Abstract:
An insert/outsert assembly for an arrow. The insert includes a cylindrical body having first and second ends. The second end of the insert is dimensioned to fit within the bore of an arrow shaft. The first end includes a prong containing male threads. The outsert includes a cylindrical wall with an arrowshaft end and an arrowhead end. A center bore extends between the arrowshaft and arrowhead ends. The center bore contains a threaded region with female threads located intermediate of the arrowhead end and arrowshaft end. The insert is threadedly connected to the outsert. An arrowhead is threadedly connected to the outsert.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/040,049, filed on Aug. 21, 2014, which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an insert/outsert assembly for arrows. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Embodiments of the invention include and insert and outsert for an arrow or an insert/outsert assembly. The insert/outsert assembly may include an insert having a cylindrical body with a first end and a second end. The second end may be dimensioned to fit within a bore of an arrow shaft. The first end may terminate in a prong containing male threads. The insert/outsert assembly may also include an outsert having a cylindrical wall with an arrowshaft end and an arrowhead end. The cylindrical wall may also include a center bore extending between the arrowshaft end and the arrowhead end. The center bore may contain a threaded region containing female threads. The threaded region may be located intermediate of the arrowhead end and the arrowshaft end and may extend between a top shoulder and a bottom shoulder. The female threads of the threaded region may be threadedly connectable to the male threads of the prong. 
         [0004]    In an embodiment, the insert may include a radially extending flange positioned at the first end below the prong. The radially extending flange may have an upper edge that receives and supports an arrowhead shoulder of an arrowhead. The radially extending flange may also have a bottom edge that contacts a terminal end of an arrow shaft. 
         [0005]    In an embodiment, the outer surface of the second end of the insert includes a plurality of pockets. The plurality of pockets may be dimensioned to receive a glue. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment, the arrowshaft end of the cylindrical wall of the outsert may be tapered. The arrowshaft end of the cylindrical wall of the outsert may be tapered inwardly. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment, the center bore of the outsert may contain an arrowhead adapter chamber positioned above the threaded region. The arrowhead adapter chamber may be dimensioned to accommodate an arrowhead adapter section of an arrowhead. The center bore of the outsert may contain an arrowshaft chamber positioned below the threaded region. The arrowshaft chamber may be dimensioned to accommodate a terminal end of the arrow shaft. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, the insert/outsert assembly also includes an arrowhead. The arrowhead may include an arrowhead adapter section with an extension member containing male threads for threaded connection to the female threads of the threaded region of the outsert. The arrowhead adapter section may include an arrowhead shoulder that contacts a top edge of the arrowhead adapter chamber. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment an assembly for an arrow is provided that includes an insert having a cylindrical body with a first end and a second end. The second end may be dimensioned to fit within a bore of an arrow shaft. The first end may terminate in a prong containing male threads. The assembly may include an arrowhead including an upper target penetrating section and a lower insert connecting section. The lower insert connecting section may include a bottom wall section containing an interior bore that terminates at a threaded region section. The threaded region section may include female threads for connecting with the male threads of the prong of the insert. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the upper target penetrating section may be a broadhead or a practice point. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, the bottom wall section may be tapered. The bottom wall section may be tapered inwardly. 
         [0012]    Embodiments of the invention also include a method of assembling an arrow. The method may include the step of providing an insert/outsert assembly comprising: an insert having a cylindrical body with a first end and a second end, the second end dimensioned to fit within a bore of an arrow shaft, the first end terminating in a prong containing male threads; an outsert having a cylindrical wall with an arrowshaft end and an arrowhead end, a center bore extending between the arrowshaft end and the arrowhead end, the center bore containing a threaded region containing female threads, the threaded region located intermediate of the arrowhead end and the arrowshaft end and extending between a top shoulder and a bottom shoulder, the female threads of the threaded region being threadedly connectable to the male threads of the prong. The method may also include the step of inserting the second end of the insert into the bore of the arrowshaft. The method may also include the step of threadedly connecting the outsert to the insert. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, the method may include the step of gluing the second end of the insert to an internal bore wall of the arrowshaft. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, the method may include the step of providing an arrowhead, the arrowhead including an arrowhead adapter section with an extension member containing male threads for threaded connection to the female threads of the threaded region of the outsert. The method also may include the step of threadedly connecting the arrowhead to the outsert. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment, the arrowhead may be threadedly connected to the outsert before the outsert is threadedly connected to the insert. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, the method may also include the steps of: disconnecting the arrowhead from the outsert; disconnecting the outsert from the insert; threadedly connecting a second outsert to the insert, the second outsert having a weight different from the disconnected outsert; and threadedly reconnecting the disconnected arrowhead to the second outsert. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an outsert. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an insert in operative association with an arrow. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an insert/outsert assembly in operative association with an arrow. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an arrowhead. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an arrowhead in the form of a broadhead that may be used with the insert shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an arrowhead in the form of a practice point that may be used with the insert shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an arrowhead operatively associated with an embodiment of an insert/outsert assembly in operative position on an arrow.  
