Abstract:
A glueless shaft joining system, apparatus and method are disclosed. A base insertable into the hollow interior of the shaft can include a plurality of flexible fingers separated by a slot defined between each of the adjacent flexible fingers. The interior of the base is hollow and includes a threaded portion adjacent to the distal end that extends inwards in a proximal direction. A set screw can be inserted into the threaded portion of the hollow interior of the base. The set screw includes a threaded head portion and a non-threaded tail portion that diverges as it extends away from the head portion. The tail portion deflects the flexible fingers laterally outwardly as the set screw is advanced in the proximal direction through the base. A component, such as a broad head or arrow nock can be coupled to the insert as desired.

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/726,063, filed Dec. 22, 2012, which claims the benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/583,032 filed on Jan. 4, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Application 61/609,892 filed on Mar. 12, 2012, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to tubular members, such as arrow shafts and golf clubs, and more particularly, to glueless joining mechanisms, systems and methods for joining shaft portions, securing broad heads, field tips, nocks, fletching systems and other devices to a hollow shaft. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Certain conventional arrow shafts, and particularly relatively small diameter (e.g., 0.204″ and 0.165″ inside diameter) shafts, require shaft inserts to be placed inside of the arrow shaft to allow for attachment of a the arrow head, field point, nocks and fletching systems. Conventional inserts, such as that discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,115,055, require that the insert be glued into the shaft. Thus, the insert, whether fully inside, half-out or outsert configuration, cannot be removed from the shaft or adjusted if necessary. This is disadvantageous because sometimes the arrow head must be changed. It is unlikely that the blades of the replacement head will properly align with the vanes of the arrow, which is desired for optimal flight performance. Also, the shaft of the arrow as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,115,055 requires preparation in the form of beveling the opening before receiving the broadhead. The beveling operation weakens the shaft, is inconvenient and may impede performance if imprecisely performed. Thus there is a need to provide for an improved arrow insert system, device and method that addresses, at least in part, the shortcomings of the conventional arrow inserts. Many of these same drawbacks also apply to other situations where an item needs to be joined to a hollow shaft, such as with golf clubs. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure teaches various example embodiments that address certain disadvantages in the prior art. A glueless shaft joining system, apparatus and method are disclosed. An expandable insert, half-out insert or outsert is disposable at least partially into the inside of the shaft of an arrow or other tubular member such as a golf club shaft. 
     A glueless shaft joining system, apparatus and method are disclosed. An expandable insert, half-out insert or outsert is disposable at least partially into the inside of the shaft of an arrow or other tubular member such as a golf club shaft. In one embodiment, a set screw can be tightened to expand finger elements to lock the insert and arrowhead attached thereto in place. Alternatively, a screw can lengthwise contract base and wedge elements along contacting portions of respective ramp portions, thereby expanding the effective outside diameter of the device inside of the shaft to lock it into place. In either case, a component, such as a broad head, can be aligned, removed or indexed as desired. 
     The detailed technology and preferred embodiments implemented for the subject invention are described in the following paragraphs accompanying the appended drawings for people skilled in this field to well appreciate the features of the claimed invention. It is understood that the features mentioned hereinbefore and those to be commented on hereinafter may be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an assembly drawing of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an assembly drawing of an arrow head that does not require an insert as the arrowhead male portion expands to lock into the arrow shaft according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional assembly of an arrow head that doesn&#39;t require an insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective showing a broadhead indexed to an arrow according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an expandable insert element of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an expandable insert element of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an expandable insert element of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an end view of an expandable insert element an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a side cross-sectional view of an expandable insert element of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an indexable insert tool of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an indexable insert tool of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a side cross-sectional view of an indexable insert tool that allows an open path for an Allen wrench to pass through the insert tool to tighten the tapered set screw and expand the insert to lock it into place according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a beveled spacer of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a side cross-sectional view of a beveled spacer of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a tapered set screw of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a tapered set screw of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is an end view of a set screw of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of a set screw of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a side cross-sectional view of a set screw of an arrow head insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a side assembly view drawing of an arrow head half-out insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a side cross-sectional view of an expandable female half-out insert adaptor of an arrow head insert system according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a side cross-sectional view of an arrow head half-out insert system according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an expandable male post insert of an arrow head insert or shaft joining system according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of an expandable male post insert of an arrow head insert system according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a side cross-sectional view of an expandable male post insert of an arrow head insert system according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an arrow head outsert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an arrow head outsert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  is an exploded assembly drawing of an arrow head outsert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional perspective view of an arrow head outsert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional perspective view of an arrow head outsert in a shaft according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional side view of an arrow head outsert in a shaft according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional side view of an arrow head outsert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 33  is a side view of a receiving portion of an arrow head outsert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 34  is an assembly view of an arrow head outsert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  is a side view of an arrow head outsert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a mechanical joining device according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 37  is an internal detail perspective view of a mechanical joining device according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 38  is an internal detail perspective view of an insert according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a field tip according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 40  is a side view of a field tip according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of an adapter according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 42  is a side view of an adapter according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of an adapter joining assembly and a filed tip joining assembly according to example embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular example embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, the present invention will be explained with reference to example embodiments thereof. However, these example embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to any specific environment, applications or particular implementations described in these example embodiments. Therefore, description of these example embodiments is only for purpose of illustration rather than limitation. It should be appreciated that, in the following example embodiments and the attached drawings, elements unrelated to the present invention are omitted from depiction; and dimensional relationships among individual elements in the attached drawings are illustrated only for ease of understanding, but not to limit the actual scale. 
     In this description the terms “insert”, “half-out insert” and “outsert” will be used. An “insert” refers to a component configured to be fully contained within a shaft except for a flanged portion on one end, if present, that may protrude beyond the end of the shaft in which the insert is located. A “half-out insert” is an insert configured to be partially contained within the arrow shaft, but having a significant portion extending outside of the arrow shaft, wherein the receiving portion defined in the insert extends partially inward of the arrow shaft end. In an “outsert”, the receiving portion is maintained entirely outside of the end of the arrow shaft, though a locking mechanism portion may be located inside or outside of the arrow shaft. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various interlocking mechanisms disclosed herein can be configured as full inserts, half-out inserts and outserts, even if not explicitly described as such, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , arrowhead insert  100  includes an expandable shaft insert  102 , a beveled spacer  104 , an indexable insert tool or receiving element  106  and a set screw  108 . The male threaded portion of the receiving element  106  is screwed into the respective female threaded end of the expandable insert  102 . The beveled spacer  104  is placed over the joined insert element/receiving element with the beveled side facing away for the arrow shaft. The joined expandable insert, tapered set screw, indexable insert tool and spacer is then inserted into the hollow inside of the arrow shaft  110 . The set screw  108  is then inserted though the hollow aforementioned assembly until it contacts the internal threads of the expandable insert element  102 . Tightening the set screw  108  using a tool keyed to the set screw, such as an Allen wrench in this example, causes the expandable portions of the insert element to expand equally outwardly and lock the entire assembly  100  into place within the arrow shaft  110  (or golf club shaft or other hollow shaft). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an arrow head  112 , such as a broad head, can be screwed into the threaded receiving portion of the receiving element  106 . For optimal performance, it is desirable to index or axially align the blades  114  of the arrow head  112  with the vanes  116  of the arrow shaft  110 . If the alignment is not ideal when the arrow head is fastened to the insert  100 , the set screw can be loosened so that the insert can be rotated with respect to the shaft in an amount necessary to result in the desired alignment. Then the set screw can be tightened once again to maintain the desired alignment. A mark  115  can be provided to indicate the proper arrow index. 
     The various physical features of the expandable insert element  102  can be seen in  FIGS. 5-9 . Expandable insert element  102  has a generally cylindrical outer surface and includes an expandable end  103  and opposing non-expandable end  105 . The expandable end  103  comprises a plurality of fingers  107  separated by a channeled or slotted portion  109 . A hollow interior  111  extends lengthwise through the element  102  form end-to-end. A portion of that hollow interior is threaded  113  and a portion is tapered  117 . The tapered inner portion  117  facilitates expansion of the finger elements  107  as the set screw is tightened (i.e. located deeper) inside of the insert element  102 . 
     The various physical features of the receiving element  106  can be seen in  FIGS. 10-12 . The receiving element includes a threaded shaft portion  121  adjacent to a first end that is engageable with the threaded portion  113  of the expandable insert element. An opposing end defines an adapter portion  123  that has an inside radius and threads to receive a threaded projection of a broad head or other component to be joined with the hollow shaft. The adapter portion defines a shoulder portion  125  that abuts against either the end surface of the hollow arrow shaft or against a spacer. In the later configuration, the shoulder can be beveled, if necessary, to ensure an acceptably secure interlock with the hollow shaft. The receiving element  106  further includes a hollow interior  127  extending there through to permit access to the set screw. 
