U.S. patent application number 16/925955 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-29 for vibration damping insert.
The applicant listed for this patent is Zephyros, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sajesh Madhavan, Manish Taxak, Jason Walker.
Application Number | 20200339215 16/925955 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004946079 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200339215 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Jason ; et
al. |
October 29, 2020 |
Vibration Damping Insert
Abstract
An insert (510) comprising a core (532) and one or more
extensions (530) extending from the core. The insert is adapted to
be inserted into a cavity of a hollow tube-shaped member (512). The
hollow member can be a motorcycle handlebar or footrest. The insert
can be made of metal or a polymer and can be an extrusion
product.
Inventors: |
Walker; Jason; (Lenox,
MI) ; Taxak; Manish; (Pune, IN) ; Madhavan;
Sajesh; (Pune, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zephyros, Inc. |
Romeo |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004946079 |
Appl. No.: |
16/925955 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15561119 |
Sep 25, 2017 |
10745076 |
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PCT/US2016/025676 |
Apr 1, 2016 |
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16925955 |
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62141440 |
Apr 1, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/00 20130101;
B62J 25/00 20130101; F16F 9/3271 20130101; F16F 7/087 20130101;
A63B 60/54 20151001; F16F 15/04 20130101; F16F 9/003 20130101; B62K
11/14 20130101; F16F 9/3207 20130101; B62K 21/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62K 21/14 20060101
B62K021/14; B62J 25/00 20060101 B62J025/00; B62K 11/14 20060101
B62K011/14; F16F 7/08 20060101 F16F007/08; F16F 9/32 20060101
F16F009/32; F16F 15/04 20060101 F16F015/04; F16F 9/00 20060101
F16F009/00 |
Claims
1. An insert comprising: a) a core; and b) one or more extensions
extending from the core; wherein the insert is adapted to be
inserted into a tubular cavity so that vibrations of the cavity are
reduced as compared to the cavity with no insert.
2. The insert of claim 1, wherein the cavity is the hollow interior
of a transportation vehicle handlebar or footrest.
3. The insert of claim 2, wherein the vehicle is a motorcycle.
4. The insert of claim 1, wherein the core is cylindrical in shape
having a diameter and a length, and the diameter is smaller than
the diameter of the tubular cavity.
5. The insert of claim 1, wherein the core comprises a polymer,
metal, or both.
6. The insert of claim 5, wherein the core is formed through
extrusion.
7. The insert of claim 6, wherein the one or more extensions are
extruded over the core.
8. The insert of claim 5, wherein the one or more extensions extend
radially outward from the core.
9. The insert of claim 1, wherein the one or more extensions are
shaped as continuous fins which extend along the length of the
core.
10. The insert of claim 1, wherein the one or more extensions are a
plurality of fins spaced along the length of the core in a
repetitive pattern.
11. The insert of claim 1, wherein the one or more extensions are a
plurality of fins radially spaced around the core in alternating
pattern.
12. The insert of claim 1, wherein the one or more extensions are a
plurality of radial wings or radial barbs encircling the diameter
of the core and spaced along the length of the core.
13. The insert of claim 1, wherein the one or more extensions are a
plurality of partial radial wings or partial radial barbs partially
encircling the diameter of the core and spaced along the length of
the core in an alternating pattern.
14. The insert of claim 5, wherein the tubular cavity includes a
contoured shape and the insert is flexible so that it can flex to
match the contoured shape of the tubular cavity.
15-16. (canceled)
17. The insert of claim 1, wherein the contracted outer diameter is
the diameter of the insert when the one or more extensions are
bent, collapsed, or deformed; wherein the expanded outer diameter
is the diameter of the insert when the one or more extensions are
in the normal position; and wherein the contracted outer diameter
is about equal to or less than the expanded outer diameter.
18-20. (canceled)
21. The insert of claim 1, wherein the one or more extensions are
comprised of a polymeric material.
22. The insert of claim 5, wherein the insert includes an
expandable material.
23. The insert of claim 22, wherein the expandable material expands
with the application of heat.
24. (canceled)
25. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert includes an
adhesive.
