Patent Publication Number: US-9410777-B2

Title: Systems and apparatuses for a ballistic arrow

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 61/810,549 filed Apr. 10, 2013. The contents of the aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The inventions disclosed and taught herein relate generally to improved systems and apparatuses for a ballistic arrow. In one aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus that includes primary and secondary arrow blades in a fixed configuration used for penetrating a target. In another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus that includes one or more mechanically actuated blades that are adapted to deploy upon impact with a target, such as game, or other wildlife. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Arrow heads, such as broadheads or the like, have been implemented in a variety of ways to improve the manner in which hunting arrows can penetrate a target when used to hunt game and other wildlife. Typical broadheads consist of several components (e.g., a shaft, a leading edge (such as a point), at least one blade, and a trailing edge (typically used to attach the broadhead to another component of the arrow used for hunting). 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,738 to Puckett discloses a broadhead hunting arrow that includes a pair of upper blades 24, a plunger tip 12, a cylindrical body 14, and threaded bottom 16. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,454 to Barrie et al. discloses a broadhead with sliding, expanding blades that includes a broadhead body 11, a front, target penetrating end 11a, blades 13, 14, and rear end 20b. 
     The drawback to these solutions, however, is that they possess marginal lethality when penetrating a target, such as wildlife or other game. For example, broadheads embodying designs described above often merely create a slit-type entry cavity that wounds the target being hunted, without creating sufficient damage to effectively kill the intended target. Thus, the intended target either must endure a slow, painful death, or sustain a permanent injury as a result of the broadhead penetrating its body. 
     What is required, therefore, are improved systems and apparatuses for a ballistic arrow that are capable of increased lethality and effectiveness when penetrating a target. The inventions disclosed and taught herein are directed to systems and methods for an improved ballistic arrow that overcomes the problems as set forth above. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Described are systems and apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target. The apparatus includes an arrow tip, a support feature, and a collar partially disposed about the support feature. The apparatus further includes a plurality of primary blades disposed radially about the support feature and a plurality of secondary blades partially disposed between the primary blades. The system includes an arrowhead and arrow shaft coupled to the arrowhead. The arrowhead includes an arrow tip, a support feature, and a collar partially disposed about the support feature. The arrowhead includes a plurality of arrow blades adapted to expand radially outward from the support feature upon impact of the arrow tip with a target. The apparatuses and systems described throughout this disclosure can improve the both the reliability and lethality of a ballistic arrow used to hunt game and other wildlife. 
     The disclosure also provides an apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target that can include an arrow tip that can further include first and second edges, a support feature adapted to couple to the first edge of the arrow tip, and a collar that can include a plurality of slots and further be adapted to be at least partially disposed about the support feature. The apparatus can further include a plurality of primary blades adapted to be disposed radially about the support feature and further adapted to be coupled with the support feature in an interlocking configuration. 
     The plurality of primary blades can further include one or more first flanges, wherein each of the first flanges is adapted to couple with one of the plurality of slots. Furthermore, the apparatus can include a plurality of secondary blades, wherein the at least one of the plurality of secondary blades is at least partially disposed between two of the plurality of primary blades and the plurality of secondary blades are adapted to be coupled with the plurality of blades in an interlocking configuration. 
     The system for penetrating a surface of a target can include an arrowhead, wherein the arrowhead can include an arrow tip that can include first and second edges, a support feature adapted to couple to the first edge of the arrow tip, and a collar that can include a plurality of slots and further be adapted to be at least partially disposed about the support feature. The arrowhead can further include a plurality of primary blades adapted to be disposed radially about the support feature and further adapted to be coupled with the support feature in an interlocking configuration. 
     The plurality of primary blades can further include a first flange, wherein each of the first flanges is adapted to couple with one of the plurality of slots. Furthermore, the arrowhead can include a plurality of secondary blades, wherein the at least one of the plurality of secondary blades is at least partially disposed between two of the plurality of primary blades and the plurality of secondary blades are adapted to be coupled with the plurality of blades in an interlocking configuration. Additionally, the system can include an arrow shaft, wherein the arrow shaft is adapted to be operably coupled with the arrowhead. 
