Mechanical broadhead

A mechanical broadhead, which has blades movable from a retracted mode to a deployed mode, is provided with ball and socket members that hold the blades in the retracted mode, and selectively release the blades to the deployed mode. The ball and socket members, which can be on the blades and/or on a retainer element, can be snapped together to provide an audible snap confirming locking of the blades in the retracted mode. The mechanical broadhead can include first and second ferrule portions removably joined with one another. The second ferrule portion can acquire a blocking mode to block a removal opening of a ferrule slot defined in the first ferrule portion so that blade cannot be removed from respective ferrule slots. The second ferrule portion can achieve a removal mode so that the blades can be removed from the slots.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a mechanical broadhead, and more particularly, to a mechanical broadhead including movable blades, such as rearward deploying/sliding blades or pivoting blades.

A mechanical broadhead, sometimes referred to as an expanding blade broadhead, includes blades joined with a ferrule so that the blades can move from a retracted in-flight position to a deployed position upon engagement with a target. Mechanical broadheads generally have the flight characteristics of a field point, yet the penetration and cutting characteristics of a fixed blade broadhead.

One type of mechanical broadhead is a pivoting blade broadhead. This broadhead includes blades located in a slot defined by a ferrule so that the cutting edges of the blades face inward in the retracted, in-flight position. The blades are pivotally joined with the ferrule at their rear so they can rotate from the retracted, in-flight position to a deployed position on impact with the target. In the deployed position, the cutting edges of the blades face outward so that they can enhance penetration and cutting action.

Another type of mechanical broadhead is a rearward deploying or sliding blade broadhead. Such broadheads generally include blades having cutting edges that always face outwardly, and that are designed to slide rearward relative to a ferrule from a retracted in-flight mode to a deployed mode.

Almost all mechanical broadheads include a mechanism to retain the blades in a retracted mode while the broadhead is in-flight. Some rearward deploying broadheads and some pivoting broadheads use O-rings, wraps or bands secured around the blades and the ferrule to hold the blades in-flight. When the blades deploy, these devices are cut, or roll or slide off the broadhead. Many of these devices, however, are prone to rotting or cracking, which can lead to failure of the device, and possibly the unintended and undesirable opening of the blades in-flight. Some pivoting blade broadheads use blade detents or a plunger system located internally within the ferrule to secure the pivoting blades in the in-flight position.

Yet other rearward deploying broadheads utilize metal retaining clips that push outward on a blade to urge and maintain the blade in a retracted state. Such clips are commercially available from G5 Outdoors, LLC, and are generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,449,416 to Grace et al. While the clips can retain blades in a retained state, they can be complicated and sometimes difficult to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A mechanical broadhead having blades movable from a retracted mode to a deployed mode is provided including an external retainer element which holds the blades in the retracted mode, but also selectively releases the blades so that they can move to the deployed mode.

In one embodiment, the broadhead includes a ferrule having an exterior and defining a ferrule slot, and a blade movably positioned in the ferrule slot, and a retraction element that secures the blade in the retracted mode. The blade can include a first ball and socket member located adjacent the exterior of the ferrule. The retaining element can include a second ball and socket member also located adjacent the exterior of the ferrule. The second ball and socket member engages the first ball and socket member to hold the blade in the retracted mode. The ball and socket members provide an efficient and secure way to lock and release the blades.

In another embodiment, the ball and socket members, which can be on the blades and/or on the retainer element, can be snapped together to provide an audible sound confirming locking of the blades in the retracted mode. In this manner, a user can audibly perceive that the blades are secured in the retracted mode.

In yet another embodiment, the ferrule includes a retainer element indexing recess and the retainer element includes a collar with an indexing projection extending upwardly from the collar. The indexing projection is able to be registered in the retainer element indexing recess so that the first ball and socket member precisely aligns with the second ball and socket member. This can facilitate quick and easy assembly and repair of the broadhead.

In still another embodiment, the blade can be constructed so that it engages the ferrule and retainer element at only two regions. For example, the blade can include a fulcrum. The blade only engages the ferrule at the fulcrum, and only engages the retainer element at the first ball and socket member. This enables the blade to have only two regions of contact to connect the blade to the broadhead. This can minimize friction on blade deployment, and simplify movement of the blades.

