Arrow end

An archery arrow end includes a main body that has a first end and a second end. The main body defines a longitudinal axis. The archery arrow end includes a tip positioned at the first end. The tip has a blunt end. The archery arrow end includes an arrow shaft connector positioned at the second end. The arrow shaft connector is configured to be attached to an arrow shaft. The archery arrow end includes flexible wings that extend from the main body in a direction at least partially toward the second end. Each wing has a free end configured to move toward and away from the longitudinal axis.

BACKGROUND

Flares and other auxiliary instruments are traditionally used in remote situations where an individual needs to signal other for attention, such as in an emergency. However, such signaling means often require the individual to carry bulky items, such as a flare gun. Such items can be burdensome when hiking into a remote area. Because of this annoyance, individuals are less likely to bring auxiliary instruments, and, therefore, put themselves at risk of being unable to signal aid in the event of an emergency.

Projectiles, specifically arrows and archery tips, come in a variety of styles and shapes depending on their applications. For example, arrow tips designed for hunting, target shooting, bowfishing, and warfare are known. Traditionally, arrow tips are designed to attach to an arrow shaft via a threaded connection. Typically, an 8-32 thread is used.

There exists a need for improvements in arrow tip design. Specifically, there exists a need for an arrow tip can that can function as an auxiliary instrument.

SUMMARY

This application generally relates to projectiles for projectile launchers. Specifically, this application generally relates to archery arrows, and more particularly to an archery tip with two or more flexible wings to enable the arrow and the tip to float back to the ground after being shot into the air.

In one aspect of the present disclosure an archery arrow end is disclosed. The archery arrow end includes a main body that has a first end and a second end. The main body defines a longitudinal axis. The archery arrow end includes a tip positioned at the first end. The tip has a blunt end. The archery arrow end includes an arrow shaft connector positioned at the second end. The arrow shaft connector is configured to be attached to an arrow shaft. The archery arrow end includes flexible wings that extend from the main body in a direction at least partially toward the second end. Each wing has a free end configured to move toward and away from the longitudinal axis.

In another aspect of the present disclosure an arrow disclosed. The arrow includes a shaft that has a shaft first end and a shaft second end. The arrow includes a fletching attached to the shaft at the shaft second end and an arrow end connected to the shaft first end. The arrow end includes a main body that has a first end and a second end. The main body defines a longitudinal axis. The arrow end includes a tip positioned at the first end and the tip has a blunt end. The arrow end includes an arrow shaft connector that is positioned at the second end. The arrow shaft connector is connected to the shaft first end of the arrow shaft. The arrow end includes a flexible wings that extend from the main body in a direction at least partially toward the second end of the main body. Each wing has a free end and is configured to move toward and away from the longitudinal axis.

In another aspect of the present disclosure a method of suspending a fall of an arrow is disclosed. The method includes propelling an arrow into the air along a flight path. The flight path is parabolic and has an apex. The arrow includes a shaft that has a shaft first end and a shaft second end. The arrow includes a plurality of vanes attached to the shaft at the shaft second end and an arrow tip connected to the shaft first end, the arrow end includes a main body that has a first end and a second end. The main body defines a longitudinal axis. The arrow end includes a tip positioned at the first end of the main body and the tip has a blunt end. The arrow end includes an arrow shaft connector positioned at the second end of the main body. The arrow shaft connector is connected to the shaft first end of the arrow shaft. The arrow end includes flexible wings that extend laterally from the main body in a direction at least partially toward the second end of the main body. Each wing has a free end configured to move toward and away from the longitudinal axis. The method includes deflecting the flexible wings away from the longitudinal axis of the main body of the arrow tip after the arrow reaches the apex of its flight path. The method includes reducing a fall velocity of the arrow by deflecting air across the flexible wings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes an arrow end that is adapted to be connected to an arrow, specifically for use in archery, which is fireable via a bow (e.g., a compound bow, a recurve bow, a crossbow, etc.). The arrow end disclosed herein is configured to arrest the fall to earth of an attached arrow. By reducing the velocity of the falling arrow, the arrow end can utilize (e.g., signal, deploy, etc.) an auxiliary instrument attached thereto. In some examples, the arrow end can include flexible wings that deploy outward when the arrow begins falling back to earth so as to slow the fall of the arrow. For example, the arrow end can include a LED and/or a communication beacon that enables the shooter of the arrow to signal to those nearby, similar to a flare. By providing an arrow end that can be connected to a standard arrow shaft, the individual can be prepared while not needing to carry specialized signaling equipment (e.g., a flare gun). Further, in some examples, the arrow end includes a communication beacon that allows the individual to shoot the arrow in the air to broadcast an S.O.S signal at a higher elevation, thereby avoiding low elevation interference.

