Expandable broadhead

Abstract

A broadhead for mating with an arrow, includes a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, in flight position and an extended, penetrating position, each of the blades being rearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted, in flight position to the extended, penetrating position, each of the blades residing at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinal translation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead is also included.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A broadhead for mating with an arrow, comprising:
 a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, in flight position and an extended, penetrating position, each of the blades being rearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted, in flight position to the extended, penetrating position, each of the blades residing at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinal translation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body, the respective blade recesses each being a slot having a first inlet and a second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge.   
     
     
       2. The broadhead of  claim 1 , each of the plurality of blades having a mass reducing retaining slot defined therein, a retaining device being disposed therein for shiftably coupling the respective blade to the broadhead body. 
     
     
       3. The broadhead of  claim 2 , A broadhead for mating with an arrow, comprising:
 a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, in flight position and an extended, penetrating position, each of the blades being rearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted, in flight position to the extended, penetrating position, each of the blades residing at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinal translation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body, the respective blade recesses each being a slot having a first inlet and a second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge, wherein each of the plurality of blades have a mass reducing retaining slot defined therein, a retaining device being disposed therein for shiftably coupling the respective blade to the broadhead body, and wherein the respective slots being are arcuate in shape. 
 
     
     
       4. The broadhead of  claim 2 , A broadhead for mating with an arrow, comprising:
 a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, in flight position and an extended, penetrating position, each of the blades being rearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted, in flight position to the extended, penetrating position, each of the blades residing at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinal translation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body, the respective blade recesses each being a slot having a first inlet and a second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge, wherein each of the plurality of blades have a mass reducing retaining slot defined therein, a retaining device being disposed therein for shiftably coupling the respective blade to the broadhead body, and wherein the respective slots having have a shape defined by a substantially straight side and by a curved side. 
 
     
     
       5. The broadhead of  claim 2 , the respective slots and respective retaining devices cooperating to at least in part effecting the outward camming action of the blades during rearward longitudinal translation thereof. 
     
     
       6. The broadhead of  claim 1  A broadhead for mating with an arrow, comprising:
 a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, in flight position and an extended, penetrating position, each of the blades being rearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted, in flight position to the extended, penetrating position, each of the blades residing at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinal translation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body, the respective blade recesses each being a slot having a first inlet and a second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge, the broadhead further including a tip blade operably coupled to a penetrating end of the broadhead body. 
 
     
     
       7. The broadhead of  claim 6 , the tip blade having a pair of cutting edges. 
     
     
       8. The broadhead of  claim 7 , the tip blade cutting edges being curved and intersecting at a leading point. 
     
     
       9. The broadhead of  claim 7 , the tip blade cutting edges extending radially outward relative to a penetrating end external margin. 
     
     
       10. The broadhead of  claim 1  having at least three blades. 
     
     
       11. The broadhead of  claim 1 , each of the blades having a camming edge operably coupled to the cutting edge and an impact edge operably coupled to the cutting edge. 
     
     
       12. The broadhead of  claim 11 , the respective impact edges being presented at least in part external to the broadhead body when the respective blades are in the retracted, in flight position. 
     
     
       13. The broadhead of  claim 12 , a rearward directed longitudinal force exerted on the portion of the respective impact edges presented external to the broadhead body acting to translate the respective blades rearwardly longitudinally to the extended, penetrating position. 
     
     
       14. The broadhead of  claim 1 , A broadhead for mating with an arrow, comprising:
 a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, in flight position and an extended, penetrating position, each of the blades being rearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted, in flight position to the extended, penetrating position, each of the blades residing at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinal translation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body, the respective blade recesses each being a slot having a first inlet and a second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge, and wherein the respective blade recesses each being a groove having a first inlet and a blind bottom margin. 
 
     
     
       15. The broadhead of  claim 1 , the respective blade recesses each being offset from a broadhead body longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       16. The broadhead of  claim 1 , the respective blade recesses each being offset from a broadhead body longitudinal axis and parallel thereto. 
     
     
       17. The broadhead of  claim 1 , A broadhead for mating with an arrow, comprising:
 a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, in flight position and an extended, penetrating position, each of the blades being rearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted, in flight position to the extended, penetrating position, each of the blades residing at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinal translation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body, the respective blade recesses each being a slot having a first inlet and a second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge, and wherein the respective blade recesses are each being offset from a broadhead body longitudinal axis and angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. 
 
     
     
       18. The broadhead of  claim 1 , A broadhead for mating with an arrow, comprising:
 a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, in flight position and an extended, penetrating position, each of the blades being rearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted, in flight position to the extended, penetrating position, each of the blades residing at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinal translation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body, the respective blade recesses each being a slot having a first inlet and a second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge, and wherein the respective blade recesses are each being angled with respect to the longitudinal axis and intersecting the longitudinal axis. 
 
     
     
       19. The broadhead of  claim 1 , the respective blade recesses each being radially disposed relative to a broadhead body longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       20. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;   rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;   effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades; and   defining a mass reducing retaining slot in each of the plurality of blades and disposing a retaining device in the respective slots for shiftably coupling the respective blade to the broadhead body.   
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 20 , A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position; 
 rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position; 
 effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades; 
 defining a mass reducing retaining slot in each of the plurality of blades and disposing a retaining device in the respective slots for shiftably coupling the respective blade to the broadhead body; and 
 including forming the respective slots in an arcuate shape. 
 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 20 , including forming the respective slots in a shape defined by a substantially straight side and by a curved side. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 20 , including at least in part effecting the outward camming action of the blades during rearward longitudinal translation thereof by cooperative action of the respective slots and respective retaining devices. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 20  A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position; 
 rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position; 
 effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades; 
 defining a mass reducing retaining slot in each of the plurality of blades and disposing a retaining device in the respective slots for shiftably coupling the respective blade to the broadhead body; and 
 including operably coupling a tip blade to a penetrating end of the broadhead body. 
 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 24 , including forming a pair of cutting edges on the tip blade. 
     
     
       26. The method of  claim 25 , including forming the tip blade cutting edges curved and intersecting at a leading point. 
     
     
       27. The method of  claim 25 , including extending the tip blade cutting edges radially outward relative to a penetrating end external margin. 
     
     
       28. The method of  claim 20 , including disposing at least three blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body. 
     
     
       29. The method of  claim 20 , including forming the respective blade recesses as a slot having a first inlet and a second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge. 
     
     
       30. The method of  claim 20 , A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position; 
 rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position; 
 effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades; 
 defining a mass reducing retaining slot in each of the plurality of blades and disposing a retaining device in the respective slots for shiftably coupling the respective blade to the broadhead body; and 
 including forming the respective blade recesses as a groove having a first inlet and a blind bottom margin. 
 
     
     
       31. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;   rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;   effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body to means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades; and   on each of the blades, defining a camming edge and operably coupling the camming edge to the cutting edge and an impact edge and operably coupling the impact edge to the cutting edge.   
     
     
       32. The method of  claim 31 , including presenting the respective impact edges at least in part external to the broadhead body when the respective blades are in the retracted, in flight position. 
     
     
       33. The method of  claim 32 , including exerting a rearward directed longitudinal force on the portion of the respective impact edges presented external to the broadhead body acting to translate the respective blades rearwardly longitudinally to the blade extended, penetrating position. 
     
     
       34. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;   rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;   effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades; and   forming the respective blade recesses offset from a broadhead body longitudinal axis.   
     
     
       35. The method of  claim 34 , A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position; 
 rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position; 
 effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades; 
 forming the respective blade recesses offset from a broadhead body longitudinal axis; and 
 including forming the respective blade recesses offset from a broadhead body longitudinal axis and angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. 
 
     
     
       36. The method of  claim 34 , A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position; 
 rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position; 
 effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades; 
 forming the respective blade recesses offset from a broadhead body longitudinal axis; and 
 including forming the respective blade recesses angled with respect to the longitudinal axis and intersecting the longitudinal axis. 
 
     
     
       37. The method of  claim 34 , including forming the respective blade recesses radially disposed relative to a broadhead body longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       38. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, and wherein a pair of blades are arranged for sliding engagement within a single recess.   
     
     
       39. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, and wherein the at least one blade recess comprises a groove with one inlet.   
     
     
       40. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the at least one blade recess is arranged at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.   
     
     
       41. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the penetrating end comprises a tip blade.   
     
     
       42. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the cutting surfaces on the blades are located opposite the respective camming surfaces.   
     
     
       43. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, and wherein the expandable broadhead comprises a friction member that holds the blades in the collapsed position.   
     
     
       44. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, and wherein the blades comprise an interference fit with the at least one blade recess.   
     
     
       45. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the camming surfaces comprise features that retain the blades in the expanded position.   
     
     
       46. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the blades are arranged at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.   
     
     
       47. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the broadhead body comprises a surface engaged with the camming surfaces on the blades during movement from the collapsed position to the expanded position.   
     
     
       48. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the camming surfaces of the blades engage a rearward portion of the recess during movement from the collapsed position to the expanded position.   
     
     
       49. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end permanently fixing relative to each other along a longitudinal axis; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged for sliding engagement with the broadhead body, wherein the blades slide generally along the longitudinal axis, between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edge exposed from the broadhead body, and an expanded position with the impact edge rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the broadhead body comprises a surface engaged with the blades during movement from the collapsed position to the expanded position.   
     
     
       50. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end permanently fixing relative to each other along a longitudinal axis; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged for sliding engagement with the broadhead body, wherein the blades slide generally along the longitudinal axis, between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edge exposed from the broadhead body, and an expanded position with the impact edge rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the broadhead body comprises a surface engaged with the camming surfaces on the blades during movement from the collapsed position to the expanded position.   
     
     
       51. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end permanently fixing relative to each other along a longitudinal axis; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged for sliding engagement with the broadhead body, wherein the blades slide generally along the longitudinal axis, between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edge exposed from the broadhead body, and an expanded position with the impact edge rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the camming surfaces of the blades engage a rearward portion of the recess during movement from the collapsed position to the expanded position.   
     
     
       52. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising the steps of:
 permanently fixing a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end on a broadhead body relative to each other along a longitudinal axis;   engaging each of a plurality of blades for sliding engagement with the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis;   arranging the plurality of blades generally along the longitudinal axis in a collapsed position, the blades comprising outwardly directed cutting surfaces, camming surfaces, and forwardly oriented impact edges;   applying a rearward force to each of the impact edges so that rear portions of the each of the respective blades expand radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface; and   arranging a pair of blades for sliding engagement within a single recess in the broadhead body.   
     
     
       53. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising the steps of:
 permanently fixing a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end on a broadhead body relative to each other along a longitudinal axis;   engaging each of a plurality of blades for sliding engagement with the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis;   arranging the plurality of blades generally along the longitudinal axis in a collapsed position, the blades comprising outwardly directed cutting surfaces, camming surfaces, and forwardly oriented impact edges;   applying a rearward force to each of the impact edges so that rear portions of the each of the respective blades expand radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface; and   forming at least one blade recess in the broadhead body comprising a groove with one inlet.   
     
     
       54. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising the steps of:
 permanently fixing a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end on a broadhead body relative to each other along a longitudinal axis;   engaging each of a plurality of blades for sliding engagement with the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis;   arranging the plurality of blades generally along the longitudinal axis in a collapsed position, the blades comprising outwardly directed cutting surfaces, camming surfaces, and forwardly oriented impact edges;   applying a rearward force to each of the impact edges so that rear portions of the each of the respective blades expand radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface; and   locating the blades in blade recesses arranged at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.   
     
     
       55. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising the steps of:
 permanently fixing a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end on a broadhead body relative to each other along a longitudinal axis;   engaging each of a plurality of blades for sliding engagement with the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis;   arranging the plurality of blades generally along the longitudinal axis in a collapsed position, the blades comprising outwardly directed cutting surfaces, camming surfaces, and forwardly oriented impact edges;   applying a rearward force to each of the impact edges so that rear portions of the each of the respective blades expand radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface; and   engaging the camming surfaces with the broadhead body during movement from the collapsed position to the expanded position.   
     
     
       56. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising the steps of:
 permanently fixing a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end on a broadhead body relative to each other along a longitudinal axis;   engaging each of a plurality of blades for sliding engagement with the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis;   arranging the plurality of blades generally along the longitudinal axis in a collapsed position, the blades comprising outwardly directed cutting surfaces, camming surfaces, and forwardly oriented impact edges;   applying a rearward force to each of the impact edges so that rear portions of the each of the respective blades expand radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface; and   engaging camming surfaces with rearward portion of recesses in the broadhead body during movement from the collapsed position to the expanded position.   
     
     
       57. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising the steps of:
 permanently fixing a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end on a broadhead body relative to each other along a longitudinal axis;   disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in the broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;   rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;   effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades;   on each of the blades, defining a camming edge and operably coupling the camming edge to the cutting edge and an impact edge and operably coupling the impact edge to the cutting edge; and   engaging the camming surfaces with rearward portions of the recesses in the broadhead body during movement from the collapsed position to the expanded position.   
     
     
       58. The method of claim 57 comprising engaging the impact edges with an object to drive each of the blades longitudinally rearward. 
     
     
       59. The method of claim 57 comprising forming elongated slots in the blades engaged with at least one feature on the broadhead body. 
     
     
       60. The method of claim 57 comprising forming the camming surfaces on the blades comprising a shape including one or more of convex, concave, straight, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       61. The method of claim 57 comprising engaging the camming surfaces with the broadhead body during movement from the collapsed position to the expanded position. 
     
     
       62. The method of claim 57 wherein the rearward portion of the recess comprises a surface on the broadhead body. 
     
     
       63. The method of claim 57 comprising the steps of:
 engaging the penetrating end with an object; and   subsequently engaging each of the impact edges with the object to commence driving the blades longitudinally rearward.   
     
     
       64. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;   rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;   effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades;   on each of the blades, defining a camming edge and operably coupling the camming edge to the cutting edge and an impact edge and operably coupling the impact edge to the cutting edge; and   pivotally attaching the blades to the broadhead body.   
     
     
       65. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;   rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;   effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades;   on each of the blades, defining a camming edge and operably coupling the camming edge to the cutting edge and an impact edge and operably coupling the impact edge to the cutting edge; and   engaging the camming surfaces with the broadhead body during movement from the retracted position to the penetrating position.   
     
     
       66. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;   rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;   effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades;   on each of the blades, defining a camming edge and operably coupling the camming edge to the cutting edge and an impact edge and operably coupling the impact edge to the cutting edge; and   engaging camming surfaces with rearward portions of the respective recesses in the broadhead body during movement from the retracted position to the penetrating position.   
     
     
       67. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;   rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;   effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality of blades;   on each of the blades, defining a camming edge and operably coupling the camming edge to the cutting edge and an impact edge and operably coupling the impact edge to the cutting edge; and   engaging the camming edges on the blades with the expandable broadhead during movement from the retracted position to the penetrating position.   
     
     
       68. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 at least one blade including a slot located at least in part in a blade recess on a broadhead body in a retracted, in flight position;   at least one retaining device extending through the slot, coupling the blade to the broadhead body, such that upon impact of the expandable broadhead with an object the blade translates rearwardly relative to the broadhead body and the retaining device slides in the slot and a rear end of the blade moves radially outward to an extended, penetrating position; and   a feature on the blade adapted to retain the blade in the retracted, in flight position.   
     
     
       69. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 at least one blade including a slot located at least in part in a blade recess on a broadhead body in a retracted, in flight position;   at least one retaining device extending through the slot, coupling the blade to the broadhead body, such that upon impact of the expandable broadhead with an object the blade translates rearwardly relative to the broadhead body and the retaining device slides in the slot and a rear end of the blade moves radially outward to an extended, penetrating position; and   a feature on the blade adapted to retain the blade in the extended, penetrating position.   
     
     
       70. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 at least one blade including a slot located at least in part in a blade recess on a broadhead body in a retracted, in flight position;   at least one retaining device extending through the slot, coupling the blade to the broadhead body, such that upon impact of the expandable broadhead with an object the blade translates rearwardly relative to the broadhead body and the retaining device slides in the slot and a rear end of the blade moves radially outward to an extended, penetrating position; and   a tip blade coupled to a penetrating end of the expandable broadhead.   
     
     
       71. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 locating at least one blade at least in part in a blade recess in a broadhead body in a retracted, in flight position, a retaining device extending through a slot in the blade coupling the blade to the broadhead body;   rearwardly translating the blade in the blade recess relative to the broadhead body in response to the expandable broadhead impacting an object, so that the retaining device slides in the slot;   moving a rear end of the blade radially outward from a groove to an extended, penetrating position during rearward translation; and   engaging a feature on the blade to retain the blade in the retracted, in flight position.   
     
     
       72. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 locating at least one blade at least in part in a blade recess in a broadhead body in a retracted, in flight position, a retaining device extending through a slot in the blade coupling the blade to the broadhead body;   rearwardly translating the blade in the blade recess relative to the broadhead body in response to the expandable broadhead impacting an object, so that the retaining device slides in the slot;   moving a rear end of the blade radially outward from a groove to an extended, penetrating position during rearward translation; and   engaging a feature on the blade to retain the blade in the extended, penetrating position.   
     
     
       73. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 locating at least one blade at least in part in a blade recess in a broadhead body in a retracted, in flight position, a retaining device extending through a slot in the blade coupling the blade to the broadhead body;   rearwardly translating the blade in the blade recess relative to the broadhead body in response to the expandable broadhead impacting an object, so that the retaining device slides in the slot;   moving a rear end of the blade radially outward from a groove to an extended, penetrating position during rearward translation; and   coupling a penetrating portion to a forward end of the broadhead body.   
     
     
       74. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:
 disposing at least one blade at least in part in a blade recess in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;   rearwardly translating the blade from the retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position in response to the expandable broadhead impacting an object;   effecting a camming action of a cutting edge of the blade outward relative to the broadhead body by longitudinally translating the blade;   defining a mass reducing retaining slot in the blade and disposing a retaining device in the slot to slidably couple the blade to the broadhead body;   driving the at least one blade longitudinally rearward when the expandable broadhead engages with the object; and   coupling a tip blade to a forward end of the expandable broadhead.   
     
     
       75. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edge exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edge rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is positioned substantially opposite the cutting surface, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface.   
     
     
       76. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end permanently fixing relative to each other along a longitudinal axis; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged for sliding engagement with the broadhead body, wherein the blades slide generally along the longitudinal axis, between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edge exposed from the broadhead body, and an expanded position with the impact edge rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is positioned substantially opposite the cutting surface, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface.   
     
     
       77. An expandable broadhead comprising:
 a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end permanently fixing relative to each other along a longitudinal axis; and   a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades are arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and generally aligned with the longitudinal axis, and an expanded position wherein each of the blades are adapted to be driven longitudinally rearward when the respective impact edges engage an object, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is positioned substantially opposite the cutting surface, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface.   
     
     
       78. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising the steps of:
 permanently fixing a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end on a broadhead body relative to each other along a longitudinal axis;   engaging each of a plurality of blades for sliding engagement with the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis;   arranging the plurality of blades generally along the longitudinal axis in a collapsed position, the blades comprising outwardly directed cutting surfaces, camming surfaces, and forwardly oriented impact edges; and   applying a rearward force to each of the impact edges so that rear portions of the each of the respective blades expand radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is positioned substantially opposite the cutting surface, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface.