BROADHEAD CASE APPARATUS

Abstract

Arrow point cases and related methods are disclosed. One arrow point case holds arrow points such as broadheads between retaining members that contact the shaft or body portion of the arrow point without contacting the blades of the arrow point. The retaining members have a generally C-shaped cross section and are removably attached to a shell of the case. The retaining members are elastically flexible and are deformable upon insertion of the arrow point into a retention position in the case. The case stores and transports arrow points without contacting the blades so that blades may remain sharp and securely stowed until needed. Some methods allow an arrow point in the case to be attached to an arrow or bolt shaft without removing the arrow point from the case.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to cases for projectile points and specifically relates to cases for archery broadheads.

BACKGROUND

For bowhunting, a broadhead with blades that cut either on impact or immediately after impact are essential for effectively and ethically harvesting game using an archery bow. The same is true when hunting with a crossbow. The broadhead is an arrow point that is attachable to the end of a shaft of an arrow or bolt. Each broadhead has multiple cutting blades (i.e., two or more) extending laterally from a body portion (i.e., ferrule). One type of broadhead is a fixed blade broadhead. Another type is a mechanical broadhead with blades that move relative to the main broadhead body. No matter the type, it is paramount for the broadhead to maintain razor-sharp cutting surfaces to ensure maximum terminal cutting performance and effective penetration of the target. Thus, when not in use, the broadheads are usually removed from the arrow and stored in a case in order to prevent dulling, rusting, or other potentially dangerous exposure of the blades.

There are many varieties of containers available on the market for storing broadheads today. Most of these containers come in one of two forms: first, a molded plastic case with a foam insert, and second, a molded case with no foam. For example, a broadhead case may store broadheads in a case similar to a fishing tackle box that has a molded interior configured to support the broadhead at two points with no blade contact. Other broadhead cases have molded foam inserts that the broadheads rest within, much like a violin in a case. The broadheads may lie on top of the foam, or their tips may be pushed into a cavity in the foam to hold them still within the case.

Although these cases are effective at holding the broadheads, none of the cases currently available on the market today is effective to compactly and securely store broadheads without contacting the blades or sacrificing security. Foam-lined cases maintain constant contact with the cutting surfaces of the blades, which, over time, results in dulling the cutting surfaces of the blades due to the natural vibrations, bumps, and jolts resulting from normal handling and transport. Other case designs may prevent blade contact, but they lack portability due to size and compromise security since broadheads can fall out of retaining clips if the case is dropped or bumped.

Accordingly, there is a need for improvements in the field of broadhead cases.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a case for storage and transportation of sharpened arrow points without dulling sharpened edges of the arrow points. The case may comprise an outer shell enclosing an inner chamber, with the outer shell comprising at least one access opening to the inner chamber and with the inner chamber having a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first and second sidewalls may oppose each other. A first retaining member may be attached to and extend inward from the first sidewall, a second retaining member may be attached to and extend inward from the first sidewall, a third retaining member may be attached to and extend inward from the second sidewall, and a fourth retaining member may be attached to and extend inward from the second sidewall. A central point may be positioned between the first, second, third, and fourth retaining members, with the central point being configured to be coincident with an axis of a shaft of an arrow point when the arrow point is positioned in contact with the first, second, third, and fourth retaining members.

In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth retaining members may respectively comprise a first, second, third, and fourth distal tip, with each of the distal tips converging toward the central point. The first, second, third, and fourth retaining members may each respectively comprise a first, second, third, and fourth distal end and each respectively comprise a first, second, third, and fourth proximal end. The distal ends may be configured to contact the shaft of the arrow point. The proximal ends of the first and second retaining members may be spaced apart farther from each other than the distal ends of the first and second retaining members, and the proximal ends of the third and fourth retaining members may be spaced apart farther from each other than the distal ends of the third and fourth retaining members. In some embodiments, the proximal ends may be broader than the distal ends.

In some arrangements, the first, second, third, and fourth retaining members may comprise a flexible material and the outer shell may comprise a relatively rigid material. The outer shell may comprise two access openings into the inner chamber, with the access openings being on opposite sides of the outer shell. The case may also further comprise a cap configured to cover the at least one access opening, with the cap being locked to the outer shell using at least one push-button tab.

The outer shell may be configured to contain a plurality of arrow points simultaneously. A first portion of the plurality of arrow points may be configured to point in a direction opposite a second portion of the plurality of arrow points.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a sharpened arrow point retainer, which may comprise an outer shell enclosing an inner chamber. The outer shell may comprise at least one access opening to the inner chamber. The outer shell may comprise a first side wall and a second side wall. A first retaining member may be attached to the first side wall of the outer shell, with the first retaining member having a first ridge and a second ridge extending into the inner chamber. A second retaining member may be to the second side wall of the outer shell, with the second retaining member having a third ridge and a fourth ridge extending into the inner chamber. The first, second, third, and fourth ridges may be configured to contact a body portion of an arrow point without contacting a blade portion of the arrow point.

In some embodiments, the first and second retaining members each have a general C- or U-shape. The first retaining member may comprise a protrusion extending through the outer shell. The protrusion may have a T-shaped cross-section. Some embodiments also comprise an arrow point and a shaft, wherein the arrow point is positioned in contact with the first, second, third, and fourth ridges, and the shaft is connected to the arrow point and extending away from the inner chamber. The first and second retaining members may form a funnel shape sloping away from the first and second side walls. The first and second retaining members may also form a cone shape sloping toward the first and second side walls. The outer shell may comprise a rigid material, and the first and second retaining members may comprise a relatively compliant material.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of storing arrow points using an arrow point retainer. The method may comprise providing an arrow point retainer. The arrow point retainer may comprise an outer shell, and the outer shell may have a first side, a second side, and an inner chamber. The arrow point retainer may comprise a plurality of finger members extending into the inner chamber, and at least a first two of the plurality of finger members may extend inward from the first side toward a midpoint of the inner chamber. At least a second two of the plurality of finger members may extend inward from the second side toward the midpoint. The method may further include providing an arrow point having a body portion, a blade portion, and a tip and inserting the tip of the arrow point into the inner chamber of the arrow point retainer at a first position with the plurality of finger members contacting the body portion and being spaced away from the blade portion in the first position. The method may also include inserting the tip of the arrow point into the inner chamber of the arrow point retainer at a second position with the plurality of finger members being resiliently flexed by contact with the body portion at the second position.

In some configurations, the method further comprises inserting a plurality of arrow points into the arrow point retainer. The method may further comprise inserting an arrow point from a first side of the arrow point retainer and inserting an arrow point from a second side of the arrow point retainer, with the second side being opposite the first side.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The Figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify one or more preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings and figures illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are part of the specification. Together with the present description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of this disclosure. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a broadhead case according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1 as taken through section lines 2-2 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3. is an end view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a detail end view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a detail end view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1 with a broadhead loaded into a pair of retaining members.

FIG. 4C is a detail end view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1 with a different broadhead loaded into the pair of retaining members.

FIG. 4D is a detail end view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1 with a different broadhead loaded into the pair of retaining members.

FIG. 5A is a side section view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1 taken through section lines 5A-5A in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5B shows the section view of FIG. 5A with a broadhead loaded into the pair of retaining members.

FIG. 6 shows a partial exploded view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows another partial exploded view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a broadhead case according to the present disclosure.

While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a compact multiple (e.g., six broadheads) broadhead storage case that has a molded, contoured body and two symmetrical opposing end caps. The end caps may be locked via push-button style tabs that are formed into the main body of the case. The broadheads may be secured in the case by flexible grippers that are attached to internal sides of the case shell. These grippers may act like fingers that support each broadhead in four places around the circumference of the center ferrule shaft. The grippers may be separated from contact with the cutting surfaces of the broadhead at all times, including during loading and unloading. Thus, the cutting surfaces may be free-floating within the internal cavity of the shell. The fingers may be shaped and spaced apart from each other so that the case will accommodate nearly any two-, three-, or four-blade conventional fixed-blade or mechanical broadhead currently available.

The grippers (which may alternatively be referred to as retaining members, ridges, or fingers) may have a low durometer. They therefore may flex and absorb shock forces applied to the broadhead case, such as when the case is dropped or jostled during transport. The grippers may be spaced apart from each other in a manner to provide four points of contact with the ferrule of the broadhead so that it is supported around is full circumference. In this manner, the broadhead is prevented from translation or rotation in all directions until the user pulls the broadhead from the case. These features may allow the broadhead to be installed onto an arrow shaft (or removed therefrom) by positioning the shaft of the arrow next to the broadhead while the broadhead is still in the case. Thus, the broadhead does not need to be individually handled apart from the case, and there is limited exposure of the sharp cutting surfaces while the broadhead is attached to the projectile. The retaining members are also modular in design in a manner that allows them to be removed and replaced with different retaining members to accommodate different types of arrow points.

