CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/002,251, filed Dec. 14, 2007, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND The present invention relates generally to the field of arrowheads for arrows, and more specifically, to an improved arrowhead for arrows that may interchangeably accommodate one or more fixed blades and one or more mechanical, or moveable, blades.
Many types of arrowheads used for arrows include one or more fixed blades or one or more moveable blades. Fixed blades may remain fixed in position during use. Mechanical, or moveable blades, may open, or expand, often upon impact with a target. There are many challenges in providing a reliable and effective arrowhead that may interchangeably accommodate both fixed and mechanical blades.
It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved arrowhead that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional arrowheads.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an arrow having an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a reverse side perspective view of the arrowhead of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the arrowhead of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the arrowhead of FIG. 2 according to another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of a portion of an arrowhead taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7 is side perspective view of an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the arrowhead of FIG. 7 according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an arrowhead according to another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of an arrowhead in a retracted position according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the arrowhead of FIG. 11 in an expanded position according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the arrowhead of FIG. 12 according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a cross-section view of a retaining member according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of an arrowhead according to another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a partial cross-section view of the arrowhead of FIG. 15 having a plurality of retaining members according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 17A is a cross-section view of a body for an arrowhead taken along line 17A-17A of FIG. 9 according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 17B is a cross-section view of a body for an arrowhead taken along line 17B-17B of FIG. 9 according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 18A-18G show various blades for arrowheads according to various exemplary embodiments.
FIGS. 19A and 19B show portions of an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 20A and 20B show portions of an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 21A and 21B show portions of an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 22A-22L show various fasteners for arrowheads according to various exemplary embodiments.
FIGS. 23A-23H show various cutting edges and cutting edge profiles according to various exemplary embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1, an arrow 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Arrow 10 includes an arrowhead 12 and a shaft 14. Shaft 14 may be an elongated member that may be formed from a wide variety of materials such as metal, plastic, fiber-reinforced composites, hardwood, softwood, etc., or a combination of suitable materials. According to an exemplary embodiment, a fletching 16 is coupled to one end of shaft 14, and arrowhead 12 is coupled to shaft 14 at a second end opposite of fletching 16. Other arrow configurations may be used in conjunction with arrowhead 12 according to various other exemplary embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 2-4, arrowhead 12 is shown in greater detail according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, arrowhead 12 may be configured as a fixed-blade broadhead that utilizes fixed blades rather than blades that include moving components (e.g., “mechanical” blades). Arrowhead 12 includes a main body or ferrule 20 that receives a first blade 40 and a second blade 50, and fasteners 60 and 62 that secure one or more of blades 40, 50 to body 20. Blades 40, 50 may be configured to be removable (e.g., replaceable) and may be arranged such that they extend beyond the forward-most portion of body 20 to form a cut-on-contact tip for arrowhead 12 (e.g., such that during use, blade tip 44 of blade 40 and blade tip 54 of blade 50 strike the intended target prior to body 20).
According to an exemplary embodiment, body 20 is an elongated member that has a longitudinal axis 22 that is generally coaxial with shaft 14. Body 20 includes a rear portion 24 and a forward portion 28 with recesses 34, 36 that receive first blade 40 and second blade 50, respectively. Rear portion 24 may include threads 26 and be configured to engage a threaded socket 18 in shaft 14 to couple arrowhead 12 to shaft 14. According to an exemplary embodiment, threaded socket 18 may include a separate threaded insert that may be glued or otherwise coupled to shaft 14. Forward portion 28 includes a first or elongated portion 30 and a second or enlarged portion 32 proximate rear portion 24.
According to an exemplary embodiment, second portion 32 may be a generally cylindrical body that is generally symmetrical about longitudinal axis 22. Second portion 32 includes one or more apertures 33 that are offset from longitudinal axis 22. Apertures 33 may comprise a recessed portion 35 when fasteners 60, 62 are in a tightened position. Fasteners 60, 62 are received in apertures 33 and are therefore offset from longitudinal axis 22 in a similar manner. For example, according to one embodiment, apertures 33 (and fasteners 60, 62) may be configured such that apertures 33 do not intersect longitudinal axis 22 (or do not extend in a direction that intersects axis 22). According to an alternative embodiment, apertures 33 may extend orthogonally with respect to longitudinal axis 22 and be spaced apart from longitudinal axis 22 at equal or unequal distances to either side of longitudinal axis 22. According to yet another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, one or more of apertures 33 may extend in a plane 41 or 43 that is parallel to and/or spaced apart from a plane 47 that encompasses longitudinal axis 22.
According to an exemplary embodiment, apertures 33 are aligned with corresponding apertures 49 (see FIG. 4) in first blade 40 and receive fasteners 60 and 62 to couple first blade 40 to body 20. When arrowhead 12 is assembled, apertures 49 are aligned with apertures 33 in body 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, body 20 may be formed from steel. According to other exemplary embodiments, body 20 may be formed from other materials, such as aluminum, etc. Providing a steel body may provide a stronger body portion over alternative metals such as aluminum. According to an exemplary embodiment, enlarged portion 32 may have a radius and circumference greater than the radius and circumference of elongated portion 30. For example, the radius of enlarged portion 32 may be at least about 1.2 times the radius of elongated portion 30, or at least about 1.5 or 2.0 times the radius of elongated portion 30 in alternative embodiments.
First blade 40 may be a generally triangular, replaceable blade and may be removable from body 20. First blade 40 includes a pair of cutting edges 42. Each of cutting edges 42 may extend from a tip 44 to an apex 45 to form a side of first blade 40. A slot or groove 46 may be formed along the centerline of blade 40. Slot 46 extends from the portion of blade 40 opposite tip 44 to a portion proximate tip 44. In this embodiment, slot 46 may extend along at least one-half, at least two-thirds, or at least three-quarters of the length of blade 40. Two apertures 48 may be provided on either side of slot 46 between slot 46 and cutting edges 42. Apertures 48 may be configured to permit air to flow through the apertures and pass through blade 40. In this embodiment, apertures 48 may have an area that is at least one-quarter, at least one-third, or at least one-half of the surface area of one side of blade 40 (e.g., during flight). While apertures 48 are shown as generally triangular openings in FIGS. 1-4, according to other exemplary embodiments, apertures 48 may be otherwise shaped or may include a multitude of openings in blade 40. According to an exemplary embodiment, apertures 48 may be symmetric about axis 22 and have identical or substantially similar shapes and sizes. According to an exemplary embodiment, blade 40 may be provided without slot 46 and/or apertures 48.
Second blade 50 may be a generally triangular, replaceable blade and may be removable from body 20. Second blade 50 includes a pair of cutting edges 52. Each of cutting edges 52 may extend from one of two tips 54 to an apex 55 to form a side of blade 50. According to an exemplary embodiment, cutting edges 52 of second blade 50 have a length that is approximately the same as the length of cutting edges 42 of first blade 40. According to other embodiments, cutting edges 42 and 52 may be of substantially different lengths. A slot or groove 56 is formed along the centerline of blade 50. Slot 56 extends from the portion of blade 50 opposite of tips 54 toward tips 54. In this embodiment, slot 56 may extend along at least one-half, at least two-thirds, or at least three-quarters of the length of blade 50. A slot or groove 57 may also be formed along the centerline of blade 50. Slot 57 extends between tips 54 toward slot 56. Two apertures 58 may be provided on either side of slot 56 between slot 56 and cutting edges 52. Apertures 58 may be configured to permit air to flow through apertures 58 and pass through blade 50 (e.g., during flight). In this embodiment, apertures 58 may have an area that is at least one-quarter, at least one-third, or at least one-half of the surface area of one side of blade 50. According to an exemplary embodiment, blade 50 may be provided without slots 56, 57 and/or apertures 58.
According to an exemplary embodiment, apertures 58 are approximately the same size as apertures 48 in first blade 40. According to another exemplary embodiment, apertures 58 may be symmetric about axis 22 and have identical or substantially similar shapes and sizes. Providing similarly sized apertures 48 and 58 in first blade 40 and second blade 50 may help to improve the stability of arrow 10 during flight by providing balanced airflow through arrowhead 12. While apertures 58 are shown as generally triangular openings in FIGS. 1-4, according to other exemplary embodiments, apertures 58 may be otherwise shaped or may include a multitude of openings in blade 50. As discussed above, apertures 58 may also be omitted in some embodiments to provide a generally solid blade.
According to an exemplary embodiment, first blade 40 and second blade 50 may be formed from steel. According to other exemplary embodiments, first blade 40 and second blade 50 may be formed from other suitable materials.
As shown in FIG. 4, body 20 may include recesses or grooves 34, 36 that receive first blade 40 and second blade 50, respectively. Recesses 34, 36 extend along portions of the length of body 20 and are generally perpendicular such that first blade 40 and second blade 50 are oriented at right angles to each other when they are coupled to body 20, although the recesses may be substantially non-perpendicular (e.g., about 30 degrees apart, about 45 degrees apart, etc.) according to various other embodiments.