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , outsert  200  may contain cylindrical wall  213  with center bore  201 . Outsert  200  may also include arrow shaft end  220  and arrowhead end  230 . At arrow shaft end  220 , cylindrical wall  213  may contain tapered section  214 . Tapered section  214  may taper inwardly so that the thickness of cylindrical wall  213  gradually thins at arrowhead shaft end  230  to provide a smooth transition between outsert  200  and arrow shaft  40  when outsert  200  is operatively positioned about arrow shaft  40  as seen in  FIG. 3 . The transition between a constant diameter of cylindrical wall  213  and tapered section  214  may begin at a position that is approximately half the length of arrow shaft chamber  211 . Arrow shaft chamber  211  may be formed in the section of center bore  201  that is positioned adjacent the arrow shaft end  220 . Arrow shaft chamber  211  may have an inner diameter substantially equal to or slightly greater than that of the outer diameter of arrow shaft  40  to receive arrow shaft  40  in arrow shaft chamber  211 . The inner diameter of arrow shaft chamber  211  may vary based on the outer diameter of the mating arrow shaft  40 . With the outsert shaft end  220  surrounding the terminating end of arrow shaft  40 , outsert  200  (in operative connection with insert  100 ) provides structural support and additional strength to the terminal end of arrow shaft  40 , a traditionally weak point in an arrow. The length of tapered section  214  may vary. In one embodiment, tapered section  214  may have a length of about 0.2 to 1.5 inches or 0.5 to 0.75 inches. 
         [0025]    Again with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , center bore  201  of outsert  200  may include interior top shoulder  250  and interior bottom shoulder  260 . In the region of cylindrical wall  213  between interior top and bottom shoulders  250 ,  260 , cylindrical wall  213  is thicker and accommodates interior female threaded region  210 . Female threaded region  210  is designed to threadedly engage with cooperating male threads of prong  117  of insert  100  and with cooperating male threads of extension member  511  of arrowhead adaptor section  510  of arrowhead  300 . In one exemplary embodiment, interior female threaded region  210  may be from about 0.1 inches to 1.5 inches, or from about 0.03 inches to 1.0 inches, or about 0.5 inches in length. Top interior shoulder  250  may be chamfered to accommodate any curvature in arrowhead shoulder  512 . 
         [0026]    As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , arrowhead adapter chamber  212  may be formed in the section of center bore  201  above interior top shoulder  250 . Arrowhead adapter chamber  212  may be sized to accommodate smooth cylindrical end  513  of the arrowhead adaptor  510 . Top edge  240  of arrowhead adaptor chamber  212  may be chamfered to accommodate any curvature in arrowhead adaptor  510  at or near arrowhead shoulder  515 . In exemplary embodiments, the inner diameter of arrowhead chamber  212  may range from 0.20 to 0.25 inches or from 0.231 to 0.243 inches, or about 0.205 inches. 
         [0027]    The length of outsert  200  can vary. Exemplary lengths may be about 1.0 to 2.0 inches or 1.41 inches to 1.62 inches. 
         [0028]    Extension member  511  of arrowhead adapter section  510  of arrowhead  300  may secured to outsert  200  by threaded connection between the male threads on extension member  511  of arrowhead  300  and the threads on interior female threaded region  210  of outsert  200 . Shoulder  512  of arrowhead adapter  510  will contact and seat on interior top shoulder  250  of outsert  200 . 