26. The insert of claim 1, wherein the cavity is the hollow
interior of a bicycle frame or handlebar.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a damping device, methods
of forming the device, methods of using the device, and a material
for forming the device. The damping device may find particular
utility in the damping of hollow tubular structures.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A user of any item having a hollow tube shaped portion
(e.g., a transportation vehicle, lawn care device, sporting
equipment or the like) may experience repetitive vibrations or
shock impact in their hands and/or feet while using the item. The
repetitive vibrations may lead to use to the user's discomfort
including hand or foot pain or numbness, requiring the user to stop
using the item for a period of time. There have been a variety of
mechanisms designed around the damping of vibrations and shock
absorption in transportation vehicles. But there remains a need to
improve vibration damping and/or shock absorption in a variety of
tube shaped items as users are still experiencing discomfort.
[0003] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0081677 discloses vibration
dampening in a handle by using a relatively soft tube inserted into
the interior hollow of the handle. A hard inner core is then placed
within the soft tube to provide for vibration dampening.
[0004] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0257978 discloses a
motorcycle handlebar having grip assemblies with a hollow chamber.
The hollow chamber is then filled with loose particles, such as
lead balls to provide vibration damping. U.S. Patent Publication
No. 2014/0123805 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0123804
disclose handlebar grip portions having a filler material, such as
non-elastomeric particles including glass beads, to help provide
shock absorption.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 8,342,489 discloses a handlebar vibration
damping assembly including a weight and spring. Once the assembly
is secured within a handlebar, the weight is able to vibrate and
oscillate at different frequencies, thereby damping vibrations.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,302 discloses a vehicle clamp which can
be used as a motorcycle clamp with a vibration dampening insert.
The clamp includes mounts for the motorcycle's handlebars and an
opening for receiving the steering shaft.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,669,251 discloses an impact and/or vibration
absorbent material. The material can be used for articles of
clothing, such as gloves, which a user may wear while operating a
motorcycle. The material minimizes the effects of impact and/or
vibration forces transmitted to the user through the
handlebars.
[0008] Thus, there remains a need for an article which can be
inserted into hollow tube-shaped cavities (including handlebars
and/or footrests) to provide vibration damping and/or shock
absorption. There remains a need for an insert which may be used
with a tube-shaped cavity with minimal modification (such as with
an after-market product). There remains a need for an insert which
is flexible to conform to the contours of the hollow tube shaped
cavity. There also remains a need for an insert which can be
produced in a cost-efficient manner and is easily customizable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present teachings relate to an insert comprising a core
and one or more extensions extending from the core, wherein the
insert is adapted to be inserted into a tubular cavity so that
vibrations of the cavity are reduced as compared to the cavity with
no insert.
[0010] The cavity may be the hollow interior of a transportation
vehicle handlebar or footrest. The vehicle may be a motorcycle. The
core may be cylindrical in shape having a diameter and a length,
and the diameter is smaller than the diameter of the tubular
cavity. The core may comprise a polymer, metal, or both. The core
may be formed through extrusion. The one or more extensions may be
extruded over the core. The one or more extensions may extend
radially outward from the core. The one or more extensions are
shaped as continuous fins which extend along the length of the
core. The one or more extensions may be a plurality of fins spaced
along the length of the core in a repetitive pattern. The one or
more extensions may be a plurality of fins radially spaced around
the core in alternating pattern. The one or more extensions may be
a plurality of radial wings or radial barbs encircling the diameter
of the core and spaced along the length of the core. The one or
more extensions may be a plurality of partial radial wings or
partial radial barbs partially encircling the diameter of the core
and spaced along the length of the core in an alternating pattern.
The tubular cavity may include a contoured shape and the insert may
be flexible so that it can flex to match the contoured shape of the
tubular cavity. The insert may include an expanded outer diameter
and a contracted outer diameter. The one or more extensions are
flexible so that the one or more extensions can bend, collapse, or
deform when pressure is applied and resume a normal position when
pressure is removed. The contracted outer diameter may be the
diameter of the insert when the one or more extensions are bent,
collapsed, or deformed. The expanded outer diameter may be the
diameter of the insert when the one or more extensions are in the
normal position. The contracted outer diameter may be about equal
to or less than the expanded outer diameter. The contracted outer
diameter may be about equal to or less than an inner diameter of
the cavity so that the insert can be inserted into the cavity. The
expanded diameter may be about equal to or greater than the inner
diameter of the cavity so that the insert is securely wedged into
the cavity after it is inserted into the cavity. The one or more
extensions may bend or collapse in a direction that eases insertion
into the cavity. The one or more extensions may be comprised of a
polymeric material. The insert may include an expandable material.
