Patent Publication Number: US-8991380-B2

Title: Barrel cable suppressor

Description:
This divisional patent application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/984,827 filed Jan. 5, 2011, entitled BARREL CABLE SUPPRESSOR, which will issue as U.S. Pat. No. 8,656,899 on Feb. 25, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/293,251 filed Jan. 8, 2010, entitled BARREL CABLE SUPPRESSOR, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     I. BACKGROUND 
     A. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses of crossbow devices, specifically, to the art of methods and apparatuses of devices for reducing vibrations and noise resulting from the firing of a crossbow device. 
     B. Description of Related Art 
     Crossbows have been used for many years as a weapon for hunting and fishing, and for target shooting. In general, a crossbow includes a main beam including a stock member and a barrel connected to the stock member. The barrel typically has an arrow receiving area for receiving the arrow that is to be shot. The crossbow includes a bow assembly supported on the main beam that includes a bow and a bowstring connected to the bow for use in shooting arrows. A trigger for mechanism, also supported on the main beam, holds the bowstring in a drawn or cocked condition and can thereafter be operated to release the bowstring to shoot the arrow. 
     The crossbow may include a compound bow assembly having cams, eccentrics, or wheels rotatably attached to the distal ends of the distal ends of the bow limbs. The cams may receive the bowstring and typically act to reduce the amount of force required to draw the bowstring and/or may increase the amount of force provided by the crossbow. Another method for increasing the amount of force provided by the crossbow includes utilizing one or more barrel cables that may be received by the cams and coupled to the ends of the bow limbs. Drawing the bowstring may cause the cables to pull the bow limbs generally inward toward the main beam of the crossbow. The cams may rotate about an axis as the bowstring is drawn. As the cams rotate, the cables may be caused to travel across at least a portion of the cams thereby causing the bow limbs to be pulled generally inward. 
     To prevent the cables from interfering with the projection of the arrow, the cables extend through a cable slot formed in the barrel of the crossbow. The movement of the bow limbs towards and away from the main beam as the bowstring is drawn and released causes the cables to move along the longitudinal axis of the main beam within the cable slot. Commonly, to reduce wear and friction, the cables will extend through a cable slide positioned within the cable slot. Drawing the crossbow causes potential energy to be stored in the bow limbs as the limbs are bent or flexed inward. Releasing the bowstring from the drawing position causes the potential energy stored in the limbs to be transferred to the bowstring and cables. Typically, the transferred energy is used to propel and arrow or bolt from the crossbow. Upon propelling the arrow or bolt, energy transferred to the bowstring and/or cables and not used to propel the arrow or bolt can cause the bowstring and/or cables to vibrate. These vibrations result in unwanted noise that is both too loud (as measured in decibels) and too long in duration. 
     II. SUMMARY 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a crossbow may comprise a main beam, a trigger mechanism, a bow assembly, and a barrel cable suppressor. The main beam may have a stock member and a barrel member. The trigger mechanism may be mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring. The bow assembly may comprise a first limb and a second limb. The first limb and the second limb may extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam. The bowstring may extend between the first and second limbs. The barrel cable suppressor may be positioned at least partially within a cable slot formed in the barrel member. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially attenuate vibrations and noise caused by the release of the bowstring. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a crossbow may comprise a main beam, a trigger mechanism, a bow assembly, and a barrel cable suppressor. The main beam may have a stock member and a barrel member. The trigger mechanism may be mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring. The bow assembly may comprise a first limb and a second limb. The first limb and the second limb may extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam. The bowstring may extend between the first and second limbs. The bow assembly may further comprise a first cam, a second cam, a first cable, and a second cable. The first cam may be operatively connected to the first limb to rotate about a first axle. The second cam may be operatively connected to the second limb to rotate about a second axle. The bowstring may be received by the first and second cams such that the drawing of the bowstring causes the first and second cams to rotate in a first direction. The first cable may be operatively connected to the first limb, may extend through the cable slot, and may be received by the second cam. The second cable may be operatively connected to the second limb, may extend through the cable slot, and may be received by the first cam. The rotation of the first and second cams in the first direction may cause the first and second limbs to be pulled generally inward towards the main beam. The first and second cables may contact at least a portion of the barrel cable suppressor when the bowstring is released from the trigger mechanism. The barrel cable suppressor may be positioned at least partially within a cable slot formed in the barrel member. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially attenuate vibrations and noise caused by the release of the bowstring. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a recurve crossbow may comprise a main beam, a trigger mechanism, a bow assembly, and a barrel cable suppressor. The main beam may have a stock member and a barrel member. The trigger mechanism may be mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring. The bow assembly may comprise a first limb and a second limb. The first limb and the second limb may extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam. The bowstring may extend between the first and second limbs. The barrel cable suppressor may be positioned at least partially within a cable slot formed in the barrel member. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially attenuate vibrations and noise caused by the release of the bowstring. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a crossbow may comprise a main beam, a trigger mechanism, a bow assembly, and a barrel cable suppressor. The main beam may have a stock member and a barrel member. The trigger mechanism may be mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring. The bow assembly may comprise a first limb and a second limb. The first limb and the second limb may extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam. The bowstring may extend between the first and second limbs. The barrel cable suppressor may be positioned at least partially within a cable slot formed in the barrel member. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially attenuate vibrations and noise caused by the release of the bowstring. The barrel cable suppressor may comprise a cable dampener. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a crossbow may comprise a main beam, a trigger mechanism, a bow assembly, and a barrel cable suppressor. The main beam may have a stock member and a barrel member. The trigger mechanism may be mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring. The bow assembly may comprise a first limb and a second limb. The first limb and the second limb may extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam. The bowstring may extend between the first and second limbs. The bow assembly may further comprise a first cam, a second cam, a first cable, and a second cable. The first cam may be operatively connected to the first limb to rotate about a first axle. The second cam may be operatively connected to the second limb to rotate about a second axle. The bowstring may be received by the first and second cams such that the drawing of the bowstring causes the first and second cams to rotate in a first direction. The first cable may be operatively connected to the first limb, may extend through the cable slot, and may be received by the second cam. The second cable may be operatively connected to the second limb, may extend through the cable slot, and may be received by the first cam. The rotation of the first and second cams in the first direction may cause the first and second limbs to be pulled generally inward towards the main beam. The first and second cables may contact at least a portion of the barrel cable suppressor when the bowstring is released from the trigger mechanism. The barrel cable suppressor may be positioned at least partially within a cable slot formed in the barrel member. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially attenuate vibrations and noise caused by the release of the bowstring. The barrel cable suppressor may comprise a cable damper. The first or the second cable may contact at least a portion of the cable dampener when the bowstring is released from the trigger mechanism. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a crossbow may comprise a main beam, a trigger mechanism, a bow assembly, and a barrel cable suppressor. The main beam may have a stock member and a barrel member. The trigger mechanism may be mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring. The bow assembly may comprise a first limb and a second limb. The first limb and the second limb may extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam. The bowstring may extend between the first and second limbs. The bow assembly may further comprise a first cam, a second cam, a first cable, and a second cable. The first cam may be operatively connected to the first limb to rotate about a first axle. The second cam may be operatively connected to the second limb to rotate about a second axle. The bowstring may be received by the first and second cams such that the drawing of the bowstring causes the first and second cams to rotate in a first direction. The first cable may be operatively connected to the first limb, may extend through the cable slot, and may be received by the second cam. The second cable may be operatively connected to the second limb, may extend through the cable slot, and may be received by the first cam. The rotation of the first and second cams in the first direction may cause the first and second limbs to be pulled generally inward towards the main beam. The first and second cables may contact at least a portion of the barrel cable suppressor when the bowstring is released from the trigger mechanism. The barrel cable suppressor may be positioned at least partially within a cable slot formed in the barrel member. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially attenuate vibrations and noise caused by the release of the bowstring. The barrel cable suppressor may comprise a cable damper. The first or the second cable may contact at least a portion of the cable dampener when the bowstring is released from the trigger mechanism. The cable dampener may comprise a hollow construction that allows the cable dampener to at least partially compress or deform when contacted by the first or second cable. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a method may comprise the steps of providing a crossbow; drawing a bowstring; releasing the bowstring; and attenuating vibrations caused by the releasing of the bowstring. The provided crossbow may comprise a main beam having a stock member and a barrel member; a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring; a bow assembly comprising a first limb and a second limb, wherein the first limb and the second limb extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam and the bowstring extends between the first and second limbs; and, a barrel cable suppressor positioned at least partially within a cable slot formed in the barrel member. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially cause the attenuation of the vibrations. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a method may comprise the steps of providing a crossbow; drawing a bowstring; releasing the bowstring; attenuating vibrations caused by the releasing of the bowstring; and, contacting at least a portion of a barrel cable suppressor with a first cable or a second cable when the bowstring is released. The provided crossbow may comprise a main beam having a stock member and a barrel member; a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring; a bow assembly comprising a first limb and a second limb, wherein the first limb and the second limb extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam and the bowstring extends between the first and second limbs; and, a barrel cable suppressor positioned at least partially within a cable slot formed in the barrel member. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially cause the attenuation of the vibrations. The first cable may be operatively connected to the first limb, may extend through the cable slot, and may be received by a first cam that is operatively connected to the second limb. The second cable may be operatively connected to the second limb, may extend through the cable slot, and may be received by a second cam operatively connected to the first limb. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a method may comprise the steps of providing a crossbow; drawing a bowstring; releasing the bowstring; attenuating vibrations caused by the releasing of the bowstring; contacting at least a portion of a barrel cable suppressor with a first cable or a second cable when the bowstring is released and, deforming at least a portion of a cable dampener. The provided crossbow may comprise a main beam having a stock member and a barrel member; a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring; a bow assembly comprising a first limb and a second limb, wherein the first limb and the second limb extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam and the bowstring extends between the first and second limbs; and, a barrel cable suppressor positioned at least partially within a cable slot formed in the barrel member. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially cause the attenuation of the vibrations. The first cable may be operatively connected to the first limb, may extend through the cable slot, and may be received by a first cam that is operatively connected to the second limb. The second cable may be operatively connected to the second limb, may extend through the cable slot, and may be received by a second cam operatively connected to the first limb. The cable dampener may comprise a hollow construction and may be at least partially positioned within the cable slot. The deformation of at least a portion of the cable dampener may be at least partially caused by the cable dampener being contacted by the first or the second cable. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a crossbow may comprise a main beam, a trigger mechanism, a bow assembly, and a barrel cable suppressor. The main beam may have a stock member and a barrel member. The trigger mechanism may be mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring. The bow assembly may comprise a first limb and a second limb. The first limb and the second limb may extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam and the bowstring may extend between the first and second limbs. The barrel cable suppressor may be positioned on the first limb or the second limb. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially attenuate vibrations and noise caused by the release of the bowstring. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a crossbow may comprise a main beam, a trigger mechanism, a bow assembly, and a barrel cable suppressor. The main beam may have a stock member and a barrel member. The trigger mechanism may be mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring. The bow assembly may comprise a first limb and a second limb. The first limb and the second limb may extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam and the bowstring may extend between the first and second limbs. The barrel cable suppressor may be positioned on the first limb or the second limb. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially attenuate vibrations and noise caused by the release of the bowstring. The barrel cable suppressor may comprise a cable dampener. At least a portion of the cable dampener may be contacted by a first cable, a second cable, or the bowstring when the bowstring is released from a drawn position. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a crossbow may comprise a main beam, a trigger mechanism, a bow assembly, and a barrel cable suppressor. The main beam may have a stock member and a barrel member. The trigger mechanism may be mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring. The bow assembly may comprise a first limb and a second limb. The first limb and the second limb may extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam and the bowstring may extend between the first and second limbs. The barrel cable suppressor may be positioned on the first limb or the second limb. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially attenuate vibrations and noise caused by the release of the bowstring. The barrel cable suppressor may comprise a cable dampener comprising a plurality of appendages. At least a portion of one of the plurality of appendages may be contacted by a first cable, a second cable, or the bowstring when the bowstring is released from a drawn position. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, a crossbow may comprise a main beam, a trigger mechanism, a bow assembly, and a barrel cable suppressor. The main beam may have a stock member and a barrel member. The trigger mechanism may be mounted to the main beam for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring. The bow assembly may comprise a first limb and a second limb. The first limb and the second limb may extend transversely from a distal end of the main beam and the bowstring may extend between the first and second limbs. The barrel cable suppressor may be positioned on the first limb or the second limb. The barrel cable suppressor may at least partially attenuate vibrations and noise caused by the release of the bowstring. The barrel cable suppressor may comprise a cable dampener comprising a plurality of appendages and a dampener mass. At least a portion of one of the plurality of appendages may be contacted by a first cable, a second cable, or the bowstring when the bowstring is released from a drawn position. The dampener mass may be positioned adjacent to each distal end of each of the plurality of appendages. 
