EXPANDABLE ARROWHEAD OR BROADHEAD

Abstract

An expandable arrowhead having a blade-carrying body with a slot that houses at least one pivotally mounted blade. Each blade can be pivotally mounted about a shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft is fixed with respect to the body. In some embodiments of this invention, a spring element positively holds one or more blades in a closed position or a retracted position, particularly during extreme forces encountered when launching an arrow from an archery bow, such as a compound archery bow. The spring element of this invention can be used to improve blade opening capabilities of conventional blade-opening arrowheads or broadheads.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/587,877, filed 17 Nov. 2017. This co-pending Provisional Patent Application is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and is made a part hereof, including but not limited to those portions which specifically appear in this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an expandable arrowhead or broadhead having one or more blades each pivotably mounted within a slot of a blade-carrying body, and during movement from a retracted position to an expanded position each blade pivots with respect to the blade-carrying body.

Discussion of Related Art

Many conventional blade-opening arrowheads or broadheads are designed to launch and fly or travel in a closed position or a retracted position and then upon impact with a target to move to an opened position or an expanded position in which cutting edges of the blades are exposed to the target. When an arrow is launched from an archery bow, a tremendous amount of forces are generated from the archery bow, particularly a compound archery bow, and transferred through the arrow shaft and into the arrowhead. When experiencing the relatively high gravitational or G-forces during arrow launch, many conventional blade-opening arrowheads have one or more blades that undesirably move out of the closed position or the retracted position, which decreases aerodynamic performance of the arrowhead and thus of the overall arrow.

To hold or maintain all blades of the arrowhead in the closed position during launch and flight, many conventional blade-opening arrowheads use an elastic band, such as a rubber band, or an O-ring to hold all blades in the closed position, until the arrowhead strikes the target and either breaks, severs or moves away the elastic band, rubber band or O-ring.

There is an apparent need for an expandable arrowhead or broadhead that positively holds, maintains or keeps each blade of a blade-opening arrowhead in the closed position or the retracted position during launch and flight of an archery arrow. There is also an apparent need for an apparatus, method and/or system that can be used to enhance or improve the ability for conventional expandable arrowheads or broadheads to maintain each blade in the closed position, particularly during launch and flight of an archery arrow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments of the expandable arrowhead according to this invention, the blades only pivot between the expanded position and the retracted position. In some embodiments of the expandable arrowhead according to this invention, a spring element and/or another suitable holding element, such as a wave washer, a rubber band or an O-ring is used to hold a corresponding pivotably mounted blade in a retracted position, particularly while encountering the relatively high forces generated at and through an arrow and a corresponding arrowhead when launched from an archery bow, until impact with a target at which time each blade moves to the expanded position. In other embodiments according to this invention, the spring element, the wave washer and/or other holding element can be added to conventional blade-opening arrowheads or broadheads, to improve the capability and performance and thus allow each blade to remain in the closed position until impact with the target. In still other embodiments according to this invention, an O-ring is used in addition to or in lieu of the spring element. In yet other embodiments of this invention, the O-ring is used in combination with an interference fit between a blade and a ferrule body.

In some embodiments according to this invention, a blade-carrying body has a slot within a ferrule body or other suitable blade-carrying body. At least one blade is pivotally mounted within the slot. It is possible to mount two or more blades within each slot. Each blade has an impact portion that receives an impact force upon contact with the target and also a cutting portion that is exposed to the target when the blade is in the expanded position. Each blade is designed to move from the retracted position to the expanded position when the impact force traveling through the blade overcomes a resistance bias force exerted by the holding element, for example, the wave washer or the spring element on the blade and/or by other resistance force or other force acting on the blade, such as by an O-ring or other suitable structure or element.

In some embodiments of this invention, the cutting portion of each blade is positioned or located opposite of the impact portion, for example so that the cutting portion is on one side and the impact portion is on another side of the body and/or the slot of the body. The spring element, the O-ring, the cutting portion, the impact portion and/or the shape and dimensions of the blade, the blade-carrying body, and/or the slot can be varied to accommodate different desired cutting patterns and/or blade opening capabilities.

According to some embodiments of this invention, one or more shafts each is fixedly mounted within the slot of the blade-carrying body. Each shaft can be secured with respect to the blade-carrying body when the blade moves between the retracted position and the expanded position. The shaft fixed within the slot prevents the blade from translating or moving in a generally linear direction with respect to the blade-carrying body. In some embodiments, having the shaft fixedly mounted within the slot allows each blade to pivot about the shaft or to move in a radial direction about the shaft, and in such embodiments each blade can move along or follow a pivoting movement path when the blade moves between the retracted position and the expanded position.

In some embodiments, the shaft pivots or otherwise radially moves with respect to the blade-carrying body when the blade moves between the retracted position and the expanded position. In some embodiments of this invention, when the shaft is fixedly mounted with respect to the blade-carrying body, the spring element can be mounted directly to or with respect to the body and thus does not move with the blade, with respect to the body.

The spring element or other suitable holding element of this invention can be used in combination with other elements of this invention and/or can be used as an improvement to conventional blade-opening arrowheads or broadheads. In some embodiments of this invention, the spring element is used in lieu of or in combination with an interference fit between the blade and the blade-carrying body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention is explained in greater detail below in view of exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an expandable arrowhead, in a retracted position, according to one embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the expandable arrowhead as shown in FIG. 1, but in an expanded position;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the expandable arrowhead as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the expandable arrowhead as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the expandable arrowhead as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the expandable arrowhead as shown in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an expandable arrowhead, in a retracted position, according to another embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-7 show different embodiments of expandable arrowhead 10 according to this invention. As used throughout this specification and in the claims, the term expandable arrowhead or expandable broadhead is intended to relate to and include any apparatus and/or method in which one or more blades each moves between a retracted position and an expanded position, and while moving with respect to a blade-carrying body each blade pivots with respect to the blade-carrying body, for example, so that when moving between the retracted position and the expanded position each blade pivots or moves radially outward from the blade-carrying body. Elements and method steps of this invention cooperate with and/or supplemented by other elements and/or method steps known to those skilled in the art of designing and manufacturing arrowheads and broadheads. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,564,713, 5,941,784, 6,174,252, 6,398,676, 6,517,454, 6,626,776, 6,910,979, 6,935,976 and 8,911,311, the entire teachings of each and every one of which are incorporated into this specification by reference thereto, relate to pivoting and/or translating blade-opening arrowheads or broadheads that can remain in a closed position or a retracted position during arrow launch and flight, particularly during or throughout the time that relatively large launching forces act on each blade trying to move each blade into an opened position or an expanded position, and then to move into the opened position or the expanded position upon impact at or with a target, including devices, systems and method steps which can be used in connection with the apparatus and/or the method and/or the system of the expandable arrowhead or broadhead according to this invention.

FIGS. 1-7 show different embodiments of a blade-opening expandable arrowhead 10 according to this invention. Many conventional expandable arrowheads have both pivotal and translational movement between the retracted position and the expanded position. In some embodiments of this invention, expandable arrowhead 10 can have only pivotal movement. As used throughout this specification and in the claims, the terms expandable arrowhead, expandable broadhead, blade-opening arrowhead, blade-opening broadhead, arrowhead, broadhead and other similar terms are intended to be interchangeable with each other and relate to any arrowhead that opens, expands and/or moves from a closed position or a retracted position during arrow launch and flight to an opened position or an expanded position upon impact at or with a target.

For example, FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of arrowhead 10 in a closed position or a retracted position, and FIG. 2 shows the same embodiment of arrowhead 10 in an opened position or an expanded position. FIGS. 3 and 5 show the same embodiment of arrowhead 10 in the retracted position of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 4 and 6 show the same embodiment of arrowhead 10 in the expanded position of FIG. 2. In some embodiments of this invention, the cutting diameter increases as arrowhead 10 moves from the retracted position to the expanded position. Thus, in some embodiments according to this invention, between the retracted position and the expanded position, blade 30 pivots with respect to blade-carrying body or body 20.

