U.S. patent application number 09/953623 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-30 for dulling prevention for sharp cutting edge of blade-opening arrowhead blades when in a closed in-flight position ii.
Invention is credited to Liechty, Victor Jay II.
Application Number | 20020065155 09/953623 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26973636 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020065155 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liechty, Victor Jay II |
May 30, 2002 |
Dulling prevention for sharp cutting edge of blade-opening
arrowhead blades when in a closed in-flight position II
Abstract
Blade-opening arrowheads with removably attachable pivotal
blades, each having an edge with at least a section thereof that is
sharpened for cutting. The sharp cutting edges are prevented from
being dulled from contact with their corresponding arrowhead
bodies, arrowhead tips or other structure when the blades are
folded into a retracted in-flight position or into a closed
position by means that prevent the sharp cutting edge(s) from
contacting against a substance.
Inventors: |
Liechty, Victor Jay II;
(Lyman, WY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jay Liechty JR.
1250 N. 1750 W.
Provo
UT
84604
US
|
Family ID: |
26973636 |
Appl. No.: |
09/953623 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09953623 |
Sep 17, 2001 |
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09303762 |
May 3, 1999 |
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09303762 |
May 3, 1999 |
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08834478 |
Apr 11, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/583 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 6/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/583 |
International
Class: |
A63B 065/02; F42B
006/08 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A blade-opening arrowhead comprising: (a) an arrowhead body
having a central longitudinal axis; (b) a blade having a first end,
an opposing second end and an edge extending thereabout, said edge
having a sharpened cutting edge; (c) hinge means for pivotally
connecting said second end of said blade to said arrowhead body to
enable said blade to rotate between a retracted position wherein
said blade is positioned adjacent to said arrowhead body and an
open position wherein said first end of said blade is rotated away
from said arrowhead body; and (d) hover means for preventing said
cutting edge from abutting into a substance when said blade is in
said retracted position.
2. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 1 wherein said
hinge means is displaced a distance from said central longitudinal
axis of said arrowhead body so as to not intersect said
longitudinal axis thereof.
3. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 1 wherein a
substantial portion of said inner cutting edge is substantially
straight.
4. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 1 wherein said
blade further comprises an outwardly projecting wing located at
said first end of said blade, at least a section of said wing being
exposed a distance outward from said arrowhead body when said blade
is in said retracted position.
5. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 1 wherein said
inner cutting edge of said blade is folded adjacent to said
arrowhead body when in said retracted position so as to be closer
to a central longitudinal axis of said arrowhead body than an outer
blunt edge of said blade is from said longitudinal axis.
6. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 1 wherein said
blade further comprises a notch formed thereon.
7. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 6 wherein said
notch is disposed near said first end of said blade.
8. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 7 wherein said
first end of said blade engages with said arrowhead body or with an
attached arrowhead tip.
9. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 8 wherein a
protrusion extends from said arrowhead body or said arrowhead tip,
said notch engaging with said protrusion when the arrowhead is in a
retracted configuration.
10. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 6 wherein said
notch is disposed near said second end of said blade.
11. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 1 wherein an
urging force is applied to said second end of said blade at
distance lateral of a cross-sectional center of said hinge means so
that said first end of said blade is rotated inwardly when said
blade is in said retracted position.
12. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 1 wherein an
urging force is applied to said second end of said blade at
distance medially of a cross-sectional center of said hinge means
so that said first end of said blade is rotated outwardly when said
blade is in said retracted position.
13. A blade-opening arrowhead comprising: (a) an arrowhead body;
(b) a blade having a first end, an opposing second end and an inner
sharpened edge, said inner sharpened edge comprising a discrete
cutting edge; (c) hinge means for pivotally connecting said second
end of said blade to said arrowhead body to enable said blade to
rotate between a retracted position wherein said blade is
positioned adjacent to said arrowhead body and an open position
wherein said first end of said blade is rotated away from said
arrowhead body; and (d) means for preventing said discrete cutting
edge from abutting into a substance when said blade is in said
retracted position.
14. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 13 wherein said
means for preventing said discrete cutting edge from abutting into
a substance comprises: (i) a pair of grind bevels formed on said
inner sharpened edge so that said discrete cutting edge is situated
therebetween; and (ii) a spacer element having a void for
protectedly housing said discrete cutting edge therein so that said
discrete cutting edge does not abut into a substance when said
blade is in said retracted position, said grind bevels abutting
against said spacer element when said blade is in said retracted
position.
15. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 13 wherein said
means for preventing said discrete cutting edge from abutting into
a substance comprises an outward rotational force acting upon said
blade so as to rotate said first end of said blade in a direction
away from said arrowhead body when said blade is in said retracted
position.
16. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 13 wherein said
means for preventing said discrete cutting edge from abutting into
a substance comprises: (i) a rotational limiting element; and (ii)
bias means for producing an urging force that is applied to said
second end of blade so as to cause said first end of said blade to
rotate in a direction when said blade is in said retracted
position, said rotational limiting element limiting the distance
said blade is rotated by said urging force when in said retracted
position so that said sharpened edge is displaced a distance away
from said arrowhead body, thereby preventing said cutting edge from
abutting into a substance.
17. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 16 wherein said
blade further comprises a notch, said rotational limiting element
being engaged in said notch when said blade is in said retracted
position.
18. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 16 wherein said
bias means is comprised of an organic polymer.
19. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 13 wherein said
hinge means is displaced a distance from a central longitudinal
axis of said arrowhead body so as to not intersect said
longitudinal axis thereof.
20. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 19 wherein a
substantial portion of said inner cutting edge is substantially
straight.
21. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 19 wherein said
blade further comprises an outwardly projecting wing located at
said first end of said blade, at least a section of said wing being
exposed a distance outward from said arrowhead body when said blade
is in said retracted position.
22. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 13 wherein said
inner cutting edge of said blade is folded adjacent to said
arrowhead body when in said retracted position so as to be closer
to a central longitudinal axis of said arrowhead body than an outer
blunt edge of said blade is from said longitudinal axis.
23. A blade-opening arrowhead comprising; (a) an arrowhead body
having a central longitudinal axis; (b) a blade having a first end,
an opposing second end and an edge extending thereabout, said edge
having a sharpened cutting edge; (c) hinge means for pivotally
connecting said second end of said blade to said arrowhead body to
enable said blade to rotate between a retracted position wherein
said blade is positioned adjacent to said arrowhead body and an
open position wherein said first end of said blade is rotated away
from said arrowhead body, said hinge means having a cross sectional
center; (d) a rotational limiting element for engaging with said
second of said blade; and (e) bias means for producing an urging
force to engage said rotational limiting element against said
second end of said blade, said urging force being applied to said
second end of said blade at a location spaced apart from a plane
parallel to said longitudinal axis that intersects said cross
sectional center of said hinge means so as to rotate said first end
of said blade in a direction when said blade is in said retracted
position.
24. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 23 wherein said
inner cutting edge of said blade is folded adjacent to said
arrowhead body when in said retracted position so as to be closer
to a central longitudinal axis of said arrowhead body than an outer
blunt edge of said blade is from said longitudinal axis.
25. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 23 wherein said
blade further comprises an outwardly projecting wing located at
said first end of said blade, at least a section of said wing being
exposed a distance outward from said arrowhead body when said blade
is in said retracted position.
26. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 23 wherein said
urging force is applied to said second end of said blade at
distance lateral of said cross-sectional center of said hinge means
so that said first end of said blade is rotated inwardly when said
blade is in said retracted position.
27. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 23 wherein said
urging force is applied to said second end of said blade at
distance medially of said cross-sectional center of said hinge
means so that said first end of said blade is rotated outwardly
when said blade is in said retracted position.
28. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 23 wherein said
rotational limiting element comprises holding means for engaging
against said edge of said blade so as to selectively hold said
blade adjacent to said arrowhead body when said blade is in said
retracted position.
29. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 28 wherein said
rotational limiting element is annular.
30. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 23 wherein said
hinge means is spaced a part a distance from said central
longitudinal axis.
31. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 23 further
comprising retaining means for selectively retaining said blade is
said retracted position and enabling said blade to rotate into said
open position when acted upon by an opening force, said retaining
means including said rotational limiting element and said bias
means.
32. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 23 wherein said
bias means comprises a compressible annular spring.
33. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 23 wherein said
bias means comprises a compressible rubber ring.
34. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 23 wherein said
urging force is applied to said blade at a location spaced apart
from said central longitudinal axis of said arrowhead body.
35. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 23 wherein said
hinges means is displaced a distance from said central longitudinal
axis of said arrowhead body so as not to intersect said
longitudinal axis thereof.
