Patent Publication Number: US-9417039-B2

Title: Broadhead arrow

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The present invention relates generally to archery equipment. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention concern a broadhead for an arrow. 
     2. Discussion of Prior Art 
     It is well known for archers to use a bow and arrow for hunting various game. When hunting game, the archer often uses arrows having a broadhead. Broadheads are well known in the art and provide relatively large cutting edges. By having multiple large cutting edges, the broadhead inflicts maximum damage to the target animal and causes the animal to bleed rapidly. Conventional broadheads include fixed-blade designs where the blades are fixed to the ferrule of the broadhead. Other conventional broadheads include mechanical broadheads where the blades extend relative to the ferrule as the broadhead contacts the target. 
     However, prior art broadheads are known to have various deficiencies. For instance, while conventional broadheads have elongated cutting edges, such broadheads fail to cause enough damage to the animal such that the animal is killed swiftly and humanely. Prior art broadheads also cause the arrow to have limited range and poor accuracy. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following brief summary is provided to indicate the nature of the subject matter disclosed herein. While certain aspects of the present invention are described below, the summary is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide an expandable broadhead that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of the prior art broadheads set forth above. 
     A first aspect of the present invention concerns an expandable broadhead operable to be mounted on an arrow shaft. The expandable broadhead broadly includes an elongated ferrule and a blade. The ferrule includes a forward ferrule tip and an aft shank operable to connect the broadhead to the arrow shaft. The blade presents an elongated cutting edge that extends along the length of the blade. The blade is shiftably mounted relative to the ferrule to shift into and out of a retracted position where the blade extends alongside the ferrule. The blade extends forwardly beyond the ferrule tip in the retracted position so that the blade presents a leading tip of the broadhead. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a fragmentary perspective of a broadhead arrow constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a broadhead, an elongated shaft, fletching, a threaded insert, and a nock of the arrow, with the broadhead including a ferrule, blades, a hinge pin, and a retention band; 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmentary top view of the broadhead shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the blades in a retracted position where the blades extend along the ferrule, with the retention band removed; 
         FIG. 3  is a fragmentary side elevation of the broadhead shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , showing a longitudinal slot presented by the ferrule and receiving the blades in the retracted position; 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary front perspective of the broadhead shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , showing the blades pivoted into a deployed position where the blades extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the ferrule, with the blades projecting outboard of the ferrule; 
         FIG. 5  is a fragmentary front perspective of the broadhead similar to  FIG. 4 , but with the blades pivoted into the retracted position; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross section of the broadhead shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , showing the blades received in the slot in the retracted position, with the blades engaging a forward blade stop of the ferrule; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross section of the broadhead similar to  FIG. 6 , but showing the blades pivoted into the deployed position where the blades engage an aft blade stop of the ferrule; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged fragmentary cross section of the broadhead shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , showing the blades pivoted to a position between the retracted and deployed positions, with each blade presenting a shoulder to engage the aft blade stop; and 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged fragmentary cross section of the broadhead similar to  FIG. 8 , but showing the blades pivoted into the deployed position where the shoulders engage the aft blade stop. 
     
    
    
     The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiment. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning initially to  FIG. 1 , an expandable broadhead  20  is constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The broadhead  20  is operable to be used as part of a broadhead arrow  22 . In the usual manner, the broadhead arrow  22  is propelled by an archer using a bow (not shown). The broadhead arrow  22  is preferably used to hunt turkey, but can be used to hunt various other game, such as deer, elk, etc. The broadhead  20  preferably includes a ferrule  26 , blades  28 , hinge pin  30 , and an endless retention band  32 . 
     In addition to the broadhead  20 , the broadhead arrow  22  also preferably includes an elongated shaft  34 , fletching  36 , threaded insert  38 , and a nock  40 . The shaft  34  is conventional and presents forward and aft shaft ends  42 , 44 . Preferably, the shaft  34  is unitary and includes a carbon fiber tube that extends continuously between the shaft ends  42 , 44 . However, it will be appreciated that the shaft  34  could include one or more of various other materials, such as wood, aluminum, synthetic resin, etc. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2-9 , the ferrule  26  is preferably unitary and includes a forward ferrule tip  46  and an aft shank  48  that presents corresponding forward and aft ferrule ends  50 , 52 . The aft shank  48  presents a threaded tip  48   a  that is removably threaded into the insert  38 . The ferrule  26  extends continuously between the tip  46  and shank  48  to define a longitudinal ferrule axis A (see  FIG. 2 ). The ferrule  26  preferably presents a maximum ferrule length L (see  FIG. 3 ) that ranges from about forty millimeters (40 mm) to about one hundred fifty millimeters (150 mm) and, more preferably, is about eighty millimeters (80 mm). The ferrule  26  also presents a maximum ferrule diameter F that ranges from about four millimeters (4 mm) to about twenty millimeters (20 mm) and, more preferably, is about eight millimeters (8 mm). 