In some embodiments according to this invention, such as shown in FIGS. 1-4, body 20 comprises slot 25. Slot 25 can extend across or from one side to another side of body 20. Slot 25 can have any suitable shape, size and/or design or dimension.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, for example, two blades 30 are pivotally mounted within slot 25. In other embodiments according to this invention, one blade 30 or three or more blades 30 can be movably mounted within slot 25. Many conventional broadheads or arrowheads have ferrules or blade-carrying bodies with three or more slot configurations, so that the broadhead or arrowhead of this invention can have three or more movably mounted blades 30. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,979 discloses arrowheads having three or more slot configurations. In some embodiments of this invention, each blade 30 has one corresponding slot 25 within which the one blade 30 is pivotally mounted. In other embodiments of this invention with three or more slots 25, some slots 25 house only one blade 30 and at least one other slot 25 houses more than one blade 30.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, for example, at least a portion of blade 30 is pivotally mounted within slot 25. Blade 30 can be mounted to pivot, rotate, move along an arc, move along a longitudinal direction and/or move in or along any other desired direction or movement path, by using elements taught by this invention or any other suitable elements that accomplish a similar movement. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, impact portion 71 and cutting portion 72 of each blade 30 are positioned or located on or at opposite sides of slot 25. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a distance of moment arm M can be increased or decreased to increase or decrease torque applied to blade 30 when opening force or impact force 28 is applied to impact portion 71, such as through or along blunt edge 38. Also, the size and/or shape of impact portion 71 and/or blunt edge 38 can be varied to differently apply a resultant impact force 28 and thus differently move blade 30. In some embodiments of this invention, moment arm M provides a mechanical advantage for transferring opening forces, such as impact force 28, from impact portion 71 through blade 30 to open and expose sharp edge 37 of blade 30 to the target material.

In some embodiments of this invention, at least a portion of cutting portion 72 of blade 30 extends beyond outer surface 35 of body 20, such as shown in FIG. 1, when arrowhead 10 is in the retracted position and/or the expanded position. In other embodiments of this invention, cutting portion 72 can be completely contained within slot 25 so that no portion of cutting portion 72 extends beyond outer surface 35 of body 20 when arrowhead 10 is in the retracted position and/or the expanded position.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, impact portion 71 and cutting portion 72 of the same blade 30 are on opposite sides of slot 25. In some embodiments according to this invention, impact portion 71 is on an opposite side of longitudinal axis 63, such as shown in FIG. 1. With impact portion 71 oppositely positioned of or with respect to cutting portion 72, in some embodiments of this invention, a greater or different force can be used to open blade 30 or to move blade 30 from the retracted position to the expanded position.

In some embodiments according to this invention, such as shown in FIGS. 1-7, blade 30 has bore or opening 32 and pivot shaft or shaft 40 is mounted within opening 32. In some embodiments of this invention, blade 30 pivots about shaft 40. The size and shape of opening 32 as well as the size and shape of shaft 40 can be varied to accomplish different pivoting actions or other similar or different movements of blade 30 with respect to body 20 and/or shaft 40. For example, opening 32 can form a circle with a diameter that forms a relatively loose fit about shaft 40, or can have a diameter that forms a relatively tight fit about shaft 40, depending upon the frictional resistance and relative movement desired between blade 30 and shaft 40.

In other embodiments of this invention, shaft 40 can be fixed with respect to body 20, and for example, can be securely fixed and/or fixed with limited movement in a pivotal direction. As shown in the drawings, shaft 40 has a circular or a generally circular cross-section. In other embodiments of this invention, shaft 40 can have a different cross sectional shape and/or can be sized and/or shaped to allow movement of shaft 40 with respect to body 20.