     The apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target can include an arrow tip that can include a first and second edges, a support feature adapted to couple to the first edge of the arrow tip, and a collar adapted to be at least partially disposed about the support feature. The apparatus can further include a plurality of arrow blades adapted to expand radially outward from the support feature and a plurality of blade mounts. Each of the plurality of arrow blades are adapted to rotate about at least one of the plurality of blade mounts and further adapted to rotate with respect to the support feature. 
     The expansion of the plurality of arrow blades can be at least partially regulated by the position of the collar with respect to the arrow tip. Additionally, the plurality blades are adapted to expand radially outward from the support feature upon impact of the second edge of the arrow tip with the target and the collar is adapted to be axially displaced along the support feature upon impact with the target. Furthermore, the axial displacement of the collar is adapted to facilitate the expansion of the plurality of arrow blades. 
     The system for penetrating a surface of a target can include an arrowhead, wherein the arrowhead can include an arrow tip that can include first and second edges, a support feature adapted to couple to the first edge of the arrow tip, and a collar adapted to be at least partially disposed about the support feature. The arrowhead can further include a plurality of arrow blades adapted to expand radially from the support feature and a plurality of blade mounts. Each of the plurality of arrow blades are adapted to rotate about at least one of the plurality of blade mounts and further adapted to rotate with respect to the support feature. The expansion of the plurality of arrow blades can be at least partially regulated by the position of the collar with respect to the arrow tip. 
     Additionally, the plurality blades are adapted to expand radially outward from the support feature upon impact of the second edge of the arrow tip with the target and the collar is adapted to be axially displaced along the support feature upon impact with the target. Furthermore, the axial displacement of the collar is adapted to facilitate the expansion of the plurality of arrow blades. Finally, the system can include an arrow shaft, wherein the arrow shaft is adapted to be operably coupled with the arrowhead. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following figures form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these figures in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for penetrating the surface of a target. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective view of the primary blade of the first embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a perspective view of the secondary blade of the first embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a perspective view of the support feature of the first embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2D  illustrates a perspective view of the arrow tip of the first embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2E  illustrates a perspective view of the collar of the first embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for penetrating the surface of a target in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for penetrating the surface of a target in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view of the arrow tip of the second embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a perspective view of the collar of the second embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a perspective view of the support feature of the second embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates a perspective view of the arrow blade of the second embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         FIG. 4E  illustrates a perspective view of the blade mount of the second embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a system for penetrating the surface of a target including the apparatus as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of a system for penetrating the surface of a target including the apparatus as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
     
    
    
     While the inventions disclosed herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, only a few specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The figures and detailed descriptions of these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the breadth or scope of the inventive concepts or the appended claims in any manner. Rather, the figures and detailed written descriptions are provided to illustrate the inventive concepts to a person of ordinary skill in the art and to enable such person to make and use the inventive concepts. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The Figures described above and the written description of specific structures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope of what Applicants have invented or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the Figures and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention for which patent protection is sought. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all features of a commercial embodiment of the invention are described or shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons of skill in this art will also appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present invention will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer&#39;s ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are not limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related, and other constraints, which may vary by specific implementation, location and from time to time. While a developer&#39;s efforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of skill in this art having benefit of this disclosure. 
     It must be understood that the inventions disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms. Lastly, the use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, “a,” is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of relational terms, such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” and the like are used in the written description for clarity in specific reference to the Figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. 
     The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “coupling,” “coupler,” and like terms are used broadly herein and can include any method or device for securing, binding, bonding, fastening, attaching, joining, inserting therein, forming thereon or therein, communicating, or otherwise associating, for example, mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, operably, directly or indirectly with intermediate elements, one or more pieces of members together and can further include without limitation integrally forming one functional member with another in a unity fashion. The coupling can occur in any direction, including rotationally. 
