U.S. patent application number 12/536306 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-11 for method for employing a tracking device with an arrow.
Invention is credited to Brian Russell, Patrick Sullivan.
Application Number | 20100035709 12/536306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41653468 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100035709 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Russell; Brian ; et
al. |
February 11, 2010 |
Method for Employing a Tracking Device with an Arrow
Abstract
A two part arrow employing a tracking device used to track
wounded game animals. When the hunting broadhead engages a game
animal, a separating slide mechanism that encircles the anterior
arrow segment slides toward the rear of the arrow catching the
lever component of the release mechanism secured inside the
posterior arrow segment releasing the broadhead and anterior arrow
segment from the posterior arrow segment. A retainer housed in the
anterior arrow segment springs open and engages the animal. An
attachment device connects the retainer to the release mechanism
ensuring that the posterior arrow segment and the signaling
component located in the posterior arrow segment remain tethered to
the animal.
Inventors: |
Russell; Brian; (Combined
Locks, WI) ; Sullivan; Patrick; (Combined Locks,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ABSOLUTE TECHNOLOGY LAW GROUP LLC
135 W. WELLS ST., SUITE 518
MILWAUKEE
WI
53203
US
|
Family ID: |
41653468 |
Appl. No.: |
12/536306 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61086693 |
Aug 6, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/570 ; 29/428;
473/578; 473/583 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 12/385 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/570 ;
473/578; 473/583; 29/428 |
International
Class: |
F42B 6/04 20060101
F42B006/04; F42B 6/08 20060101 F42B006/08 |
Claims
1 An arrow having a tracking device comprised of: an anterior arrow
segment; a posterior arrow segment; a separating slide mechanism; a
retainer; a release mechanism; an attaching device; and a signaling
component.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 which further includes a hunting
broadhead having at least one blade.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said anterior arrow segment is
releasably attached to said posterior arrow segment.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said release mechanism is
comprised of a lever.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said lever is adapted to fit
within the posterior arrow segment of said apparatus.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said posterior arrow segment
has at least one aperture from which an end of said lever can
protrude.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said separating slide mechanism
creates a force opposite in direction to the flight of the
arrow.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said release mechanism is
released by said separating slide mechanism which depresses said
end of said lever.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 which further includes a separating
slide stopping device.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signaling component
includes a pressure switch.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signaling component
includes a transducer.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signaling component
contains a device selected from the group consisting of audio
devices, radio frequency devices, signal emitting devices, chirping
devices, frequency emitting devices, or others devices known in the
art suitable for emitting a signal which can be used for tracking a
game animal or making the location of a game animal more readily
detectible.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signaling component
includes an oscillator.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signaling component
includes an accelerometer.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 which further includes a power
source.
16. A method for employing a tracking device with an arrow
comprised of: securing a release mechanism having a lever inside a
posterior arrow segment so that the ends of said lever protrude
through apertures in said posterior arrow segment; inserting a
retainer inside an anterior arrow segment; sliding a separating
slide mechanism over said anterior arrow segment; sliding said
anterior arrow segment over said posterior arrow segment and
engaging apertures in anterior arrow segment with ends of said
lever protruding through said anterior arrow segment; inserting a
hunting broadhead into front of said anterior arrow segment; and
inserting a nock and signaling component into rear of said
posterior arrow segment.
17. The method for employing a tracking device with an arrow of
claim 16 wherein said anterior arrow segment is releasably attached
to said posterior arrow segment.
18. The method for employing a tracking device with an arrow of
claim 16 wherein said release mechanism is released by said
separating slide mechanism which creates a force opposite in
direction to the flight of said arrow and depresses said lever.
19. The method for employing a tracking device with an arrow of
claim 16 which further includes inserting a separating slide
stopping device into said posterior arrow segment.
20. The method for employing a tracking device with an arrow of
claim 16 wherein said signaling component contains a device
selected from the group consisting of audio devices, radio
frequency devices, signal emitting devices, chirping devices,
frequency emitting devices, or others devices known in the art
suitable for emitting a signal which can be used for tracking a
game animal or making the location of a game animal more readily
detectible.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/086,693 filed on Aug. 6, 2008.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of bow hunting
arrows, and in particular to the field of bow hunting arrows
employing a tracking device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a dissembled arrow employing a tracking device.
[0004] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of an assembled arrow employing a track device.