36. A blade-opening arrowhead comprising: (a) an arrowhead body
having a central longitudinal axis; (b) a blade having a first end,
an opposing second end and an edge extending thereabout, said edge
having a cutting edge and a notch formed therein at said second end
of said blade; (c) hinge means for pivotally connecting said second
end of said blade to said arrowhead body to enable said blade to
rotate between a retracted position wherein said blade is
positioned adjacent to said arrowhead body and an open position
wherein said first end of said blade is rotated away from said
arrowhead body; (d) an annular element for engaging within said
notch; and (e) bias means for producing an urging force to engage
said annular element into said notch, said urging force being
applied to said second end of blade so as to cause said first end
of said blade to rotate in a direction when said blade is in said
retracted position until said annular element abuts into a side of
said notch, thereby controlling the distance between said cutting
edge and said arrowhead body.
37. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 36 wherein said
urging force is applied to said second end of said blade at a
location spaced apart from a plane parallel to said longitudinal
axis that intersects said cross sectional center of said hinge
means so as to rotate said first end of said blade in a direction
when said blade is in said retracted position.
38. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 36 wherein said
notch further comprises an inner side, and an outer side.
39. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 38 wherein said
urging force is applied to said second end of said blade at
distance lateral of said cross-sectional center of said hinge means
so that said first end of said blade is rotated inwardly when said
blade is in said retracted position until said inner side of said
notch abuts against said rotational limiting element, thereby
controlling the distance between said cutting edge and said
arrowhead body.
40. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 38 wherein said
urging force is applied to said second end of said blade at
distance medially of said cross-sectional center of said hinge
means so that said first end of said blade is rotated outwardly
when said blade is in said retracted position until said outer side
of said notch abuts against said rotational limiting element,
thereby controlling the distance between said sharpened edge and
said arrowhead body.
41. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 36 further
comprising retaining means for selectively retaining said blade is
said retracted position and enabling said blade to rotate into said
open position when acted upon by an opening force, said retaining
means including said rotational limiting element and said bias
means.
42. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 36 wherein said
bias means comprises a compressible annular spring.
43. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 36 wherein said
inner cutting edge of said blade is folded adjacent to said
arrowhead body when in said retracted position so as to be closer
to a central longitudinal axis of said arrowhead body than an outer
blunt edge of said blade is from said longitudinal axis.
44. A blade-opening arrowhead as recited in claim 36 wherein said
blade further comprises an outwardly projecting wing located at
said first end of said blade, at least a section of said wing being
exposed a distance outward from said arrowhead body when said blade
is in said retracted position.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Description of Prior Art
[0002] Arrows have long been used for war, hunting and competitive
sports A conventional arrow has a shaft, a nock at one end that
receives the bow string, an arrowhead or point that attaches to the
opposite end, and fletchings. The fletchings are glued to the shaft
near the nock end, and help to stabilize the arrow in flight by
causing it to rotate. Arrowheads generally have a pointed forward
end, and an opposite threaded shaft end that attaches the arrowhead
to the arrow shaft. Arrowheads are also attached to the forward end
of arrow shafts by glueing and other methods.
[0003] Arrowheads come in a variety of different sizes and
configurations depending on their intended use. For example, there
are specifically designed arrowheads for competitive target
shooting, shooting fish, hunting birds or small game animals, and
for hunting big game animals.
[0004] Arrowheads used for hunting kill the game animal by cutting
vital organs such as the lungs and vascular vessels such as
arteries, which causes rapid hemorrhaging and/or suffocation. Quick
and humane kills are dependent on accurate shot placement, and upon
the amount or volume of the animal tissue that is cut. Hunting
arrowheads that cut more tissue are more lethal, and therefore are
better. The volume of tissue that is cut is determined by the
cutting diameter of the arrowhead, the number of blades it
contains, and by the distance the arrowhead penetrates into the
animal. The cutting diameter of an arrowhead is determined by how
far each cutting blade extends outward from the arrowhead body. The
further the blades extend outward the larger the cutting diameter
is, and therefore the more cutting potential the arrowhead has.
[0005] A common type of arrowhead used in hunting is the
fixed-blade arrowhead, which has a pointed tip end used for
penetrating, and fixed blades or non-pivotal blades that each have
a razor sharp edge for cutting. Conventional fixed-blade arrowheads
blades are held in a fixed position on the arrowhead, and most such
blades are replaceable. The replaceable blades attach to the
arrowhead body in longitudinal grooves called blade slots. The tip
of the arrowhead may be separably attachable to the arrowhead body
or may be integral with it. Arrowheads for hunting are generally
known as broadheads.
[0006] Another popular type of arrowhead for hunting is the
blade-opening arrowhead. Blade-opening arrowheads are generally
known as mechanical broadheads. Blade-opening arrowheads, like
conventional fixed-blade arrowheads generally have an elongated
arrowhead body, a tip end, and a threaded opposite end. The blades
of blade-opening arrowheads have an attachment end which attaches
the blades to the arrowhead body by a pivot pin, so that the blades
can pivot or rotate in a plane between a closed position and an
open position. The blades of blade-opening arrowheads are also
received in blade slots, which are machined or formed into the side
of the arrowhead body. When the pivotal blades of blade-opening
arrowheads are retracted or folded into the closed position, a
substantial majority of each blade is generally housed within its
corresponding blade slot. This feature gives blade-opening
arrowheads the ability to attain significantly increased
aerodynamic performance over fixed-blade arrowheads, due to the
significantly decreased exposure the retracted blades have with the
air when the arrow is rotating while in flight. Such increased
aerodynamic performance results in the desirable features of:
faster shooting arrows, flatter arrow trajectories, increased
penetration energy and enhanced repeatability of accuracy, while
also providing a wide diameter cut in the game animal when the
razor sharp blades open at impact with the animal.
[0007] To hold the blades of blade-opening arrowheads in the
retracted position during flight until the arrowhead penetrates the
animal, annular retention members such as O-rings are most commonly
used. Other commonly known annular retention members are, rubber
bands, tight fitting plastic sleeves, tape, heat-shrinkable fitting
plastic sleeves, and other wrap materials. Such conventional
O-rings and the like are stretched around the outside of the blades
when the blades are folded into the closed position, and exert an
inward directed resistive force or a closing force against the
blades which holds the blades in the retracted position. In
addition to conventional O-rings and the like, there are several
other blade retention systems know to the art, such as the use of
magnetism, springs, leaf springs, friction detents and other
frictional mechanisms.
[0008] Blade-opening arrowheads also come in a variety of different
types and styles. The most common type of blade-opening arrowhead
has blades that are pivotally connected to an arrowhead body at a
location near the rear end of the arrowhead body. This makes it so
that when the blades are folded into the retracted position a
leading blade end positioned near the tip of the arrowhead
protrudes outward from the arrowhead body. The leading blade ends
of such blade-opening arrowheads rotate away from the arrowhead
body in a rearward direction when penetrating an animal.
Particularly, the leading blade ends catch on the animal's surface
and serve to lever or rotate the blades into the open position,
thus exposing the sharp cutting edges of the blades and cutting the
animal. In such blade-opening arrowheads when the blades are folded
into the retracted position each blade is rotated toward the
arrowhead body in a forward direction and is received within its
blade slot so that the section of the blade having the sharpened
cutting edge thereon is seated next to the arrowhead body. With
this type of blade-opening arrowhead when the blades are in the
retracted or in-flight position the sharp blade edges abut against
the arrowhead body or arrowhead tip.
[0009] It is desirable for the cutting edge of an arrowhead blade
to be as sharp as possible so as to maximize the cutting ability of
the arrowhead, and to therefore inflict the quickest killing wound
to a game animal. It is also desirable for the cutting edge of an
arrowhead blade to be as sharp as possible so as to maximize arrow
penetration through the animal so that an easily distinguishable
blood trail is created and recovery of the game animal is
enhanced.
[0010] Arrowhead blade steel is hardened in a heat treating process
before the fine razor cutting edge is ground on the blade edge. The
more the steel is hardened the sharper a cutting edge the blade
will be able to hold or have, but also the brittler the blade
becomes. Arrowhead blade steel is generally hardened so as to
maximize the sharpness of the blade edge but to yet keep the main
section of the blade from becoming so brittle that it breaks or
shears at target impact. A truly razor sharp virgin cutting edge
has a very narrow angle between opposing blade edge sides or grind
bevels, which are produced from the sharpening processes of
grinding and/or honing, and therefore the thickness of steel near
the cutting edge is very thin. The hardness necessary for arrowhead
blade steel to produce an optimally sharp cutting edge while
preventing brittleness breaking of the main arrowhead blade section
generally is such that the thin section of steel at the very
cutting edge is brittle enough or delicate enough to be easily
damaged. This is especially evident when the fine cutting edge
contacts relatively hard substances such as aluminum, steel or
composites.