     Applicants have created improved systems and apparatuses for a ballistic arrow used to penetrate the surface of a target. The apparatus includes an arrow tip, a support feature, and a collar partially disposed about the support feature. The apparatus further includes a plurality of primary blades disposed radially about the support feature and a plurality of secondary blades partially disposed between the primary blades. The system includes an arrowhead and arrow shaft coupled to the arrowhead. The arrowhead includes an arrow tip, a support feature, and a collar partially disposed about the support feature. The arrowhead includes a plurality of arrow blades adapted to expand radially outward from the support feature upon impact of the arrow tip with a target. The apparatuses and systems described throughout this disclosure can improve the both the reliability and lethality of a ballistic arrow used to hunt game and other wildlife. 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for penetrating the surface of a target. The apparatus  10  can include an arrow tip  12 , a support feature  16  adapted to couple to an edge of the arrow tip  12 , and a collar  14  adapted to be at least partially disposed about the support feature  16 . The apparatus  10  can further include a plurality of primary blades  18  adapted to be disposed radially about the support feature  16 ; and a plurality of secondary blades  20 , wherein the at least one of the plurality of secondary blades  20  is at least partially disposed between two of the plurality of primary blades  18 . These features are described in greater detail below in conjunction with  FIGS. 2A-2E . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective view of the primary blade of the first embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2B  illustrates a perspective view of the secondary blade of the first embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2C  illustrates a perspective view of the support feature of the first embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2D  illustrates a perspective view of the arrow tip of the first embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2E  illustrates a perspective view of the collar of the first embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIG. 1 . These Figures will be described in conjunction with one another. 
     The arrow tip  12  be conically shaped, although other suitable geometric shapes are contemplated as well (e.g., a tetrahedron). For the example illustrated  FIG. 2D , arrow tip  12  can be conically shaped to create an initial puncture into a target upon impact. Arrow tip  12  can function as a simple machine (e.g., wedge) which, as a result, can reduce the force required to penetrate the target. In the example of a conically shaped arrow tip  12 , the conical angle of the arrow tip  12  can vary in order to adjust the resulting impact of arrow tip  12  on a target. 
     Arrow tip  12  can include a first edge  38  and a second edge  40 . In one example, second edge  40  can terminate at a single point that can include a leading edge for penetrating a target (not shown). Arrow tip  12  can be coupled to the support feature  16  with the use of a first coupler (not shown) such as threads or other mating mechanisms to mate the connection at the first edge  38  of arrow tip  12  (such as, for example, a male connection) to the support feature leading edge  34  (such as, for example, female connection inside of the center support feature  16 ). First edge  38  can be supported by arrow tip support  42  and can be disposed between first edge  38  and second edge  40  of arrow tip  12 . 
     Arrow tip  12  can be made of steel, plastic, or any other suitable material for penetrating a target (such as, for example, game or other wildlife). Arrow tip  12  can be coupled to support feature  16  and collar  14  when apparatus  10  is assembled. Collar  14 , when disposed at least partially about support feature  16 , can be used to couple primary blades  18  to support feature  16 . For example, in one embodiment, three of such primary blades  18  can be employed. As primary blade  18  is coupled to support feature  16 , first flange  22  can be coupled (such as, for example, through lock-fit coupling, snap-fit, slide-type interlocking, etc.) to support feature slots  32 . Furthermore, second flange  24  and primary blade flanges  26  can be coupled to support feature slots  32  through a slide-type interlocking, snap-fit coupling, lock-fit coupling, etc., to further couple primary blade  18  to support feature  16 . 
     Collar  14  can assist in coupling the one or more primary blades  18  to support feature  16 . Collar  14  can be composed of steel, plastics, or any other suitable material for securing primary blades  18  to support feature  16 . Collar  14  can include one or more collar slots  44  that can be designed to match the height and width of first flange  22 . That is, collar slots  44  can be milled (or otherwise formed, shaped, manufactured, etc.) to secure primary blades  18  in place by coupling first flange  22  to collar slot  44 . For example, collar  14  can fit over the protrusion on the front of support feature  16  by sliding the collar  14  over the support feature leading edge  34  after one or more of the primary blades  18  are coupled to support feature  16 . 