[0005] FIG. 3 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
signaling component and power source for an arrow employing a
tracking device.
[0006] FIG. 4a shows an exploded sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of a separating slide mechanism.
[0007] FIG. 4b shows an exploded side perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a separating slide mechanism.
[0008] FIG. 5a shows an exploded side perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a retainer in the open position.
[0009] FIG. 5b shows an exploded sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of a retainer in the open position.
[0010] FIG. 5c shows an exploded side perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a retainer in the closed position.
[0011] FIG. 6a shows an exploded side perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a release mechanism in the released
position.
[0012] FIG. 6b shows a second exploded side perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a release mechanism in the released
position.
[0013] FIG. 6c shows an exploded side perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a release mechanism in the secured
position.
GLOSSARY
[0014] As used herein, the term "hunting broadhead" refers to a
component mounted to the anterior portion of the arrow shaft that
is capable of piercing the flesh of an animal. A hunting broadhead
may have one or more blades emanating from the shaft portion.
[0015] As used herein, the term "game animal" refers to any animal
which is hunted for sport or population control, including but not
limited to deer, turkey, elk, moose, bear, boar and any other
non-domesticated animal regardless of species.
[0016] As used herein, the term "separating slide mechanism" refers
to a component which encircles the anterior shaft of an arrow
behind the hunting broadhead and creates a force opposite in
direction to the flight of the arrow. For example, when the hunting
broadhead engages the target, the separating slide mechanism is
pushed back toward the rear of the arrow releasing the hunting
broadhead and anterior arrow segment and stopping the posterior
arrow segment and signaling component at the point of impact with
the game animal allowing a pass through shot while retaining the
tracking device with the animal.
[0017] As used herein, the term "posterior arrow segment" refers to
the rear portion of an arrow shaft. The posterior arrow segment may
include fletching, vanes, and/or a nock, and may house a release
mechanism, one or more signaling components and/or a battery or
other power source.
[0018] As used herein, the term "anterior arrow segment" refers to
the front portion of an arrow shaft. The anterior arrow segment may
include a retainer housed within the anterior arrow segment of the
shaft.
[0019] As used herein, the term "release mechanism" refers to a
component housed within a segment of an arrow shaft which holds the
anterior and posterior arrow segments together during flight.
[0020] As used herein, the term "separating slide stopping device"
refers to a component which secures the release mechanism within an
arrow shaft.
[0021] As used herein, the term "retainer" refers to a component
housed within a segment of an arrow shaft which attaches a
signaling component to a game animal (e.g., while in flight).
[0022] As used herein, the term "attaching device" refers to a
filamentous component that is attached at one end to a retainer,
and at the opposite end to a release mechanism.
[0023] As used herein, the term "power source" refers to a battery
or other power source which provides power to the signaling
component. A power source may be housed in the posterior arrow
segment and connected directly to the signaling component, or may
be attached to the signaling component with leads.
[0024] As used herein, the term "nock" refers to the component
located at the end of the arrow shaft opposite the hunting
broadhead which engages the string of the bow. The nock may further
house or be attached to a signaling component.
[0025] As used herein, the term "fletchings" or "vanes" refers to
one or more components found in front of the nock on the posterior
arrow segment. Fletchings/vanes provide a small amount of drag used
to stabilize the flight of the arrow and are designed to keep the
arrow pointed in the direction of travel. Fletchings/vanes may be
comprised of feathers, plastic, or another suitable material which
achieves a similar effect.
[0026] As used herein, the term "signaling component" refers to a
component which contains an audio device, radio frequency device
(e.g., RFD chip, RFID tag), Global Tracking System (GPS) component,
signal emitting device, chirping device, frequency emitting
component, or any other device known in the art suitable for
emitting a signal which can be used for tracking a game animal or
making the location of a game animal more readily detectible.
[0027] As used herein, the term "accelerometer" refers to a device
which measures acceleration relative to freefall.
[0028] As used herein, the term "transducer" refers to a device
that converts one type of energy or physical attribute into another
(e.g., electricity into mechanical energy).
[0029] As used herein, the term "oscillator" refers to an
electronic circuit that produces a repetitive electronic
signal.
[0030] As used herein, the term "vent hole" refers to a small hole
or opening for sound transmission or for transmission of any other
signal which requires an opening for signal transmission.