     The various physical features of the beveled spacer  104  can be seen in  FIGS. 13-14 . The spacer is generally hoop-shaped and defines a first flat side  129  and a second beveled side  131 . The flat side abuts against the outer end of the arrow shaft. The beveled side mates with the corresponding beveled shoulder  125  of the receiving element  106 . The spacer  104  thus eliminates the need to bevel the end of the arrow shaft for proper mating of a receiving element with an arrow shaft end surface. But it should be noted that the invention can be practiced without the use of the spacer in some embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     And the various physical features of the tapered set screw can be seen in  FIGS. 15-19 . The set screw comprises a threaded portion  133  and a smooth tapered portion  135 . The end surface adjacent the threaded end defines a keyed recess  137  for receiving a tool such as an allen wrench. This permits the user to selectively rotate the set screw using widely available tools. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other types of keyed recess shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The smooth tapered portion  135  of the set screw can be solid or hollow depending on the desired weight of the component. The set screw example shown includes a hollow portion  139  extending through the component. This results in a lighter component compared to a solid piece. 
     In use, the tapered surface  135  of the set screw  108  pushes outwardly against the corresponding tapered inner surface  117  of the expandable insert element  102  as the set screw travels through the threaded portion  113  from the non-expandable end  105  to the expandable end  103 . The farther that the set screw travels towards the expandable end  103 , the greater the extend of the outward deflection of the finger elements  109 . The depth of the threaded portion  113  in the expandable insert element  102  can be defined to ensure that the set screw will not travel so far that the resulting expansion ruptures or damages the shaft. The user can also be provided with a safe maximum torque rating for a given shaft so that the shaft is not damaged or ruptured. The user can utilize a commercially available torque wrench to measure the torque applied. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20-22 , an additional embodiment of the arrow insert system is shown. The expandable insert  102  shown here is configured as a female half-out insert  120 . The half-out insert  120  is insertable into the inside diameter of an arrow shaft up to the point that the shoulder or flanged portion  122  is encountered, thereby preventing further insertion. A female receiving portion  124  then extends beyond the end of the arrow shaft  119 . The diameter and outside surface  126  of the receiving portion  124  is tapered to match the outside diameter of the arrow shaft  119 . Note that the arrow shaft can be cut down (e.g. 0.500 inches) in length to account for the length of the protruding receiving portion, thereby maintaining the original overall shaft length. The tapered set screw  108  is insertable into the inner threaded portion  113  of the female insert  120 , and the finger elements  107  are thereby expanded inside of the shaft to secure the insert to the arrow shaft. The respective tapering of the surfaces of the set screw  108  and insert  120  help prevent over tightening of the set screw that could cause the arrow shaft to split or break. These components are shown assembled in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 22 . Note that a part of the threaded portion of the set screw  108  is not shown in cross-sectioning. 
     This preceding configuration is particularly adapted to micro arrow diameter shafts, which ordinarily require specialized arrow heads adapted to fit the narrow inside diameter (e.g. 0.165 to 0.204 inches) of the shaft. The embodiment of  FIGS. 20-22  allows standard 8-32 threaded broadheads to be used with these micro-series and similarly-sized shafts. In addition, this embodiment requires no glue, is stronger than glued inserts, allows for replacement and allows the end user to index their blades to the arrow vanes to tune the flight of the arrow with a broadhead attached. Other threading configurations, such as 6-40 threads, can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The outer diameter of the female receiving portion  124  can also be slightly larger than the outside diameter of the shaft  119 . In such embodiments, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the shoulder portion  122  can extend back over the interlocking portion to define a collar portion and a recess to receive a portion of the end of the shaft  119 . In such configuration, the collar extends over the outer diameter of the shaft to capture the shaft by the internal expansion generated by the finger elements expanding in response to the set screw, while the outer collar portion stops further expansion of the shaft. This configuration helps prevent fracture or splitting of the shaft and also ensures a rigid mating of the shaft with the insert. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 23-25 , a further embodiment is shown, wherein an expandable male post insert  130  is provided. The expandable male post insert  130  allows the user to add different sections to the arrow shaft (and without the need for epoxy or glue). Arrows can thus be put together in sections, which helps to increase the arrow spline strength and adds flexibility to fix arrows that may become damaged in the field. As can be seen from the figures, the expandable end  132  is inserted into the arrow shaft. A reverse-tapered set screw  134  is then recessed into the expandable end to lock the insert  130  to the inside diameter of the arrow shaft. Access to the set screw is from the opposing male threaded end  136  via a hollow channel  138  though the insert. The male threaded end  136  can then be used to join additional sections, or a fletched end of an arrow shaft with a female insert that is glueless or glued into place. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 26-35  an outsert  200  for joining an arrow tip to an arrow shaft is shown. The outsert  200  is generally tubular and comprises a female threaded portion  202  on one end for receiving a male threaded component such as a an arrow head. The opposing end comprises two wedge portions  204  and  206  that expand the effective outside diameter when moved towards one another, thereby contracting the length of the outsert  200 . 
     The outer surfaces of the wedge portions  204  and  206  can be provided with stippling, knurled surface or other roughened texture to aid in gripping the inside surface of the shaft to which it mates. 
     An adjustable weight  208  and retention screw  210  are disposable in the end of the outermost wedge portion  206  so that the user can selectively adjust arrow weight. An adjustment screw  212  (shown in  FIG. 28 ) is provided through an aperture in the female threaded portion  202  and the first wedge portion  204  and into internal threading of the second wedge portion  206  in order to retract the second wedge portion  206  with respect to the first wedge portion  204 .  FIGS. 30-31  show a shaft  214  joined to the outsert  200 . 
     In use, referring to  FIGS. 28-35 , the adjustment screw  212  is inserted through an aperture defined in the female end  202  of the outsert until it extends beyond the first wedge portion  204 . Then the second wedge portion  206  is aligned so that the screw  212  threads into the second wedge portion. If desired, a weight  208  is secured to the opposite end of the wedge portion  208  with a retention screw. Then the assembly is inserted into the arrow shaft and the adjustment screw is tightened until the outsert is secured therein. This securing is performed by turning the adjustment screw in a retraction direction to cause the base portion and the wedge portions to move towards one another so that the second tapered ramp portion of the wedge portion slides along the first tapered ramp portion of the base portion, thereby also causing the respective portions to move outwardly as well. This axially outward or movement effectively increases the diameter of the assembly beyond the diameter of either the wedge or base portions, thus defining an interlocking diameter. 
     An additional aspect of certain embodiments is the collar extension  218 , shown in  FIGS. 30-31 , that extends over the outside diameter of the shaft  214 . This feature locks the outsert to both of the inside diameter and the outside diameter of the shaft  214  at the same time. Thus this configuration captures the side wall of the shaft. It can also adjust the spine measurement of the shaft by extending or reducing the reach of the collar  218  over the shaft&#39;s outside diameter  214 . It further helps guard against shaft failure due to over tightening of the adjustment screw  112 . 
     As explained previously, this configuration shown in  FIGS. 26-35  is called an outsert, not an insert or half-our insert, because the female threaded portion that receives the male threaded portion of an arrow tip, nock or fletching system is maintained completely external to the arrow shaft. Only the retention wedge portions  204 ,  206  are located inside of the shaft (and the weight  208  and retention screw  210 , if present). 
     The outsert according to the various aspects in the embodiments of  FIGS. 26-35  is particularly useful for the increasingly popular 0.165 inch “micro” inside diameter shafts used in archery. The female threaded portions  207  for receiving the arrow component allow for the use of standard broadheads and nocks with these relatively small diameter shafts. However this joining system is adaptable to 0.204 as well as other shaft inside diameters. 
     Another configuration of a shaft joining system is shown in  FIGS. 36-37 . This insert assembly comprises a base portion  220  and an adjustable wedge portion  222 . As shown, an adjustment screw  221  is tightened to retract or draw the wedge portion  222  up the sloped cam surface  223  of the base portion  220  to gradually increase the effective outside diameter of the joining device. The keyed end of the screw  221  is accessed through an open end of the base portion  220 . The flange  224  abuts the end of the shaft into which the joining device is inserted. However, the flange can be omitted so that the joining device can be used as a mechanical joiner of two components that have the same inside diameter dimensions. The components can include shafts (such as for golf or archery), arrow tips, arrow nocks, golf club heads, etc. Sections of tubing and piping can also be joined using this device, method and system. 
       FIG. 38  illustrates a further embodiment showing the receiving element  106  configured to define a sloped base portion  220  as discussed in the preceding embodiment. This illustrates the modularity and flexible application of aspects of the various embodiments of the invention described herein. 
       FIGS. 39-40  illustrate the embodiment of a tapered shank end  230  defined on the end of a field point  232  or other broadhead. The tapered shank end functions similarly to the tapered portion of the set screw  108  discussed in the first embodiment. However, the present embodiment reduces the number of components by incorporating the tapered feature as part of a singular component. Doing this also eliminates the need for a wrench or other tool to operate the keyed recess in the set screw. 
       FIGS. 41-42  illustrate the same unitary incorporation of the tapered surface  230  on a shank of a female receiving portion  234  of an arrow head attachment system as discussed above. A female threaded end  236  can receive a variety of broad heads or other components as the user may desire. 
       FIG. 43  illustrates the field point  232  and receiving portion  234  aligned prior to insertion into an insert element  238 . The insert element  240  features expandable finger elements  240 , as discussed previously, that expand outwardly as the respective field point  232  or receiving portion  234  is threaded into the insert element. The insert element is provided with a stop flange or collar portion  242  to abut against an end of the shaft, while the remainder of the insert element  238  resides within the arrow shaft. 
     As explained herein the mechanical locking devices according to the various embodiments described herein can be configured and used as an alternative to threaded engagements between two components. 
     The mechanical locking device, system and method of the invention can further be used to attach external fletching components such as those from NUFLETCH. The mechanical interlocking device in such device replaces the 8-32 threads, thereby eliminating the need for a female 8-32 threaded insert. The product weight would thus be substantially reduced. 
     The various embodiments herein can use 8-32 thread configurations that are common in the archery industry. However, 6-40 threading configuration can also be used, or other threading configurations can be used, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The arrow insert according to certain embodiments provides certain advantages over conventional inserts. One such advantage is that no glue is needed to retain the insert inside of the arrow shaft. Arrow shafts are expensive and the conventional shafts must be glued in place with epoxy. Only after the epoxy has set (about 24 hours) can the assembled arrows be used. The present invention takes only seconds to install in a shaft and be ready to shoot. 
     Inserts that are glued in place are considered a onetime use. In contrast, the inserts of the present invention allow the user to reuse the insert over and over again. 
     With conventional inserts, the tool that is provided to set the internal insert in place is plastic and does not allow the user to align or “index” the arrow vanes to the blades on the broadhead. Also, this tool can allow a small amount of epoxy to coat the inside of the arrow during the installation process. A very small amount of glue can render the arrow unusable as the inside diameter of the arrow shaft is typically 0.204″ and the shank on most broadheads is 0.202″. 
     An advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is the elimination of the conventional bevel tool and beveling operation needed for conventional inserts. With conventional inserts, once the arrow has been cut to length, the inside diameter of the arrow shaft must be beveled to match the radius of the broadhead (typically 0.020″). A small stone grinding tool it typically provided to apply the bevel. In contrast, the present invention allows the field point, arrow head or fletching system to make contact with the beveled section of the present invention. 
     Alternatively, a beveled spacer can be used to eliminate the need to grind the inside diameter of the arrow shaft. The spacer has the required radius (e.g., 0.020″) formed into the part and provides a more accurate and stronger interface between the various arrow components. The beveled spacer can also be color coded to indicate the appropriate yardage (if laser broadheads are used) or to indicate the classification of the arrow. The color coding can be provided by the user using an indelible marker (color of the end user&#39;s choice) or can be embedded in the material or coated on the material forming spacer. 
     An advantage of all embodiments is the ability to index the arrow head. It is very desirable to align the blades of the broadhead to the vanes of the arrow shaft as indicated previously. Alignment provides better flight characteristics and repeatable results between many different arrows (tighter arrow groups). Because the conventional inserts are glued into place, the user will have to index the broadhead to the arrow shaft at the time that the insert is installed. Once the insert and broadhead are glued into place, the two parts are a matched set. If the arrow or broadhead is damaged, it will be nearly impossible to obtain another broadhead to match the same indexed position as the original (onetime use). The present invention, however, allows the end user to reuse the insert (reset the index position) as described herein, so the arrow can be used on multiple broadheads (reusable instead of a onetime use). 
     The various features of the embodiments described herein can be combined to form additional embodiments not specifically described herein. For example, the wedge interlocking mechanism of  FIGS. 26-37  can be used in place of the expandable portions provided in  FIGS. 1-25 , and vice-versa. 
     The various components of the arrow inserts, half-out inserts, and outserts described herein can be formed from a variety of materials without departing from the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, the components are a metal such as aluminum or magnesium. In another example embodiment one or more components are plastic or a composite. 
     The present invention can also be used in with a laser broadhead as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,251,845 and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/273,932. Both of the above-listed US Patent and Application and U.S. Pat. No. 7,115,055 are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention can also be used in conjunction with the electronic archery sighting system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,286,871, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The above disclosure is related to the detailed technical contents and inventive features thereof. People skilled in this field may proceed with a variety of modifications and replacements based on the disclosures and suggestions of the invention as described without departing from the characteristics thereof. For example, the invention is also applicable to cross bows, bowfishing, sling bow fishing/hunting, spear fishing guns and other projectiles that would benefit from a laser aiming pointed tip. Nevertheless, although such modifications and replacements are not fully disclosed in the above descriptions, they have substantially been covered in the following claims as appended.