     Once in place, collar  14  can be secured by coupling arrow tip  12  to support feature leading edge  34  (such as by threading, etc.). In this configuration, primary blades  18  can be secured because primary flanges  26  can be coupled to support feature slots  32  and first flange  22  can be coupled to collar slot  44 , thus preventing primary blade  18  from being decoupled from support feature  16 . 
     A second collar  14  can be at least partially disposed about support feature  16  by sliding collar  14  over the support feature trailing edge  36 . In this configuration, collar slots  44  can couple to second flange  24  of primary blade  18  in a similar manner as described above in conjunction with first flange  22 . With these collars  14  in place, movement (axially, laterally, rotational, etc.) of primary blades  18  with respect to support feature  16  can be prevented until collar  14  is decoupled from support feature  16 . 
     Support feature  16  can be formed of aluminum, plastic, steel, or any other material suitable for supporting primary blades  18  and secondary blades  20 . In one embodiment, support feature  16  can be hollow in order to reduce its overall weight without significantly reducing its strength. Because support feature  16  can be formed as a hollow member without causing degradation in its overall strength and further increase the amount of weight support feature  16  can support, support feature  16  can support larger primary blades  18  and secondary blades  20  in order to increase the overall cutting diameter of apparatus  10 . Although depicted in the Figures as being triangular in shape, primary blades  18  and secondary blades  20  can be implemented in a variety of other geometric shapes as well. 
     Primary blades  18  can include one or more surfaces for cutting a target. For example, when primary blade  18  penetrates a target, it can create a large laceration and or entry/exit holes. In one example, primary blade  18  (and secondary blade  20  as described below) can include one or more razor blades. Furthermore, the angle of primary blades  18  (e.g., angle between the surface of primary blade  18  coupled to support feature  16  and the outer surface (e.g., cutting surface) of primary blade  18  that tapers to first flange  22 ) can form a wedge, thus increasing the power and lethality of the device as it penetrates its target. 
     Primary blades slots  28  can be used to couple secondary blades  20  to primary blades  18 . For example, secondary blade slot  30  can be coupled to primary blade slot  28  to secure secondary blades  20  to primary blades  18 . In one example, secondary blade slot  30  can be slide into primary blade slot  28  and locked into place. In this example, primary blade slots  28  and secondary blade slots  30  can be matched (e.g., secondary blade slots  30  can be thinner than primary blade slots  28 ) such that the slot-to-slot connection holds the primary blades  18  and secondary blades  20  into place. 
     Secondary blades  20  can include secondary cutting mechanisms and can further act to make additional cuts into a target (e.g., circular cuts, semi-circular cuts, etc.). These secondary blades  20  can increase the cut size in the target that is created by primary blades  18 . In this regard, apparatus  10  can increase the opening created in a target once penetrated. 
     Secondary blades  30  can be slid into primary blades  18  via the gaps between the primary blade flanges  26  and subsequently locked into place via the slot-to-slot coupling described above, relying on frictional and/or contact forces between the primary blades  18  and secondary blade  20 . Secondary blades  20  can be disposed at non-orthogonal angles with respect to primary blades  18  (other orthogonal angles can work equally as well). For example, secondary blades  20  can be graded at a four degree gradient with respect to the axial axis of primary blades  18  so that the second edge  40  of arrow tip  12  is slightly higher than the first edge  38 . 
     This configuration, when combined with the cutting mechanisms previously elaborated upon above, can be employed to cut a piece of the target fully away from its surroundings and drag it forward with the device as the device moves through the target. Although a four-degree gradient is specifically disclosed, other angles, greater than or less than four degrees are contemplated as well. Furthermore, the secondary blades  20  can be disposed orthogonally with respect to primary blades  18  such that second end  40  of arrow tip  12  is not higher or lower than front end  38  of arrow tip  12 . 
