Patent Publication Number: US-2009233742-A1

Title: Arrowhead

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/002,251, filed Dec. 14, 2007, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of arrowheads for arrows, and more specifically, to an improved arrowhead for arrows that may interchangeably accommodate one or more fixed blades and one or more mechanical, or moveable, blades. 
     Many types of arrowheads used for arrows include one or more fixed blades or one or more moveable blades. Fixed blades may remain fixed in position during use. Mechanical, or moveable blades, may open, or expand, often upon impact with a target. There are many challenges in providing a reliable and effective arrowhead that may interchangeably accommodate both fixed and mechanical blades. 
     It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved arrowhead that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional arrowheads. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an arrow having an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a reverse side perspective view of the arrowhead of  FIG. 2  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the arrowhead of  FIG. 2  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the arrowhead of  FIG. 2  according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-section view of a portion of an arrowhead taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is side perspective view of an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the arrowhead of  FIG. 7  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of an arrowhead according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of an arrowhead in a retracted position according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of the arrowhead of  FIG. 11  in an expanded position according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of the arrowhead of  FIG. 12  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-section view of a retaining member according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view of an arrowhead according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a partial cross-section view of the arrowhead of  FIG. 15  having a plurality of retaining members according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 17A  is a cross-section view of a body for an arrowhead taken along line  17 A- 17 A of  FIG. 9  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 17B  is a cross-section view of a body for an arrowhead taken along line  17 B- 17 B of  FIG. 9  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 18A-18G  show various blades for arrowheads according to various exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  show portions of an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 20A and 20B  show portions of an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 21A and 21B  show portions of an arrowhead according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 22A-22L  show various fasteners for arrowheads according to various exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 23A-23H  show various cutting edges and cutting edge profiles according to various exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an arrow  10  according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Arrow  10  includes an arrowhead  12  and a shaft  14 . Shaft  14  may be an elongated member that may be formed from a wide variety of materials such as metal, plastic, fiber-reinforced composites, hardwood, softwood, etc., or a combination of suitable materials. According to an exemplary embodiment, a fletching  16  is coupled to one end of shaft  14 , and arrowhead  12  is coupled to shaft  14  at a second end opposite of fletching  16 . Other arrow configurations may be used in conjunction with arrowhead  12  according to various other exemplary embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , arrowhead  12  is shown in greater detail according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, arrowhead  12  may be configured as a fixed-blade broadhead that utilizes fixed blades rather than blades that include moving components (e.g., “mechanical” blades). Arrowhead  12  includes a main body or ferrule  20  that receives a first blade  40  and a second blade  50 , and fasteners  60  and  62  that secure one or more of blades  40 ,  50  to body  20 . Blades  40 ,  50  may be configured to be removable (e.g., replaceable) and may be arranged such that they extend beyond the forward-most portion of body  20  to form a cut-on-contact tip for arrowhead  12  (e.g., such that during use, blade tip  44  of blade  40  and blade tip  54  of blade  50  strike the intended target prior to body  20 ). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, body  20  is an elongated member that has a longitudinal axis  22  that is generally coaxial with shaft  14 . Body  20  includes a rear portion  24  and a forward portion  28  with recesses  34 ,  36  that receive first blade  40  and second blade  50 , respectively. Rear portion  24  may include threads  26  and be configured to engage a threaded socket  18  in shaft  14  to couple arrowhead  12  to shaft  14 . According to an exemplary embodiment, threaded socket  18  may include a separate threaded insert that may be glued or otherwise coupled to shaft  14 . Forward portion  28  includes a first or elongated portion  30  and a second or enlarged portion  32  proximate rear portion  24 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, second portion  32  may be a generally cylindrical body that is generally symmetrical about longitudinal axis  22 . Second portion  32  includes one or more apertures  33  that are offset from longitudinal axis  22 . Apertures  33  may comprise a recessed portion  35  when fasteners  60 ,  62  are in a tightened position. Fasteners  60 ,  62  are received in apertures  33  and are therefore offset from longitudinal axis  22  in a similar manner. For example, according to one embodiment, apertures  33  (and fasteners  60 ,  62 ) may be configured such that apertures  33  do not intersect longitudinal axis  22  (or do not extend in a direction that intersects axis  22 ). According to an alternative embodiment, apertures  33  may extend orthogonally with respect to longitudinal axis  22  and be spaced apart from longitudinal axis  22  at equal or unequal distances to either side of longitudinal axis  22 . According to yet another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 6 , one or more of apertures  33  may extend in a plane  41  or  43  that is parallel to and/or spaced apart from a plane  47  that encompasses longitudinal axis  22 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, apertures  33  are aligned with corresponding apertures  49  (see  FIG. 4 ) in first blade  40  and receive fasteners  60  and  62  to couple first blade  40  to body  20 . When arrowhead  12  is assembled, apertures  49  are aligned with apertures  33  in body  20 . According to an exemplary embodiment, body  20  may be formed from steel. According to other exemplary embodiments, body  20  may be formed from other materials, such as aluminum, etc. Providing a steel body may provide a stronger body portion over alternative metals such as aluminum. According to an exemplary embodiment, enlarged portion  32  may have a radius and circumference greater than the radius and circumference of elongated portion  30 . For example, the radius of enlarged portion  32  may be at least about 1.2 times the radius of elongated portion  30 , or at least about 1.5 or 2.0 times the radius of elongated portion  30  in alternative embodiments. 
