Ammunition Delivery System Arrowhead and Method of Use

Abstract

A device and method introduces the use of conventional ammunitions to the archery/bow hunting industry. The device achieves stealthy delivery of firearm munitions and increases the firepower of standard arrows resulting in deeper penetration into a target. The device consists generally of a containment housing threaded internally on one end for attachment to a firing pin. A cartridge is loaded into the containment housing until the flange on the cartridge casing abuts an interior shoulder. In an alternate embodiment, the interior of the containment housing further includes an annular retaining tab integrally formed in the interior of the housing containment. The retainer tab separates the cartridge from the firing pin to prevent inadvertent discharge. A safety cap may be included on the containment housing to further protect the device from accidental discharge of the cartridge.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part application claiming priority benefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/488,684 filed Jun. 5, 2012 which claims benefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/199,901 filed Sep. 13, 2011 which claims benefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/928,772 filed on Dec. 16, 2010.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This disclosure relates to hunting equipment, and more particularly to an arrowhead capable of delivering firearm munitions stealthily and accurately to a target.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the sport of game hunting, the element of surprise is a valuable asset in the hunter's arsenal. If an intended game target is unaware that a hunter is near, the hunter's chances of landing the game are increased. Several methods of hiding a hunter are typically employed such as camouflage attire, hidden game blinds, and scent dispersing apparatus to not only hide the scent of the hunter, but to attract the game. Additionally, hunters may choose to use bow and arrows or crossbows as their weapon of choice to avoid the loud, animal deterring sound of gunfire. The drawback of using a bow and arrow though is that the hunter typically needs to be closer to the intended target and the power an arrow delivers to a target tends to be less than a typical firearm. A clean, accurate, and powerful strike to the intended game target resulting in on the spot drop and expiration is most desirable.

The novel device and method discussed herein allows for the use of a bow and arrow or crossbow and delivers more power, energy, and accuracy to the archery industry than typical arrowheads. The device provides increased firepower, safety, accurate flight, clean deployment from the bow or crossbow, stealthy flight, and deeper penetration than standard arrowheads resulting in on the spot game expiration. Specifically, the device incorporates a standard bullet casing housed in a containment unit and paired with a firing pin that discharges the bullet only upon contact with the intended target.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,623 to Zaruba discloses a power-packed arrowhead having a dual powder-charged projectile activated after a delayed interval. The device includes a bullet-shaped arrowhead housing, with or without a protective tip, having a cartridge contained in a cavity within A plunger extending from the housing has a protrusion for contact with the cartridge upon impact with a target. The plunger is screwed onto an arrow shaft. In use, the arrow shaft collides with the target. The momentum of the arrow causes the protrusion of the plunger to contact the cartridge which ignites a primer to fire the projectile.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,580,172 to Hendricks discloses an underwater projectile for firing a slug from a cartridge upon impact with a target. The projectile includes a tubular body having an open fore end portion defining a gun bore and an intermediate portion defining a chamber for receiving an ammunition cartridge. The fore end portion and the intermediate portion are separated by annular shoulder and an end wall to secure the cartridge and prevent inadvertent discharge. A firing pin is slidably disposed within the intermediate portion of tubular body and is adapted to engage the primer of the cartridge when the fore end of the projectile contacts a target to cause detonation of the cartridge thus firing the slug into the target.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,780,860 to Arpin discloses a power spear. The device comprises a barrel which screws onto a shaft. The barrel includes a cartridge chamber which has a shoulder for seating a rearward facing cartridge blank. The barrel further includes an open end which houses a projectile or spearhead. The projectile has a pointed striking head on one end and a projection extending from a flat end opposite the pointed head. In use, the device contacts a target which drives the projectile rearward. The projection strikes the primer of the cartridge as to detonate it. The cartridge case itself acts directly against the flat end of the projectile and expels the projectile from the barrel.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,620,190 to Bean discloses a tip or cap for darts and arrows. The cap is frictionally engaged with the arrowhead and shaft of an arrow. The cap is tubular in shape and can house a typical bullet cartridge which conceals the leading edge of the bullet to prevent accidental discharge. In use, the arrow with the cap in place is shot towards a target. Upon impact with the target, the momentum of the arrow causes the arrowhead to act as a firing pin and strike and detonate the cartridge whereupon the bullet is shot from the cap into the target.

