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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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.