     First blade  40  may be a generally triangular, replaceable blade and may be removable from body  20 . First blade  40  includes a pair of cutting edges  42 . Each of cutting edges  42  may extend from a tip  44  to an apex  45  to form a side of first blade  40 . A slot or groove  46  may be formed along the centerline of blade  40 . Slot  46  extends from the portion of blade  40  opposite tip  44  to a portion proximate tip  44 . In this embodiment, slot  46  may extend along at least one-half, at least two-thirds, or at least three-quarters of the length of blade  40 . Two apertures  48  may be provided on either side of slot  46  between slot  46  and cutting edges  42 . Apertures  48  may be configured to permit air to flow through the apertures and pass through blade  40 . In this embodiment, apertures  48  may have an area that is at least one-quarter, at least one-third, or at least one-half of the surface area of one side of blade  40  (e.g., during flight). While apertures  48  are shown as generally triangular openings in  FIGS. 1-4 , according to other exemplary embodiments, apertures  48  may be otherwise shaped or may include a multitude of openings in blade  40 . According to an exemplary embodiment, apertures  48  may be symmetric about axis  22  and have identical or substantially similar shapes and sizes. According to an exemplary embodiment, blade  40  may be provided without slot  46  and/or apertures  48 . 
     Second blade  50  may be a generally triangular, replaceable blade and may be removable from body  20 . Second blade  50  includes a pair of cutting edges  52 . Each of cutting edges  52  may extend from one of two tips  54  to an apex  55  to form a side of blade  50 . According to an exemplary embodiment, cutting edges  52  of second blade  50  have a length that is approximately the same as the length of cutting edges  42  of first blade  40 . According to other embodiments, cutting edges  42  and  52  may be of substantially different lengths. A slot or groove  56  is formed along the centerline of blade  50 . Slot  56  extends from the portion of blade  50  opposite of tips  54  toward tips  54 . In this embodiment, slot  56  may extend along at least one-half, at least two-thirds, or at least three-quarters of the length of blade  50 . A slot or groove  57  may also be formed along the centerline of blade  50 . Slot  57  extends between tips  54  toward slot  56 . Two apertures  58  may be provided on either side of slot  56  between slot  56  and cutting edges  52 . Apertures  58  may be configured to permit air to flow through apertures  58  and pass through blade  50  (e.g., during flight). In this embodiment, apertures  58  may have an area that is at least one-quarter, at least one-third, or at least one-half of the surface area of one side of blade  50 . According to an exemplary embodiment, blade  50  may be provided without slots  56 ,  57  and/or apertures  58 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, apertures  58  are approximately the same size as apertures  48  in first blade  40 . According to another exemplary embodiment, apertures  58  may be symmetric about axis  22  and have identical or substantially similar shapes and sizes. Providing similarly sized apertures  48  and  58  in first blade  40  and second blade  50  may help to improve the stability of arrow  10  during flight by providing balanced airflow through arrowhead  12 . While apertures  58  are shown as generally triangular openings in  FIGS. 1-4 , according to other exemplary embodiments, apertures  58  may be otherwise shaped or may include a multitude of openings in blade  50 . As discussed above, apertures  58  may also be omitted in some embodiments to provide a generally solid blade. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, first blade  40  and second blade  50  may be formed from steel. According to other exemplary embodiments, first blade  40  and second blade  50  may be formed from other suitable materials. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , body  20  may include recesses or grooves  34 ,  36  that receive first blade  40  and second blade  50 , respectively. Recesses  34 ,  36  extend along portions of the length of body  20  and are generally perpendicular such that first blade  40  and second blade  50  are oriented at right angles to each other when they are coupled to body  20 , although the recesses may be substantially non-perpendicular (e.g., about 30 degrees apart, about 45 degrees apart, etc.) according to various other embodiments. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, to assemble arrowhead  12 , second blade  50  is first inserted into body  20  such that recess  36  engages slot  56  on second blade  50 . First blade  40  is then slid into body  20  perpendicular to second blade  50  such that recess  34  engages slot  46  on first blade  40 . When fully seated in body  20 , slot  46  on first blade  40  is also received by slot  57  on blade  50 , and apertures  49  are aligned with apertures  33  in body  20 . First fastener  60  and/or second fastener  62  are provided on either side of longitudinal axis  22  and are inserted through apertures  49  to couple first blade  40  to body  20 . First blade  40  secures (e.g., overlaps, locks, tightens, etc.) second blade  50  in place between blade  40  and body  20 . According to an exemplary embodiment, fasteners  60  and  62  are set screws. Fasteners  60  and  62  are offset relative to longitudinal axis  22  and pass through a portion of body  20  to engage threaded apertures in body  20 . While fasteners  60  and  62  are shown in the FIGURES as set screws, according to other exemplary embodiments, fasteners  60  and  62  may be rivets, pins, dowels, press-fit fasteners, or any other suitable fastening device. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, threads  26  on rear portion  24  of body  20  engage threaded socket  18  to couple arrowhead  12  to shaft  14 . A ring member  64  (e.g., washer, etc.) may be provided between the end of shaft  14  and second portion  32  of body  20 . Ring member  64  may engage a portion of blade  50  (e.g., a bottom or rear edge portion) to secure blade  50  between ring member  64  and blade  40 . As shaft  14  is tightened to arrowhead  12 , ring member  64  may further tighten blade  50  by tending to push blade  50  toward blade  40 , which is fastened in place by fasteners  60 ,  62 . According to other exemplary embodiments, ring member  64  may be eliminated and the end of shaft  14  may contact second portion  32  and/or blades  40  and  50 . If ring member  64  is not used, recess  36  may be sized (e.g., shortened relative to the FIGURES) such that blade  50  is tightly secured between blade  40  and body  20  when blade  40  is fastened in place. 
     The unique method of coupling first blade  40  and second blade  50  to body  20  allows blades  40  and  50  to be removable and to be arranged such that they extend beyond the forward-most portion of body  20  to form a cut-on-contact tip for arrowhead  12  in some exemplary embodiments. By using offset fasteners, blades of similar sizes, shapes, and weights may be used because there are no fasteners extending through the central portion (e.g., along a central or longitudinal axis) of the body or ferrule in some exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, because blades dull every time the blades contact a target, providing removable blades  40 ,  50  allows blades  40 ,  50  to be regularly removed and sharpened and/or replaced, in some exemplary embodiments. 
     Further, blades  40 ,  50  are similarly sized and form apertures  48  and  58  that are similarly sized in some exemplary embodiments. This symmetry of the shape and weight distribution of blades  40 ,  50  about longitudinal axis  22  may facilitate a more stable flight for arrow  10 . A more stable flight may provide for better shot placement and penetration of arrow  10 . For example, according to an exemplary embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , the distance between body  20  and cutting edge  42 , and the distance between body  20  and cutting edge  52 , may be substantially the same along the length of body  20 . 
     Arrowhead  12  may provide further advantageous features when arrow  10  impacts a target. Using first blade  40  to secure second blade  50  to body  20  and using two opposing fasteners  60  and  62  to fasten first blade  40  to body  20  may help prevent blades  40  and  50  from falling or tearing off of body  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an arrowhead  112  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Arrowhead  112  is similar to arrowhead  12  of  FIG. 4  and includes a main body or ferrule  120 , a first blade  140 , a second blade  150  secured between first blade  140  and body  120 , and fasteners  160  and  162  that secure one or more of blades  140 ,  150  to body  120 . Blades  140 ,  150  are configured to be removable (e.g., replaceable) and are arranged such that they extend beyond body  120  to form a cut-on-contact tip for arrowhead  112 . 
     Second blade  150  is a generally triangular, replaceable blade and is removable from body  120 . Second blade  150  is similar to blade  50 , but a slot or groove  156  extends inward from the side of blade  150  opposite of tips  154  a length substantially less than the length of slot  56  of blade  50 . For example, the length of slot  156  may be less than one-half of the total length of blade  150 , or less than one-third, or less than one-fourth, the length of blade  150 . Accordingly, body  120  includes a recess  136  that extends through body  120  that is substantially longer than recess  36  provided on body  20  in order to accommodate the corresponding shorter slot  156  in second blade  150 . In this embodiment, recess  136  extends along at least one-half, at least two-thirds, or at least three-fourths, of the length of body  120 . Extensions  153  are provided on either side of slot  156 . Extensions  153  are received in recess  136  and help to locate second blade  150  relative to body  120 . According to other exemplary embodiments, blade  150  may be provided without extensions  153 . First blade  140  may be similar to first blade  40  and fit over second blade  150  to secure second blade  150  to body  120 . First blade  140  is received in a recess or groove  134 . One advantage that the configuration of  FIG. 5  may provide is a more stable second blade because of the shorter slot and increased surface area of the blade, which may increase the stability of the arrowhead during flight. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an arrowhead  212  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Arrowhead  212  includes body  20  (e.g., which may be the same body as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 ), a first blade  240  and a second blade  250 . First and second blades  240 ,  250  may be retained in place relative to body  20  using ring member  64  and fasteners  60 ,  62  as discussed with respect to  FIGS. 2-4 . Arrowhead  212  is generally similar to arrowhead  12  except that first and second blades  240 ,  250  include cut-out portions, or cut-outs  270 ,  280  (e.g., recesses, notches, serrations, etc.), respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , blade  240  includes two cut-outs  270 , which may be substantially identical in size and shape to facilitate proper travel of the arrow during flight. Cut-out  270  is defined by an edge  274  that intersects a cutting edge  242  of blade  240 . The rearward intersection of edge  274  and cutting edge  242  defines a hooked portion  272  (e.g., a hook, pointed portion, etc.). Similarly, blade  250  includes two cut-outs  280 , being substantially identical in size and shape to facilitate proper travel of the arrow during flight. Cut-out  280  is defined by an edge  284  that intersects a cutting edge  252  of blade  250 . The rearward intersection of edge  284  and cutting edge  252  defines a hooked portion  282  (e.g., a hook, pointed portion, etc.). 
