 
     After metal decking has been laid, there is often a need to produce holes in the decking. For example, plumbing, duct work, wiring or other material may need to be installed after the metal decking is in place. However, it can be difficult to make holes in the decking to allow access for these components. The current method for producing holes in metal decking is physically taxing and labor-intensive. To produce the desired holes, a device comprising a long external metal guide is held by one worker and an internal metal rod is moved up and down through the external guide by a second worker. In many cases, the internal rod is driven into the metal decking using a sledge hammer or through other means involving manual labor. The internal rod has a shaped point at the bottom end that is driven into the metal decking in order to produce a desired hole of the proper shape and size in the decking. The internal rod may have to be driven into the metal decking repeatedly before a hole is punched through the metal decking. 
     The above described method of punching holes in metal decking may be physically strenuous, and must be repeated for every hole made in the metal decking. Additionally, it may require the time and attention of two workers. This may be labor-intensive and very taxing on a construction crew. Additionally, there is potential for serious injury or damage to the structure. Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved means for punching holes in metal decking that would only require a single worker to operate. Also, there is a need for a less physically demanding means for producing holes in metal decking. 
     The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In light of the aforementioned needs, the present invention provides an improved means for producing holes in construction material via a pneumatic punching device. The present invention is operable by a single individual, and requires minimal physical effort in comparison to the current methods of producing holes within construction material. 
     In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device includes an outer housing. The outer housing includes an internal cavity, at least one opening and a distal end. The distal end is configured to be near the construction material during use. The device also includes an internal piston that includes a tip. The internal piston is received at least partially within the internal cavity and is configured for reciprocal motion within the outer housing. The device further includes a handle coupled to the outer housing and a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism is configured to release pressurized gas within a blast chamber. The pressurized gas drives the internal piston through the opening in the outer housing to produce a hole in the construction material. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device includes an outer housing. The outer housing includes an internal cavity and at least one opening. The device also includes an internal piston with a tip. The internal piston is received at least partially within the internal cavity of the outer housing and the internal piston includes a longitudinal axis which is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the outer housing. The device further includes means for retracting the internal piston and means for regulating the motion of the internal piston within a desired range. The device also includes a handle coupled to the outer housing and means for driving the internal piston. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device includes an outer housing. The outer housing includes an internal cavity, at least one opening, a first housing stop and a second housing stop. The device also includes an internal piston. The internal piston is housed at least partially within the internal cavity and is configured for reciprocal motion within the outer housing. The internal piston includes a first end, a second end with a tip opposite the first end and a first piston stop. The device further includes a means for retracting the internal piston. The means for retracting the piston retracts at least a portion of the internal piston through the opening into the internal cavity. The first piston stop is disposed between the first housing stop and second housing stop to work cooperatively with the first housing stop and second housing stop to regulate the reciprocal motion of the internal piston. The device also includes a handle which is coupled to the outer housing and a trigger mechanism attached to the handle. The device further includes a blast chamber. The first end of the internal piston is seated within the blast chamber and is able to move reciprocally therein. The device also includes a mechanism for driving the internal piston so the tip can punch a hole in the construction material. The mechanism for driving the internal piston can include a combustible powder, a gas compressor, a cartridge filled with compressed carbon dioxide, combinations thereof, and the like. For instance, a combustible powder can deposited within the blast chamber. The combustible powder can be detonated within the blast chamber when the trigger mechanism is actuated, driving the internal piston through the opening in the outer housing to produce a hole in the construction material. Similarly, a gas compressor or a cartridge filled with compressed carbon dioxide can be operatively associated with the blast chamber. When the trigger mechanism is actuated, the compressed gas from the compressor or cartridge can be released into the blast chamber, thereby driving the internal piston as described above. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a pneumatic punch device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cutaway view of the pneumatic punch device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  shows a perspective view of a triangular prism tip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  shows a bottom view of the triangular prism tip of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  shows a perspective view of a conical tip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  shows a bottom view of the conical tip of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  shows a perspective view of a pyramidal tip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5B  shows a bottom view of the pyramidal tip of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of a cylindrical tip in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6B  shows a bottom view of the cylindrical tip of  FIG. 6A ; and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example of loading a container within the blast chamber of a pneumatic punch device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The embodiments described herein extend to methods, devices, systems, assemblies, and apparatus for producing holes in construction materials, such as metal decking. Such methods, devices, systems, assemblies, and apparatus are configured to, for example, allow a single worker to quickly and accurately form a hole in a construction material without requiring excessive effort or physical force on the part of the worker. 
     Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe various aspects of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It is understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of such exemplary embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are any particular elements to be considered essential for all embodiments or that elements be assembled or manufactured in any particular order or manner. No inference should, therefore, be drawn from the drawings as to the necessity of any element. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well known aspects of construction tools and general manufacturing techniques are not described in detail herein in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the novel aspects of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 1-7  and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief general description of an exemplary pneumatic punch device which can be used according to aspects of the present invention to form holes in construction materials with minimal effort required of a construction worker. While a pneumatic punch device is described below with respect to forming holes in construction materials, this is but one single example, and embodiments of the invention may be utilized in other fields or for other purposes. 
     Throughout the application, the terms proximal and distal are used in the description of different ends of the device. Unless stated otherwise, the proximal end is towards the handle and the distal end is towards the tip. Additionally, the terms first and second are used in the description of different ends of the device. Unless stated otherwise, the first end corresponds to the proximal end and the second end refers to the distal end. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a pneumatic punch device  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In at least one implementation, the punch device  100  is capable of punching a hole in a construction material. For example, the punch device  100  can be configured to punch through metal decking, metal beams, concrete, wood, drywall or any other material used in construction. In particular, the punch device  100  is configured to easily setup, produce a hole of the desired shape and size, and be moved to another location, as described below. 
       FIG. 1  shows that the pneumatic punch device  100  includes an outer housing  105 . In at least one implementation, the outer housing  105  is approximately cylindrical in shape. In particular, the outer housing  105  can include a longitudinal axis that is, in the case of a cylindrical outer housing  105 , an axis which is vertical and passes through the center of the outer housing  105  (as viewed in  FIG. 1 ). Additionally or alternatively, the outer housing  105  can include an outer surface and an inner cavity. The inner cavity can include at least one opening through the outer surface, whereby access can be obtained to the inner cavity, as described below. Additionally or alternatively, the outer housing  105  can include a distal end that is near the construction material when the punch device  100  is in use, as stated above. 
       FIG. 1  also shows that the pneumatic punch device  100  includes an internal piston  110 . In at least one implementation, the internal piston  110  is located at least partially within the internal cavity of the outer housing  105 . For example, the internal piston  110  can be cylindrical in shape and can include a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to, or collinear with, the longitudinal axis of the outer housing  105 . 
     In at least one implementation, the internal piston  110  can be configured for reciprocal motion within the internal cavity and along the longitudinal axis of the internal piston  110 . That is, the internal piston  110  can be configured to move back and forth within the internal cavity. Accordingly, the internal piston  110  can be driven through the internal cavity such that a portion of the internal piston  110  extends out of the opening in the outer housing  105  to produce a hole in the construction material. The internal piston  110  can then be partially or completely withdrawn back into the internal cavity, as discussed below. 
       FIG. 1  further shows that the punch device  100  can include a tip  115  connected to the internal piston  110 . In at least one embodiment, the tip  115  is permanently attached to the internal piston  110 , and the tip  115  and internal piston  110  must both be removed from the outer housing  105  if a new or different tip  115  is desired. Additionally or alternatively, the tip  115  can be removably attached to the internal piston  110 , such that the tip  115  can be removed and a new tip  115  attached without removing the internal piston  110  from the internal cavity of the outer housing  105 . 