     The ferrule  26  presents an outer surface  54  that extends longitudinally between the tip  46  and shank  48  (see  FIG. 5 ). The illustrated ferrule  26  presents a mounting hole  56  positioned between the tip  46  and shank  48  (see  FIG. 2 ). The mounting hole  56  is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal ferrule axis A and projects through the outer surface  54  (see  FIG. 2 ). As will be discussed, the mounting hole  56  receives the hinge pin  30 , which pivotally mounts the blades  28  to the ferrule  26 . 
     Adjacent to the mounting hole  56 , the outer surface  54  includes outer circumferential grooves  58 . As will be explained, the grooves  58  removably receive the retention band  32 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 6-9 , the ferrule  26  preferably includes internal forward and aft blade stops  60 , 62  that are integrally formed as part of the ferrule  26 . As will be discussed, the forward stop  60  is configured to engage forward portions of the blades  28 . Similarly, the aft stop  62  is configured to engage aft portions of the blades  28  to restrict pivotal blade movement. The stops  60 , 62  present respective pairs of forward and aft stop surfaces  64 , 66 . In the illustrated embodiment, the forward stop surfaces  64  taper inwardly to an edge  64   a  (see  FIG. 7 ). Similarly, the aft stop surfaces  66  taper inwardly to an edge  66   a.    
     However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where one or both of the blade stops  60 , 62  are alternatively configured to restrict blade movement. For instance, the forward stop surfaces  64  and/or the aft stop surfaces  66  could be spaced apart from one another. For some aspects of the present invention, the ferrule  26  could be devoid of the forward blade stop  60 . For instance, the blades  28  could each have a shoulder to engage the aft blade stop  62  in the retracted position to restrict further pivoting movement of the blade  28  in a retracting direction. 
     The ferrule  26  also preferably defines a slot  68  that extends longitudinally between the tip  46  and the shank  48 . In particular, the ferrule  26  presents opposed internal faces  70  that extend longitudinally and are substantially parallel to one another (see  FIG. 3 ). Again, the stops  60 , 62  present respective stop surfaces  64 , 66 . Thus, the faces  70  and the stop surfaces  64 , 66  cooperatively define the slot  68 . However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the slot  68  is alternatively defined (e.g., where the faces  70  and/or the stop surfaces  64 , 66  are alternatively shaped and/or positioned to define the slot  68 ). 
     The slot  68  preferably intersects the outer surface  54  to form opposite side openings  72  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The illustrated blade stops  60 , 62  are preferably positioned laterally between the side openings  72  (see  FIG. 7 ). In this manner, the ferrule  26  restricts foreign objects from interfering with engagement between the blades  28  and the blade stops  60 , 62 . 
     The depicted slot  68  preferably extends completely through the ferrule  26  in a lateral direction. However, ferrule  26  could have alternative slotted openings to receive the blades  28 . For instance, the ferrule  26  could present slots that are spaced apart from one another (i.e., the slots do not intersect one another) to receive corresponding blades  28 . 
     The opposed faces  70  of the illustrated slot  68  cooperatively define a slot width dimension W (see  FIG. 3 ). The slot width dimension W is sized so that the slot  68  slidably receives the blades  28 , as will be discussed. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot width dimension W preferably ranges from about one half of a millimeter (0.5 mm) to about five millimeters (5 mm) and, more preferably, is about one and eight-tenths millimeters (1.8 mm). The depicted slot  68  is preferably coaxially aligned with the longitudinal ferrule axis A (see  FIGS. 3 and 7 ). 
     Again, it will be appreciated that the slot  68  could be alternatively configured to accommodate the blades  28 . For instance, the ferrule  26  could include more than two discrete slotted openings circumferentially positioned about the ferrule  26  (e.g., so that the ferrule  26  slidably receives more than two blades  28 ). 
