U.S. patent application number 15/345059 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-10 for broadhead case apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Easton Technical Products, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Easton Technical Products,Inc.. Invention is credited to Steven P. Horvath, Clinton J. Warner.
Application Number | 20180128586 15/345059 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62064346 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180128586 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Warner; Clinton J. ; et
al. |
May 10, 2018 |
BROADHEAD CASE APPARATUS
Abstract
Arrow point cases and related methods are disclosed. One arrow
point case holds arrow points such as broadheads between retaining
members that contact the shaft or body portion of the arrow point
without contacting the blades of the arrow point. The retaining
members have a generally C-shaped cross section and are removably
attached to a shell of the case. The retaining members are
elastically flexible and are deformable upon insertion of the arrow
point into a retention position in the case. The case stores and
transports arrow points without contacting the blades so that
blades may remain sharp and securely stowed until needed. Some
methods allow an arrow point in the case to be attached to an arrow
or bolt shaft without removing the arrow point from the case.
Inventors: |
Warner; Clinton J.; (Lehi,
UT) ; Horvath; Steven P.; (Uxbridge, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Easton Technical Products,Inc. |
Salt Lake City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Easton Technical Products,
Inc.
Salt Lake City
UT
|
Family ID: |
62064346 |
Appl. No.: |
15/345059 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 39/26 20130101;
B65D 81/05 20130101; B65D 81/113 20130101; B65D 43/02 20130101;
F42B 39/007 20130101; F42B 6/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F42B 39/00 20060101
F42B039/00; F42B 6/08 20060101 F42B006/08; B65D 43/02 20060101
B65D043/02; B65D 81/05 20060101 B65D081/05; B65D 81/113 20060101
B65D081/113 |
Claims
1. A case for storage and transportation of sharpened arrow points
without dulling sharpened edges of the arrow points, the case
comprising: an outer shell enclosing an inner chamber, the outer
shell comprising at least one access opening to the inner chamber,
the inner chamber having a first sidewall and a second sidewall,
the first and second sidewalls opposing each other; a first
retaining member attached to and extending inward from the first
sidewall; a second retaining member attached to and extending
inward from the first sidewall; a third retaining member attached
to and extending inward from the second sidewall; a fourth
retaining member attached to and extending inward from the second
sidewall; wherein a central point is positioned between the first,
second, third, and fourth retaining members, the central point
being configured to be coincident with an axis of a shaft of an
arrow point when the arrow point is positioned in contact with the
first, second, third, and fourth retaining members.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and
fourth retaining members respectively comprise a first, second,
third, and fourth distal tip, each of the distal tips converging
toward the central point.
3. The case of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and
fourth retaining members each respectively comprise a first,
second, third, and fourth distal end and each respectively comprise
a first, second, third, and fourth proximal end, the distal ends
being configured to contact the shaft of the arrow point, the
proximal ends of the first and second retaining members being
spaced apart farther from each other than the distal ends of the
first and second retaining members, the proximal ends of the third
and fourth retaining members being spaced apart farther from each
other than the distal ends of the third and fourth retaining
members.
4. The case of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and
fourth retaining members each respectively comprise a first,
second, third, and fourth distal end and each respectively comprise
a first, second, third, and fourth proximal end, the distal ends
being configured to contact the shaft of the arrow point, the
proximal ends being broader than the distal ends.
5. The case of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and
fourth retaining members comprise a flexible material and the outer
shell comprises a relatively rigid material.
6. The case of claim 1, wherein the outer shell comprises two
access openings into the inner chamber, the access openings being
on opposite sides of the outer shell.
7. The case of claim 1, further comprising a cap configured to
cover the at least one access opening, the cap being locked to the
outer shell using at least one push-button tab.
8. The case of claim 1, wherein the outer shell is configured to
contain a plurality of arrow points simultaneously.
9. The case of claim 8, wherein a first portion of the plurality of
arrow points are configured to point in a direction opposite a
second portion of the plurality of arrow points.
10. A sharpened arrow point retainer, the retainer comprising: an
outer shell enclosing an inner chamber, the outer shell comprising
at least one access opening to the inner chamber, the outer shell
comprising a first side wall and a second side wall; a first
retaining member attached to the first side wall of the outer
shell, the first retaining member having a first ridge and a second
ridge extending into the inner chamber; a second retaining member
attached to the second side wall of the outer shell, the second
retaining member having a third ridge and a fourth ridge extending
into the inner chamber; wherein the first, second, third, and
fourth ridges are configured to contact a body portion of an arrow
point without contacting a blade portion of the arrow point.
11. The retainer of claim 10, wherein the first and second
retaining members each have a general C- or U-shape.
12. The retainer of claim 10, wherein the first retaining member
comprises a protrusion extending through the outer shell.
13. The retainer of claim 12, wherein the protrusion has a t-shaped
cross-section.
14. The retainer of claim 10, further comprising an arrow point and
a shaft, the arrow point being positioned in contact with the
first, second, third, and fourth ridges, the shaft being connected
to the arrow point and extending away from the inner chamber.
15. The retainer of claim 10, wherein the first and second
retaining members form a funnel shape sloping away from the first
and second side walls.