In still yet another embodiment, the ball and socket member of the blade can be configured to travel on different paths when the blade is being converted to a retracted mode, versus when the blade is being deployed to the deployed mode. For example, the blade ball and socket member can travel radially, along a first path toward a longitudinal axis of the ferrule when the blade is being converted to the retracted mode. The blade ball and socket member alternatively can travel along a second path parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ferrule, and transverse to the first path, when the blade is initially being deployed to a deployed mode from the retracted mode. These different travel paths can facilitate efficient installation and deployment of the blades.

In a further embodiment, the broadhead can include first and second ferrule portions removably joined with one another. The second ferrule portion can acquire a blocking mode to block a removal opening of a ferrule slot defined in the first ferrule portion so that the blade cannot be removed from the slot. The second ferrule portion can achieve a removal mode so that the blade can be removed from the slot.

In yet a further embodiment, the first ferrule portion can define a cavity that is in communication with the removal opening. In the blocking mode, the second ferrule portion can be disposed in the cavity and can obstruct the removal opening. Optionally, the second ferrule portion and the cavity can include corresponding threads. The second ferrule portion can be unthreaded and removed at least partially from the first ferrule portion to achieve the removal mode.

The broadhead of the embodiments herein provides an efficient mechanism by which to securely hold blades of the broadhead in a retracted mode. When utilized, the retainer element can withstand the elements and generally is of a durable, long lasting and optionally reusable construction. Further, the two-part ferrule can provide an efficient way to secure and guide movable blades, yet provide easy access for repair and replacement of the same.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be more readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the current embodiments and the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

A current embodiment of the broadhead is shown inFIGS. 1-9and generally designated10. The broadhead can include a retainer element20and one or more blades30joined with a ferrule40. For purposes of disclosure, the broadhead is described in connection with use on an archery arrow, however, the broadhead is well suited for use with any projectile.

The broadhead of the current embodiment can be a rearward deploying, sliding blade type broadhead. This type of broadhead transitions from a retracted mode as shown inFIGS. 1-2to a retracted mode shown inFIGS. 3-4. In the retracted mode, the broadhead is of a smaller cross section so that it performs well in flight. In the expanded mode, the blades30are rearwardly deployed to increase the cutting area of the broadhead. The constructions herein also are suitable for use with other rearward deploying broadheads, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,976 to Grace, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,449,416 to Grace, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Of course, the constructions herein are also suited for use with rearward pivoting type broadheads, of the type generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,881 to Grace, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Returning toFIGS. 1-4, the broadhead10includes a ferrule40. The forward portion of the ferrule40includes a penetrating tip43. The penetrating tip may be an integral or removable feature, and can be sharpened to enhance penetration upon engagement with a target. The rearward end of the ferrule includes a stem45. The stem45can include threads or other suitable structures to enable attachment of the ferrule40to an arrow insert or more generally to an arrow (not shown). The ferrule40further can define a longitudinal axis LA that extends longitudinally along the length of the ferrule40, generally through the center of the ferrule.

The ferrule40can include a first ferrule portion50and a second ferrule portion60. The first ferrule portion50can include the penetrating tip43. The second portion can include the stem45. The first and second ferrule portions can be removably joined with one another. For example, the first ferrule portion50can include a cavity52defined inwardly from an exterior surface46of the ferrule40and in particular the first ferrule portion50. This cavity52can include a threaded portion52T. The second ferrule portion60can include a second threaded portion62T. The second set of threads62T can be separated from the stem threads45T that join the broadhead10to an arrow insert by an unthreaded middle section64. Of course, this middle section64can in some cases be threaded, and optionally, the entire second portion can be threaded from one end to the other. As shown, however, the second portion60can include its own internal cavities65four weight savings and/or to calibrate the broadhead to a particular grain/weight. The second portion60also can include a seating flange66that seats against a rearward shoulder56of the first ferrule portion50when the second portion is fully installed in the first portion and relative to the first portion50.

As shown inFIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the first ferrule portion50can define ferrule slots54that extend longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The ferrule slots can be configured to accommodate a portion of the blades30as described below. The ferrule slots54can be of a T-shaped or keyhole structure with a fulcrum38of the blade extending transversely to the longitudinal axis LA and movably registered within the slots54. Each ferrule slot54can include a blade sliding portion57and a removal opening58. The blade sliding portion57can be of a width SW1that is sufficient to enable the blade30to slide with its first and second sides31and32immediately adjacent the edges of the blade sliding portion57. The width of the blade30from one side surface31to the second side surface32is a blade with BW1. This blade width BW1is less than the slot width SW1, so that the fulcrum portion of the blade can slide in the slot. The blade30also can include a second blade width BW2associated with and measured at the fulcrum38. This width BW2is greater than the width SW1of the blade sliding portion57of the slot. Accordingly, when the fulcrum38is slidably journaled in the slot54, the fulcrum cannot protrude through or exit through the blade sliding portion57. In this manner, the fulcrum is entrapped in the slot54generally under the opposing edges57E of the blade sliding portion57.