The end cap profile of the case may also allow multiple cases to be connected to each other. Thus, additional broadhead cases may be attached together in one ganged unit. In one embodiment, the end caps 108 of the present disclosure may be configured to connect to and/or interlock with end caps 108 of adjacent broadhead cases so that multiple cases can be held together. Some embodiments may also have the grippers or retaining members incorporated into quiver or other arrow or bolt retaining case wherein the broadheads are retained by the grippers or retaining members while the broadheads are attached to the shaft of the arrow or bolt. Thus, the cases, containers, and retainers of the present disclosure may be incorporated as part of a quiver, case, or holder for entire arrows or bolts rather than just broadheads or other arrow points alone.

The present description provides examples, and is not limiting of the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Thus, it will be understood that changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add other procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, the methods described may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments.

Turning now to the figures in detail, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a broadhead case 100 according to the present disclosure. The case 100 may comprise a shell 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106. Each end 104, 106 may be connected to an end cap 108, 109. See also FIG. 7. The end cap 109 that fits on the first end 104 is not shown in FIG. 1 to expose an inner chamber 110 of the shell 102, but it is shown in FIG. 7. The ends 104, 106 of the shell 102 may be symmetrical. Thus, each end 104, 106 may comprise a plurality of enlarged bays 112, 114, 116 configured to receive and retain broadheads.

In the inner chamber 110 and within each of the bays 112, 114, 116 a first retaining member 118 and a second retaining member 120 may be positioned. The first retaining members 118-a, 118-b, 118-c may be connected to a first side 122 of the shell 102, and the second retaining members 120-a, 120-b, 120-c may be connected to a second side 124 of the shell. The first side 122 may be positioned opposite the second side 124. Thus, the first and second retaining members 118, 120 may oppose each other and face each other within the inner chamber 110. The first and second sides 122, 124 may be the broadest sides of the shell 102, as opposed to end sides 126, 128 of the shell 102. Because there are three pairs of retaining members 118, 120 on the two ends 104, 106 of the shell 102, the case 100 may contain six broadheads next to each other. Three of the broadheads may be inserted from the first side 104 and three may be inserted from the second side 106 in a direction opposite the first side 104. See also FIG. 2.

The shell 102 and caps 108, 109 may comprise a rigid material such as, for example, a rigid plastic, metal, composite, wood, or other stiff and inflexible material, and the first and second retaining members 118, 120 may comprise a relatively compliant and/or low durometer material such as, for example, a flexible polymer, natural or synthetic rubber, foam rubber, or other elastically flexible material. In this way, the first and second retaining members 118, 120 may deflect when an arrow point is inserted between them, but the shell 102 as a whole may provide a strong and durable container that keeps the arrow points from being crushed or coming into contact with the shell 102 if the shell 102 is dropped or impacted.

Each of the first and second retaining members 118, 120 may extend at least partially through the first and second sides 122, 124. For example, each of the first and second retaining members 118, 120 may comprise a protrusion 130 that extends through an aperture or slot 132 in one of the first and second sides 122, 124. The protrusions 130 may hold the retaining members 118, 120 in place using an interference fit. See FIGS. 4A-4B and 6 and their related descriptions herein. The protrusions 130 may also slide out of the slots 132 in order to replace them or repair the case, such as when different retaining members 118, 120 are needed to retain a different size or style of broadhead.

The end sides 126, 128 of the shell 102 may comprise deflectable tabs 134 at the first and second ends 104, 106. The tabs 134 may each comprise a base portion 136 proximally connected to their end side 126, 128, a grip portion 138, and a distal hook portion 140. See also FIG. 7 and its related description herein. The tabs 134 may releasably retain the caps 108, 109 to the shell 102 when the hook portions 140 are positioned within apertures 142 on the caps 108, 109.

The first and second sides 122, 124 may have undulating, grooved inner and outer surfaces. See FIGS. 1, 3, and 7. Thus, the first and second sides 122, 124 may be shaped with depressions 144 between the enlarged bays 112, 114, 116. These depressions 144 and enlarged bays 112, 114, 116 of the shell 102 may form a series of tapered contours that are broader at one of the first and second ends 104, 106 and narrower at the other one of the first and second ends 104, 106. The tapered contours may provide extra width at one of the ends and less width at the opposite end in curved V-shapes (as viewed from the top of the case 100). In this manner, the shell 102 may compactly accommodate multiple broadheads next to each other in a smaller horizontal space than a series of cylindrical tubes. Accordingly, the widths of the broadheads may overlap when they are stored in the case 100. See FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows a section view of the case 100 taken through section lines 2-2 shown in FIG. 3. Thus, all of the retaining members 118 are shown, including the retaining members 118-d, 118-e, 118-f that are positioned at the second end 106 of the case 100. FIG. 2 also shows the outline of two example broadheads B₁, B₂ and shows that their widths W₁, W₂ may overlap within the case 100 relative to an axis extending through the end sides 126, 128 of the shell 102 (i.e., an axis extending perpendicularly through the shafts of the broadheads B₁, B₂). The widths of the retaining members 118 may also overlap. The lengths L₁, L₂ of the example broadheads B₁, B₂ may overlap within the case 100 relative to each other as well. Some of the broadheads (e.g., B₁) may point in a first direction, and other broadheads (e.g., B₂) may point in a second, opposite direction.

FIG. 3 shows an end view of the case 100 with both of the end caps 108, 109 removed. This view shows that the pairs of first and second retaining members 118, 120 form opposing C- or U-shapes with retaining tips that are all directed toward central points between the retaining members 118, 120. The retaining tips may therefore form a general X-shape with an open center. See also FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4A shows a detail view of one of the pairs of retaining members 118-f, 120-f to illustrate properties of each of the other pairs of retaining members. Retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 each extend toward a central point C located centrally between the pair of retaining members. The central point C may be configured to lie on a longitudinal axis of a shaft 208 or ferrule of a broadhead 207 held by the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206, as shown in FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, the central point C may coincide with a point from which the blades 210 of a broadhead 207 radially extend when the broadhead 207 is loaded into the case 100. This is also shown in FIG. 4B.

When the broadhead 207 is loaded into the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206, the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may elastically deflect, as shown in FIG. 4B. Each of the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may apply a biasing force against the shaft 208 of the broadhead 207 that retains and pinches on the shaft 208 from multiple opposing directions when the broadhead 207 is loaded into the case 100. These opposing forces may retain the broadhead 207 in place between the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 to keep it from moving laterally relative to its shaft 208. The retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may also have a friction fit against the shaft 208. These features may prevent the broadhead 207 from jostling around in the case 100 even when the case 100 is inverted or turned sideways.

The releasable friction fit between the broadhead shaft 208 and the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may also prevent longitudinal movement of the shaft 208 within the members 200, 202, 204, 206 unless a predetermined amount of withdrawal force is applied by a user pulling on the shaft 208 to remove it from the case 100. The predetermined amount of withdrawal force may be designed to be greater than the force that would be applied to the broadhead 207 if it is within the case 100 when the case 100 is dropped or shaken under normal usage conditions. Thus, under those conditions, the broadhead 207 may remain stably held by the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 in the case 100 even if the case 100 itself is not stationary.

When holding the broadhead 207, each of the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may contact the shaft 208 of the broadhead 207 separately and from different angles. Two of the retaining protrusions 200, 206 may contact the broadhead 207 on opposite sides of the shaft 208, and the other two retaining protrusions 202, 204 may contact the broadhead opposite each other. In FIG. 4B, the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 contact the shaft 208 at four separate positions, and the contact points of retaining protrusions 200 and 202 are angularly spaced apart relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 208 by about 65 degrees. In some embodiments, they may be spaced apart within a range of angles spanning from about 55 degrees to about 75 degrees. The contact points of the other retaining protrusions 204, 206 may also be spaced apart relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 208 by about 65 degrees. In some embodiments, they may be spaced apart within a range of angles spanning from about 55 degrees to about 75 degrees. The broadhead 207 also has four blades 210, and each of the blades 210 are positioned between two different retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 each. In other arrangements, a broadhead 212, 214 may comprise two or three blades 210, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. The retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may be shaped and configured to support the shaft 208 of the broadheads 207, 212, 214 without contacting the blades 210 when the blades 210 are positioned opposite each other (as in broadheads 207, 212) or spaced apart by 120 degrees (as in broadhead 214). Thus, the broadhead 207, 212, 214 may be retained by the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 without contacting the blades 210 against the case 100 in at least one position. Examples of such positions are shown in FIGS. 4B-4D. When a three-bladed broadhead 214 is loaded into the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206, at least two of the protrusions (e.g., 204, 206) may contact the shaft 208 of the broadhead 214 without one of the blades 210 being positioned between the at least two protrusions. At least two of the three blades 210 of the broadhead 214 may be positioned spaced apart with two of the protrusions in contact with the shaft 208 between the at least two blades 210.