[0011] A major problem associated with blade-opening arrowheads of
the type whose blades are retracted next to the arrowhead body such
that the sharp cutting blade edges abut against the arrowhead body
or arrowhead tip, is that each delicate razor blade edge gets
damaged where it contacts the arrowhead body or arrowhead tip. This
damage generally nicks the cutting edge or flattens the pointed
angle of the discrete cutting edge to a dull blunt, which inhibits
the arrowheads ability to cut and therefore decreases its
lethality. To compound this problem the inward directed closing
force exerted by conventional O-rings and the like against the
outside edges of the blades when the blades are in the closed or
in-flight position, forces the blades against the arrowhead body of
conventional blade-opening arrowheads such that the delicate
cutting edges are further pressed into the arrowhead body or tip
and therefore are damaged or dulled even more so. Also, when an
arrow is shot from a bow the pivotal blades experience a high
impulse acceleration when the arrow is first released from the bow,
which generates a opening force that acts upon the blades. This
phenomena can slightly open the blades just enough to break the
contact of the cutting edges with the arrowhead body or arrowhead
tip, such that as the arrow begins to decelerate in its downrange
flight the blades are slapped back into their closed position by
the deceleration causing a closing force upon the blades. This
slapping effect magnifies the dulling damage delivered to cutting
blade edges of conventional mechanical broadheads.
[0012] It is apparent that there is a need for a blade-opening
arrowhead that maintains a pivotal blade in a closed in-flight
position in such a manner so as to not damage or dull the razor
sharp cutting edge of the blade from contact of the cutting edge
with the arrowhead body or arrowhead tip.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
blade-opening arrowhead that maintains a pivotal blade in a
retracted or closed in-flight position in such a manner so as to
not damage or dull the cutting edge of the blade when the pivotal
blade is in the retracted or closed in-flight position.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
blade-opening arrowhead that maintains a pivotal blade in a
retracted or closed in-flight position in such a manner so as to
prevent the cutting edge of the blade from abutting against a
substance when the pivotal blade is in the retracted or closed
in-flight position.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
blade-opening arrowhead that maintains a pivotal blade in a
retracted or closed in-flight position in such a manner so as to
not damage or dull the cutting edge of the blade from contact of
the cutting edge with the arrowhead body or arrowhead tip when the
pivotal blade is in the retracted or closed in-flight position.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
blade-opening arrowhead that maintains a pivotal blade in a
retracted or closed in-flight position in such a manner so as to
prevent the cutting edge of the blade from abutting against the
arrowhead body or arrowhead tip when the pivotal blade is in the
retracted or closed in-flight position.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
blade-opening arrowhead that maintains a pivotal blade in a
retracted or closed in-flight position in such a manner so as to
decrease the force with which the cutting edge of the blade is
forced or touched against the arrowhead body, arrowhead tip or
other substance when the pivotal blade is in the retracted or
closed in-flight position.
[0018] It is further another object of the present invention to
provide a blade-opening arrowhead that maintains a pivotal blade in
a retracted or closed in-flight position in such a manner so as to
cause the cutting edge of the blade to abut against a spacer
element when the pivotal blade is in the retracted or closed
in-flight position.
[0019] It is yet further another object of the present invention to
provide a blade-opening arrowhead that maintains a pivotal blade in
a retracted or closed in-flight position in such a manner so as to
cause the cutting edge of the blade to abut against a non dulling
resilient element such as a rubber O-ring or elastic band when the
pivotal blade is in the retracted or closed in-flight position.
[0020] It is still further another object of the present invention
to provide a blade-opening arrowhead that maintains a pivotal blade
in a retracted or closed in-flight position in such a manner so as
to abut the inner edge of the blade against a substance without the
very discrete cutting edge thereof contacting a substance when the
pivotal blade is in the retracted or closed in-flight position.
[0021] It is still further another object of the present invention
to provide a blade-opening arrowhead that maintains a pivotal blade
in a retracted or closed in-flight position in such a manner so as
to not damage or dull the cutting edge of the blade by exertion of
an urging force so as to cause the blade to rotate in a direction
when in the retracted or closed in-flight position.
[0022] The foregoing objects and advantages and other objects and
advantages of the present invention are accomplished with hunting
arrowheads that attach to the forward end of an arrow shaft, where
a plurality of blades are pivotally connected to an arrowhead body.
The blades freely rotate from an in-flight retracted position to an
open position when the arrowhead penetrates an object, or when
acted upon by a sufficient opening force. When the blades are in
the in-flight retracted position their razor sharp cutting edges
are protected from being dulled or damaged, so as to provide a more
lethal arrowhead.
[0023] Such a blade-opening arrowhead according to one preferred
embodiment of this invention has a notch formed in the attachment
end of each pivotal blade, a compressible annular spring and an
annular ring attached to the arrowhead body, such that when the
blades are attached to the arrowhead body and positioned in the
retracted position the spring urges the annular ring into
engagement with the notches so as to cause the forward end or
leading levering end of each blade to be rotated in an outward
direction away from the arrowhead body. The blades are rotated
outwardly until an outer side of the notch abuts against the
annular ring. This abutment with the annular ring limits or stops
the blades rotation when in the retracted position, which allows
the fine razor cutting edges of the blades to be displaced a
distance away from the arrowhead body and to thereby prevent any
dulling or edge damage since the cutting edges are held from
contacting the arrowhead body when in the closed position.
[0024] Another blade-opening arrowhead according to another
preferred embodiment of this invention differs from the above
described preferred embodiment in that the blades are rotated
inwardly toward the arrowhead body when in the retracted position,
until the annular ring abuts against an inner notch side so as to
also displace the razor cutting edges of the blades a distance away
from the arrowhead body when in the retracted position.
[0025] Other blade-opening arrowheads according to other preferred
embodiments of this invention differ from the above described
preferred embodiments in that they do not have an annular spring
for urging an annular ring into the notches, but rather have an
annular resilient element such as a rubber O-ring that urges itself
into engagement against the notches so as to cause the desired
rotation of the leading blade ends to be obtained so that the
cutting edges are displaced away from the arrowhead body and the
cutting edges are prevented from being dulled. Other similar
annular resilient element self-urging and self-engaging preferred
embodiments of this invention differ from the above described
preferred annular resilient element self-urging and self-engaging
embodiments in that the attachment ends of each blade does not have
a notch formed therein.
[0026] Yet other blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments
according to this invention differ from the above described
preferred embodiments in that the cutting edges of the blades abut
softly against their corresponding arrowhead bodies when in the
retracted position. The urging force causing the blades to rotate
into abutment against rotational limiting elements such as the
annular ring and annular resilient self-urging and self-engaging
elements as according to the above described preferred embodiments,
greatly reduces the force with which the cutting edges of the
blades are touched against their corresponding arrowhead bodies.
This protects the cutting edge of each blade when in the retracted
or closed in-flight position from getting damaged or dulled. This
is in direct contrast to conventional O-rings and the like which
are stretched around the outside of the blades so as to exert an
inward directed closing force that gouges the fine cutting edges of
the blades into their corresponding arrowhead bodies when in the
closed position. Such needless dulling produces an arrowhead with
inferior cutting and inferior penetrating qualities.
[0027] Still other blade-opening arrowheads according to other
preferred embodiments of this invention differ from the above
described preferred embodiments in that they have an annular
resilient spacer element positioned substantially near the forward
end of their corresponding arrowhead bodies so that the edges of
the blades can abut against such spacer elements when the blades
are in the retracted position. According to some such preferred
spacer element embodiments the cutting edges abut against resilient
or soft-giving spacer elements, whereas according to other such
preferred spacer element embodiments the cutting edges do not abut
against the spacer elements when the edges of the blades abut
against the spacer elements. The spacer element preferred
embodiments as according to this invention prevent the blade
cutting edges from becoming dulled, nicked or otherwise damaged
when the blades are held in the closed or retracted in-flight
position.
[0028] The blade-opening arrowheads according to the desired
results and scope of this invention are more lethal than prior art
conventional blade-opening arrowheads in that they protect the
razor cutting blade edges from needless dulling or damage.
[0029] As has been shown in the above discussion, the blade-opening
arrowheads according to this invention overcome deficiencies
inherent in prior art arrowheads.