16. The retainer of claim 10, wherein the first and second
retaining members form a cone shape sloping toward the first and
second side walls.
17. The retainer of claim 10, wherein the outer shell comprises a
rigid material and the first and second retaining members comprise
a relatively compliant material.
18. A method of storing arrow points using an arrow point retainer,
the method comprising: providing an arrow point retainer, the arrow
point retainer comprising an outer shell, the outer shell having a
first side, a second side, and an inner chamber, the arrow point
container comprising a plurality of finger members extending into
the inner chamber, at least a first two of the plurality of finger
members extending inward from the first side toward a midpoint of
the inner chamber, at least a second two of the plurality of finger
members extending inward from the second side toward the midpoint;
providing an arrow point having a body portion, a blade portion,
and a tip; inserting the tip of the arrow point into the inner
chamber of the arrow point retainer at a first position, the
plurality of finger members contacting the body portion and being
spaced away from the blade portion in the first position; inserting
the tip of the arrow point into the inner chamber of the arrow
point retainer at a second position, the plurality of finger
members being resiliently flexed by contact with the body portion
at the second position.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising inserting a
plurality of arrow points into the arrow point retainer.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising inserting an arrow
point from a first side of the arrow point retainer and inserting
an arrow point from a second side of the arrow point container, the
second side being opposite the first side.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to cases for
projectile points and specifically relates to cases for archery
broadheads.
BACKGROUND
[0002] For bowhunting, a broadhead with blades that cut either on
impact or immediately after impact are essential for effectively
and ethically harvesting game using an archery bow. The same is
true when hunting with a crossbow. The broadhead is an arrow point
that is attachable to the end of a shaft of an arrow or bolt. Each
broadhead has multiple cutting blades (i.e., two or more) extending
laterally from a body portion (i.e., ferrule). One type of
broadhead is a fixed blade broadhead. Another type is a mechanical
broadhead with blades that move relative to the main broadhead
body. No matter the type, it is paramount for the broadhead to
maintain razor-sharp cutting surfaces to ensure maximum terminal
cutting performance and effective penetration of the target. Thus,
when not in use, the broadheads are usually removed from the arrow
and stored in a case in order to prevent dulling, rusting, or other
potentially dangerous exposure of the blades.
[0003] There are many varieties of containers available on the
market for storing broadheads today. Most of these containers come
in one of two forms: first, a molded plastic case with a foam
insert, and second, a molded case with no foam. For example, a
broadhead case may store broadheads in a case similar to a fishing
tackle box that has a molded interior configured to support the
broadhead at two points with no blade contact. Other broadhead
cases have molded foam inserts that the broadheads rest within,
much like a violin in a case. The broadheads may lie on top of the
foam, or their tips may be pushed into a cavity in the foam to hold
them still within the case.
[0004] Although these cases are effective at holding the
broadheads, none of the cases currently available on the market
today is effective to compactly and securely store broadheads
without contacting the blades or sacrificing security. Foam-lined
cases maintain constant contact with the cutting surfaces of the
blades, which, over time, results in dulling the cutting surfaces
of the blades due to the natural vibrations, bumps, and jolts
resulting from normal handling and transport. Other case designs
may prevent blade contact, but they lack portability due to size
and compromise security since broadheads can fall out of retaining
clips if the case is dropped or bumped.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for improvements in the field
of broadhead cases.
SUMMARY
[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a case for
storage and transportation of sharpened arrow points without
dulling sharpened edges of the arrow points. The case may comprise
an outer shell enclosing an inner chamber, with the outer shell
comprising at least one access opening to the inner chamber and
with the inner chamber having a first sidewall and a second
sidewall. The first and second sidewalls may oppose each other. A
first retaining member may be attached to and extend inward from
the first sidewall, a second retaining member may be attached to
and extend inward from the first sidewall, a third retaining member
may be attached to and extend inward from the second sidewall, and
a fourth retaining member may be attached to and extend inward from
the second sidewall. A central point may be positioned between the
first, second, third, and fourth retaining members, with the
central point being configured to be coincident with an axis of a
shaft of an arrow point when the arrow point is positioned in
contact with the first, second, third, and fourth retaining
members.
[0007] In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth
retaining members may respectively comprise a first, second, third,
and fourth distal tip, with each of the distal tips converging
toward the central point. The first, second, third, and fourth
retaining members may each respectively comprise a first, second,
third, and fourth distal end and each respectively comprise a
first, second, third, and fourth proximal end. The distal ends may
be configured to contact the shaft of the arrow point. The proximal
ends of the first and second retaining members may be spaced apart
farther from each other than the distal ends of the first and
second retaining members, and the proximal ends of the third and
fourth retaining members may be spaced apart farther from each
other than the distal ends of the third and fourth retaining
members. In some embodiments, the proximal ends may be broader than
the distal ends.
[0008] In some arrangements, the first, second, third, and fourth
retaining members may comprise a flexible material and the outer
shell may comprise a relatively rigid material. The outer shell may
comprise two access openings into the inner chamber, with the
access openings being on opposite sides of the outer shell. The
case may also further comprise a cap configured to cover the at
least one access opening, with the cap being locked to the outer
shell using at least one push-button tab.