         [0029]    The material composition of outsert  200 , its overall length and wall thickness, can vary to provide for multiple outserts  200  having different weights. Outserts of differing weights provides the feature of a variable weighted arrow. For example, an archer has the option of changing the weight at the front of arrow  40  to better suit the archery application and to help fine tune arrow  40  for optimum flight characteristics by selecting an outsert  200  of a desired weight. The weight of outsert  200  may range from about 30 to 100 grains or from about 0.068 to 0.228 ounces.  FIG. 2  depicts an embodiment of insert  100  inserted into a chamber or centerbore  122  in arrow shaft  40 . Insert  100  may include cylindrical lower body  115  that terminates in a flange, collar or stop  116 , above which is upwardly extending male prong  117  containing threads. Prong  117  is positioned on the center axis of insert  100 . Prong  117  is sized to threadedly engage with interior female threaded region  210  of the outsert  200 . Cylindrical lower body  115  of insert  100  may have one or more grooves, slots, or pockets  118 , such as the circumferential pockets  118  shown in  FIG. 2 , or other surface variations to accommodate glue or adhesive. When threadedly connected with outsert  200 , the upper edge  120  of insert stop  116  may seat against interior bottom shoulder  260  of outsert  200 . The length of insert  100  may vary. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of insert  100  may be from about 1.0 to 2.0 inches or about 1.5 inches. The outer diameter of insert  100  at lower body end  115  may be from about 1.0 to 2.0 inches or about 1.65 inches. 
         [0030]    Both insert  100  and outsert  200  may be made of high carbon steel, stainless steel, or other metal alloy, such as aluminum or magnesium. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  shows insert  100  an outsert  200  (or the insert/outsert assembly) installed to arrow shaft  40 . To assemble the insert/outsert assembly within arrow shaft  40 , insert  100  is fixed in center bore  122  of the arrow shaft  40 . Bottom edge  124  of insert stop  116  contacts terminal end  42  of the arrow shaft  40 . Insert  100  may be fixed within center bore  122  by contact of the outer surface of lower cylindrical body  115  with the inner surface of bore wall  44  of arrow shaft  40 . Alternatively, the outer surface of lower cylindrical body  115  of insert  100  may be glued to bore wall  44 . The glue may be placed within pockets  118 . Outsert  200  is then threadedly connected to insert  100  by mating the female threads of interior female threaded region  210  to the male threads of prong  117  until top edge  120  of insert stop  116  contacts shoulder  260 . Arrowhead  300  may now be threadedly connected to outsert  200  by mating the male threads of extension member  511  to the female threads of interior female threaded region  210 . Alternatively, arrowhead  300  could be first threaded connected to outsert  200  and then the assembly of the arrowhead  40  and outsert  200  threaded connected to insert  100  as described above. 
         [0032]    The insert/outsert assembly allows for ease of assembly, strengthens the tip of arrow shaft  40 , and provides the ability to change tip weights and tip configurations without removing the glued insert from arrow shaft  40 , thus avoiding damaging the arrow shaft. 
         [0033]    Additionally, the system also allows an archer to disassemble outsert  200  from insert  100  so that insert  100  may be used as a means to directly connect with an arrowhead that is modified to threadedly connect with prong  117  of insert  100 . For example, arrowhead  300  may be modified to remove arrowhead adapter section  510 , which is replaced with a female adapter capable of threadedly connecting to prong  117  of insert  100 . 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , broadhead  300  is configured with bottom wall section  79  that contains interior bore  71  that terminates in female threaded region section  70 . Bottom wall section  79  may contain tapered section  74  similar in design and function as described above in connection with tapered section  214  of outsert  200 . Female threaded region section  70  is threadedly connected to the male threads of prong  117  to directly connect arrowhead  300  to insert  100 . 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , practice point  20  is configured with bottom wall section  28  that contains interior bore  21  that terminates in female threaded region section  22 . Bottom wall section  28  may contain tapered section  14  similar in design and function as described above in connection with tapered section  214  of outsert  200 . Female threaded region section  22  is threadedly connected to the male threads of prong  117  to directly connect practice point  20  to insert  100 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  shows insert/outsert assembly operatively positioned within arrow shaft  40  with arrowhead  300  operatively connected to the insert/outsert assembly as described above. 
         [0037]    While the illustrative forms disclosed herein have been described with particularity, it will be understood that various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the example and descriptions set forth herein, but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all the features of patentable novelty which reside herein, including all features which would be treated as equivalents thereof by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains