Self-Centering Arrowhead Point Blade Configuration

Abstract

Disclosed technology includes an arrowhead point blade configuration having a first point blade and a second point blade. The first blade may include a tip and a base. A coupling aperture may be defined within the first blade adjacent to the base. A slot may extend up from the coupling aperture towards the tip. The second blade may include a tip and a base. A coupling aperture may be defined within the second blade adjacent to the base. A slot may extend down from the tip and may be separate from the coupling aperture. The first blade slot may be positioned within the second blade slot, partially aligning the coupling apertures. The size and shape of the blade slots and coupling apertures may be such that a fastener inserted through the coupling apertures pulls the first blade downwards into the second blade creating an interference fit and centering the blades.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 673,482, entitled “Self-Centering Arrowhead Point Blade Configuration,” filed Jul. 19, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technology described herein relates generally to an arrowhead point blade configuration.BACKGROUND

[0003] Archery is the sport, practice, or skill of using a bow to shoot arrows. Archery has been used for hunting, combat, competitive sport, and recreation. The most common form of an arrow consists of a shaft, with an arrowhead at the front end, and fletchings and a nock at the other end. Arrowheads may come separate from the shaft and include target points, field points, and broadheads. Broadheads are typically wide arrow points with sharp edges for cutting and are often used for hunting. Broadheads may come with different types of blades, including fixed blades, removable blades, and expandable blades. Point blades are blades positioned at an end of the arrowhead that make initial contact with a target and are often the first part of the arrowhead to penetrate the target. Point blades can be damaged on impact with a target and are often replaceable components of a broadhead. Current point blades are typically formed as a single component or blade and are often wider than the body of the arrowhead, which reduces the kinetic energy of the arrow in flight.

[0004] The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.SUMMARY

[0005] The disclosed technology includes arrowhead point blade configurations. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include an arrowhead point blade configuration. The arrowhead point blade configuration may include a first point blade and a second point blade. The first point blade may include a first blade body including a first blade tip and a first blade base. A first blade gap may be defined in the first blade base and may separate two first blade protrusions of the first blade body. A first blade coupling aperture may be defined within the first blade body adjacent to the first blade base. The first blade gap may provide access to the first blade coupling aperture. A first blade slot may extend up from the first blade coupling aperture towards the first blade tip and may be aligned with the first blade gap. The second point blade may include a second blade body including a second blade tip and a second blade base. A second blade gap may be defined in the second blade base and may separate two second blade protrusions of the second blade body. A second blade coupling aperture may be defined within the second blade body adjacent to the second blade base. The second blade gap may provide access to the second blade coupling aperture. A second blade slot may extend down from the second blade tip and may be separate from the second blade coupling aperture. The first blade slot may be positioned within the second blade slot, partially aligning the first blade coupling aperture with the second blade coupling aperture, and the first blade protrusions may be offset above the second blade protrusions. The size and shape of the first blade slot and second blade slot and the first blade coupling aperture and second blade coupling aperture may be such that a fastener inserted through the first blade coupling aperture pulls the first point blade downwards into the second point blade creating an interference fit and centering the first point blade with the second point blade.

[0006] Other examples or embodiments of the present disclosure may include an arrowhead with deployable blades that includes a point blade configuration. The point blade configuration may include a top blade, a bottom blade, and a blade holder. The top blade may include a top blade body including a top blade tip and a top blade base, and a top blade left edge and a top blade right edge. The top blade left edge and the top blade right edge may extend from the top blade tip to points below the top blade base. A top blade width may be defined between the top blade left edge and the top blade right edge at the points below the top blade base. A top blade coupling aperture may be defined within the top blade body adjacent to the top blade base, and a top blade slot may be defined within the top blade body adjacent to the top blade coupling aperture. The bottom blade may include a bottom blade body including a bottom blade tip and a bottom blade base, and a bottom blade left edge and a bottom blade right edge. The bottom blade left edge and the bottom blade right edge may extend from the bottom blade tip to positions below the bottom blade base. A bottom blade width may be defined between the bottom blade left edge and the bottom blade right edge at the positions below the bottom blade base. A bottom blade coupling aperture may be defined within the bottom blade body adjacent to the bottom blade base. A bottom blade slot may be defined within the bottom blade body apart from the bottom blade coupling aperture. The blade holder may include a blade holder tip, including a plurality of blade holder slots defined between blade holder tip segments, fastener apertures defined in opposing blade holder tip segments, and a blade holder base coupled to the blade holder tip. The bottom blade may be positioned perpendicular to and below the top blade in the plurality of blade holder slots such that the top and bottom coupling apertures at least partially align with the fastener apertures.

[0007] The arrowhead may further include an arrowhead shaft having a first shaft end and a second shaft end, wherein the first shaft end is coupled to the blade holder base. A blade carrier may be slidably coupled to the arrowhead shaft. The blade carrier may have a width that is greater than the top blade width and the bottom blade width and a portion of the blade carrier may extend radially outward past the top and bottom blades. A plurality of cutting blades may be pivotally coupled to the blade carrier, wherein the cutting blades are configured to deploy from a stored position when the blade carrier moves downward along the arrowhead shaft in a direction from the first shaft end to the second shaft end after the portion of the blade carrier that extends radially outward past the top and bottom blades comes in contact with a target.

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments and implementations and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an arrowhead point blade configuration of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a top blade of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a bottom isometric view of the top blade of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a rear top isometric view of the top blade of FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a bottom blade of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a bottom isometric view of the bottom blade of FIG. 5.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a rear top isometric view of the bottom blade of FIG. 5.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a blade holder of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a top isometric view of the blade holder of FIG. 8.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the blade holder of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a bottom isometric view of the blade holder of FIG. 8.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a front isometric view of a fastener of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the blades of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a left isometric view of the blades of FIG. 13.

[0023] FIG. F 15 is a bottom isometric view of the blades of FIG. 13.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a left side view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a cross section view of the bottom blade and the blade holder of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1 taken across line 20-20 with the top blade and fastener omitted.

[0029] FIG. 21 is a cross section view of the top blade, the fastener, and the blade holder of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1 taken across line 21-21 with the bottom blade omitted.

[0030] FIG. 22 is an isometric front view of an exemplary arrowhead with the arrowhead point blade configuration of the present disclosure coupled thereto.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] This disclosure is related to an arrowhead point blade configuration. The disclosed arrowhead point blade configuration may include at least two point blades that are coupled together by an interference and self-centering fit. The point blades, also referred to herein as “blades,” may be coupled to a blade holder that is configured to couple with an arrowhead or broadhead. The blades may include a top blade and a bottom blade. The top blade may be considered a male blade and the bottom blade may be considered a female blade, as the top blade is inserted into a slot of the bottom blade. A disclosed point blade configuration may be shaped to reduce its aerodynamic signature on an arrowhead.

[0032] The shape and arrangement or configuration of the blades may be compatible with an arrowhead that includes blades that release or deploy from a retained or collapsed position upon impact with a target. The term “target” is used herein to refer to any material the arrowhead may encounter. Such arrowheads include broadheads, which have blades that open outward from a central shaft. As an example, the disclosed arrowhead blade point configuration may be used with the arrowhead disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,180,312 B2 entitled “Mechanical Expanding Broad Head Arrow Point,” granted on Jan. 15, 2019 (the '312 patent), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It is also contemplated that the disclosed point blade configuration may be used with a fixed blade arrowhead or broadhead. In these embodiments, the size and proportions of the point blade configuration and their components (the point blades and their features and the blade holder and its features) described herein may be larger.

[0033] A compatible arrowhead may include a component that moves upon impact with a target, which allows deployment of deploying blades to better penetrate the target. For example, the compatible arrowhead disclosed in the '312 patent includes a blade carrier that moves up a resilient shaft in a rearward direction when a rearward force is applied to the blade carrier upon impact with a target. The force of the blade carrier in the rearward direction releases the deploying blades. For example, the rearward force of the blade carrier may break an arrowhead blade retention device holding the deploying blades in place, thereby releasing the deploying blades. The shape and configuration of disclosed point blades may permit movement of the movable arrowhead component, such as the blade carrier disclosed in the '312 patent, to release the deploying blades. The shape and configuration of disclosed point blades may also maintain the kinetic energy of an arrow during flight to allow for greater impact force with and penetration through the target. For example, a disclosed point blade configuration may have a slender or narrow shape.

[0034] Disclosed point blades may include a body that includes a front surface, a rear surface, left and right edges, and a bottom surface. Disclosed point blades may include a tip and a base. The tip may be formed at a top end of the left and right edges or at the point of intersection of the left and right edges. The base may be formed by a flat portion of the bottom surface. The left and right edges may form an acute angle at a top of the point blade that is less than 35, 40, or 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the acute angle at the top of one or both of the point blades is 34.7 degrees. In some embodiments, the acute angle at the top of one or both of the point blades is 32.75 degrees. Disclosed point blades may have a slender or narrow shape to limit wind resistance and maintain kinetic energy during flight. The body may define a coupling aperture adjacent to the base. The base may define a bottom gap that provides access to the coupling aperture from below the blade. The gap may separate two protrusions of the body.

[0035] A disclosed top blade my include a top blade slot or slit that extends upward from the coupling aperture towards the tip and aligns with the gap defined in the base. A disclosed bottom blade may include a bottom blade slot or slit that is separate from the coupling aperture and that extends downward from the tip, separating the left and right edges by a top gap. The top blade made be coupled to the bottom blade with the top blade slot positioned within the bottom blade slot such that the coupling apertures partially align. As used herein, “partial alignment” means that there is some offset between the components. For example, partial alignment of the coupling apertures may mean that one coupling aperture may be partially above or partially below the other coupling aperture. The protrusions of the top blade may be positioned partially above or may be offset above the protrusions of the bottom blade.

