HUNTING ARROW

Abstract

An arrow shaft includes a cylindrical hollow body having a first end and an opposing second end, a first receiver permanently secured to the first end and a second receiver permanently secured to the second end, and a line connecting the first receiver to the second receiver. The first receiver is configured to be removably coupled to a broad head and the second receiver is configured to be removably coupled to a nock.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/028,632, filed Jul. 24, 2014, entitled “Hunting Arrow,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a hunting arrow, and, more particularly, to a hunting arrow shaft having a broad head receiver permanently attached to one end of the arrow shaft, a nock receiver permanently attached to the other end of the arrow shaft, and the receivers being connected with one another.

Conventional hunting arrows comprise a hollow arrow shaft, a broad head removably and directly attached to a first or front end of the arrow shaft, an arrow nock removably and directly attached to a rear or second end of the arrow shaft and arrow fletching attached to the arrow shaft, adjacent the rear end. Generally, the broad head is threadedly engaged with the front end of the arrow shaft and the nock engages the rear end of the arrow shaft via a friction or compression fit. A hunter (archer) selects from different styles of and purchases, arrow shafts, broad heads and nocks according to the hunter's preference and intended game, and assembles the hunting arrow. The broad head and the nock are the most expensive components of a hunting arrow.

When a hunter shoots an animal with a hunting arrow, the hunter intends for the arrow to strike and penetrate entirely through the animal, without getting stuck within the animal. This will cause the animal to bleed more profusely, thereby creating a clear blood trail for locating the animal, and will generally also salvage the hunting arrow. Often, however, a hunter makes a “bad shot,” wherein upon striking an animal with a hunting arrow, the broad head or nock and a segment of the arrow shaft penetrate into the animal, and a remaining segment of the arrow shaft and the nock or broad head protrude from the animal. After being stricken with the arrow, the wounded animal often does not fall or die immediately, but continues to run for a period of time. As the wounded animal continues to run, the protruding segment of the arrow shaft and the broad head or nock often contact nearby trees, shrubbery or the like, break away and separate from the remainder of the arrow, and fall at an unknown location.

One drawback of the breaking of the arrow is that the wound may ultimately close up around the segment of the arrow within the animal. Accordingly, although the animal will still likely die and fall, the trail of blood dripping from the wound ceases, which a hunter generally follows in order to track and retrieve the animal. Therefore, the hunter may be unable to retrieve the animal. Another drawback of the broken arrow is that the hunter also loses the expensive nock, which has fallen at an unknown location, and must at least purchase another nock and another arrow shaft. If the hunter does not retrieve the animal, the hunter must also purchase another broad head.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to manufacture an improved hunting arrow shaft having a broad head receiver permanently attached to the front end of the hunting arrow shaft, a nock receiver permanently attached to the rear end of the arrow shaft, and a line connecting the two receivers together. The broad head and the nock are removably attachable to their respective receivers. Advantageously, even upon breaking of the arrow shaft, the components of the hunting arrow, i.e., the broad head, the shall and the nock, remain interconnected together by the line. Further advantageously, the wound remains open, such that a blood trail is not interrupted.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an arrow shaft including a cylindrical hollow body having a first end and an opposing second end, a first receiver permanently secured to the first end and a second receiver permanently secured to the second end, and a line connecting the first receiver to the second receiver. The first receiver is configured to be removably coupled to a broad head and the second receiver is configured to be removably coupled to a nock.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a hunting arrow including cylindrical and hollow shaft having a first end and an opposing second end, a first receiver permanently secured to the first end and a second receiver permanently secured to the second end, a monofilament line extending through the hollow shaft and connecting the first receiver to the second receiver, a broad head removably coupled to the first receiver, and a nock removably coupled to the second receiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a hunting arrow, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top and side perspective view of a nock receiver of the hunting arrow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a top and side perspective view of a broad head receiver of the hunting arrow of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3B is a top and side perspective view of an alternative broad head receiver of the hunting arrow of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “upwardly” and “downwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the hunting arrow, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

It should also be understood that the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially” and like terms, used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component of the invention, indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally similar. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIG. 1 a hunting arrow, generally designated 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the hunting arrow 10 includes a generally cylindrical, hollow arrow shaft 12, a broad head 14 at a front end 12a of the arrow shaft 12, a nock 16 at a rear end 12b of the arrow shaft 12, and arrow fletching 18 attached to the arrow shaft 12, adjacent or proximate to the rear end 12b thereof. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the arrow shaft 12 may be constructed of wood, aluminum, fiberglass, carbon, a carbon/aluminum combination or the like.

The arrow shaft 12 includes a broad head receiver 20 (FIGS. 3A, 3B) permanently secured to the front end 12a of the arrow shaft 12 and a nock receiver 22 (FIG. 2) permanently secured to the rear end 12b of the arrow shaft 12. In a preferred embodiment, the broad head and nock receivers 20, 22 are constructed of aluminum. However, as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the receivers 20, 22 may alternatively be constructed of a different metal or polymer. A line, string, braid or cord 24, e.g., a monofilament line such as a 100 pound monofilament line, within the hollow arrow shaft 12, connects one end of the broad head receiver 20 with one end of the nock receiver 22, as described further below. A conventional broad head 14, known by those of ordinary skill in the art, is removably secured to the broad head receiver 20 and a conventional nock 16, also known by those of ordinary skill in the art, is removably securable to the nock receiver 22. Various styles of broad heads 14 and nocks 16, according to hunter preference, are removably secured to the broad head and nock receivers 20, 22, respectively, and thus to the arrow shaft 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the nock receiver 22 includes a plurality of generally cylindrical and hollow segments 22a, 22b, 22c. More preferably, the nock receiver 22 includes three adjacent, generally cylindrical and hollow segments 22a, 22b, 22c, of decreasing diameter. The segments 22a, 22b and 22c are unitary, i.e., monolithic, with one another, such that the nock receiver 22 is a single unitary component. The first cylindrical segment 22a defines the greatest diameter of the three nock receiver segments, and defines substantially the same diameter and thickness as the rear end 12b of the arrow shaft 12. Accordingly, the nock receiver segment 22a is compatible for receiving conventional nocks 16, such that any conventional nock is removably engageable with the receiver segment 22a of the nock receiver 22 via a friction or compression fit.

The second, middle segment 22b of the nock receiver 22 defines a slightly reduced diameter from the first segment 22a, and, thus, slightly reduced from the rear end 12b of the arrow shaft 12. The middle segment 22b includes a plurality of barbs 22d circumferentially projecting from the exterior surface of the middle segment 22b, for engagement with the inner surface of the rear end 12b of the arrow shaft 12. However, it will be understood that the barbs 22d may be provided on any one of the segments of the receiver 22. The third segment 22c defines a further reduced diameter from the first and second segments 22a and 22b. The third segment 22c also includes at least one aperture 22e, for tying, or otherwise securing, one end of the monofilament line 24 thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the third segment 22c of the nock receiver 22 includes two diametrically opposed apertures 22e. However, as should be understood by those by those of ordinary skill in the art, the apertures 22e need not be diametrically opposed, and may alternatively be incorporated into the middle segment 22b. As also should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the nock receiver 22 may include more or less than three segments, and ordered differently.

The leading annular edge 22g of the first segment 22a of the nock receiver 22 abuts the rear end 12b of the arrow shaft 12 in a flush manner, and the second and third segments 22b, 22c project into the hollow interior of the arrow shaft 12. The barbs 22d of the second segment 22b of the nock receiver 22 engage the radially inner surface of the arrow shaft 12 for a permanent attachment therebetween. In some embodiments, however, the second and third segments 22b, 22c may also be adhesively, e.g. epoxy, attached to the interior of the arrow shaft 12, to ensure a permanent attachment. However, as should be understood, the nock receiver 22 may be permanently attached to the arrow shaft 12 via any of numerous different conventional means currently known, or that later become known.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the broad head receiver 20 includes two adjacent, generally cylindrical and hollow segments 20a and 20b. Similarly to the nock receiver 22, the segments 20a and 20b of the broad head receiver 20 are unitary, i.e., monolithic, with one another, such that the broad head receiver 20 is a single unitary component. The first cylindrical segment 20a includes a radial flange or lip 20c at a free end thereof, having substantially the same diameter and thickness as the front end 12a of the arrow shaft 12. The remainder of the first segment 20a of the broad head receiver 20 defines a slightly reduced diameter from the lip 20c, and, thus, slightly reduced from the front end 12a of the arrow shaft 12.

The first segment 20a further includes a threaded inner surface (not-shown). Accordingly, the first segment 20a of the broad head receiver 20 is compatible with conventional broad heads 14, such that any conventional broad head 14 is removably engageable with the first segment 20a of the broad head receiver 20 via a threaded, or other suitable, connection. The first segment 20a also includes a plurality of barbs 20d circumferentially projecting from the exterior surface thereof, for engagement with the inner surface of the front end 12a of the arrow shaft 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the barbs 20d extend along only a part of the first segment 20a. However, as should be understood, the barbs 20d may extend further along the first segment 20a of the broad head receiver 20, up to the entire length of the first segment 20a.

The second segment 20b of the broad head receiver 20 defines a further reduced diameter from the first segment 20a. The second segment 20b also includes at least one aperture 20e, for tying, or otherwise securing, an opposing end of the monofilament line 24 thereto. Accordingly the line 24 is tied, or otherwise secured, to the broad head and nock receivers 20, 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the second segment 20b of the broad head receiver 20 includes two diametrically opposed apertures 20e. However, as should be understood by those by those of ordinary skill in the art, the apertures 20e need not be diametrically opposed, and may alternatively be incorporated into the first segment 20a.

The first and second segments 20a, 20b project into the hollow interior of the front end 12a of the arrow shaft 12 and the lip 20c abuts the front end 12a in a flush manner. The barbs 22d of the second segment 22b engage the radially inner surface of the front end 12a of the arrow shaft 12 for a permanent attachment. In some embodiments, however, the second and third segments 22b, 22c may also be adhesively, e.g. epoxy, attached to the interior of the arrow shaft 12, to ensure a permanent attachment. However, as should be understood, the broad head receiver 20 may be permanently attached to the arrow shaft 12 via any of numerous different conventional means currently known, or that later become known.

An alternative broad head receiver 20′ is shown in FIG. 3B. A primary difference of the broad head receiver 20′ over the broad head receiver 20 of FIG. 3A is that the receiver 20′ includes three adjacent, generally cylindrical and hollow segments 20a′, 20b′, 20f′. The third segment 20f′ is the middle segment and defines the smallest diameter of the three segments. The second segment 20b′ defines substantially the same diameter of the first segment 20a′. The broad head receiver 20′ is secured to the arrow shaft 12 in substantially the same manner as the broad head receiver 20.

In one embodiment, the nock receiver 22 is configured to be rotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise, preferably clockwise, direction in order to increase the tension on the monofilament line 24 extending between the nock receiver 22 and the broad head receiver 20, 20′. The increased tension on the monofilament line 24 results in reduced oscillation during arrow 10 flight. In one embodiment, it is also preferable when tightening the monofilament line 24 by rotation to line up the blades of the broad head 14 with the fletchings at the nock 16 end.

With the hunting arrow 10, after striking an animal, if the arrow 10 is broken at some point along the shaft 12 during flight of the animal, the monofilament line 24 connected from the broad head receiver 20 to the nock receiver 22 advantageously maintains the interconnection between, and limits movement of, the parts of the arrow 10. Thus, the broken off portion of the arrow shaft 12 and attached nock 16 remains hanging from the animal, and the broad head 14 remains in contact with the wound to maintain blood flowing from the wound. The monofilament line 24 also agitates the wound to maintain the blood flow. The continuous flow of blood facilitates the death of the wounded animal and facilitates tracking the animal. After the wounded or dead animal is located, the hunter may recover his arrow 10. Since the broad head 14 and the nock 16 are removable from the now broken shaft 12, and since the broad head 14 and nock 16 are removably attached to the respective receivers 20, 22, the broad head 14 and the nock 16 may be removed and reused with a new shaft 12. Thus, the hunting arrow 10 of the present invention is a sustainable arrow.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the above described preferred embodiment of the arrow 10 without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An arrow shaft comprising:

a cylindrical hollow body having a first end and an opposing second end;

a first receiver permanently secured to the first end and a second receiver permanently secured to the second end, the first receiver being configured to be removably coupled to a broad head and the second receiver being configured to be removably coupled to a nock; and

a line connecting the first receiver to the second receiver.

2. The arrow shaft according to claim 1, wherein the arrow shaft is made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of wood, aluminum, fiberglass, carbon, and a carbon/aluminum combination.

3. The arrow shaft according to claim 1, wherein the first and second receivers are made of aluminum.

4. The arrow shaft according to claim 1, wherein the line is a 100 pound monofilament line.

5. The arrow shaft according to claim 1, wherein the second receiver comprises a first cylindrical and hollow segment having a first diameter, a second cylindrical and hollow segment having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a third cylindrical and hollow segment having a third diameter that is smaller than the second diameter.

6. The arrow shaft according to claim 5, wherein the first, second and third segments are integrally formed, such that the second receiver has a monolithic body.

7. The arrow shaft according to claim 5, wherein an annular edge of the first cylindrical and hollow segment of the second receiver abuts the second end of the arrow shaft in a flush manner, and wherein the second and third cylindrical and hollow segments are received within the hollow body of the arrow shaft.

8. The arrow shaft according to claim 5, wherein the second cylindrical and hollow segment includes a plurality of circumferentially projecting barbs which engage an interior surface of the second end of the arrow shaft to permanently secure the second receiver to the second end of the arrow shaft.

9. The arrow shaft according to claim 1, wherein the first receiver includes a first cylindrical and hollow segment having a first diameter and a second cylindrical and hollow segment having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.

10. The arrow shaft according to claim 9, wherein the first and second segments are integrally formed, such that the first receiver has a monolithic body.

11. The arrow shaft according to claim 9, wherein the first cylindrical and hollow segment includes a plurality of circumferentially projecting barbs which engage an interior surface of the first end of the arrow shaft.

12. The arrow shaft according to claim 9, wherein an annular edge of the first cylindrical and hollow segment includes a radial flange that abuts the first end of the arrow shaft in a flush manner and wherein a remainder of the first cylindrical and hollow segment and the second cylindrical and hollow segment are received within the hollow body of the arrow shaft.

13. The arrow shaft according to claim 9, wherein the first receiver includes a third cylindrical and hollow segment having a third diameter that is smaller than the second diameter, the third cylindrical and hollow segment being positioned between the first and second cylindrical and hollow segments.

14. A hunting arrow comprising:

a cylindrical and hollow shaft having a first end and an opposing second end;

a first receiver permanently secured to the first end and a second receiver permanently secured to the second end;

a monofilament line extending through the hollow shaft and connecting the first receiver to the second receiver;

a broad head removably coupled to the first receiver; and

a nock removably coupled to the second receiver.

15. The hunting arrow according to claim 14, wherein the second receiver comprises a first cylindrical and hollow segment having a first diameter, a second cylindrical and hollow segment having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a third cylindrical and hollow segment having a third diameter that is smaller than the second diameter.

16. The hunting arrow according to claim 15, wherein an annular edge of the first cylindrical and hollow segment of the second receiver abuts the second end of the arrow shaft in a flush manner, and wherein the second and third cylindrical and hollow segments are received within the hollow body of the arrow shaft.

17. The hunting arrow according to claim 15, wherein the second cylindrical and hollow segment includes a plurality of circumferentially projecting barbs which engage an interior surface of the second end of the arrow shaft to permanently secure the second receiver to the second end of the arrow shaft.

18. The hunting arrow according to claim 14, wherein the first receiver includes a first cylindrical and hollow segment having a first diameter and a second cylindrical and hollow segment having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.

19. The hunting arrow according to claim 18, wherein the first cylindrical and hollow segment includes a plurality of circumferentially projecting barbs which engage an interior surface of the first end of the arrow shaft.

20. The hunting arrow according to claim 18, wherein an annular edge of the first cylindrical and hollow segment includes a radial flange that abuts the first end of the arrow shaft in a flush manner and wherein a remainder of the first cylindrical and hollow segment and the second cylindrical and hollow segment are received within the hollow body of the arrow shaft.