Therefore, there is a need in the art to combine the power of firearm munitions with the stealthy delivery of an arrow which provides increased firepower, safety, accurate flight, clean deployment from the bow or crossbow, stealthy flight, and deeper penetration than standard arrowheads resulting in an increased chance of on the spot game expiration.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Disclosed is a device and method that introduces conventional firearms ammunitions for use in the archery/bow hunting industry. The device delivers more power, energy, and accuracy to the archery industry than typical arrowheads. Testing of the device has resulted in increased firepower, safety, accurate flight, clean deployment from the bow or crossbow, stealthy flight, and deeper penetration than standard arrowheads into various test targets.

Accordingly, the device is comprised of a generally hollow cylindrical containment housing in which a single standard firearm round is seated. A firing pin is threadably engaged with one end of the containment housing. The round or cartridge is comprised of a casing and slug as is common in the art. The generally cylindrical firing pin is threaded on both a narrow end for engagement with an arrow shaft and a wider end for engagement with the containment housing. In an alternate embodiment, the firing pin can be spring loaded.

The containment housing is generally a tapered, hollow cylinder typically bored to accommodate .38 caliber, .357 caliber, or .22 caliber bullets. Other calibers can be accommodated. The containment housing is threaded internally on one end for attachment to the firing pin and further includes an interior shoulder separating two cavities. A cartridge is loaded into the containment housing until the flange on the casing abuts the shoulder. In an alternate embodiment, the interior of the containment housing further includes an annular retainer tab integrally formed in the interior of the housing containment. The retainer tab separates the cartridge from the firing pin to prevent inadvertent discharge.

In an alternate embodiment, the containment housing is threaded externally on an end opposite the firing pin for attachment of a safety cap. The safety cap is generally cylindrical in shape, includes an aerodynamically shaped nose, and further includes internal threads for attachment with the external threads of the containment housing. The safety cap protects the cartridge from accidental discharge in case dropped on a hard surface and should not be removed until ready to fire. An alternate embodiment includes a ratcheting feature that prevents the safety cap from being removed after installation and thus would be fired with the device in use. An additional alternate embodiment discloses a safety cap frictionally engaged with the containment housing and may be left in place during use.

In use, a cartridge is loaded in the containment housing and a cap may or may not be secured to the tapered end of the containment housing. The firing pin is attached to the containment housing. The assembled device is threadably engaged with an arrow shaft or bolt. The device, attached to an arrow shaft or bolt, is fired at a target. When the intended target is impacted, the cartridge is driven back into the firing pin. The firing pin contacts the primer of the cartridge causing discharge of the slug from the casing resulting in the slug providing deeper target penetration than a standard arrowhead.

In addition to deeper penetration and stealthy use of ammunitions, a less powerful and lighter bow may be used in conjunction with the device and still achieve a more powerful strike than a standard arrowhead.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ammunition delivery system arrowhead of this disclosure.

FIG. 2A is an exploded elevation view of a preferred embodiment the ammunition delivery system arrowhead of this disclosure.

FIG. 2B is an assembled elevation view of a preferred embodiment the ammunition delivery system arrowhead of this disclosure.

FIG. 3A is an exploded elevation view of an alternate preferred embodiment the ammunition delivery system arrowhead of this disclosure.

FIG. 3B is an assembled elevation view of an alternate preferred embodiment the ammunition delivery system arrowhead of this disclosure.

FIG. 4A is an exploded elevation view of an alternate preferred embodiment the ammunition delivery system arrowhead of this disclosure.

FIG. 4B is an assembled elevation view of an alternate preferred embodiment the ammunition delivery system arrowhead of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a comparison of the penetration depths of a preferred embodiment of the ammunition delivery system arrowhead of this disclosure versus an arrow having a standard arrowhead.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

Referring to FIG. 1, arrow 100 is comprised of shaft 104 attached to arrowhead 101. Shaft 104 has an open forward end 110 that includes internal threads 112. Nock 106 is formed in distant end 114 to accommodate a bow string. Forward end 110 of shaft 104 is open and arrowhead 101 is positioned therein. Fins 108 surround the circumference of shaft 104 equidistantly at distant end 114 adjacent nock 106. As is common in the art, two, three, or four fins may be incorporated.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a preferred embodiment of ammunition delivery system arrowhead 101. Arrowhead 101 is comprised of firing pin 120 threadably engaged with containment housing 124. Containment housing 124 is generally cylindrical and encases cartridge 122.

Firing pin 120 is comprised of threaded section 130, middle section 132, and head section 134. Threaded section 130 includes threads 146 sized to engage threads 112 of shaft 104. Threaded section 130 is integrally formed with middle section 132. Middle section 132 is cylindrically shaped and typically has a diameter generally equal to the diameter of shaft 104. Head section 134 is integrally formed with middle section 132 and further includes threads 136. Protrusion 138 extends from head section 134. Protrusion 138 is generally concentrically aligned with the longitudinal axis of firing pin 120 to operate with a centerfire cartridge but could also be offset in order to operate with a rimfire cartridge. Firing pin 120 is preferably manufactured of aluminum, steel, or rigid molded plastic.

Cartridge 122 is of design and composition common in the art. Cartridge 122 is comprised of casing 142 having base 140. Slug 144 is housed in and extends from casing 144. Cartridge 122 is preferably sized as .38 caliber, .357 caliber, or .22 caliber. However, containment housing 124 can be sized to accommodate any commercially available cartridge caliber as larger and smaller munitions are envisioned by this disclosure.

Containment housing 124 is generally a hollow cylinder having rearward opening 152 and forward opening 150. The exterior of containment housing 124 has a leading end separated from a trailing end by collar ring 128. The diameter of the leading end is generally less than the diameter of the trailing end thus collar ring 128 provides aerodynamic advantages to help stabilize the arrowhead during use. The interior of containment housing 124 includes a cylindrically shaped cavity 158 adjacent a second concentrically aligned and cylindrically shaped cavity 148. Shoulder 156 separates cavity 148 from cavity 158. Rearward opening 152 is sized to accommodate head section 134 of firing pin 120. Rearward opening 152 leads to cavity 148. Cavity 148 includes threads 154 which engage threads 136. Forward opening 150 leads to cavity 158. Cavity 158 and forward opening 150 have a diameter only slightly larger than the diameter of casing 142 which allows cartridge 122 to be press fit inside containment housing 124 and frictionally held in place. In an alternate embodiment, adhesive may be applied to further secure cartridge 122 inside containment housing 124.

Containment housing 124 is preferably manufactured of molded plastic. In one embodiment, the plastic is an acrylic resin which is transparent to allow the cartridge to be seen through the housing in order to determine if the weapon is loaded. In another embodiment, the plastic is a low cost variety of polypropylene.

FIG. 2B shows a preferred embodiment of arrowhead 101 as assembled. Cartridge 122 rests in cavity 158 and base 140 abuts shoulder 156. Slug 144 extends through forward opening 150. Head section 134 of firing pin 120 is threadably engaged with containment housing 124. Threads 154 and threads 136 prevent firing pin 120 from advancing too far into cavity 148. As a result, gap 162 exists between protrusion 138 and base 140. Threads 146 of threaded section 130 engage internal threads 112 to securely attach the arrowhead to shaft 104.

In use, cartridge 122 is loaded, slug 144 first, into containment housing 124 through rearward opening 152. Cartridge 122 is advanced through cavity 148 and through cavity 158 until base 140 abuts shoulder 156. Firing pin 120 is attached to containment housing 124 such that threads 136 engage threads 154. Firing pin 120 is tightened to containment housing 124 such that gap 162 exists between protrusion 138 and cartridge 122 to complete assembly of the ammunition delivery system arrowhead. Arrowhead 101 is attached to shaft 104 such that threads 146 engage internal threads 112 to complete assembly of arrow 100.

Arrow 100 is delivered to an intended target through the use of a bow or cross bow or other arrow deploying device. When arrowhead 101 strikes the intended target, cartridge 122 slides backwards through containment housing 124 and is forced into protrusion 138 thereby impacting the primer, discharging the cartridge, and expelling slug 144 from casing 142. Slug 144 is propelled into the intended target. As shaft 104 is rarely damaged in use, shaft 104 may be reused with a freshly assembly ammunition delivery system arrowhead repeatedly after detaching the used arrowhead.

FIG. 3A shows an alternate preferred embodiment arrowhead 102. Containment housing 124 further includes retaining tab 160. Retaining tab 160 is an annular wedge shaped projection extending from the interior surface of containment housing 124 into cavity 148. The size of retaining tab 160 is relative to the caliber of cartridge being employed. A larger caliber results in the need for a larger retaining tab. In a preferred embodiment, retaining tab 160 may also be a single projection or a collection of projections spaced equidistantly in the same plane around the interior circumference. Between retaining tab 160 and shoulder 156 is slot 166. Slot 166 is sized to fit base 140 of cartridge 122.

FIG. 3B shows an alternate preferred embodiment of arrowhead 102 as assembled. Cartridge 122 is housed in cavity 158. Base 140 rests in slot 166 adjacent retaining tab 160 and shoulder 156. Slug 144 extends through forward opening 150. Firing pin 120 is threadably engaged with containment housing 124. Threads 154 and threads 136 prevent over insertion of firing pin 120 into cavity 148 resulting in gap 162 between protrusion 138 and base 140. Retaining tab 160 prevents cartridge 122 from sliding backwards and contacting firing pin 120 to reduce the possibility of accidental discharge should the arrowhead be dropped or knocked against a hard surface. Threads 146 of threaded section 130 engage internal threads 112 to securely attach the arrowhead to shaft 104.

In use, cartridge 122 is loaded into containment housing 124 through rearward opening 152. Cartridge 122 is advanced through cavity 148 and cavity 158 until base 140 passes over retaining tab 160 and abuts shoulder 156. The wedge shape and relative size of retaining tab 160 allows base 140 to pass over retaining tab 160 until base 140 abuts shoulder 156 and rests in slot 166. Firing pin 120 is attached to containment housing 124 such that threads 136 engage threads 154. Firing pin 120 is tightened to containment housing 124. Retaining tab 160 and gap 162 separate protrusion 138 from cartridge 122. Arrowhead 102 is attached to shaft 104 such that threads 146 engage internal threads 112 to complete assembly of arrow 100. Arrow 100 is delivered to an intended target. When arrowhead 102 strikes the intended target, cartridge 122 slides backward through containment housing 124 breaking retaining tab 160. Cartridge 122 contacts protrusion 138 discharging cartridge 122. Slug 144 is propelled from casing 142 and containment housing 124 into the intended target. Shaft 104 may be reused with a freshly assembled ammunition delivery system arrowhead once the used arrowhead is removed.

FIG. 4A shows an alternate preferred embodiment arrowhead 103. Spring 194 is positioned between firing pin 120 and cartridge 122. Spring 194 may be attached to firing pin 120. In the preferred embodiment, spring 194 is formed from steel and has a spring constant in the range of 20 to 100 N/m, other spring constants will suffice. Protrusion 138 is capable of extending through the length of a fully compressed spring 194. In an alternate embodiment, spring 194 is comprised of synthetic foam.

Containment housing 124 further includes threads 164 and window 126. Housing 124 is engaged with cap 170. Threads 164 surround the exterior of containment housing 124 adjacent to forward opening 150. Cap 170 is generally cylindrical and includes an open end, a closed end, and cavity 188. Cap 170 may also include vent 190. Vent 190 is a hole or plurality of radial holes which pass through cap 170 and in to cavity 188. Adjacent the open end are threads 168. Threads 168 are on the interior of cap 170 and are sized to engage threads 164. Cap 170 protects cartridge 122 from accidental discharge should the forward end of the arrowhead be dropped or knocked against a hard surface. Window 126 is a hole passing through the exterior of housing containment 124 and opening into cavity 158. Window 126 allows a user to visually identify if a cartridge has been loaded in containment housing 124 without removing cap 170. In an alternate preferred embodiment, cap 170 is made of a flexible material such as neoprene and does not include internal threads. Cap 170 is press fit into place over forward opening 150. In an alternate embodiment, cap 170 is made of lubricated nylon material and includes a pointed nose. Cap 170 is press fit into forward opening 150 and remains so when shot towards an intended target.

FIG. 4B shows an alternate preferred embodiment of arrowhead 103 assembled. Cartridge 122 rests in cavity 158 and base 140 abuts shoulder 156. Slug 144 extends through forward opening 150. Head section 134 of firing pin 120 is threadably engaged with containment housing 124. Threads 154 and threads 136 prevent firing pin 120 from over insertion into cavity 148. As a result, gap 162 exists between protrusion 138 and base 140. Spring 194 biases cartridge 122 away from firing pin 120 to safeguard cartridge 122 from accidently contacting protrusion 138 and discharging the cartridge. Threads 168 of cap 170 engage threads 164 to securely attach cap 170 to containment housing 124. Gap 192 separates cartridge 122 from the interior surface of cap 170. Threads 146 of threaded section 130 engage internal threads 112 to securely attach the arrowhead to shaft 104. In an alternate embodiment, retaining tab 160 may be used in conjunction with a containment housing incorporating cap 170.

In use, cartridge 122 is loaded into containment housing 124 through rearward opening 152. Cartridge 122 is advanced through cavity 148 and through cavity 158 until base 140 abuts shoulder 156. Firing pin 120 is attached to containment housing 124 such that threads 136 engage threads 154 and spring 194 abuts base 140. Firing pin 120 is tightened to containment housing 124 against the bias of spring 194 until protrusion 138 is separated from cartridge 122 by gap 162. Cap 170 is attached to containment housing 124 such that threads 168 engage threads 164. Arrowhead 103 is attached to shaft 104 such that threads 146 engage internal threads 112 to complete assembly of arrow 100. If needed, a user may peer through window 126 to determine if a cartridge is loaded in a capped arrowhead without removing the cap. When an intended target is identified, cap 170 is removed from containment housing 124. Arrow 100 is delivered to an intended target. When arrowhead 103 strikes the intended target, cartridge 122 slides backward through containment housing 124 against the bias of spring 194 into protrusion 138 thereby discharging cartridge 122. Slug 144 is propelled into the intended target. Shaft 104 may be reused with another ammunition delivery system arrowhead once the used arrowhead is removed.

In an alternate embodiment, cap 170 is not removed and thus remains engaged with housing 124 during use. Vent 190 allows the escape of ignition gases after the discharging of cartridge 122.

FIG. 5 shows the test results of an ammunition delivery system arrowhead of the present disclosure discharged into ballistics test medium 172. Ballistics test medium 172 is a twenty inch block of PERMA-GEL™ synthetic “soft tissue” medium. PERMA-GEL™ is used for the testing and comparison of different types of projectiles and loads and can be found at www.perma-gel.com. The bow used in the test was a 62 pound pressure bow at a distance of twenty yards. A conventional arrowhead, fired from the same bow, entered ballistics test medium 172 at point 174 and stopped at point 178. The conventional arrowhead traveled approximately 8.3 inches through ballistics test medium 172. An ammunition delivery system arrowhead as disclosed herein entered ballistics test medium at point 180. At point 182, approximately 4.2 inches into ballistics test medium 172, the cartridge housed in the ammunition delivery system arrowhead was discharged. The discharged slug continued to point 186 penetrating an additional approximate twelve inches for a total penetration of approximately 16.3 inches.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cartridge deployment arrowhead comprising:

a cylindrical container, having an internal cylindrical chamber;

the internal cylindrical chamber having an abutment stop and a cartridge exposure orifice; and,

a firing pin, secured in the internal cylindrical chamber adjacent to the abutment stop.

2. The cartridge deployment arrowhead of claim 1 wherein the firing pin includes a raised protrusion positioned at a gap distance from a base of a cartridge positioned in the internal cylindrical chamber.

3. The cartridge deployment arrowhead of claim 1 wherein a cartridge is positioned in the internal cylindrical chamber, adjacent the abutment stop, and extends from the cartridge exposure orifice.

4. The cartridge deployment arrowhead of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical container is transparent.

5. The cartridge deployment arrowhead of claim 1 further comprising a safety cap engaged with the cylindrical container and covering the cartridge exposure orifice.

6. The cartridge deployment arrowhead of claim 1 further comprising a spring adjacent the firing pin and adjacent a cartridge positioned in the internal cylindrical chamber.

7. An arrowhead carrying a projectile and attached to an arrow, the arrowhead comprising:

a firing pin comprised of a threaded section engaging the arrow;

the firing pin further comprising a middle section integrally formed with the threaded section and a head section where the head section includes a first set of threads;

a protrusion extending from the head section;

a containment housing having a forward opening leading to a first cavity and a rearward opening leading to a second cavity;

the second cavity engaging the first set of threads;

the containment housing further comprising a shoulder separating the first cavity from the second cavity;

whereby the projectile is frictionally engaged with the first cavity and abuts the shoulder; and

whereby the protrusion is separated from the projectile by a gap.

8. The arrowhead of claim 7 further comprising:

the containment housing including a hole passing through to the first cavity and a second set of threads proximate the forward opening; and

a cap threadably engaged with the second set of threads where the cap defines a space between the cap and the projectile.

9. The arrowhead of claim 7 where the protrusion is concentrically aligned with the longitudinal axis of the firing pin.

10. The arrowhead of claim 7 where the protrusion is offset from the longitudinal axis of the firing pin.

11. The arrowhead of claim 7 further comprising:

a cap frictionally engaged with the containment housing proximate the forward opening where the cap defines a space between the projectile and the cap; and

a window passing through the containment housing to the first cavity.

12. The arrowhead of claim 7 further comprising:

where the containment housing includes a retaining tab extending into the second cavity; and

where the retaining tab is adjacent the projectile.

13. The arrowhead of claim 12 where the retaining tab is an annular projection around the interior of the second cavity.

14. The arrowhead of claim 12 where the retaining tab is a set of tabs spaced equidistantly around the interior of the second cavity.

15. The arrowhead of claim 7 further comprising a spring adjacent the firing pin and adjacent the projectile where the spring biases the projectile away from the firing pin.

16. The arrowhead of claim 7 further comprising:

the containment housing including a second set of threads proximate the forward opening;

a cap threadably engaged with the second set of threads where the cap defines a space between the cap and the projectile;

a set of vents in the cap which pass through to the space;

the containment housing further including a retaining tab extending into the second cavity; and

where the retaining tab is adjacent the projectile.

17. An ammunition delivery system arrowhead, housing a cartridge and attached to an arrow shaft, the arrowhead comprising:

a generally cylindrical hollow housing including a first opening leading to a first cavity and a second opening leading to a second cavity where the first cavity and the second cavity are separated by an internal shoulder;

a retaining tab extending from the housing into the second cavity where the retaining tab defines a slot adjacent the internal shoulder;

a generally cylindrical firing pin including a first section threadably engaged with the arrow shaft, a second section integrally formed with the first section, and a third section integrally formed with the second section and threadably engaged with the second cavity;

a protrusion extending from the third section into the second cavity; and

whereby the cartridge rests in the slot adjacent the retaining tab and the internal shoulder and further extends through the first cavity and the first opening.

18. The ammunition delivery system arrowhead of claim 17 where a gap exists between the protrusion and the projectile.

19. The ammunition delivery system arrowhead of claim 17 further comprising a spring adjacent the firing pin and adjacent the cartridge where the spring biases the cartridge away from the firing pin.

20. The ammunition delivery system arrowhead of claim 17 further comprising:

a set of threads on the exterior of the housing proximate the forward opening;

a safety cap threadably engaged with the set of threads where the safety cap defines a space between the cap and the cartridge; and

a hole passing through the housing to the first cavity.

21. The ammunition delivery system arrowhead of claim 17 further comprising a safety cap engaged with the housing and covering the first opening, where the safety cap includes a set of vents.

22. The ammunition delivery system arrowhead of claim 17 where the retaining tab is an annular projection around the interior of the second cavity.

23. The ammunition delivery system arrowhead of claim 17 where the retaining tab is a set of tabs spaced equidistantly in one plane around the interior circumference of the second cavity.

24. A method for discharging ammunition via an arrow to a target comprising the steps of:

providing a firing pin including a protrusion;

providing a containment housing including a forward opening leading to a first cavity and a rearward opening leading to a second cavity where the first cavity and the second cavity are separated by a shoulder;

inserting the ammunition through the rearward opening;

seating the ammunition in the first cavity where the ammunition extends through the first opening and abuts the shoulder;

attaching the firing pin to the containment housing;

providing a gap between the firing pin and the ammunition;

engaging the firing pin and the attached containment housing with the arrow;

delivering the arrow towards the target;

contacting the target with the ammunition;

forcing the ammunition backwards through the containment housing and into the firing pin; and

discharging the ammunition.

25. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of:

providing a retaining tab extending from the containment housing into the second cavity;

seating the ammunition adjacent the retaining tab and the shoulder; and

where the forcing step further includes breaking the retaining tab.

26. The method of claim 24 where the step of attaching the firing pin and containment housing to the arrow further comprises:

peering through a hole in the containment housing to verify existence of ammunition;

removing a safety cap from the containment housing to expose the ammunition.

27. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of:

providing a spring adjacent the firing pin and adjacent the ammunition; and

biasing the ammunition away from the firing pin towards the containment housing.

28. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of:

providing a retaining tab extending from the containment housing into the second cavity;

seating the ammunition adjacent the retaining tab and the shoulder;

where the forcing step further includes breaking the retaining tab; and

where the step of attaching the firing pin and containment housing to the arrow further comprises removing a safety cap from the containment housing to expose the ammunition.