[0030] With the above objects and advantages in view, other objects
and advantages of the invention will more readily appear as the
nature of the invention is better understood, the invention is
comprised in the novel construction, combination and assembly of
parts hereinafter more fully described, illustrated, and
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of a
blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according to this
invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is an exploded longitudinal partial cross-sectional
view of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as
according to this invention as illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a side view of a pivotal blade as according to the
blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention as
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a top view of an annular blade ring as according
to the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this
invention as illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a top view of an annular notch ring as according
to the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this
invention as illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partially sectioned view of the
blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention as
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 7 is an enlarged partially exploded side view of the
annular blade ring, annular notch ring and spring as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the pivotal blade as
according to the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of
this invention as illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another pivotal blade as
according to a blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this
invention;
[0040] FIG. 10 is another longitudinal partial cross-sectional view
of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this
invention as illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0042] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0043] FIG. 13 is an enlarged partially exploded side view of the
annular blade ring, annular notch ring and spring as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 12;
[0044] FIG. 14 is a side view of a pivotal blade as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 12;
[0045] FIG. 15 is a top view of an annular blade ring as according
to the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this
invention as illustrated in FIG. 12;
[0046] FIG. 16 is a top view of an annular notch ring as according
to the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this
invention as illustrated in FIG. 12;
[0047] FIG. 17 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0048] FIG. 18 is a side view of an arrowhead tip as according to
some blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments of this
invention;
[0049] FIG. 19 is a side view of another arrowhead tip as according
to some blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments of this
invention;
[0050] FIG. 20 is a side view of another arrowhead tip as according
to some blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments of this
invention;
[0051] FIG. 21 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0052] FIG. 22 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0053] FIG. 23 is a side view of a pivotal blade as according to
some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this
invention;
[0054] FIG. 24 is an enlarged top view of the annular notch rings
as according to the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments
of this invention as illustrated in FIGS. 21 & 22;
[0055] FIG. 25 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0056] FIG. 26 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
the arrowhead body of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred
embodiment of this invention as illustrated in FIG. 25;
[0057] FIG. 27 is a side view of a fully threaded set screw as
according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred
embodiments of this invention;
[0058] FIG. 28 is a side view of a partially threaded set screw as
according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferree
embodiments of this invention;
[0059] FIG. 29 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0060] FIG. 30 is a side view of another blade-opening arrowhead
tip as according to the preferred embodiments of this invention as
illustrated in FIGS. 29 & 32;
[0061] FIG. 31 is a top view of the spacer element as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments of this invention
as illustrated in FIGS. 29 & 32;
[0062] FIG. 32 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0063] FIG. 33 is a side view of the pivotal blade as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 32;
[0064] FIG. 34 is a side view of another pivotal blade as according
some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments of this
invention;
[0065] FIG. 35 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0066] FIG. 36 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of
the arrowhead body as according to the blade-opening arrowhead
preferred embodiment of this invention as illustrated in FIG.
35;
[0067] FIG. 37 is a top view of the spacer element as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments of this invention
as illustrated in FIGS. 35 & 38;
[0068] FIG. 38 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0069] FIG. 39 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of
the arrowhead body as according to the blade-opening arrowhead
preferred embodiment of this invention as illustrated in FIG.
38;
[0070] FIG. 40 is a top view of the spacer element as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments of this invention
as illustrated in FIGS. 35 & 38;
[0071] FIG. 41 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0072] FIG. 42 is a side view of the pivotal blade as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 41;
[0073] FIG. 43 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0074] FIG. 44 is a top view of the spacer element as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 43;
[0075] FIG. 45 is a side view of the pivotal blade as according to
a blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention as
illustrated in FIG. 43;
[0076] FIG. 46 is a side view of a fully threaded set screw as
according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred
embodiments of this invention;
[0077] FIG. 47 is a side view of a partially threaded set screw as
according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred
embodiments of this invention;
[0078] FIG. 48 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0079] FIG. 49 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0080] FIG. 50 is a side view of a spacer element as according to
some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments of this
invention;
[0081] FIG. 51 is a side view of a spacer elastic band as according
to some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments of
this invention;
[0082] FIG. 52 is an enlarged cross-sectional top view of the
spacer element as according to the blade-opening arrowhead
preferred embodiment of this invention as illustrated in FIG.
48;
[0083] FIG. 53 is an enlarged cross-sectional top view of the
spacer element as according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead
preferred embodiments of this invention showing three pivotal
blades in abutment thereagainst;
[0084] FIG. 54 is an enlarged cross-sectional top view of the
spacer element as according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead
preferred embodiments of this invention showing three pivotal
blades in abutment thereagainst;
[0085] FIG. 55 is an enlarged cross-sectional top view of another
spacer element as according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead
preferred embodiments of this invention;
[0086] FIG. 56 is another view of the enlarged cross-sectional top
view of the spacer element as illustrated in FIG. 55 showing three
pivotal blades in abutment thereagainst;
[0087] FIG. 57 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0088] FIG. 58 is a side view of the pivotal blade as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 57;
[0089] FIG. 59 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0090] FIG. 60 is a side view of the pivotal blade as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 59;
[0091] FIG. 61 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0092] FIG. 62 is a side view of the pivotal blade as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments of this invention
as illustrated in FIGS. 61 & 63;
[0093] FIG. 63 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0094] FIG. 64 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0095] FIG. 65 is a side view of the pivotal blade as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments of this invention
as illustrated in FIGS. 64 & 66;
[0096] FIG. 66 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0097] FIG. 67 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0098] FIG. 68 is an exploded longitudinal partial cross-sectional
view of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as
according to this invention as illustrated in FIG. 67;
[0099] FIG. 69 is a side view of the pivotal blade as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 67;
[0100] FIG. 70 is a top view of the retaining annular element as
according to the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of
this invention as illustrated in FIG. 67;
[0101] FIG. 71 is a top view of the spacer element as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 67;
[0102] FIG. 72 is an top view of an annular blade ring as according
to the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this
invention as illustrated in FIG. 72;
[0103] FIG. 73 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0104] FIG. 74 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0105] FIG. 75 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
the arrowhead body of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred
embodiment of this invention as illustrated in FIG. 74;
[0106] FIG. 76 is a side view of the pivotal blade as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 74;
[0107] FIG. 77 is a top view of the spacer element as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 74;
[0108] FIG. 78 is a top view of retaining annular element as
according to the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of
this invention as illustrated in FIG. 74;
[0109] FIG. 79 is a side view of a partially threaded set screw as
according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred
embodiments of this invention;
[0110] FIG. 80 is a side view of a fully threaded set screw as
according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred
embodiments of this invention;
[0111] FIG. 81 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0112] FIG. 82 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0113] FIG. 83 is a side view of the pivotal blade as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiments of this invention
as illustrated in FIGS. 81 & 82;
[0114] FIG. 84 is a side view of a partially threaded set screw as
according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred
embodiments of this invention;
[0115] FIG. 85 is a side view of a fully threaded set screw as
according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred
embodiments of this invention;
[0116] FIG. 86 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0117] FIG. 87 is a side view of the pivotal blade as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 86;
[0118] FIG. 88 is a longitudinal partial cross-sectional view of
another blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment as according
to this invention;
[0119] FIG. 89 is a side view of the pivotal blade as according to
the blade-opening arrowhead preferred embodiment of this invention
as illustrated in FIG. 88;
[0120] FIG. 90 is a side view of a partially threaded set screw as
according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred
embodiments of this invention; and
[0121] FIG. 91 is a side view of a fully threaded set screw as
according to some of the blade-opening arrowhead preferred
embodiments of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0122] Dulling prevention means as according to the desired results
and scope of this invention prevent the sharpened cutting edge of a
pivotal blade-opening arrowhead blade from being dulled when the
blade is selectively held in the retracted position or in an
in-flight closed position. Dulling or being dulled is generally
meant to refer to any undesired disturbance or damaged to the blade
cutting edge that would deter from its sharpness or cutting
ability, such as blunting, rounding, flattening, burring or
nicking.
[0123] Preventing the sharpened cutting edge of a pivotal
blade-opening arrowhead blade from being dulled when the blade is
selectively held in the retracted position as according to the
desired results and scope of this invention is accomplished by a
variety of different mechanisms. For example, hover means for
preventing the sharp cutting edge of the pivotal blade from
abutting into a substance, such as an arrowhead body or arrowhead
tip, accomplishes such desired results. Soft contact means for
decreasing the force with which the sharp cutting edge is touched
against a substance, such as an accompanying arrowhead body, also
achieves such desired results. The use of rotational limiting
elements and spacer elements yet further provide blade-opening
arrowheads that achieve the desired dulling prevention results of
this invention.