BACKGROUND
[0031] Archery and bow hunting are popular sports attracting
millions of participants each year, and generating a robust market
for bow and arrow hunting accessories.
[0032] A game animal that has been wounded, but not killed, may
travel a long distance after it has been shot with an arrow, and it
is often difficult to track the wounded game animal. A wounded game
animal is commonly tracked by following the blood trail; however,
this method is not always successful (e.g., when the terrain is
rugged, the blood is washed away by rain or the animal has traveled
through water, the blood has clotted, or in the absence of a blood
trail due to only internal bleeding). As the result of the
difficult tracking, the wounded game animal is often lost and never
retrieved. The problems associated with tracking wounded game
animals are well known in the art.
[0033] It is thus desirable to have a bow and arrow hunting
accessory that improves the ability of a bow hunter to track a
wounded game animal in flight and/or recover the carcass of a game
animal that has fallen.
[0034] Many attempts have been made to provide improved means for
tracking game animals wounded by arrows, including the devices
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,367 (Andol '367), U.S. Pat. No.
4,836,557 (Polando '557), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,678 (Cyr
'678).
[0035] Andol '367 teaches an assembly for tracking an animal which
has been shot by an arrow. A transmitter is housed and attached to
a bushing located on the shank portion of the arrow. Upon impact of
the arrow with the animal, the elastomeric ring which attaches the
transmitter housing to the bushing is dislodged, releasing the
housing from the bushing. The transmitter housing contains members
which penetrate the animal, attaching the housing and transmitter
to the animal. A hand-held direction finding receiver is used to
locate the transmitter. The use of a hand-held receiver to track
the animal is cumbersome and costly.
[0036] Polando '557 teaches a game tracking arrow with a two-part,
separable tracking device mountable between the hunting broadhead
and the shaft of an arrow. The first part is a hollow tubular
housing threadingly attached at one end to the hunting broadhead.
The second part is a stud which is threadingly mounted to and
extends outward from one end of the arrow shaft. Located in between
the stud and the housing is a collar, which has a greater diameter
than the housing to prevent the shaft from entering the animal. A
spool of line is located inside the housing and connected at one
end to the stud. The line forms an identifiable trail between the
hunting broadhead arrow point and the housing which remains
embedded within the animal and the shaft; the shaft and stud
separate from the housing when the collar contacts the hide of the
animal causing the line to unwind from the spools as the animal
moves. The use of a spool and line disrupts the normal flight
pattern of the arrow making it more difficult to hit the desired
target. Additionally, the line is subject to tangling making it
difficult to rewind and reuse. The line is also subject to
breakage, which makes it difficult to follow.
[0037] Cyr '678 teaches a detachable nock with a locating device
for use with a bow hunting arrow. The detachable nock, the end part
of an arrow which secures the arrow to the bow, engages with the
target animal and separates the locating device from the arrow as
the arrow passes through the target animal; the locating device
remains with the animal to permit tracking. The nock used in Cyr
'679 includes hooks and barbed ends which are designed to embed and
secure the transmitting device in the flesh of target animal. The
hooks and barbed ends, however, present a hazard to the user since
they are so close to the user's face when shooting the arrow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0038] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present
invention, references are made in the text hereof to embodiments of
an arrow employing a tracking device, only some of which are
depicted in the figures. It should nevertheless be understood that
no limitations on the scope of the invention are thereby intended.
One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that
modifications such as the dimensions and shape of the components,
alternate but functionally similar locations, and the inclusion of
additional elements are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one
of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to
those illustrated in the drawings and described in the written
description do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Some of these possible modifications are mentioned in
the following description. Therefore, specific details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a
representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art
to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately
detailed apparatus or manner.
[0039] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale; instead emphasis is being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the
embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various
drawings refer to identical or near identical structural
elements.
[0040] Moreover, the term "substantially" or "approximately" as
used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative
representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a
change in the basic function to which it is related.
[0041] Referring now to the drawing, FIG. 1 shows a top perspective
view of an exemplary embodiment of arrow employing a tracking
device 100 in the dissembled position. In the embodiment shown,
arrow employing a tracking device 100 is comprised of hunting
broadhead 10, anterior arrow segment 20, posterior arrow segment
30, and nock 25. Arrow employing a tracking device 100 further
includes separating slide mechanism 15 located near hunting
broadhead 10 and fletching 35 located near nock 25. Attached to
nock 25 are signaling component 75 (not visible) and power source
70. Arrow employing a tracking device 100 may further include
optional gasket 18 (not visible) which extends around anterior
arrow segment 20 and engages separating sliding mechanism 15
holding it into place.
