Constraint layer damping

Abstract

A dampening assembly is provided for an archery bow component. The dampening assembly includes a first constraining layer formed from a portion of the component. The dampening assembly also includes a second constraining layer formed from the remaining portion of the component. The first constraining layer is coupled to the second constraining layer. In addition, the dampening assembly includes a dampening layer positioned between the first and second constraining layers for absorbing vibrational energy and noise as a load bears upon the component.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A dampening assembly for an archery bow component, said dampening assembly comprising: 
 a first constraining layer formed from a portion of the component;    a second constraining layer formed from the remaining portion of the component, said second constraining layer coupled to said first constraining layer; and    a dampening layer positioned between said first and second constraining layers for absorbing noise and vibrational energy as a load bears upon the component.    
     
     
         2 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein one of said first and second constraining layers has a first predetermined density and said dampening layer has a second predetermined density different from said first predetermined density.  
     
     
         3 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the other of said first and second constraining layers has a third predetermined density equal to said first predetermined density.  
     
     
         4 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said third predetermined density is different from said first predetermined density.  
     
     
         5 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 4  wherein said dampening layer is formed from an elastomeric material.  
     
     
         6 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 5  wherein said first constraining layer having a first volume and a second constraining layers having a second volume equal to said first volume.  
     
     
         7 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said first volume is different that said second volume.  
     
     
         8 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said dampening layer is a fluid disposed within a cavity formed between said first and second constraining layers.  
     
     
         9 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said first constraining layer is fixedly secured to said second constraining layer.  
     
     
         10 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said dampening layer freely moves relative to said first and second constraining layers.  
     
     
         11 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said dampening layer is fixedly secured to one of said first and second constraining layers.  
     
     
         12 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said dampening layer is molded to one of said first and second constraining layers.  
     
     
         13 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said dampening layer is a coating applied to one of said first and second constraining layers.  
     
     
         14 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said dampening layer includes a first dampening layer and a second dampening layer.  
     
     
         15 . A dampening assembly as set forth in  claim 14  wherein one of said first and second dampening layers includes a string groove along an outer periphery thereof.  
     
     
         16 . A method for assembling an archery bow component having first and second constraining layers and a dampening layer positioned therebetween, the method comprising the steps of: 
 splitting the component to form the first and second constraining layers;    positioning the dampening layer between the first and second constraining layers; and    coupling the first constraining layer to the second constraining layer to position the dampening layer therebetween.    
     
     
         17 . A method as set forth in  claim 16  including the step of securing the dampening layer to one of the first and second constraining layers prior to the step of coupling the first constraining layer to the second constraining layer.  
     
     
         18 . A method as set forth in  claim 17  including the step of molding the dampening layer to a shape complementary to that of the first and second constraining layers.  
     
     
         19 . A method as set forth in  claim 18  wherein the splitting step includes completely separating the first constraining layer of the component from the second constraining layer of the component.  
     
     
         20 . A method as set forth in  claim 19  including the step of molding the dampening layer to one of the first and second constraining layers prior to the step of coupling the first constraining layer to the second constraining layer.  
     
     
         21 . A method for assembling an archery bow component having first and second constraining layers and a cavity therebetween, the method comprising the steps of: 
 splitting the component to form the first and second constraining layers;    forming the cavity in one of the first and second constraining layers; and    coupling the first constraining layer to the second constraining layer.    
     
     
         22 . A method as set forth in  claim 21  including the step of forming the cavity in the other of the first and second constraining layers.  
     
     
         23 . A method as set forth in  claim 22  wherein the splitting step includes completely separating the first constraining layer of the component from the second constraining layer of the component.  
     
     
         24 . A method as set forth in  claim 23  wherein the coupling step includes fixedly securing the first constraining layer to the second constraining layer.