     One advantage of this invention is the reduction or attenuation of unwanted vibrations and noise caused by the barrel cables when firing an arrow from the crossbow. 
     Another advantage of this invention is that it may be retro-fit to an existing crossbow. 
     Yet another advantage of this invention is that it may be utilized with any type of crossbow including a compound crossbow and a recurve crossbow. 
     Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
    
    
     
       IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows an angled, top, perspective view of a crossbow device comprising a barrel cable suppressor according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a side perspective view of the crossbow device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a partial perspective view showing a portion of the barrel and the barrel cable suppressor of the crossbow device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows an angled side perspective view of a recurve crossbow device comprising a barrel cable suppressor according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows an assembly view of a cable dampener according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a front perspective view of a cable suppressor positioned within a limb of a crossbow according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows an angled side perspective view of the cable suppressor shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the FIGURES wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating multiple embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIGS. 1-3  show a crossbow  1  having a barrel cable suppressor  10  according to one embodiment of the invention. The crossbow  1  may comprise a main beam  12 , a trigger mechanism  20 , and a bow assembly  30 . The main beam  12  may comprise a stock member  14  and a barrel member  16 . In one embodiment, the stock member  14  and the barrel member  16  may comprise separate components that are operatively connected to form the main beam  12 . The stock member  14  may comprise a member that is placed against a shoulder of a user when firing an arrow from the crossbow  1 . The barrel member  16  may be coupled to the stock member  14  and may comprise an elongated member that extends generally parallel with a desired flight pattern of the arrow to be propelled or fired from the crossbow  1 . The barrel member  16  may comprise an upper surface  17  having a channel  19  formed therein. The channel  19  may receive a member of the arrow&#39;s fletching and may act as a guide to assist in directing the arrow from the crossbow  1 . A handgrip  18  may be mounted to the main beam  12  in any conventional manner chosen with sound judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The trigger mechanism  20  may be mounted to the main beam  12 . The trigger mechanism  20  may be a mechanism that is suitable for selectively retaining and releasing a bowstring  34  as is well known in the art. The trigger mechanism  20  may comprise any type of trigger mechanism and may be mounted to the main beam  12  in any suitable manner chosen with sound judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 1 , the bow assembly  30  may be coupled to the distal end of the main beam  12 . The bow assembly  30  may comprise a bow portion  32 , a cam assembly  33 , and the bowstring  34 . The bow portion  32  may include a first limb  36  and a second limb  37 . The first and second limbs  36 ,  37  may each comprise a first end  36   a ,  37   a  and a second end  36   b ,  37   b  respectively. The first ends  36   a ,  37   a  may be operatively connected to the end of the main beam  12  such that the first and second limbs  36 ,  37  extend transversely thereto in opposite directions generally away from the main beam  12 . The first and second limbs  36 ,  37  may comprise a single member or two or more separate members each operatively connected to the crossbow  1 . In one embodiment, the bow assembly  30  may include a riser or block  40  for operatively connecting the first and second limbs  36 ,  37  to the crossbow  1 . The riser  40  may comprise a pair of limb pockets that receive the first and second limbs  36 ,  37 . The first and second limbs  36 ,  37  may be operatively connected to the riser  40  utilizing any method chosen with sound judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