     The illustrated ferrule  26  preferably includes an ANSI 7075A aluminum alloy material. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the ferrule  26  includes an alternative aluminum material. Furthermore, the ferrule  26  could include one or more alternative materials, such as stainless steel or a synthetic resin material. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 6-9 , the blades  28  are each preferably unitary and are operable to be expanded from a retracted position to a deployed position when the broadhead  20  strikes a target (not shown). Because the blades  28  are preferably identical to one another, blade features described herein refer to each of the blades  28 . However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the blades  28  have different configurations (e.g., where the blades have a different shape and/or different material). 
     Each blade  28  is preferably unitary and, other than the cutting edge, presents a substantially constant blade thickness dimension T (see  FIG. 3 ). The blade thickness dimension T preferably ranges from about two tenths of a millimeter (0.2 mm) to about three millimeters (3 mm) and, more preferably, is about eight tenths of a millimeter (0.8 mm). 
     Each blade  28  preferably includes a proximal blade section  74 , an intermediate blade section  76 , and a distal blade section  78  (see  FIG. 7 ). The proximal and distal blade sections  74 , 78  present, respectively, a proximal attachment end  80  and a distal end  82 . As will be discussed, the distal blade section  78  presents a leading tip  84  of the broadhead  20  when the blade  28  is retracted (see  FIG. 2 ). The proximal blade section  74  preferably includes a hole  86  that extends through the proximal attachment end  80  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
     The blade sections  74 , 76 , 78  cooperatively present a cutting edge  88  and an opposite blunt edge  90  that both extend along the length of the blade  28 . The cutting edge  88  is preferably configured to slice through various animal tissues, including skin, muscle, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, etc. It will be appreciated that the cutting edge  88  may be capable of slicing and/or at least partly cutting into bone and/or other hard animal tissues. Furthermore, the cutting edge  88  is also preferably configured to slice through various plant tissues and synthetic materials. 
     The cutting edge  88  comprises a continuous, sharp blade edge and includes proximal, intermediate, and distal edge sections  88   a,b,c  that extend along corresponding blade sections  74 , 76 , 78  (see  FIG. 7 ). The cutting edge  88  also preferably includes an endmost edge section  88   d  at the distal end  82 . The endmost edge section  88   d  extends at an angle relative to the distal edge section  88   c . In the illustrated embodiment, the distal edge section  88   c  and the intermediate edge section  88   b  of the cutting edge  88  are angled relative to each other and meet at a convex portion  92  of the cutting edge  88  to cooperatively form a distal scalloped region  94  of the blade  28  (see  FIG. 7 ). The intermediate edge section  88   b  and the proximal edge section  88   a  of the cutting edge  88  are also angled relative to each other and meet at a concave portion  96  of the cutting edge  88  to cooperatively form a proximal scalloped region  98  of the blade  28 . 
     While the illustrated cutting edge  88  preferably includes the above-referenced features, it is within the scope of the present invention for the cutting edge  88  to have an alternative shape and/or configuration. For instance, one or both of the scalloped regions  94 , 98  could have an alternative shape. Furthermore, the scalloped regions  94 , 98  could be alternatively positioned relative to one another. 
     The opposite blunt edge  90  is preferably not suitable for cutting animal tissues, such as skin, muscle, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, etc. However, for some aspects of the present invention, at least part of the blunt edge  90  could include a sharp cutting edge. The blunt edge  90  preferably includes proximal, intermediate, and distal edge sections  90   a,b,c  that extend along corresponding blade sections  74 , 76 , 78  (see  FIG. 7 ). The distal edge section  90   c  and the intermediate edge section  90   b  of the blunt edge  90  are angled relative to each other and meet at a concave portion  100  of the blunt edge  90  to cooperatively form a distal scalloped region  102  of the blade  28  (see  FIG. 7 ). The intermediate edge section  90   b  and the proximal edge section  90   a  of the blunt edge  90  are angled relative to each other and meet at a point  104  to cooperatively form an intermediate scalloped region  106  of the blade  28  (see  FIG. 7 ). Also, the proximal edge section  90   a  of the blunt edge  90  also presents another concave portion  108  of the blunt edge  90  to form a proximal scalloped region  110  of the blade  28  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     While the illustrated blunt edge  90  preferably includes the above-referenced features, it is within the scope of the present invention for the blunt edge  90  to have an alternative shape and/or configuration. For instance, one or more of the scalloped regions  102 , 106 , 110  could have an alternative shape. Furthermore, the scalloped regions  102 , 106 , 110  could be alternatively positioned relative to one another. 
