ARROWS AND BROADHEADS

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to archery arrows and broadheads, and specifically to broadheads configured to deform when engaging a target.

BACKGROUND

Conventional arrows, tipped with conventional broadheads, are commonly used by hunters when hunting animals. These arrows include a shaft with the broadhead at one end and a nock at the opposite end. These arrow can include one or more fletching. The type of conventional broadhead can vary, and the hunter selects a specific type of arrow or broadhead based on the target and/or hunt conditions. Some examples of conventional broadheads are target broadheads, blunt broadheads, fixed broadheads, and mechanical broadheads. Hunters use compound bows or crossbows to shoot the arrows.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In certain examples, a broadhead for coupling to an arrow that is shot toward a target including body extending along an axis and an impact member coupled to the body and configured to deform as the impact member engages the target.

In certain examples, a broadhead for coupling to an arrow that is shot toward a target includes a body extending between a leading end and an opposite trailing end along an axis, a tip coupled to the leading end, and an impact member coupled to the body between the tip and the trailing end and configured to deform as the impact member engages the target.

In some examples, the impact member being coaxial with the body. In some examples, the impact member is configured to non-elastically deform as the impact member engages the target. In some examples, the impact member is configured to configured to radially outwardly deform. In some examples, the impact member is configured to axially deform in a direction toward the trailing end. In some examples, the impact member is axially movable along the body. In some examples, the impact member has an effective impact area that increases as the impact member engages the target. In some examples, the impact member includes a leg that is configured to non-elastically deform as the impact member engages the target. In some examples, the leg is configured to radially outwardly deform. In some examples, the leg is configured to axially deform in a direction toward the trailing end. In some examples, the impact member has an effective impact that increases as the leg is deformed. In some examples, the impact member includes a base from the which the leg extends. In some examples, the leg includes a barb extending therefrom. In some examples, the leg is one leg of a plurality of legs. In some examples, the impact member is removably coupled to the body. In some examples, a cap is configured to selectively couple the impact member to the body. In some examples, the impact member defines a channel between each leg in the plurality of legs. In some examples, the broadhead further includes a blade extending through one of the channels. In some examples, the broadhead includes a blade assembly defining a void therein and the impact member is located in the void. In some examples, the impact member extends out of the void.

Various other features, objects, and advantages will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is described with reference to the following Figures. The same numbers are used throughout the Figures to reference like features and like components.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example broadhead according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the broadhead of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the broadhead of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another example broadhead according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the example broadhead of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the example broadhead of FIG. 4 adjacent to an example shaft.

FIG. 7 is a side view of another example broadhead according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the sleeve in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an example blade of the broadhead of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is an end view of the example blade of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an end view of an example cap of the broadhead of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the example cap of FIG. 12

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an example body of the broadhead of FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view within line 15-15 on FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another example broadhead according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the broadhead of FIG. 16 along line 17-17 on FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an example impact member according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another example broadhead according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the broadhead of FIG. 19 along line 20-20 on FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an example impact member according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another example broadhead according to the present disclosure with an impact member in an undeformed shape.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the broadhead of FIG. 22 along line 23-23 on FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the broadhead of FIG. 22 with the impact member in a deformed shape.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the broadhead of FIG. 22 along line 25-25 on FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a perspective of the impact member of FIG. 22 in the undeformed shape.

FIG. 27 is a perspective of the impact member of FIG. 22 in the deformed shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The example arrows and broadheads of the present disclosure relate to broadheads in the archery world. Generally, the example broadheads of the present disclosure include features that deform, expand, and/or increase its effective impact area when engaging the target (e.g., body of an animal such as deer, bird, or elk). The example broadheads of the present disclosure can also include penetration features such as mechanical or fixed blades. The example broadheads of the present disclosure have effectiveness in creating substantial damage to the target like the damage caused by a hollow point bullet fired from gun and in cutting and penetrating the target like the cutting of a conventional mechanical or fixed blade broadhead. The combination of features of the broadhead of the present disclosure is new in the bow/arrow hunting industry, and the features of the broadhead of the present disclosure advantageously accounts for the increased speed of arrows fired by hunters and provides an arrow and/or broadhead that has expandable, deformable, and/or malleable features and components.