[0009] The outer shell may be configured to contain a plurality of
arrow points simultaneously. A first portion of the plurality of
arrow points may be configured to point in a direction opposite a
second portion of the plurality of arrow points.
[0010] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a sharpened
arrow point retainer, which may comprise an outer shell enclosing
an inner chamber. The outer shell may comprise at least one access
opening to the inner chamber. The outer shell may comprise a first
side wall and a second side wall. A first retaining member may be
attached to the first side wall of the outer shell, with the first
retaining member having a first ridge and a second ridge extending
into the inner chamber. A second retaining member may be to the
second side wall of the outer shell, with the second retaining
member having a third ridge and a fourth ridge extending into the
inner chamber. The first, second, third, and fourth ridges may be
configured to contact a body portion of an arrow point without
contacting a blade portion of the arrow point.
[0011] In some embodiments, the first and second retaining members
each have a general C- or U-shape. The first retaining member may
comprise a protrusion extending through the outer shell. The
protrusion may have a T-shaped cross-section. Some embodiments also
comprise an arrow point and a shaft, wherein the arrow point is
positioned in contact with the first, second, third, and fourth
ridges, and the shaft is connected to the arrow point and extending
away from the inner chamber. The first and second retaining members
may form a funnel shape sloping away from the first and second side
walls. The first and second retaining members may also form a cone
shape sloping toward the first and second side walls. The outer
shell may comprise a rigid material, and the first and second
retaining members may comprise a relatively compliant material.
[0012] Yet another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of
storing arrow points using an arrow point retainer. The method may
comprise providing an arrow point retainer. The arrow point
retainer may comprise an outer shell, and the outer shell may have
a first side, a second side, and an inner chamber. The arrow point
retainer may comprise a plurality of finger members extending into
the inner chamber, and at least a first two of the plurality of
finger members may extend inward from the first side toward a
midpoint of the inner chamber. At least a second two of the
plurality of finger members may extend inward from the second side
toward the midpoint. The method may further include providing an
arrow point having a body portion, a blade portion, and a tip and
inserting the tip of the arrow point into the inner chamber of the
arrow point retainer at a first position with the plurality of
finger members contacting the body portion and being spaced away
from the blade portion in the first position. The method may also
include inserting the tip of the arrow point into the inner chamber
of the arrow point retainer at a second position with the plurality
of finger members being resiliently flexed by contact with the body
portion at the second position.
[0013] In some configurations, the method further comprises
inserting a plurality of arrow points into the arrow point
retainer. The method may further comprise inserting an arrow point
from a first side of the arrow point retainer and inserting an
arrow point from a second side of the arrow point retainer, with
the second side being opposite the first side.
[0014] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present
invention. The Figures and the detailed description that follow
more particularly exemplify one or more preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings and figures illustrate a number of
exemplary embodiments and are part of the specification. Together
with the present description, these drawings demonstrate and
explain various principles of this disclosure. A further
understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention
may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the
appended figures, similar components or features may have the same
reference label.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a broadhead case according
to the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the broadhead case of
FIG. 1 as taken through section lines 2-2 in FIG. 3.
[0018] FIG. 3. is an end view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4A is a detail end view of the broadhead case of FIG.
1.
[0020] FIG. 4B is a detail end view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1
with a broadhead loaded into a pair of retaining members.
[0021] FIG. 4C is a detail end view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1
with a different broadhead loaded into the pair of retaining
members.
[0022] FIG. 4D is a detail end view of the broadhead case of FIG. 1
with a different broadhead loaded into the pair of retaining
members.
[0023] FIG. 5A is a side section view of the broadhead case of FIG.
1 taken through section lines 5A-5A in FIG. 3.
[0024] FIG. 5B shows the section view of FIG. 5A with a broadhead
loaded into the pair of retaining members.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a partial exploded view of the broadhead case
of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 7 shows another partial exploded view of the broadhead
case of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a broadhead case
according to the present disclosure.
[0028] While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to
various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments
have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be
described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments
described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular
forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
scope of the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a compact
multiple (e.g., six broadheads) broadhead storage case that has a
molded, contoured body and two symmetrical opposing end caps. The
end caps may be locked via push-button style tabs that are formed
into the main body of the case. The broadheads may be secured in
the case by flexible grippers that are attached to internal sides
of the case shell. These grippers may act like fingers that support
each broadhead in four places around the circumference of the
center ferrule shaft. The grippers may be separated from contact
with the cutting surfaces of the broadhead at all times, including
during loading and unloading. Thus, the cutting surfaces may be
free-floating within the internal cavity of the shell. The fingers
may be shaped and spaced apart from each other so that the case
will accommodate nearly any two-, three-, or four-blade
conventional fixed-blade or mechanical broadhead currently
available.
[0030] The grippers (which may alternatively be referred to as
retaining members, ridges, or fingers) may have a low durometer.