       FIG. 1  also shows that the punch device  100  can include a handle  120 . In at least one implementation, the handle  120  is coupled to the outer housing  105  and can be used to move or aim the punch device  100 . For example, the handle  120  can include two arms  122   a ,  122   b  extending horizontally away from the outer housing  105  (as viewed in  FIG. 1 ). The two arms  122   a ,  122   b  can be gripped in an operators hands when using the punch device  100 . For example, the arms  122   a ,  122   b  of the handle  120  may contain finger grooves for added grip-strength, security, or comfort, or other means for assisting the grip of an operator, including a coating or cushion on the handle  120  such as rubber, foam, or the like. 
     In at lest one implementation, the arms  122   a ,  122   b  of the handle  120  may be relatively short in length, extending only far enough from a central post  123  for the operator to grip the handle  120 . In particular, the arms  122   a ,  122   b  can be relatively short in length to provide access to areas, such as corners, where the operator has to operate in a relatively small area. Additionally or alternatively, the arms  122   a ,  122   b  of the handle  120  extending from the central post  123  may be longer. Longer arms  122   a ,  122   b  can provide greater stability or create a better grip for the operator. 
     In at least one implementation, the handle  120  can include a central post  123  extending distally from the handle  120  between the two arms  122   a ,  122   b . In particular, the central post  123  can share a central longitudinal axis with the internal piston  110  and the outer housing  105 . Additionally or alternatively, the central post  123  can be used to couple the handle  120  to the outer housing  105 , to the internal piston  110 , or both. 
       FIG. 1  further shows that the punch device  100  can include a trigger mechanism  125  for releasing a compressed gas, as discussed below. In particular, the trigger mechanism  125  may be attached to the handle  120 . For example, the trigger mechanism  125  can be attached to one of the arms  122   a ,  122   b  of the handle  120 . Additionally or alternatively, the trigger mechanism  125  can be attached to the central post  123  of the handle  120 . 
     In at least one implementation, the trigger mechanism  125  can use a trigger mechanism  125  similar to trigger mechanisms used in firearms, as discussed below. Additionally or alternatively, the trigger mechanism  125  can include a button, a switch, a lever, a key or any other mechanism configured to release a compressed gas when activated by an operator. For example, the trigger mechanism  125  can include a button operably connected to an electronic device, such that the compressed gas is released into the blast chamber, as described below. 
       FIG. 1  also shows that the trigger mechanism  125  can be covered by a trigger guard  130 . For example, the trigger mechanism  125  can be covered by a guard  130  that prevents the operator from activating the trigger mechanism  125  accidently. Additionally or alternatively, the trigger mechanism  125  may be covered by a cap that must be removed prior to operation. 
       FIG. 1  further shows that the punch device  100  can include a safety lever  135 . In at least one implementation, the safety lever  135  is operably connected to the trigger mechanism  125  such that the trigger mechanism  125  cannot be activated unless the safety lever  135  is depressed. Additionally or alternatively, the safety lever  135  can be operably connected to the blast chamber such that activating the trigger mechanism  125  cannot release the compressed gas unless the safety lever  135  has been similarly activated. 
     In at least one implementation, the safety lever  135  can be attached to the handle  120 . For example, the safety lever  135  can be attached to the arm  122   a ,  122   b  of the handle  120  opposite the trigger mechanism  125 . Additionally or alternatively, the safety lever  135  can be attached to the same arm  122   a ,  122   b  of the handle  120  as the trigger mechanism  125 . Alternatively, the safety lever  135  can be attached to the central post  123  of the handle  120 . Further, the safety lever  135  can be attached to the one or more footholds  140 , discussed below. 