In some embodiments of this invention, arrowhead 10 further comprises a spring element, such as a wave washer, mounted with respect to blade 30 and/or relaeasably fixed with respect to blade 30, to provide or supply a bias force to, upon and/or against blade 30, by direct contact and/or indirect contact. In some embodiments of this invention, the spring element biases, urges or otherwise forces or moves blade 30 into the retracted position. In some embodiments of this invention, the spring element contacts blade 30, directly or indirectly, such as in a frictional manner, a mechanical manner and/or in another engageable manner.

In some embodiments according to this invention, the fit between the spring element and blade 30 is relatively tight, resulting in increased friction and thus little or no movement of the spring element with respect to blade 30. In other embodiments according to this invention, the fit between the spring element and blade 30 is relatively loose, resulting in less friction and some movement of the spring element with respect to blade 30. In some embodiments of this invention, the spring element piggybacks with, rides with and/or moves with blade 30 as blade 30 pivots and/or otherwise moves with respect to body 20.

The spring element can further comprise a through hole or opening within which shaft 40 is mounted, in some embodiments of this invention. The opening can form a circular bore or a non-circular bore. The clearance between the spring element and shaft 40 can be selected to provide either a relatively tight fit or a relatively loose fit between the spring element and shaft 40. The spring element can releasably hold or removably fix blade 30 in the retracted position, such as by the spring element having at least one lock tab and contact portion or another similar structure interfering with movement of blade 30 and/or the spring element.

The spring element may further comprise a detent and/or raised portion or contact portion which can be integrated with each other or can be separated from each other. In some embodiments according to this invention, the detent and/or raised portion each contacts an outer or skin surface or surface of blade 30. The size, dimensions and/or internal bias force of the detent and/or the raised portion can be varied to provide or supply a desired or a selected bias force acting upon blade 30. In other embodiments of this invention, the detent and/or the raised portion engages within the bore or recess and/or another suitable opening within blade 30 and/or body 20, to releasably hold blade 30 in the retracted position.

In some embodiments according to this invention, opening force or impact force 28 applied to impact portion 71 and/or blunt edge 38 transfers forces through blade 30, providing torque about shaft 40 and/or a center axis, to move blade 30 from the retracted position to the expanded position. Features or parts of impact portion 71 and/or blunt edge 38, for example, including but not limited to the moment arm acting at or through blade 30, can be sized and designed to overcome the bias force of the spring element and/or the force of any other element and/or structure acting upon and holding or urging blade 30 in the retracted position. Thus, as arrowhead 10 enters a target material, the spring element and/or blade 30 can be designed to enter the target material with blade 30 in the retracted position and then upon contact between impact portion 71 and the target material move blade 30 into the expanded position, such as for exposing sharp edge 37 and/or cutting portion 72 to and thus cutting the target material.

In some embodiments of this invention, the spring element, a wave washer, an O-ring and/or any other suitable holder, holding device, securing device, retaining device and/or retainer can be designed and/or used to hold, secure, retain and/or otherwise generally fix a position or a relative position of blade 30, such as in the retracted position, particularly during the extreme forces generated and transferred to or exerted upon blade 30 as arrowhead 10 is launched from a bow, such as an archery bow. In some embodiments of this invention, the spring element, the wave washer, the O-ring and/or any other suitable holder has a retaining force or a holding force large enough to overcome the launch forces generated and any other force trying to open blade 30 at launch and/or during flight, and thus hold, retain or fix the position of blade 30 in the retracted position. However, it is important to also design the spring element, the wave washer, the O-ring and/or any other suitable holder and/or any other component or element of arrowhead 10 so that the combined retaining force and/or the combined holding force is overcome at a time of contact or as blade 30 contacts and/or enters the target material. If the retaining force or the holding force is not sufficiently overcome, then it may be possible for blade 30 to not move from the retracted position to the expanded position upon contact with and/or entry into the target material.