They therefore may flex and absorb shock forces applied to the
broadhead case, such as when the case is dropped or jostled during
transport. The grippers may be spaced apart from each other in a
manner to provide four points of contact with the ferrule of the
broadhead so that it is supported around is full circumference. In
this manner, the broadhead is prevented from translation or
rotation in all directions until the user pulls the broadhead from
the case. These features may allow the broadhead to be installed
onto an arrow shaft (or removed therefrom) by positioning the shaft
of the arrow next to the broadhead while the broadhead is still in
the case. Thus, the broadhead does not need to be individually
handled apart from the case, and there is limited exposure of the
sharp cutting surfaces while the broadhead is attached to the
projectile. The retaining members are also modular in design in a
manner that allows them to be removed and replaced with different
retaining members to accommodate different types of arrow
points.
[0031] The end cap profile of the case may also allow multiple
cases to be connected to each other. Thus, additional broadhead
cases may be attached together in one ganged unit. In one
embodiment, the end caps 108 of the present disclosure may be
configured to connect to and/or interlock with end caps 108 of
adjacent broadhead cases so that multiple cases can be held
together. Some embodiments may also have the grippers or retaining
members incorporated into quiver or other arrow or bolt retaining
case wherein the broadheads are retained by the grippers or
retaining members while the broadheads are attached to the shaft of
the arrow or bolt. Thus, the cases, containers, and retainers of
the present disclosure may be incorporated as part of a quiver,
case, or holder for entire arrows or bolts rather than just
broadheads or other arrow points alone.
[0032] The present description provides examples, and is not
limiting of the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in
the claims. Thus, it will be understood that changes may be made in
the function and arrangement of elements discussed without
departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and various
embodiments may omit, substitute, or add other procedures or
components as appropriate. For instance, the methods described may
be performed in an order different from that described, and various
steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described
with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in other
embodiments.
[0033] Turning now to the figures in detail, FIG. 1 shows a
perspective view of an embodiment of a broadhead case 100 according
to the present disclosure. The case 100 may comprise a shell 102
having a first end 104 and a second end 106. Each end 104, 106 may
be connected to an end cap 108, 109. See also FIG. 7. The end cap
109 that fits on the first end 104 is not shown in FIG. 1 to expose
an inner chamber 110 of the shell 102, but it is shown in FIG. 7.
The ends 104, 106 of the shell 102 may be symmetrical. Thus, each
end 104, 106 may comprise a plurality of enlarged bays 112, 114,
116 configured to receive and retain broadheads.
[0034] In the inner chamber 110 and within each of the bays 112,
114, 116 a first retaining member 118 and a second retaining member
120 may be positioned. The first retaining members 118-a, 118-b,
118-c may be connected to a first side 122 of the shell 102, and
the second retaining members 120-a, 120-b, 120-c may be connected
to a second side 124 of the shell. The first side 122 may be
positioned opposite the second side 124. Thus, the first and second
retaining members 118, 120 may oppose each other and face each
other within the inner chamber 110. The first and second sides 122,
124 may be the broadest sides of the shell 102, as opposed to end
sides 126, 128 of the shell 102. Because there are three pairs of
retaining members 118, 120 on the two ends 104, 106 of the shell
102, the case 100 may contain six broadheads next to each other.
Three of the broadheads may be inserted from the first side 104 and
three may be inserted from the second side 106 in a direction
opposite the first side 104. See also FIG. 2.
[0035] The shell 102 and caps 108, 109 may comprise a rigid
material such as, for example, a rigid plastic, metal, composite,
wood, or other stiff and inflexible material, and the first and
second retaining members 118, 120 may comprise a relatively
compliant and/or low durometer material such as, for example, a
flexible polymer, natural or synthetic rubber, foam rubber, or
other elastically flexible material. In this way, the first and
second retaining members 118, 120 may deflect when an arrow point
is inserted between them, but the shell 102 as a whole may provide
a strong and durable container that keeps the arrow points from
being crushed or coming into contact with the shell 102 if the
shell 102 is dropped or impacted.
[0036] Each of the first and second retaining members 118, 120 may
extend at least partially through the first and second sides 122,
124. For example, each of the first and second retaining members
118, 120 may comprise a protrusion 130 that extends through an
aperture or slot 132 in one of the first and second sides 122, 124.
The protrusions 130 may hold the retaining members 118, 120 in
place using an interference fit. See FIGS. 4A-4B and 6 and their
related descriptions herein. The protrusions 130 may also slide out
of the slots 132 in order to replace them or repair the case, such
as when different retaining members 118, 120 are needed to retain a
different size or style of broadhead.
[0037] The end sides 126, 128 of the shell 102 may comprise
deflectable tabs 134 at the first and second ends 104, 106. The
tabs 134 may each comprise a base portion 136 proximally connected
to their end side 126, 128, a grip portion 138, and a distal hook
portion 140. See also FIG. 7 and its related description herein.
The tabs 134 may releasably retain the caps 108, 109 to the shell
102 when the hook portions 140 are positioned within apertures 142
on the caps 108, 109.
[0038] The first and second sides 122, 124 may have undulating,
grooved inner and outer surfaces. See FIGS. 1, 3, and 7. Thus, the
first and second sides 122, 124 may be shaped with depressions 144
between the enlarged bays 112, 114, 116. These depressions 144 and
enlarged bays 112, 114, 116 of the shell 102 may form a series of
tapered contours that are broader at one of the first and second
ends 104, 106 and narrower at the other one of the first and second
ends 104, 106. The tapered contours may provide extra width at one
of the ends and less width at the opposite end in curved V-shapes
(as viewed from the top of the case 100). In this manner, the shell
102 may compactly accommodate multiple broadheads next to each
other in a smaller horizontal space than a series of cylindrical
tubes. Accordingly, the widths of the broadheads may overlap when
they are stored in the case 100. See FIG. 2.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a section view of the case 100 taken through
section lines 2-2 shown in FIG. 3. Thus, all of the retaining
members 118 are shown, including the retaining members 118-d,
118-e, 118-f that are positioned at the second end 106 of the case
100. FIG. 2 also shows the outline of two example broadheads
B.sub.1, B.sub.2 and shows that their widths W.sub.1, W.sub.2 may
overlap within the case 100 relative to an axis extending through
the end sides 126, 128 of the shell 102 (i.e., an axis extending
perpendicularly through the shafts of the broadheads B.sub.1,
B.sub.2). The widths of the retaining members 118 may also overlap.
The lengths L.sub.1, L.sub.2 of the example broadheads B.sub.1,
B.sub.2 may overlap within the case 100 relative to each other as
well. Some of the broadheads (e.g., B.sub.1) may point in a first
direction, and other broadheads (e.g., B.sub.2) may point in a
second, opposite direction.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows an end view of the case 100 with both of the
end caps 108, 109 removed. This view shows that the pairs of first
and second retaining members 118, 120 form opposing C- or U-shapes
with retaining tips that are all directed toward central points
between the retaining members 118, 120. The retaining tips may
therefore form a general X-shape with an open center. See also FIG.
4A.
[0041] FIG. 4A shows a detail view of one of the pairs of retaining
members 118-f, 120-f to illustrate properties of each of the other
pairs of retaining members. Retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204,
206 each extend toward a central point C located centrally between
the pair of retaining members. The central point C may be
configured to lie on a longitudinal axis of a shaft 208 or ferrule
of a broadhead 207 held by the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204,
206, as shown in FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, the central point C
may coincide with a point from which the blades 210 of a broadhead
207 radially extend when the broadhead 207 is loaded into the case
100. This is also shown in FIG. 4B.
[0042] When the broadhead 207 is loaded into the retaining
protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206, the retaining protrusions 200, 202,
204, 206 may elastically deflect, as shown in FIG. 4B. Each of the
retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may apply a biasing force
against the shaft 208 of the broadhead 207 that retains and pinches
on the shaft 208 from multiple opposing directions when the
broadhead 207 is loaded into the case 100. These opposing forces
may retain the broadhead 207 in place between the retaining
protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 to keep it from moving laterally
relative to its shaft 208. The retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204,
206 may also have a friction fit against the shaft 208. These
features may prevent the broadhead 207 from jostling around in the
case 100 even when the case 100 is inverted or turned sideways.
[0043] The releasable friction fit between the broadhead shaft 208
and the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may also prevent
longitudinal movement of the shaft 208 within the members 200, 202,
204, 206 unless a predetermined amount of withdrawal force is
applied by a user pulling on the shaft 208 to remove it from the
case 100. The predetermined amount of withdrawal force may be
designed to be greater than the force that would be applied to the
broadhead 207 if it is within the case 100 when the case 100 is
dropped or shaken under normal usage conditions. Thus, under those
conditions, the broadhead 207 may remain stably held by the
retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 in the case 100 even if
the case 100 itself is not stationary.
[0044] When holding the broadhead 207, each of the retaining
protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may contact the shaft 208 of the
broadhead 207 separately and from different angles. Two of the
retaining protrusions 200, 206 may contact the broadhead 207 on
opposite sides of the shaft 208, and the other two retaining
protrusions 202, 204 may contact the broadhead opposite each other.
In FIG. 4B, the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 contact
the shaft 208 at four separate positions, and the contact points of
retaining protrusions 200 and 202 are angularly spaced apart
relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 208 by about 65
degrees. In some embodiments, they may be spaced apart within a
range of angles spanning from about 55 degrees to about 75 degrees.
The contact points of the other retaining protrusions 204, 206 may
also be spaced apart relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft
208 by about 65 degrees. In some embodiments, they may be spaced
apart within a range of angles spanning from about 55 degrees to
about 75 degrees. The broadhead 207 also has four blades 210, and
each of the blades 210 are positioned between two different
retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 each. In other
arrangements, a broadhead 212, 214 may comprise two or three blades
210, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. The retaining protrusions 200,
202, 204, 206 may be shaped and configured to support the shaft 208
of the broadheads 207, 212, 214 without contacting the blades 210
when the blades 210 are positioned opposite each other (as in
broadheads 207, 212) or spaced apart by 120 degrees (as in
broadhead 214). Thus, the broadhead 207, 212, 214 may be retained
by the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 without contacting
the blades 210 against the case 100 in at least one position.
Examples of such positions are shown in FIGS. 4B-4D. When a
three-bladed broadhead 214 is loaded into the retaining protrusions
200, 202, 204, 206, at least two of the protrusions (e.g., 204,
206) may contact the shaft 208 of the broadhead 214 without one of
the blades 210 being positioned between the at least two
protrusions. At least two of the three blades 210 of the broadhead
214 may be positioned spaced apart with two of the protrusions in
contact with the shaft 208 between the at least two blades 210.
[0045] Each of the retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may
also comprise a longitudinal axis D.sub.1, D.sub.2, D.sub.3,
D.sub.4. The longitudinal axes D.sub.1, D.sub.2, D.sub.3, D.sub.4
may each intersect the central point C, and pairs of the
longitudinal axes D.sub.1, D.sub.4 and D.sub.2, D.sub.3 may
coincide with each other. The longitudinal axes D.sub.1, D.sub.2,
D.sub.3, D.sub.4 may also generally bisect a cross-section of the
retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206, as shown in FIG. 4A. A
pair of the longitudinal axes D.sub.1, D.sub.2 extend through one
retaining member 118 and the other pair D.sub.3, D.sub.4 extend
through the opposite retaining member 120. The angles between these
pairs of longitudinal axes D.sub.1, D.sub.2 and D.sub.3, D.sub.4
may be smaller than the angles between the other adjacent pairs of
axes D.sub.1, D.sub.3 and D.sub.2, D.sub.4. In this manner, the
retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 may better facilitate
retaining a broadhead 214 that has three blades 210 with two of the
blades 210 positioned between the first and second retaining
members 118, 120 since the blades 210 are spaced 120 degrees apart
and could be difficult to position between two 90-degree-separated
retaining protrusions without contacting the blades 210. With two
blades 210 between the first and second retaining members 118, 120,
the blades 210 of the three-blade broadhead 214 may be less likely
to nick, cut, or otherwise come into detrimental contact with the
retaining members 118, 120 while in storage.
[0046] The retaining members 118, 120 may taper toward the space
centrally between the retaining members 118, 120 from the radially
outward portions of the retaining members 118, 120 (i.e., where the
retaining members attach to the shell 102) to the radially inward
portions of the retaining members (i.e., portions that are
configured to contact the shaft of the broadhead). As shown in FIG.
3, the retaining members 118, 120 may be thicker or broader at the
radially outward portions (i.e., proximal portions) as compared to
the radially inward portions (i.e., distal portions) of the
retaining members 118, 120.
[0047] The radially outward portions of the retaining members 118,
120 may be referred to as proximal ends 216 of the retaining
protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206, and the radially inward portions
thereof may be referred to as distal ends 218 thereof. See FIG. 4A.
The proximal ends 216 may be spaced farther apart than the distal
ends 218. The proximal ends may also be broader and thicker than
the distal ends 218. Thus, each of the retaining protrusions 200,
202, 204, 206 may have a generally triangular end profile, as shown
in FIGS. 3-4D.
[0048] FIGS. 5A-5B show side section views of a first retaining
member 118 and a second retaining member 120 within the shell 102.
The first and second retaining members 118, 120 may have first ends
300 and second ends 302. The first ends 300 may be positioned near
the first end 104 of the shell 102 and the second ends 302 may be
positioned opposite the first ends 300 on the retaining members
118, 120. On the other side of the shell 102, the first ends 300
may be positioned near the second end 106 of the shell 102 and the
second ends 302 may extend inward and away from the second end 106.
The second ends 302 may have a cone-shaped side profile on their
inward surfaces 304. The profile of the inward surfaces 304 may
slope from a central axis between the retaining members 118, 120
outward toward the first and second side walls in a cone-like
fashion. The tips of the second ends 302 are near each other in a
manner similar to a point of a cone and their bases slope toward
opposite sides 122, 124 of the shell 102. The first ends 300
similarly form a negative cone, cone-shaped recess, or funnel shape
in side profile of their outward-facing surfaces 306 that slopes
from being a wider opening at the proximal ends of the retaining
members 118, 120 toward a narrower central opening between the
retaining members 118, 120. The retaining members 118, 120 taper in
a longitudinal direction, wherein the second ends 302 are pointed
in comparison to the first ends 300 which form a general funnel
shape. The general funnel shape of the first ends 300 may
facilitate guiding the insertion of a broadhead into the retaining
members 118, 120. The funnel shape of the first ends 300 may be
referred to as sloping away from the first and second side walls of
the case 100, meaning the funnel shapes are widest at the sidewalls
and slope inward to be narrowest at the position centrally in the
case 100 and away from the sidewalls. The funnel shape of the first
ends 300 may also expose the sides of the shaft of the broadhead so
that a user can more easily insert and remove a broadhead between
the retaining members 118, 120 by grasping the lateral sides of the
shaft of the broadhead with his or her fingers or with a tool.
[0049] The pointed second ends 302 may be spaced radially
internally away from the shell 102, as shown by distance D in FIG.