FIG. 1shows a user100preparing to propel an arrow102from a bow104into the air. The arrow102has a parabolic flight path106where the flight path106has an apex108. In some examples, the apex108is the peak of the flight path106. The arrow102includes an end110positioned at the front of a shaft112of the arrow102. The end110includes a tip114and rearward facing, flexible wings116, such as including a pair of flexible wings116a,116b. As shown inFIG. 1, when the end110is at rest (i.e., not passing through the air), the wings116a,116bare in a neutral position N.

FIG. 2shows the user100propelling the arrow102into the air along the flight path106. As shown, the arrow102is gaining elevation, end110first, toward the apex108of the flight path106. Because the arrow102is moving through the air, end110first, and the wings116a,116bare flexible and rearward facing, the wings116a,116b, specifically free ends118a,118b, are deflected to an inward position I, toward the shaft112of the arrow102. As the arrow passes forward through the air, air exerts a force on a front side120a,120bof the wings116a,116b, pushing the wings116a,116btoward the shaft112. The inward position I of the wings116a,116ballows the arrow to fly through the air with minimal interference from the wings116a,116b.

FIG. 3shows the arrow102falling back to earth, past the apex108of the flight path106. As the arrow passes the apex108, the wings116a,116bmove to an outward position O, where the free ends118a,118bextend away from the shaft112of the arrow102. Because the wings are flexible, when the arrow102reaches the apex108, the arrow's forward velocity slows and air is able to instead push the wings116a,116boutward, exerting a force at a back side122a,122bof the wings116a,116b. By moving the outward position O, the wings116a,116bcreate drag and therefore reduce the fall velocity of the arrow102as the arrow falls back to earth due to gravity.

FIG. 4shows a perspective view of the arrow102. The arrow102includes the shaft112that has a shaft first end124and a shaft second end126. The arrow102includes the arrow end110attached to the shaft first end124, a fletching128attached to the shaft112at the shaft second end126, and a nock130positioned adjacent to and behind the fletching128. In some examples, the arrow102can use vanes instead of fletching. The fletching128can be constructed of a plurality of different materials such as, but not limited to, feathers and plastic. The nock130is configured to interface with a drawstring of the bow104so that the bow104propels the arrow102.

FIG. 5shows a perspective view of the end110of the arrow102, andFIG. 6shows a side view of the end110of the arrow102. In some examples, the end110is quickly detachable from the shaft112so that a different end (often referred to as “arrowhead” or “tips”) may be secured to the same shaft112. In other examples, the end110is permanently attached to the shaft112. In some examples, the end110is configured to be transported detached from the shaft112and can be attached to the shaft112when needed, such as when in the field. The end110includes a main body132, the tip114, an arrow shaft connector136, and the pair of flexible wings116a,116b.

The end110can have an overall weight in a range from 25 to 1000 grains. In some examples, the end110can have an overall weight in a range from 25 to 250 grains. In some examples, the end110can have an overall weight in a range from 50 to 200 grains. In some examples, the end110can have an overall weight in a range from 100 to 150 grains. In some examples, the end110can have an overall weight of about 125 grains.

In some examples, the end110can be utilized alone, without being attached to the shaft112of the arrow102. For example, the end110can be fired from a slingshot, or other mechanism, without a shaft112.

The main body132has a first end138, a second end140, and a longitudinal axis X. In some examples, the longitudinal axis X is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the shaft112. The main body132can be formed from a variety of materials such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, carbon fiber, or the like. In some examples, the main body includes a pair of extensions141that are configured to attach the wings116a,116b. Further, in some examples, the main body132can provide a rigid, yet lightweight platform to fix an auxiliary instrument142thereto. In some examples, the main body132is hollow and provides space for the auxiliary instrument142to be mounted therein.

The auxiliary instrument142can be utilized to signal when the end110is attached to the shaft112and shot into the air. In some examples, the auxiliary instrument142can be utilized to actively signal while the arrow102is in its flight path. In other examples, the auxiliary instrument142can be configured to only signal when the arrow102is at and/or past the apex108of its flight path. For example, the auxiliary instrument142can include one or more sensors, such as an accelerometer (e.g., 3-axis accelerometer), a gyroscope, a switch (e.g., an acceleration or inertia switch). In some embodiments the auxiliary instrument includes a microprocessor or other integrated circuit that controls the signal or other electrical components described herein. In some examples, the end110includes more than one auxiliary instrument142.

In some examples, the auxiliary instrument142is or includes at least one light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED). In some examples, the LED can be attached to, or embedded within, the main body132, the tip114, and/or the pair of flexible wings116a,116b. The LED can be powered via a power source144, such as a battery, turbine, solar cell, etc. The LED can be partially positioned within, or attached to, an exterior of the main body132. In some examples, the power source144is embedded within the main body132so as to not to interfere with aerodynamics of the end110while also ensuring proper weight distribution. In some examples, the LED can be configured to emit light having particular patterns and/or colors. For example, the LED can emit a pulsing red light.