     Apparatus  10  described above can be used to facilitate hunting and other sport-targeting events (e.g., used in conjunction with a high-wound rate bow hunting device). With the increased reliability and lethality resulting from this configuration, the intended target (e.g., white-tailed deer) can be killed more humanely. This is due, in part, to the increased cavity that can be created by apparatus  10  when penetrating the target. For example, the primary blades  18  and secondary blades  20  can be used to increase the cutting diameter of the entry wound (e.g., thirty-percent greater, although other percentages greater than or less than thirty-percent are contemplated as well). With an increased cutting diameter, the apparatus  10  can produce a large blood trail that can result in a hunter&#39;s improved ability to track the targeted animal so that it can be harvested soon after it is shot. 
     Further, primary blades  18  and secondary blades  20  can be configured in such a manner that results in a circular-shaped cut pattern which, when combined with arrow tip  12  gradient described above. This can result in creating a pull plug as the apparatus  10  is removed from the target, thus resulting in increased hemorrhaging in the target, a larger exit wound, and a quicker death of the target. Additional variations of apparatus  10  can include varying the position of the secondary blades  20 , improvements to the interlocking mechanisms between the support feature  16 , primary blades  18 , and secondary blades  20 , increasing the radial distance from the support feature  16  to a terminating edge of the primary blades  18  and/or the secondary blades  20 . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for penetrating the surface of a target in a first configuration.  FIG. 3B  illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for penetrating the surface of a target in a second configuration. These Figures will be described in conjunction with one another. 
     Apparatus  50  can include an arrow tip  52  that can include first and second edges  62  and  64 , respectively. Apparatus  50  can further include a support feature  56  that can be coupled to first edge  62  of arrow tip  52  and collar  54  that can be at least partially disposed about the support feature  56 . Apparatus  50  can further include a plurality of arrow blades  58  adapted to expand radially outward from the support feature  56 , and a plurality of blade mounts  60 , wherein the expansion of the plurality of arrow blades  58  is at least partially regulated by the position of the collar  54  with respect to the arrow tip  52 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates apparatus  50  in a closed or undeployed configuration.  FIG. 3B  illustrates apparatus  50  in an open or deployed configuration. The features of apparatus  50  will be described in greater detail in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A-4E , below. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view of the arrow tip of the second embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B .  FIG. 4B  illustrates a perspective view of the collar of the second embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B .  FIG. 4C  illustrates a perspective view of the support feature of the second embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B .  FIG. 4D  illustrates a perspective view of the arrow blade of the second embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B .  FIG. 4E  illustrates a perspective view of the blade mount of the second embodiment of the apparatus for penetrating a surface of a target as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . These Figures will be described in conjunction with one another. 
     The arrow tip  52  be conically shaped, although other suitable geometric shapes are contemplated as well (e.g., tetrahedron). For the example illustrated  FIG. 4A , arrow tip  52  can be conically shaped to create an initial puncture into a target upon impact. Arrow tip  52  can function as a simple machine (e.g., wedge) which, as a result, can reduce the force required to penetrate the target. In the example of a conically shaped arrow tip  52 , the conical angle of the arrow tip  52  can vary in order to adjust the resulting impact of arrow tip  52  on a target. 
     Arrow tip  52  can include a first edge  62  and a second edge  64 . In one example, second edge  64  can terminate at a single point that can include a leading edge for penetrating a target (not shown). Arrow tip  52  can be coupled to the support feature  56  with the use of a first coupler (not shown) such as threads or other mating mechanism to mate the connection at the first edge  62  of arrow tip  52  (e.g., a male connection) to the support feature leading edge  72  (such as, for example, female connection inside of the center support feature  56 —e.g., to mate with the arrow tip receiving slot  76 ). First edge  62  can be supported by arrow tip support  66  that can be disposed between first edge  62  and second edge  64  of arrow tip  52 . Furthermore, arrow tip  52 , once coupled support feature  56 , can restrict the axial and/or lateral movement of collar  54  about support feature  56 . 
     Arrow tip  52  can be made of steel, plastics, aluminum (e.g., 1060 aluminum), or any other suitable material for penetrating a target (such as, for example, game or other wildlife). Arrow tip  52  can be coupled to support feature  16  and collar  54  when apparatus  50  is assembled. Collar  54 , when disposed at least partially about support feature  56 , can be used to couple arrow blades  58  to support feature  56 . For example, in one embodiment, three of such arrow blades  58  can be employed. 
     Collar  54  can assist in coupling the one or more arrow blades  58  to support feature  56 . Collar  54  can be composed of steel, plastics, or any other suitable material for securing arrow blades  58  to support feature  56 . Collar  54  can include one or more collar guides  70  that can be designed to match the height and width of the support feature slots  79 . Collar  54  can mount radially over support feature  56  and its position can be adjusted axially along support feature  56 . Support feature  56  can further include a raised portion  75  near the trailing edge  74  such that the axially movement of the collar  54  is restricted by the raised portion  75  near the trailing edge  74  and its axial movement towards the leading edge  72  can be restricted by the arrow tip  52 . 
     Collar  54  can act as a barrier to prevent arrow blades  58  through mechanical fracture, bending, or the like, upon impact with the target. Collar  54  can prevent this failure because it can prevent the radial expansion of the arrow blades  58  while the collar  54  is positioned distally from raised edge  75 , and towards support feature leading edge  72 . 
     The outer diameter of collar  54  can be defined by the outer edges of the collar stops  68  which, in one particular example, can be larger than the outer diameter of the arrow tip  52 . In this configuration, as arrow tip  52  penetrates a target, the color stops  68  can catch on portions of the target not penetrated by the arrow tip  52 . Once the collar stops  68  make contact, the collar  54  can be moved axially along the support feature  54  towards the support feature trailing edge  74  until it reaches the raised portion  75 . By doing so, the kinetic energy and forward momentum of the apparatus  50  can force the collar  54  to push into the target and allow the apparatus  50  to continue its trajectory. 
     Furthermore, collar  54  can facilitate the forced radial displacement of the arrow blades  58  after the apparatus  50  has penetrated through the outer layer of the target and it can further be employed to lock the arrow blades  58  in an open or deployed position. As collar  54  contacts the raised portion  75  of support feature  56  and locks, the arrow blades  58  can deploy (such as, for example, through a spring-like action or other mechanical means) from the closed position to the open position by releasing the arrow blades  58  as a result of the forward momentum of apparatus  50  and the reaction forces opposing the forward motion of apparatus  50 . 
     The collar  54  can be held in its position towards the support feature trailing edge  74  (e.g., abutting raised portion  75  by the forward momentum of apparatus  50  and the reaction forces opposing the forward motion of apparatus  50 ). When in this configuration, half of collar  54  can contact the base of arrow blades  58  and blade mounts  60 . The blade mounts  60  can rotate (for example, forty-five degrees, although angles greater than or less than forty-five are contemplated as well) as the arrow blades  58  deploy. The frictional contact forces between collar  54  and support feature  56  can prevent blade support  60  from counter-rotating back to its initial position. In this regard, the blade mounts  60  can assist to prevent arrow blades  58  from opening prior to penetration of the apparatus  50  into the target and lock arrow blades  58  in a position (e.g., an open position) once apparatus  50  penetrates a target. 
     The collar  54  can be designed to function with unhindered, free axial movement along the support feature  56 . Any geometric designs different than those illustrated by the Figures herein can be employed as well. The support feature  56  can be composed of aluminum, steel, plastics, or another other suitable material for support arrow blades  58  and arrow tip  52 . 
     In an exemplary and non-limiting illustrative embodiment, apparatus  50  can include three arrow blades  56 , however, more than or fewer than three blades can be employed as well. In one example, the leading and front edges of arrow blades  58  can be sharpened and the trailing edge can remain dull. The sharpened edges can lacerate the target as the apparatus  50  penetrates through it, and these edges can further create large exit holes as the device exits the target. The arrow blades  58  can be coupled to support feature  56  with the aid of the blade mounts  60  to facilitate the arrow blades&#39;  58  radial movement. As the arrow blades  58  open radially, than can be swept backward until they rest at a forty-five degree angle (although other angles greater than or less than forty-five degrees are contemplated as well). In one example, the arrow blades  58  can be composed of stainless steel, although other materials, such as steel, plastics, etc. can be employed as well. 
