Reduced diameter broadhead

The disclosure relates to broadheads wherein the diameter of the ferrule is relatively smaller than the diameter of the shaft of the arrow or crossbow bolt to which the broadhead is attached. A collar is provided for a smooth transition between the ferrule and the shaft.

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant disclosure relates to broadheads. In particular, the disclosure pertains to a ferrule of a broadhead.

BACKGROUND

In some embodiments of prior art ferrules used in broadheads, the diameter of the ferrule body is substantially the same as the diameter of the shaft of an arrow or crossbow bolt to which the broadhead is attached. As such, the distal end of the shaft and the proximal end of the ferrule body abut and are substantially aligned when the broadhead and the shaft are attached to each other. In certain embodiments of prior art ferrules used in broadheads, the diameter of the ferrule body is relatively smaller than the diameter of the shaft of an arrow or crossbow bolt to which the broadhead is attached. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the base or the shoulder of the ferrule body, i.e., the portion of the ferrule body that abuts the shaft, is typically flared for transitioning from the smaller diameter ferrule body to the larger diameter shaft and for providing sufficient surface area for abutting the ferrule body and the shaft. The diameter at the base of the ferrule body is typically the same as or relatively larger than the diameter of the shaft. While some ferrules may have a variety of contours on their external surface, the effective diameter or cross-sectional area remains substantially the same as that of the shaft either throughout the length of the ferrule body and/or at the flared base.

As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the diameter, and hence the surface area, of the ferrule affects the penetration of the broadhead. Accordingly, there exists a need for a ferrule having a diameter that is relatively smaller than the diameter of the shaft along the entire length of the ferrule.

SUMMARY

A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a broadhead includes a ferrule, a plurality of deployable blades, and a collar. In some embodiments, the ferrule includes a distal section having at least one blade recess, wherein an outside diameter at a proximal end of the distal section is relatively smaller than an outside diameter of a shaft for an arrow or crossbow bolt. In certain embodiments, the plurality of deployable blades reside at least in part in the at least one blade recess. In some embodiments, the collar includes a distal end, a proximal end, a base, a plurality of spaced-apart tabs, and a plurality of spaced-apart inwardly sloping walls. In certain embodiments, the base is defined at least in part by a distal end and a wall extending between the proximal end of the collar and the distal end of the base, wherein the wall includes an inside surface and an outside surface. In some embodiments, the plurality of spaced-apart tabs extend distally from the distal end of the base, wherein each of the plurality of tabs is configured for retaining at least one of the plurality of deployable blades in a retracted configuration, and permitting the retained blade to deploy after the broadhead impacts a target. In certain embodiments, the plurality of spaced-apart inwardly sloping walls extend from the distal end of the base to the distal end of the collar, wherein each of the plurality of walls includes an inside surface and an outside surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more non-limiting embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate like elements. It should be clearly understood that there is no intent, implied or otherwise, to limit the disclosure in any way, shape or form to the embodiments illustrated and described herein. While multiple exemplary embodiments are provided, variations thereof will become apparent or obvious to a person of ordinary skills. Accordingly, any and all variants for providing functionalities similar to those described herein are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

FIG. 1is a plan view of a prior art broadhead10having a ferrule12and a plurality of blades14. The ferrule12includes a distal section16, an intermediate section18extending proximally from the distal section16, and a proximal section20extending proximally from the intermediate section18. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of a substantial portion of the ferrule12is less than the diameter of a shaft (not shown) of an arrow or crossbow bolt to which the broadhead10is attached. For attaching the broadhead10to the shaft, a distal section of the shaft is configured for receiving the intermediate section18and the proximal section20of the broadhead10. As illustrated, the ferrule12includes a flared base or shoulder22having a diameter24substantially equal to the diameter of the shaft.

FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, are a perspective view and a plan view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a broadhead100of the instant disclosure. The broadhead100includes a ferrule102, a plurality of deployable blades104, and a collar106. In these figures, the blades104are illustrated in a retracted configuration, for example during flight.FIG. 3illustrates the broadhead100attached to a shaft108of an arrow or crossbow bolt. In some embodiments, a diameter110of the broadhead100, and the diameter of the ferrule102in particular, is relatively smaller than a diameter112of the shaft108.