     Also in the illustrated embodiment, the distal scalloped regions  94 , 102  and the scalloped regions  98 , 106 , 110  are preferably aligned along the length of the blade  28  so that the regions cooperatively define a blade width dimension Wb (see  FIG. 7 ) measured transverse to the longitudinal axis of the blade  28 . Preferably, the blade width dimension Wb is generally constant between the concave portion  108  and the concave portion  100 . Furthermore, the blade width dimension Wb preferably increases from the concave portion  108  toward the proximal attachment end  80  of the blade  28 . 
     The blunt edge  90  also preferably presents a shoulder  112  adjacent the proximal attachment end  80  (see  FIG. 8 ). As will be discussed, the shoulder  112  provides a surface that can be brought into engagement with the blade stop  62  to restrict pivotal blade movement. 
     The blades  28  each preferably include an ASTM Grade 301 stainless steel material. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the blades  28  include an alternative stainless steel material. Furthermore, the blades  28  could include one or more alternative materials, such as aluminum, carbon steel, and/or a synthetic resin material. 
     The illustrated broadhead  20  preferably includes a pair of blades  28 . However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the broadhead  20  includes more than two blades  28  positioned circumferentially about the ferrule  26 . For some aspects of the present invention, the broadhead  20  could include a single blade  28 . 
     The blades  28  are preferably attached to the ferrule  26  with the hinge pin  30 . The hinge pin  30  preferably comprises a threaded set screw. However, other suitable fasteners could be used to removably mount the blades  28  to the ferrule  26 . 
     The hinge pin  30  secures the blades  28  to the ferrule  26  at a pivot joint  114  so that the blades  28  can be swung into and out of the retracted position. Similarly, the pivot joint  114  permits the blades  18  to be swung into and out of the deployed position. As will be discussed further, the blades  28  are pivotal in a retracting direction to retract the blades  28  and in an opposite extending direction to deploy the blades  28 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each blade  28  is mounted to the ferrule  26  by positioning the proximal attachment end  80  within the slot  68  so that the holes  56 , 86  are aligned with one another. With the holes  56 , 86  aligned, the hinge pin  30  is inserted through the ferrule  26  and the blades  28  and is threaded into secure engagement with the ferrule  26 . As a result, the attachment end  80  is pivotally mounted in the slot  68 . The pivot joint  114  defines a blade pivot axis B that intersects and is perpendicular to the slot  68  (see  FIGS. 3 and 8 ). The blades  28  are also positioned so that the cutting edges  88  face one another when the blades  28  are retracted (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     Again, each blade  28  is pivotally mounted to the ferrule  26  to pivot into and out of the retracted position. When mounted to the ferrule  26 , each blade  28  extends alongside the ferrule  26  in the retracted position (see  FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6 ). Furthermore, each blade  28  preferably engages the forward blade stop  60  in the retracted position (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). In this manner, the forward blade stop preferably engages the blade  28  in the retracted position to restrict pivotal movement of the blade  28  in the retracting direction beyond the retracted position. 
     However, as discussed above, the forward blade stop  60  could be alternatively configured to engage the blade  28  in the retracted position. For instance, the forward blade stop  60  could be alternatively shaped and/or position. In another alternative configuration, the ferrule  26  could include a detent device (e.g., a spring-loaded detent mechanism) that provides the blade stop  60  and removably engages a complemental detent surface (not shown) on the blade  28 . The detent device could be provided such that the retention band  32  is not needed to removably hold the blades  28  in the retracted position. 
     Yet further, the ferrule  26  could be devoid of the forward blade stop  60  (e.g., where another part of the ferrule  26  restricts further retraction of the blade in the retracted position). For example, the blades  28  could each have a shoulder to engage the aft blade stop  62  in the retracted position to restrict further pivoting movement of the blade  28  in the retracting direction. 
     In the retracted position, the illustrated blades  28  are preferably partly received within the slot  68 . In particular, the blades  28  are positioned so that the cutting edges  88  along the proximal and intermediate blade sections  74 , 76  are located within the slot  68  and are thereby covered. It has been found that this retracted configuration restricts the covered portions of the cutting edges  88  from being inadvertently snagged and/or damaged by a foreign object prior to deployment of the blades  28 . 
     Again, in the retracted position, the distal end  82  provides one of the leading tips  84  of the broadhead  20 . More specifically, the distal blade sections  78  of the illustrated blades  28  extend forwardly beyond the ferrule tip  46  so that each blade  28  presents one of the leading tips  84  of the broadhead  20 . In other words, the distal blade sections  78  preferably present the leading tips  84 . 
     Preferably, in the retracted position, the leading tip  84  is spaced radially outboard of the ferrule  26 . Also in the retracted position, the cutting edge  88  of the distal blade section  78  preferably extends rearwardly from the leading tip  84  at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal ferrule axis A (see  FIGS. 2 and 6 ). Preferably, the cutting edge  88  is located entirely forwardly of the pivot joint  114  in the retracted position, although the broadhead  20  could be alternatively configured. 
     Furthermore, the distal edge sections  88   c  of the blades  28  cooperatively form an included angle D (see  FIG. 6 ). The included angle D preferably ranges from about sixty degrees) (60° to about one hundred twenty degrees (120°) and, more preferably, is about ninety degrees) (90°. However, the distal edge sections  88   c  could be alternatively oriented without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     When in the retracted position, the proximal scalloped regions  98 , 110  are preferably longitudinally aligned with the grooves  58  (see  FIG. 2 ). Thus, the proximal scalloped regions  98 , 110  and the grooves  58  are configured to cooperatively receive the retention band  32  in the retracted position (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     Preferably, the retention band  32  is operable to hold the blades  28  in the retracted position. The retention band  32  is preferably endless and includes an elastomeric material. Thus, the retention band  32  can be selectively elastically expanded by a user from a relaxed condition (not shown) where the band  32  is not held under tension. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where an alternative structure is used to removably hold the blades  28  in the retracted position. 
     To prepare the broadhead  20  to be propelled as part of the arrow  22 , the blades  28  are initially swung into the retracted position. With the blades  28  retracted, the retention band  32  can be expanded and passed over the leading tips  84  of the blades  28  and moved into alignment with the proximal scalloped regions  98 , 110  and the grooves  58 . Once in alignment (or near alignment) with the proximal scalloped regions  98 , 110  and grooves  58 , the band  32  can be released so as to collapse into grasping engagement with the ferrule  26  and blades  28 . 
     Again, the band  32  is preferably brought into engagement with the proximal scalloped regions  98 , 110  and grooves  58  (see  FIG. 1 ). In this position, the band  32  is preferably elastically expanded from the relaxed condition so that the band  32  is under tension and applies a grasping force to the ferrule  26  and the blades  28 . It will also be appreciated that the band can be passed onto the broadhead  20  from the opposite end thereof (e.g., when the broadhead  20  is detached from the shaft  34 ). 
     As the broadhead  20  strikes and moves forwardly into the target (not shown), the target applies a generally rearward force to the leading tips  84 . The force of striking the target urges the blades  28  to pivot in the extending direction (i.e., toward the deployed position). More specifically, the force of striking the target causes the blades  28  to pivot so that the blades  28  rapidly elongate and break the retention band  32 . 
     As mentioned above, each blade  28  is pivotally mounted to the ferrule  26  to pivot into and out of the deployed position. More specifically, the blade  28  is pivotal in an extending direction from the retracted position to a deployed position. When mounted to the ferrule  26 , each blade  28  projects transversely relative to the longitudinal ferrule axis A in the deployed position (see  FIGS. 4, 7, and 9 ). That is, the blades  28  project in an outboard direction relative to the ferrule  26 . 
     Preferably, in the deployed position, the proximal edge section  88   a  of the cutting edge  88  and the longitudinal ferrule axis A cooperatively define a deployed blade angle P (see  FIG. 7 ). The blade angle P preferably ranges from about seventy-five degrees (75°) to about one hundred thirty-five degrees (135°) and, more preferably, is about one hundred five degrees (105°). However, the proximal edge section  88   a  could be alternatively oriented without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     The amount of angular blade movement from the retracted position to the deployed position preferably ranges from about sixth degrees (60°) to about one hundred twenty degrees (120°) and, more preferably, is about ninety degrees (90°). However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the angular separation between the retracted and deployed positions is outside of the preferred range. 
     Furthermore, each blade  28  preferably engages the aft blade stop  62  in the deployed position (see  FIGS. 7 and 9 ). More particularly, the shoulder  112  presented by the blade  28  slides into and out of the slot  68  as the blade  28  swings between the positions. In the deployed position, the shoulder  112  is located within the slot  68  to engage the aft blade stop  62  (see  FIGS. 7 and 9 ). In this manner, the aft blade stop  62  preferably engages the blade  28  in the deployed position to restrict pivotal movement of the blade  28  in the extending direction beyond the deployed position. 
     However, the aft blade stop  62  could be alternatively configured to engage the blade  28  in the deployed position. For instance, the blade stop  62  could be alternatively shaped and/or positioned to engage the blade  28  in the deployed position. Also, another part of the ferrule  26  could be configured to restrict further deployment of the blade  28  beyond the deployed position. 
     It is also within the ambit of the present invention where the ferrule  26  includes a mechanism to removably restrict blade movement out of the deployed position. For instance, the ferrule  26  could include a detent device (e.g., a spring-loaded detent mechanism) that removably engages a complemental detent surface (not shown) on the blade  28 . For example, such a detent device could be provided as part of the aft blade stop  62 . 
     The illustrated aft blade stop  62  is preferably fixed relative to the rest of the ferrule  26 . However, the blade stop  62  could include an adjustment mechanism (not shown) such that the location of the deployed position of the blades  28  is adjustable. 
     In the deployed position, the proximal attachment ends  80  are positioned within the slot  68 . Also, because each blade  28  projects transversely relative to the longitudinal ferrule axis A, the blades  28  are preferably located entirely rearward of the ferrule tip  46 . Thus, in the deployed position, the distal ends  82  of the blades  28  define opposite outboard margins of the broadhead  20  that form a maximum cutting width dimension C (see  FIG. 7 ). The maximum cutting width dimension C preferably ranges from about fifty millimeters (50 mm) to about two hundred millimeters (200 mm) and, more preferably, is about one hundred twenty millimeters (120 mm). However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the maximum cutting width dimension C is outside of the preferred range. 
     When in the deployed position, the distal edge sections  88   c  preferably extend rearwardly and in an outboard direction from the convex portion  92 . It has been determined that this rearward swept configuration of the distal edge sections  88   c  permits the broadhead  20  to slice more efficiently through tissue after the blades  28  are deployed. 
     Again, the broadhead  20  is preferably configured so that the blades  28  can smoothly swing between the retracted and deployed positions. However, the broadhead  20  could be configured so that the blades  28  can be removably set in an intermediate position between the retracted and deployed positions. For instance, the broadhead  20  could include a detent mechanism that removably locates the blades  28  in an intermediate position. 
     While the blades  28  preferably pivot between the retracted and deployed positions, the blades  28  could be alternatively shiftably attached to the ferrule without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     In operation, the broadhead  20  is removably secured to the arrow shaft  34  by threading the shank  48  into threaded engagement with the insert  38 . The blades  28  are held in the retracted position by installing the retention band  32  in engagement with the proximal scalloped regions  98 , 110  and grooves  58 . With the blades  28  secured, the archer can propel the arrow  22  using a bow (not shown), in the usual manner. 
     As the broadhead  20  strikes and moves forwardly into the target (not shown), the target applies a generally rearward force to the leading tips  84 . The force of striking the target urges the blades  28  to pivot in the extending direction (i.e., toward the deployed position). More specifically, the force of striking the target causes the blades  28  to pivot so that the retention band  32  rapidly elongates and breaks. The continued forward movement of the arrow  22  (and the corresponding application of force to the blades  28 ) after the band  32  breaks causes the blades  28  to move rapidly into the deployed position. With the blades  28  fully deployed and in engagement with the target along the length of the cutting edges  88 , additional forward movement of the arrow  22  causes the broadhead  20  to slice the target along the entire lateral head width defined by the blades  28 . After the arrow  22  has been retrieved from the target, the blades  28  can again be located in the retracted position and held with another retention band  32  for subsequent use. 
     Although the above description presents features of preferred embodiments of the present invention, other preferred embodiments may also be created in keeping with the principles of the invention. Such other preferred embodiments may, for instance, be provided with features drawn from one or more of the embodiments described above. Yet further, such other preferred embodiments may include features from multiple embodiments described above, particularly where such features are compatible for use together despite having been presented independently as part of separate embodiments in the above description. 
     The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The inventor hereby states his intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.