[0124] While a variety of the preferred blade-opening arrowhead
embodiments as according to this invention utilize retaining means
for selectively holding or retaining the blades in the retracted
position, wherein retaining means comprises holding means for
engaging an element against a blade edge and bias means for
producing an urging force so as to engage the holding means against
the blade edge, it is to be understood that the desired results of
this invention are attainable with blade-opening arrowheads that
utilize any method for selectively holding or retaining the pivotal
blades in a retracted or closed position, such as with conventional
O-rings and the like which are stretched around the outside of the
blades and exert an inward directed closing force against the
outside blade edges.
[0125] FIGS. 1-10 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 100 as
according to a preferred embodiment of this invention wherein a
plurality of three blades 300-300-300 are pivotally hinged to an
arrowhead body 200 so as to be selectively rotatable between a
retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 1 and an open position as
illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0126] FIGS. 1-5 clearly illustrate the various structural
components of arrowhead 100. FIG. 2 illustrates arrowhead body 200
having a plurality of three blade slots 230-230-230, a recessed
annular groove 250, a blade stop washer beveled locking flank 252,
a tip locking flank 270 and a threaded male stud 272. As
illustrated in FIG. 1 a removably attachable tip 290 is threaded
onto male stud 272 of arrowhead body 200. Arrowhead tip 290 has a
beveled locking flank 274 that matingly locks with or against tip
locking flank 270 of arrowhead body 200 as is clearly illustrated
in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 yet further illustrates an annular blade hinge
ring 450 having a gap 454 for insertion of the plurality of pivotal
blades 300-300-300 thereon, an annular notch ring 400 having an
ends abutment 414, a compressible annular spring 420, and a blade
stop washer 500 having a through hole 510 and a beveled blade
abutting surface 520. FIG. 3 illustrates a blade 300 having a
leading wing 370 at a first end thereof, a pair of opposing faces
or sides 324-324, an outer edge 390, an inner sharpened cutting
edge 320 having a pair of grind bevels 322-322 situated on either
side thereof as is best seen in FIG. 8, a hinge pin receiving hole
330, a first notch 340 having an inner side 344 and an outer side
342, and a second notch 346. As illustrated in FIG. 6 a gap 380 is
formed between blade aperture 330 and hinge pin 450. FIGS. 4 &
5 illustrate top views of annular blade hinge ring 450 and annular
notch ring 400 respectively. It is apparent that the abutting ends
of ring 400 as depicted by 414 can be welded together so that
annular ring 400 is substantially incapable of being expanded to a
larger diameter under normal arrowhead use conditions. FIG. 9
illustrates a pivotal blade 302 having a single grind bevel 328
that defines a cutting edge 326 which is in substantially coplanar
alignment with a blade face or side of blade 302.
[0127] It is apparent that the cutting edges or sharpened sections
of blade edges that provide the cutting function of the
blade-opening arrowheads as according to this invention may be
fabricated or machined in a variety of different designs so as to
obtain a cutting objective of an arrowhead. For example it is
apparent that the cutting edges of the pivotal blades of this
invention may have serrated cutting edge patterns formed
thereon.
[0128] As is clearly illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6 & 7 annular
hinge ring 450 has a cross-sectional center 710, annular notch ring
400 has a cross-sectional center 720 and compressible spring 420
has a cross-sectional center 730. FIG. 7 illustrates a plane 712
parallel to a central longitudinal axis 700 of arrowhead 100
intersecting cross-sectional center 710 of hinge ring 450 and a
plane 722 also parallel to central longitudinal axis 700 of
arrowhead 100 intersecting cross-sectional center 710 of annular
notch ring 450. The urging force produced from the compression of
annular spring 420 is applied to the attachment end or a second
blade end 392 of each blade 300 within first notch 340 at a
location in-line or collinear with plane 722 in a substantially
forward direction when blades 300-300-300 are in the retracted
position. This makes it so the urging force is applied to second
blade end 392 of each blade 300 at a location spaced apart from
plane 712. Particularly, cross-sectional center 720 of notch ring
400 is situated closer to central longitudinal axis 700 than
cross-sectional center 710 of hinge ring 450. Therefore,
cross-sectional center 720 of notch ring 400 is situated medially
of cross-sectional center 710 of hinge ring 450. This makes it so a
lever arm is created which generates an outward rotational force
800 to act upon each blade 300 when in the retracted position as is
clearly seen in FIGS. 1 & 6. Rotational force 800 causes each
blade's leading end to be rotated outward until outer side 342 of
notch 340 abuts against the outer side or lateral side of annular
ring 400 wherein annular ring 400 serves as a rotational limiting
element as according to the rotational limiting elements of this
invention. The abutment between outer side 342 of notch 340 and
annual ring 400 allows cutting edge 322 of each blade 300 to be
displaced a distance away from arrowhead body 200 when blades
300-300-300 are selectively held in the retracted position as is
clearly shown in FIG. 1.
[0129] Rotational limiting elements as according to this invention
serve to abut against the blade edges so as to limit or stop the
rotation of the blades when in the retracted position to preferably
desirable locations with respect to corresponding arrowhead bodies
so that the desired results of dulling prevention as according to
this invention is obtained.
[0130] The displacement of each blade's cutting edge 320 a distance
away from arrowhead body 200 so as to prevent cutting edges
320-320-320 from being dulled when in the retracted position is an
example of hover means as according to this invention. It is
apparent that rotational limiting elements as according to this
invention may comprises the holding means of the retaining means as
according to some preferred embodiments of this invention, for
example as annular notch ring 400 does.
[0131] It is apparent that the distance that cutting edges
320-320-320 are displaced away from arrowhead body 200 when blades
300-300-300 are in the retracted position can be varied by use of
different blades having hinge pin apertures 330 and notches 340
situated thereon with different spatial arrangements relative to
one another. It is also apparent that the distance that cutting
edges 320-320-320 are displaced away from arrowhead body 200 when
blades 300-300-300 are in the retracted position can be varied by
changing the distance away from the cross-sectional center of the
hinge means that the urging force is applied to the second blade
ends 392. It is yet further apparent that there are other ways to
change or vary the distance that the cutting edges of the blades of
the blade-opening arrowheads of this invention are displaced away
from their corresponding arrowhead bodies when in the retracted
position, such as by the utilization of annular notch rings having
different diameters as well as with annular notch rings having
different cross-sectional diameters.
[0132] FIG. 11 illustrates a blade-opening arrowhead 102 which is
similar to preferred embodiment arrowhead 100, except arrowhead 102
has the cutting edge 320 of at least one pivotal blade 300 gently
contacting arrowhead body 200 when in the retracted position.
Arrowhead 102 illustrates an example of soft contact means as
according to this invention, wherein at least one razor cutting
edge 320 contacts a substance, such as arrowhead body 200, when in
the retracted position in such a manner so as to decrease the force
with which cutting edge 320 is touched against arrowhead body 200.
This prevents each cutting edge 320 from being dulled when blades
300-300-300 are in the retracted position. The reduction of the
force with which cutting edge 320 is touched against arrowhead body
200 is accomplished by rotational limiting element 400 absorbing
the majority of rotational force 800 when outer side 342 of notch
340 rotates thereagainst. The reduction of the force with which
cutting edge 320 is touched against arrowhead body 200 is a desired
result as according to the dulling prevention means, and soft
contact means of this invention.
[0133] Soft contact means as according to this invention provide
blade-opening arrowheads whose cutting edges touch or contact their
corresponding arrowhead bodies or other structure with
significantly less pressure or force than blade-opening arrowheads
utilizing conventional O-rings and the like, wherein the entire
magnitude of the closing force produced from outward stretched
conventional O-rings forces the fine cutting edges of the blades
into maximum engougment with their corresponding arrowhead bodies
and thus needlessly and undesirably dulls such cutting edges, It is
apparent that as according to the desired results and scope of the
dulling prevention means of this invention that the blade-opening
arrowheads of this invention may have cutting blade edges softly
contacting corresponding arrowhead bodies or other equivalent
structure such as corresponding arrowhead tips. It is also apparent
that as according to the desired results and scope of the dulling
prevention means of this invention that the cutting edges of the
pivotal blades of the blade-opening arrowheads of this invention
may not contact their corresponding arrowhead bodies.
[0134] The preferred embodiments of this invention as illustrated
in FIGS. 1-11 utilize retaining means for selectively retaining
pivotal blades 300-300-300 in the retracted position wherein an
urging force is produced from the bias means so as to engage
holding means against the edge of each blade. In particular spring
420 comprises the bias means and annular ring 400 comprises the
holding means. As according to the retaining means of which some of
the various embodiments of this invention utilize for blade
retention, it is apparent that a single structural entity may
produce the urging force so as to urge itself into engagement
against the blade edge or edges and thus provide both the functions
of the bias means and the holding means when selectively holding a
pivotal blade in the retracted position.