FIG. 4is a plan view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the blade104. In some embodiments, the blade104is defined at least in part by a leading edge114, a trailing edge116, a cutting edge118, and an inside edge120. In certain embodiments, the inside edge120of the blade104includes at least one notch122which, as will be explained in further detail with reference to the collar106andFIG. 8, is used for retaining the blade104in a retracted configuration.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of the broadhead100without the blades104.

FIG. 6Ais a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the ferrule102. In some embodiments, the ferrule102includes a distal section124, and an intermediate section126extending proximally from the distal section124.FIG. 6Bis a cross-sectional view of the distal section124of the ferrule102ofFIG. 6Aalong line6B-6B; andFIG. 6Cis a cross-sectional view of the intermediate section126of the ferrule102ofFIG. 6Aalong line6C-6C. In certain embodiments, the distal section124includes at least one blade recess128configured for housing at least a portion of the blades104. In some embodiments, the distal section124includes one or more grooves130in at least a portion of an outside surface132of the distal section124and extending distally from the intermediate section126. In certain embodiments, the one or more grooves130extend proximally in at least a portion of an outside surface134of the intermediate section126.

FIG. 7Ais a perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the collar106;FIG. 7Bis an isometric view of the collar106;FIGS. 7C and 7Dare elevation views of the collar106, the views being orthogonal relative to each other;FIGS. 7E and 7F, respectively, are top and bottom views of the collar106; andFIG. 7Gis a cross-sectional perspective view of the collar ofFIG. 7Aalong line7G-7G shown inFIGS. 7C and 7D. In some embodiments, the collar106is defined at least in part by a distal end136, a proximal end138, a base140, a plurality of spaced-apart tabs142, a plurality of spaced-apart inwardly sloping walls144, and one or more groove guides146. In certain embodiments, the base140is defined at least in part by a distal end148and a wall150extending between the proximal end138of the collar106and the distal end148of the base140. In some embodiments, the wall150includes an inside surface152and an outside surface154. In certain embodiments, perhaps as best illustrated inFIG. 8, the spaced-apart tabs142extend distally from the distal end148of the base140, wherein each tab142is configured to extend into at least a portion of the notch122of the corresponding blade104for retaining the blade104in a retracted configuration, for example during flight, and permitting the retained blade104to deploy when the broadhead100impacts a target. In some embodiments, the spaced-apart inwardly sloping walls144extend from the distal end148of the base140to the distal end136of the collar106. In certain embodiments, the inwardly sloping walls144include an inside surface156and an outside surface158. In some embodiments, the one or more groove guides146are disposed on at least a portion of an inside surface160of the collar106.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the inside surface160of the collar106is defined at least in part by at least a portion of the respective inside surfaces152and156of at least one of the base140and the inwardly sloping walls144. In some embodiments, the inside surface160of the collar106is substantially contiguous along the longitudinal extent of the collar106, i.e., between the proximal and distal ends138and136of the collar106. In certain embodiments, the inside surface160of the collar106extends between the proximal and distal ends138and136of the collar106.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the one or more grooves130and the one or more groove guides146are configured for engagement with each other. In some embodiments, the one or more grooves130and the one or more groove guides146are configured for sliding engagement. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the one or more grooves130and the one or more groove guides146have complimentary configurations. In certain embodiments, a distal end162of the one or more grooves130is configured as a stop for a distal end164of the one or more groove guides146. In some embodiments, such as the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5, when the entirety of the collar106is positioned over at least a portion of the distal section124, e.g., over a proximal portion166of the distal section124, a proximal end168of the distal section124and the proximal end138of the collar106are substantially aligned with each other. In certain embodiments, an outside diameter at the proximal end138of the collar106(and of the base140) is substantially equal to an outside diameter at a distal end170of the shaft108. Accordingly, when the broadhead100and the shaft108are attached, the distal end170of the shaft108abuts one or both of the proximal ends138and168, respectively, of the collar106and the distal section124.

