Arrow vibration dampening apparatus

Abstract

An arrow vibration dampening apparatus having a dampening mass capable of being inserted within an arrow shaft is disclosed. The dampening mass may include a first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations. The apparatus may also comprise a support structure capable of being at least partially inserted within the arrow shaft, with the dampening mass securable to at least a portion of the support structure. In one example, the dampening mass may also include a cantilevered portion that has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the arrow shaft. An arrow apparatus and a corresponding method of assembly are also disclosed.

1 . An arrow vibration dampening apparatus, comprising:
 a dampening mass capable of being inserted within an arrow shaft, the dampening mass comprising a first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations; and   a support structure capable of being at least partially inserted within the arrow shaft, the support structure comprising a first end and a second end;   wherein the dampening mass is securable to at least a portion of the support structure.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the dampening mass further comprises at least one longitudinal rib, provided proximate the second end of the dampening mass, that contacts an inner surface of the arrow shaft when the dampening mass is inserted within the arrow shaft; 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the dampening mass is generally cylindrical in shape. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the dampening mass is generally annular in shape. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the dampening mass further comprises a longitudinally extending aperture defined throughout the dampening mass that enables air inside the arrow shaft to escape through the dampening mass. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the dampening mass comprises a cantilevered portion that has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the arrow shaft. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure is an insert comprising a male connector provided proximate its first end and the dampening mass further comprises a female connector defined proximate its second end, the female connector of the dampening mass being sized to receive the male connector of the insert to secure the dampening mass to the insert. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the insert further comprises a longitudinally extending aperture defined throughout the insert that enables air inside the arrow shaft to escape through the insert. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the dampening mass further comprises a female connector defined proximate its second end and the support structure comprises a nock provided proximate its second end and a male connector provided proximate its first end, the female connector of the dampening mass being sized to receive the male connector of the support structure to secure the dampening mass to the support structure. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a male connector provided proximate its first end and the dampening mass is generally annular in shape and capable of being disposed about at least a portion of the male connector of the support structure. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the dampening material comprises an elastomeric material. 
   
   
       12 . An arrow vibration dampening apparatus, comprising:
 a dampening mass capable of being inserted within an arrow shaft, the dampening mass comprising:
 a cantilevered first end; 
 a second end; and 
 a dampening material for dampening vibrations. 
   
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the cantilevered first end of the dampening mass has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the arrow shaft. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising a support structure at least partially disposed within the arrow shaft; wherein the second end of the dampening mass is secured to the support structure. 
   
   
       15 . An arrow, comprising;
 a shaft having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, and a second end;   a point attached to the first end of the shaft;   fletching attached to the shaft proximate its second end;   a support structure at least partially inserted within the shaft, the support structure comprising a first end and a second end; and   a dampening mass inserted within the shaft, the dampening mass comprising a first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations;   wherein the dampening mass is secured to at least a portion of the support structure.   
   
   
       16 . The arrow of  claim 15 , wherein the dampening mass comprises a cantilevered portion that has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the shaft. 
   
   
       17 . The arrow of  claim 15 , wherein the arrow is a crossbow arrow. 
   
   
       18 . A method of assembling an arrow, comprising:
 providing a shaft having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, and a second end;   inserting a dampening mass within the shaft, the dampening mass comprising a first end, a second end, and a dampening material for dampening vibrations;   inserting a support structure at least partially within the shaft, the support structure comprising a first end and a second end;   securing the dampening mass to at least a portion of the support structure.   
   
   
       19 . An arrow vibration dampening apparatus, comprising:
 a dampening mass capable of being inserted within an arrow shaft, the dampening mass comprising:
 a first end; 
 a second end; 
 a longitudinally extending aperture defined throughout the dampening mass that enables air inside the arrow shaft to escape through the dampening mass; and 
 a dampening material for dampening vibrations. 
   
   
   
       20 . An arrow vibration dampening apparatus, comprising:
 a support structure capable of being at least partially inserted within an arrow shaft, the support structure comprising a first end and a second end; and   a dampening mass securable to at least a portion of the support structure and capable of being inserted within the arrow shaft, the dampening mass comprising:
 a cantilevered first end having an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the arrow shaft; 
 a second end; and 
 a dampening material for dampening vibrations.