5A. Accordingly, the tips of the second ends 302 may be configured
to be more flexible than portions of the first and second retaining
members 118, 120 that are radially connected to the shell 102 due
to the extra distance D between the second ends 302 and the inner
surface of the shell 102. The extra flexibility of the second ends
302 may allow a broadhead to be more easily manipulated within the
retaining members 118, 120 without damaging the retaining members
118, 120 due to applying excess pressure to the second ends 302 if
the broadhead is tilted toward the first or second side 122, 124
while positioned between the retaining members 118, 120. The
narrowed tips of the second ends 302 may also conserve space within
the case 100 so that adjacent retaining members 118, 120 may fit
closely together within the case, as shown by the close proximity
of the second ends 302 in FIG. 2. The second ends 302 overlap and
form a zig-zag pattern along the horizontal direction in FIG. 2
because of their cone-shaped designs fitting between each
other.
[0050] FIG. 5B shows the outline of a broadhead being held by the
first and second retaining members 118, 120. The broadhead may have
greater length than the length of the first and second retaining
members 118, 120. Thus, the sharpened tip of the broadhead may
extend into the case 100 deeper than the second ends 302 relative
to the first side 104 of the shell 102. In some embodiments, the
broadhead may have a shorter longitudinal length than the length of
the retaining members 118, 120.
[0051] When being held in the case 100, the rear end of the shaft
of the broadhead may be positioned between the first ends 300 of
the retaining members 118, 120. When the shaft of the broadhead is
positioned near the first side 104 (or second side 106 for
retaining members 118, 120 on the other side of the shell 102), the
end of the shaft may be accessed directly by the user while it is
being retained by the retaining members 118, 120. Accordingly, in
this position the user may easily attach the shaft of the broadhead
to the shaft of an arrow or bolt without having to first remove the
broadhead from the case 100. For example, the shaft of an arrow may
be threaded and tightened to the end of the broadhead without
removing the broadhead from the case 100. This may be advantageous
since the case 100 keeps the extremely sharp blades and other
portions of the broadhead from being exposed to the user while the
broadhead is being attached to the arrow or bolt shaft. Thus, the
sharp portions of the broadhead are protected from being dulled by
contact with their surroundings. The user is also prevented from
touching the sharp portions until the broadhead has been secured to
the arrow or bolt, at which point the user can better and more
safely manipulate the broadhead since it is connected to the arrow
or bolt and can be moved without having to grasp the broadhead
shaft or its blades.
[0052] FIG. 6 shows a partial exploded view of the case 100 in
which the shell 102 is separated from a pair of retaining members
118, 120. The retaining members 118, 120 may be removed for
maintenance or repair. In some embodiments, the retaining members
118, 120 may be removed and replaced with other retaining members
that have different dimensions or shapes in order to facilitate
storage of larger or smaller broadheads. An aperture or slot 132
may be formed in the shell 102 for each of the retaining members
118, 120, and each of the retaining members 118, 120 may have a
protrusion 130 that slides into an remains frictionally fit within
the aperture or slot 132. When the time comes to remove the
retaining members 118, 120, sufficient force may be applied to the
protrusion 130 to overcome the frictional engagement between the
protrusion 130 and the slot 132. Such force may be greater than the
force needed to withdraw a broadhead from a position between the
retaining members 118, 120 so that withdrawing the broadhead does
not also pull the retaining members 118, 120 from the slots
132.
[0053] The protrusions 130 may comprise a narrow portion 400 and a
broadened portion 402. Thus, the protrusions 130 may be described
as having a T-shaped end profile and cross-section. The narrow
portion 400 may fit within the aperture or slot 132, and the
broadened portion 402 may be configured to be external to the
aperture or slot 132. Thus, the protrusions 130 may attach the
retaining members 118, 120 to the shell 102 using an interference
fit in a lateral direction relative to an axis running centrally
between the retaining members 118, 120.
[0054] The protrusions 130 may also comprise a flexible,
compressible material such as a rubber or foam rubber material that
compresses upon insertion of the narrow portion 400 into the
aperture or slot 132. The compression of the material within the
aperture or slot 132 may apply a force against the sides of the
aperture or slot 132 and may thereby increase friction against the
aperture or slot 132. The increased friction may allow the
retaining members 118, 120 to be removed from the apertures or
slots 132 when significant effort is applied to remove them, but it
may also prevent the retaining members 118, 120 from sliding out of
the apertures or slots 132 when a broadhead is pulled from the case
100 between the retaining members 118, 120.
[0055] The protrusions 130 may also be configured to come into
contact the inner surface of the end cap 108 when the end cap 108
is positioned around one of the sides 104, 106 of the shell 102.
Because the protrusions 130 may comprise a resilient and flexible
material, the protrusions 130 may deflect inward (i.e., toward
their respective bays 112, 114, 116) when the end cap 108 is pushed
onto their side 104/106 of the shell 102. Contact between the
resilient material on the protrusions 130 and the end cap 108 may
help reduce slippage of the end cap 108 from the shell 102 and may
reduce relative shaking or vibration between the shell 102 and the
end cap 108. In some arrangements, an end cap 108 may be
friction-fit onto the shell 102 by contacting the protrusions 130.
Thus, the end cap 108 may be held onto the shell 102 without using
a connection to the tabs 134.
[0056] FIG. 7 shows one of the end sides 126 of the shell 102 with
its deflectable tabs 134 at the first and second ends 104, 106. The
tabs 134 may each comprise a base portion 136 proximally connected
to the end side 126, a grip portion 138, and a distal hook portion
140. The tabs 134 may be resiliently deflected at the grip portion
138 by pressing the grip portion 138 toward the interior of the
shell 102. Deflection of the grip portion 138 may also deflect the
distal hook portion 140 inward. With the distal hook portion 140
deflected inward, the cap 109 may be advanced over the first side
104 of the shell 102. The distal hook portion 140 may then return
to its rest position by deflecting outward into the aperture 142 in
the cap 109. At that point, it may hold the cap 109 in place unless
the tab 134 is depressed inward again. Because there are two tabs
134 on each side 104, 106 of the shell 102, each of the caps 108,
109 may be retained by a tab 134 on each end. The tabs 134 may lock
the outer shell 102 to the caps 108, 109. The tabs 134 may be
referred to as push-button tabs since they may be pressed inward
like a button to make them deflect and unlock the caps 108, 109.
With a cap 108, 109 on each end of the case 100, the enlarged bays
112, 114, 116 on one side 104, 106 may be accessed separate from
bays 112, 114, 116 on the other side 106, 104. Thus, broadheads on
one side of the case 100 may be covered and protected when
broadheads on the other side of the case are accessed.
[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of a broadhead case 800 according to the present disclosure. The
case 800 may be similar to the case 100 in most respects, such as
by including retaining members 118, 120 that hold a plurality of
broadheads in the case 800. Case 800 may also include a plurality
of rigid posts 812 or ribs that extend between the first and second
sides 822, 824 of the shell 802. The rigid posts 812 may be
strategically positioned in the case 800 in order to improve its
overall rigidity and to limit the amount of flexure of the shell
802 when compressive or tensile forces are applied to one of the
first and second sides 822, 824 relative to the opposite side. For
example, if a compressive force is applied to the second side 824
that pushes it toward the first side 822, the posts 812 may help
prevent bending of the first or second sides 822, 824 so that the
sides 822, 824 do not come into contact with blades of broadheads
stored in the case 800. The increased rigidity may also help
prevent the shell 802 from flexing in a manner that causes a cap
attached to the shell 802 to loosen or fall off of the shell 802.
If a tensile force is applied to the first side 822 of the shell
802, the posts 812 may help ensure that the first side 822 is not
significantly pulled away from the second side 824 in a manner that
could cause the broadheads stored in the case 800 to come loose
from retaining members 118, 120 therein.
[0058] Some aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in
connection with methods for storing arrow points using an arrow
point container or case and methods for making and using a
broadhead case. In an example embodiment, the method may comprise
providing an arrow point container that comprises an outer shell.
The outer shell may have a first side, a second side, and an inner
chamber. A plurality of finger members may extend into the inner
chamber with at least two of the finger members extending inward
from the first side toward a midpoint of the inner chamber and two
other finger members extending inward from the second side toward
the midpoint. In some embodiments, the midpoint may be a central
point between the finger members. The finger members may be
connected to and part of retaining members attached to the
container or case.
[0059] The method may also include providing an arrow point having
a body portion (e.g., a shaft), a blade portion (e.g., blades), and
a tip (e.g., a point). The tip of the arrow point may be inserted
into the inner chamber of the case or container at a first position
with the plurality of finger members contacting the body portion
and being spaced away from the blade portion in the first position.
The tip of the arrow point may also be inserted into the inner
chamber to a second position in which the plurality of finger
members are resiliently flexed by contact with the body portion. In
one embodiment, the first position may be an entry position for a
broadhead. For example, in the first position the tip of the
broadhead may be positioned between first ends 300 of a pair of
adjacent retaining members 118, 120 in contact with the retaining
protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 without deflecting them. In the
second position, the broadhead may be inserted between the
retaining protrusions 200, 202, 204, 206 and may thereby
resiliently deflect them and may be held in that position by the
retaining members 118, 120.
[0060] Another embodiment may relate to a method for attaching a
shaft of a projectile such as an arrow or a bolt to an arrow point.
The method may include providing an arrow point container or case
having an arrow point positioned within it. The arrow point case
may have an access opening through which the shaft or body portion
of the arrow point may be reached. The method may include aligning
the bolt or arrow shaft with the shaft or body portion of the arrow
point while the arrow point is held within the case, attaching the
shaft of the bolt or arrow to the shaft or body portion of the
arrow point, and then withdrawing the arrow point from the case
through the access opening using the shaft of the arrow or bolt.
Throughout this process, the user may not have to touch the arrow
point, which may only need to be indirectly supported by holding
the case. The arrow point may be held in place by fingers or ridges
that contact the body portion or shaft of the arrow point on four
sides. The fingers or ridges may hold the body portion and prevent
it from rotating relative to the case while the shaft of the arrow
or bolt is attached to the shaft or body portion of the arrow
point.
[0061] Various inventions have been described herein with reference
to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, they will be
recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are
possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the
inventions disclosed herein, in that those inventions set forth in
the claims below are intended to cover all variations and
modifications of the inventions disclosed without departing from
the spirit of the inventions. The terms "including:" and "having"
come as used in the specification and claims shall have the same
meaning as the term "comprising."
* * * * *