     With continued reference now to  FIG. 1 , the cam assembly  33  may comprise a first cam  38 , a second cam  39 , a first barrel cable  40 , and a second barrel cable  41  The first and second cams  38 ,  39  may be operatively connected to the second ends  36   b ,  37   b  of the first and second limbs  36 ,  37 , respectively. In one embodiment, the first cam  38  may be operatively connected to the second end  36   b  to rotate about an axle  42 . The second cam  39  may be operatively connected to the second end  37   b  to rotate about an axle  43 . The first and second cams  38 ,  39  may receive the bowstring  34  and may rotate about axles  42 ,  43  in a first direction as the bowstring  34  is drawn rearward and in a second direction, opposite to the first direction as the bowstring  34  is released. In one embodiment, the first and second cam assemblies  38 ,  39  may comprise oblong or eccentric shaped pulley mechanisms over which the bowstring  34  travels as it is drawn and released. Once the bowstring  34  is drawn past a predetermined point rearward towards a butt portion  15  of the stock member  14 , the first and second cams  38 ,  39  may serve to minimize the force that must be imparted on the bowstring  34  to maintain the bowstring  34  in this drawn position. Similarly, as the bowstring  34  is released and passes a predetermined point in the forward direction generally away from the butt portion  15  of the stock member  14 , the first and second cams  38 ,  39  may provide a mechanical advantage that serves to enhance the force with which the arrow is propelled from the crossbow  1 . Although a particular cam assembly having a particular cam is shown, any type of cam assembly and/or cam, chosen with sound judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be used. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first and second cables  40 ,  41  may extend between the second ends  36   b ,  37   b  of the first and second limbs  36 ,  37 . The first cable  40  may comprise first and second ends  40   a ,  40   b  that are operatively connected to the second end  36   b  of the first limb  36 . In one embodiment, the first and second ends  40   a ,  40   b  may be operatively connected to the axle  42 . The first cable  40  may be received by the second cam  39  such that the rotation of the second cam  39  in the first direction causes the first cable  40  to travel over the second cam  39 . The second cable  41  may comprise first and second ends  41   a ,  41   b  that are operatively connected to the second end  37   b  of the second limb  37 . The second cable  41  may be received by the first cam  38  such that the rotation of the first cam  38  in the first direction causes the second cable  41  to travel over the first cam  38 . The traveling of the first and second cables  40 ,  41  across the first and second cams  38 ,  39 , respectively, decreases the effective length of the first and second cables  40 ,  41  thereby causing the first and second limbs  36 ,  37  to be flexed or pulled inward generally towards the main beam  12  thereby enhancing the force with which the arrow is propelled from the crossbow  1  by causing the amount of potential energy stored in the first and second limbs  36 ,  37  to be increased. The first and second cables  40 ,  41  may pass through a cable slot  44 , shown in  FIG. 2 , formed in the barrel member  16 . In one embodiment, a cable slide  46  may be positioned within the cable slot  44 . The first and second cables  40 ,  41  may extend through an aperture formed in the cable slide  46 . The cable slide  46  may at least partially facilitate the movement of the first and second cables  40 ,  41  within the cable slot  44 . The drawing and releasing of the bowstring  34  may cause the first and second limbs  36 ,  37  to be flexed or pulled generally inward toward the main beam  12  as the bowstring  34  is drawn and then moved away from the main beam  12  as the bowstring  34  is released as is well known in the art. The movement of the first and second limbs  36 ,  37  as the bowstring  34  is drawn and released may cause the movement of the first and second cables  40 ,  41  within the cable slot  44 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1-3 , according to one embodiment, the barrel cable suppressor  10  may be positioned at least partially within the cable slot  44 . The barrel cable suppressor  10  may increase the general dampening properties of the crossbow  1  and provide for sound and vibration attenuation by reducing or substantially preventing the vibration of the first and second cables  40 ,  41 . As stated above, the drawing of the bowstring  34  and the subsequent flexing of the first and second limbs  36 ,  37  cause potential energy to be stored therein. As the bowstring  34  is released, a portion of the energy stored in the first and second limbs  36 ,  37  may be transferred to the first and second cables  40 ,  41 . The barrel cable suppressor  10  may absorb at least a portion of the energy transferred to the first and second cables  40 ,  41 . In one embodiment, the barrel cable suppressor  10  may be positioned within the cable slot  44  such that the movement of the first and second cables  40 ,  41  resulting from the rotation of the first and second cams  38 ,  39  in the second direction causes the first cable  40 , the second cable  41 , and/or the cable slide  46  to contact at least a portion of the barrel cable suppressor  10  thereby increasing the dampening properties of the crossbow  1  and at least partially attenuating any resultant sound or vibration caused by the firing of the crossbow  1 . 