In some embodiments of this invention, each blade 30 moves from the retracted position to the expanded position and thus forms a relatively larger arrowhead cutting diameter within the target material, for example as arrowhead 10 and each blade 30 enters the target material. If each blade 30 does not move into the expanded position upon contact with or entry into the target material, then the cutting diameter of arrowhead 10 is relatively small and can cause arrowhead 10 and the attached arrow shaft to pass entirely through the target material, which can be an animal body, without opening.

In some embodiments of this invention, the mechanical contact or engagement between blade 30 and body 20 can be designed to provide an interference fit, a friction fit and/or any other suitable fit, so that blade 30 is maintained in the retracted position as arrowhead 10 is launched, such as from a bow, and travels along its flight path and upon contact and/or impact with the target material, each blade 30 moves from the retracted position to the expanded position, for example by overcoming the retaining force of the spring element, the wave washer, the O-ring and/or any other force acting to maintain or hold the expanded position or open position of blade 30 with respect to body 20. For example, in some embodiments of this invention, a portion of blade 30 contacts and/or engages, such as by a frictional fit and/or an interference fit, with a sidewall of body 20 when blade 30 is in the retracted position. As arrowhead 10 enters the target material and impact portion 71 of blade 30 contacts the target material, an opening force or impact force 28 is generated and transferred through blade 30 and overcomes the frictional fit and/or interference fit holding or maintaining the position of blade 30 with respect to body 20, such as in the retracted position, and allows blade 30 to overcome the combined holding force and thus move into the expanded position.

In different embodiments of this invention, the portion and/or the sidewall and/or any other directly or indirectly connected element or structure can be sized, shaped and/or otherwise designed to allow blade 30 to move from the retracted position to the expanded position as the opening force 28 is transferred through blade 30, such as when arrowhead 10 contacts the target material.

In some embodiments of this invention, as the launch forces act upon blade 30 and try to move blade 30 from the retracted position to the expanded position, contact between the portion of blade 30 and the sidewall of body 20 forms a frictional fit and/or an interference fit to maintain blade 30 in the retracted position and thus prevent blade 30 from opening or moving to the expanded position, particularly during opposing forces generated by the arrow launch and/or flight. In some embodiments of this invention, the dimensions and/or shapes of the portion and/or of the sidewall can be varied or designed to achieve any desired holding force. In some embodiments of this invention, the portion and/or the sidewall can be made of any suitable material each having a desired coefficient of friction that will provide the necessary frictional forces, such as between blade 30 and body 20, to counteract and/or oppose the launch forces and hold blade 30 in the retracted position during launch and flight, but yet allow blade 30 to overcome the holding force and move from the retracted position to the expanded position, such as upon contact with and/or entry into the target material.

In some embodiments of this invention, the portion of blade 30 and/or any other suitably equivalent structure form complimentary surfaces at a contact area, such as the generally line contact or linear contact area and/or a greater or more substantial contact area, with the sidewall of body 20. In some embodiments of this invention, the complimentary surfaces have similar shapes or contours and/or follow similar or mirror configurations with respect to each other, for along at least a portion of the contact area between the portion and the sidewall, for example when in the retracted position. The shape and/or dimensions of the contact area itself and/or materials used for the sidewall and/or the portion at the contact area can be varied, for example depending upon the particular holding force desired between and/or generated by contact between blade 30 and body 20. In some embodiments of this invention, at the contact area, the portion and the sidewall form an engageable connection, an intimate connection and/or a mateable connection. In some embodiments of this invention, when blade 30 is in the retracted position the portion engages directly with and/or directly contacts the sidewall to create a contact force between the portion and the sidewall, for example that holds or maintains blade 30 in the retracted position, even during launch and/or flight of arrowhead 10.

In some embodiments of this invention, for example, the sidewall is a generally arcuate or curved shape which can add significant manufacturing costs. In other embodiments of this invention, the sidewall can have a linear shape or a generally linear shape, which can reduce manufacturing costs. However, in some embodiments of this invention, an arcuate or curved shape can allow blade 30 to perform and/or operate easily or smoothly with the sidewall.

According to some embodiments of this invention, a space is formed between the portion and the sidewall. There can be only line contact or a relatively small contact area between blade 30 and body 20. In other embodiments of this invention, the contact area between blade 30 and body 20 is greater than or significantly greater than the line contact. In some embodiments of this invention, as arrowhead 10 is launched from a bow, the launch force moves each blade 30 rearward a relatively small distance until the portion and the sidewall seat with respect to each other and establish a relatively larger contact area between the portion and the sidewall. Any other element or suitable structure can be used to form an interference fit, a frictional fit and/or any other suitable connection or structure or fit that effectively holds or maintains blade 30 in the retracted position but yet allows blade 30 to overcome the holding force applied to blade 30 when blade 30 contacts with and/or enters into the target material.

In some embodiments of this invention, the portion, the sidewall, blade 30, body 20, the spring element and/or any other directly or indirectly connected element can be sized, shaped and/or designed to accommodate any opening motion desired as blade 30 moves from the retracted position to the expanded position. Thus, as blade 30 impacts or contacts the target material, one or more forces can act upon and thus assist opening of blade 30 from the retracted position to the expanded position.

The spring element can releasably hold blade 30 in the retracted position. In some embodiments according to this invention, the spring element is mounted to and thus piggybacks, rides or moves with blade 30 as blade 30 pivots and/or translates with respect to body 20. In other embodiments according to this invention, the spring element remains fixed in place or stationary with respect to body 20, and in some embodiments as blade 30 moves with respect to body 20, blade 30 also moves with respect to the spring element because the spring element remains relatively fixed or in a stationary position, allowing for fit tolerances, with respect to body 20.

Thus, in some embodiments according to this invention, the spring element pivots, translates or otherwise moves with blade 30 from the retracted position to the expanded position, and in other embodiments of this invention, the spring element remains fixed to, detachably secured to and/or releasably attached to body 20 or another suitable element fixed with respect to body 20, and the spring element does not pivot, translate or otherwise move with blade 30 from the retracted position to the expanded position.

In some embodiments of this invention, the spring element comprises a wave washer, a disc spring, a circular spring, a Belleville spring and/or any other suitable bias element and/or spring device. In some embodiments of this invention, the spring element is positioned between two corresponding blades 30, while in other embodiments of this invention the spring element is positioned between blade 30 and body 20, and in still yet other embodiments of this invention the spring element is positioned between any other suitable structure or device part of or similar to body 20 and/or another blade 30. Intermediate elements can be directly or indirectly positioned between the spring element and body 20, blade 30 and/or any other structure, part or piece of or cooperating with body 20 and/or blade 30.

In some embodiments according to this invention, the spring element releasably holds blade 30 in the retracted position and when moving between the retracted position and the expanded position blade 30 follows a pivoting movement path. In other embodiments according to this invention, blade 30 follows a different pivoting movement path. The spring element comprises a contact portion interfering with blade 30 along at least a portion of the pivoting movement path of blade 30.

In some embodiments of this invention, the spring element contacts shaft 40 and the spring element has a lock surface engageable with body 20 and/or any other suitable structure, to prevent movement of the spring element with respect to body 20 as blade 30 follows the pivoting and translating movement path.

According to some embodiments of this invention, the O-ring is used in lieu of the spring element, but in other embodiments can be used in addition to the spring element, to hold each blade 30 in the retracted position. Upon impact with the target material, impact force 28 acts upon impact portion 71 to open each blade 30 into the expanded position. The O-ring can be designed for reuse or for disposable use.

In some embodiments according to this invention, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, pin 80 is mounted or otherwise fixedly secured or removably secured directly and/or indirectly to body 20. As shown in FIG. 3, in the retracted position blade 30 does not contact pin 80. As shown in FIG. 4, in the expanded position blade 30 contacts pin 80. In some embodiments of this invention, pin 80 acts as a stop that interferes with movement of blade 30 beyond the position shown in FIG. 4. In other embodiments of this invention, there is no pin 80 or other suitable stop element which can assist removal of arrowhead 10 from a target material or an animal body.

In other embodiments of this invention, pin 80 comprises a rod, a shaft, a peg and/or any other suitable structural element that forms contact with and prevents blade 30 from moving further or beyond the expanded position. Pin 80 can have any other suitable cross sectional and/or overall shape, design and/or material.

While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments, and many details are set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described in this specification and in the claims can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of this invention.

Claims

1. A blade-opening broadhead comprising:

a body having an opening, at least one blade pivotally mounted within the opening and movable between a retracted position and an expanded position, and a spring element mounted with respect to and contacting the body and each blade.

2. The blade-opening broadhead according to claim 1, wherein the spring element frictionally contacts the body and/or the at least one blade.

3. The blade-opening broadhead according to claim 1, wherein the spring element is a wave washer.

4. The blade-opening broadhead according to claim 1, wherein the spring element has a detent potion and/or a raised portion contacting the body and/or the at least one blade.

5. The blade-opening broadhead according to claim 1, wherein the spring element has a retaining force applied to the at least one blade.

6. The blade-opening broadhead according to claim 1, wherein a retaining force holds the at least one blade in the retracted position during a launch and/or a flight of an attached arrow shaft.

7. The blade-opening broadhead according to claim 1, wherein a retaining force allows the at least one blade to move from the retracted position to the expanded position upon impact with a target.

8. The blade-opening broadhead according to claim 1, wherein in the expanded position the at least one blade has a larger cutting diameter than when the at least one blade is in the retracted position.

9. The blade-opening broadhead according to claim 1, wherein an opening force applied to an impact portion of the at least one blade moves the at least one blade from the retracted position to the expanded position.

10. An improvement to a blade-opening broadhead having a blade movable with respect to a body, the improvement comprising:

a first blade and a second blade each mounted within an opening of the body to pivot with respect to each other and with respect to the body, the first blade and the second blade moving between a retracted position and an expanded position, and a spring element contacting the body, the first blade and/or the second blade to apply a retaining force holding the first blade and the second blade in the retracted position during a launch and/or a flight of an attached arrow shaft and the retaining force allowing the first blade and the second blade to move from the retracted position to the expanded position upon impact with a target.

11. The blade-opening broadhead according to claim 10, wherein the spring element frictionally contacts the body, the first blade and/or the second blade.

12. The blade-opening broadhead according to claim 10, wherein an opening force applied to an impact portion of the first blade and/or the second blade moves the first blade and the second blade from the retracted position to the expanded position.

13. The blade-opening broadhead according to claim 10, wherein in the expanded position the first blade and the second blade form a larger cutting diameter than with the first blade and the second blade in the retracted position.

14. The blade-opening broadhead according to claim 10, wherein the spring element is detachably secured to the body, the first blade and/or the second blade.

15. A method for pivoting a first blade and a second blade of a broadhead, the method comprising:

Movably mounting a first blade within an opening of a body to pivot with respect to the body;

Movably mounting a second blade within the opening of the body to pivot with respect to the body;

moving the first blade and the second blade between a retracted position and an expanded position;

contacting a spring element with the body, the first blade and/or the second blade;

applying a retaining force to the first blade and the second blade in the retracted position and the.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the retaining force is applied during a launch and/or a flight of an attached arrow shaft.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the retaining force allows the first blade and the second blade to move from the retracted position to the expanded position upon impact with a target.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein an impact force is applied to the first blade and/or the second blade to move the first blade and the second blade into the expanded position.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the impact force is varied to allow the first blade and the second blade from the retracted position to the expanded position.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the retaining force is sized to overcome generated launch forces and hold the first blade and the second blade in the retracted position during a launch and/or a flight of an attached arrow shaft and the retaining force is sized to allow the first blade and the second blade to move from the retracted position into the expanded position when the first blade and/or the second blade contacts a target.