In some embodiments, both the inside and outside surfaces156and158, respectively, of the walls144are inwardly sloping. As such, a thickness of the inwardly sloping walls144is substantially constant along a longitudinal extent of the collar106, i.e., between the distal end148of the base140and the distal end136of the collar106. In certain embodiments, only the outside surface158of the wall144is inwardly sloping while the inside surface156is substantially straight along the entire longitudinal extent of the walls144. In one such embodiment, a thickness of the inwardly sloping walls144decreases along the longitudinal extent of the walls144, i.e., between the distal end148of the base140and the distal end136of the collar106. As such, the thickness of the inwardly sloping wall at the distal end148of the base140will be relatively greater than the thickness of the inwardly sloping wall at the distal end136of the collar106.

In some embodiments, an inside diameter172at the distal end136of the collar106is substantially equal to the diameter110of the ferrule102. In certain embodiments, an inside diameter174at the proximal end138of the collar106is substantially equal to the diameter110of the ferrule102. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, both inside diameters172and174of the collar are substantially equal to the diameter110of the ferrule102. In some embodiments, the inside diameter of the collar106is substantially the same along the entire longitudinal extent of the collar106, i.e., between the proximal and distal ends138and136of the collar106. In certain embodiments, the inside diameter of the collar106is substantially equal to the diameter110of the ferrule102along the entire longitudinal extent of the collar106, i.e., between the proximal and distal ends138and136of the collar106. In some embodiments, an inside diameter at one or more locations along the longitudinal extent of the collar106is substantially equal to the diameter110of the ferrule102.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, an outside diameter of the collar106at the distal end136is substantially equal to the diameter110of the ferrule102. In other words, the distal end136of the collar106is substantially flush with the outside surface132of the distal section124.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, such as for example illustrated inFIGS. 7A-7G, the one or more groove guides146are disposed on at least a portion of each inside surfaces152and156, respectively, of the base140and the inwardly sloping walls144, and extend between the proximal end138of the collar106and a location proximate the distal end of the collar106. In some embodiments, the one or more groove guides146are disposed on at least a portion of the inside surface152of the base140. In certain embodiments, the one or more groove guides146are disposed on at least a portion of the inside surface156of the inwardly sloping walls144.

In some embodiments, the distance between the vertices of the one or more groove guides146and the portions of the inside surface160of the collar106on which the one or more grooves guides146are disposed is substantially the same along the longitudinal extent of the one or more groove guides146. In certain embodiments, the distance between the vertices of the one or more groove guides146and the portions of the inside surface160of the collar106on which the one or more grooves guides146are disposed decreases distally, i.e., in the distal direction. In some embodiments, the distance between the vertices of the one or more groove guides146and the portions of the inside surface160of the collar106on which the one or more grooves guides146are disposed increases distally. In some embodiments, the one or more groves guides146disposed on at least a portion of the inside surface160of the collar106are contiguous. In certain embodiments, portions or sections of the one or more groves guides146disposed on at least a portion of the inside surface160of the collar106are not contiguous. As will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill, the one or more grooves130, if provided, may also need to be changed to accommodate changes in the corresponding one or more groove guides146. And, vice versa, the one or more groove guides146, if provided, may also need to be changed to accommodate changes in the corresponding one or more grooves130. All variants of the described embodiments pertaining to the one or more groove guides146and/or the one or more grooves130are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

In some embodiments, the distance between the diametrically opposite vertices of two diametrically opposite groove guides146is substantially constant along their longitudinal extent. In certain embodiments, the distance between the diametrically opposite vertices of two diametrically opposite groove guides146increases distally. In some embodiments, the distance between the diametrically opposite vertices of two diametrically opposite groove guides146decreases distally. In certain embodiments, the distance between the diametrically opposite vertices of two diametrically opposite groove guides146varies along their longitudinal extent. As will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill, the one or more grooves130, if provided, may also need to be changed to accommodate changes in the corresponding one or more groove guides146. And, vice versa, the one or more groove guides146, if provided, may also need to be changed to accommodate changes in the corresponding one or more grooves130. All variants of the described embodiments pertaining to the one or more groove guides146and/or the one or more grooves130are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the inside diameter of the collar106is defined at least in part by the vertices of the one or more groove guides146. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the one or more groove guides146function or operate as a “guide” for at least a portion of the distal section inserted in the collar. In one such embodiment, the distal section may or may not have one or more grooves.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, an outside surface176of the collar106is defined at least in part by at least a portion of the respective outside surfaces154and158of at least one of the base140and the inwardly sloping walls144. In some embodiments, the outside surface176of the collar106is substantially contiguous along the longitudinal extent of the collar106, i.e., between the proximal and distal ends138and136of the collar106. In certain embodiments, the outside surface176of the collar106is relatively smooth.