The slot54also can include a removal opening58. This removal opening can be formed at a terminal and of the ferrule slot54. Although shown as a generally closed opening58that only opens to the remainder of the sliding blade portion57, this opening can alternatively be constructed to extend completely to the rearward end or shoulder56of the first ferrule portion50. Thus, the ends of each slot54would open at the end56of the first ferrule portion50. As illustrated however, the removal openings58can be closed to the environment and in communication with the ferrule slots54.

As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, the fulcrum38can be a partially spherical element, sometimes referred to as a ball herein. This element can be journaled in the main cavity54M of the ferrule slot54and can slide along and/or within it. The main cavity54M can have a similar rounded in/or circular cross-section to receive the rounded fulcrum38as shown. In other constructions, the fulcrum can be of other geometric shapes. For example, it can be cylindrical with a longitudinal axis of the cylinder transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the broadhead. Alternatively, can be polygonal, for example, in the form of a rectangle. In these other constructions, the main cavity54M can be similarly shaped to receive the fulcrum38. It also is to be noted that although referred to as a fulcrum, the fulcrum38might not necessarily be a point or location about which the blade30rotates. Although, as shown, it generally can rotate about the fulcrum38, or at least a portion of it. Optionally, the fulcrum38can be replaced with any suitable feature adapted to engage the ferrule slot and enable the blade to rotate generally about the axis of rotation AR1in deploying from a retracted mode to a deployed mode.

As shown inFIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the first50and second60ferrule portions can be removably joined with one another in a particular manner to entrap the fulcrum38in the main cavity54M and in the slot54so that the fulcrum does not readily escape the same and so the blade remains associated with the ferrule40. In particular, the second ferrule portion can include a removal opening obstruction portion67. This obstruction portion67can be distanced from the seating flange66a particular distance so that when the second portion60is threaded into the first portion50, the obstruction portion67obstructs at least a portion of the removal opening58. As shown inFIG. 4, the removal opening obstruction portion67can project into the cavity52of the first ferrule portion50. The obstruction portion67also can obstruct the removal opening58by a distance or amount OT. This distance OT can be a minor portion of the removal opening58, a major portion of the removal opening58or slightly more than half of the removal opening58, depending on the application. With the obstruction portion67obstructing the removal opening58, the fulcrum38as shown inFIG. 4engages the removal opening obstruction portion67and the interior surfaces of the ferrule main cavity54M. Accordingly, that fulcrum38cannot exit through the removal opening58because the size of the opening has been reduced to dimensions that are less than the dimensions of the fulcrum38.

In some cases, it is helpful to remove and replace blades30relative to the ferrule40. The first and second ferrule portions50and60are suitable for this activity. For example, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, a user can unthread or rotate the second ferrule portion60in direction E as shown. The second portion60thus moves in direction F. The threads62T unthread from the threads52T. In turn, the removal opening obstruction portion67is at least partially removed from the cavity52. As a result, the removal obstruction portion67moves to the location of the obstruction portion67′ shown inFIG. 4in broken lines of portion67′. In this configuration, or when the second portion60is removed from the first portion50, the second portion is in a removed mode. In the removed mode, the dimension of the removal opening RO1of the removal opening58is no longer obstructed. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 5, the fulcrum38can be moved in direction B down and within the ferrule slot. Thus, the fulcrum can be pulled out in a transverse direction to remove the blade30from the ferrule40. Optionally, the removal opening obstruction portion67can be in the form of an annular and/or cylindrical protrusion that is at least partially hollow and defines a portion of a cavity65. In some cases, the obstructing portion67also can include a key way67K. This keyway can be engageable by a tool to optionally remove the second portion60from an arrow.

In some cases, the second portion60can be completely removed from the first portion to provide service and repair to various components of the broadhead. This is illustrated inFIG. 5with complete removal of all the major components of the broadhead.

