Abstract:
A payload delivery apparatus comprised of a frangible hollow body for delivering a variety of payloads. The body is attached to a base having a threaded section for removable engagement with an arrow shaft. A plurality of equidistant spaced impact stanchions are attached around the perimeter of the body. A cap is fitted to an open end of the hollow body. Each impact stanchion is connected to the hollow body in such a way as to fracture upon impact with a target thus delivering the payload. In an alternate embodiment, a set of aerodynamic linear channels and annular indentions is included in the body so as to aid to fracturing upon impact.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part claiming priority benefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/199,901 filed Sep. 13, 2011, which claims priority benefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/928,772 filed on Dec. 16, 2010. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to hunting equipment, and more particularly to an arrow which is capable of disposably transporting a payload to a target. 
         [0003]    In the sport of game hunting it is conventional for a hunter to select a spot believed to be in a path or other area where the game is likely to be and wait for the animal in a tree or other hiding place. Typically, a hunting stand is erected on a tree above the expected travel path of the animals where a hunter can stay without searing the animal and without leaving a human scent. To improve the hunter&#39;s odds, an attractant such as the scent of such animal may be left in the area so that other animals of the species would investigate it and while doing so, offer more target opportunities for the hunter. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, the hunter hiding in a tree has to descend to the ground and spread the scent manually in the target area. A conventional alternative was to wet a rag or other absorbent material, tie the rag to an arrow and then fire the arrow from the tree stand. However, such approach suffers from major disadvantages. For example, the liquid can be spilled on the hunter or his clothes. Moreover, some of the scent is dispersed during the arrow flight and very little of the liquid reaches the ground. 
         [0005]    My co-pending application discloses an improved scent dispersing arrowhead where a hollow body has a pair of opposing cutouts through which an animal attractant, such as liquid scent can exit the hollow body. The hollow body is configured to retain a frangible liquid-scent containing capsule. A plunger is configured to slide into the scent capsule enclosure and cause rapture the scent-containing capsule upon impact of the plunger with a solid surface, such as ground, rock or tree limb. While this arrowhead has distinct advantages over conventional scent dispersing arrows, it was discovered that a narrow forward tip of the arrowhead tends to at least slightly penetrate the soil and thus disperse a portion of the scent liquid into the soil. 
         [0006]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,905 to Edlund, discloses a scent dispersion arrow including an active arrow tip which uses a compression fitting to attach to an out shaft. A scent dispersion head, containing a sponge holding a liquid scent had a cavity in the arrow tip. The cavity is sealed against the compression fittings. When deployed, the arrow tip advances in the cavity dispersing the scent through openings in the arrowhead. 
         [0007]    As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,842 to McLearan, discloses an arrow for dispersing a scent with an active arrowhead. The arrowhead is blunt and includes a deployment orifice connected to a rigid tube. A scent is contained in the arrow body in a container which is sealed around the tube. Upon impact, the arrow body drives the container along the tube thereby forcing the scent liquid through the tube and out of the orifice to be deployed at the target. 
         [0008]    As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,584 to Bishop, discloses a scent releasing arrow which includes a hollow tubular metal shaft having a pad of absorbent material located within it. It&#39;s adjacent a group of openings. A cylindrical sleeve covers the openings until the arrow is deployed. Upon deployment the cover slides forward uncovering the holes and releasing the scent. 
         [0009]    Similarly, United States Patent Publication No. 2008/0051231A1 to Everett, discloses a hollow scent arrow having a plurality of holes. The hollow arrow includes a wick stick adjacent the holes filled the scent liquid. Also within the hollow arrow is a heavy slug which is free to slide within the arrow compartment behind the wick stick. Upon deployment, the slug advances pressing the wick stick and releasing the scent out of the holes. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    This disclosure provides, in one preferred embodiment, a scent dispersing apparatus including a scent dispersing assembly configured for attachment to an arrow that can be fired from a tree stand or other concealed area in a hunting position. 
         [0011]    A preferred embodiment includes a frangible hollow housing defining a liquid-scent enclosure. The housing has a generally cylindrical hollow body and a plurality of fins secured about an outer periphery of the hollow body and extending outwardly therefrom. The fins resemble buttresses secured to a forward end of the housing. The fins are adapted to substantially increase outer dimensions of a forward end of the housing and prevent the housing from being embedded into the soil upon impact. The hollow body is configured to fracture upon impact with a solid surface releasing the liquid animal attractant. 
         [0012]    Another preferred embodiment includes a payload of #20 birdshot. 
         [0013]    Another preferred embodiment includes a payload of a tracking module and an antenna. 
         [0014]    Yet another preferred embodiment includes a payload of paint, medicine or pesticide. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of the hunting location where the scent dispersing arrow of this disclosure is used. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the scent dispersing arrow of this disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the scent dispersing arrow of this disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is an elevation view of the scent dispersing arrow of this disclosure, with the cap detached. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is an end view of the scent dispersing arrow of this disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  illustrates the scent dispensing arrow broken upon impact with the ground. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is an elevation view of an alternate preferred embodiment of a payload delivery apparatus, with the cap detached. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10A  is a sectional view of an alternate preferred embodiment of a payload delivery apparatus taken along line  10 A- 10 A of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 10B  is a sectional view of an alternate preferred embodiment of a payload delivery apparatus showing a shot payload taken along  10 B- 10 B of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is an end view of an alternate preferred embodiment of a payload delivering apparatus showing four impact stanchions. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is an end view of an alternate preferred embodiment of a payload delivering apparatus showing three impact stanchions. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is an end view of an alternate preferred embodiment of a payload delivering apparatus showing two impact stanchions. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , arrow  10  designates the scent dispersing arrow in accordance with the present disclosure. Arrow  10  comprises an elongated cylindrical arrow shaft  12 . Arrow shaft  12  has open forward end  14  and closed distant end  16 . Nock  18  is formed in distant end  16  to accommodate a bow string. Forward end  14  of shaft  12  is open and threaded insert  20  is positioned therein. Conventional vanes  22  may be attached to arrow shaft  12  adjacent distant end  16 . Arrow  10  may have multiple vanes  22  equidistantly spaced about the circumference of arrow shaft  12 . 
         [0031]    Scent dispersing assembly  30  is detachably secured on arrow shaft  12 . The scent dispersing assembly comprises housing  32  having proximate threaded portion  34 . The threads of the proximate portion are configured to matingly detachably engage with the threads of insert  20 . Housing  32  also comprises intermediate portion  36 , which can be formed as a cylindrical member, as a transitional member between proximate threaded portion  34  and distant portion  38 . 
         [0032]    Distant portion  38  is formed as a generally cylindrical hollow member having a diameter greater than threaded portion  34  and intermediate portion  36 . Of course, housing  32  can be formed as a cylindrical body having the same diameter from one end to the other, with one end having external threads similar to the threads-threaded portion  34 . If desired, the exterior surface of the distant portion provided with plurality of ridges  43 , which increase friction or the exterior surface and facilitate a better grip of the scent dispersing assembly by a user. This feature is particularly beneficial when the user threadably engages the scent dispersing assembly with arrow shaft  12 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  7 , in one aspect of the disclosure, distant portion  38  defines internal chamber  40 , which extends through a major part of distant portion  38 . Distant portion  38  has open end  39  opposite threaded portion  34 . Opposite open end  39 , chamber  40  is closed by transverse inner wall  42 . It is envisioned that chamber  40  is sized to retain about 100 mg of synthetic or natural scent that is designed to attract animals being hunted during a particular hunting season. 
         [0034]    Detachable cap  46  is configured to close open end  39  after a scented liquid is loaded into chamber  40 . Cap  46  has generally conical first part  47  and generally cylindrical second part  48 . Second part  48  of cap  46  can be made hollow. The exterior dimensions of second part  48  are such that second part  48  frictionally engages interior sidewall of chamber  40 , fitting into open end  39  when cap  46  is engaged with open end  39  of distant portion  38 . Shoulder  49  formed between first part  47  and second part  48  of cap  46 . Shoulder  49  engages outer end  39  of distant portion  38  when the cap is fitted into the opening of end  39 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , plurality of fins  50  is equidistantly secured about a forward part  52  of the distant portion  38 . Fins  50  resemble buttresses surrounding the cylindrical distant portion  38 . Fins  50  are separated by channels  54  which are designed to improve aerodynamics and fracturing characteristics of arrow  10 . In a preferred embodiment, channels  54  are approximately 0.984″ (2.5 cm) in length. The channels terminate at channel ends Ma. Each channel end further serves as a stress riser which aids in fracturing the housing upon impact. As can be seen in the drawings, fins  50  substantially increase the outer dimensions of distant end  38 . In one aspect of the disclosure, each fin  50  has an outwardly flaring end plate  56  unitary formed with attachment member  58 , which secures fin  50  to the exterior of distant portion  38 . The flaring plate includes support flange  57  which serves to strengthen the end plate and the fin so that upon impact the force from the end plate is transmitted to the channels and the stress risers. End plate  56  is provided with talon  59  that extends as the most forward point of housing  32 . Support flange  57  begins at end  39  and extends to talon  59 . The talons serve to increase the ability of the fin to grip the impact surface and not be deflected. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  7 , fin  50  may be formed hollow as a shell or with open proximate end  60 . Proximate end  60  is formed opposite end plate  56  of fin  50 . In one aspect of the disclosure, combined surface area of end plates  56  is almost twice as large as the diameter of the cylindrical distant portion  38  without fins  50 . Fins  50  can be triangular in cross-section or resemble a rhombus. Although four such fins are shown in the drawings, it will be realized that other numbers of fins can be used as well. 
         [0037]    Distant portion  38  is formed as a thin-walled enclosure for the scent dispersing liquid that is loaded into chamber  40 . In one of the preferred embodiments cylindrical wall  62  is about 0.03″ (0.761 mm) thick to encourage distant portion  38  to fracture upon impact with a solid surface, such as the ground or a tree trunk. The diameter of chamber  40  can be about 0.25″ (6.35 mm). The distance between a pair of opposing talons  59  of fins  50  can be about 1″ (25.4 mm); the length of the scent dispersing assembly can be about 2.38″ (60.45 mm); and the length of distant portion  38  can be about 1.7″ (43.18 mm). Of course, these dimensions are exemplary and other dimensions will suffice. 
         [0038]    Scent dispersing assembly  30  can be made from a variety of frangible materials, such as for instance thin plastic. In one preferred embodiment, the plastic is a polyolefin, namely, a polypropylene homopolymer. The arrow shaft can be made of rigid plastic or other conventional material. It is envisioned that scent dispersing assembly  30  can be manufactured and sold separately from arrow  12 , and be adapted for use with any type of arrow. A kit containing a plurality of the scent dispersing assemblies  30  can be sold as a separate item. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , in operation, hunter  70  is positioned in tree stand  72 , which is elevated above ground  74 . Usually, tree stand  72  is erected in a location adjacent food plot  75  or trail  76  frequented by the animals, such as deer. Preferably, the area around tree  73  where the tree stand is positioned contains minimal human scent that can be discerned by the hunted animal. 
         [0040]    Hunter  70  selects one scent dispersing assembly  30 , which has been pre-loaded with the desired scent in chamber  40 . Chamber  40  is closed with cap  46 . The hunter then threadably engages scent dispersing assembly  30  with arrow shaft  12  using matching threads  20  in shaft  12  and the external threads on threaded portion  34 . Once scent dispersing assembly  30  is securely engaged with arrow shaft  12 , the hunter fires the arrow aiming either toward food plot  75  or to trail  76 . The trajectory of the arrow flight is shown in phantom lines. 
         [0041]    As the arrow hits ground  74  wide end plates  56  of fins  50  prevent the scent dispersing assembly  30  from embedding in the soil. Talons  59  of fins  50  can impact the target. The impact force, made stronger by the weight of the liquid in chamber  40  and fins  50  is transmitted to the body of distant portion  38 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the forceful impact of the fins with a solid surface transmits the impact force to housing  32  and down channels  54  to channel ends  54   a , causing the thin walls to fracture and disperse the liquid in the area of the impact. As a consequence, the liquid scent exits the housing  32  in a “fan-like” fashion, as illustrated in phantom lines  80 . Following the hunt, hunter  70  can retrieve the arrow, disengage the broken housing  32  from arrow shaft  12  and engage another assembly  30  with liquid scent with shaft  12 . Arrow shaft  12  can thus be used numerous times. 
         [0043]    In one alternative embodiment, the present disclosure prevent spills of the liquid scent on the hunter or hunter&#39;s closing by using an encapsulated item. The hunter can select the most advantageous point for scent dispersal from an elevated position, without leaving undesirable human scent on the deer trail. The targeted delivery of the liquid scent to the most desired area ensures maximum exposure thereof to the game. 
         [0044]    Referring to FIGS.  9  and  10 A-B, an alternate preferred embodiment is shown. Payload delivery apparatus  102  is comprised of a frangible hollow nacelle  104  integrally formed with base  106 . The preferred embodiment of payload delivery apparatus  102  is manufactured from a class of polyolefin known for its rigid characteristics, such as a polypropylene homopolymer. Other generally rigid plastics or ceramic materials should suffice. Both nacelle  104  and base  106  are generally cylindrical in shape. Base  106  includes threaded portion  108  having external threads sized to engage the internal threads of insert  20  of arrow shaft  12 . Nacelle  104  is connected to base  106  by transverse inner wall  142 . Cylindrical wall  162  forms chamber  140 . Transverse inner wall  142  encloses chamber  140  proximate base  106 . Payload driver  165  extends from transverse inner wall  142  into chamber  140 . Payload driver  165  is generally conical or frusto-conical in shape. Stress riser  110  forms a circular ring around payload driver  165  which reduces the strength of the nacelle and forms a break point. 
         [0045]    Chamber  140  terminates with hole  141 . Hole  141  frictionally receives cap  146 . Nacelle  104  further includes a plurality of raised attachment members  158  to which are attached a plurality of impact stanchions  150 . Attachment members  158  each include a plurality of slots  143 . Slots  143  are aligned parallel to the central axis of nacelle  104  and function to reduce weight of the nacelle and aid in gripping while threading the threaded portion onto an arrow shaft. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  13  show different preferred embodiments of the nacelle. Impact stanchions  150  are spaced equidistantly and symmetrically around the perimeter of the nacelle. The number of impact stanchions may vary. Although two, three, and four impact stanchions have been depicted, it is within the scope of the disclosure to have as many stanchions as is required for any particular payload delivery scenario. Each impact stanchion  150  is integrally formed with its respective attachment member  158 . Impact stanchions  150  and attachment members  158  are separated by channels  154 . Channels  154  traverse the length of the hollow nacelle longitudinally. The channels reduce the thickness of the walls of chamber  140  to between about 0.025″ and about 0.035″. 
         [0047]    Referring again to  FIG. 9 , each impact stanchion  150  has an outwardly flaring endplate  156 . Each impact stanchion  150  may be enclosed and hollow or include an open end  160 . Each endplate  156  is separated from cylindrical wall  162  by stress riser  170 . Each endplate  156  is provided with support flange  157  originating at stress riser  170  and culminating at talon  159 . Each talon extends forward of the nacelle. Stress risers  110  and  170  and channels  154  cooperate to provide predetermined break lines for the nacelle upon impact with an intended target. 
         [0048]    The overall size of payload delivery apparatus  102  will vary with the size and requirement of the desired payload to be delivered. It is expected that payload delivery apparatus  102  may be used with solid payloads and liquid payloads. Referring to  FIG. 10B , one example of a payload includes #20 bird shot. In this embodiment, #20 bird shot is packed into the nacelle and secured with cap  146 . In other embodiments, pellets of differing sizes, weights and compositions may be employed. A singular metal or plastic projectile, paint balls, animal attractants, and tranquilizers may also be used as payloads. Additional payloads include narcotics, poisons, medicines, and human or animal scent or remains for training dogs or forensic investigators. Agricultural applications are envisioned where the payload may include seeds, fungicides and/or pesticides. Many applications are also possible utilizing liquid paint as the payload, preferably iridescent or ultraviolet paints. 
         [0049]    In use, the preloaded nacelle is attached to the shaft of an arrow by engaging threaded portion  108  with the internal threads of insert  20  on arrow shaft  12 . If the nacelle is not preloaded, cap  146  is removed from nacelle  104 , desired payload  172  is loaded into chamber  140 , and cap  146  is frictionally reinserted into place enclosing the payload in chamber  140 . The nacelle is then deployed using a bow or crossbow, as known in the art, at the intended target. 
         [0050]    As the nacelle hits the target, it fails at stress risers  110  and  170  and channels  154  and shatters. Impact stanchions  150  break away from nacelle  104 . Nacelle  104  breaks away from base  106 . The momentum of arrow  10  pushes base  106  and payload driver  165  through payload  172 , spreading payload  172  out at the intended target. Arrow  10  may be retrieved and re-used. 
         [0051]    In the case of bird shot as a payload, an unexpected result was achieved. Extremely high penetration rates were achieved with repeated tests on chicken and turkey carcasses. The tests showed conclusively that the delivery pattern of #20 bird shot resulting from delivery with the nacelle was between about 0.5″ and 1.5″ with complete penetration. It is postulated that the small pattern was achieved because of the function of the nacelle in containing dispersion of the bird shot until impact with the target. It is further postulated that the good penetration was aided by the impact driver. 
         [0052]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.