[0135] It is apparent that the bias means for producing an urging
force to act upon the blades so as to protect the fine cutting
edges from being dulled may or may not comprise the bias means of
the retaining means for selectively holding the pivotal blades in
the retracted position as is according to some preferred
embodiments of this invention. It is also apparent that the same
structural entity or entities performing the bias means, holding
means and/or retaining means functions may also provide any of the
various dulling prevention desired results or visa versa as is
according to the scope of this invention.
[0136] FIGS. 12-16 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 104 as
according to another preferred embodiment of this invention.
Arrowhead 104 is similar to arrowheads 100 and 102 except that
arrowhead 104 has an annular hinge ring 452 which has a narrower
diameter than annular hinge ring 450, and an annular notch ring 402
which has a wider diameter than annular notch ring 400, such that a
plane 724 parallel to central longitudinal axis 700 of arrowhead
104 intersecting cross-sectional center 720 of notch ring 402 is
situated laterally of cross-sectional center 710 of hinge ring 452
as is clearly illustrated in FIG. 13. The urging force produced
from the compression of annular spring 420 is applied to each blade
300 within first notch 340 at a location in-line or collinear with
plane 724 in a substantially forward direction when blades
300-300-300 are in the retracted position. This makes it so the
urging force is applied to second blade end 392 of each blade 300
at a location spaced apart from plane 714. Furthermore, this makes
it so a lever arm is created which generates an inward rotational
force 820 to act upon each blade 300 when in the retracted position
as is clearly seen in FIG. 12. Rotational force 820 causes each
blade's leading end to be rotated inward until inner side 344 of
notch 340 abuts against the inner side of annular ring 402 as is
also illustrated in FIG. 12 wherein annular ring 402 serves as a
rotational limiting element as according to the rotational limiting
elements of this invention. The abutment between inner side 344 of
notch 340 and annual ring 402 allows cutting edge 320 of each blade
300 to be displaced a distance away from arrowhead body 200 when
blades 300-300-300 are selectively held in the retracted position
as is clearly shown in FIG. 12. The displacement of each blade's
cutting edge 320 a distance away from arrowhead body 200 so as to
prevent cutting edges 320-320-320 from being dulled when in the
retracted position is another example of hover means as according
to this invention.
[0137] It is apparent that blade-opening arrowheads having the
urging force applied to the second blade end of each blade at a
location that is not spaced apart from a plane parallel to the
corresponding arrowhead central longitudinal axis which also
intersects the cross-sectional center of the hinge means can be
obtained so as to produce the desired dulling prevention results as
according to an objective of the blade-opening arrowheads of this
invention.
[0138] FIGS. 17-20 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 106 as
according to another preferred embodiment of this invention, an
arrowhead tip 292, an arrowhead tip 294, and arrowhead tip 290.
Arrowhead 106 is similar to arrowheads 100 and 102 except that
arrowhead 106 has an arrowhead body 202 with an arrowhead tip 296
integrally formed therewith.
[0139] As illustrated in FIGS. 17-20 it is apparent that the
blade-opening arrowheads as according to this invention may have
any type of arrowhead tip, whether removably attachable or integral
therewith. It is also apparent that the manner of attaching a tip
to an arrowhead body or the type of tip thereof is of relatively
minor importance to this invention. It is apparent that removably
attachable arrowhead tips having small replaceable cutting blades
removably attachable therewith may be used in combination with the
blade-opening arrowheads of this invention, or that arrowhead tips
having cutting blades or razor sharp cutting edges whether
replaceable or integral therewith are usable with the blade-opening
arrowheads of this invention.
[0140] Referring again to FIGS. 17-20 arrowhead tip 294 as
illustrated in FIG. 20 has a threaded male stud 280 that removably
attaches tip 294 to a corresponding arrowhead body. Arrowhead tip
292 has a threaded female cavity 276 and a rear end flat 278 which
abuts against a corresponding arrowhead body or other corresponding
integral arrowhead structure as will be disclosed herein. Arrowhead
tip 290 as used with arrowheads 100-104 as previously described
above and as used with other preferred blade-opening arrowhead
embodiments of this invention more securely locks or attaches tip
290 to an accompanying arrowhead body than tip 278 does,
specifically because the angular orientation of locking bevel 274
of tip 290 and locking bevel 274 of an accompanying arrowhead body
provide more surface area contact between the respective beveled
parts which enhances the strength of the arrowhead.
[0141] According to some preferred embodiments of this invention
the angular offset, between tip locking bevel 270 of a
corresponding arrowhead body and a plane perpendicular to the
central longitudinal axis of the corresponding arrowhead body which
is also coplanar with a plane intersecting the juncture of a
threaded male tip receiving stud and the main rearwardly located
portion of the arrowhead body, is 30 degrees. Such an arrowhead tip
and arrowhead body combination is illustrated for example in FIG.
1.
[0142] FIGS. 21-24 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 108, and a
blade-opening arrowhead 110, as according to other preferred
embodiments of this invention. Arrowheads 108 & 110 are similar
to arrowhead 100 except that arrowheads 108 & 110 have an
arrowhead body 204 that has a narrower diameter upper body section
226 with an accompanying narrower diameter tip therewith. Arrowhead
110 utilizes annular notch ring 400 whereas arrowhead 108 utilizes
a wider diameter annular notch ring 404 as is illustrated in FIG.
24. Since notch ring 404 is of a different diameter than notch ring
400 the location the urging force is applied to the second end of
each blade 300 on arrowhead 108 is different than the location the
urging force is applied to the second end of each blade 300 on
arrowhead 110. This controls or limits the rotation of each
corresponding blade 300 of arrowhead 110 outwardly when in the
retracted position, to a displaced distance away from corresponding
arrowhead body 204 that is different than the displaced distance
that annular ring 400 displaces each blade 300 away from
corresponding arrowhead body 204 of arrowhead 108. Also, the
rotational limiting elements of annular ring 400 and annular ring
404 are accordingly situated upon arrowhead bodies 204-204 in
different three-dimensional spatial relations with respect to the
corresponding hinge means when mounted thereto, so as to also act
in controlling or limiting the rotation of each corresponding blade
300 when in the retracted position to different displaced distances
away from corresponding arrowhead bodies 204-204. This is readily
apparent from FIGS. 21 & 22 wherein each blade 300 of arrowhead
110 is displaced a distance substantially further away from
corresponding arrowhead body 204 than the distance each blade 300
is displaced away from corresponding arrowhead body 204 of
arrowhead 108.
[0143] As is clearly illustrated in FIGS. 21 & 1 it is apparent
that blade-opening arrowheads as according to this invention having
different diameter forward or upper arrowhead body sections such as
arrowhead 108 as depicted in FIG. 21 when compared with arrowhead
100 as in FIG. 1, may use the same pivotal blade 300 to displace
the cutting edge 320 of each blade 300 substantially equidistantly
away from their corresponding arrowhead bodies by use of annular
notch rings or equivalents which have different physical dimensions
such as different diameters.
[0144] FIGS. 25-28 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 112, a
partially threaded set screw 460 as shown in FIG. 28, and a fully
threaded set screw 462 as shown in FIG. 27 as according to other
preferred embodiments of this invention. Arrowhead 112 is similar
to arrowhead 108 except that arrowhead 112 utilizes straight hinge
pins or threaded set screws 460 or 462 for hinge means. Arrowhead
112 has an arrowhead body 206 that has a plurality of blade slots
232-232-232 and a set screw receiving hole 240 formed therein for
each pivotal blade 300. It is apparent that various types of hinge
pins and the like may be used with the blade-opening arrowheads as
according to this invention so as to achieve the hinge means
performance objectives thereof.
[0145] FIGS. 29-34 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 114, and a
blade-opening arrowhead 116 as according to other preferred
embodiments of this invention. Arrowhead 114 as illustrated in FIG.
29 is similar to arrowhead 104 as illustrated in FIG. 12, except
arrowhead 114 has an externally exposed annular groove 260 formed
in an arrowhead tip 298 for removably receiving a spacer element
600 therein. Spacer element 600 as illustrated in FIG. 29 abuts
against the blade edge of each blade 300 at the first ends thereof
and substantially does not abut with grind bevels 322-322 nor with
cutting edge 320 of each blade 300 when blades 300-300-300 are in
the retracted position. Spacer element 600 serves to abut against
the blade edges of each blade 300 so as to prevent cutting edge 320
of each blade 300 from contacting arrowhead body 200. This prevents
cutting edges 320-320-320 from being dulled when blades 300-300-300
are in the retracted position as is according to the desired
results of this invention. Arrowhead 116 as illustrated in FIG. 32
is similar to arrowhead 114 except that arrowhead 116 has a
plurality of three blades 304-304-304 each having a notch 350 and a
catch lip 352 located at the first or leading blade ends thereof.
Arrowhead 116 also differs from arrowhead 114 in that arrowhead 116
has outward rotational force 800 acting upon each blade 304 when in
the retracted position whereas arrowhead 114 has inward rotational
force 820 acting upon each blade 300 when in the retracted
position. FIG. 34 illustrates a pivotal blade 306 having a notch
354 and a catch lip 356. Catch lip 356 is more pronounced than
catch lip 352 of blade 304 and therefore provides a higher
frictional grip with spacer element 600 when mounted to an
accompanying arrowhead.
[0146] It is apparent that spacer element 600 and recessed external
annular groove 260 or an equivalent could be used with a
blade-opening arrowhead that utilizes a conventional O-ring
stretched around the outside of the blades to exert an inwardly
directed closing force thereagainst for blade retention so as to
accomplish the desired results of the hover means and dulling
prevention objectives of the blade-opening arrowheads of this
invention.
[0147] Spacer elements as according to this invention abut against
the blade edges so as to prevent the sharp cutting edges from
contacting corresponding arrowhead bodies, or equivalents, so that
the cutting edges are not dulled as is according to the desired
results of this invention. Spacer elements may abut against the
discrete very razor cuffing edge, and/or may abut against a grind
bevel or grind bevels of a sharpened edge, or may abut against the
blade edge that extends peripherally about the blade in other
locations than the sharpened edge section. While the spacer
elements as according to some of the preferred embodiments of this
invention are preferably annular resilient elements such as rubber
O-rings, that abut with all the blades of a corresponding
arrowhead, it is to be understood that the spacer elements as
according to this invention may be formed in shapes other than
annularly, so that a spacer element acts upon less than the full
plurality of blades--as for example, where only one spacer element
services one blade.
[0148] The spacer elements as according to this invention may
comprise sections of corresponding arrowhead bodies whether
removably attachable or integrally formed therewith or may be
separably attachable non-arrowhead body elements such as annular
elastic bands or annular springs, and annular rings such as a metal
annular ring or a rubber O-ring. The spacer elements as according
to this invention can be fabricated from rubber, plastics, Teflon,
composites, other organic polymeric materials, metals, waxes,
pastes, adhesives and the like, and any other element or elements
that serve to preform the desired results and objectives of the
spacer elements as according to this invention.
[0149] It is apparent that the spacer elements as according to the
desired dulling prevention results of the blade-opening arrowheads
as according to this invention may be combined or used in
combination of various degrees with other elements of the disclosed
preferred embodiments of this invention as disclosed within this
specification as well as with other preferred embodiments of this
invention not disclosed within this specification.
[0150] FIGS. 35-40 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 118, and a
blade-opening arrowhead 120 as according to other preferred
embodiments of this invention. Both arrowheads 118 & 120
utilize a spacer element 602 to prevent cutting edges 320 of each
corresponding blade 300 from becoming dulled when in the retracted
position. Arrowhead 120 has an arrowhead body 210 with a neck 282
as is illustrated in FIG. 39 situated at the base of the forwardly
protruding threaded stud which receives an arrowhead tip 292
thereon. Annular spacer 602 is generally received about neck 282
before tip 292 is threadably attached thereto. Arrowhead 118 has an
arrowhead body 208 with an externally exposed annular groove 262
formed thereabout as is illustrated in FIG. 36 so that annular
spacer 602 is slidably positioned therein by being slid along the
arrowhead tip and arrowhead body in a rearward direction. As is
illustrated in FIGS. 35 & 38 spacers 602-602 do not abut
cutting edge 320 of each blade 300 when in the retracted position.
It is apparent that spacer elements as according to this invention
may provide the desired results of hover means as according to this
invention, in that the sharp cutting edges are prevented from
abutting into a substance such as arrowhead bodies 208 & 210
when the blades are in the retracted position.
[0151] Positioning means as according to this invention limit the
displacement of spacer elements when mounted to corresponding
arrowhead bodies so as to be enabled to strategically displace the
cutting edge or blade edges a distance away from corresponding
arrowhead bodies when the blades are in the retracted position so
that the cutting edges are not dulled. Externally exposed annular
grooves 262 & 260 as in FIGS. 36 & 30 respectively are
examples of positioning means as according to this invention.
[0152] FIGS. 41-42 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 122 as
according to another preferred embodiment of this invention.
Arrowhead 122 has a blade 308 with a notch 358 located in the first
end thereof, an arrowhead body 212 and a tip 295 having a
rearwardly protruding catch lip 604 that serves to provide the
function of a spacer element as according to this invention. Spacer
element 604 is matably engaged within notch 358 of each blade 308
when blades 308 are in the retracted position, thus protecting
cutting edges 320-320-320 from being dulled.
[0153] FIGS. 43-47 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 124 as
according to another preferred embodiment of this invention.
Arrowhead 124 has a blade stop washer 502, a blade 310 with a notch
360 located in the first end thereof, an arrowhead body 214 with an
externally exposed annular groove 264, set screw hinge pin
receiving hole 240, a tip 293, and a resilient spacer element 606.
Spacer element 606 when blades 310-310-310 are in the retracted
position is compressed by a flat 278 of tip 293 such that spacer
element 606 generates an urging force so as to urge itself into
engagement within each notch 360 when protecting cutting edges
320-320-320 from being dulled as according to the desired results
of this invention. In this manner a single structural
entity--spacer 606--performs dulling prevention means and retaining
means as according to this invention, wherein while serving to
prevent the abutment of cutting edges 320-320-320 with a substance
spacer element 606 produces a bias force or an urging force so as
to engage itself against the edge of each blade 310 when blades
310-310-310 are in the retracted position.
[0154] It is apparent that a variety of different numbers of
structurally distinct elements as according to this invention can
be utilized to perform the desired results thereof. For example, a
single structural entity or a plurality of two or more structurally
distinct elements or entities can provide the desired results of
the retaining means, bias means, holding means, dulling prevention
means, hover means, and soft contact means singularly or in various
grouped combinations thereof.
[0155] FIGS. 48-51 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 126, and a
blade-opening arrowhead 128 as according to other preferred
embodiments of this invention. Arrowheads 126 & 128 each have
an arrowhead body 216 with a externally exposed annular groove 266
formed thereabout to slidably receive annular spacers 602 therein.
Spacer elements 602 prevent cutting edges 320 of each blade 300
from becoming dulled when in the retracted position by abutting
directly against corresponding cutting edges 320. Spacer element
602 is preferably fabricated of a soft non-dulling material such as
a rubber O-ring. An elastic band 608 as illustrated in FIG. 51
could also preferably provide the desired results of a spacer
element as according to this invention.
[0156] FIGS. 52-54 illustrate cross-sectional views of spacer 602
as taken along plane 53-53 of FIG. 48. Spacer element 602 as
illustrated in FIG. 54 shows pivotal blades 300-300-300 abutting
thereabout in such a manner so as to compress or deflect spacer 602
immediately whereupon cutting edges 320-320-320 abut thereagainst.
FIG. 53 contrastingly shows pivotal blades 300-300-300 abutting
against spacer 602 in such a manner so as to substantially not
compress or deflect spacer 602 whereupon each cutting edge 320
abuts thereagainst. In either case FIG. 54 or FIG. 53 the sharp
cutting edges 320-320-320 are protected from dulling since spacer
element is preferably fabricated of a soft enough material or of a
resilient material, such as rubber, so as to not alter the virgin
structural integrity of the fine cutting edge 320 of each
corresponding blade 300 when in the retracted position It is
apparent that the force with which the blade edges of the
blade-opening arrowheads as according to this invention are touched
against a substance such as a spacer element or an accompanying
arrowhead body may vary. It is also apparent that the force with
which the blade edges of the blade-opening arrowheads as according
to this invention are forced into a substance or pressured
thereagainst may vary and still provide the desired results as
envisioned by the scope of this invention.
[0157] It is apparent that the spacer elements as according to this
invention such as spacer element 602 may be fabricated of a
material such that the razor sharp cutting edges of the pivotal
blades slightly cut into the spacer element whereupon when they
abut thereagainst so as to provide more contact surface area of
each sharpened edge with the spacer element such that the grind
bevels or a grind bevel abut(s) thereagainst, while serving to
prevent the respective cutting edges from being dulled as is
according to the desired results and objectives of this
invention.
[0158] FIGS. 55-56 illustrate cross-sectional views of a spacer
element 610 as according to yet other preferred embodiments of this
invention. Spacer element 610 has a plurality of three voids
620-620-620 such that each void 620 has a pair of bevel abutting
surfaces 622-622 that abut against grind bevels 322-322 of each
blade 300 as is illustrated in FIG. 55. As also illustrated in FIG.