To install the blade30, the fulcrum38is moved through the removal opening58and into the main cavity54M of the ferrule slot54. The blade can be slid forward, toward the penetrating end43. The second portion60can be installed and rotated in a reverse direction of E thereafter, and threaded into the cavity52until the seating flange66seats against the rearward edge56of the first ferrule portion50. When the seating occurs, the removal opening obstruction portion67obstructs and blocks the removal opening in a blocking mode so that the blade cannot be removed. In particular, the fulcrum38cannot be moved through the removal opening58.

Optionally, the removal opening58forms a terminal end of the ferrule slot54. In this manner, the removal opening opens outward, through a sidewall59of the ferrule first portion. Thus, in this construction, the ferrule slot and removal opening are fully bounded by the sidewall59and generally some portion of the first ferrule portion50.

Further optionally, the various ferrule slots54can be discontinuous and separated from one another by structure of the first ferrule portion50. Those slots however can be in communication with and can open up to the cavity52within which the second portion60is inserted. Generally, each of the ferrule slots54can be offset from and parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. The cavity52may be centered on the longitudinal axis LA.

As shown inFIGS. 1-5, the ferrule40can define an exterior surface46which is generally the surface that is open and visible to a casual observer of the broadhead when installed on an arrow or generally in an assembled state. The exterior surface46can include all the visible surface on the exterior of the ferrule. The exterior surface46can be differentiated from the interior of the cavity52and the ferrule slots54of the broadhead which have interiors that are generally not visible to a casual observer of the broadhead when it is in an assembled state, except perhaps through the removal openings in some cases. The interior cavities and slots of the broadhead can house or include any internal compartments or components. The interior portions of the cavity52and of the ferrule slots41are located on the interior of the ferrule40while the penetrating tip42, cutting edges33, ball and socket members31B,22B, and the retainer element20are disposed on or adjacent the exterior surface of the ferrule40, generally outside the ferrule.

The blades30are movably joined with the ferrule40, and are configured to translate from a retracted mode to a deployed mode as shown in comparingFIGS. 1-2toFIGS. 3-4. Each blade can include a forward end35and a rearward end36. A cutting edge33can extend from the forward end35to the rearward end36. The cutting edge can be sufficiently sharp to cut tissue or any other target that the broadhead10engages. The blades30can include an inner edge, which is located inward, closer to the longitudinal axis LA than the cutting edge33. In the illustrated rearwardly deploying broadhead, the cutting edge33remains positioned radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis LA, that is, it faces outward in both the retracted mode and in the deployed mode. The inner edge39also remains facing generally inwardly, radially toward the longitudinal axis LA in both the retracted mode and the deployed mode.

Generally, each blade30can be movably positioned in each ferrule slot54, which means that each blade can slide and/or rotate relative to the ferrule40in the ferrule slot54. In some embodiments herein, the blade30can slide relative to the slot away from the penetrating tip43. Simultaneously, or at some other time, the blade can rotate about the axis of rotation AR1. In other embodiments, the blade can be movably positioned in the ferrule slot and can rotate in or out of the ferrule slot about a fixed axis of rotation.

As mentioned above, the blades30and the retainer element20can include a first ball and socket member31B associated with the blades30, and a second ball and socket member22B associated with the retainer element20. As shown inFIG. 5, the first ball and socket member31B can be disposed on an inside and/or rear edge39of the blade. The first ball and socket member31B, can be closer to the rear end36of the blade30. The first ball and socket member31B also can be distal from the fulcrum38located near the forward end35of the blade30. The ball and socket member31B can come in many forms. Optionally, the member31B can be in the form of a partially rounded and/or partially spherical element that projects from the rear edge39of the blade30. Further optionally, the geometric shape of the ball and socket member31B can be said to be in the shape of a “ball”, or at least part of a ball, of the ball and socket. This can be accurate even though the member31B is not in the shape of a perfect sphere or perfect ball. As another option, the member31B can be in the form of a protrusion, a projection, a boss and/or a rotatable, mass increasing feature. The exterior surfaces of the member31B can be substantially rounded, and/or can include multiple polygonal facets.

Although the current embodiment illustrates three corresponding sets of ball and socket members dedicated to each of the three individual blades of the broadhead, there can be different numbers of the sets of ball and socket members. For example, where there is only two blades, two sets of ball and socket members can be included in the broadhead. Where there are four blades, four sets of corresponding ball and socket members can be included in the broadhead.

The second ball and socket member22B shown inFIGS. 5-7can be in the form of a socket having one or more open ends. The second ball and socket member22B can include first21and second22fingers that extend outwardly from an annular collar or ring23. These fingers, and the remainder of the retainer element20, can be constructed from resilient materials. Suitable materials can include ABS, polycarbonate, and other low friction thermoplastic polymers. Of course, in some cases metals and composites can be substituted therefore. Optionally, the second ball and socket member22B can be in the form of a partial and/or full cavity that mimics an exterior surface of the member31B. Further optionally, the second member22B can include one or more additional fingers to restrain and/or secure the first member31B.

As shown inFIGS. 5-6, the fingers21and22can be separated from one another by a first distance D1when the second ball and socket member22B is not engaged with the first ball and socket member31B. The distance D1can be measured in between the respective apexes is21A and22A. Because the fingers21and22are resilient, when the second ball and socket member31B enters the socket portion24of the ball and socket member22B, fingers21and22can move in direction H slightly to increase the distance D1to a second, greater distance. The distance D1can be greater then a maximum width B2of the ball and socket member31B. When the distance D1is increased to a greater distance upon movement in of the fingers direction H, this can enable the second ball and socket member22B to slightly deform and open, to enable the first ball and socket member31B to enter into the socket portion24.

As shown, the socket portion24of the ball and socket member22B can be in the form of an elongated cylinder that is partially opened on one side. Of course other types of geometric configurations can be selected for the shape of the socket portion24, For example, the socket portion can be in the form of a polygonal tube or opening, or the socket portion can be in the shape of a fully rounded or partially spherical socket opening, that may or may not be substantially closed. Optionally, although the second ball and socket member22B can be referred to as the socket, that socket need not be a fully or substantially closed cavity, and can be partially and/or substantially open in one or more regions to allow the ball of the first ball and socket member31B to enter and exit the socket. The socket portion24can extend from a lower end25to an upper end26of the retainer element20.

Optionally, the elongated cylinder forming the second portion24can include different dimensions. For example, as shown inFIG. 7, the socket portion24can be of a first width W1and a second width W2. The first width W1can be slightly greater than the second width W2. The first ball and socket member31B can be sized to precisely fit within the width W1, but slightly oversized and unable to fit precisely in the width W2of the socket portion24. As a further example, the maximum width B2of the ball and socket member31B can be slightly less than or equal to the width W1of the upper portion24A of the socket portion24, but greater than the width W2of the lower portion24B of the socket portion24. When the blades are in the retracted mode, and the first ball and socket member engages the second ball and socket member, the lower portion24B of the socket portion24can prevent those blades from inadvertently slipping downwardly relative to the ferrule and inadvertently deploying. Of course, during deployment, the ball31B can move in direction J for a distance, in which case the ball and the blade moves parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the blade upon initial deployment. After further deployment, for example, where the ball31B clears the lower end25of the ball and socket member22B, the ball and blade can move arcuately and/or linearly outward relative to the longitudinal axis.

Optionally, the ball and socket member22B can include opposing chamfered, radiused or tapered surfaces21C and22C on the opposing fingers21and22respectively. These surfaces can transition to respective apexes21A and22A of the fingers. These surfaces or portions21C and22C can facilitate and guide the ball31B between the apexes21A and22A so that the ball enters the socket portion24. With these surfaces, the ball31B can exert outward forces against the surfaces to resiliently bias the fingers21,22slightly away from one another in direction H as described above. As the ball31B moves through and passes the apexes, the distance D1increases to a second grader distance so that the gap between the fingers effectively enlarges. After the ball clears the apexes, it enters the portion24A of the socket portion24. When this occurs, the fingers21and22move in opposite directions, of direction H, back toward their original configuration with the gap between the fingers set at D1.

With reference toFIG. 9, the blades30can be positioned in a secured orientation relative to the ferrule40via an interaction of the first ball and socket member31B of the blade30and the second ball and socket member22B associated with the retainer element20. In particular, the blades and retainer element20can be constructed so that the ball and socket member31B can move along a ball and socket axis BSA that is transverse, and optionally perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis LA. As the ball and socket member31B moves in direction K along the axis BSA, it engages the fingers21and22of the second ball and socket member22B to open them up and enable the ball31B to enter the socket portion24. When the resilient fingers snap back in a direction opposite that of direction H shown inFIG. 6, the fingers can audibly engage the ball31B and/or other portions the blade30. In turn, this emits an audible snap or click that is of sufficient decibels for and perception by a human user. In this manner, a user setting the blades30relative to the retainer element20can confirm via that audible click or snap that the blade is secured in the retracted mode shown inFIGS. 8-9. As mentioned above, however, the first ball and socket member31B also can travel with the blade30in a second direction J that is transverse to the ball and socket axis BSA. This second direction J optionally is, parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. The ball31B can travel in this direction J for at least a portion of the length of the second ball and socket member22B, after which, it optionally can move on a linear curvilinear and/or path away from the longitudinal axis. Further optionally, the ball and socket axis BSA can be slightly curvilinear, particularly where the ball31B moves along an arc established by the fulcrum38being seated in the ferrule slot54. Despite this, is still considered to move transverse and optionally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA.

As mentioned above, the retainer element20can include a collar23. The collar23can include a flange23F that can be substantially annular. This flange can be configured to seat against the seating flange66of the second ferrule portion60, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 5. When the flange23F seats against the flange66, this establishes the proper location of the second ball and socket member22B relation to the ferrule. The socket portion24can be disposed at a predetermined distance from the fulcrum38when the fulcrum is in the ferrule slot54. This can ensure that the first ball and socket member31B properly aligns with the fingers of the second ball and socket member22B.

Optionally, to further ensure alignment of the fingers21,22with the ball and socket member31B, the retainer element can include indexing projections27that extend outwardly from the collar23. These indexing projections can form at least a portion of the fingers21and22, as well in some cases a portion of the socket portion24. As shown inFIG. 6, these indexing projections27also can extend inwardly toward a longitudinal axis LA of the retainer element20and/or the broadhead in general. Optionally, the indexing projections can extend upward from the collar adjacent the exterior surface of the ferrule, on an exterior portion of the collar.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the indexing projection27can be configured to fit within a retainer element indexing recess53that is defined by the ferrule40and more particularly by the first ferrule portion50. There, the indexing projection27can be seen moving into the indexing recess53in direction D. The indexing recess53can be aligned with and centered on the centerline of the ferrules slot54. The recess also can be of a width that is slightly greater than the width of the indexing projections27. Optionally, the indexing recess53can transition to the removal opening58and/or the ferrule slot54. The indexing recess can be of a shallower depth and/or not extend through the sidewall59of the ferrule40. In some cases, the indexing recess can be a recess in the exterior surface46of the ferrule, without extending through a portion of the ferrule to form a through hole therein.

During installation, the indexing projections27can be gently slid into the indexing recesses53in direction D as shown inFIG. 8. When the indexing projections are fully nested or seated within the indexing recesses, the center line FA of the second ball and socket member22B can be centered with the center of the ferrule slot54and generally the blade as well. Thus, when the element20is placed to register the indexing projections in the indexing recesses, the respective socket portions of each of the second ball and socket members22B are aligned with the respective ball portions31B of the blades. There optionally is no additional alignment for a user to attain so that the blades properly lock relative to the retainer element20in a secure manner.

Optionally, the collar23can include a wall23W that extends upwardly from the inwardly projecting flange23F. This wall23W can extend upwardly along at least a portion of the exterior surface46of the first ferrule portion50when the retainer element is installed. Further optionally, the flange23F can engage the seating flange66while the wall23W is disposed adjacent the exterior surface of the flange66, and further adjacent the exterior surface46of the ferrule.

Operation and use of the broadhead10will now be described with reference toFIGS. 1-5. As mentioned above, the broadhead10is in a retracted mode as shown inFIG. 1. Upon impact with a target, it transitions to a deployed mode shown inFIG. 3. To assemble the broadhead, the blades30can be attached the ferrule40, and the retainer element20can be disposed on the ferrule. The first ball and socket members31B of the blades30are engaged with the second ball and socket members22B of the retainer element20to secure the blades30in the retracted mode shown inFIGS. 1-2. In particular, with further reference toFIG. 9, the blades30can be engaged with the retainer element20by moving the first ball and socket member31B toward and into the second ball and socket member22B. This movement generally occurs along the ball and socket axis BSA which can be transverse, and optionally linear or curvilinear, relative to the longitudinal axis LA. As the ball and socket member31B moves in the direction K, the remainder of the blade30also can rotate about an axis of rotation AR1of the fulcrum38associated with the blade30. During the movement of the ball31B into the socket, the ball engages the fingers21and22of the second ball and socket member22B. The ball presses against the surfaces21C and22C with force to push the resilient fingers away from one another, increasing the distance D1to a greater distance. After the ball clears the apexes21A and22A, the ball31B enters into the socket portion24and the resilient fingers21,22move in a direction opposite that of the direction H toward one another. When this occurs, the ball and socket member emits an audible snap or click or other sound. When this audible sound is perceived by a user, the user can be confident that the blade is fully secured in the retracted mode as shown inFIGS. 1-2.

When the broadhead10is in the retracted mode, the blade engages the ferrule40and its portions including the retainer element20at substantially only two locations. First, the fulcrum38engages the slot54and its interior surfaces. Optionally there might be only one region of localized contact between the fulcrum and the inside of the ferrule slot54. The blade also contacts the second ball and socket member22B of the retainer element20via the first ball and socket member31at a second region. Thus, the blade has substantially only two regions of contact with the other immovable components of the broadhead, such as the ferrule and the collar.

When the broadhead10engages a target, the target engages the front35of the blade30. As a result of this rearward force, the blade begin to move rearwardly and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis LA. As the blade moves rearwardly, the fulcrum38acts a guide as it slides within the ferrule slot54. The rearward movement also exerts a force on the first ball and socket member31B upon initial movement of the blade. As a result of this force, the ball and socket member moves generally parallel to the longitudinal axis LA as shown inFIGS. 7-9in direction J until the ball31B exits the socket portion24. After it clears the fingers, the ball31B can move linearly and/or curvilinearly outward and away from the longitudinal axis LA as the blade rotates about the axis of rotation AR1of the fulcrum38disposed in the slot54.

Deployment of the blade rearward and outward continues until the stop notch33engages the shoulder62S and/or the fulcrum38engages the removal opening obstruction portion67of the second ferrule portion60. This second ferrule portion and in particular the obstruction portion67blocks the removal opening58when the second ferrule portion is in the blocking mode as shown inFIG. 4. Due to the obstruction portion67, the fulcrum38is arrested in movement and cannot move through the removal opening58. Thus the blade cannot be removed from the ferrule slot with the second ferrule portion in the blocking mode. Deployment of the blade ceases in this configuration.

In some cases, it can be helpful to replace the blades30relative to the broadhead, for example, where they become dulled or bent due to use. To replace a blade, with reference toFIG. 5, the second portion60of the ferrule can be rotated in direction E. As a result the threads62T thread out from the thread52T of the first ferrule portion50. This causes the second portion60to be at least partially removed from the first portion50. This achieves a removal mode by moving the obstruction portion67along the longitudinal axis and generally away from the ferrule slot54. As shown inFIG. 4, when the obstruction portion67′ reaches the location shown in broken lines, the second ferrule portion is in a removal mode, and the fulcrum38can be slid out and move through the removal opening58, for example in direction C as shown inFIG. 5. In this manner, the blade can be removed from the ferrule and replaced. Installation can occur by reversing the above steps.

The retainer element20also can be replaced relative to the broadhead. As shown inFIG. 8, the indexing projections27can be moved in direction D into the indexing recess is53. In turn, this aligns the second ball and socket member22B with the first ball and socket member31B. Thereafter, the blade can be locked via the first and second socket members as shown inFIG. 9and described above.

The ferrule, blades and other components of the broadhead can be manufactured from metal, composites, polymers, or combinations of the foregoing. Suitable metals include aluminum, stainless steel and/or titanium. If the ferrule is constructed from metal, it can be machined from bar stock or formed using metal injection molding (MIM) optionally followed with a secondary machining operations. If the ferrule or other components are constructed from composites or polymers, the tip and the blades optionally can be manufactured separately from other materials such as metals.

A first alternative embodiment of the broadhead is shown inFIG. 10and generally designated110. This embodiment is similar in construction and operation to the embodiment described above with a few exceptions. For example, the broadhead can include a ferrule140and respective blades130, as well as a retainer element120. The first ball and socket member and second ball and socket member131B and122B however, can be reversed from that of the embodiment above. For example, the retainer element120can include a ball portion122C that is configured to fit into a socket134defined by the first ball and socket member131B. The socket134can be similar to that described in the above embodiment on the retainer element. In some cases, however, the respective fingers of this first ball and socket member131B can be rigid and non-resilient. In such a case, the ball122C can be more malleable and deformable so that it can deform and/or become more narrow when it is inserted into the socket134. Operation, use and assembly of the broadhead110of this embodiment is similar to that of the embodiment described above.

Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation. The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.