The expandable material may expand with the application of heat.
The expandable material may include a foamable material. The insert
may include an adhesive.
[0011] The disclosure further relates to a method of forming the
inserts and a method of using the inserts.
[0012] The article of the disclosure is able to be inserted into a
hollow tubular. The article of the disclosure is able to provide
vibration damping and/or shock absorption. The insert may be
inserted into a hollow cavity with minimal modification. The insert
may be flexible and conform to the contours of the hollow cavity.
The insert may be able to be formed in a manner which is
cost-efficient and easily customizable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the insert according to
the teachings herein inserted into a handlebar.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a plan view along the length of the insert
according to the teachings herein.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view at the diameter of the
insert according to the teachings herein.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a plan view along the length of the insert
according to the teachings herein.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view at the diameter of the
insert according to the teachings herein.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a plan view along the length of the insert
according to the teachings herein.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view at the diameter of the
insert according to the teachings herein.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a plan view along the length of the insert
according to the teachings herein.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view at the diameter of the
insert according to the teachings herein.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a plan view along the length of the insert
according to the teachings herein.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view at the diameter of the
insert according to the teachings herein.
[0024] FIG. 12 shows a graph comparing tube structures with and
without an exemplary vibration damping material in accordance with
the teachings herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are
intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention,
its principles, and its practical application. The specific
embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended
as being exhaustive or limiting of the invention. The scope of the
invention should be determined with reference to the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and
references, including patent applications and publications, are
incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are
also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which
are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written
description.
[0026] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/141,440, filed Apr. 1, 2015,
the entirety of the contents of that application being hereby
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[0027] The teachings herein are directed toward devices and the
materials for making such devices that can be located into hollow
structures for the purposes of vibration damping. These hollow
structures may be made of a variety of rigid materials including
but not limited to metallic materials and polymeric materials. Any
hollow generally tubular structure may be filled. Non-limiting
examples include baseball bats, tennis/racquetball rackets, hockey
and lacrosse sticks, push lawn mower handles, riding mower zero
turn handles (e.g., any heavy equipment with handle type steering),
weed whackers, portable generators, hunting stands/ladder stands,
chain saw handles, motorcycle/moped/bicycle handle bars and
footrests, ultralight aircraft frames, go-kart and other
miniaturized vehicle frames, steering wheels, bicycle frames,
exercise equipment and vacuum cleaner handles.
[0028] The disclosure relates to an insert which is adapted to be
inserted into a hollow tube-shaped cavity. The insert may include a
core and one or more extensions extending from the core. The insert
may be inserted along all of the length of the tube-shaped cavity,
a substantial portion of the length of the tube-shaped cavity, or
just a section or portion of the tube-shaped cavity. A single
insert or multiple inserts may be placed within the tube-shaped
cavity.
[0029] The insert of the disclosure may comprise a core. The core
may provide the structure for the insert, provide a mounting means
for additional features of the insert, and/or provide vibration
damping/shock absorption. The core may be any shape, size,
configuration, or combination thereof suitable for the preceding.
The core preferably has a shape similar or identical to the shape
of the cavity into which it may be inserted. For example, if a
motorcycle's handlebar and footrests are cylindrical, the core will
be cylindrical in shape. The core may be partially or completely
solid or partially or completely hollow. The core may be rigid,
flexible, or have rigid and flexible portions. The core preferably
is sized smaller than the cavity so that it may be inserted in the
cavity. For example, the core may have a diameter smaller the
cavity's diameter. The core may be comprised of metal, a polymer,
other materials, or a combination thereof. The core may be at least
partially formed through extrusion. The core may be a polymeric
material including a metal wire embedded therein. A metal wire
could be co-extruded with a polymeric material. This may add one or
more of weight and stiffness to the core. The core may include high
density or metallic portions (e.g., inserts) and such portions may
be located at desired locations for added dampening effect. In one
example, such portions may be located at outermost sections of a
hollow cavity. The core may be one straight segment to match a
section of a tube-shaped cavity or may include multiple segments to
match multiple segments of the tube-shaped cavity. The core may
include contours which match contours of the tube-shaped cavity, so
that may be inserted or formed continuously along a longer portion
of the tube-shaped cavity. If the core is rigid, it may be designed
in the shape of the tube-shaped cavity. If the core is flexible, it
may bend to match the contours of the tube-shaped cavity. The core
may include bend zones, which may be weakened areas or hinges along
the core's length to aid in the core flexing to match the contours
of the tube-shaped cavity.