55 cutting edge 320 of each blade 300 when blades 300-300-300 are
in the retracted position do not abut against a substance such as
spacer element 610, but are protectedly housed within corresponding
voids 620-620-620.
[0159] FIGS. 57-58 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 130 as
according to another preferred embodiment of this invention.
Arrowhead 130 has a removably attachable blade stop washer 504, a
plurality of blades 312-312-312 pivotally hinged to arrowhead body
216 by annular hinge ring 452, and a conventional O-ring 410
stretched around the outside of blades 312-312-312 so as to exert
an inward directed closing force thereupon at corresponding outer
edges 390. Sharp cutting edge 320 of each blade 312 is prevented
from being dulled by the abutment against spacer element 602 as is
clearly illustrated in FIG. 57.
[0160] FIGS. 59-60 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 132 as
according to another preferred embodiment of this invention.
Arrowhead 130 has a plurality of blades 314-314-314 each having a
notch 346 formed in an outer edge 390 thereof, and a conventional
O-ring 412 stretched around the outside of blades 314-314-314 so as
to be matably received within each notch 346 when exerting an
inward directed closing force thereupon. Sharp cutting edge 320 of
each blade 314 is prevented from being dulled by the abutment
against spacer element 602 as is clearly illustrated in FIG.
59.
[0161] FIGS. 61-63 illustrate another example of dulling prevention
means and retaining means as according to this invention, wherein a
blade-opening arrowhead 134 as according to another preferred
embodiment of this invention has an annular retaining means 406
comprising a resilient annular element such as a rubber O-ring
which urges itself into engagement within each notch 340 of each
blade 300. Annular element 406 is compressed in a substantially
rearward direction so as to generate a forwardly directed urging
force against the blade edges which in turn creates inwardly
directed rotational force 820 so as to rotate cutting edge 320 of
each blade into abutment with spacer element 602. It is apparent
that annular element 406 can act as a rotational limiting element
as according to this invention so as to limit the force with which
cutting edges 320-320-320 are touched against spacer element 602,
as is according to the desired results of the soft contact means of
this invention. It is also apparent that annular element 406 can
act as a rotational limiting element as according to this invention
so as to displace cutting edges 320-320-320 a distance away from
arrowhead body 200 as is clearly illustrated in FIG. 63 with a
blade-opening arrowhead 136 as according to a preferred embodiment
of this invention.
[0162] FIGS. 64-66 illustrate yet other examples of dulling
prevention means, soft contact means, hover means and retaining
means as according to this invention, wherein a blade-opening
arrowhead 138 and a blade-opening arrowhead 140 are illustrated.
Arrowheads 138 & 140 are similar to arrowheads 134 & 136 as
described above in FIGS. 61-63, except arrowheads 138 & 140
utilize blades 312, and an annular resilient retaining means 406.
The second end 392 of each blade 312 does not have a notch formed
therein as does each blade 300. Annular resilient element 406 can
act as a rotational limiting element as according to this invention
so as to limit the force with which cutting edges 320-320-320 are
touched against spacer element 602 as is illustrated in FIG. 64.
Annular resilient element 406 can also act as a rotational limiting
element as according to this invention so as to displace cutting
edges 320-320-320 a distance away from arrowhead body 200 of
arrowhead 140 as is clearly illustrated in FIG. 66. Preferably,
annular element 406 is designed so as to frictionally grip with
each blade edge at corresponding second blade ends 392 thereof so
as to be enabled to preform the desired results as according to the
rotational limiting elements, dulling prevention means and hovers
means of this invention.
[0163] FIGS. 67-72 illustrate yet other examples of dulling
prevention means, soft contact means and retaining means as
according to this invention, wherein a blade-opening arrowhead 142
is illustrated. Arrowhead 142 is similar to arrowheads 134-140 as
described above in that an annular resilient retaining means 408 as
utilized by arrowhead 142 selectively retains or holds the blades
in the retracted position by being deflected in a rearward
direction so as to generate a forwardly directed urging force
against the second end 392 of each blade 312. Annular resilient
retaining means 408 is seated in an externally exposed annular
groove 268 of an arrowhead body 218 as is illustrated in FIG.
67.
[0164] FIG. 73 illustrates another example of hover means as
according to this invention, wherein a blade-opening arrowhead 144
is illustrated. Arrowhead 144 is similar to arrowhead 142 as
described above in that annular resilient element 408 acts as a
rotational limiting element to displace cutting edges 320-320-320 a
distance away from arrowhead body 218 so that they do not contact a
substance when in an in-flight, closed or retracted position.
[0165] FIGS. 74-80 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 146 as
according to another preferred embodiment of this invention.
Arrowhead 146 is similar to arrowhead 142 as described above except
that arrowhead 146 utilizes straight set screw type hinge pins 460
or 462 for hinge means and therefore has an arrowhead body 220 with
a plurality of blade slots 236-236-236 and a like number of hinge
pin receiving holes 240.
[0166] FIGS. 81-85 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 148 and a
blade-opening arrowhead 150 as according to other preferred
embodiments of this invention. Arrowheads 148 & 150 are similar
to arrowhead 146 as described above except that arrowheads 148
& 150 utilize a plurality of pivotal blades 316-316-316 each
having a notch 348 formed in the edge of corresponding blades near
the juncture of the outer blade edge 390 and second blade end edge
392, and arrowhead 150 has an arrowhead body 222 configured such so
as to not utilize a spacer element for dulling prevention. Annular
resilient element 408 urges itself into engagement within notch 348
of each blade 316 so as to cause the first ends of each blade 316
to rotate inwardly. As illustrated in FIG. 81 cutting edge 320 of
each blade 316 abuts against spacer element 602 when in the
retracted position. As illustrated in FIG. 82 cutting edge 320 of
each blade 316 does not abut against a substance when blades
316-316-316 are in the retracted position. Retaining means annular
element 408 also acts as a rotational limiting element as according
to this invention, wherein particularly annular element 408 limits
the distance that each blade 316 is displaced away from
corresponding arrowhead bodies when in the retracted position by
engagement within corresponding notches 348.
[0167] FIGS. 86-91 illustrate a blade-opening arrowhead 152 and a
blade-opening arrowhead 154 as according to yet other preferred
embodiments of this invention. Arrowheads 152 & 154 are similar
to arrowheads 130 & 132 as described above in FIGS. 57-60
except arrowheads 148 & 150 utilize straight set screw type
hinge pins 460 or 462 for hinge means and therefore each have an
arrowhead body 224. Arrowhead body 224 of arrowhead 152 as well as
arrowhead bodies 220 & 222 of arrowheads 146, 148 & 150 do
not have a removably attachable blade stop washer to provide the
blade stop means, but rather have a curved or sloped rear portion
of corresponding blade slots for blade stop means which abut with
the blades when the blades are rotated to the open position so as
to define the cutting diameter of the arrowhead.
[0168] According to this invention, each blade is preferably housed
in a respective blade slot or equivalent, configured to receive the
blade or blades. Even though the blade slot or slots, have been
depicted as being in substantial parallel alignment with the
longitudinal axis of the arrowhead body so as to be radially
aligned therewith, it is apparent that the blade slots may be
non-radially orientated with respect to their arrowhead body
central longitudinal axis. It is apparent that the blades when
rotated to the fully open position may also be disposed in a plane
that is inclined to the arrowhead body central longitudinal axis so
as to impart spinning of the arrowhead upon penetration of a
target.
[0169] Although the preferred embodiments of this invention have
been depicted as having a plurality of three pivotal blades each
with only one blade disposed in each corresponding blade slot, it
is apparent that the blade-opening arrowheads according to this
invention may have any number of blades, with two, three or four
being preferred. It is also apparent that more than one blade may
be housed or contained in a single slot--particularly where a
straight hinge pin has a plurality of at least two blades attached
thereon. It is apparent that the blade-opening arrowheads according
to this invention may have stationary or fixed blades attached to
the arrowhead body in combination with the pivotal blades as
disclosed herein.
[0170] It is apparent that different dulling prevention means,
hover means, soft contact means, rotational limiting elements,
spacer elements, retaining means, bias means, holding means, hinge
means and other elements and their equivalents, as discussed above
and according to other preferred embodiments of this invention, can
be changed, or interchanged, or eliminated, or duplicated, or made
of different materials, and connected to or associated with
adjacent elements in different manners, other than suggested
herein, without deterring from the desired results of the
blade-opening arrowheads according to this invention.
[0171] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the sole embodiments described above, as will be
apparent to those skilled in the art, but encompasses the essence
of all embodiments, and their legal equivalents, within the scope
of the following claims.
* * * * *