The present inventors developed the arrows and the broadheads of the present disclosure in response to recognizing many crossbow hunters were losing their conventional arrows since the speeds of conventional arrows and broadheads being fired were increasing dramatically (e.g., doubling in speed) and the blades on of conventional broadheads were getting smaller in order to achieve good arrow flight. As arrow speed increases and the blades cutting surface shrunk or mechanical nature of deployment came into question, less and less damage was transferred to the target with conventional arrow and broadheads. In some situations, conventional arrows or crossbow bolts would pass through the target and barely slow down and these conventional broadheads would only do minimal damage. Conventional broadheads are often manufactured from a single substrate source (e.g., one piece steel or aluminum, plastic, or titanium, etc. or pieced together with interlocking parts to provide accurate arrow flight and damage to vital organs). Crossbows in the marketplace today can now produce upwards of 277 pounds (lbs) of kinetic energy. However, in some instances it takes about 30 lbs of kinetic energy to shoot through a target with a conventional sharp broadhead. The effectiveness of conventional broadheads has always relied on the cutting surface of the blades, be it fixed or mechanical, to cause damage to the vital organs or target surfaces. For quite some time, broadhead effectiveness and bow speed ran parallel, e.g., faster bows, larger blades. The point of diminishing return occurred in recent years when engineering departments at crossbow manufacturers took crossbow speeds to levels unmatched by conventional broadheads and targets. As conventional broadhead manufacturers scrambled to make mechanicals or micro fixed blades that would fly accurately and deliver some damage, the present inventors endeavored to develop the arrows and broadheads (including the features and components thereof) of the present disclosure that incorporate features such as expandable, deformable, and/or malleable components. The present inventors further endeavored to develop arrows and broadheads that hit like a “tank”, expand, and/or deliver massive amounts of damage by transferring a large amount or all of the kinetic energy produced at trigger or release speed.

Accordingly, the present inventors developed the arrows and broadheads of the present disclosure in response, at least partially, to improvements in crossbow and vertical technologies that shoot conventional arrows at increasingly greater speeds, yet these conventional arrows with conventional broadheads deliver no damage advantages to the hunter or shooter. In one example, a deer or a hog might be 12.0 inches from side to side. A conventional bolt with a conventional broadhead traveling at 400 feet per second (fps) or higher speeds is asked to deploy and destroy. This is not always the case and the conventional bolt may only pass through the target, only deal damage on the exit side, and/or not open or cut the target as was hoped for, since the time needed for the conventional bolt to functionally react is a nanosecond. The amount of wasted kinetic energy when shooting these conventional crossbows or vertical compound bows led the present inventors to develop the arrows and the broadheads of the present disclosure which advantageously provide the archer the devastation they want and deserve. The arrows and the broadheads of the present disclosure advantageously inflict more damage, lead to more ethical hunts, and reduce animal, bolt, arrow, and/or broadhead loss when compared to conventional arrows and broadheads. For example, when shooting a conventional arrow from a crossbow, the conventional arrow may be shot with sufficient kinetic energy and/or speed that upon contacting the target (e.g., the body of an animal) the arrow pierces and passes through the animal. This result may disadvantageously not inflict enough damage to the animal to bring the animal down. Further, the wound caused by the conventional broadhead may also not be large enough for blood to be excreted in sufficient amounts to allow the hunter to track the blood trail of the wounded animal. These results are not preferred and the user of the conventional arrow and/or broadhead may lose the wounded animal. In addition, when a conventional arrow passes through the animal, the user may have a difficult time finding and retrieving the conventional arrow/bolt (e.g., the conventional arrow/bolt passing through the target may be lost in the surrounding environment such as brush or mud). The cost of the conventional arrow/bolt with broadhead may be an important driver of the user wishing to retrieve the arrow.

The present inventors have been in the hunting industry for over thirty years through guiding hunts and gun & bowhunting themselves and believe that hunters should inflict quick, clean ethical kills on their targets. The expansive nature of the example broadheads of the present disclosure inflicts large amounts of damage to the animals and may stop the animals in their tracks by deforming, expanding, and/or transferring kinetic energy to the animal resulting in shock and damage. The high penetrating cutting nature of the broadheads of the present disclosure dispatches animals through hemorrhaging and the incorporated blades slice vessels, veins, arteries, and penetrate organs of the animal. The present inventors observed that in certain situations conventional projectiles from firearms drop an animal while conventional broadheads (in some examples, the broadheads of the present disclosure) bleeds the animal out.

Accordingly, the present inventors have developed the broadheads of the present disclosure that advantageously inflict greater damage to the target animal and/or reduce or eliminate the likelihood that the arrow and broadhead passing through the target animal and continuing on for an irretrievable distance. Generally, the broadheads of the present disclosure are configured to transfer more kinetic energy and force to the target animal when compared to conventional broadheads. The broadheads of the present disclosure may also create a more ethical way to down an animal than conventional arrows and broadheads.

Note that the features and/or components of each example broadhead of the present disclosure described herein can be combined or utilized with any of the other example broadheads described herein.

FIGS. 1-3 depicts an example broadhead 20 according to the present disclosure coupled to an example shaft 15 of an arrow. The shaft 15 extends along an axis 14, and the shaft 15 has a first shaft end 17 to which the broadhead 20 is coupled and an opposite second end (not depicted) at which a nock and/or fletching (not depicted) are located. In certain examples, the first shaft end 17 includes screw threads along the exterior perimetral surface thereof such that the broadhead 20 engages the screw threads. In other examples, the first shaft end 17 includes a center axially extending bore with screw threads extending from the interior perimetral surface into the bore to which the broadhead 20 couples. Note that FIG. 3 depicts the first shaft end 17 cut from the remainder of the shaft 15 such that the bore 19 is depicted.

The broadhead 20 generally extends between a leading end 21 and an opposite trailing end 22 along an axis 23. Note that in certain examples the axis 23 aligns with the axis 14 of the shaft 15. The broadhead 20 includes a body 25 (partially depicted in dashed-dot lines on FIG. 1) that extends along the axis 23. The body 25 has a leading end 26 and an opposite trailing end 27. In certain examples, the trailing end 27 extends along the axis 23 and has a generally circular cross-section. In certain examples, the trailing end 27 has a cylindrical shape.

A tip 29 is coupled to the leading end 26 of the body 25. In some examples, the tip 29 is a separate component that is coupled to the leading end 26 in any suitable manner (e.g., mating screw threads, adhesives, welding). In other examples, the tip 29 is integrally formed with the body 25. The tip 29 is pointed and configured to engage and/or pierce the target, such as an animal (e.g., deer, elk, birds).

A plurality of blades 35 are coupled to the body 25 and radially outwardly extend from the body 25. Note that in some examples the blades 35 are integrally formed with the body 25. The blades 35 are configured to cut the target. The blades 35 depicted in FIGS. 1-3 have a generally triangular shape. The blades 35 have one or more cutouts 36 that decrease the material weight of the blades 35. The body 25, the tip 29, and/or the blades 35 can be formed of any suitable material such as metal alloy, plastic, and/or the like. In certain examples, the materials used to form the body 25, the tip 29, and the blades 35 is the same. In other examples, the material used to form the body 25, the tip 29, and/or the blades 35 is not the same. In certain examples, the body 25, the tip 29, and/or the blades 35 are formed with rigid materials.

The broadhead 20 includes an impact member 49 that is configured to deform as the broadhead 20 engages the target (described herein) such that speed and/or movement of the broadhead 20 decreases. In certain examples, the impact member 49 is configured to non-elastically deform (e.g., the impact member 49 is deformed such that the impact member does not elastically move back to its original position or shape and does not return its original position or shape), as the broadhead 20 engages with the target.

In the example depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the impact member 49 includes a sleeve 50. Note that in other examples, the impact member 49 can have different shapes and include one or more components including by not limited to sleeves, discs, panels, rings, arms, legs, fins, flaps, and combinations thereof. In one non-limiting example, the impact member 49 includes a collapsible structure having features such as plates, ribs, and/or discs that are connected together and collapse onto and/or expand (e.g., ‘mushroom’ radially outwardly) relative to each other when subjected to compression forces (e.g., similar to features present with conventional drywall screw anchors). The sleeve 50 is located around the body 25, and the sleeve 50 includes a first sleeve end 51 and an opposite second sleeve end 52. The first sleeve end 51 is oriented toward the leading end 26 of the body 25 and the tip 29. Note that the first sleeve end 51 is spaced apart from the tip 29 (see separation distance A1 on FIG. 1) and the sleeve 50 is coaxial with the body 25. In certain examples, the outside diameter of the first sleeve end 51 is less than the outside diameter of the second sleeve end 52. In these examples, the sleeve 50 has a sloped or tapered portion 54 between the sleeve ends 51, 52. In other examples, the sleeve 50 is tapered radially inwardly in a direction from the second sleeve end 52 to the first sleeve end 51. The material radial thickness of the sleeve 50 can vary.

The sleeve 50 defines one or more channels 53 that are radially spaced apart from each other. These channels 53 can extend parallel to each other and/or the broadhead axis 23. The channels 53 extend through the radial thickness of the sleeve 50. Note that in certain examples, the number of channels 53 corresponds to the number of blades 35. In certain examples, a blade 35 radially extends through each channel 53. For instance, the broadhead 20 depicted in FIGS. 1-3 includes four channels 53 and four blades 35. The channels 53 have an open first channel end 56 at the first sleeve end 51 and an opposite closed channel end 57 at the second sleeve end 52.

The sleeve 50 includes one or more deformable arms or legs 55 (described further therein) which are at least partially defined by the channels 53. Each leg 55 has a first leg end 61 that is oriented toward the tip 29 and a second leg end 62 coupled to a base 64 of the sleeve 50. The first leg end 61 has a leading leg edge 63. In certain examples, the leading leg edge 63 includes an angled sloped surfaces that radially outwardly extends or slopes. The leading leg edge 63 is radially spaced apart from the tip 29 (see FIG. 2).

The sleeve 50 can be formed of any suitable material such as metals, metal alloys, plastic, and/the like. In certain examples, the sleeve 50 comprises aluminum, titanium, copper, lead, or poly-plastics. In certain examples, the material forming the sleeve 50 has non-elastic properties such that once the sleeve 50 deforms, the sleeve 50 cannot be easily returned to its original shape and size.

The example broadheads of the present disclosure advantageously transfer large amount of kinetic energy to the target while also cutting flesh to induce hemorrhaging. In certain examples, the example broadheads of the present disclosure include fixed or mechanical blade systems and/or an interlocking, molded together, or injection molding the deformable impact member (which may be referred to as a “cartridge”) that will transfer high kinetic energy to the target as the impact member changes shape, expands, and/or deforms. The transfer of the kinetic energy and deformation of the impact member can advantageously aid in shorter blood trails, decrease lost animals with bad hits, or decrease loss of crossbow bolts, arrows, and broadheads.

The impact member can be formed of any suitable material such as plastic, poly, metals such as aluminum, magnesium, alloy, steel, and rubber, that will non-elastically deform (e.g., peel backwards in a pedal form or expand outwardly) to inflict damage to the target due to the transfer of the kinetic energy. In certain examples, the impact member comprises aluminum, titanium, copper, lead, or poly-plastics. In certain examples, the material forming the impact member has non-elastic properties such that once the impact member deforms, the impact member cannot be easily returned to its original shape and size. In certain examples, the impact member includes materials that are malleable.

In operation, the broadhead 20 is coupled to the shaft 15 of the arrow, and the user shoots the broadhead 20 and the arrow via a compound bow or a crossbow (not depicted). When the broadhead 20 contacts the target, the tip 29 pierces the target and continues moving into the target. As the tip 29 and/or the body 25 further penetrate into the target, the impact member 49 engages the target and begins to deform and change shape. For example, the impact member 49 non-elastically deforms. For example (with reference to the example broadhead 20 and the sleeve 50 depicted in FIGS. 1-3), the legs 55 engage the target at positions radial offset from the location as the tip 29 pierces the target. Continued movement of the broadhead 20 into the target causes forces to axially and/or radially (inwardly or outwardly) move the legs 55 (e.g., pivot, bend, fold, bunch, collapse) (see arrow A2 on FIG. 2 which depicts example radially outwardly movement of the legs 55). In certain examples, the first leg end 61 radially outwardly move away from the body 25 while the second leg end 62 remains coupled to the base 64 that located near the body 25. As such, the legs 55 extend transverse to the body 25 and/or the axis 23 (sec dash-dot areas A3 of the legs 55) and the impact member 49 has an effective impact area 99 that increases as the impact member 49 engages the target (e.g., the effective impact area engages the flesh of the target). The effective impact area 99 includes a front or end profile area of surfaces of the impact member 49 that are visible when viewing the leading end 21 of the broadhead 20 in an axial direction. Note that in some instances, the body 25 and/or the tip 29 overlaps the surfaces of the impact member 49 when viewing the leading end 21 of the broadhead 20 in the axial direction.

An example of the effective impact area 99 is depicted in FIG. 2. In this example, the effective impact area 99 of the impact member 49 when the impact member 49 is deformed (e.g., the legs 55 are deformed and bent radially outwardly) includes the profile area of the surfaces of the legs 55 that originally faced the body 25 that now face axially toward the tip 29. The effective impact area 99 the impact member 49 when deformed can also include the axially facing surface of the base 64 that is adjacent to the body 25. Not that the effective impact area 99 of the impact member 49 when the impact member 49 is not deformed (e.g., the impact member 49 has its original shape such as depicted in FIG. 1; when the broadhead 20 is being shot or traveling toward the target) includes the end profile areas of the edge surfaces of the legs 55 and/or the axially facing surface of the base 64 that is adjacent to the body 25. As such, the effective impact area 99 the impact member 49 when deformed is greater than the effective impact area 99 the impact member 49 when it is in its original shape and thus the effective impact area 99 increases as the impact member 49 is deformed.

The increase in the effective impact area 99 of the impact member 49 as the broadhead 20 engages and moves into the target inflicts increased damage on the target and/or tears more flesh of the target in comparison to an example conventional broadheads. Note that the blades 35 also damage the target as the broadhead 20 moves into and through the target. The broadhead 20 also retains sufficient aerodynamic characteristics when shot from a crossbow or compound bow by the user to fly quickly to and pierce the target and advantageously, upon striking the target the effective impact area 99 increases, as described herein (e.g., as the legs 55 are deformed), to thereby deal greater damage to the target in comparison to the effective impact area 99 prior to deformation of the impact member 49.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, another example broadhead 120 of the present disclosure is depicted. The broadhead 120 has a first end 121 and an opposite second end 122. The broadhead 120 extends along an axis 123. A body 125 extends between a leading end 126 and a trailing end 127. A tip 129 is coupled to the body 125. In certain examples, the tip 129 is integrally formed with the body 125, and the trailing end 127 has screw threads. The trailing end 127 is received into the bore 119 of the shaft 115 such that the screw threads on the trailing end 127 engage the screw threads extending into the bore 119.

Blades 135 are depicted coupled to the body 125. In certain examples, the blades 135 are removably received in axially extending keyways (not depicted). In these examples, the blades 135 are decoupled from the body 125 by axially sliding the blades 135 in a first axial direction from the leading end 126 to the trailing end 127 (see arrow A4). As such, the user of the arrow may remove and/or replace the blades 135 as necessary.

A deformable impact member 149, in this example broadhead 120 including a sleeve 150, is coupled to body 125 by siding the sleeve 150 in a second axial direction (see arrow A5) around the trailing end 127 of the body 125 and further in the second axial direction such that the blades 135 are received into channels 153. In certain examples, as the blades 135 are received into the channels 153, the blades 135 act on (e.g., push on) the sides of the legs 155 such that the width of the channels 153 increases and the legs 155 are initially radially outwardly bent into an initial position. In this example, the first leg end 61 includes a plurality of barbs 165 that radially outwardly extend or angled away from the axis 123.

A cap 170 is further coupled to the body 125 to thereby prevent inadvertent removal of the sleeve 150. In certain examples, the cap 170 sandwiches the sleeve 150 between the cap 170 and the tip 129. In certain examples, the cap 170 compresses the sleeve 150 between the cap 170 and the tip 129. In certain examples, the cap 170 is coaxial with the body 125. The cap 170 has a center hole 171 through which the body 125 extends. In certain examples, screw threads on the edge of the cap 170 defining the center hole 171 engage with the screw threads on the body 125. The cap 170 includes an annular edge 173 that overlaps the second leg end 162 and/or the base 164. In certain examples, the edge 173 defines a surface about which the legs 155 fold over or are bent over when the broadhead 120 impacts the target.