Each of the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may also comprise a longitudinal axis D₁, D₂, D₃, D₄. The longitudinal axes D₁, D₂, D₃, D₄ may each intersect the central point C, and pairs of the longitudinal axes D₁, D₄ and D₂, D₃ may coincide with each other. The longitudinal axes D₁, D₂, D₃, D₄ may also generally bisect a cross-section of the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206, as shown in FIG. 4A. A pair of the longitudinal axes D₁, D₂ extend through one retaining member 118 and the other pair D₃, D₄ extend through the opposite retaining member 120. The angles between these pairs of longitudinal axes D₁, D₂ and D₃, D₄ may be smaller than the angles between the other adjacent pairs of axes D₁, D₃ and D₂, D₄. In this manner, the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may better facilitate retaining a broadhead 214 that has three blades 210 with two of the blades 210 positioned between the first and second retaining members 118, 120 since the blades 210 are spaced 120 degrees apart and could be difficult to position between two 90-degree-separated retaining protrusions without contacting the blades 210. With two blades 210 between the first and second retaining members 118, 120, the blades 210 of the three-blade broadhead 214 may be less likely to nick, cut, or otherwise come into detrimental contact with the retaining members 118, 120 while in storage.

The retaining members 118, 120 may taper toward the space centrally between the retaining members 118, 120 from the radially outward portions of the retaining members 118, 120 (i.e., where the retaining members attach to the shell 102) to the radially inward portions of the retaining members (i.e., portions that are configured to contact the shaft of the broadhead). As shown in FIG. 3, the retaining members 118, 120 may be thicker or broader at the radially outward portions (i.e., proximal portions) as compared to the radially inward portions (i.e., distal portions) of the retaining members 118, 120.

The radially outward portions of the retaining members 118, 120 may be referred to as proximal ends 216 of the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206, and the radially inward portions thereof may be referred to as distal ends 218 thereof. See FIG. 4A. The proximal ends 216 may be spaced farther apart than the distal ends 218. The proximal ends may also be broader and thicker than the distal ends 218. Thus, each of the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may have a generally triangular end profile, as shown in FIGS. 3-4D.

FIGS. 5A-5B show side section views of a first retaining member 118 and a second retaining member 120 within the shell 102. The first and second retaining members 118, 120 may have first ends 300 and second ends 302. The first ends 300 may be positioned near the first end 104 of the shell 102 and the second ends 302 may be positioned opposite the first ends 300 on the retaining members 118, 120. On the other side of the shell 102, the first ends 300 may be positioned near the second end 106 of the shell 102 and the second ends 302 may extend inward and away from the second end 106. The second ends 302 may have a cone-shaped side profile on their inward surfaces 304. The profile of the inward surfaces 304 may slope from a central axis between the retaining members 118, 120 outward toward the first and second side walls in a cone-like fashion. The tips of the second ends 302 are near each other in a manner similar to a point of a cone and their bases slope toward opposite sides 122, 124 of the shell 102. The first ends 300 similarly form a negative cone, cone-shaped recess, or funnel shape in side profile of their outward-facing surfaces 306 that slopes from being a wider opening at the proximal ends of the retaining members 118, 120 toward a narrower central opening between the retaining members 118, 120. The retaining members 118, 120 taper in a longitudinal direction, wherein the second ends 302 are pointed in comparison to the first ends 300 which form a general funnel shape. The general funnel shape of the first ends 300 may facilitate guiding the insertion of a broadhead into the retaining members 118, 120. The funnel shape of the first ends 300 may be referred to as sloping away from the first and second side walls of the case 100, meaning the funnel shapes are widest at the sidewalls and slope inward to be narrowest at the position centrally in the case 100 and away from the sidewalls. The funnel shape of the first ends 300 may also expose the sides of the shaft of the broadhead so that a user can more easily insert and remove a broadhead between the retaining members 118, 120 by grasping the lateral sides of the shaft of the broadhead with his or her fingers or with a tool.

The pointed second ends 302 may be spaced radially internally away from the shell 102, as shown by distance D in FIG. 5A. Accordingly, the tips of the second ends 302 may be configured to be more flexible than portions of the first and second retaining members 118, 120 that are radially connected to the shell 102 due to the extra distance D between the second ends 302 and the inner surface of the shell 102. The extra flexibility of the second ends 302 may allow a broadhead to be more easily manipulated within the retaining members 118, 120 without damaging the retaining members 118, 120 due to applying excess pressure to the second ends 302 if the broadhead is tilted toward the first or second side 122, 124 while positioned between the retaining members 118, 120. The narrowed tips of the second ends 302 may also conserve space within the case 100 so that adjacent retaining members 118, 120 may fit closely together within the case, as shown by the close proximity of the second ends 302 in FIG. 2. The second ends 302 overlap and form a zig-zag pattern along the horizontal direction in FIG. 2 because of their cone-shaped designs fitting between each other.