[0036] A disclosed arrowhead point blade configuration may include a blade holder. The blade holder may include a blade holder base and blade holder tip. The blade holder base may have a cylindrical shape. The blade holder tip may have a rounded or arch shape. The blade holder tip may define a plurality of holder slots or slits. The plurality of holder slots may create a plurality of blade holder tip segments. The blade holder tip may define fastener apertures on opposing blade holder tip segments. The fastener apertures may align to receive a fastener therethrough. The holder slots may receive the point blades. The bottom blade may be inserted into a first holder slot and the top blade may be inserted into the bottom blade, e.g., as discussed above, and into a second holder slot. The top blade may be positioned perpendicular to the bottom blade. The coupling apertures of the top and bottom blades may at least partially align with the fastener apertures. The blade holder base may define a blade holder aperture that is configured to receive a shaft of an arrowhead.

[0037] When the top and bottom blades are positioned within the blade holder, the top blade may rest loosely on top of the bottom blade and the coupling aperture of the top blade may be partially out of alignment with the coupling aperture of the bottom blade and with the fastener apertures. The initial loose fit between the top blade and bottom blade may facilitate blade replacement by a user (e.g., a user removing blades from the blade holder and / or inserting blades into the blade holder). The initial loose fit may be beneficial when the point blade configuration includes small components that are difficult for an average user to handle and place together. The initial loose fit may also facilitate manufacturing of a disclosed point blade configuration and its components. A fastener may be inserted through the fastener apertures and coupling apertures. The fastener may contact the protrusions of the top blade without contacting the bottom blade due to the partial offset of the top blade protrusions above the bottom blade protrusions. The fastener may pull the top blade down into the bottom blade and into the blade holder, creating an interference fit and centering the top blade and bottom blade into the disclosed point blade configuration. For example, the fastener may pull the top blade protrusions downwards into alignment with the second blade protrusions. The interference fit may mitigate or prevent movement of the blades relative to one another and relative to the blade holder and other components of an attached broadhead and / or arrow shaft. By mitigating movement of the blades in the blade holder, the disclosed point blade configuration may maintain kinetic energy when an attached arrowhead or arrow is in flight.

[0038] The self-centering function and interference fit of the disclosed point blade configuration may reduce or mitigate runout that is often created by conventional point blades when they are attached to an arrowhead or broadhead and arrow shaft. Runout can occur with conventional arrows where components of an arrow assembly (e.g., the point blade, broadhead, arrow shaft, etc.) deviate from the main axis during rotation. The self-centering function of the disclosed point blade configuration may reduce runout and improve the concentricity of the overall arrowhead assembly or of one or more of its components. In this manner, the self-centering function of the disclosed point blade configuration may improve accuracy of an attached arrowhead and arrow during flight.

[0039] Turning to the figures, arrowhead point blade configuration embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed in more detail. FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an arrowhead point blade configuration of the present disclosure. As shown, the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 may include a top blade 102, a bottom blade 104, a blade holder 106, and a fastener 108. As discussed in more detail below, the top blade 102 and bottom blade 104 may be coupled to one another and to the blade holder 106 by the fastener 108. The bottom blade 104 may be positioned within the blade holder 106 and the top blade 102 may be positioned within the bottom blade 104 and blade holder 106. Insertion of the fastener 108 through the blade holder 106 and the top blade 102 and bottom blade 104 may create an interference fit and may center the top blade 102 and bottom blade 104 within the blade holder 106. The top and bottom blades 102, 104 may be made of a sturdy metal material. For example, the top and bottom blades 102, 104 may be made of steel material, such as a tool steel, stainless steel, tempered steel, spring steel, and the like. The blade holder 106 may be made of a light material, such as aluminum, for example.

[0040] Each component of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 will now be discussed in more detail. FIGS. 2-4 are views of the top blade 102 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the top blade 102 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a bottom isometric view of the top blade 102 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a rear top isometric view of the top blade 102 of FIG. 2. As shown, the top blade 102 may include a top blade body 110 that includes a top blade front surface 112, a top blade rear surface 114, a top blade left edge 116, a top blade right edge 118, and a top blade bottom surface 120. The top blade 102 may include a top blade tip 122 and a top blade base 124. The top blade tip 122 may be formed by the intersection of the top blade left and right edges 116, 118. The top blade left and right edges 116, 118 may form an acute angle at a top of the top blade 102 (e.g., at the top blade tip 122) that is less than 35, 40, or 45 degrees. The top blade base 124 may be formed by a flat portion of the top blade bottom surface 120.

[0041] The top blade body 110 may define a top blade coupling aperture 126 adjacent to the top blade base 124. In the depicted embodiment, the top blade coupling aperture 126 is an oval shape. Other shapes of the top blade coupling aperture 126 are contemplated depending on its size. The top blade coupling aperture 126 may be defined by a plurality of top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b. The top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b may define fastener contact points 136a,b. For example, the fastener contact points 136a,b positioned on surfaces of the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b that are parallel to the top blade base 124. The top blade base 124 may define a top blade bottom gap 130 that provides access to the top blade coupling aperture 126 from below the top blade 102. The top blade bottom gap 130 may separate the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b. A top blade slot or slit 132 may extend upward (e.g., in a direction towards the top blade tip 122) from the top blade coupling aperture 126. The top blade slot 132 may be defined within the top blade body 110. The top blade slot 132 may be defined by a top blade slot wall 134. The top blade slot wall 134 may include opposing sidewalls 138a,b coupled by a curved or arched top wall 140. In the depicted embodiment, the opposing sidewalls 138a,b are vertical. In other embodiments, the opposing sidewalls 138a,b may be slanted and may taper towards one another towards the curved top wall 140. The tapered opposing sidewalls 138a,b may form a smaller curved top wall 140 than the present embodiment and a seating angle. A tapered top blade slot 132 that narrows or tapers from the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b to the curved top wall 140 (e.g., that tapers in a direction towards the top blade tip 122) may allow for a tighter interference fit or compression fit with another blade (e.g., the bottom blade 104). The top blade slot 132 may align with the top blade bottom gap 130. The top blade slot 132 may form a gap between the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b. The top blade slot 132 may extend along a portion of a length of the top blade 102. The length of the top blade 102 may be defined between the top blade base 124 and top blade tip 122. For example, the top blade slot 132 may extend along less than half of the length of the top blade 102.

[0042] A plurality of top blade base protrusions 142a,b may be defined between the top blade base 124 and the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b. The top blade bottom gap 130 may be defined between and may separate the top blade base protrusions 142a,b.

[0043] The top blade bottom surface 120 may include the top blade base 124 and top blade sloped surfaces 144a,b that extend outward from and slope down from the top blade base 124. The top blade sloped surfaces 144a,b may include a single sloped surface or a plurality of sloped surfaces. In the depicted embodiment, the top blade sloped surfaces 144a,b include first top blade sloped surfaces 148a,b and second top blade sloped surfaces 150a,b, respectively. The second top blade sloped surfaces 150a,b may be steeper than the first top blade sloped surfaces 148a,b.

[0044] A plurality of top blade wings 152a,b may be formed between the top blade sloped surfaces 144a,b and the top blade left and right edges 116, 118. The top blade wings 152a,b may have tapered top blade wing ends 154a,b. The top blade left and right edges 116, 118 may have different slopes at the top blade wing ends 154a,b. As shown, the top blade left and right edges 116, 118 have steeper, nearly vertical, slopes at the top blade wing ends 154a,b. However, it is contemplated that the slope of the top blade left and right edges 116, 118 may remain constant. The top blade 102 may have a width defined between the top blade left and right edges 116, 118 of the top blade wings 152a,b.

[0045] FIGS. 5-7 are views of the bottom blade 104 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the bottom blade 104 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a bottom isometric view of the bottom blade 104 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a rear top isometric view of the bottom blade 104 of FIG. 5. As shown, the bottom blade 104 may include a bottom blade body 160 that includes a bottom blade front surface 162, a bottom blade rear surface 164, a bottom blade left edge 166, a bottom blade right edge 168, and a bottom blade bottom surface 170. The bottom blade 104 may include a bottom blade tip 172 and a bottom blade base 174. The bottom blade tip 172 may be formed at a top end of the bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168. The bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168 may form an acute angle at a top of the bottom blade 104 (e.g., at the bottom blade tip 172) that is less than 35, 40, or 45 degrees. The bottom blade base 174 may be formed by a flat portion of the bottom blade bottom surface 170.

[0046] The bottom blade body 160 may define a bottom blade coupling aperture 176 adjacent to the bottom blade base 174. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom blade coupling aperture 176 is an oval shape. Other shapes of the bottom blade coupling aperture 176 are contemplated depending on its size. The bottom blade coupling aperture 176 may be defined by a bottom blade coupling aperture wall 178. The bottom blade base 174 may define a bottom blade bottom gap 180 that provides access to the bottom blade coupling aperture 176 from below the bottom blade 104. The bottom blade bottom gap 180 may form a gap in the bottom blade coupling aperture wall 178 at a bottom end.

[0047] A bottom blade slot or slit 182 may be defined in the bottom blade body 160. The bottom blade slot or slit 182 may be separate from the bottom blade coupling aperture 176. The bottom blade slot 182 may extend downward from the bottom blade tip 172 (e.g., in a direction towards the bottom blade base 174). The bottom blade slot 182 may form a bottom blade top gap 183 between the bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168. The bottom blade slot 182 may be defined by a bottom blade slot wall 184. The bottom blade slot wall 184 may include opposing sidewalls 188a,b coupled by a curved or arched bottom wall 190. In the depicted embodiment, the opposing sidewalls 188a,b are vertical. In other embodiments, the opposing sidewalls 188a,b may be slanted and may taper towards one another towards the curved bottom wall 190. The tapered opposing sidewalls 188a,b may form a smaller curved bottom wall 190 than in the present embodiment. A tapered bottom blade slot 182 that narrows or tapers from the bottom blade tip 172 to the curved bottom wall 190 (e.g., that tapers in a direction towards the bottom blade base 174) may allow for a tighter interference fit or compression fit with another blade (e.g., the top blade 102). The bottom blade slot 182 may align with the bottom blade bottom gap 180. The bottom blade slot 182 may extend along a portion of a length of the bottom blade 104. The length of the bottom blade 104 may be defined between the bottom blade base 174 and bottom blade tip 172. For example, the bottom blade slot 182 may extend along half or more of the length of the bottom blade 104.

[0048] A plurality of bottom blade base protrusions 192a,b may be defined between the bottom blade base 174 and the bottom blade coupling aperture wall 178. The bottom blade bottom gap 180 may be defined between and may separate the bottom blade base protrusions 192a,b.

[0049] The bottom blade bottom surface 170 may include the bottom blade base 174 and bottom blade sloped surfaces 194a,b that extend outward from and slope down from the bottom blade base 174. The bottom blade sloped surfaces 194a,b may include a single sloped surface or a plurality of sloped surfaces. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom blade sloped surfaces 194a,b include first bottom blade sloped surfaces 198a,b and second bottom blade sloped surfaces 200a,b, respectively. The second bottom blade sloped surfaces 200a,b may be steeper than the first bottom blade sloped surfaces 198a,b.

[0050] A plurality of bottom blade wings 202a,b may be formed between the bottom blade sloped surfaces 194a,b and the bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168. The bottom blade wings 202a,b may have tapered bottom blade wing ends 204a,b. The bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168 may have different slopes at the bottom blade wing ends 204a,b. As shown, the bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168 have steeper, nearly vertical, slopes at the bottom blade wing ends 204a,b. However, it is contemplated that the slope of the bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168 may remain constant. The bottom blade 104 may have a width defined between the bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168 of the bottom blade wings 202a,b.

[0051] FIGS. 5-11 are views of the blade holder 106 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the blade holder 106 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a top isometric view of the blade holder 106 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the blade holder 106 of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10. FIG. 11 is a bottom isometric view of the blade holder 106 of FIG. 8. As shown, the blade holder 106 may include a blade holder tip 210 and a blade holder base 212. The blade holder tip 210 may have a rounded or arch shape. The blade holder tip 210 may define a plurality of holder slots or slots 214a,b. In the depicted embodiment, the blade holder 106 includes two holder slots 214a,b. The holder slots 214a,b may be positioned perpendicular to one another. The holder slots 214a,b may extend from a top surface 216 of the blade holder tip 210 to holder slot surfaces 218a,b, respectively.

[0052] The holder slot surfaces 218a,b may have an arched shape. FIG. 10 shows a shape of a holder slot surface 214b. As shown, the holder slot surface 214b includes a holder slot flat surface 220. Two holder slot sloped surfaces 222a,b may extend downward from the holder slot flat surface 220. The other holder slot surface 218a may include the same features that are not shown for simplicity.

[0053] The holder slots 214a,b may create a plurality of blade holder tip segments 224a,b,c,d. The blade holder tip 210 may define fastener apertures 226a,b on opposing blade holder tip segments 224a,c. The fastener apertures 226a,b may axially align to receive a fastener therethrough.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 11, the blade holder base 212 may include a blade holder base outer surface 228 and a blade holder base bottom surface 230. The blade holder base bottom surface 230 may define a blade holder aperture 232 that is configured to receive a shaft of an arrowhead. The blade holder base 212 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0055] FIG. 12 is a front isometric view of the fastener 108 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, the fastener 108 may be a screw with threading 234 on an outer surface 236. The fastener 108 may be any conventional fastener. As an example, the fastener 108 may be a tempered set screw. The fastener 108 may vary in size depending on the size of the fastener apertures 226a,b and the blade point configuration 100.

[0056] FIGS. 13-15 are views showing the arrangement of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 relative to one another in the blade point configuration 100. FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a left isometric view of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a bottom isometric view of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 of FIG. 13. As shown, the top blade 102 is positioned above the bottom blade 104. The top blade 102 may be positioned inside the bottom blade slot 182 and the bottom blade 104 may be positioned inside the top blade bottom gap 130, the top blade coupling aperture 126, and top blade slot 132. Specifically, the bottom blade top gap 183 and bottom blade slot 182 align with and are positioned within the top blade bottom gap 130, the top blade coupling aperture 126, and top blade slot 132.

[0057] When arranged together, the top blade 102 may be perpendicular to the bottom blade 104. The top blade 102 may centrally intersect the bottom blade front surface 162 and the bottom blade rear surface 164. The bottom blade 104 may centrally intersect the top blade front surface 112 and the top blade rear surface 114. The bottom blade slot 182 may have a length or depth that is slightly greater than the length or depth of the top blade slot 132 such that the top blade front surface 112 and the top blade rear surface 114 sit inside part of the bottom blade slot 182. The bottom blade tip 172 may be positioned below the top blade tip 122. The arrangement of the bottom blade tip 172 below the top blade tip 122 as opposed to having the top and bottom blade tips 122, 172 align at the top may prevent a gap from forming at the tip of the point blade configuration 100, which may create a point of weakness in the point blade configuration 100. For example, a portion of the target material could get inside the gap and could pull the top and bottom blades 102, 104 apart. Instead, in the depicted point blade configuration 100, the top blade tip 122 may penetrate a target first, creating an opening that facilitates entry of the bottom blade 104 and mitigates the force exerted on the bottom blade 104 and on any gap formed between the top and bottom blades 102, 104. The point blade configuration 100 may thereby have improved strength due to the positioning of the bottom blade 104 relative to the top blade 102.

[0058] The position of the top blade coupling aperture 126 may partially align with the position of the bottom blade coupling aperture 176. The top blade coupling aperture 126 may be perpendicular to the bottom blade coupling aperture 176, thereby forming two circular apertures 238a,b where the top and bottom blades 102, 104 intersect. The circular apertures 238a,b may be sized and shaped to correspond with the fastener apertures 226a,b of the blade holder 106. The circular apertures 238a,b may have a small size that provides for an interference fit with the fastener 108. For example, the circular apertures 238a,b may have diameters that are only slightly larger (e.g., less than 0.01″) than the diameter of the fastener 108. The two circular apertures 238a,b formed may allow for the fastener 108 to be inserted in different directions. The oval shapes of the top and bottom blade coupling apertures 126, 176 may create circular apertures 238a,b having sizes and shapes that permit the fastener 108 to be inserted such that the fastener 108 contacts the fastener contact points 136a,b without contacting the remainder of the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b, which may prevent unnecessary interference between the fastener 108 and the top blade 102. The arrangement of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 may be such that the fastener 108 contacts the top blade 102 without contacting the bottom blade 104.

[0059] The top blade bottom gap 130 may align with the bottom blade bottom gap 180. As shown, the top blade bottom gap 130 is the same size as the bottom blade bottom gap 180, such that the top blade base 124 and the bottom blade base 174 are touching on both sides of the top and bottom blade bottom gaps 130, 180. The top blade bottom gap 130 and the bottom blade bottom gap 180 may be sized to prevent a tight tolerance fit between the top and bottom blades 102, 104. The top blade base 124 and the bottom blade base 174 may be in a flexible or loose arrangement relative to one another to allow for the top and bottom blades 102, 104 to be more easily fit together by an average user. The sizing of the top and bottom blade bottom gaps 130, 180 and arrangement of the top and bottom blade bases 124, 174 may thereby facilitate coupling of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 with the blade holder 106 and alignment of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 with one another and with the blade holder 106.

[0060] FIGS. 16-19 are various views of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 20 and 21 are cross section views of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1 showing the specific arrangement of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 within the blade holder 106. FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is a left side view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1. FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1. FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1. FIG. 20 is a cross section view of the bottom blade 104 and the blade holder 106 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1 taken across line 20-20 with the top blade and fastener omitted. FIG. 21 is a cross section view of the top blade, the fastener, and the blade holder of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1 taken across line 21-21 with the bottom blade omitted. As shown, the top and bottom blades 102, 104 are positioned within the blade holder 106 and coupled to the blade holder 106 by the fastener 108.

[0061] Specifically, the bottom blade 104 may be positioned within a holder slot 214b. The bottom blade bottom surface 170 may sit on the holder slot surface 218b. Specifically, the bottom blade base 174 may sit on the holder slot flat surface 220 and the bottom blade sloped surfaces 194a,b may sit on the holder sloped surfaces 222a,b. The first bottom blade sloped surfaces 198a,b may sit on the holder sloped surfaces 222a,b and the second bottom blade sloped surfaces 200a,b may extend out past the holder sloped surfaces 222a,b and are spaced away from the blade holder base 212. The bottom blade sloped surfaces 194a,b may form an acute angle with the blade holder base 212, such as an angle that is less than 45 degrees, less than 40 degrees, less than 35 degrees, less than 30 degrees, and the like. The acute angle formed may mitigate wind interference and improve the kinetic energy of an attached arrowhead and arrow during flight.

[0062] The top blade 102 may be positioned within the other holder slot 214a. The top blade bottom surface 120 may sit on the holder slot surface 218a. Specifically, the top blade base 124 may sit on the holder slot flat surface 220 and the top blade sloped surfaces 144a,b may sit on the holder sloped surfaces 222a,b. The first top blade sloped surfaces 148a,b may sit on the holder sloped surfaces 222a,b and the second top blade sloped surfaces 150a,b may extend out past the holder sloped surfaces 222a,b and are spaced away from the blade holder base 212. The top blade sloped surfaces 144a,b may form an acute angle with the blade holder base 212, such as an angle that is less than 45 degrees, less than 40 degrees, less than 35 degrees, less than 30 degrees, and the like. The acute angle formed may mitigate wind interference and improve the kinetic energy of an attached arrowhead and arrow during flight.

[0063] The fastener 108 may be positioned through the top blade coupling aperture 126 and may sit on the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b, specifically on the fastener contact points 136a,b. The fastener 108 may apply a downward force on the contact points 136a,b. When the top blade 102 is initially positioned by a user into the bottom blade 104 and the other holder slot 214a, the top blade bottom surface 120 may not touch or may lightly touch the holder slot surface 218a. The curved top wall 140 of the top blade slot wall 134 may not touch or may lightly touch the curved or arched bottom wall 190 of the bottom blade slot wall 184. When the fastener 108 is inserted into the circular aperture 238a, the fastener 108 may pull the top blade 102 down into the bottom blade 104 and blade holder 106. The downward pull of the top blade 102 into the bottom blade 104 may create a tight interference fit between the top blade bottom surface 120 and the holder slot surface 218a and between the curved top wall 140 of the top blade slot wall 134 and the curved or arched bottom wall 190 of the bottom blade slot wall 184.

[0064] A disclosed arrowhead point blade configuration may be coupled to an arrowhead. FIG. 22 is an isometric front view of an exemplary arrowhead 300 with the arrowhead point blade configuration of the present disclosure coupled thereto. The arrowhead 300 may be the arrowhead shown and described in the '312 patent. As shown, the arrowhead 300 may include a resilient shaft 302 and a plurality of cutting blades or deployable blades 304. The resilient shaft 302 may be composed of carbon fiber or another equally resilient material. The resilient shaft 302 may be disposed through a blade carrier or collar 306 allowing the blade carrier 306 to move up and down the resilient shaft 302. The cutting blades 304 may be pivotally mounted to the blade carrier 306. In the depicted embodiment, two cutting blades 304 are coupled to the blade carrier 306; however, more cutting blades 304 are contemplated, such as three, four, or more cutting blades. The cutting blades 304 each have a blade tip 308 at one end, a spine 310, and a cutting edge 312. The spine 310 and the cutting edge 312 are on opposing sides of the cutting blade 304. The cutting edge 312, when deployed, is oriented toward the direction of flight of the arrowhead 300 so that the cutting edge 312 will be deployed against the target material.

[0065] The resilient shaft 302 may be disposed within an arrowhead base 314. The resilient shaft 302 may be coupled to the arrowhead base 314 by threading or adhesive. The base 314 may include a base head 316 and a base shaft 318. The base shaft 318 may include threading 320 along at least a portion of the base shaft 318. The threading 320 may couple with threading on an arrow shaft to couple the arrowhead 300 to an arrow shaft. The base head 316 may define a base central bore that receives the resilient shaft 302. The base head 316 may define a plurality of blade retention apertures 322. The spines 310 of each of the cutting blades 304 may be disposed within the blade retention apertures 322. The blade tips 308 of the cutting blades 304 may extend through the blade retention apertures 322 and below the base head 316.

[0066] An arrowhead blade retention device 324 may be coupled to the base 314 of the arrowhead 300. The base shaft 318 may be disposed within a central aperture of the arrowhead blade retention device 324. The blade retention device 324 may include blade retainers or recesses that may align at least partially with the blade retention apertures 322 and may be positioned such that the portions of the cutting blades 304 that stick out below the base 314 are disposed within the blade retainers. The blade tips 308 may rest or bias against the recessed surfaces of the blade retainers.

[0067] The disclosed point blade configuration 100 may be coupled to the resilient shaft 302 and / or to a ferrule. The blade holder base 212 may be coupled to the resilient shaft 302. The resilient shaft 302 may be inserted into the blade holder aperture 232 defined in the blade holder base bottom surface 230. For example, the resilient shaft 302 may include threading to couple with threading on an interior wall that defines the blade holder aperture 232. In some embodiments, the resilient shaft 302 and blade holder 106 may be coupled by a press fit. The point blade configuration 100 may be coupled to the arrowhead 300 such that the blade holder tip 210 is adjacent to the blade carrier 306 when the cutting blades 304 are in an undeployed, retained, or collapsed position. The top blade wings 152a,b and bottom blade wings 202a,b may be positioned over a top surface 326 of the blade carrier 306. The top surface 326 may have a sloped shape that slopes down away from the point blade configuration 100. The angle of the slope of the second top blade sloped surfaces 150a,b and second bottom blade sloped surfaces 200a,b may align with, correspond with, or match the angle of slope of the top surface 326, creating a compact shape. The shape of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 may mitigate space between the point blade configuration 100 and the blade carrier 306.

[0068] The width of the top blade 102 from top blade left edge 116 to top blade right edge 118, and the width of the bottom blade 104 from bottom blade left edge 166 to bottom blade right edge 168 may be less than the diameter of the blade carrier 306. In other words, the blade carrier 306 extends out beyond the point blade configuration 100 such that the top surface 326 of the blade carrier 306 may contact a target. When target material is encountered, rearward force may be applied to the blade carrier 306, moving the blade carrier 306 along the resilient shaft 302 towards the base 314. Such movement of the blade carrier 306 may move the cutting blades 304 in an outward direction away from the resilient shaft 302 and base 314, placing pressure from the cutting edges 312 of the cutting blades 304 on the outer or lateral walls of the blade retention device 324. The pressure of the cutting edges 312 on the outer or lateral walls of the blade retention device 324 may break the outer or lateral walls of the blade retention device 324, deploying the cutting blades 304. The breaking of the arrowhead blade retention device 324 may thereby allow deployment of the cutting blades 304. The aerodynamic and narrow shape of the point blade configuration 100 may thereby facilitate movement of the blade carrier 306 and deployment of the cutting blades 304.

[0069] While disclosed arrowhead point blade configurations are depicted with specific embodiments of arrowheads, the arrowheads depicted are meant to be exemplary only and it is contemplated that disclosed arrowhead point blade configurations may be coupled to any arrowhead or broadhead that includes blades that deploy upon impact or arrowheads with fixed blades.

[0070] All references disclosed herein, whether patent or non-patent, are hereby incorporated by reference as if each was included at its citation, in its entirety.

[0071] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the structures disclosed herein, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of such structures. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated and may include wired or wireless connections, including electrical connections. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

[0072] The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0031]This disclosure is related to an arrowhead point blade configuration. The disclosed arrowhead point blade configuration may include at least two point blades that are coupled together by an interference and self-centering fit. The point blades, also referred to herein as “blades,” may be coupled to a blade holder that is configured to couple with an arrowhead or broadhead. The blades may include a top blade and a bottom blade. The top blade may be considered a male blade and the bottom blade may be considered a female blade, as the top blade is inserted into a slot of the bottom blade. A disclosed point blade configuration may be shaped to reduce its aerodynamic signature on an arrowhead.

[0032]The shape and arrangement or configuration of the blades may be compatible with an arrowhead that includes blades that release or deploy from a retained or collapsed position upon impact with a target. The term “target” is used herein to refer to any material the arrowhead may encounter....

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 673,482, entitled “Self-Centering Arrowhead Point Blade Configuration,” filed Jul. 19, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technology described herein relates generally to an arrowhead point blade configuration.BACKGROUND

[0003] Archery is the sport, practice, or skill of using a bow to shoot arrows. Archery has been used for hunting, combat, competitive sport, and recreation. The most common form of an arrow consists of a shaft, with an arrowhead at the front end, and fletchings and a nock at the other end. Arrowheads may come separate from the shaft and include target points, field points, and broadheads. Broadheads are typically wide arrow points with sharp edges for cutting and are often used for hunting. Broadheads may come with different types of blades, including fixed blades, removable blades, and expandable blades. Point blades are blades positioned at an end of the arrowhead that make initial contact with a target and are often the first part of the arrowhead to penetrate the target. Point blades can be damaged on impact with a target and are often replaceable components of a broadhead. Current point blades are typically formed as a single component or blade and are often wider than the body of the arrowhead, which reduces the kinetic energy of the arrow in flight.

[0004] The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.SUMMARY

[0005] The disclosed technology includes arrowhead point blade configurations. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include an arrowhead point blade configuration. The arrowhead point blade configuration may include a first point blade and a second point blade. The first point blade may include a first blade body including a first blade tip and a first blade base. A first blade gap may be defined in the first blade base and may separate two first blade protrusions of the first blade body. A first blade coupling aperture may be defined within the first blade body adjacent to the first blade base. The first blade gap may provide access to the first blade coupling aperture. A first blade slot may extend up from the first blade coupling aperture towards the first blade tip and may be aligned with the first blade gap. The second point blade may include a second blade body including a second blade tip and a second blade base. A second blade gap may be defined in the second blade base and may separate two second blade protrusions of the second blade body. A second blade coupling aperture may be defined within the second blade body adjacent to the second blade base. The second blade gap may provide access to the second blade coupling aperture. A second blade slot may extend down from the second blade tip and may be separate from the second blade coupling aperture. The first blade slot may be positioned within the second blade slot, partially aligning the first blade coupling aperture with the second blade coupling aperture, and the first blade protrusions may be offset above the second blade protrusions. The size and shape of the first blade slot and second blade slot and the first blade coupling aperture and second blade coupling aperture may be such that a fastener inserted through the first blade coupling aperture pulls the first point blade downwards into the second point blade creating an interference fit and centering the first point blade with the second point blade.

[0006] Other examples or embodiments of the present disclosure may include an arrowhead with deployable blades that includes a point blade configuration. The point blade configuration may include a top blade, a bottom blade, and a blade holder. The top blade may include a top blade body including a top blade tip and a top blade base, and a top blade left edge and a top blade right edge. The top blade left edge and the top blade right edge may extend from the top blade tip to points below the top blade base. A top blade width may be defined between the top blade left edge and the top blade right edge at the points below the top blade base. A top blade coupling aperture may be defined within the top blade body adjacent to the top blade base, and a top blade slot may be defined within the top blade body adjacent to the top blade coupling aperture. The bottom blade may include a bottom blade body including a bottom blade tip and a bottom blade base, and a bottom blade left edge and a bottom blade right edge. The bottom blade left edge and the bottom blade right edge may extend from the bottom blade tip to positions below the bottom blade base. A bottom blade width may be defined between the bottom blade left edge and the bottom blade right edge at the positions below the bottom blade base. A bottom blade coupling aperture may be defined within the bottom blade body adjacent to the bottom blade base. A bottom blade slot may be defined within the bottom blade body apart from the bottom blade coupling aperture. The blade holder may include a blade holder tip, including a plurality of blade holder slots defined between blade holder tip segments, fastener apertures defined in opposing blade holder tip segments, and a blade holder base coupled to the blade holder tip. The bottom blade may be positioned perpendicular to and below the top blade in the plurality of blade holder slots such that the top and bottom coupling apertures at least partially align with the fastener apertures.

[0007] The arrowhead may further include an arrowhead shaft having a first shaft end and a second shaft end, wherein the first shaft end is coupled to the blade holder base. A blade carrier may be slidably coupled to the arrowhead shaft. The blade carrier may have a width that is greater than the top blade width and the bottom blade width and a portion of the blade carrier may extend radially outward past the top and bottom blades. A plurality of cutting blades may be pivotally coupled to the blade carrier, wherein the cutting blades are configured to deploy from a stored position when the blade carrier moves downward along the arrowhead shaft in a direction from the first shaft end to the second shaft end after the portion of the blade carrier that extends radially outward past the top and bottom blades comes in contact with a target.

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments and implementations and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an arrowhead point blade configuration of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a top blade of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a bottom isometric view of the top blade of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a rear top isometric view of the top blade of FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a bottom blade of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a bottom isometric view of the bottom blade of FIG. 5.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a rear top isometric view of the bottom blade of FIG. 5.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a blade holder of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a top isometric view of the blade holder of FIG. 8.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the blade holder of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a bottom isometric view of the blade holder of FIG. 8.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a front isometric view of a fastener of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the blades of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a left isometric view of the blades of FIG. 13.

[0023] FIG. F 15 is a bottom isometric view of the blades of FIG. 13.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a left side view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a cross section view of the bottom blade and the blade holder of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1 taken across line 20-20 with the top blade and fastener omitted.

[0029] FIG. 21 is a cross section view of the top blade, the fastener, and the blade holder of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1 taken across line 21-21 with the bottom blade omitted.

[0030] FIG. 22 is an isometric front view of an exemplary arrowhead with the arrowhead point blade configuration of the present disclosure coupled thereto.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] This disclosure is related to an arrowhead point blade configuration. The disclosed arrowhead point blade configuration may include at least two point blades that are coupled together by an interference and self-centering fit. The point blades, also referred to herein as “blades,” may be coupled to a blade holder that is configured to couple with an arrowhead or broadhead. The blades may include a top blade and a bottom blade. The top blade may be considered a male blade and the bottom blade may be considered a female blade, as the top blade is inserted into a slot of the bottom blade. A disclosed point blade configuration may be shaped to reduce its aerodynamic signature on an arrowhead.

[0032] The shape and arrangement or configuration of the blades may be compatible with an arrowhead that includes blades that release or deploy from a retained or collapsed position upon impact with a target. The term “target” is used herein to refer to any material the arrowhead may encounter. Such arrowheads include broadheads, which have blades that open outward from a central shaft. As an example, the disclosed arrowhead blade point configuration may be used with the arrowhead disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,180,312 B2 entitled “Mechanical Expanding Broad Head Arrow Point,” granted on Jan. 15, 2019 (the '312 patent), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It is also contemplated that the disclosed point blade configuration may be used with a fixed blade arrowhead or broadhead. In these embodiments, the size and proportions of the point blade configuration and their components (the point blades and their features and the blade holder and its features) described herein may be larger.

[0033] A compatible arrowhead may include a component that moves upon impact with a target, which allows deployment of deploying blades to better penetrate the target. For example, the compatible arrowhead disclosed in the '312 patent includes a blade carrier that moves up a resilient shaft in a rearward direction when a rearward force is applied to the blade carrier upon impact with a target. The force of the blade carrier in the rearward direction releases the deploying blades. For example, the rearward force of the blade carrier may break an arrowhead blade retention device holding the deploying blades in place, thereby releasing the deploying blades. The shape and configuration of disclosed point blades may permit movement of the movable arrowhead component, such as the blade carrier disclosed in the '312 patent, to release the deploying blades. The shape and configuration of disclosed point blades may also maintain the kinetic energy of an arrow during flight to allow for greater impact force with and penetration through the target. For example, a disclosed point blade configuration may have a slender or narrow shape.

[0034] Disclosed point blades may include a body that includes a front surface, a rear surface, left and right edges, and a bottom surface. Disclosed point blades may include a tip and a base. The tip may be formed at a top end of the left and right edges or at the point of intersection of the left and right edges. The base may be formed by a flat portion of the bottom surface. The left and right edges may form an acute angle at a top of the point blade that is less than 35, 40, or 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the acute angle at the top of one or both of the point blades is 34.7 degrees. In some embodiments, the acute angle at the top of one or both of the point blades is 32.75 degrees. Disclosed point blades may have a slender or narrow shape to limit wind resistance and maintain kinetic energy during flight. The body may define a coupling aperture adjacent to the base. The base may define a bottom gap that provides access to the coupling aperture from below the blade. The gap may separate two protrusions of the body.

[0035] A disclosed top blade my include a top blade slot or slit that extends upward from the coupling aperture towards the tip and aligns with the gap defined in the base. A disclosed bottom blade may include a bottom blade slot or slit that is separate from the coupling aperture and that extends downward from the tip, separating the left and right edges by a top gap. The top blade made be coupled to the bottom blade with the top blade slot positioned within the bottom blade slot such that the coupling apertures partially align. As used herein, “partial alignment” means that there is some offset between the components. For example, partial alignment of the coupling apertures may mean that one coupling aperture may be partially above or partially below the other coupling aperture. The protrusions of the top blade may be positioned partially above or may be offset above the protrusions of the bottom blade.

[0036] A disclosed arrowhead point blade configuration may include a blade holder. The blade holder may include a blade holder base and blade holder tip. The blade holder base may have a cylindrical shape. The blade holder tip may have a rounded or arch shape. The blade holder tip may define a plurality of holder slots or slits. The plurality of holder slots may create a plurality of blade holder tip segments. The blade holder tip may define fastener apertures on opposing blade holder tip segments. The fastener apertures may align to receive a fastener therethrough. The holder slots may receive the point blades. The bottom blade may be inserted into a first holder slot and the top blade may be inserted into the bottom blade, e.g., as discussed above, and into a second holder slot. The top blade may be positioned perpendicular to the bottom blade. The coupling apertures of the top and bottom blades may at least partially align with the fastener apertures. The blade holder base may define a blade holder aperture that is configured to receive a shaft of an arrowhead.

[0037] When the top and bottom blades are positioned within the blade holder, the top blade may rest loosely on top of the bottom blade and the coupling aperture of the top blade may be partially out of alignment with the coupling aperture of the bottom blade and with the fastener apertures. The initial loose fit between the top blade and bottom blade may facilitate blade replacement by a user (e.g., a user removing blades from the blade holder and / or inserting blades into the blade holder). The initial loose fit may be beneficial when the point blade configuration includes small components that are difficult for an average user to handle and place together. The initial loose fit may also facilitate manufacturing of a disclosed point blade configuration and its components. A fastener may be inserted through the fastener apertures and coupling apertures. The fastener may contact the protrusions of the top blade without contacting the bottom blade due to the partial offset of the top blade protrusions above the bottom blade protrusions. The fastener may pull the top blade down into the bottom blade and into the blade holder, creating an interference fit and centering the top blade and bottom blade into the disclosed point blade configuration. For example, the fastener may pull the top blade protrusions downwards into alignment with the second blade protrusions. The interference fit may mitigate or prevent movement of the blades relative to one another and relative to the blade holder and other components of an attached broadhead and / or arrow shaft. By mitigating movement of the blades in the blade holder, the disclosed point blade configuration may maintain kinetic energy when an attached arrowhead or arrow is in flight.

[0038] The self-centering function and interference fit of the disclosed point blade configuration may reduce or mitigate runout that is often created by conventional point blades when they are attached to an arrowhead or broadhead and arrow shaft. Runout can occur with conventional arrows where components of an arrow assembly (e.g., the point blade, broadhead, arrow shaft, etc.) deviate from the main axis during rotation. The self-centering function of the disclosed point blade configuration may reduce runout and improve the concentricity of the overall arrowhead assembly or of one or more of its components. In this manner, the self-centering function of the disclosed point blade configuration may improve accuracy of an attached arrowhead and arrow during flight.

[0039] Turning to the figures, arrowhead point blade configuration embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed in more detail. FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an arrowhead point blade configuration of the present disclosure. As shown, the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 may include a top blade 102, a bottom blade 104, a blade holder 106, and a fastener 108. As discussed in more detail below, the top blade 102 and bottom blade 104 may be coupled to one another and to the blade holder 106 by the fastener 108. The bottom blade 104 may be positioned within the blade holder 106 and the top blade 102 may be positioned within the bottom blade 104 and blade holder 106. Insertion of the fastener 108 through the blade holder 106 and the top blade 102 and bottom blade 104 may create an interference fit and may center the top blade 102 and bottom blade 104 within the blade holder 106. The top and bottom blades 102, 104 may be made of a sturdy metal material. For example, the top and bottom blades 102, 104 may be made of steel material, such as a tool steel, stainless steel, tempered steel, spring steel, and the like. The blade holder 106 may be made of a light material, such as aluminum, for example.

[0040] Each component of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 will now be discussed in more detail. FIGS. 2-4 are views of the top blade 102 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the top blade 102 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a bottom isometric view of the top blade 102 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a rear top isometric view of the top blade 102 of FIG. 2. As shown, the top blade 102 may include a top blade body 110 that includes a top blade front surface 112, a top blade rear surface 114, a top blade left edge 116, a top blade right edge 118, and a top blade bottom surface 120. The top blade 102 may include a top blade tip 122 and a top blade base 124. The top blade tip 122 may be formed by the intersection of the top blade left and right edges 116, 118. The top blade left and right edges 116, 118 may form an acute angle at a top of the top blade 102 (e.g., at the top blade tip 122) that is less than 35, 40, or 45 degrees. The top blade base 124 may be formed by a flat portion of the top blade bottom surface 120.

[0041] The top blade body 110 may define a top blade coupling aperture 126 adjacent to the top blade base 124. In the depicted embodiment, the top blade coupling aperture 126 is an oval shape. Other shapes of the top blade coupling aperture 126 are contemplated depending on its size. The top blade coupling aperture 126 may be defined by a plurality of top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b. The top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b may define fastener contact points 136a,b. For example, the fastener contact points 136a,b positioned on surfaces of the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b that are parallel to the top blade base 124. The top blade base 124 may define a top blade bottom gap 130 that provides access to the top blade coupling aperture 126 from below the top blade 102. The top blade bottom gap 130 may separate the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b. A top blade slot or slit 132 may extend upward (e.g., in a direction towards the top blade tip 122) from the top blade coupling aperture 126. The top blade slot 132 may be defined within the top blade body 110. The top blade slot 132 may be defined by a top blade slot wall 134. The top blade slot wall 134 may include opposing sidewalls 138a,b coupled by a curved or arched top wall 140. In the depicted embodiment, the opposing sidewalls 138a,b are vertical. In other embodiments, the opposing sidewalls 138a,b may be slanted and may taper towards one another towards the curved top wall 140. The tapered opposing sidewalls 138a,b may form a smaller curved top wall 140 than the present embodiment and a seating angle. A tapered top blade slot 132 that narrows or tapers from the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b to the curved top wall 140 (e.g., that tapers in a direction towards the top blade tip 122) may allow for a tighter interference fit or compression fit with another blade (e.g., the bottom blade 104). The top blade slot 132 may align with the top blade bottom gap 130. The top blade slot 132 may form a gap between the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b. The top blade slot 132 may extend along a portion of a length of the top blade 102. The length of the top blade 102 may be defined between the top blade base 124 and top blade tip 122. For example, the top blade slot 132 may extend along less than half of the length of the top blade 102.

[0042] A plurality of top blade base protrusions 142a,b may be defined between the top blade base 124 and the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b. The top blade bottom gap 130 may be defined between and may separate the top blade base protrusions 142a,b.

[0043] The top blade bottom surface 120 may include the top blade base 124 and top blade sloped surfaces 144a,b that extend outward from and slope down from the top blade base 124. The top blade sloped surfaces 144a,b may include a single sloped surface or a plurality of sloped surfaces. In the depicted embodiment, the top blade sloped surfaces 144a,b include first top blade sloped surfaces 148a,b and second top blade sloped surfaces 150a,b, respectively. The second top blade sloped surfaces 150a,b may be steeper than the first top blade sloped surfaces 148a,b.

[0044] A plurality of top blade wings 152a,b may be formed between the top blade sloped surfaces 144a,b and the top blade left and right edges 116, 118. The top blade wings 152a,b may have tapered top blade wing ends 154a,b. The top blade left and right edges 116, 118 may have different slopes at the top blade wing ends 154a,b. As shown, the top blade left and right edges 116, 118 have steeper, nearly vertical, slopes at the top blade wing ends 154a,b. However, it is contemplated that the slope of the top blade left and right edges 116, 118 may remain constant. The top blade 102 may have a width defined between the top blade left and right edges 116, 118 of the top blade wings 152a,b.

[0045] FIGS. 5-7 are views of the bottom blade 104 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the bottom blade 104 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a bottom isometric view of the bottom blade 104 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a rear top isometric view of the bottom blade 104 of FIG. 5. As shown, the bottom blade 104 may include a bottom blade body 160 that includes a bottom blade front surface 162, a bottom blade rear surface 164, a bottom blade left edge 166, a bottom blade right edge 168, and a bottom blade bottom surface 170. The bottom blade 104 may include a bottom blade tip 172 and a bottom blade base 174. The bottom blade tip 172 may be formed at a top end of the bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168. The bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168 may form an acute angle at a top of the bottom blade 104 (e.g., at the bottom blade tip 172) that is less than 35, 40, or 45 degrees. The bottom blade base 174 may be formed by a flat portion of the bottom blade bottom surface 170.

[0046] The bottom blade body 160 may define a bottom blade coupling aperture 176 adjacent to the bottom blade base 174. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom blade coupling aperture 176 is an oval shape. Other shapes of the bottom blade coupling aperture 176 are contemplated depending on its size. The bottom blade coupling aperture 176 may be defined by a bottom blade coupling aperture wall 178. The bottom blade base 174 may define a bottom blade bottom gap 180 that provides access to the bottom blade coupling aperture 176 from below the bottom blade 104. The bottom blade bottom gap 180 may form a gap in the bottom blade coupling aperture wall 178 at a bottom end.

[0047] A bottom blade slot or slit 182 may be defined in the bottom blade body 160. The bottom blade slot or slit 182 may be separate from the bottom blade coupling aperture 176. The bottom blade slot 182 may extend downward from the bottom blade tip 172 (e.g., in a direction towards the bottom blade base 174). The bottom blade slot 182 may form a bottom blade top gap 183 between the bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168. The bottom blade slot 182 may be defined by a bottom blade slot wall 184. The bottom blade slot wall 184 may include opposing sidewalls 188a,b coupled by a curved or arched bottom wall 190. In the depicted embodiment, the opposing sidewalls 188a,b are vertical. In other embodiments, the opposing sidewalls 188a,b may be slanted and may taper towards one another towards the curved bottom wall 190. The tapered opposing sidewalls 188a,b may form a smaller curved bottom wall 190 than in the present embodiment. A tapered bottom blade slot 182 that narrows or tapers from the bottom blade tip 172 to the curved bottom wall 190 (e.g., that tapers in a direction towards the bottom blade base 174) may allow for a tighter interference fit or compression fit with another blade (e.g., the top blade 102). The bottom blade slot 182 may align with the bottom blade bottom gap 180. The bottom blade slot 182 may extend along a portion of a length of the bottom blade 104. The length of the bottom blade 104 may be defined between the bottom blade base 174 and bottom blade tip 172. For example, the bottom blade slot 182 may extend along half or more of the length of the bottom blade 104.

[0048] A plurality of bottom blade base protrusions 192a,b may be defined between the bottom blade base 174 and the bottom blade coupling aperture wall 178. The bottom blade bottom gap 180 may be defined between and may separate the bottom blade base protrusions 192a,b.

[0049] The bottom blade bottom surface 170 may include the bottom blade base 174 and bottom blade sloped surfaces 194a,b that extend outward from and slope down from the bottom blade base 174. The bottom blade sloped surfaces 194a,b may include a single sloped surface or a plurality of sloped surfaces. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom blade sloped surfaces 194a,b include first bottom blade sloped surfaces 198a,b and second bottom blade sloped surfaces 200a,b, respectively. The second bottom blade sloped surfaces 200a,b may be steeper than the first bottom blade sloped surfaces 198a,b.

[0050] A plurality of bottom blade wings 202a,b may be formed between the bottom blade sloped surfaces 194a,b and the bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168. The bottom blade wings 202a,b may have tapered bottom blade wing ends 204a,b. The bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168 may have different slopes at the bottom blade wing ends 204a,b. As shown, the bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168 have steeper, nearly vertical, slopes at the bottom blade wing ends 204a,b. However, it is contemplated that the slope of the bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168 may remain constant. The bottom blade 104 may have a width defined between the bottom blade left and right edges 166, 168 of the bottom blade wings 202a,b.

[0051] FIGS. 5-11 are views of the blade holder 106 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the blade holder 106 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a top isometric view of the blade holder 106 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the blade holder 106 of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10. FIG. 11 is a bottom isometric view of the blade holder 106 of FIG. 8. As shown, the blade holder 106 may include a blade holder tip 210 and a blade holder base 212. The blade holder tip 210 may have a rounded or arch shape. The blade holder tip 210 may define a plurality of holder slots or slots 214a,b. In the depicted embodiment, the blade holder 106 includes two holder slots 214a,b. The holder slots 214a,b may be positioned perpendicular to one another. The holder slots 214a,b may extend from a top surface 216 of the blade holder tip 210 to holder slot surfaces 218a,b, respectively.

[0052] The holder slot surfaces 218a,b may have an arched shape. FIG. 10 shows a shape of a holder slot surface 214b. As shown, the holder slot surface 214b includes a holder slot flat surface 220. Two holder slot sloped surfaces 222a,b may extend downward from the holder slot flat surface 220. The other holder slot surface 218a may include the same features that are not shown for simplicity.

[0053] The holder slots 214a,b may create a plurality of blade holder tip segments 224a,b,c,d. The blade holder tip 210 may define fastener apertures 226a,b on opposing blade holder tip segments 224a,c. The fastener apertures 226a,b may axially align to receive a fastener therethrough.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 11, the blade holder base 212 may include a blade holder base outer surface 228 and a blade holder base bottom surface 230. The blade holder base bottom surface 230 may define a blade holder aperture 232 that is configured to receive a shaft of an arrowhead. The blade holder base 212 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0055] FIG. 12 is a front isometric view of the fastener 108 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, the fastener 108 may be a screw with threading 234 on an outer surface 236. The fastener 108 may be any conventional fastener. As an example, the fastener 108 may be a tempered set screw. The fastener 108 may vary in size depending on the size of the fastener apertures 226a,b and the blade point configuration 100.

[0056] FIGS. 13-15 are views showing the arrangement of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 relative to one another in the blade point configuration 100. FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a left isometric view of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a bottom isometric view of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 of FIG. 13. As shown, the top blade 102 is positioned above the bottom blade 104. The top blade 102 may be positioned inside the bottom blade slot 182 and the bottom blade 104 may be positioned inside the top blade bottom gap 130, the top blade coupling aperture 126, and top blade slot 132. Specifically, the bottom blade top gap 183 and bottom blade slot 182 align with and are positioned within the top blade bottom gap 130, the top blade coupling aperture 126, and top blade slot 132.

[0057] When arranged together, the top blade 102 may be perpendicular to the bottom blade 104. The top blade 102 may centrally intersect the bottom blade front surface 162 and the bottom blade rear surface 164. The bottom blade 104 may centrally intersect the top blade front surface 112 and the top blade rear surface 114. The bottom blade slot 182 may have a length or depth that is slightly greater than the length or depth of the top blade slot 132 such that the top blade front surface 112 and the top blade rear surface 114 sit inside part of the bottom blade slot 182. The bottom blade tip 172 may be positioned below the top blade tip 122. The arrangement of the bottom blade tip 172 below the top blade tip 122 as opposed to having the top and bottom blade tips 122, 172 align at the top may prevent a gap from forming at the tip of the point blade configuration 100, which may create a point of weakness in the point blade configuration 100. For example, a portion of the target material could get inside the gap and could pull the top and bottom blades 102, 104 apart. Instead, in the depicted point blade configuration 100, the top blade tip 122 may penetrate a target first, creating an opening that facilitates entry of the bottom blade 104 and mitigates the force exerted on the bottom blade 104 and on any gap formed between the top and bottom blades 102, 104. The point blade configuration 100 may thereby have improved strength due to the positioning of the bottom blade 104 relative to the top blade 102.

[0058] The position of the top blade coupling aperture 126 may partially align with the position of the bottom blade coupling aperture 176. The top blade coupling aperture 126 may be perpendicular to the bottom blade coupling aperture 176, thereby forming two circular apertures 238a,b where the top and bottom blades 102, 104 intersect. The circular apertures 238a,b may be sized and shaped to correspond with the fastener apertures 226a,b of the blade holder 106. The circular apertures 238a,b may have a small size that provides for an interference fit with the fastener 108. For example, the circular apertures 238a,b may have diameters that are only slightly larger (e.g., less than 0.01″) than the diameter of the fastener 108. The two circular apertures 238a,b formed may allow for the fastener 108 to be inserted in different directions. The oval shapes of the top and bottom blade coupling apertures 126, 176 may create circular apertures 238a,b having sizes and shapes that permit the fastener 108 to be inserted such that the fastener 108 contacts the fastener contact points 136a,b without contacting the remainder of the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b, which may prevent unnecessary interference between the fastener 108 and the top blade 102. The arrangement of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 may be such that the fastener 108 contacts the top blade 102 without contacting the bottom blade 104.

[0059] The top blade bottom gap 130 may align with the bottom blade bottom gap 180. As shown, the top blade bottom gap 130 is the same size as the bottom blade bottom gap 180, such that the top blade base 124 and the bottom blade base 174 are touching on both sides of the top and bottom blade bottom gaps 130, 180. The top blade bottom gap 130 and the bottom blade bottom gap 180 may be sized to prevent a tight tolerance fit between the top and bottom blades 102, 104. The top blade base 124 and the bottom blade base 174 may be in a flexible or loose arrangement relative to one another to allow for the top and bottom blades 102, 104 to be more easily fit together by an average user. The sizing of the top and bottom blade bottom gaps 130, 180 and arrangement of the top and bottom blade bases 124, 174 may thereby facilitate coupling of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 with the blade holder 106 and alignment of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 with one another and with the blade holder 106.

[0060] FIGS. 16-19 are various views of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 20 and 21 are cross section views of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1 showing the specific arrangement of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 within the blade holder 106. FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is a left side view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1. FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1. FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1. FIG. 20 is a cross section view of the bottom blade 104 and the blade holder 106 of the arrowhead point blade configuration 100 of FIG. 1 taken across line 20-20 with the top blade and fastener omitted. FIG. 21 is a cross section view of the top blade, the fastener, and the blade holder of the arrowhead point blade configuration of FIG. 1 taken across line 21-21 with the bottom blade omitted. As shown, the top and bottom blades 102, 104 are positioned within the blade holder 106 and coupled to the blade holder 106 by the fastener 108.

[0061] Specifically, the bottom blade 104 may be positioned within a holder slot 214b. The bottom blade bottom surface 170 may sit on the holder slot surface 218b. Specifically, the bottom blade base 174 may sit on the holder slot flat surface 220 and the bottom blade sloped surfaces 194a,b may sit on the holder sloped surfaces 222a,b. The first bottom blade sloped surfaces 198a,b may sit on the holder sloped surfaces 222a,b and the second bottom blade sloped surfaces 200a,b may extend out past the holder sloped surfaces 222a,b and are spaced away from the blade holder base 212. The bottom blade sloped surfaces 194a,b may form an acute angle with the blade holder base 212, such as an angle that is less than 45 degrees, less than 40 degrees, less than 35 degrees, less than 30 degrees, and the like. The acute angle formed may mitigate wind interference and improve the kinetic energy of an attached arrowhead and arrow during flight.

[0062] The top blade 102 may be positioned within the other holder slot 214a. The top blade bottom surface 120 may sit on the holder slot surface 218a. Specifically, the top blade base 124 may sit on the holder slot flat surface 220 and the top blade sloped surfaces 144a,b may sit on the holder sloped surfaces 222a,b. The first top blade sloped surfaces 148a,b may sit on the holder sloped surfaces 222a,b and the second top blade sloped surfaces 150a,b may extend out past the holder sloped surfaces 222a,b and are spaced away from the blade holder base 212. The top blade sloped surfaces 144a,b may form an acute angle with the blade holder base 212, such as an angle that is less than 45 degrees, less than 40 degrees, less than 35 degrees, less than 30 degrees, and the like. The acute angle formed may mitigate wind interference and improve the kinetic energy of an attached arrowhead and arrow during flight.

[0063] The fastener 108 may be positioned through the top blade coupling aperture 126 and may sit on the top blade coupling aperture walls 128a,b, specifically on the fastener contact points 136a,b. The fastener 108 may apply a downward force on the contact points 136a,b. When the top blade 102 is initially positioned by a user into the bottom blade 104 and the other holder slot 214a, the top blade bottom surface 120 may not touch or may lightly touch the holder slot surface 218a. The curved top wall 140 of the top blade slot wall 134 may not touch or may lightly touch the curved or arched bottom wall 190 of the bottom blade slot wall 184. When the fastener 108 is inserted into the circular aperture 238a, the fastener 108 may pull the top blade 102 down into the bottom blade 104 and blade holder 106. The downward pull of the top blade 102 into the bottom blade 104 may create a tight interference fit between the top blade bottom surface 120 and the holder slot surface 218a and between the curved top wall 140 of the top blade slot wall 134 and the curved or arched bottom wall 190 of the bottom blade slot wall 184.

[0064] A disclosed arrowhead point blade configuration may be coupled to an arrowhead. FIG. 22 is an isometric front view of an exemplary arrowhead 300 with the arrowhead point blade configuration of the present disclosure coupled thereto. The arrowhead 300 may be the arrowhead shown and described in the '312 patent. As shown, the arrowhead 300 may include a resilient shaft 302 and a plurality of cutting blades or deployable blades 304. The resilient shaft 302 may be composed of carbon fiber or another equally resilient material. The resilient shaft 302 may be disposed through a blade carrier or collar 306 allowing the blade carrier 306 to move up and down the resilient shaft 302. The cutting blades 304 may be pivotally mounted to the blade carrier 306. In the depicted embodiment, two cutting blades 304 are coupled to the blade carrier 306; however, more cutting blades 304 are contemplated, such as three, four, or more cutting blades. The cutting blades 304 each have a blade tip 308 at one end, a spine 310, and a cutting edge 312. The spine 310 and the cutting edge 312 are on opposing sides of the cutting blade 304. The cutting edge 312, when deployed, is oriented toward the direction of flight of the arrowhead 300 so that the cutting edge 312 will be deployed against the target material.

[0065] The resilient shaft 302 may be disposed within an arrowhead base 314. The resilient shaft 302 may be coupled to the arrowhead base 314 by threading or adhesive. The base 314 may include a base head 316 and a base shaft 318. The base shaft 318 may include threading 320 along at least a portion of the base shaft 318. The threading 320 may couple with threading on an arrow shaft to couple the arrowhead 300 to an arrow shaft. The base head 316 may define a base central bore that receives the resilient shaft 302. The base head 316 may define a plurality of blade retention apertures 322. The spines 310 of each of the cutting blades 304 may be disposed within the blade retention apertures 322. The blade tips 308 of the cutting blades 304 may extend through the blade retention apertures 322 and below the base head 316.

[0066] An arrowhead blade retention device 324 may be coupled to the base 314 of the arrowhead 300. The base shaft 318 may be disposed within a central aperture of the arrowhead blade retention device 324. The blade retention device 324 may include blade retainers or recesses that may align at least partially with the blade retention apertures 322 and may be positioned such that the portions of the cutting blades 304 that stick out below the base 314 are disposed within the blade retainers. The blade tips 308 may rest or bias against the recessed surfaces of the blade retainers.

[0067] The disclosed point blade configuration 100 may be coupled to the resilient shaft 302 and / or to a ferrule. The blade holder base 212 may be coupled to the resilient shaft 302. The resilient shaft 302 may be inserted into the blade holder aperture 232 defined in the blade holder base bottom surface 230. For example, the resilient shaft 302 may include threading to couple with threading on an interior wall that defines the blade holder aperture 232. In some embodiments, the resilient shaft 302 and blade holder 106 may be coupled by a press fit. The point blade configuration 100 may be coupled to the arrowhead 300 such that the blade holder tip 210 is adjacent to the blade carrier 306 when the cutting blades 304 are in an undeployed, retained, or collapsed position. The top blade wings 152a,b and bottom blade wings 202a,b may be positioned over a top surface 326 of the blade carrier 306. The top surface 326 may have a sloped shape that slopes down away from the point blade configuration 100. The angle of the slope of the second top blade sloped surfaces 150a,b and second bottom blade sloped surfaces 200a,b may align with, correspond with, or match the angle of slope of the top surface 326, creating a compact shape. The shape of the top and bottom blades 102, 104 may mitigate space between the point blade configuration 100 and the blade carrier 306.

[0068] The width of the top blade 102 from top blade left edge 116 to top blade right edge 118, and the width of the bottom blade 104 from bottom blade left edge 166 to bottom blade right edge 168 may be less than the diameter of the blade carrier 306. In other words, the blade carrier 306 extends out beyond the point blade configuration 100 such that the top surface 326 of the blade carrier 306 may contact a target. When target material is encountered, rearward force may be applied to the blade carrier 306, moving the blade carrier 306 along the resilient shaft 302 towards the base 314. Such movement of the blade carrier 306 may move the cutting blades 304 in an outward direction away from the resilient shaft 302 and base 314, placing pressure from the cutting edges 312 of the cutting blades 304 on the outer or lateral walls of the blade retention device 324. The pressure of the cutting edges 312 on the outer or lateral walls of the blade retention device 324 may break the outer or lateral walls of the blade retention device 324, deploying the cutting blades 304. The breaking of the arrowhead blade retention device 324 may thereby allow deployment of the cutting blades 304. The aerodynamic and narrow shape of the point blade configuration 100 may thereby facilitate movement of the blade carrier 306 and deployment of the cutting blades 304.

[0069] While disclosed arrowhead point blade configurations are depicted with specific embodiments of arrowheads, the arrowheads depicted are meant to be exemplary only and it is contemplated that disclosed arrowhead point blade configurations may be coupled to any arrowhead or broadhead that includes blades that deploy upon impact or arrowheads with fixed blades.

[0070] All references disclosed herein, whether patent or non-patent, are hereby incorporated by reference as if each was included at its citation, in its entirety.

[0071] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the structures disclosed herein, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of such structures. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated and may include wired or wireless connections, including electrical connections. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

[0072] The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0031]This disclosure is related to an arrowhead point blade configuration. The disclosed arrowhead point blade configuration may include at least two point blades that are coupled together by an interference and self-centering fit. The point blades, also referred to herein as “blades,” may be coupled to a blade holder that is configured to couple with an arrowhead or broadhead. The blades may include a top blade and a bottom blade. The top blade may be considered a male blade and the bottom blade may be considered a female blade, as the top blade is inserted into a slot of the bottom blade. A disclosed point blade configuration may be shaped to reduce its aerodynamic signature on an arrowhead.

[0032]The shape and arrangement or configuration of the blades may be compatible with an arrowhead that includes blades that release or deploy from a retained or collapsed position upon impact with a target. The term “target” is used herein to refer to any material the arrowhead may encounter....

Claims

1. An arrowhead point blade configuration, comprising:a first point blade comprising:a first blade body comprising a first blade tip and a first blade base,a first blade gap defined in the first blade base, wherein the first blade gap separates two first blade protrusions of the first blade body,a first blade coupling aperture defined within the first blade body adjacent to the first blade base, wherein the first blade gap provides access to the first blade coupling aperture, anda first blade slot that extends up from the first blade coupling aperture towards the first blade tip, wherein the first blade slot is aligned with the first blade gap; anda second point blade comprising:a second blade body comprising a second blade tip and a second blade base,a second blade gap defined in the second blade base, wherein the second blade gap separates two second blade protrusions of the second blade body,a second blade coupling aperture defined within the second blade body adjacent to the second blade base, wherein the second blade gap provides access to the second blade coupling aperture, anda second blade slot that extends down from the second blade tip and is separate from the second blade coupling aperture;wherein the first blade slot is positioned within the second blade slot, partially aligning the first blade coupling aperture with the second blade coupling aperture, and wherein the first blade protrusions are offset above the second blade protrusions; andwherein the size and shape of the first blade slot and second blade slot and the first blade coupling aperture and second blade coupling aperture are such that a fastener inserted through the first blade coupling aperture pulls the first point blade downwards into the second point blade creating an interference fit and centering the first point blade with the second point blade.

2. The arrowhead point blade configuration of claim 1, wherein the first blade coupling aperture and the second blade coupling aperture have an oval shape, and wherein the first blade coupling aperture and the second blade coupling aperture are arranged perpendicular to one another forming circular apertures.

3. The arrowhead point blade configuration of claim 1, wherein the first blade base forms a portion of a first blade bottom surface, and wherein the first blade bottom surface further comprises a first blade sloped surface that slopes down from the first blade base; and wherein the second blade base forms a portion of a second blade bottom surface, and wherein the second blade bottom surface further comprises a second blade sloped surface that slopes down from the second blade base.

4. The arrowhead point blade configuration of claim 1, wherein the first point blade comprises a first blade left edge and a first blade right edge, wherein the first blade left edge and the first blade right edge form an acute angle at the first blade tip that is less than 40 degrees, and wherein the second point blade comprises a second blade left edge and a second blade right edge, wherein the second blade left edge and the second blade right edge form an acute angle at the second blade tip that is less than 40 degrees.

5. The arrowhead point blade configuration of claim 2, wherein the first blade coupling aperture is defined by a first blade coupling aperture wall, and wherein the first blade coupling aperture wall defines a plurality of fastener contact points above the first blade protrusions.

6. The arrowhead point blade configuration of claim 5, further comprising a fastener positioned through at least one of the circular apertures, wherein when the fastener is initially inserted into the at least one circular aperture, the fastener contacts the fastener contact points without contacting the second point blade.

7. The arrowhead point blade configuration of claim 3, further comprising:a blade holder, the blade holder comprising:a blade holder base,a blade holder tip coupled to the blade holder base, the blade holder tip defining a first blade holder slot positioned perpendicular to a second blade holder slot, wherein the first blade holder slot comprises a first blade holder slot surface and the second blade holder slot comprises a second blade holder slot surface, and wherein the first and second blade holder slots separate a plurality of blade holder tip segments, andfastener apertures defined in opposing blade holder tip segments of the plurality of blade holder tip segments, wherein the fastener apertures are axially aligned;wherein the first blade is positioned in the first blade holder slot such that the first blade base and the first blade sloped surface align with matching slopes of the first blade holder slot surface and the first blade coupling aperture partially aligns with the fastener apertures, and wherein the second blade is positioned in the second blade holder slot such that the second blade base and the second blade sloped surface align with matching slopes of the second blade holder slot surface and the second blade coupling aperture partially aligns with the fastener apertures.

8. The arrowhead point blade configuration of claim 7, further comprising a fastener positioned through the fastener apertures, a portion of the first blade coupling aperture, and a portion of the second blade coupling aperture, wherein the fastener pulls the first point blade downwards into the second point blade and into the blade holder creating an interference fit and centering the first point blade with the second point blade and the blade holder.

9. The arrowhead point blade configuration of claim 8, wherein the fastener contacts the first blade protrusions, pulling the first blade protrusions downward into alignment with the second blade protrusions, and creating an interference fit between the first blade base and the first blade holder slot surface.

10. The arrowhead point blade configuration of claim 8, wherein the first blade tip is positioned above the second blade tip.

11. The arrowhead point blade configuration of claim 1, wherein the first blade slot is partially defined by first blade slot opposing sidewalls that taper inward from the first blade coupling aperture in a direction towards the first blade tip, and wherein the second blade slot is partially defined by second blade slot opposing sidewalls that taper inward from the second blade tip in a direction towards the second blade base.

12. An arrowhead with deployable blades, comprising:a point blade configuration, comprising:a top blade, comprising:a top blade body comprising a top blade tip and a top blade base,a top blade left edge and a top blade right edge, wherein the top blade left edge and the top blade right edge extend from the top blade tip to points below the top blade base, and wherein a top blade width is defined between the top blade left edge and the top blade right edge at the points below the top blade base,a top blade coupling aperture is defined within the top blade body adjacent to the top blade base, anda top blade slot is defined within the top blade body adjacent to the top blade coupling aperture,a bottom blade, comprising:a bottom blade body comprising a bottom blade tip and a bottom blade base,a bottom blade left edge and a bottom blade right edge, wherein the bottom blade left edge and the bottom blade right edge extend from the bottom blade tip to positions below the bottom blade base, and wherein a bottom blade width is defined between the bottom blade left edge and the bottom blade right edge at the positions below the bottom blade base,a bottom blade coupling aperture is defined within the bottom blade body adjacent to the bottom blade base, anda bottom blade slot is defined within the bottom blade body a distance apart from the bottom blade coupling aperture, anda blade holder, comprising:a blade holder tip, comprising a plurality of blade holder slots defined between blade holder tip segments,a plurality of fastener apertures defined in opposing blade holder tip segments, anda blade holder base coupled to the blade holder tip,wherein the bottom blade is positioned perpendicular to and below the top blade in the plurality of blade holder slots such that the top and bottom coupling apertures at least partially align with the plurality of fastener apertures;an arrowhead shaft having a first shaft end and a second shaft end, wherein the first shaft end is coupled to the blade holder base;a blade carrier slidably coupled to the arrowhead shaft, wherein the blade carrier has a width or diameter that is greater than the top blade width and the bottom blade width and a portion of the blade carrier extends radially outward past the top and bottom blades; anda plurality of cutting blades pivotally coupled to the blade carrier;wherein the cutting blades are configured to deploy from a stored position when the blade carrier moves downward along the arrowhead shaft in a direction from the first shaft end to the second shaft end after the portion of the blade carrier that extends radially outward past the top and bottom blades comes in contact with a target.

13. The arrowhead with deployable blades of claim 12, wherein the bottom blade slot extends down from the bottom blade tip.

14. The arrowhead with deployable blades of claim 12, wherein the top blade slot is defined by opposing top blade slot sidewalls and a curved top blade slot top wall, and the bottom blade slot is defined by opposing bottom blade slot sidewalls and a curved bottom blade slot bottom wall, and wherein the top blade slot is positioned within the bottom blade slot, partially aligning the curved top blade slot top wall and the curved bottom blade slot bottom wall; andwherein the size and shape of the top blade slot and the bottom blade slot and the top blade coupling aperture and the bottom blade coupling aperture are such that a fastener inserted through the top blade coupling aperture and the bottom blade coupling aperture pulls the top blade downwards into the bottom blade creating an interference fit between the curved top blade slot top wall and the curved bottom blade slot bottom wall and centering the top blade with the bottom blade.

15. The arrowhead with deployable blades of claim 12, wherein the top blade coupling aperture and the bottom blade coupling aperture have an oval shape, and wherein when the top blade coupling aperture and the bottom blade coupling aperture are arranged perpendicular to one another forming circular apertures.

16. The arrowhead with deployable blades of claim 12, wherein:top blade sloped surfaces extend out in opposing directions from the top blade base and bottom blade sloped surfaces extend out in opposing directions from the bottom blade base,a portion of the top blade sloped surfaces and a portion of the bottom blade sloped surfaces extend out of the blade holder slots,the blade carrier has a blade carrier sloped outer surface, andthe portion of the top blade sloped surfaces and the portion of the bottom blade sloped surfaces that extend out of the blade holder slots have slopes that match a slope of the blade carrier sloped outer surface.

17. The arrowhead with deployable blades of claim 12, wherein the top blade coupling aperture is defined by a top blade coupling aperture wall that defines a plurality of fastener contact points positioned on a surface of the top blade coupling aperture wall that is parallel to the top blade base.

18. The arrowhead with deployable blades of claim 17, further comprising a fastener positioned through the top blade coupling aperture, wherein the fastener places a downward force on the fastener contact points, pulling the top blade down into the bottom blade and into the blade holder, creating an interference fit and centering the top blade with the bottom blade and the blade holder.

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