[0030] The insert of the disclosure may further comprise one or
more extensions extending from the core. The one or more extensions
may extend radially outward from the core. The one or more
extensions may provide a friction fit of the insert within the
cavity, space the core from the interior walls of the cavity, aid
in insertion of the insert into the cavity, and/or provide
vibration damping/shock absorption. The one or more extensions may
be any shape, size, configuration, or combination thereof. There
may be any number of the one or more extensions. The number of one
or more extensions may be selected to allow for the core to be as
small in diameter as possible while the insert may provide a
suitable amount of vibration damping and/or shock absorption. The
one or more extensions may be located along the entire length of
the core, a portion of a length of the core, concentrated in one or
more sections or sides of the core, or a combination thereof. The
one or more extensions include a height. The height may be the
distance from where the extension is adjacent to the outer surface
of the core to the peripheral edge of the extension. The outer
diameter of the insert may be the diameter or cross-sectional
height of the core plus the height of one or more extensions at a
cross-section of the insert. The one or more extensions may have a
height such that the total diameter or height of the insert is
about less than, equal to, or greater than the diameter or height
of the tube-shaped cavity. The one or more extensions may be made
of a polymeric material or any other material capable of any of the
preceding or following features. The one or more extensions may be
extruded over the core, may be adhered or assembled to the core,
and/or may be molded with the core. The one or more extensions may
be solid, hollow, or a combination thereof.
[0031] The one or more extensions may come in a variety of shapes.
The one or more extensions may be shaped as one or more continuous
fins with a constant or varying thickness extending along all or
part of the length of the core. The one or more extensions may be
shaped as one or more fins. The fins may be shaped as thin, planar
members, pins, rods, tubes, bars, wings, radial wings, partial
radial wings, radial barbs, partial radial barbs, and the like or a
combination thereof. The one or more extensions may be spaced along
the length of the core in a repetitive pattern. The one or more
extensions may be radially spaced around the core in an alternating
pattern. The one or more extensions may encircle the outer diameter
of the core and be spaced along the length of the core. The one or
more extensions may partially encircle the outer diameter of the
core and be spaced along the length of the core.
[0032] The one or more extensions may be flexible. The flexibility
may aid in assembling the insert into the tube-shaped cavity. For
example, the one or more extensions may bend or collapse with
pressure. The pressure may be the pressure or force exerted by the
cavity's interior wall as the insert is inserted into the cavity.
The one or more extensions may be located on an angle relative to
the core's outer surface. For example, a fin or wing may be located
on an acute angle relative to the core's outer surface so that each
fin or wing first enters the cavity where it abuts the core's outer
surface. The acute angle may provide for less resistance in the
direction of insertion of the insert while providing increased
friction in the direction opposite the insertion direction. The one
or more extensions may bend or collapse opposite the direction of
insertion. For example, as a fin or wing enters the cavity and upon
application of pressure from the cavity's inner surface, the
peripheral edges of the fin or wing may be bent toward the core so
that they are closer to the core's outer surface.
[0033] The insert may have a contracted outer diameter. The
contracted outer diameter may be the diameter of the insert when
the one or more extensions are bent, collapsed, flexed or otherwise
deformed, such as by the application of pressure or force by the
cavity walls. The contracted outer diameter may be the distance of
one peripheral edge of the insert to an opposing peripheral edge of
the insert. For example, the distance from the peripheral edge of
one extension to the peripheral edge of an opposing extension. When
pressure is not applied to the one or more extensions, the one or
more extensions are in their normal position, not bent or
collapsed. In the normal position, the insert may have an expanded
outer diameter. The expanded outer diameter may be the distance
from one peripheral edge of the insert to an opposing peripheral
edge. The contracted outer diameter may be about equal to or less
than the expanded outer diameter. The contracted outer diameter of
the insert may be about equal to or less than an inner diameter of
the cavity so that the insert may be fit into the cavity. The
expanded outer diameter of the insert may be less than, equal to,
or greater than the inner diameter of the cavity. The diameter of
the insert when it is in the cavity may allow the insert to be
securely wedged into the cavity without the use of additional
adhesive. The diameter of the insert, such as the contracted outer
diameter, may provide for a friction fit of the insert within the
cavity.
[0034] The insert may further comprise an expandable material. The
expandable material may provide for adhesion of the insert to the
cavity; the expandable material may provide additional vibration
damping and/or shock absorption. The expandable material may be any
suitable material which may provide adhesion, vibration damping,
shock absorption, or a combination thereof. The expandable material
may be an expandable adhesive material. The expandable material be
located on the peripheral edges of the one or more extensions,
inside of the extensions, along exterior or interior surfaces of
the extensions, part or all of the exposed outer surface of the
core, within the interior of the core, or a combination thereof.
The one or more extensions and/or the core may include one or more
openings to allow the expandable material to flow out from within
the interior of the one or more extensions and/or the core. The
expandable material may be any material that may expand up
application of heat. The expandable material may be a foam.
Preferably the expandable material is a thermally activatable
foam.
[0035] The insert may further comprise an adhesive. The adhesive
may be applied to any surface of the insert, such as the peripheral
edge of the one or more extensions. The adhesive may aid in
installing and/or securing the insert, such as securing the insert
into a cavity.
[0036] A method of forming the insert of this disclosure may
include one or more of the following steps: forming a core;
extruding a core; molding a core; extruding one or more extensions
over the core; affixing or adhering one or more extensions to the
core; molding one or more extensions with the core; molding a core
with one or more extensions; inserting an expandable material into
the core and/or the one or more extensions; placing an expandable
material onto the core and/or the one or more extensions; and
placing an adhesive on the insert.
[0037] A method of installing the insert of this disclosure may
include one or more of the following steps: inserting the insert
into a cavity; collapsing one or more extensions of the insert;
decreasing the diameter of the insert; securing the insert to the
cavity with friction; securing the insert to the cavity with an
expandable material; securing the insert to the cavity with an
adhesive; and expanding an expandable material.
[0038] The insert may comprise a combination of multiple materials.
The insert may include a metallic portion. The insert may include
an elastomeric portion. The elastomeric portion may include or be
primarily composed of elastomers such as natural rubber,
styrene-butadiene rubber, polyisoprene, polyisobutylene,
polybutadiene, isoprene-butadiene copolymer, neoprene, nitrile
rubber (e.g., a butyl nitrile, such as carboxyl-terminated butyl
nitrile), butyl rubber, polysulfide elastomer, acrylic elastomer,
acrylonitrile elastomers, silicone rubber, polysiloxanes, polyester
rubber, diisocyanate-linked condensation elastomer, EPDM
(ethylene-propylene diene rubbers), chlorosulphonated polyethylene,
fluorinated hydrocarbons, combinations thereof and the like. In one
embodiment, recycled tire rubber may be employed. An example of
suitable elastomer-based material which may be used is Butyl 402
available from Lanxess International, SA. According to the
preferred formulations, the elastomeric portion may include up to
about 30% by weight elastomers, more preferably, up to about 40% by
weight elastomers, and even more preferably up to about 60% by
weight elastomers.
[0039] The elastomeric portion may also include one or more
polymeric materials. Examples of suitable polymeric materials
include, but are not limited to, acetates, ethylenes, acrylates,
combinations thereof or the like. In a highly preferred embodiment,
the polymeric materials include a methacrylate such an ethyl or
methyl methacrylate (EMA or MMA), which may or may not be modified
by another component such as glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). According
to preferred formulations, the elastomeric portion may include
between about 5% and about 50% by weight polymeric materials, more
preferably, between about 10% and about 30% by weight polymeric
materials, and even more preferably between about 15% and about 25%
by weight polymeric materials. An example of a suitable polymeric
material is TC-120, available from Exxon Mobil.
[0040] The elastomeric portion may include one or more filler
materials. Fillers may include mineral or stone type fillers such
as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate or the like may be used as
fillers. In another preferred embodiment, silicate minerals such as
mica may be used as fillers. According to preferred formulations,
the elastomeric portion may include between about 5% and about 50%
by weight filler materials, more preferably, between about 10% and
about 30% by weight filler materials, and even more preferably
between about 15% and about 25% by weight filler materials.
[0041] A non-limiting example formulation for the elastomeric
portions in accordance with the teachings herein is provided below
at Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Material wt. % Isoprene-isobutylene 60.00%
copolymer Ethylene Methyl Acrylate 20.00% Copolymer Calcium
Carbonate 20.00% 100.00%
[0042] Turning to the drawings presented herewith, FIG. 1
illustrates a cross-sectional view of two inserts (10) according to
the teachings herein inserted into a tube-shaped cavity, which in
this particular example is a handlebar (12). The tube-shaped cavity
may comprise a handle region (14), an intermediate region (18), and
a steering joint region or center region (20). The handle region
(14) may further include a handle grip (16) about the exterior of
the tubular structure (17). The insert (10) may be a one-piece
insert along the entire interior length of the tube-shaped cavity
or multiple inserts, two or more, may be inserted along the length
of the tube-shaped cavity. The insert (10) may be located at any
portion or section of the tube-shaped cavity or one or more
portions or sections of the tube-shaped cavity. For example, the
insert (10) may just be located in the handle region (14), the
intermediate region (18), or the center region (20), or a
combination thereof. For example, the insert (10) may be located in
the handle region (14) and extend into the intermediate region
(18).
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view along the side of the insert
(110). The insert (110) may include one or more extensions (130)
and a core (132). The one or more extensions (130) may be shaped as
continuous fins. The one or more extensions (130) may extend along
the length (L) of the core (132). The one or more extensions (130)
may be spaced evenly around the diameter (D) or outer surface (134)
of the core (132). The one or more extensions (130) may be made of
the same or different material as the core (132). There may be any
number of one or more extensions (130) around the core (132).
Illustrated is an example with six extensions (130) about the
diameter (D) of the core.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insert
(110) inserted into a cavity (115) of the tube-shaped cavity (112).
The insert (110) may include one or more extensions (130) and a
core (132). The one or more extensions (130) may extend or protrude
from the outer surface (134) of the core (132). The one or more
extensions (130) may be spaced or distributed evenly around the
core (130) or may have uneven spacing, be concentrated to one side
of the core (130) or concentrated to a section of the core (130).
The core (130) may have a diameter (D) or a height, if not
cylindrical. The one or more extensions may have a height (h),
shown as the distance from where the extension protrudes from the
outer surface (134, 135) of the core (130) to the extension's
peripheral edge (136).
[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view along the side of the insert
(210) as it is inserted into a cavity (215). The insert (210) may
include one or more extensions (230) and a core (232). The one or
more extensions (230) may extend or protrude from the outer surface
(234) of the core (232). The one or more extensions (230) may be
spaced or distributed evenly around the core (232) or they may have
uneven spacing. The one or more extensions (230) may be
concentrated in one or more portions of the outer surface (234) of
the core (232). The one or more extensions (230) may be shaped as
fins. The one or more extensions (230) may be spaced along the
length of the core (232) in a repetitive pattern. The one or more
extensions (230) maybe flexible or able to bend, collapse, or
otherwise deform. For example, upon insertion into the cavity (215)
the pressure applied by the cavity walls (217), will flex or bend
the extensions (230) to allow for easier insertion into the cavity
(215). The one or more extensions (230) may be located at an acute
angle (.theta..sub.1) relative to the outer surface (234) of the
core (232) and the direction of insertion into the cavity (215).
The acute angle (.theta..sub.2) may decrease in size upon the
insert (210) being inserted into the cavity (215). The acute angle
(.theta..sub.1) and/or flexibility of the one or more extensions
(230) may aid in inserting the insert (210) into a cavity (215) by
acting as a guide and reducing the resistance or friction from the
cavity walls (217). When there is no pressure applied on the one or
more extensions (230), that overall height or diameter of the
insert may be the expanded outer diameter (D.sub.E). When the
cavity walls apply pressure or force to the insert and the one or
more extensions (230) may be at least partially flexed, bent, or
collapsed, this may be the contracted outer diameter (D.sub.C). The
expanded outer diameter (D.sub.E) may be about less than, about
equal to, or about greater than the interior diameter of the cavity
(215). The contracted outer diameter (D.sub.C) may about equal to
or about less than the interior diameter of the cavity (215).
[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insert
(210) inserted into a cavity (215) of the tube-shaped cavity (212).
The one or more extensions (230) may be spaced evenly or unevenly
about the diameter of the core (232). The one or more extensions
(230) may be made from a different material than the core (232).
For example, the one or more extensions (230) may be extruded over
the core (232).
[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view along the side of the insert
(310). The insert (310) may include one or more extensions (330)
and a core (332). The one or more extensions (330) may extend or
protrude from the outer surface (334) of the core (332). The one or
more extensions (330) may be distributed about the core (332) in an
alternating pattern. The one or more extensions (330) may be shaped
as fins.
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insert
(310) inserted into a cavity (315) of the tube-shaped cavity (312).
The one or more extensions (330) can be evenly spaced, in a
repeating pattern, alternating pattern, or combination thereof
about the core (332). The one or more extensions (330) may be made
of the same material or a different material as the core (332).
Some of the one or more extensions (330) may be made of the same
material as the core (332) while other one or more extension (330)
may be made of a different material as the core (332).
[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view along the side of the insert
(410). The insert (410) may include one or more extensions (430)
and a core (432). The one or more extensions (430) may extend or
protrude from the outer surface (434) of the core (432). The one or
more extensions (430) may partially or fully encircle the outer
diameter of the core (432). The one or more extensions (430) may be
spaced or distributed evenly about the length of the core (432).
The one or more extensions (430) may be shaped as a radial wings or
radial barbs.
[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insert
(410) inserted into a cavity (415) of the tube-shaped cavity (412).
The one or more extensions (430) may be shaped as radial wings or
barbs. The one or more extensions (430) may encircle the outer
diameter of the core (432).
[0051] FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view along the side of the insert
(510). The insert (510) may include one or more extensions (530)
and a core (532). The one or more extensions (530) may partially
encircle the outer diameter of the core (532). The one or more
extensions (530) may be spaced or distributed evenly or in an
alternating pattern about the length of the core (532). The one or
more extensions (530) may be shaped as partial radial wings or
partial radial barbs which may partially encircle the outer
diameter of the core (532). The one or more extensions (530) may be
concentrated to only one side or section of the core (532).
[0052] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insert
(510) inserted into a cavity (515) of the tube-shaped cavity (512).
The one or more extensions (530) may be shaped as partial radial
wings or partial barbs. The one or more extensions (530) may
encircle the diameter of the core (532). Each of the one or more
extensions may (530) may encircle a portion of the diameter of the
core (532). The one or more extensions (530) may be placed in an
overlapping pattern, such that in combination, a plurality of the
one or more extensions (530) encircle the entire diameter of the
core (532).
Examples
[0053] A hollow handlebar structure was tested both with and
without a device in accordance with the teachings herein. One of
the materials utilized for forming the device is shown at Table 1.
The results are shown in the graph at FIG. 12. The hollow handlebar
structure is tested in four different modes where the first mode is
at 100 Hz, the second mode is at 140 Hz, the third mode is at 150
Hz and the fourth mode is at 170 Hz. The amount of damping is
measured and as the graph at FIG. 12 shows, the percent of damping
is significantly improved when the handlebar structure is fitted
with the device and material of the present teachings as opposed to
an unfilled structure.
[0054] Though not necessarily drawn to all geometries relative
proportions and dimensions shown in the drawings are also part of
the teachings herein, even if not explicitly recited. However,
unless otherwise noted, nothing shall limit the teachings herein to
the geometries, relative proportions, and dimensions shown in the
drawing.
[0055] Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the
various structures depicted herein are not intended to be
restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries
are possible. Plural structural components can be provided by a
single integrated structure. Alternatively, a single integrated
structure might be divided into separate plural components. In
addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been
described in the context of only one of the illustrated
embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other
features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will
also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the
unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute
methods in accordance with the present invention.
[0056] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been
disclosed. A person of ordinary skill in the art would realize
however, that certain modifications would come within the teachings
of this invention. Therefore, the following claims should be
studied to determine the true scope and content of the
invention.
[0057] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are
intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention,
its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the
art may adapt and apply the invention its numerous forms, as may be
best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly,
the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are
not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the invention. The
scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with
reference to the above description, but should instead be
determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the
full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The
disclosures of all articles and references, including patent
applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for
all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be
gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby
incorporated by reference into this written description.
* * * * *