     With continued reference now to  FIGS. 1-3 , in one embodiment, the barrel cable suppressor  10  may comprise a cable dampener  45 . The cable damper  45  may comprise a composition suitable for absorbing vibrational energy from the first and second cables  40 ,  41  that results from the firing of the arrow from the crossbow  1 . The cable dampener  45  may comprise any material that provides sound and vibration absorption properties. In one embodiment, the cable damper  45  may comprise a rubber composition. The cable damper  45  may be constructed to allow, increase, and/or maximize the ability of the material comprising the cable damper  45  to function as intended. In one embodiment, the cable damper  45  may comprise a hollow construction to allow the material to compress and deform as the material absorbs vibrations and transferred energy. The cable dampener  45  may comprise any composition, material, or construction chosen with sound judgment by a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
     With continued reference now to  FIGS. 1-3 , the cable dampener  45  may be positioned at least partially within the cable slot  44 . In one embodiment, with the bowstring  34  relaxed or not drawn, the cable dampener  45  may be positioned to contact or abut the first cable  40 , the second cable  41 , and/or the cable slide  46 . As the bowstring  34  is drawn, the first cable  40 , the second cable  41 , and/or the cable slide  46  may move away from the cable dampener  45 . In one embodiment, the first cable  40 , the second cable  41 , and/or the cable slide  46  may move such that the first cable  40 , the second cable  41 , and/or the cable slide  46  no longer contacts or abuts the cable dampener  45 . Upon release of the bowstring  34 , the first cable  40 , the second cable  41 , and/or the cable slide  46  may contact at least a portion of the cable dampener  45  thereby allowing at least a portion of the energy transferred from the first and second limbs  36 ,  37  to be transferred to and absorbed by the cable dampener  45 . In one embodiment, the barrel cable suppressor  10  may comprise a plurality of cable dampeners  45  that are selectively positionable within the cable slot  44 . In another embodiment, the barrel cable suppressor  10  may comprise a single cable dampener  45  that is selectively positionable within the cable slot  44 . 
     With continued reference now to  FIGS. 1-3 , the barrel cable suppressor  10  may be selectively inserted within the cable slot  44  of a conventional crossbow thereby allowing for the retrofitting of existing crossbows with the barrel cable suppressor  10 . The barrel cable suppressor  10  may be friction fitted within at least a portion of the cable slot  44 . In another embodiment, the barrel cable suppressor  10  may be attached to the barrel  16  using conventional fasteners, such as, for example, conventional screws, or adhesive such as, for example, double-sided tape. The conventional fastener may allow the barrel cable suppressor  10  to be retro-fit to an existing crossbow and/or installed by the manufacturer. In another embodiment, the barrel cable suppressor  10  may be co-molded with the barrel  16 . For one non-limiting example, the barrel  16  may be placed inside a steel mold and a rubber or material having similar properties and/or composition may be molded overtop of the barrel  16 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1-4 , in one embodiment, the barrel cable suppressor  10  may be used with a recurve crossbow  100 , shown in  FIG. 4 . The recurve crossbow  100  may comprise a bow assembly  130  be coupled to the distal end of a main beam  112 . The bow assembly  130  may comprise a bow portion  132  and a bowstring  134 . The bow portion  132  may include a first limb  136  and a second limb  137 . The first and second limbs  136 ,  137  may each comprise a first end  136   a ,  137   a  and a second end  136   b ,  137   b  respectively. The first ends  136   a ,  137   a  may be operatively connected to the end of the main beam  112  such that the first and second limbs  136 ,  137  extend transversely thereto in opposite directions generally away from the main beam  112 . The bowstring  134  may be operatively connected to the second ends  136   b ,  137   b . In one embodiment, the bowstring  134  may be coupled to the second ends  136   b ,  137   b  by a first and second loop, not shown, formed on opposing ends of the bowstring  134 . The barrel cable suppressor  10  may be positioned at least partially within a cable slot  144  formed in the main beam  112 . The barrel cable suppressor  10  may provide the crossbow  100  with increased dampening properties and result in a greater attenuation of sound and vibration when firing the crossbow  100 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1 ,  6 , and  7 , in one embodiment, the barrel cable suppressor  10  may be coupled to the