     Providing blades  240 ,  250  with cut-outs  270 ,  280 , respectively, provides many advantages not found in many conventional arrowheads. For example, hooked portions  272 ,  282  provide additional shock and/or knock-down power at impact with a target. Furthermore, hooked portions  272 ,  282  help prevent the arrow from passing entirely through an animal (e.g., a turkey, etc.), thereby making it more difficult for the animal to run, fly, etc. after impact and providing a hunter sufficient time to retrieve the animal and/or (if necessary) shoot an additional arrow at the animal. Further yet, the hooked portion is intended to “catch” on the ground, grass, plants, etc. to prevent the arrow from becoming buried under the ground or vegetation, etc., thereby making it more visible to a hunter and easier to retrieve. 
     While blades  240 ,  250  in  FIGS. 8 and 9  are shown as having a single cut-out  270 ,  280 , respectively, intersecting opposing sides of the blade cutting edges, according to various other exemplary embodiments, more cut-outs may be provided along the cutting edges, the cut-outs may take a variety of shapes (e.g., with deeper/shallower contours, flat/curved surfaces, etc.), and one or more blades may be provided without any cut-outs. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 9 , an arrowhead  312  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment, and is substantially similar to arrowhead  212  except that blade  340  does not include cut-outs such as cut-outs  270 ,  280  shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , but rather blade  340  is provided without any cut-outs such that according to an exemplary embodiment, cutting edge  342  is a generally continuous cutting edge along each side of blade  340 . Blade  340  may include apertures  348  similar to apertures  48  shown in  FIG. 2 . The construction and assembly of arrowhead  312  may otherwise be similar to that of arrowhead  212 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , an arrowhead  412  is shown according to another exemplary embodiment, and is similar to arrowheads  212  and  312 , except that arrowhead  412  includes a first blade  440  that includes apertures  448  and a number of cut-outs or recesses  480  that define a number of cutting members  482  (e.g., serrations, etc.). A second blade  450  is similar to blade  50  shown in  FIG. 2  and includes apertures  458 . It should be noted that blade  440  shown in  FIG. 10  includes both one or more cut-outs (e.g., cut-outs  480 ) and one or more apertures (e.g., apertures  448 ). Cut-outs  480  may be generally “U”-shaped, with one leg  457  of the U  459  having two surfaces  461 ,  462  joined at an angle  463  which is greater or less than 180 degrees. Leg  457  may be rearward of a single-surface leg  465 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , bodies  20  and  120  may be utilized in an arrowhead having one or more fixed blades. According to various other exemplary embodiments, bodies  20  and  120  may be utilized in applications where it is desirable to couple both a fixed blade and a mechanical, or moveable, blade to the same body. Body  20  and/or  120  may further be used to enable users to interchangeably couple fixed and mechanical blades to the body. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11-12 , an arrowhead  512  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Arrowhead  512  includes body  20 , a first blade  540  and a pair of moveable or mechanical (e.g., rotatable, pivotable, expandable/retractable, mechanical, etc.) second blades  550 . A retaining member  564  may be used to secure blade  540 . Blades  550  may be pivotally secured at pivots  551  using fasteners  60 ,  62 . According to an exemplary embodiment, second blades  550  are mechanical blades that are intended to remain in a retracted (e.g., undeployed, folded, etc.) position during flight of the arrow (see  FIG. 11 ), and move to an expanded (e.g., deployed, unfolded, etc.) position upon impact with a target (see arrowhead  512  of  FIG. 12 ). The mechanical features of blades  550  provide enhanced aerodynamics during flight (e.g., in the retracted position), and additional cutting ability upon impact (e.g., in the expanded position). 
     Referring further to  FIG. 11 , arrowhead  512  is shown in the retracted position according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 11 , when in the retracted position, blades  550  are positioned such that blades  550  extend from pivots  551  toward the forward portion of arrowhead  512 . In some embodiments, pivots  551  may include fasteners  60 ,  62 . In the retracted position, cutting edges  552  are held proximate body  20  and blades  550  include an extension  553  (e.g., a tab, “L,” leg, etc.) that extends in a direction away from body  20  when blade  550  is retracted. Upon arrowhead  512  impacting a target, as arrowhead  512  moves through the target, extensions  553  contact the target such that the force upon extensions  553  tends to rotate blades  550  about pivots  551  to the expanded position, as shown in  FIG. 12 . Pivots  551  may be removeable by a user in one embodiment to facilitate interchanging blade  550  with new blades. In order to maintain blades  550  in the retracted position during flight, a retaining member (e.g., an elastic band or ring, etc.) may be used that is sufficient to retain blades  550  is position during flight, yet permits blades  550  to expand upon impact with a target. Alternatively, blades  550  may be maintained in position during flight using a tighter fit at pivots  551 , an interference fit, friction between blades  550  and another surface of arrowhead  512 , or other retaining element. 
     Referring further to  FIG. 12 , arrowhead  512  is shown in the expanded position according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 12 , in the expanded position blades  550  are positioned such that as arrowhead  512  enters a target, cutting edges  552  will provide cutting edges that contact the target. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , arrowhead  512  includes body  20  (i.e., the same body that is shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , and  6 - 8 , among others), yet according to some embodiments, arrowhead  512  utilizes a different configuration to secure blades  540  and  550  relative to the fixed-blade configurations. As shown in  FIG. 13 , first blade  540  includes a slot or recess  546  that is configured to be received in a corresponding slot or recess  36  in body  20 . Blade  540  also includes a pair of tabs  545  that define notches  543 . Tabs  545  and notches  543  interface with one or more retaining members, shown in  FIG. 13  as retaining member  564 , to secure blade  540  relative to body  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , in order to secure blade  540  using member  564 , blade  540  is first slid onto body  20  from the forward portion of body  20 . Member  564  is then slid over body  20  from the rear portion of body  20  such that notches  565  (see  FIG. 14 ) are aligned with tabs  545 , and member  564  may be slid over tabs  545 . Member  564  is then rotated (e.g., ninety degrees, forty-five degrees, etc.) such that tabs  545 , engage surfaces  567 . According to an exemplary embodiment, surface  567  is an inclined surface such that as member  564  is rotated and surface  567  moves relative to tabs  545 , surface  567  tends to pull, or tighten, blade  540  along axis  522  of arrowhead  512  and toward the rear of arrowhead  512 . Providing a coupling interface such as member  564  and tabs  545  provides an easy and efficient way to secure blade  540  that also overcomes the disadvantages of conventional coupling techniques that may only tighten blade  540  radially relative to axis  522 , rather than along axis  522 . 
     It should be understood that the configuration of member  564  and tabs  545  may be modified to suit particular applications, and all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the number of tabs  545 , notches  565 , and surfaces  567  may be increased or decreased, depending on the exact configuration of the arrowhead (e.g., to accommodate more or fewer blades). Furthermore, the shape of member  564  and/or tabs  545  may be varied. Further yet, more than one retaining member  564  may be used. For example, two retaining members  564  may be used (e.g., each retaining member securing a fixed blade) such that it is not necessary to use fasteners  60 ,  62  as part of the arrowhead. Alternatively, a single retaining member  564  may be used (e.g., with additional notches  565 ) to accommodate two fixed blades. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate arrowhead  512  according to another exemplary embodiment, where blade  540  is secured using a first retaining member  664 , a second retaining member  665 , and a third retaining member  667 . First member  664  includes one or more notches  668  that permit first member  664  to be slid over and rotated forward of tabs  545 . Second member  665  is then positioned at approximately the same position along axis  522  as tabs  545 . According to an exemplary embodiment, second member  665  has a thickness that is slightly less than the width of tab  545  (e.g., as measured along axis  522 ). After second member  665  is in position, third member  667  may be slid up body  20  adjacent second member  665 . According to some embodiments, pivots  551 , retaining member  564 , and/or retaining members  664 ,  665 , and  667  may be located at least one-third, at least one-half, or at least three-fourths of the length of the blade away from the blade tip. 
     It should be understood that as illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 7 and 11 , body  20  may be used to provide both a fixed blade arrowhead (see, e.g.,  FIG. 7 ) and a mechanical blade arrowhead (see, e.g.,  FIG. 11 ). Body  20  can accommodate both fixed and mechanical type blades without the need for modifications to body  20 . Furthermore, body  20  enables a user to easily interchange the blades that are to be used with body  20 . For example, a user may wish to utilize an arrowhead with two fixed blades, as shown in  FIG. 7 . The same user may then wish to use an arrowhead with one fixed blade and at least one mechanical blade, as shown in  FIG. 11 , which can be done using the same body  20  as used in the arrowhead with two fixed blades. 
     In order to reconfigure the fixed blade arrowhead, the user simply removes fasteners  60 ,  62 , and replaces the two fixed blades (e.g., blades  240  and  250  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) with one fixed blade and a pair of mechanical blades (e.g., blades  540  and  550  shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  13 , and  15 ). Fasteners  60 ,  62  may be used both to secure a fixed blade in place, as shown in  FIG. 7 , or a pair of mechanical blades in place, as shown in  FIG. 11 . According to various exemplary embodiments, a wide variety of types of fasteners may be used as fasteners  60 ,  62 , such as screws, set screws, rivets, pins, and so on. According to one embodiment, fasteners  60 ,  62  are set screws such that the blades secured to body  20  may be easily replaced and/or interchanged. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18A-18G , a number of blades that may be used in conjunction with parts of the various embodiments of the arrowheads described herein are shown according to various exemplary embodiments. The blades shown in  FIGS. 18A-18G  do not constitute an exhaustive collection of the types of blades that may be used in conjunction with body  20  or as a part of the arrowheads described herein, but rather are presented for illustrative purposes to show exemplary embodiments of blade configurations which body  20  may accommodate. It should be understood that the blades shown in  FIGS. 18   a - 18 G, in addition to the features shown, may be provided with additional features, such as apertures, cut-outs, etc., as shown in the FIGURES generally. All such features and combinations of features are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 18A  shows a blade  710  according to an exemplary embodiment having a pair of extensions  712 , with each extension  712  having a tab  714  extending radially therefrom.  FIG. 18B  shows a blade  720  according to an exemplary embodiment having a pair of extensions  722 , with each extension  722  having a pair of tabs  724 .  FIG. 18C  shows a blade  730  according to an exemplary embodiment having a pair of extensions  732  and a tab  734  extending from each extension  732 , where the two tabs  734  are offset from each other along the length of blade  730 . Blade  730  further includes a slot or recess  736  configured to engage with a corresponding slot or recess on body  20 . 
       FIG. 18D  shows a blade  740  according to an exemplary embodiment. While blades  710 - 730  shown in  FIGS. 18A-18C  each include a pair of cutting edges, blade  740  is provided as a blade having only a single cutting edge, shown as cutting edge  746 . Blade  740  further includes an extension  742  having a tab  744  extending therefrom. According to an exemplary embodiment, blade  740  is further provided with a second extension  748  configured to engage a corresponding recess (not shown) in body  20  to prevent the forward portion of blade  740  from pulling away from body  20  in a radial direction during use.  FIG. 18E  shows a blade  750  according to an exemplary embodiment that is similar to blade  740  shown in  FIG. 18D , except that blade  750  is provided with an extension  752  having a pair of tabs  754 , rather than a single tab such as tab  744 . 
       FIGS. 18F and 18G  show blades  760  and  770 , respectively, according to exemplary embodiments. Blades  760  may be used separately or in combination with each other. Blade  760  includes a pair of extensions  762  and a recess  764  that may receive a corresponding recess  774  in blade  770 . Blade  770  includes a pair of rearward members, or legs,  772  that include apertures  776  that may receive fasteners such as fasteners  60 ,  62 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19A and 19B , an arrowhead  812  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 19A , a blade  840  may be received by a body  820  such that a pair of inward facing tabs  814  on blade  840  engage a pair of corresponding notches, or recesses,  816 , in body  820 . According to an exemplary embodiment, tabs  814  may engage notches  816  in a snap-fit fashion. A washer  818  may further be slid over body  820  to secure blade  840  in place. Furthermore, a second blade (not shown) may be used as a part of arrowhead  812  and may be of any suitable size and/or shape and be secured according to any of the various methods described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19B , one or more single-cutting-edge blades  850  may be used in conjunction with or instead of blade  840 , which includes a pair of cutting edges. Blades  850  may be secured in a similar manner to blade  840 . Additionally, blades  850  may include a second extension  852  that engages a corresponding notch or recess  854  in body  820  to prevent blade  850  from pulling away from body  820 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20A and 20B , an arrowhead  912  is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 20A , a blade  940  may be received by a body  920 . Blade  940  includes 2 notches or recesses  922  that align with notches or recesses  924  when blade  940  is received by body  920 . A retaining member, shown as a snap ring  926 , may then be placed around body  920  such that snap ring  926  is received in notches  922 ,  924  and secures blade  940  relative to body  920 . As shown in  FIG. 20B , according to other exemplary embodiments, one or more single cutting-edge blades  950  may be secured to body  920  in a similar manner to blade  940  using snap ring  926  (e.g., using a second extension  952 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 21A and 21B , an arrowhead  1012  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 21A , a blade  1040  may be received by a body  1020 . Blade  1040  may include threaded portions  1022  that align with a threaded portion  1024  on body  1020  when blade  1040  is received by body  1020 . A retaining member, shown as a nut  1026 , may then be threaded up onto both body  1020  and blade  1040  to secure blade  1040  relative to body  1020 . As shown in  FIG. 21B , according to other exemplary embodiments, one or more single-cutting edge blades  1050  having second extensions  1052  may be secured to body  1020  in a similar manner to blade  1040  using nut  1026 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 13 and 15 , two alternative embodiments of methods of fastening a fixed blade are illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 13 , member  564  secures blade  540  to body  20 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , members  664 ,  665 , and  667  secure blade  540  to body  20 . It should be understood that a wide variety of fastener types and combinations of fasteners may be used to secure any of a number of blade types (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 23A-23F ) to body  20 , and all such features and combinations of features are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example,  FIGS. 22A and 22B  show a fastener  1110  according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener  1110  includes a generally circular body portion  1112  and a pair of extending portions  1114  on each side of body portion  1112 . Each portion  1114  includes an aperture  1116  configured to receive a second fastening member  1118  therethrough. According to an exemplary embodiment, fastener  1110  may receive one or more blades in recesses  1119  which may be fastened using fasteners  1118 . 
       FIGS. 22C and 22D  show a fastener  1120  according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener  1120  may include one or more notches  1122  to receive tabs from an arrowhead blade. Fastener  1120  further includes an inclined surface  1124  associated with each notch  1122 , such that fastener  1120  may be rotated to “pull” the blade along the axis of the arrowhead and secure the blade in place. Fastener  1120  works in a similar manner to member  564  shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . While fastener  1120  is shown with a pair of notches  1122 , more or fewer notches may be used in conjunction with fastener  1120 . For example, fastener  1170  shown in  FIG. 22J  works in a similar fashion to fastener  1120 , except that fastener  1170  includes only a single notch  1172  and inclined surface  1174 . 
       FIG. 22E  shows a fastener  1127  according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener  1127  includes a pair of notches  1128  that are positioned such that fastener  1127  may be slid over one or more tabs on a blade (e.g., tabs  545  of blade  540  shown in  FIG. 13 ), and then rotated (e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, etc.) after fastener  1127  is slid past the tabs.  FIGS. 22F and 22G  show fasteners  1130  and  1140 , respectively, according to exemplary embodiments. Fasteners  1130  and  1140  may be similar to fastener  1127 , but be configured to accommodate fewer or more tabs (e.g., one, three, four, etc.) according to various exemplary embodiments. 
       FIG. 22H  shows a fastener  1150  according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener  1150  may be used in conjunction with a blade having a pair of offset tabs (see, e.g., blade  730  shown in  FIG. 18C ), such that notch  1152  may be aligned with a first tab and fastener  1150  slid past the first tab. Notch  1152  may then be aligned with the second tab (offset from the first tab) and fastener  1150  slid past the second tab. Fastener  1150  may further be used in conjunction with additional fasteners that tend to compress or squeeze fastener  1150  in a radial fashion and provide a further tightening feature for the associated blades and arrowhead. 
       FIG. 22I  shows a fastener  1160  according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener  1160  includes first and second portions  1162 ,  1164  that include notches  1166 ,  1168 , respectively. Portions  1162  may be placed over (rather than slid over) the tabs of a blade (e.g., in a radial direction rather than slid along the longitudinal axis). An additional fastener such as a nut etc. may then be threaded over portions  1162 ,  1164  to secure portions  1162 ,  1164  and the associated blade in place. 
       FIG. 22K  shows fastening members  1180  and  1185  according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener  1180  includes one or more notches  1182  and inclined surfaces  1184  that are configured similar to notches  1122  and inclined surface  1124  shown in  FIGS. 22C and 22D . Fastener  1180  further includes a pair of indents or recesses  1183  that are configured to receive a pair of raised members  1186  on fastener  1185  such that fastener  1185  may be used to rotationally lock fastener  1180  in place. 
       FIG. 22L  shows a fastener  1190  according to an exemplary embodiment. Fastener may be a standard circular member similar to a conventional washer. Depending on the particular application, the inner or outer surfaces of fastener  1190  may be provided with threads. Other features or contours may be provided as a part of fastener  1190  according to various other embodiments. 
     As shown in several of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ), one or more blades provided as part of an arrowhead may include a substantially continuous, straight cutting edge or edges. For example, blade  40  shown in  FIG. 4  includes a pair of substantially straight and continuous cutting edges  42 . According to various exemplary embodiments, any of the blades described herein may be provided with a different type of profile for the cutting edge.  FIGS. 23A-23H  show a number of different profiles that may be used with blades having either a single cutting edge (see, e.g.,  FIG. 19B ), or more than one cutting edge (see, e.g.,  FIG. 19A ). 
       FIG. 23A  shows a cutting edge  1210  according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of “V”-shaped notches  1212  that are spaced along cutting edge  1210 .  FIG. 23B  shows a cutting edge  1220  according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of semicircular portions  1222 .  FIG. 23C  shows a cutting edge  1230  according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a serrated profile having a number of generally equal-sized serrated portions  1232 .  FIG. 23D  shows a cutting edge  1240  according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of “V”-shaped portions  1242  that extend from the otherwise straight cutting edge to form a general “zigzag” profile. 
       FIG. 23E  shows a cutting edge  1250  according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of serrated portions  1252  that are similar to serrated portions  1232  shown in  FIG. 23C , except that serrated portions  1252  increase in size as the distance from tip  1254  increases.  FIG. 23F  shows a cutting edge  1260  according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of “V”-shaped portions  1262  that are similar to portions  1242  shown in  FIG. 23D  except that portions  1262  are spaced apart along an otherwise straight cutting edge, rather than defining a zigzag profile such as that shown in  FIG. 23D .  FIG. 23G  shows a cutting edge  1270  according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of serrated portions  1272  that are formed by generally rectangular cut-out portions  1274 .  FIG. 23H  shows a cutting edge  1280  according to an exemplary embodiment that includes a number of serrated portions  1282  that, rather than being forward-angled, are rearward-angled as shown in  FIG. 23H . 
     According to some embodiments, the cut-out or blade portions or profiles illustrated in  FIGS. 23A-23H  may include additional features, such as uneven serrations along the length of the blade, sharpened edges on only the outside edges (e.g., not on the inner surfaces of the cut-outs), a generally solid, cut-on-contact tip portion with no cut-out, and so on. Furthermore, one or more cutting edges may be provided with cut-outs, serrations, etc., along only a portion of the cutting edge (e.g., a forward one-half, one-third, or one-fourth of the cutting edge, a rearward one-half, one-third, or one-fourth of the cutting edge, a middle portion of the cutting edge, or a combination thereof, etc.) such that the remainder of the cutting edge may be substantially straight. 
     It should be noted that the components illustrated in the FIGURES provide many advantages over known arrowheads. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, an arrowhead may include a body that can interchangeably accommodate both fixed and mechanical type blades such that a user need not purchase or keep separate mechanical and fixed arrowheads, but rather needs only to replace or interchange the blades as required, desired, etc. Furthermore, the arrowhead body accommodates a number of fastening systems, including offset fasteners that may be used to secure both fixed and mechanical fasteners (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 10 and 11 ), and a rearward positioned retaining member(s) that may rotatably or otherwise engage the rear portion of one or more fixed blades (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 13 and 15 ). The retaining member may engage the entire circumference of the arrowhead body in some embodiments to provide additional stability. Further yet, according to some embodiments, the fixed blade may surround all or a substantial portion of the arrowhead body, yet the body may also accommodate one or more mechanical blades. 
     Additionally, the arrowhead disclosed herein permits blades of various weights to be used with the same body. For example, body  20  may accommodate blades having a variety of weights (e.g., fixed/mechanical broadheads, small game (varmint) or practice broadheads, turkey broadheads, etc.). According to some embodiments, the blades may weigh between approximately 75 and 150 grains (e.g., 85 grains, 100 grains, 125 grains, etc.). Any of the blades utilized in the various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be interchangeable, removeable, replaceable, etc. 
     The various types of blades disclosed herein also provide a number of specific advantages over more conventional blade designs. For example, the blades may include one or more tabs of various sizes/configurations that facilitate securing the blades to the arrowhead body. One or more notches or recesses may further be provided, for example, on a rearward portion of the blade to provide a gripping or tightening surface for a retaining member of fastener (e.g., a snap ring, washer, a washer with one or more slots or notches, a keyed, pinned, slotted nut, etc., or a combination thereof). 
     Furthermore, the arrowheads may accommodate a single blade or more than one blade (e.g., two, three, four, and so on), and the blades may be single cutting edge blades or double cutting edge blades with a variety of profiles and/or cut-outs for the cutting edges. The cut-outs may be provided at any suitable location along the cutting edges, and be a variety of shapes, sizes, etc. (e.g., a deep/shallow serration, tear-drop shaped cut-out, hooked, and so on). In some embodiments, an arrowhead may include one or more blades that include a cut-out or cut-outs and one or more blades that do not include any cut-outs. 
     It should be noted that the various exemplary embodiments and the features thereof may be utilized in combination with each other to suit particular applications. Furthermore, the various features shown in the FIGURES may be used alone or in combination with the various other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. All such features and combinations of features are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     It is important to note that the arrangement of the arrowhead, as shown, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as described herein. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as expressed herein.