WO2001013748A1

WO2001013748A1 - Vibration damping member and method of making same

Info

Publication number: WO2001013748A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/023532
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kent Wilson
Original assignee: Ergodyne Corporation
Priority date: 1999-08-25
Filing date: 2000-08-25
Publication date: 2001-03-01
Also published as: AU7079600A

Abstract

A laminate article for damping mechanical vibrations. One embodiment of the damping article includes a neoprene layer, a foamed polyurethane middle layer and a nonformed polyurethane layer. The layers are preferably adhered in an overlaying relation. The article reduces at least 40 % of high frequency mechanical vibrations (200 Hz - 1250 Hz) otherwise transmitted to the wearer.

Description

VIBRATION DAMPING MEMBER AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention. This invention relates to a vibration-damping article and. more particularly, this invention relates to an article effective in reducing injuries caused by exposure to mechanical vibrations.

2. Background of the Invention. Tools which generate mechanical vibrations are ubiquitous in many work places.

These tools include those directly powered by electricity and those which are hydraulically powered, e.g.. by compressed air. Tools of this nature include grinders, drills, jackhammers, riveting guns, impact w renches, chain saw , powered hammers, chisels, sanders. breakers, compactors, sharpeners, and shapers. When being used, these tools generate and transmit mechanical vibrations to the user^'s hands. These mechanical vibrations may be classified by frequency. Those mechanical vibrations with frequencies of less than about 31.5 Hz are considered to be in the low (L) range. Mechanical vibrations with frequencies between about 31.5 Hz and 200 Hz may be considered to be in a medium or middle (M) frequency range. Mechanical vibrations with frequencies between about 200 Hz and 1250 Hz may be considered to be within the high (H) range.

Prolonged exposure by persons using vibration-generating tools is considered to be a causal agent of Hand/Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). also known as "white-finger disease.^" HAVS is caused by prolonged exposure to mechanical vibrations and may be further exacerbated by working conditions in which colder temperatures are present. HAVS may result from exposure times ranging from one month to 30 years, or more, depending upon the intensity of the vibration source, the transmissibilitx and absorption of vibrations by the user, and the susceptibility of the individual to this disorder. Peripheral, vascular and neural disorders of the fingers and hands are characteristic of HAVS. Symptoms include numbness, pain, blanching of the fingers, loss of finger dexterity, and discomfort and pain in the worker^'s upper limbs. HAVS can damage blood vessels, thereby reducing the blood supply to the user^'s extremities. HAVS can also damage

es in the user^'s hands and fingers, thereby causing a permanent loss of feeling. Moreover, the user^'s bones and muscles may become damaged as well. Consequences of HAVS may include loss of flexibility, the ability to grip or grasp objects, and. in extreme cases, gangrene. Because HAVS cannot be cured, prevention should be a major emphasis in the work place. Preventative measures, such as tools and articles of apparel designed to reduce the amount of vibrational exposure, should be utilized. A substantial amount of frequency vibration is transmitted from power tools to the hands and upper extremities of workers. Workers who must stand on platforms may also be exposed to these deleterious vibrations. Efforts to mitigate, or attenuate, this unacceptable vibrational energy transmission have included using gloves with various protective materials.

Examples of some of these efforts to manufacture and design gloves to attenuate vibrational exposure include those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5.632.045. 5.673.437. 5.822.795. and 5,987,705. the entire disclosures of each hereby incorporated by reference. Mitigation and vibration reduction to other parts of the body, e.g.. the foot, has been disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4.627.179. the disclosure also hereby incorporated by reference.

In order to be safely and effectively used, tools must be easily and firmly grasped by the worker. To be safely and firmly grasped by the worker, handles and other surfaces grasped or gripped during use should have a cross-sectional dimension (e.g.. a diameter) within a specified range. If gloves are worn, the cross-sectional dimension should be smaller to accommodate the thicknesses of the gloves. Thus, gloves and other shielding devices failing to provide an effective gripping diameter of between about 1 .0 and 2.0 inches (e.g., 1.5 inch) may cause excessive and premature hand fatigue, thereby reducing the ability of the worker to effectively and efficiently control the tool being used.

Previously, gloves which protect w earers from vibration-induced injury have often limited the dexterity, e.g.. the ability to pick up and manipulate objects, of persons wearing the glove. Therefore, there is a need for a damping article w hich w ill damp otherwise harmful mechanical vibrations sufficiently to prevent the onset of HAVS. yet will provide for a grip which will enable a worker to effectively control the tool being used to prevent or greatly delay the onset of gripping fatigue and will provide for an enhanced dexterity .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention substantially meets the aforementioned needs of the industry by providing a substantially flexible article for damping mechanical vibrations. The article may include first, second, and third layers. The first layer may include a polymer capable of damping at least a portion of the middle range of mechanical vibrational frequencies such as neoprene. The second layer may include a viscoelastic polymer capable of damping at least a portion of the high range of mechanical vibrational frequencies such as a foamed polyurethane. The third layer may include a second viscoelastic polymer capable of damping at least a portion of the middle range of mechanical vibrational frequencies such as a non- foamed polyurethane. The first, second, and third layers may be disposed in a substantially overlaying relation. The article may be characterized by a medium range vibratory transmissibility of less than about 1 .0. and a high range vibratory transmissibility of less than about 0.6. It is an object of the present invention to provide an article which will damp mechanical vibrations so that injury to persons exposed to these vibrations is greatly or significantly reduced.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a vibration damping article which is dimensioned and configured to be inserted into a glove. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vibration damping article which can be permanently provided in a glove.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a vibration damping article with an article thickness dimensioned to provide an effective gripping cross sectional dimension to prevent or greatly reduce gripping fatigue. It is a further object of the present invention to prov ide a vibration damping article with a reduced article thickness to enhance the dexterity and flexibility of a user^'s hands when the present article is present in protective gloves.

It is yet still another object of this invention to provide a vibration damping article which will eliminate or greatly reduce the exposure of a wearer's feet to injury by mechanical vibrations.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention ill become apparent from the description which follows, when considered in view of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPT ION OF TΗE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the present vibration damping article; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional

of the embodiment of Figures 1. 3-6. and 10 along line 2-2: Figure 3a is a plan view of a second embodiment of the present vibration damping article;

Figure 3b is a plan view of a third embodiment of the present vibration damping article; Figure 4 is a plan view of the damping article of figure 3a disposed in a glove;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the damping article of Figure 1 disposed in a glove;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the present damping article disposed in a glove;

Figure 7 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the present damping article; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present damping article disposed about a tool handle:

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present damping article disposed about a hexagonal tool handle;

Figure 10 is a side view of the sixth embodiment of the present damping article; and Figure 1 1 is a side view of the damping article of Figure 10 disposed in a shoe as an insert or insole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A first embodiment of the present damping article is depicted in Figure 1 , generally at 100. and includes a damping material 1 14. Referring to Figure 2. the damping material 1 14 includes layers 1 17. 1 19. and 122. each layer with a synthetic resin. The synthetic resin of layer 1 17 is effective in damping at least some of the mechanical vibrational frequencies in the M frequency range (3 1 .5 Hz - 200 Hz). The synthetic resin in layer 1 19 is effective in damping at least some of the mechanical vibrational frequencies in the H range (200 Hz - 1250 Hz), and the synthetic resin of layer 122 is effective in damping at least some of the mechanical frequencies within the M frequency range. In one embodiment, the synthetic resin of layer 1 1 7 is a closed cell. poly(2-chloro- l ,3-butadiene) also known as neoprene. One suitable example of this synthetic resin is marketed by the RUBATEX Corporation, Roanoke. Virginia, as R- 1400-N. The layer I 1 7 may have a thickness of between about 0.0625^" and 0.1875^". between about 0.10^" and 0.15^". or any range subsumed therein, or about 0.125^". As determined by ASTM protocols, the synthetic resin of the layer 1 1 7 may have a compression deflection of between about 2 psi and 5 psi. or any range subsumed therein, an average density of between about 8 and 15 pounds per cubic foot, or any range subsumed therein, and a maximum water absorption of about 5%. The synthetic resin of the layer 1 17 may further be characterized by a Shore 00 durometer of between about 28 and 45. or any durometer range subsumed therein.

The synthetic resins of layers 1 19 and 122 may include formulations of a viscoelastic polymer. The viscoelastic polymer of layer 1 19 may be foamed, or otherwise include air pockets (cells), such that the polymer of the layer 1 19 may be characterized by a density of between 90% and 95%. or any density range subsumed therein, or about 95% of the density of the polymer of the layer 122. The polymer of the layer 1 19 may further have a weight of between about 8.00 and 8.16 pounds per gallon, or about 8.08 pounds per gallon. The layer 1 19 may have a thickness of between about 0.060" and 0.066^". between about 0.061 " and 0.066", any range subsumed therein, or about 0.060^" in thickness. The synthetic resin of the layer 1 19 may further be characterized by a Shore 00 hardness value of between about 21 and 27, between about 23 and 25. or any range subsumed therein.

The synthetic resin of the layer 122 may be substantially identical to the synthetic layer of the layer 1 19. except that air pockets are substantially absent therefrom and may be further characterized by a Shore 00 hardness value of between 28 and 34. between 30 and 32 or any range subsumed therein. The thickness of the layer 122 may be between about 0.50" and 0.59", between about 0.52^" and 0.59^". or any range subsumed therein, about 0.50^", about 0.52". about 0.55^". or about 0.59^". Without wishing to be bound by any specific theory, the synthetic resin of the layer 1 19 is thought to contribute to damping at least some mechanical vibrational frequencies w ithin the H range and the synthetic resin of the layer 122 is considered to be useful in damping at least some mechanical vibrational frequencies within the M range. Suitable synthetic formulations for the layers I 19 and 122 are polyurethanes marketed as AKTON by Action Products. Incorporated. Hagerstown. Maryland. Again. while not desiring to be bound by any specific theory, the article 100 is considered to be effective in damping mechanical vibrations when the layer 1 17 is disposed nearest the wearer and the layer 122 is disposed toward the source of the mechanical vibrations.

Referring to Figure 3a. the present damping article may be configured as a glove insert 200. The glove insert 200 may be inserted in a glove 10 in the manner depicted in Figure 4. In Figure 4, the article 200 is depicted in phantom. Alternatively, the article 200 may be permanently installed within the glove 210. If so. the layer 122 may be disposed proximate the shell of the glove 210 and the layer 1 1 7 may be disposed proximate an inner glove liner (not shown). The article 200 may be fixed in place in the glove 210 between the glove liner and the glove shell by stitching, or other methods known to the art. Optional crease lines 204 are depicted in phantom. The crease lines 204 are contemplated to include structure which enhances the dexterity and/or flexibility of the wearer^'s hands, e.g., make bending, flexing, grasping, and picking up objects easier. In this embodiment, the crease lines represent portions of diminished thickness coinciding with bending portions of the user^'s hand, e.g., adjacent the knuckles, thumb base, palm interior. Alternatively, the article

200 could be severed along the crease lines to enhance flexibility . The severed pieces would be especially desirable in situations where the severed pieces were secured (e.g.. stitched) into a glove. Figure 3b depicts an alternative to the embodiment of Figure 3a at 205. Article 205 includes a first (main) portion 206 and a second (thumb) portion 207. The separated portions 206 and 207 enable a greater degree of user flexibility, e.g.. for enhancing the ability to grasp objects. The second portion 207 may substantially wrap around the user^'s thumb, rather than fitting lengthwise thereto. Obviously, the portions of the first portion corresponding to the user's digits could also be separated from the first portion corresponding to the user^'s palm. Moreover, the portions corresponding to the user^'s digits and palm could be separated further along lines of bending, e.g.. knuckles.

In situations where it is either not necessary or not desired that the user^'s fingers be protected by the present article, a configuration such as article 100 may be used in cooperation with the glove 210. The article 100. as depicted in phantom in Figure 5, protects the palm portion of the user^'s hand. The article 100 may be reversibly placed inside the glove 210 or permanently installed as a part of the glove as described above. Referring to Figure 6. the present article may be configured as depicted in phantom generally at 215. With respect to the article 215. the palm portion and portions of the digits proximate the palm portion are protected by the present article and the more distal portions of the digits (e.g.. finger and thumb tips) are not protected. The article 215 may be reversibly installed within the glove 220 or may be permanently affixed therein as described above.

In contrast to the embodiments depicted in Figures 1 and 3a-6. an article 250 of the present invention encompassing an entire portion of the user^'s hand when donned is depicted in Figure 7. This embodiment displays openings 254. 256 and 258. which provide access to a cavity 264. The user dons the article 250 by inserting the user^'s hand into cavity 264 via opening 254. When the article 250 is donned, the user^'s thumb extends from opening 258 and all, or portions, of the user^'s fingers extend from opening 256. The embodiment 250 may be worn by a user by itself or may be worn inside a glove as desired.

An effective (ergonomic) gripping diameter is considered to be a cross-sectional dimension of an article that w ill enable an ordinary user to grasp and control the article with this diameter without encountering premature hand fatigue. The thickness of any intervening material , such as a glove, and the present damping article, between the user^'s hand and the article to be gripped would be included in defining the gripping diameter. An effective gripping diameter may be between about 1 ^" and 2". between about 1.25" and 1.75^", or any range subsumed therein, or about 1 .5^". It has been determined that thicknesses of the present damping article may be between about 0.2" and 0.275^". between about 0.22" and 0.275", between about 0.22" and 0.25^". between about 0.238^" and 0.237^". between about 0.238" and 0.25^", or any range subsumed therein. However, article thicknesses greater than those described may be desirable under certain conditions and are considered to be within the scope of this invention as well. Referring to Figures 8 and 9. one embodiment of the present damping article may be disposed about the periphery of a device designed to be directly gripped by a user and which transmits mechanical vibrations to the user's hands. The device may include handles of such tools as grinders, drills, fettling tools, jackhammers, riveting guns, impact hammers, chain saws, powered hammers, chisels. Sanders, breakers, compactors, sharpeners, shapers, and the like or may be a vehicular or implement steering wheel. The embodiment of Figure 8 is generally circular in cross-section and is designated generally at 250. The embodiment of Figure 9 is generally hexagonal in cross-section and is indicated generally at 260. Obviously, other cross-sectional geometries could be present as well. The gripping diameter of article 250 is designated generally at 270 and the gripping diameter of the article 260 is designated generally at 275. It is contemplated that the present invention includes devices substantially covered by the present damping article as depicted. As indicated, the diameters of the handles 250 and 260 may be reduced such that an effective gripping diameter would result when the present damping articles are disposed thereon. The device 100 may be disposed such that the layer 122 w ill contact the handles 250 and 260 and such that the layer 1 17 will contact the user^'s hand. Seams 280 and 290 show where the two ends of the article 100 come into contact and may be joined. Example

A glove with an inserted damping article (such as depicted in Figure 4) was tested for damping effectiveness using the protocol specified in the standard EN ISO 10819: 1996

(European Committee for Standardization (CEN)), hereby incorporated by reference. The standard EN ISO 10819: 1996 is entitled "Mechanical vibration and s ock-Hand-arm vibration-Method for the measurement and evaluation of the vibration transmissibility of the gloves in the palm of the hand.^" This protocol contains a method to measure, analyze, and calculate the vibration transmissibility (TR) of gloves. The transmissibility is defined as the ratio of vibration transmitted from a handle to the palm of the hand in the frequency range 31.5 Hz to 200 Hz (TR_M) and the frequency range 200 Hz to 1250 Hz (TR_H).

Transmissibilities in the above-referenced standard are determined by the ratio of accelerations measured at the surface of the hand and at the reference point in this protocol. Transmissibilities greater than I indicate that the glove actually amplifies the vibration. Transmissibilities lower than 1 indicate that the glove attenuates (dampens) the vibration. Mean transmissibilities for the M (TR_M) and H (TRn) frequency ranges are determined from replicated trials. To satisfactorily pass the standards of this protocol, gloves must have a mean TR of 1 .0 or less and a mean TR of 0.60 or less. Two glove inserts configured similarly to the embodiment depicted in Figure 4 were tested. The glove inserts differed in overall thickness - one insert having a thickness of 0.220^". and one insert having a thickness of 0.250^". A mean TR_M of 0.56 (STD 0.04) and a mean TR_M of 0.85 (STD 0.02) were observed for the 0.022^" thick insert. A mean TRn of 0.58 (STD 0.05) and a mean TR_M of 0.85 (STD 0.02) were observed for the 0.250^" thick insert. Thus, both embodiments received passing scores as determined by the protocol. Where an effective gripping diameter was a particular concern, the article w ith the 0.220^" thickness would be preferable in some circumstances.

Referring to Figure 10. another embodiment of the present invention is depicted generally at 300. The article 300 may have a substantially identical cross-section to that described in connection with Figure 2. above, and is configured as an insert to be worn inside shoe 310 as depicted in Figure 1 1. Alternatively, the article 300 may be permanently affixed within shoe 3 10 as an insole, or the like. The article 300 is contemplated to be advantageously worn w hen a user must stand upon a vibrating surface or platform. The article 300 may also be advantageous under normal walking conditions or, especially under walking conditions such as walking or running on hard surfaces (e.g.. concrete). The present damping article may be made by pouring a non-foamed liquid polyurethane formulation as described with respect to layer 122 into a mold to a desired thickness. The liquid formulation may be allowed to cure at least partially, e.g.. to a 60% cure, to form the layer 122. After the layer 122 has been formed and cured to the desired amount, a foamed liquid polyurethane formulation such as described in conjunction with the layer 1 19 is poured over the layer 122 to a desired thickness and allowed to cure to a desired extent, e.g., 60%. thereby forming the layer 1 19 bonded to the layer 122. When the layer 1 19 has cured to a desired extent, a liquid poly(2-chloro-1.3-butadiene) formulation described in conjunction with the layer 1 17 is poured thereover to a desired thickness and allowed to cure, thereby forming the layer 1 17 bonded to the layer 1 19. Alternatively, the layers may be formed separately, then adhered to each other by adhesives known to the art. such as thermo- elastic adhesives. The layers 1 1 7. 1 19. and 122 are depicted in Figure 2 in a substantially overlaying relation. The substantially overlaying relation is contemplated to include marginal portions in which not all layers are present. These thinner marginal portions may be desired in some embodiments in which a tapering article thickness is present.

Because numerous modifications of this invention may be made without departing' from the spirit thereof, the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments illustrated and described. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A substantially flexible article for damping mechanical vibrations, comprising: a first layer comprising a first layer polymer capable of damping at least a first portion of a middle range of mechanical vibrational frequencies; a second layer comprising a second layer viscoelastic polymer capable of damping at least a portion of a high range of mechanical vibrational frequencies: and a third layer comprising a third layer viscoelastic polymer capable of damping at least a second portion of the middle range of mechanical vibrational frequencies, the first, second, and third layers disposed in a substantially overlaying relation.

2. The article of claim 1. in w hich the first, second, and third layers cooperate to provide a medium range vibratory transmissibility of less than about 1 .0 and a high range vibratory transmissibilitv of less than about 0.6.

3. The article of claim 2. the first layer polymer comprising poly(2-chloro- 1.3- butadiene).

4. The article of claim 3. in which a compression deflection of the poly(2-chloro-1.3- butadiene) is between about 2 psi and 5 psi.

5. The article of claim 4. in w hich a Shore 00 durometer of the poly(2-chloro- I ,3- butadiene) is between about 28 and 45.

6. The article of claim 5. in which a density of the poly(2-chloro- 1.3-butadiene) is between about 8 lb/ft³ and 1 5 lb/ft³.

7. The article of claim 3. in w hich the poly(2-chloro- 1.3-butadiene) is a neoprene foam.

8. The article of claim 3. in which the poly(2-chloro- 1.3-butadiene) is a closed-cell neoprene foam.

9. The article of claim 2. in w hich the second and third layer viscoelastic polymers comprise respective second and third layer polvurethanes with respective second and third layer Shore 00 durometers, the second layer Shore 00 durometer less than the third layer

Shore 00 durometer.

10. The article of claim 9. the first, second, and third layers displaying an article thickness such that an effective gripping diameter of a gripped member is between about 1.0 inch and

2.0 inches.

1 1. The article of claim 9. the first, second, and third layers displaying an article thickness such that an effective gripping diameter of a gripped member is between about 1.25 inches and 1 .75 inches.

12. The article of claim 9, the first, second, and third layers displaying an article thickness such that an effective gripping diameter of a gripped member is about 1.5 inches.

13. The article of claim 9. the first, second, and third layers displaying an article thickness between about 0.2 inch and 0.275 inch.

14. The article of claim 9. the first, second, and third layers displaying an article thickness between about 0.22 inch and 0.275 inch.

15. The article of claim 9. the first, second, and third layers displaying an article thickness between about 0.22 inch and 0.25 inch.

16. The article of claim 9. the first, second, and third layers displaying an article thickness between about 0.238 inch and 0.237 inch.

17. The article of claim 9. the first, second, and third layers displaying an article thickness between about 0.238 inch and 0.25 inch.