In view of the foregoing, it will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill that the collar106is configured to provide a smooth transition between the ferrule102and the shaft108. More particularly, the collar106provides a smooth transition between the ferrule102having the diameter110that is relatively smaller than the diameter112of the shaft108.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the plurality of spaced-apart tabs142are configured to extend into at least a portion of the notch122of the respective blade104for retaining the blade104in a retracted configuration. When the projectile, i.e., arrow or crossbow bolt, impacts and starts penetrating the target, the leading edges114of the blades104impact the target, and the blades104translate in the proximal direction due to the kinetic energy of the projectile. This movement of the blades104exerts an outward force or pressure on the tabs142. In some embodiments, the tabs142are frangible and the outward force causes them to break off of the base140of the collar106, and permit the blades104to deploy. In certain embodiments, the plurality of spaced-apart tabs142are hingedly or flexibly connected to the base140such that they bend or flex outwards in response to the outward force and permit the blades104to deploy. In some embodiments, the tabs142return to their initial position after the blades104have deployed.

In some embodiments, the broadhead does not include any grooves130in the distal section124. In certain embodiments, the broadhead does not include any groove guides146on the inside surface160of the collar106. In some embodiments, the broadhead does not include any grooves130or any groove guides146, respectively, in the distal section124and on the inside surface160of the collar106.

In some embodiments, the outside diameter at the proximal end168of the distal section124and the outside diameter at the distal end170of the shaft108are substantially equal. In certain embodiment, the outside diameter at the proximal end168of the distal section124is relatively smaller than the outside diameter at the distal end170of the shaft108.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the distal section124is substantially the same (or constant) between the proximal and distal ends thereof. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the distal section between the proximal and distal ends thereof is substantially equal to the outside diameter at the distal end of the shaft. In some embodiments, the diameter of the distal section between the proximal and distal ends thereof is relatively smaller than the outside diameter at the distal end of the shaft. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the distal section124varies between the proximal and distal ends thereof. In some embodiments, the diameter of the distal section124between the proximal and distal ends thereof varies between the diameter at the distal end170of the shaft108and a diameter relatively smaller than the diameter at the distal end170of the shaft108.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the distal section124increases distally between the proximal and distal ends thereof. In certain embodiments, the diameter at the proximal end of the distal section124is relatively smaller than the diameter at the distal end of the shaft, and increases distally, i.e., in the distal direction, (or decreases proximally) between the proximal and distal ends thereof. In some embodiments, the diameter of the distal section124decreases distally (or increases proximally) between the proximal and distal ends thereof. In some embodiments, the diameter at the proximal end of the distal section124is substantially equal to the diameter at the distal end170of the shaft108and the diameter of the distal section124decreases distally (or increases proximally) between the proximal and distal ends thereof. In certain embodiments, the diameter at the proximal end of the distal section124is relatively smaller than the diameter at the distal end170of the shaft108and the diameter of the distal section124increases distally (or decreases proximally) between the proximal and distal ends thereof.

All variants of the described embodiments pertaining to the diameter of the distal section124are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

In view thereof, modified and/or alternate configurations of the embodiments described herein may become apparent or obvious to one of ordinary skill. All such variations are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. For instance, while reference may have been made to particular feature(s) and/or function(s), the disclosure is considered to also include embodiments configured for functioning and/or providing functionalities similar to those disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, the spirit, scope and intent of the instant disclosure is to embrace all such variations. Consequently, the metes and bounds of the disclosure is solely defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.