In some examples the auxiliary instrument142includes a power source144, such as a battery. The power source can be located at various places including: attached to the main body132, embedded within or arranged within the main body132, attached to or arranged within the tip114, or attached to or arranged within the arrow shaft112. The power source144is configured to supply power to one or more electronic components, such as the light source, or any of the other electronic components described herein. The power source can be connected to the electronic components using one or more wires or other electrically conductive components.

In some examples, the auxiliary instrument142is a communications beacon. The communications beacon can be configured to broadcast a signal, such as an S.O.S. signal. In some examples, the communications beacon can utilize a microprocessor and a radio transmitter to broadcast an identification signal. The identification signal can include information such as one or more of: a personal identifier, a device identifier, and a location. In some examples, the communications beacon can include a radio transmitter that is configured to communicate over the IEEE L-band at a frequency range from 1 to 2 GHz. Other wireless communication technologies can be used in other embodiments, such as including Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® (e.g., long range Bluetooth), LoRa, Zigbee®, cellular, satellite, and the like.

In some embodiments the auxiliary instrument142includes a radio receiver, which can be used to receive radio frequency communication signals. In some embodiments the radio receiver can be part of the communications beacon radio transmitter in the form of a radio transceiver. The receiver can operate to receive radio frequency signals including communication signals and location signals. For example, the radio receiver can be or can include a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or other satellite receiver. Any of the communication technologies listed above can similarly be used by various embodiments of the radio receiver.

In some examples, the communications beacon, radio transmitter, or radio receiver can utilize one or more of, but is not limited to: GPS, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDo, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) or other communication technologies. In other examples still, the communications beacon can utilize the Globalstar, Iridium, etc. communications networks. Similar to the light source/LED discussed above, the communications beacon (or radio transmitter, receiver, or transceiver) can be attached to, or embedded within similar structures, including the main body132, the tip114, and/or the pair of flexible wings116a,116b. The communications beacon can be powered via the power source144.

In some examples, the auxiliary instrument142is a communications enhancer. The communications enhancer can utilize wireless technology to wirelessly communicate with another electronic device (e.g., a mobile device such as a cell phone) to allow for extended connection range. In one example, the communications enhancer is a wireless signal booster (e.g., cellular signal booster), which includes one or more communication devices, and one or more antennas. The wireless signal booster communicates with the user's wireless device, such as a cell phone, and also communicates with a distant communication device such as a cellular network. For example, a user can propel the arrow102with the end110having a communications enhancer attached thereto, to a higher elevation. Once at a higher elevation, the communications enhancer provides a better signal for the wirelessly connected mobile device. This could be advantageous in a wilderness emergency situation. Similar to the light source, the communications enhancer can be attached to, or arranged within, the main body132, the tip114, and/or the pair of flexible wings116a,116b. In some embodiments the arrow shaft112or the main body132can function as the antenna, such that a separate antenna is not needed. In some examples, the communications enhancer can be powered via the power source144.

In some examples, the auxiliary instrument142is or includes a camera. In some examples, the camera can be configured to capture and record digital images or video during the flight of the arrow102. In some examples, the camera can wirelessly transmit one or more images or video from the arrow102to a mobile device. For example, an individual may seek to perform surveillance over a certain area and propel the arrow102with the end110near the area. The video may then be used to ascertain the status of the area, and/or aid in signaling others of that particular area (e.g., in a warzone). In other examples, the camera may record footage to on-board memory (e.g., a memory card, such as an SD card and the like). In some embodiments the auxiliary instrument142includes a memory card slot, and the on-board member is removable, such as by removing the memory card from the memory card slot. The auxiliary instrument142can also include a communication connector for receiving a communication cable, to connect the auxiliary instrument142to another computing device. An example of a communication connector is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, which can be one of various types and sizes. Images or videos (or other data) can be transferred to or from the on-board memory to the other computing device using a cable and the communication connector. Similar to the other examples described above, the camera, on-board memory, and/or communication connector can be attached to, or arranged within, the main body132, the tip114, and/or the pair of flexible wings116a,116b. In some examples, the camera can be powered via the power source144.

In some examples, the auxiliary instrument142is a noise maker, such as, but not limited to a whistle, beeper, or the like. In some examples, the noise maker is or includes at least one aperture146within at least one of the wings116a,116band/or the tip114. As air travels across and through the aperture, a noise is created. In some examples, the noise is only created when air exerts a force on the back side122a,122bof the wings116a,116b. In some examples, the noise maker can emit an emergency sound. In other examples, the noise make can emit an animal call (e.g., for use in hunting). Similar to the other examples described above, the noise maker can be attached to, or embedded within, the main body132, the tip114, and/or the pair of flexible wings116a,116b. In some examples, the noise maker can be powered via the power source144.

The tip114is configured to be adjustable to control the flight of the arrow102and help to protect the end110. Specifically, the tip is positioned at the first end138of the main body and is configured to be the leading end of the arrow102when the arrow is fired with an end110attached thereto. In some examples, the tip114is conical; however, it is considered with the scope of the present disclosure that the tip114can have a variety of different shapes. In some examples, the tip114is blunt. In some examples, the tip114is made from a material that is at least partially shock absorbing such as, but not limited to, rubber, foam, carbon fiber, etc. In some examples, depending on if the auxiliary instrument142is equipped, the tip114can be adjusted in either shape, material, or weight to adjust the aerodynamics of the end110.

The arrow shaft connector136is configured to connect the end110with the shaft112of the arrow102. Specifically, the arrow shaft connector136is positioned at the second end140of the main body, opposite from the tip114. In some examples, the arrow shaft connector136is configured to have a threaded connection and configured to be received in the shaft112. In some examples, the thread is a 8-32 thread. In some examples, the arrow shaft connector136can be a smooth shaft that is configured to be received by, and secured to, the shaft112. In some examples, the arrow shaft connector136includes a sleeve that has a recess that is configured to receive, and secure to, the shaft112.

The pair of flexible wings116a,116bare configured to be connected to the main body132, and aid in reducing the falling velocity of the attached arrow102. In some examples, the wings116a,116bextend laterally from the main body132in a direction at least partially toward the second end140of the main body132. In some examples, the end110includes a single wing. In some examples, the end110includes more than two wings. Wings are merely shown as an example of a mechanism that can reduce the falling velocity of the arrow; however, it is contemplated that other like mechanisms can be utilized such as, but not limited to, a parachute.

As mentioned above, the wings116a,116beach include a free end118a,118b. In some examples, the wings116a,116bare connected to one another at a bridge148, in between the free ends118a,118. In some examples, the bridge148includes an aperture150that is configured to receive a portion of the main body132therein. In some examples, the wings116a,116bare each attached to the extension141of the main body. In some examples, the free ends118a,118beach include an ear152a,152bthat are each upturned in the opposite directions, when viewing the end110down the longitudinal axis toward the second end140of the main body132, that cause the arrow to rotate in clockwise direction when they encounter a force from air at their back sides122a,122b. This can help to create a centrifugal force on the arrow102, urging the wings116a,116bto the outward position O, as shown inFIG. 3. In some examples, the wings116a,116bhave a helical shape. In some embodiments the wings116a,116bare folded with one or more creases. It is considered within the scope of the present disclosure that the wings can have a variety of different configurations so long as they aid in reducing the falling velocity of the arrow102to which the end110is attached.

In some examples, the wings116a,116bare constructed of a flexible, resilient material. In some examples, the wings116a,116bare constructed of a material that has a memory and returns the wings to the neutral position N, shown inFIG. 5, when the end110is not being propelled through the air. In some example, the wings116a,116bare configured to be forced to, and stored in, the inward position I, shown inFIG. 2, and automatically position themselves back to the neutral position N when the force is removed. In some examples, the wings116a,116bare constructed of a spring steel. In some examples, the wings116a,116bare constructed of a plastic.

FIGS. 8-10show the arrow102, specifically the end110, in the outward O, inward I, and neutral N positions, respectively. As outlined above, a method of suspending a fall of a projectile (e.g. the arrow102) is disclosed herein. A user propels the arrow102into the air along the flight path106. In some examples, the user causes the end110, and specifically the wings116a,116bto deflect to from the neutral N position, shown inFIG. 10, to the in the inward I position, shown inFIG. 9, after the user propels the arrow102into the air. At and/or after the arrow102reaches the apex108of the flight path106, the wings116a,116bare deflected away from the longitudinal axis X of the main body132, and moved into the outward position O, shown inFIG. 8. Such outward positioning causes the wings116a,116bto create drag on the arrow102, thereby reducing the fall velocity of the arrow102by deflecting air across the wings116a,116b. In some examples, due to the helical shape of the wings116a,116b, the arrow102spins as it falls back to earth. In some examples, the arrow102emits a noise via the auxiliary instrument142when it begins to fall back to earth.

FIG. 11shows the end110having an alternative tip214. In some examples, the tip214is spherical. In some examples, the tip214is a foam ball. In some examples, the tip214is partially inflated. In some examples, the tip214can be inflated with a gas. Examples of the gas are air and helium.