[0042] In the embodiment shown, anterior arrow segment 20 is larger
than posterior arrow segment 30 which allows anterior arrow segment
20 to be slid around posterior arrow segment 30. In other
embodiments, anterior arrow segment 20 has a smaller diameter than
posterior arrow segment 30 or anterior arrow segment 20 and
posterior arrow segment 30 are of equal diameter.
[0043] Housed inside anterior arrow segment 20 is retainer 40. In
the embodiment shown, retainer 40 has blades 42a, 42b, 42c (42c not
visible), spring 44 and anchor point 45. When retainer 40 is
positioned inside anterior arrow segment 20, blades 42a, 42b, 42c
are folded inward and spring 44 is compressed. Secured to anchor
point 45 is attaching device 50. The other end of attaching device
50 is secured to anchor point 55 on release mechanism 60 which is
positioned inside posterior arrow segment 30. In the embodiment
shown, attaching device 50 is a high strength, lightweight, low
diameter wire.
[0044] Release mechanism 60 further includes lever 65. The ends of
lever 60 protrude through apertures 62a, 62b in posterior arrow
segment 30. Anterior arrow segment 20 has apertures 64a, 64b (not
visible), which correspond to the location of apertures 62a, 62b.
To assemble arrow employing tracking device 100, anterior arrow
segment 20 is slid over the front end of posterior arrow segment 30
so that apertures 64a, 64b line up with the ends of lever 65
protruding through apertures 62a, 62b. The ends of lever 65 catch
apertures 64a, 64b securing anterior arrow segment 20 and posterior
arrow segment 30 together. Nock 25, signaling component 75 and
power supply 70 are slid into the rear of posterior arrow segment
30.
[0045] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective of an exemplary embodiment of
arrow employing a tracking device 100 in the assembled position.
When hunting broadhead 10 engages the target, separating slide
mechanism 15 is pushed back toward the rear of anterior arrow
segment 20. Separating sliding mechanism 15 strikes the ends of
lever 65 protruding through apertures 62a, 62b of posterior arrow
segment 30 and apertures 64a, 64b of anterior arrow segment 20
which causes lever 65 to move from a secured position to a released
position and the ends of lever 65 to move inside posterior arrow
segment. Because the ends of lever 65 are no longer securing the
anterior arrow segment 20 to posterior arrow segment 30, anterior
arrow segment 20 dislodges from the posterior arrow segment 30.
[0046] Arrow employing a tracking device 100 may further include a
separating slide stopping device (not shown) located to the rear of
release mechanism 60 and apertures 62a, 62b in posterior arrow
segment 30. Separating slide stopping device stops separating slide
mechanism 15 from reaching fletching 35 after it depresses the ends
of lever 65 causing lever 65 to move from the secured position to
the released position.
[0047] When anterior arrow segment 20 is dislodged from posterior
arrow segment 30, retainer 40 is released from anterior arrow
segment 20 causing blades 42a, 42b, 42c to spring open
perpendicular to the travel path of arrow employing tracking device
100. Blades 42a, 42b, 42c become lodged inside of the game animal
or on the opposite side of the game animal's body from which arrow
employing tracking device 100 entered the animal if arrow employing
tracking device 100 passes through the game animal. Attaching
device 50 and release mechanism 60 ensure that posterior arrow
segment 30 and signaling component 75 remain tethered to retainer
40.
[0048] In the embodiment shown, retainer 40 has three blades. In
other embodiments, retainer 40 may have more or fewer blades or be
of various shapes and designs which will allow retainer 40 to be
lodged inside of a game animal and which allows posterior arrow
segment 30 and signaling component 75 to remain tethered to the
game animal as it is in flight. For example, retainer 40 may have
one or more prongs or barbed wire instead of, or in addition to,
one or more blades.
[0049] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of nock 25, signaling
component 75 and power source 70. Signaling component 76 includes
transducer 82, accelerometer 84, pressure switch 86,
microcontroller 88 and circuit board 90. In the embodiment shown,
transducer 82 is an electromechanical device which emits an audible
signal. In other embodiments, signaling component 75 may include
another type of signaling device known in the art, such as a radio
frequency device (e.g., RFD chip, RFID tag), signal emitting
device, Global Tracking System (GPS) component, chirping device,
frequency emitting component or any other signaling device known in
the art.
[0050] In the embodiment shown, microcontroller 88 is a Peripheral
Interface Controller (PIC) which further includes an oscillator. In
other embodiments, signaling component 75 may be comprised of more
or fewer components and/or varying components. For example,
signaling component 75 may further include an optional delay
mechanism which is calibrated to start emitting a signal after a
designated amount of time in order to conserve the power
source.
[0051] In the embodiment shown, power source 70 is made up of
batteries 72a, 72b, 72c which are stacked and shrink-wrapped
together. In the embodiment shown, batteries 72a, 72b, 72c are
lithium ion batteries with a total of 6V. In other embodiments,
there are more or fewer batteries for a total voltage of 3V to 12V.
Also visible are leads 74a, 74b which connect power source 70 to
signaling component 75.
[0052] Signaling component 75 is slid into recess 28 in nock 25 and
then nock 25 and protruding portion of signaling component 75 and
power source 70 are slid into the rear of posterior arrow segment
30. In the embodiment shown, nock 25 further includes optional vent
hole 26 which permits signaling component 75 to be heard. In the
embodiment shown, vent hole 26 is located on the end of nock 25. In
other embodiments, signaling component 75 and vent hole 26 are
located in another location on nock 25 or an area other than nock
25. For example signaling component 75 and vent hole 26 may be
located in posterior arrow segment 30. In other embodiments, more
or fewer vent holes are located near signaling component 75.
[0053] FIG. 4a shows an exploded sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of separating slide mechanism 15. FIG. 4b shows an
exploded side view of an exemplary embodiment of separating slide
mechanism 15. In the embodiment shown, separating slide mechanism
15 is made of plastic. In other embodiments, separating slide
mechanism 15 is made of lightweight aluminum, carbon fiber
reinforced polymer or 20 any other material which is lightweight
and strong enough to withstand the force exerted on separating
slide mechanism 15 when hunting broadhead 10 engages a target and
it dislodges anterior arrow segment 20 from posterior arrow segment
30. In other embodiments, separating slide mechanism 15 contains
blade-like components or is of a design other than in the
embodiment shown.
[0054] FIG. 5a shows an exploded side perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of retainer 40 in the open position. Visible
are anchor point 45 to which is attaching device 50 (not shown) is
attached, spring 44, collar 46 and blades 42a, 42b, 42c. Blades
42a, 42b, 42c (42c not visible) are attached to collar using pins
48a, 48b, 48c (48c not visible) which allow blades to be pivoted
inward when retainer 40 is inside anterior arrow segment 20 and
then spring open when anterior arrow segment 20 is dislodged from
posterior arrow segment 30.
[0055] FIG. 5b shows an exploded sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of retainer 40 in the open position. Visible are blades
42a, 42b, 42c.
[0056] FIG. 5c shows an exploded side perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of retainer 40 in the closed position as if
inside anterior arrow segment 20. In the embodiment shown, blades
42a, 42b, 42c (42c not visible) are pivoted inward which causes
spring 44 to compress.
[0057] FIG. 6a shows an exploded side perspective of an exemplary
embodiment of release mechanism 60. In the embodiment shown, lever
65 is in the released position. Also visible are anchor point 55
and aperture 80. Release mechanism 60 is placed inside posterior
arrow segment 30 and secured by placing a pin through an aperture
in posterior arrow segment 30 and through aperture 80 in release
mechanism 60. In other embodiments, a screw or other attachment
means is used to secure release mechanism 60 inside posterior arrow
segment 30.
[0058] In the embodiment shown, release mechanism 60 is made of
aluminum. In other embodiments, release mechanism 60 is made of
plastic, another type of metal or alloy, carbon fiber or any other
suitable material.
[0059] FIG. 6b shows a second exploded side perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of release mechanism 60. Visible are lever 65,
aperture 80 and anchor point 55.
[0060] FIG. 6c shows an exploded side perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of release mechanism 60 with lever 65 in the
secured position. The ends of lever 65 protrude through apertures
62a, 62b in posterior arrow segment and apertures 64a, 64b in
anterior arrow segment 20 when posterior arrow segment 30 and
anterior arrow segment 20 are secured.
* * * * *