     The geometry and size of arrow blades  60  is only restrained by the distance between the support feature  56  and collar  54  (e.g., height differential between these two elements) and the length of the support feature  56  (e.g., between the first edge  62  of arrow tip  52  and the raised portion  75  of the support feature  56 ). With this design, the structural integrity of arrow blades  58  can be increased, thus increasing the overall effectiveness and lethality of the apparatus  50 . 
     Blade mounts  60  can be composed of steel, plastics, or any other material suitable for mounting arrow blades  58  to support feature  56 . For example, blade mounts  60  can be composed of steel because it is possesses a high yield strength and stress tolerance. Further, blade mounts  60  can be coupled to the support feature  56  with the aid of a coupler (not shown) such as, for example screws, fasteners, or the like. The arrow blades  58  can be coupled to the support feature  56  by aligning the blade receiving slot  80  with the blade mounting receiving slot  78 . Once aligned, the blade mounts  60  can be used to anchor the arrow blades  58  (such as, for example, using pins). 
     In an exemplary and non-limiting illustrative embodiment, blade mounts  60  can be geometric half-right cylinders, although other geometries are contemplated as well. Blade mounts  60  can be coupled to the support feature  56  through the use of couplers (not shown), such as, for example, screws, clips, or the like. Once coupled, blade mounts  60  can be free to rotate into order to facilitate the sweeping motion of arrow blades  58  from the un-deployed configuration to the deployed configuration. When collar  54  is positioned nearest to the first edge  62  of arrow tip  52 , blade mounts  60  can be prevented from rotating back, thus forcing arrow blades  58  in the open position. 
     Apparatus  50  described above can be used to facilitate hunting and other sport-targeting events (e.g., used in conjunction with a high-wound rate bow hunting device). With this increased reliability and lethality, the intended target (e.g., white-tailed deer) can be killed more humanely. This is due, in part, to the increased cavity that can be created by apparatus  50  when penetrating the target. For example, with the arrow blades  58  can be used to increase the cutting diameter of the entry wound (e.g., seventeen-percent greater, although other percentages greater than or less than seventeen-percent are contemplated as well). With an increased cutting diameter, the apparatus  50  can produce a large blood trail that can result in a hunter&#39;s improved ability to track the targeted animal so that it can be harvested soon after it is shot. Moreover, the collar  54  can increase the reliability of the deployment of the arrow blades  58  by at least fifty percent. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a system for penetrating the surface of a target including the apparatus as shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of a system for penetrating the surface of a target including the apparatus as shown in  FIG. 3B . These Figures will be described in conjunction with one another. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 5 , the system  100  can include an arrowhead  102  (such as the apparatus  10  described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-2  although other arrowheads are contemplated as well) and an arrow shaft  104 . Arrow shaft  104  can include any arrow shaft suitable for coupling to arrow head  102  used to penetrate a target such as, for example, game, or other wildlife. Referring specifically to  FIG. 6 , the system  200  can include an arrowhead  202  (such as the apparatus  10  described in conjunction with  FIGS. 3-4  although other arrowheads are contemplated as well) and an arrow shaft  204 . Arrow shaft  204  can include any arrow shaft suitable for coupling to arrow head  202  used to penetrate a target such as, for example, game, or other wildlife. 
     For purposes of clarity and understanding, one or more of these components may not be specifically described or shown while, nevertheless, being present in one or more embodiments of the invention, such as in a commercial embodiment, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise specifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split into multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described functionally and can be embodied as separate components or can be combined into components having multiple functions. Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements and vice-versa. 
     The inventions have been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments and not every embodiment of the invention has been described. Obvious modifications and alterations to the described embodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in the art. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the invention conceived of by the Applicants, but rather, in conformity with the patent laws, Applicants intend to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that come within the scope or range or equivalent of the following claims.