18. The article of claim 9. the second layer displaying a second layer thickness of between about 0.060 inch and 0.066 inch.

19. The article of claim 9. the third layer displaying a third layer thickness of between about 0.05 inch and 0.59 inch.

20. The article of claim 9. the second and third layers with respective second and third layer densities, the second layer density about 90% and 95% of the third layer density.

21. The article of claim 9. the second layer with a Shore 00 hardness value between about 21 and 27.

22. The article of claim 9. the second layer with a Shore 00 hardness value between about

23 and 25.

23. The article of claim 9. the third layer with a third layer Shore 00 hardness value between about 28 and 34.

24. The article of claim 9. the third layer with a third layer Shore 00 hardness value between about 30 and 32.

25. The article of claim 9. configured as a glove insert.

26. A glove, in combination w ith the article of claim 25.

27. The article of claim 9. configured as a permanent glove component.

28. A glove, comprising the article of claim 27.

29. The article of claim 9. configured as a shoe insert.

30. A shoe, in combination w ith the article of claim 29.

31 . The article of claim 9. configured as a shoe insole.

32. A shoe, in combination w ith the article of claim 3 1 .

33. The article of claim 9. further comprising at least one crease corresponding to a hand flexure portion.

34. The article of claim 9. further comprising a plurality of article portions.

35. The article of claim 9. configured to be disposed between a source of mechanical vibrations and a user^'s anatomical portion, the mechanical vibrations selected from medium and high frequencies.

36. The article of claim 35. the user^'s anatomical portion selected from a hand and a foot.

37. The article of claim 35. in which the source of mechanical vibrations is a power tool.

38. The article of claim 35. in which the source of mechanical vibrations is an air- actuated power tool.

39. The article of claim 35. in which the source of mechanical vibrations is a steering wheel.

40. A process for making an article for damping mechanical vibrations, comprising: providing first, second and third layers, the first layer comprising a polymer capable of damping at least a first portion of a middle range of mechanical vibrational frequencies, the second layer comprising a viscoelastic polymer capable of damping at least a portion of a high range of mechanical frequencies, the third layer a viscoelastic polymer capable of damping at least a second portion of the middle range of mechanical frequencies; and forming the article for a gripping engagement with a source of medium and high frequency mechanical vibrations.

41 . The process of claim 40. in w hich the article is formed to confirm to a glove cavity.

42. The process of claim 40. in w hich the article is formed to conform to a shoe cavity .

43. The process of claim 40. in which the article is formed to circumferentially conform to an exterior surface of a source of mechanical vibrations.

44. The process of claim 40. further comprising bonding the first, second, and third layers in a substantially overlaying relation.

45. The process of claim 44. in which bonding the first, second, and third layers comprises: pouring a quantity of a liquid, nonfoamed polyurethane into a mold; partially curing the quantity of liquid, nonfoamed polyurethane to form the viscoelastic third layer; pouring a quantity of a liquid, foamed polyurethane over the third layer: partially curing the quantity of the liquid, foamed polyurethane to form the viscoelastic second layer; pouring a liquid polymer over the viscoelastic second layer and partially curing the liquid polymer to form the first layer, thereby forming a vibration damping material.

46. The process of claim 45. further comprising, configuring the vibration damping material into a glove insert.

47. The process of claim 45. further comprising configuring the vibration damping article into a shoe insert.

48. A process of damping mechanical vibrations, comprising: providing a substantially flexible article for damping mechanical vibrations, the article comprising a first, second, and third layer, the first layer comprising a polymer capable of damping at least a first portion of a middle range of mechanical vibrational frequencies, the second layer comprising a first viscoelastic polymer capable of damping at least a portion of a high range of mechanical vibrational frequencies, and the third layer comprising a second viscoelastic polymer capable of damping at least a second portion of the middle range of mechanical vibrational frequencies, the first, second, and third layers disposed in a substantially overlaying relation, the article with a medium range vibratory transmissibility of less than about 1.0 and a high range vibratory transmissibility of less than about 0.6; disposing the article between a portion of a person's anatomy and a source of mechanical vibrations with medium and high vibrational frequencies so that a medium vibrational frequency transmissibility value is less than about 1 .0 and a high vibrational frequency transmissibility value is less than about 0.6.

49. The process of claim 48. in which the article is disposed so that the first layer is proximate the person's anatomy and the third layer is proximate the mechanical vibration source.