According to an exemplary embodiment, to assemble arrowhead 12, second blade 50 is first inserted into body 20 such that recess 36 engages slot 56 on second blade 50. First blade 40 is then slid into body 20 perpendicular to second blade 50 such that recess 34 engages slot 46 on first blade 40. When fully seated in body 20, slot 46 on first blade 40 is also received by slot 57 on blade 50, and apertures 49 are aligned with apertures 33 in body 20. First fastener 60 and/or second fastener 62 are provided on either side of longitudinal axis 22 and are inserted through apertures 49 to couple first blade 40 to body 20. First blade 40 secures (e.g., overlaps, locks, tightens, etc.) second blade 50 in place between blade 40 and body 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, fasteners 60 and 62 are set screws. Fasteners 60 and 62 are offset relative to longitudinal axis 22 and pass through a portion of body 20 to engage threaded apertures in body 20. While fasteners 60 and 62 are shown in the FIGURES as set screws, according to other exemplary embodiments, fasteners 60 and 62 may be rivets, pins, dowels, press-fit fasteners, or any other suitable fastening device.
According to an exemplary embodiment, threads 26 on rear portion 24 of body 20 engage threaded socket 18 to couple arrowhead 12 to shaft 14. A ring member 64 (e.g., washer, etc.) may be provided between the end of shaft 14 and second portion 32 of body 20. Ring member 64 may engage a portion of blade 50 (e.g., a bottom or rear edge portion) to secure blade 50 between ring member 64 and blade 40. As shaft 14 is tightened to arrowhead 12, ring member 64 may further tighten blade 50 by tending to push blade 50 toward blade 40, which is fastened in place by fasteners 60, 62. According to other exemplary embodiments, ring member 64 may be eliminated and the end of shaft 14 may contact second portion 32 and/or blades 40 and 50. If ring member 64 is not used, recess 36 may be sized (e.g., shortened relative to the FIGURES) such that blade 50 is tightly secured between blade 40 and body 20 when blade 40 is fastened in place.
The unique method of coupling first blade 40 and second blade 50 to body 20 allows blades 40 and 50 to be removable and to be arranged such that they extend beyond the forward-most portion of body 20 to form a cut-on-contact tip for arrowhead 12 in some exemplary embodiments. By using offset fasteners, blades of similar sizes, shapes, and weights may be used because there are no fasteners extending through the central portion (e.g., along a central or longitudinal axis) of the body or ferrule in some exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, because blades dull every time the blades contact a target, providing removable blades 40, 50 allows blades 40, 50 to be regularly removed and sharpened and/or replaced, in some exemplary embodiments.
Further, blades 40, 50 are similarly sized and form apertures 48 and 58 that are similarly sized in some exemplary embodiments. This symmetry of the shape and weight distribution of blades 40, 50 about longitudinal axis 22 may facilitate a more stable flight for arrow 10. A more stable flight may provide for better shot placement and penetration of arrow 10. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the distance between body 20 and cutting edge 42, and the distance between body 20 and cutting edge 52, may be substantially the same along the length of body 20.
Arrowhead 12 may provide further advantageous features when arrow 10 impacts a target. Using first blade 40 to secure second blade 50 to body 20 and using two opposing fasteners 60 and 62 to fasten first blade 40 to body 20 may help prevent blades 40 and 50 from falling or tearing off of body 20.
Referring now to FIG. 5, an arrowhead 112 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Arrowhead 112 is similar to arrowhead 12 of FIG. 4 and includes a main body or ferrule 120, a first blade 140, a second blade 150 secured between first blade 140 and body 120, and fasteners 160 and 162 that secure one or more of blades 140, 150 to body 120. Blades 140, 150 are configured to be removable (e.g., replaceable) and are arranged such that they extend beyond body 120 to form a cut-on-contact tip for arrowhead 112.
Second blade 150 is a generally triangular, replaceable blade and is removable from body 120. Second blade 150 is similar to blade 50, but a slot or groove 156 extends inward from the side of blade 150 opposite of tips 154 a length substantially less than the length of slot 56 of blade 50. For example, the length of slot 156 may be less than one-half of the total length of blade 150, or less than one-third, or less than one-fourth, the length of blade 150. Accordingly, body 120 includes a recess 136 that extends through body 120 that is substantially longer than recess 36 provided on body 20 in order to accommodate the corresponding shorter slot 156 in second blade 150. In this embodiment, recess 136 extends along at least one-half, at least two-thirds, or at least three-fourths, of the length of body 120. Extensions 153 are provided on either side of slot 156. Extensions 153 are received in recess 136 and help to locate second blade 150 relative to body 120. According to other exemplary embodiments, blade 150 may be provided without extensions 153. First blade 140 may be similar to first blade 40 and fit over second blade 150 to secure second blade 150 to body 120. First blade 140 is received in a recess or groove 134. One advantage that the configuration of FIG. 5 may provide is a more stable second blade because of the shorter slot and increased surface area of the blade, which may increase the stability of the arrowhead during flight.
Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, an arrowhead 212 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Arrowhead 212 includes body 20 (e.g., which may be the same body as shown in FIGS. 2-4), a first blade 240 and a second blade 250. First and second blades 240, 250 may be retained in place relative to body 20 using ring member 64 and fasteners 60, 62 as discussed with respect to FIGS. 2-4. Arrowhead 212 is generally similar to arrowhead 12 except that first and second blades 240, 250 include cut-out portions, or cut-outs 270, 280 (e.g., recesses, notches, serrations, etc.), respectively.
As shown in FIG. 8, blade 240 includes two cut-outs 270, which may be substantially identical in size and shape to facilitate proper travel of the arrow during flight. Cut-out 270 is defined by an edge 274 that intersects a cutting edge 242 of blade 240. The rearward intersection of edge 274 and cutting edge 242 defines a hooked portion 272 (e.g., a hook, pointed portion, etc.). Similarly, blade 250 includes two cut-outs 280, being substantially identical in size and shape to facilitate proper travel of the arrow during flight. Cut-out 280 is defined by an edge 284 that intersects a cutting edge 252 of blade 250. The rearward intersection of edge 284 and cutting edge 252 defines a hooked portion 282 (e.g., a hook, pointed portion, etc.).
Providing blades 240, 250 with cut-outs 270, 280, respectively, provides many advantages not found in many conventional arrowheads. For example, hooked portions 272, 282 provide additional shock and/or knock-down power at impact with a target. Furthermore, hooked portions 272, 282 help prevent the arrow from passing entirely through an animal (e.g., a turkey, etc.), thereby making it more difficult for the animal to run, fly, etc. after impact and providing a hunter sufficient time to retrieve the animal and/or (if necessary) shoot an additional arrow at the animal. Further yet, the hooked portion is intended to “catch” on the ground, grass, plants, etc. to prevent the arrow from becoming buried under the ground or vegetation, etc., thereby making it more visible to a hunter and easier to retrieve.
While blades 240, 250 in FIGS. 8 and 9 are shown as having a single cut-out 270, 280, respectively, intersecting opposing sides of the blade cutting edges, according to various other exemplary embodiments, more cut-outs may be provided along the cutting edges, the cut-outs may take a variety of shapes (e.g., with deeper/shallower contours, flat/curved surfaces, etc.), and one or more blades may be provided without any cut-outs.
For example, referring to FIG. 9, an arrowhead 312 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment, and is substantially similar to arrowhead 212 except that blade 340 does not include cut-outs such as cut-outs 270, 280 shown in FIGS. 7-8, but rather blade 340 is provided without any cut-outs such that according to an exemplary embodiment, cutting edge 342 is a generally continuous cutting edge along each side of blade 340. Blade 340 may include apertures 348 similar to apertures 48 shown in FIG. 2. The construction and assembly of arrowhead 312 may otherwise be similar to that of arrowhead 212.
Referring to FIG. 10, an arrowhead 412 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment, and is similar to arrowheads 212 and 312, except that arrowhead 412 includes a first blade 440 that includes apertures 448 and a number of cut-outs or recesses 480 that define a number of cutting members 482 (e.g., serrations, etc.). A second blade 450 is similar to blade 50 shown in FIG. 2 and includes apertures 458. It should be noted that blade 440 shown in FIG. 10 includes both one or more cut-outs (e.g., cut-outs 480) and one or more apertures (e.g., apertures 448). Cut-outs 480 may be generally “U”-shaped, with one leg 457 of the U 459 having two surfaces 461, 462 joined at an angle 463 which is greater or less than 180 degrees. Leg 457 may be rearward of a single-surface leg 465.
As shown in FIGS. 1-10, bodies 20 and 120 may be utilized in an arrowhead having one or more fixed blades. According to various other exemplary embodiments, bodies 20 and 120 may be utilized in applications where it is desirable to couple both a fixed blade and a mechanical, or moveable, blade to the same body. Body 20 and/or 120 may further be used to enable users to interchangeably couple fixed and mechanical blades to the body.
Referring to FIGS. 11-12, an arrowhead 512 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Arrowhead 512 includes body 20, a first blade 540 and a pair of moveable or mechanical (e.g., rotatable, pivotable, expandable/retractable, mechanical, etc.) second blades 550. A retaining member 564 may be used to secure blade 540. Blades 550 may be pivotally secured at pivots 551 using fasteners 60, 62. According to an exemplary embodiment, second blades 550 are mechanical blades that are intended to remain in a retracted (e.g., undeployed, folded, etc.) position during flight of the arrow (see FIG. 11), and move to an expanded (e.g., deployed, unfolded, etc.) position upon impact with a target (see arrowhead 512 of FIG. 12). The mechanical features of blades 550 provide enhanced aerodynamics during flight (e.g., in the retracted position), and additional cutting ability upon impact (e.g., in the expanded position).
Referring further to FIG. 11, arrowhead 512 is shown in the retracted position according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, when in the retracted position, blades 550 are positioned such that blades 550 extend from pivots 551 toward the forward portion of arrowhead 512. In some embodiments, pivots 551 may include fasteners 60, 62. In the retracted position, cutting edges 552 are held proximate body 20 and blades 550 include an extension 553 (e.g., a tab, “L,” leg, etc.) that extends in a direction away from body 20 when blade 550 is retracted. Upon arrowhead 512 impacting a target, as arrowhead 512 moves through the target, extensions 553 contact the target such that the force upon extensions 553 tends to rotate blades 550 about pivots 551 to the expanded position, as shown in FIG. 12. Pivots 551 may be removeable by a user in one embodiment to facilitate interchanging blade 550 with new blades. In order to maintain blades 550 in the retracted position during flight, a retaining member (e.g., an elastic band or ring, etc.) may be used that is sufficient to retain blades 550 is position during flight, yet permits blades 550 to expand upon impact with a target. Alternatively, blades 550 may be maintained in position during flight using a tighter fit at pivots 551, an interference fit, friction between blades 550 and another surface of arrowhead 512, or other retaining element.
Referring further to FIG. 12, arrowhead 512 is shown in the expanded position according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in the expanded position blades 550 are positioned such that as arrowhead 512 enters a target, cutting edges 552 will provide cutting edges that contact the target.
Referring to FIG. 13, arrowhead 512 includes body 20 (i.e., the same body that is shown in FIGS. 2-4, and 6-8, among others), yet according to some embodiments, arrowhead 512 utilizes a different configuration to secure blades 540 and 550 relative to the fixed-blade configurations. As shown in FIG. 13, first blade 540 includes a slot or recess 546 that is configured to be received in a corresponding slot or recess 36 in body 20. Blade 540 also includes a pair of tabs 545 that define notches 543. Tabs 545 and notches 543 interface with one or more retaining members, shown in FIG. 13 as retaining member 564, to secure blade 540 relative to body 20.
Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in order to secure blade 540 using member 564, blade 540 is first slid onto body 20 from the forward portion of body 20. Member 564 is then slid over body 20 from the rear portion of body 20 such that notches 565 (see FIG. 14) are aligned with tabs 545, and member 564 may be slid over tabs 545. Member 564 is then rotated (e.g., ninety degrees, forty-five degrees, etc.) such that tabs 545, engage surfaces 567. According to an exemplary embodiment, surface 567 is an inclined surface such that as member 564 is rotated and surface 567 moves relative to tabs 545, surface 567 tends to pull, or tighten, blade 540 along axis 522 of arrowhead 512 and toward the rear of arrowhead 512. Providing a coupling interface such as member 564 and tabs 545 provides an easy and efficient way to secure blade 540 that also overcomes the disadvantages of conventional coupling techniques that may only tighten blade 540 radially relative to axis 522, rather than along axis 522.
It should be understood that the configuration of member 564 and tabs 545 may be modified to suit particular applications, and all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the number of tabs 545, notches 565, and surfaces 567 may be increased or decreased, depending on the exact configuration of the arrowhead (e.g., to accommodate more or fewer blades). Furthermore, the shape of member 564 and/or tabs 545 may be varied. Further yet, more than one retaining member 564 may be used. For example, two retaining members 564 may be used (e.g., each retaining member securing a fixed blade) such that it is not necessary to use fasteners 60, 62 as part of the arrowhead. Alternatively, a single retaining member 564 may be used (e.g., with additional notches 565) to accommodate two fixed blades.
FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate arrowhead 512 according to another exemplary embodiment, where blade 540 is secured using a first retaining member 664, a second retaining member 665, and a third retaining member 667. First member 664 includes one or more notches 668 that permit first member 664 to be slid over and rotated forward of tabs 545. Second member 665 is then positioned at approximately the same position along axis 522 as tabs 545. According to an exemplary embodiment, second member 665 has a thickness that is slightly less than the width of tab 545 (e.g., as measured along axis 522). After second member 665 is in position, third member 667 may be slid up body 20 adjacent second member 665. According to some embodiments, pivots 551, retaining member 564, and/or retaining members 664, 665, and 667 may be located at least one-third, at least one-half, or at least three-fourths of the length of the blade away from the blade tip.
It should be understood that as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 7 and 11, body 20 may be used to provide both a fixed blade arrowhead (see, e.g., FIG. 7) and a mechanical blade arrowhead (see, e.g., FIG. 11). Body 20 can accommodate both fixed and mechanical type blades without the need for modifications to body 20. Furthermore, body 20 enables a user to easily interchange the blades that are to be used with body 20. For example, a user may wish to utilize an arrowhead with two fixed blades, as shown in FIG. 7. The same user may then wish to use an arrowhead with one fixed blade and at least one mechanical blade, as shown in FIG. 11, which can be done using the same body 20 as used in the arrowhead with two fixed blades.
In order to reconfigure the fixed blade arrowhead, the user simply removes fasteners 60, 62, and replaces the two fixed blades (e.g., blades 240 and 250 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) with one fixed blade and a pair of mechanical blades (e.g., blades 540 and 550 shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13, and 15). Fasteners 60, 62 may be used both to secure a fixed blade in place, as shown in FIG. 7, or a pair of mechanical blades in place, as shown in FIG. 11. According to various exemplary embodiments, a wide variety of types of fasteners may be used as fasteners 60, 62, such as screws, set screws, rivets, pins, and so on. According to one embodiment, fasteners 60, 62 are set screws such that the blades secured to body 20 may be easily replaced and/or interchanged.
Referring now to FIGS. 18A-18G, a number of blades that may be used in conjunction with parts of the various embodiments of the arrowheads described herein are shown according to various exemplary embodiments. The blades shown in FIGS. 18A-18G do not constitute an exhaustive collection of the types of blades that may be used in conjunction with body 20 or as a part of the arrowheads described herein, but rather are presented for illustrative purposes to show exemplary embodiments of blade configurations which body 20 may accommodate. It should be understood that the blades shown in FIGS. 18a-18G, in addition to the features shown, may be provided with additional features, such as apertures, cut-outs, etc., as shown in the FIGURES generally. All such features and combinations of features are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 18A shows a blade 710 according to an exemplary embodiment having a pair of extensions 712, with each extension 712 having a tab 714 extending radially therefrom. FIG. 18B shows a blade 720 according to an exemplary embodiment having a pair of extensions 722, with each extension 722 having a pair of tabs 724. FIG. 18C shows a blade 730 according to an exemplary embodiment having a pair of extensions 732 and a tab 734 extending from each extension 732, where the two tabs 734 are offset from each other along the length of blade 730. Blade 730 further includes a slot or recess 736 configured to engage with a corresponding slot or recess on body 20.
FIG. 18D shows a blade 740 according to an exemplary embodiment. While blades 710-730 shown in FIGS. 18A-18C each include a pair of cutting edges, blade 740 is provided as a blade having only a single cutting edge, shown as cutting edge 746. Blade 740 further includes an extension 742 having a tab 744 extending therefrom. According to an exemplary embodiment, blade 740 is further provided with a second extension 748 configured to engage a corresponding recess (not shown) in body 20 to prevent the forward portion of blade 740 from pulling away from body 20 in a radial direction during use. FIG. 18E shows a blade 750 according to an exemplary embodiment that is similar to blade 740 shown in FIG. 18D, except that blade 750 is provided with an extension 752 having a pair of tabs 754, rather than a single tab such as tab 744.
FIGS. 18F and 18G show blades 760 and 770, respectively, according to exemplary embodiments. Blades 760 may be used separately or in combination with each other. Blade 760 includes a pair of extensions 762 and a recess 764 that may receive a corresponding recess 774 in blade 770. Blade 770 includes a pair of rearward members, or legs, 772 that include apertures 776 that may receive fasteners such as fasteners 60, 62.
Referring now to FIGS. 19A and 19B, an arrowhead 812 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19A, a blade 840 may be received by a body 820 such that a pair of inward facing tabs 814 on blade 840 engage a pair of corresponding notches, or recesses, 816, in body 820. According to an exemplary embodiment, tabs 814 may engage notches 816 in a snap-fit fashion. A washer 818 may further be slid over body 820 to secure blade 840 in place. Furthermore, a second blade (not shown) may be used as a part of arrowhead 812 and may be of any suitable size and/or shape and be secured according to any of the various methods described herein.
As shown in FIG. 19B, one or more single-cutting-edge blades 850 may be used in conjunction with or instead of blade 840, which includes a pair of cutting edges. Blades 850 may be secured in a similar manner to blade 840. Additionally, blades 850 may include a second extension 852 that engages a corresponding notch or recess 854 in body 820 to prevent blade 850 from pulling away from body 820.
Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, an arrowhead 912 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20A, a blade 940 may be received by a body 920. Blade 940 includes 2 notches or recesses 922 that align with notches or recesses 924 when blade 940 is received by body 920. A retaining member, shown as a snap ring 926, may then be placed around body 920 such that snap ring 926 is received in notches 922, 924 and secures blade 940 relative to body 920. As shown in FIG. 20B, according to other exemplary embodiments, one or more single cutting-edge blades 950 may be secured to body 920 in a similar manner to blade 940 using snap ring 926 (e.g., using a second extension 952).
Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B, an arrowhead 1012 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21A, a blade 1040 may be received by a body 1020. Blade 1040 may include threaded portions 1022 that align with a threaded portion 1024 on body 1020 when blade 1040 is received by body 1020. A retaining member, shown as a nut 1026, may then be threaded up onto both body 1020 and blade 1040 to secure blade 1040 relative to body 1020. As shown in FIG. 21B, according to other exemplary embodiments, one or more single-cutting edge blades 1050 having second extensions 1052 may be secured to body 1020 in a similar manner to blade 1040 using nut 1026.
Referring back to FIGS. 13 and 15, two alternative embodiments of methods of fastening a fixed blade are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 13, member 564 secures blade 540 to body 20. As shown in FIG. 15, members 664, 665, and 667 secure blade 540 to body 20. It should be understood that a wide variety of fastener types and combinations of fasteners may be used to secure any of a number of blade types (see, e.g., FIGS. 23A-23F) to body 20, and all such features and combinations of features are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
For example, FIGS. 22A and 22B show a fastener 1110 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener 1110 includes a generally circular body portion 1112 and a pair of extending portions 1114 on each side of body portion 1112. Each portion 1114 includes an aperture 1116 configured to receive a second fastening member 1118 therethrough. According to an exemplary embodiment, fastener 1110 may receive one or more blades in recesses 1119 which may be fastened using fasteners 1118.
FIGS. 22C and 22D show a fastener 1120 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener 1120 may include one or more notches 1122 to receive tabs from an arrowhead blade. Fastener 1120 further includes an inclined surface 1124 associated with each notch 1122, such that fastener 1120 may be rotated to “pull” the blade along the axis of the arrowhead and secure the blade in place. Fastener 1120 works in a similar manner to member 564 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. While fastener 1120 is shown with a pair of notches 1122, more or fewer notches may be used in conjunction with fastener 1120. For example, fastener 1170 shown in FIG. 22J works in a similar fashion to fastener 1120, except that fastener 1170 includes only a single notch 1172 and inclined surface 1174.
FIG. 22E shows a fastener 1127 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener 1127 includes a pair of notches 1128 that are positioned such that fastener 1127 may be slid over one or more tabs on a blade (e.g., tabs 545 of blade 540 shown in FIG. 13), and then rotated (e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, etc.) after fastener 1127 is slid past the tabs. FIGS. 22F and 22G show fasteners 1130 and 1140, respectively, according to exemplary embodiments. Fasteners 1130 and 1140 may be similar to fastener 1127, but be configured to accommodate fewer or more tabs (e.g., one, three, four, etc.) according to various exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 22H shows a fastener 1150 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener 1150 may be used in conjunction with a blade having a pair of offset tabs (see, e.g., blade 730 shown in FIG. 18C), such that notch 1152 may be aligned with a first tab and fastener 1150 slid past the first tab. Notch 1152 may then be aligned with the second tab (offset from the first tab) and fastener 1150 slid past the second tab. Fastener 1150 may further be used in conjunction with additional fasteners that tend to compress or squeeze fastener 1150 in a radial fashion and provide a further tightening feature for the associated blades and arrowhead.
FIG. 22I shows a fastener 1160 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener 1160 includes first and second portions 1162, 1164 that include notches 1166, 1168, respectively. Portions 1162 may be placed over (rather than slid over) the tabs of a blade (e.g., in a radial direction rather than slid along the longitudinal axis). An additional fastener such as a nut etc. may then be threaded over portions 1162, 1164 to secure portions 1162, 1164 and the associated blade in place.
FIG. 22K shows fastening members 1180 and 1185 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener 1180 includes one or more notches 1182 and inclined surfaces 1184 that are configured similar to notches 1122 and inclined surface 1124 shown in FIGS. 22C and 22D. Fastener 1180 further includes a pair of indents or recesses 1183 that are configured to receive a pair of raised members 1186 on fastener 1185 such that fastener 1185 may be used to rotationally lock fastener 1180 in place.
FIG. 22L shows a fastener 1190 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener may be a standard circular member similar to a conventional washer. Depending on the particular application, the inner or outer surfaces of fastener 1190 may be provided with threads. Other features or contours may be provided as a part of fastener 1190 according to various other embodiments.
As shown in several of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein (see, e.g., FIG. 4), one or more blades provided as part of an arrowhead may include a substantially continuous, straight cutting edge or edges. For example, blade 40 shown in FIG. 4 includes a pair of substantially straight and continuous cutting edges 42. According to various exemplary embodiments, any of the blades described herein may be provided with a different type of profile for the cutting edge. FIGS. 23A-23H show a number of different profiles that may be used with blades having either a single cutting edge (see, e.g., FIG. 19B), or more than one cutting edge (see, e.g., FIG. 19A).
FIG. 23A shows a cutting edge 1210 according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of “V”-shaped notches 1212 that are spaced along cutting edge 1210. FIG. 23B shows a cutting edge 1220 according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of semicircular portions 1222. FIG. 23C shows a cutting edge 1230 according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a serrated profile having a number of generally equal-sized serrated portions 1232. FIG. 23D shows a cutting edge 1240 according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of “V”-shaped portions 1242 that extend from the otherwise straight cutting edge to form a general “zigzag” profile.
FIG. 23E shows a cutting edge 1250 according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of serrated portions 1252 that are similar to serrated portions 1232 shown in FIG. 23C, except that serrated portions 1252 increase in size as the distance from tip 1254 increases. FIG. 23F shows a cutting edge 1260 according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of “V”-shaped portions 1262 that are similar to portions 1242 shown in FIG. 23D except that portions 1262 are spaced apart along an otherwise straight cutting edge, rather than defining a zigzag profile such as that shown in FIG. 23D. FIG. 23G shows a cutting edge 1270 according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of serrated portions 1272 that are formed by generally rectangular cut-out portions 1274. FIG. 23H shows a cutting edge 1280 according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of serrated portions 1282 that, rather than being forward-angled, are rearward-angled as shown in FIG. 23H.
According to some embodiments, the cut-out or blade portions or profiles illustrated in FIGS. 23A-23H may include additional features, such as uneven serrations along the length of the blade, sharpened edges on only the outside edges (e.g., not on the inner surfaces of the cut-outs), a generally solid, cut-on-contact tip portion with no cut-out, and so on. Furthermore, one or more cutting edges may be provided with cut-outs, serrations, etc., along only a portion of the cutting edge (e.g., a forward one-half, one-third, or one-fourth of the cutting edge, a rearward one-half, one-third, or one-fourth of the cutting edge, a middle portion of the cutting edge, or a combination thereof, etc.) such that the remainder of the cutting edge may be substantially straight.
It should be noted that the components illustrated in the FIGURES provide many advantages over known arrowheads. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, an arrowhead may include a body that can interchangeably accommodate both fixed and mechanical type blades such that a user need not purchase or keep separate mechanical and fixed arrowheads, but rather needs only to replace or interchange the blades as required, desired, etc. Furthermore, the arrowhead body accommodates a number of fastening systems, including offset fasteners that may be used to secure both fixed and mechanical fasteners (see, e.g., FIGS. 10 and 11), and a rearward positioned retaining member(s) that may rotatably or otherwise engage the rear portion of one or more fixed blades (see, e.g., FIGS. 13 and 15). The retaining member may engage the entire circumference of the arrowhead body in some embodiments to provide additional stability. Further yet, according to some embodiments, the fixed blade may surround all or a substantial portion of the arrowhead body, yet the body may also accommodate one or more mechanical blades.
Additionally, the arrowhead disclosed herein permits blades of various weights to be used with the same body. For example, body 20 may accommodate blades having a variety of weights (e.g., fixed/mechanical broadheads, small game (varmint) or practice broadheads, turkey broadheads, etc.). According to some embodiments, the blades may weigh between approximately 75 and 150 grains (e.g., 85 grains, 100 grains, 125 grains, etc.). Any of the blades utilized in the various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be interchangeable, removeable, replaceable, etc.
The various types of blades disclosed herein also provide a number of specific advantages over more conventional blade designs. For example, the blades may include one or more tabs of various sizes/configurations that facilitate securing the blades to the arrowhead body. One or more notches or recesses may further be provided, for example, on a rearward portion of the blade to provide a gripping or tightening surface for a retaining member of fastener (e.g., a snap ring, washer, a washer with one or more slots or notches, a keyed, pinned, slotted nut, etc., or a combination thereof).
Furthermore, the arrowheads may accommodate a single blade or more than one blade (e.g., two, three, four, and so on), and the blades may be single cutting edge blades or double cutting edge blades with a variety of profiles and/or cut-outs for the cutting edges. The cut-outs may be provided at any suitable location along the cutting edges, and be a variety of shapes, sizes, etc. (e.g., a deep/shallow serration, tear-drop shaped cut-out, hooked, and so on). In some embodiments, an arrowhead may include one or more blades that include a cut-out or cut-outs and one or more blades that do not include any cut-outs.
It should be noted that the various exemplary embodiments and the features thereof may be utilized in combination with each other to suit particular applications. Furthermore, the various features shown in the FIGURES may be used alone or in combination with the various other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. All such features and combinations of features are within the scope of the present disclosure.
It is important to note that the arrangement of the arrowhead, as shown, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as described herein. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as expressed herein.