FIG. 5B shows the outline of a broadhead being held by the first and second retaining members 118, 120. The broadhead may have greater length than the length of the first and second retaining members 118, 120. Thus, the sharpened tip of the broadhead may extend into the case 100 deeper than the second ends 302 relative to the first side 104 of the shell 102. In some embodiments, the broadhead may have a shorter longitudinal length than the length of the retaining members 118, 120.

When being held in the case 100, the rear end of the shaft of the broadhead may be positioned between the first ends 300 of the retaining members 118, 120. When the shaft of the broadhead is positioned near the first side 104 (or second side 106 for retaining members 118, 120 on the other side of the shell 102), the end of the shaft may be accessed directly by the user while it is being retained by the retaining members 118, 120. Accordingly, in this position the user may easily attach the shaft of the broadhead to the shaft of an arrow or bolt without having to first remove the broadhead from the case 100. For example, the shaft of an arrow may be threaded and tightened to the end of the broadhead without removing the broadhead from the case 100. This may be advantageous since the case 100 keeps the extremely sharp blades and other portions of the broadhead from being exposed to the user while the broadhead is being attached to the arrow or bolt shaft. Thus, the sharp portions of the broadhead are protected from being dulled by contact with their surroundings. The user is also prevented from touching the sharp portions until the broadhead has been secured to the arrow or bolt, at which point the user can better and more safely manipulate the broadhead since it is connected to the arrow or bolt and can be moved without having to grasp the broadhead shaft or its blades.

FIG. 6 shows a partial exploded view of the case 100 in which the shell 102 is separated from a pair of retaining members 118, 120. The retaining members 118, 120 may be removed for maintenance or repair. In some embodiments, the retaining members 118, 120 may be removed and replaced with other retaining members that have different dimensions or shapes in order to facilitate storage of larger or smaller broadheads. An aperture or slot 132 may be formed in the shell 102 for each of the retaining members 118, 120, and each of the retaining members 118, 120 may have a protrusion 130 that slides into an remains frictionally fit within the aperture or slot 132. When the time comes to remove the retaining members 118, 120, sufficient force may be applied to the protrusion 130 to overcome the frictional engagement between the protrusion 130 and the slot 132. Such force may be greater than the force needed to withdraw a broadhead from a position between the retaining members 118, 120 so that withdrawing the broadhead does not also pull the retaining members 118, 120 from the slots 132.

The protrusions 130 may comprise a narrow portion 400 and a broadened portion 402. Thus, the protrusions 130 may be described as having a T-shaped end profile and cross-section. The narrow portion 400 may fit within the aperture or slot 132, and the broadened portion 402 may be configured to be external to the aperture or slot 132. Thus, the protrusions 130 may attach the retaining members 118, 120 to the shell 102 using an interference fit in a lateral direction relative to an axis running centrally between the retaining members 118, 120.

The protrusions 130 may also comprise a flexible, compressible material such as a rubber or foam rubber material that compresses upon insertion of the narrow portion 400 into the aperture or slot 132. The compression of the material within the aperture or slot 132 may apply a force against the sides of the aperture or slot 132 and may thereby increase friction against the aperture or slot 132. The increased friction may allow the retaining members 118, 120 to be removed from the apertures or slots 132 when significant effort is applied to remove them, but it may also prevent the retaining members 118, 120 from sliding out of the apertures or slots 132 when a broadhead is pulled from the case 100 between the retaining members 118, 120.

The protrusions 130 may also be configured to come into contact the inner surface of the end cap 108 when the end cap 108 is positioned around one of the sides 104, 106 of the shell 102. Because the protrusions 130 may comprise a resilient and flexible material, the protrusions 130 may deflect inward (i.e., toward their respective bays 112, 114, 116) when the end cap 108 is pushed onto their side 104/106 of the shell 102. Contact between the resilient material on the protrusions 130 and the end cap 108 may help reduce slippage of the end cap 108 from the shell 102 and may reduce relative shaking or vibration between the shell 102 and the end cap 108. In some arrangements, an end cap 108 may be friction-fit onto the shell 102 by contacting the protrusions 130. Thus, the end cap 108 may be held onto the shell 102 without using a connection to the tabs 134.

FIG. 7 shows one of the end sides 126 of the shell 102 with its deflectable tabs 134 at the first and second ends 104, 106. The tabs 134 may each comprise a base portion 136 proximally connected to the end side 126, a grip portion 138, and a distal hook portion 140. The tabs 134 may be resiliently deflected at the grip portion 138 by pressing the grip portion 138 toward the interior of the shell 102. Deflection of the grip portion 138 may also deflect the distal hook portion 140 inward. With the distal hook portion 140 deflected inward, the cap 109 may be advanced over the first side 104 of the shell 102. The distal hook portion 140 may then return to its rest position by deflecting outward into the aperture 142 in the cap 109. At that point, it may hold the cap 109 in place unless the tab 134 is depressed inward again. Because there are two tabs 134 on each side 104, 106 of the shell 102, each of the caps 108, 109 may be retained by a tab 134 on each end. The tabs 134 may lock the outer shell 102 to the caps 108, 109. The tabs 134 may be referred to as push-button tabs since they may be pressed inward like a button to make them deflect and unlock the caps 108, 109. With a cap 108, 109 on each end of the case 100, the enlarged bays 112, 114, 116 on one side 104, 106 may be accessed separate from bays 112, 114, 116 on the other side 106, 104. Thus, broadheads on one side of the case 100 may be covered and protected when broadheads on the other side of the case are accessed.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a broadhead case 800 according to the present disclosure. The case 800 may be similar to the case 100 in most respects, such as by including retaining members 118, 120 that hold a plurality of broadheads in the case 800. Case 800 may also include a plurality of rigid posts 812 or ribs that extend between the first and second sides 822, 824 of the shell 802. The rigid posts 812 may be strategically positioned in the case 800 in order to improve its overall rigidity and to limit the amount of flexure of the shell 802 when compressive or tensile forces are applied to one of the first and second sides 822, 824 relative to the opposite side. For example, if a compressive force is applied to the second side 824 that pushes it toward the first side 822, the posts 812 may help prevent bending of the first or second sides 822, 824 so that the sides 822, 824 do not come into contact with blades of broadheads stored in the case 800. The increased rigidity may also help prevent the shell 802 from flexing in a manner that causes a cap attached to the shell 802 to loosen or fall off of the shell 802. If a tensile force is applied to the first side 822 of the shell 802, the posts 812 may help ensure that the first side 822 is not significantly pulled away from the second side 824 in a manner that could cause the broadheads stored in the case 800 to come loose from retaining members 118, 120 therein.

Some aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in connection with methods for storing arrow points using an arrow point container or case and methods for making and using a broadhead case. In an example embodiment, the method may comprise providing an arrow point container that comprises an outer shell. The outer shell may have a first side, a second side, and an inner chamber. A plurality of finger members may extend into the inner chamber with at least two of the finger members extending inward from the first side toward a midpoint of the inner chamber and two other finger members extending inward from the second side toward the midpoint. In some embodiments, the midpoint may be a central point between the finger members. The finger members may be connected to and part of retaining members attached to the container or case.

The method may also include providing an arrow point having a body portion (e.g., a shaft), a blade portion (e.g., blades), and a tip (e.g., a point). The tip of the arrow point may be inserted into the inner chamber of the case or container at a first position with the plurality of finger members contacting the body portion and being spaced away from the blade portion in the first position. The tip of the arrow point may also be inserted into the inner chamber to a second position in which the plurality of finger members are resiliently flexed by contact with the body portion. In one embodiment, the first position may be an entry position for a broadhead. For example, in the first position the tip of the broadhead may be positioned between first ends 300 of a pair of adjacent retaining members 118, 120 in contact with the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 without deflecting them. In the second position, the broadhead may be inserted between the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 and may thereby resiliently deflect them and may be held in that position by the retaining members 118, 120.

Another embodiment may relate to a method for attaching a shaft of a projectile such as an arrow or a bolt to an arrow point. The method may include providing an arrow point container or case having an arrow point positioned within it. The arrow point case may have an access opening through which the shaft or body portion of the arrow point may be reached. The method may include aligning the bolt or arrow shaft with the shaft or body portion of the arrow point while the arrow point is held within the case, attaching the shaft of the bolt or arrow to the shaft or body portion of the arrow point, and then withdrawing the arrow point from the case through the access opening using the shaft of the arrow or bolt. Throughout this process, the user may not have to touch the arrow point, which may only need to be indirectly supported by holding the case. The arrow point may be held in place by fingers or ridges that contact the body portion or shaft of the arrow point on four sides. The fingers or ridges may hold the body portion and prevent it from rotating relative to the case while the shaft of the arrow or bolt is attached to the shaft or body portion of the arrow point.

Various inventions have been described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, they will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions disclosed herein, in that those inventions set forth in the claims below are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the inventions disclosed without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The terms “including:” and “having” come as used in the specification and claims shall have the same meaning as the term “comprising.”

Claims

1. A case for storage and transportation of sharpened arrow points without dulling sharpened edges of the arrow points, the case comprising: an outer shell enclosing an inner chamber, the outer shell comprising at least one access opening to the inner chamber, the inner chamber having a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first and second sidewalls opposing each other;a first retaining member attached to and extending inward from the first sidewall;a second retaining member attached to and extending inward from the first sidewall;a third retaining member attached to and extending inward from the second sidewall;a fourth retaining member attached to and extending inward from the second sidewall;wherein a central point is positioned between the first, second, third, and fourth retaining members, the central point being configured to be coincident with an axis of a shaft of an arrow point when the arrow point is positioned in contact with the first, second, third, and fourth retaining members.

2. The case of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth retaining members respectively comprise a first, second, third, and fourth distal tip, each of the distal tips converging toward the central point.

3. The case of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth retaining members each respectively comprise a first, second, third, and fourth distal end and each respectively comprise a first, second, third, and fourth proximal end, the distal ends being configured to contact the shaft of the arrow point, the proximal ends of the first and second retaining members being spaced apart farther from each other than the distal ends of the first and second retaining members, the proximal ends of the third and fourth retaining members being spaced apart farther from each other than the distal ends of the third and fourth retaining members.

4. The case of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth retaining members each respectively comprise a first, second, third, and fourth distal end and each respectively comprise a first, second, third, and fourth proximal end, the distal ends being configured to contact the shaft of the arrow point, the proximal ends being broader than the distal ends.

5. The case of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth retaining members comprise a flexible material and the outer shell comprises a relatively rigid material.

6. The case of claim 1, wherein the outer shell comprises two access openings into the inner chamber, the access openings being on opposite sides of the outer shell.

7. The case of claim 1, further comprising a cap configured to cover the at least one access opening, the cap being locked to the outer shell using at least one push-button tab.

8. The case of claim 1, wherein the outer shell is configured to contain a plurality of arrow points simultaneously.

9. The case of claim 8, wherein a first portion of the plurality of arrow points are configured to point in a direction opposite a second portion of the plurality of arrow points.

10. A sharpened arrow point retainer, the retainer comprising: an outer shell enclosing an inner chamber, the outer shell comprising at least one access opening to the inner chamber, the outer shell comprising a first side wall and a second side wall;a first retaining member attached to the first side wall of the outer shell, the first retaining member having a first ridge and a second ridge extending into the inner chamber;a second retaining member attached to the second side wall of the outer shell, the second retaining member having a third ridge and a fourth ridge extending into the inner chamber;wherein the first, second, third, and fourth ridges are configured to contact a body portion of an arrow point without contacting a blade portion of the arrow point.

11. The retainer of claim 10, wherein the first and second retaining members each have a general C- or U-shape.

12. The retainer of claim 10, wherein the first retaining member comprises a protrusion extending through the outer shell.

13. The retainer of claim 12, wherein the protrusion has a t-shaped cross-section.

14. The retainer of claim 10, further comprising an arrow point and a shaft, the arrow point being positioned in contact with the first, second, third, and fourth ridges, the shaft being connected to the arrow point and extending away from the inner chamber.

15. The retainer of claim 10, wherein the first and second retaining members form a funnel shape sloping away from the first and second side walls.

16. The retainer of claim 10, wherein the first and second retaining members form a cone shape sloping toward the first and second side walls.

17. The retainer of claim 10, wherein the outer shell comprises a rigid material and the first and second retaining members comprise a relatively compliant material.

18. A method of storing arrow points using an arrow point retainer, the method comprising: providing an arrow point retainer, the arrow point retainer comprising an outer shell, the outer shell having a first side, a second side, and an inner chamber, the arrow point container comprising a plurality of finger members extending into the inner chamber, at least a first two of the plurality of finger members extending inward from the first side toward a midpoint of the inner chamber, at least a second two of the plurality of finger members extending inward from the second side toward the midpoint;providing an arrow point having a body portion, a blade portion, and a tip;inserting the tip of the arrow point into the inner chamber of the arrow point retainer at a first position, the plurality of finger members contacting the body portion and being spaced away from the blade portion in the first position;inserting the tip of the arrow point into the inner chamber of the arrow point retainer at a second position, the plurality of finger members being resiliently flexed by contact with the body portion at the second position.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising inserting a plurality of arrow points into the arrow point retainer.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising inserting an arrow point from a first side of the arrow point retainer and inserting an arrow point from a second side of the arrow point container, the second side being opposite the first side.