       FIG. 1  also shows that the punch device  100  can include one or more footholds  140 . In at least one implementation, the one or more footholds  140  are attached to the outer surface of the outer housing  105 . In particular, the one or more footholds  140  can be used by an operator to ensure that the punch device  100  is stable during use. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more footholds  140  can be used to allow the weight of the operator to ensure that the punch device  100  remains close to the construction material during use. That is, an operator standing on the one or more footholds  140  can ensure that the punch device  100  does not recoil from the construction material during use. 
     In at least one implementation, the one or more footholds  140  are not permanently attached to the outer housing  105 . For example, the one or more footholds  140  can be adjustable, such that their location and orientation relative to the outer housing  105  can be adjusted. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more footholds  140  can be removably attached to the outer housing  105 , such that the one or more footholds  140  can be removed as desired by the user. 
       FIG. 1  further shows that the punch device  100  can include a guidance component  145 . In at least one implementation, the guidance component  145  can provide a visual representation on the construction material where the tip  115  and the internal piston  110  will produce a hole. In particular, the guidance component  145  can include a laser, an LED, a light or any other visual representation. For example, the guidance component  145  can provide an “x”, a circle or a dot to show where the center of the tip  115  will come in contact with the construction material. Additionally or alternatively, the guidance component  145  can provide a visual representation of the outline of the hole that will be produced. 
     Also illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a guard flap  155  near the distal end of device  100 . Guard flap  155  can be selectively or permanently attached to the distal end of outer housing  105 . As illustrated, guard flap  155  is, in the illustrated embodiment, generally concave and extends at least partially around outer housing  105 . Guard flap  155  can provide additional protection to a user of device  100 . For instance, guard flap  155  can at least partially enclose tip  115  so as to prevent an object from being inadvertently or undesirably placed under tip  115 . Additionally, guard flap  155  can also prevent materials from projecting away from the area where a hole is being punched. For example, when tip  115  is driven into some construction materials, the construction materials may break apart and be projected into the air. Guard flap  155  can contain these materials to prevent them from injuring nearby people or objects. Guard flap  155  can be formed in any suitable matters. For instance, guard flap  155  can be formed of a metal, plastic, rubber, or the like. 
     In at least one implementation, the coupling between the handle  120  and the outer housing  105  can be a rigid attachment such that no movement is observed between the handle  120  and the outer housing  105 . Additionally or alternatively, the handle  120  is able to disengage from the outer housing  105 , which may be useful in depositing additional sources of compressed gas in the blast chamber  230 , as discussed below. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling can be configured such that the handle  120  is able to rotate about the shared central axis at the interface relative to the outer housing  105 . The rotation of the handle  120  relative to the outer housing  105  can provide rotation of the tip  115 . The rotation of the handle  120  relative to the outer housing  105  can also provide a means of “cocking” the device, as described below. 
       FIG. 1  also shows that the punch device  100  can also include a measuring mechanism  150 . In at least one implementation, the measuring mechanism  150  can include a disc or portion thereof attached to the outer housing  105  with markings designating different angles. The handle  120  can be attached to the internal piston  110  such that rotation of the handle  120  relative to the outer housing  105  rotates the internal piston  110  and the tip  115  relative to the outer housing  105 . The disc attached to the outer housing  105  can indicate the amount the handle  120 , and, therefore, the internal piston  110  and the tip  115 , has rotated relative to the outer housing. Thus, the measuring mechanism  150  can enable accurate orientation of the tip  115  so that the hole created with the punch device  100  is oriented in a desired way. For instance, a hole created using punch device  100  may need to have a specific orientation relative to another hole, a wall, or a fixture. By rotating the handle  120  and measuring the degree of rotation using the measuring mechanism  150 , the tip  115  can be oriented as desired so that the punch device  100  create a hole in a desired orientation. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the measuring mechanism  150  can include a window placed within the handle  120  with markings designating different angles such that as the central post  123  of the handle  120  is rotated, a component beneath the window remains stationary and the degree of rotation can be measured by viewing how far the window has moved in relation to the stationary component. Additionally or alternatively the measuring mechanism  150  can include a window placed on the outer housing  105  with markings designating varied angles such that as the internal piston  110  is rotated, a component of the internal piston  110  is viewable through the window to measure how far the internal piston  110  has rotated. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cutaway view of the pneumatic punch device  100  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2  shows that the outer housing  105  can include an internal cavity  205  that can accommodate the internal piston  110 , as described above. In at least one implementation, the punch device  100  includes a means for retracting  210  the internal piston  110  when the internal piston  110  is driven through an opening  215  in the outer housing  105 . For example, the means for retracting  210  can include a spring around the internal piston  110 , such that when the internal piston  110  is driven through the opening  215  in the outer housing  105 , the spring provides resistance, preventing the internal piston  110  from completely exiting the internal cavity  205 . 
     In at least one implementation, the means for retracting  210  the internal piston  110  can include a damping mechanism. In particular, damping is any effect that tends to reduce the amplitude of oscillations in a system which has the ability to oscillate. A system is considered critically damped if the system returns to equilibrium as quickly as possible without oscillating. A system is considered over damped if the system returns to equilibrium without oscillating, although the system returns to equilibrium more slowly than a critically damped system. The more the system is over damped, the slower the system returns to equilibrium. A system is considered under damped if the system oscillates with the amplitude gradually decreasing to zero. 
       FIG. 2  also shows that the outer housing  105  can include a first housing stop  220 . In at least one implementation, the first housing stop  220  can be configured to prevent the internal piston  110  from exiting the internal cavity  205  when the punch device  100  is activated. For example, the first housing stop  220  can be located at or near the at least one opening  215  in the outer housing  105 , such that when the internal piston  110  has been advanced a certain distance through the opening  215 , the first housing stop  220  will provide resistance to further movement of the internal piston  110 . 
       FIG. 2  further shows that the outer housing  105  can include a second housing stop  225 . In at least one implementation, the second housing stop  225  can be longitudinally displaced within the internal cavity  205  a distance from the first housing stop  220 . The second housing stop  225  can be configured to prevent the internal piston  110  from retracting into the internal cavity  205  more than desired. In particular, the second housing stop  225  can prevent the internal piston  110  from retracting further than desired and disrupting the fit between a blast chamber  230  and the internal piston  110 , as discussed below. 
       FIG. 2  also shows that the internal piston  110  can include a first piston stop  235 . In at least one implementation, the first piston stop  235  can be disposed between the first housing stop  220  and the second housing stop  225  such that the first piston stop  235  prevents excessive motion of the internal piston  110 . For example, as the internal piston  110  is driven out of the internal cavity  205  during use, the first piston stop  235  can strike the first housing stop  220 , preventing additional outward movement of the internal piston  110 . Additionally or alternatively, as the internal piston  110  is retracted, the first piston stop  235  can strike the second housing stop  225 , preventing additional inward movement of the internal piston  110 . 
       FIG. 2  further shows that the punch device  100  includes a blast chamber  230 . In at least one implementation, the blast chamber  230  focuses the force of releasing a compressed gas onto the internal piston  110 . This force can, in turn, cause the internal piston  110  to move in a reciprocal manner out of the at least one opening  215  in the outer housing  105 . 
     In at least one implementation, the compressed gas can be produced using a combustible or explosive material. A combustible material can include a material that is capable of burning or is otherwise involved in an exothermic process. An explosive material is a material that either is chemically or otherwise energetically unstable or produces a sudden expansion of the material usually accompanied by the production of heat and large changes in pressure upon initiation. An explosion can proceed through deflagration or through detonation. Deflagration includes subsonic combustion that propagates through thermal conductivity. That is, hot burning material heats the next layer of cold material and ignites it, propagating through the material. In contrast, detonation can include combustion in which a supersonic shock wave (or pressure wave) is propagated through a material. The shock compresses the material thus increasing the temperature of the material to the point of ignition. The ignited material burns behind the shock and releases energy that supports the shock propagation. 
     In at least one implementation, the compressed gas can be produced in the blast chamber  230  through the ignition of gunpowder or another propellant powder. In particular, a combustible powder can be placed directly within the blast chamber  230 . Additionally or alternatively, the combustible material can be placed in a container  240  such as a bullet, a shell, a casing or any other suitable container which is configured to be contain a known amount of combustible material and placed within the blast chamber  230 . 
     In at least one implementation, the container  240  can be stored within a storage device such as a clip, a round, a cartridge or any other device which is configured to store multiple containers  240 . In particular, the storage device can be configured to load a second container  240  in the blast chamber  230  upon the removal of a first container  240 . For example, the second container  240  can be placed in the blast chamber  230  through pump action, bolt action, lever action, a semi-automatic or an automatic action. 
     A pump-action includes a mechanism in which a handgrip or other pumping can be pumped back and forth in order to eject a spent container  240  and place a fresh one within the blast chamber  230 . A bolt action includes a mechanism in which a bolt is operated manually to open and close the blast chamber  230 . As the bolt is operated the blast chamber  230  is opened, the spent container  240  is withdrawn and ejected, and a new container  240  is placed into the blast chamber  230  and the bolt is closed. A lever-action includes a lever, which can be located around the trigger guard area or include the trigger guard  130  itself, that can be moved one direction to open the blast chamber  230  and eject a spent container  240 . The lever can be subsequently moved back to its initial location to insert a new container  240  in the blast chamber  230  and close the blast chamber  230 . A semi-automatic system includes a mechanism that uses the force of the deflagration or detonation to eject the spent container  240 , load a new container  240  and prepare the trigger mechanism  125  to fire again when the trigger mechanism  125  is released and reactivated. In contrast, an automatic system is similar to a semi-automatic system, however, the trigger mechanism  125  does not need to be released and reactivated for subsequent firings. 
       FIG. 2  also shows that, the internal piston  110  includes a proximal end which fits tightly within or against the blast chamber  230 . In at least one implementation, a tight fit between the internal piston  110  and the blast chamber  230  can prevent the compressed gas from escaping the blast chamber  230  without producing sufficient force on the internal piston  110  to force the internal piston  110  out of the at least one opening  215  in the outer housing  105 . In particular, rings, washers or other devices can be used to facilitate a tight fit between the proximal end of the internal piston  110  and the blast chamber  230 . 
       FIG. 2  further shows a more detailed view of the trigger mechanism  125 . In at least one implementation, the trigger mechanism  125  can include a trigger  245 . The trigger  245  can be operably connected to a firing pin  250  through a trigger spring  255  such that when the trigger  245  is actuated, the firing pin  250  is released. The firing pin  250 , in turn can release a compressed gas into the blast chamber  230 . For example, the firing pin  250  may strike a primer of a container  240 , which includes a combustible powder, with sufficient force to cause the primer to detonate the combustible powder. 
     It will be appreciated that other drive mechanisms in addition to those described above can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For instance, the punch device  100  may be formed with, or attached to, a gas compressor  160  that compresses air or other gases. The compressed gas can be communicated from the gas compressor  160  to the blast chamber  230  via hosing  162 . More specifically, when trigger mechanism  125  is actuated, a valve can be opened that allowed the compressed gas from gas compressor  160  to enter into the blast chamber  230 . Introduction of the compressed gas into the blast chamber  230  can drive the internal piston  110  in a similar manner as described above. 
     In still other exemplary embodiments, compressed carbon dioxide (CO2) can be used to drive the internal piston  110 . Compressed carbon dioxide can be stored in containers  240  that can be loaded into the blast chamber  230 , or otherwise associated with blast chamber  230 . When the trigger mechanism  125  is actuated, the container  240  can be punctured (e.g., with firing pin  250 ), thereby releasing the compressed carbon dioxide. The release of the compressed carbon dioxide can drive the internal piston  110  in order to form a hole in the construction material. 
     In light of the disclosure herein, it will be appreciated that the internal piston can be driven using any one of a number of pneumatic mechanisms. Furthermore, it will be understood that the above described mechanisms (e.g., combustible materials, a blast chamber, a compressed gas such as air and/or compress carbon dioxide, gas compressors, and the like) are each examples of means for driving the internal piston  110 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  show perspective and bottom views, respectively, of a triangular prism tip  115   a  that can be attached to an internal piston  110 , such as the internal piston  110  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  show that the tip  115   a  can include threading  305 , or some other attachment mechanism, for releasably attaching the tip  115   a  to an internal piston  110 . In at least one embodiment, the triangular prism tip  115   a  can include a narrow edge  310  which is configured to punch through the construction material. As the tip  115   a  continues into the construction material, the surface  315  of the tip  115   a  widens the hole in the construction material, producing a rectangular hole. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  show perspective and bottom views, respectively, of a conical tip  115   b  that can be attached to an internal piston  110 , such as the internal piston  110  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  show that the tip  115   b  can include threading  305 , or some other attachment mechanism, for releasably attaching the tip  115   b  to an internal piston  110 . In at least one embodiment, the conical tip  115   b  can include a narrow point  410  which is configured to punch through the construction material. As the tip  115   b  continues into the construction material, the surface  415  of the tip  115   b  widens the hole in the construction material, producing a circular hole. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show perspective and bottom views, respectively, of a pyramidal tip  115   c  that can be attached to an internal piston  110 , such as the internal piston  110  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 5A and 5B  show that the tip  115   c  can include threading  305 , or some other attachment mechanism, for releasably attaching the tip  115   c  to an internal piston  110 . In at least one embodiment, the pyramidal tip  115   c  can include a narrow point  510  which is configured to punch through the construction material. As the tip  115   c  continues into the construction material, the surface  515  of the tip  115   c  widens the hole in the construction material, producing a square shaped hole. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  show perspective and bottom views, respectively, of a cylindrical tip  115   d  that can be attached to an internal piston  110 , such as the internal piston  110  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 6A and 6B  show that the tip  115   d  can include threading  305 , or some other attachment mechanism, for releasably attaching the tip  115   d  to an internal piston  110 . In at least one embodiment, the cylindrical tip  115   d  can include a narrow edge  610  which is configured to punch through the construction material. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example of loading a container  240  within the blast chamber  230  of a pneumatic punch device  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As described above, the container  240  can hold a combustible material or a compressed gas. In at least one implementation, the handle  120  can be at least partially disengaged from the outer housing  105  to allow access to the blast chamber  230  and removal of the container  240 . The handle  120  can then be reengaged to the outer housing  105 , such that the punch device  100  is ready for additional use. 
     Additionally or alternatively, a cocking action can be used in combination with a pump-action, bolt-action or lever-action to remove a spent container  240  from the blast chamber  230  and load an additional container  240 . For example, the cocking action can be provided by rotating the handle  120  relative to the outer housing  105 . As the handle  120  is rotated in one direction, the spent container  240  is removed from the blast chamber  230 . As the handle  120  is rotated back to the original position a fresh container  240  from the clip, round, or cartridge is deposited within the blast chamber  230 . Additionally or alternatively, an external lever or bolt can be operably attached to the blast chamber  230  to allow the removal of the spent container  240  and the deposit of another container  240  into the blast chamber  230 . 
     The present invention is described in terms of using the device in the context of metal decking; however, it will be appreciated that the present invention can be used in a variety of situations to punch holes in a variety of materials. For example, the device can be used to punch holes in wood flooring, concrete, other sheets of metal, and the like. Further, the device has been described as punching a hole in construction material with a single use of the device; however, it is within the scope of the device to be used in scenarios in which multiple uses of the device may be required to punch a hole in construction material. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.