In operation, the broadhead 120 engages the target and the legs 155 are non-elastically deformed as the broadhead 120 engages and moves into the target. The legs 155 are moved axially and/or radially inwardly or outwardly from the body 125 (FIG. 4 depicts the dashed outline of one of the legs 155 being bent when impacting the target). In certain examples, the legs 155 fold over the edge 173. In certain examples, the legs 155 collapse and/or ‘mushroom’ radially outwardly. As such, the deformed impact member 149 has an effective impact area 199 that is greater than the effective impact area 199 of the undeformed impact member 149. In this example, the effective impact area 199 of the impact member 149 when the impact member 149 is deformed (e.g., the legs 155 are deformed and bent radially outwardly) includes the end profile area of the surfaces of the legs 155 that originally faced the body 125 that now face axially toward the tip 129. In contrast, the effective impact area 199 of the impact member 149 when the impact member 149 is not deformed (e.g., the impact member 149 has its original shape without deformed legs 155) includes the surfaces of the legs 155 and/or the barbs 165 that axially face toward the tip 129. As such, the effective impact area 199 the impact member 149 when deformed is greater than the effective impact area 199 the impact member 149 when in its original shape and the effective impact area 199 increases as the impact member 149 is deformed.

In certain examples, the angle of movement (e.g., pivoting) of the first leg end 161, while the second leg end 162 remains generally stationary, can vary. For example, the portion of the leg 155 that moves radially outward (e.g., the first leg end 161) can move in the range of 1.0-180.0 degrees relative to the un-bent position of the leg 155 (FIG. 4) prior to engaging the target.

In certain examples, components of the impact member 49 (such as the leg 55) can yield and thereby move relative to other components of the impact member 49 (such as the base 64) as the impact member 49 moves into the target.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-15, another example broadhead 220 of the present disclosure is depicted. The broadhead 220 includes a deformable impact member 249, in this example impact member 249 including a sleeve 250, located between the tip 229 and the cap 270. In this example, the sleeve 250 radially inwardly tapers in the direction of the first axial direction (see arrow A5). FIG. 8 is an end view of the sleeve 250 in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve 250 in FIG. 7. In certain examples, the first leg ends 261 radially inwardly taper while the second leg end 262 and/or the base 264 is generally annular. The first leg end 261 of the leg 255 includes a recessed annular groove 267 and a plurality of barbs 265. In certain examples, the groove 267 has a triangular cross-section. The closed second channel end 257 terminates before the base 264.

FIG. 10 is a side view and FIG. 11 is an end view of an example blade 235 in the broadhead depicted in FIG. 7. The blade 235 includes a cutout 337 to reduce the material weight of the blade 235. A notch 237 is located on one side of the blade 235 and is configured to engage the body 225 and thereby properly position the blade 235 relative to the body 225 when the user couples the blade 235 to the body 225.

FIG. 12 is an end view and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an example cap 270 of the broadhead 220 of FIG. 7. The cap 270 includes the center hole 271 and the lip 273.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the body 225 of broadhead of FIG. 7, and FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the body 225 within line 15-15 on FIG. 14. The tip 229 is coupled to the body 225 and includes a groove 230.

In operation, the broadhead 220 engages the target and the legs 255 are non-elastically deformed as the broadhead 220 engages and moves to the target. The legs 255 are moved axially and/or radially inwardly or outwardly from the body 225. In certain examples, the legs 155 fold relative to the base 264. As such, the deformed impact member 249 has an effective impact area that is greater than the effective impact area of the undeformed impact member 249. In this example, the effective impact area of the impact member 249 when the impact member 249 is deformed (e.g., the legs 255 are deformed and bent radially outwardly) includes the end profile area of the surfaces of the legs 255 that originally faced the body 225. In contrast, the effective impact area of the impact member 249 when the impact member 249 is not deformed (e.g., the impact member 249 has its original shape without deformed legs 255) includes the end profile areas of the surfaces at the first leg ends 261 and/or the barbs 265 that axially face toward the tip 129. As such, the effective impact area of the impact member 249 when deformed is greater than the effective impact area the impact member 249 when in its original shape and the effective impact area increases as the impact member 249 is deformed.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-18, another example broadhead 320 of the present disclosure is depicted. The broadhead 320 has a first end 321 and an opposite second end 322. The broadhead 320 extends along an axis 323. The broadhead 320 included a body 325 extending between a leading end 326 and a trailing end 327. The trailing end 327 has screw threads. The trailing end 327 is received into the bore of the shaft (not depicted).

A blade assembly 334 having a plurality of blades 335 is depicted coupled to the body 325. In certain examples, the blades 335 are fixed relative to each other. The blade assembly 334 defines a void 336 therebetween through which the body 325 extends. The blade assembly 334 also includes a cutout 337 positioned between the void 336 and a tip 338 of the blade assembly 334.

A deformable impact member 349, in this example broadhead 320 including a sleeve 350, is coupled to the body 325 between the ends 326, 327. In certain examples, the sleeve 350 is axially fixed on the body 325. In other examples, the sleeve 350 can axially slide along the body 325. The sleeve 350 includes a base 351 that encircles the body 325.

The sleeve 350 includes inner legs 352 that extend from the base 351 and along the body 325. In certain examples, the inner legs 352 extend parallel to the axis 323. A channel 353 is defined between the inner legs 352 through which a portion of the blade assembly 334 (e.g., the blades 335) may extend.

The sleeve 350 includes outer legs 354 that extend from the base 351. Note that in certain examples, the base 351 is angled toward the tip 338. The outer legs 354 overlap the inner legs 352. A channel 355 is defined between the outer legs 354 through which a portion of the blade assembly 334 (e.g., the blades 335 extend). Each channel 355 is aligned with a channel 353 defined between the inner legs 352. In certain examples, the outer legs 354 extend transverse to the axis 323 and/are angled inwardly toward the axis 323. In other examples, the outer legs 354 extend parallel to the axis 323. The outer legs 354 have an edge surface 357 that is initially oriented toward the tip 338 and an initially axially inwardly oriented first leg surface 358 and an opposite axially outwardly oriented second leg surface 359 The sleeve 350 defines a cavity 356 between the inner legs 352 and the outer legs 354.

In operation, the broadhead 320 engages the target such that the tip 338 enters the target. Continued movement of the broadhead 320 into the target causes the outer legs 354 of the impact member 349 to engage the target such that the outer legs 354 are deformed (e.g., non-elastically deformed) axially in a direction toward the second end 322 and/or radially inwardly or outwardly relative to the body 325. For example, as depicted in dashed lines in FIG. 17, the outer leg 354 is non-elastically moved (e.g., away from the body 325 and toward the second end 322). As such, the first leg surface 358 is oriented toward the tip 338 such that an effective impact area 399 (including the end profile area of the first leg surface 358) of the deformed impact member 349 is greater than the effective impact area 399 of the impact member 349 in its original, undeformed shape and position (which may include the edge surface 367 and/or a portion of the second leg surface 369). In certain examples, the outer leg 354 is moved relative to the base 351, and in other examples, the base 351 moves as or with the outer leg 354. Also note that as the outer legs 354 are deformed, the impact member 349 is configured to collect portions of the target (e.g., skin, body matter) in the cavity 356 thereby further slowing the broadhead 320, increasing hemorrhaging, and/or increasing the damage to the target.

In certain examples, the inner legs 352 are also non-elastically deformed axially in a direction toward the second end 322 and/or radially inwardly or outwardly relative to the body 325.

FIGS. 19-21 depicts the broadhead 320 depicted in FIGS. 16-18 with the impact member 349 replaced with different deformable impact member 380. The impact member 380 depicted in FIGS. 16-19 includes a disc 360 that is coupled to the body 325. The disc 360 includes a base 361 with first legs 364 that extend away from the perimeter edge of the base 361 toward the tip 338. The base 361 defines a hole 370 through which the body 325 extends. In certain examples, the disc 360 is axially fixed on the body 325. In other examples, the disc 360 can axially slide along the body 325. The disc 360 is located in the void 336 and extends from the void 336. In other examples, the disc 360 is located in the void 336.

The first legs 364 can be angled relative to the body 325 and/or extend transverse to the body 325. Channels 365 are defined between the first legs 364 through which a portion of the blade assembly 334 (e.g., the blades 335 extend). In certain examples, the outer legs 354 are angled outwardly from the body 325 in a direction toward the tip 338. The first legs 364 have an edge surface 367 that is initially oriented toward the tip 338, a first leg surface 368 that is oriented toward the body 325, and a second leg surface 369 that is oriented away from the body 325. The base 361 and the first legs 364 define a cavity 366 through which the body 325 extends.

Optionally, the disc 360 includes second legs 362 that extend along the body 325. The second legs 362 are separated by the channels 363. The second legs 362 assist in holding the disc 360 on the body 325 and initially orientating the first legs 364 toward the tip 338.

In operation, the broadhead 320 engages the target such that the tip 338 enters the target. Continued movement of the broadhead 320 into the target causes the first legs 364 of the impact member 380 to engage the target such that the first legs 364 are deformed (e.g., non-elastically deformed) axially in a direction toward the second end 322 and/or radially inwardly or outwardly relative to the body 325. For example, as depicted in dashed lines in FIG. 20, the first legs 364 is non-elastically moved (e.g., away from the body 325 and toward the second end 322). As such, the first leg surface 368 is oriented toward the tip 338 such that an effective impact area 399 (including the end profile area of the first leg surface 358, surface of the second legs 362 facing the tip 338, and/or the edge surface 367) of the deformed impact member 349 is greater than the effective impact area 399 of the impact member 380 in its original, undeformed shape and position. In certain examples, the outer leg 354 is moved relative to the base 351, and in other examples, the base 351 moves as or with the outer leg 354. Also note that as the outer legs 354 are deformed, the impact member 380 is configured to collect portions of the target (e.g., skin, body matter) in the cavity 366 thereby further slowing the broadhead 320, increasing hemorrhaging, and/or increasing the damage to the target.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-27, another example broadhead 420 of the present disclosure is depicted. The broadhead 420 has a first end 421 and an opposite second end 422. The broadhead 420 extends along the axis 423. A body 425 extends between a leading end 426 and a trailing end 427. A tip 429 is coupled to the body 425. In certain examples, the tip 429 is integrally formed with the body 425. The trailing end 427 has screw threads.

A deformable impact member 440, in this example broadhead 420 including a plate 441 with a base 442 and a pair of legs 443, is coupled to the body 425. The plate 441 is received into a channel 430 defined by the body 425, and the body 425 has a pair of brace surfaces 431. The legs 443 extend from the base 442 towards the tip 429, and the legs 443 extend transverse to an axis 434 along which the body 425 extends. In its original, undeformed shape, the legs 443 define a first angle 445 therebetween. In certain examples, the first angle is 30.0 degrees. In certain examples, the plate 441 has a “M” shape. Each leg 443 has a first leg surface 447 and a second leg surface 448. The base 442 includes a pair of base surfaces 444.

In operation, the broadhead 420 engages the target and the legs 443 are deformed (e.g., the legs 443 are non-elastically bent radially outwardly) as the broadhead 420 engages and moves into the target. The legs 443 are moved radially outwardly from the body 425 (see FIGS. 24-25) and the shape of the plate 441 changes (see FIGS. 26-27). The base surfaces 444 also engage with the brace surfaces 431 such that legs 443 move (e.g., pivot or hinge) about the base 442 and/or the interfaces of the surfaces 431, 444. As such, the deformed impact member 440 has an effective impact area 437 that is greater than the effective impact area 437 of the undeformed impact member 440. In this example, the effective impact area 437 of the impact member 440 when the impact member 440 is deformed (e.g., the legs 443 are bent radially outwardly as depicted in FIGS. 24-25) includes the end profile area of the leg surfaces 447, 448. In contrast, the effective impact area 437 of the impact member 440 when the impact member 440 is not deformed (e.g., the legs 443 are not bent radially outwardly as depicted in FIG. 22-23) includes the end profile area of the first leg surfaces 447. As such, the effective impact area 437 the impact member 149 when deformed is greater than the effective impact area 437 the impact member 440 when in its original shape and the effective impact area 437 increases as the impact member 440 is deformed.

In the deformed shape of the plate 441 (FIG. 27), the legs 443 define a second angle 446 therebetween that is greater than the first angle 445. In certain examples, the second angle is 55.0 degrees.

In certain examples, the angle of movement (e.g., pivoting) of the first leg end 161 while the second leg end 162 remains generally stationary can vary. For example, the portion of the leg 155 that moves radially outward (e.g., the first leg end 161) can move in the range of 1.0-180.0 degrees relative to the un-bent position of the leg 155 (FIG. 4) prior to contacting the target.

Citations to a number of references are made herein. The cited references are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. In the event that there is an inconsistency between a definition of a term in the specification as compared to a definition of the term in a cited reference, the term should be interpreted based on the definition in the specification.

In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatuses, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses, systems, and methods. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

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