first limb  36  and/or the second limb  37 . The barrel cable suppressor  10  may be positioned such that upon firing the crossbow  1  the first cable  40 , the second cables  41 , and/or the bowstring  34  contact at least a portion of the barrel cable suppressor  10 . In one embodiment, the barrel cable suppressor  10  may comprise a two-piece design that can be selectively coupled to the first limb  36  and/or the second limb  37 . The barrel cable suppressor  10  may comprise a means for causing the individual pieces comprising the barrel cable suppressor  10  to be selectively interlocked or combined. In one embodiment, the barrel cable suppressor  10  may comprise a plurality of threads position on one piece of the barrel cable suppressor  10  and a plurality of corresponding grooves positioned on the other. The plurality of threads and grooves may allow the barrel cable suppressor  10  to be selectively positioned on the first limb  36  and/or the second limb  37 . In another embodiment, the first and second limbs  36 ,  37  may each comprise a split limb assembly and a first barrel cable suppressor  10  may be positioned to extend between the two limb portions of the first limb  36  and a second barrel cable suppressor  10  may be positioned to extend between the two limb portions of the second limb  37 . The first and second barrel cable suppressors  10  may extend through the two limb portions of the first and second limbs  36 ,  37 , respectively, such that a portion of the first and second barrel cable suppressors  10  abut opposing sides of the first and second limbs  36 ,  37  thereby substantially fixedly positioning the first and second barrel cable suppressors  10 . In one embodiment, the first and second barrel cable suppressors  10  may each include the cable dampener  45 . The cable dampener  45  may comprise a plurality of appendages  53  suitable for absorbing energy transferred by the first cable  40 , the second cable  41 , and/or the bowstring  34 , such as, for example, a rubber composition. The cable dampener  45  may be positioned on the first limb  36  and/or the second limb  37  such that the release of the bowstring  34  from the drawn position causes at least a portion of one of the plurality of appendages  53  to be contacted by the first cable  40 , the second cable  41 , and/or the bowstring  34 . In one embodiment, each of the appendages  53  may comprise a dampener mass  54  positioned adjacent to the distal end of the appendage  53 . Additionally, the cable dampener  45  may comprise a dampener mass  54  positioned substantially at the center of the cable dampener  45 . The dampener mass  54  may comprise a weight or mass intended to increase amount of transferred energy the barrel cable suppressor  10  is able to absorb. 
     With reference now to the FIGURES, a method for attenuating vibrations and noise caused by firing the crossbow will generally be described. According to one embodiment, the crossbow  1  may be provided to an associated user. As described above, the provided crossbow  1  may comprise the main beam  12  having the stock member  14  and the barrel member  16 ; the trigger mechanism  20 ; the bow assembly  30 ; and, the barrel cable suppressor  10 . The trigger mechanism  20  may be mounted to the main beam  12  for selectively retaining and releasing the bowstring  34 . The bow assembly  30  may comprise the first limb  36  and the second limb  37  that extend transversely from the distal end of the main beam  12 . The bowstring  34  may extend between the first and second limbs  36 ,  37 . The barrel cable suppressor  10  may be positioned at least partially within the cable slot  44  formed in the barrel member  16 . The bowstring  34  may be drawn and can be selectively retained by the trigger mechanism  20 . The bowstring  34  may be released. In one embodiment, a bolt or arrow, not shown, may be positioned to be fired from the crossbow  1 , and the bowstring  34  may be released by actuating a trigger lever, not shown. Releasing the bowstring  34  may cause at least a portion of the potential energy stored in the first and second limbs  36 ,  37  to be transferred to the bowstring  34  to propel the arrow, not shown, from the crossbow  1  and may result in producing vibrations and noise. The vibrations and/or noise caused by the release of the bowstring  34  may be attenuated. In one embodiment, the barrel cable suppressor  10  may at least partially cause the attenuation of the vibrations and/or noise. 
     Numerous embodiments have been described herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. Further, the “invention” as that term is used in this document is what is claimed in the claims of this document. The right to claim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein as other inventions in other patent documents is hereby unconditionally reserved. 
     Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed.