EP3146264A2

EP3146264A2 - Aperture liner

Info

Publication number: EP3146264A2
Application number: EP15724009.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mark Richard STEVENS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-16
Filing date: 2015-05-18
Publication date: 2017-03-29
Also published as: GB2526144A; WO2015173593A2; GB2548182A; WO2015173593A3; GB201408709D0; GB2548182B; GB201620715D0; CN106457813A

Abstract

A liner for lining an aperture in sheet material such as plasterboard, the liner having (a) an annular ring defining a hole having a smaller diameter than an aperture to be lined; a slot extending from the inner periphery of the hole to the outer periphery of the ring, so sized and shaped as to allow the liner to be passed from one side of the aperture to the other. A lip is optionally provided around the hole. Resiliently-deformable liners are also provided. Also provided are methods of repairing, reinforcing or re-sizing apertures in sheet materials.

Description

APERTURE LINER

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to apparatus and methods for lining apertures in sheet materials, in order to repair or re-size such apertures or to reinforce them against damage. In particular, the invention relates to the use of such apparatus to line apertures in building materials such as plasterboard and ceiling tiles.

Background and Prior Art

In building construction, it is often the case that apparatus such as light fittings, air extract grilles, loudspeakers and the like are to be mounted in sheet materials, typically in a ceiling finish such as plasterboard or suspended ceiling tiles. A number of issues arise with such installations: As an example, it is often the case that a light fitting is replaced with a new model having a different diameter to that originally installed. If the diameter is smaller, then there is problem with reducing the size of the original hole to accommodate the new fitting. Also, many such fittings, especially light fittings, are held in place by the use of strong spring- biased arms that sit on the upper surface of the ceiling member. This is especially the case where the lights also include a fire hood that needs to be retained in position. When the fitting is removed, e.g. for maintenance access or to change the fitting (even for one of the same size) the edge of the hole in which the fitting is located often becomes damaged by the removal, often via damage from the spring-biased arms.

Two-part ceiling hole liners are described in GB2479894.

It is amongst the objects of the present invention to provide a solution these problems. Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the invention provides, in a first aspect, an aperture liner for lining an aperture in sheet material, said liner comprising: (a) an annular ring defining a hole, said hole having a smaller diameter than an aperture to be lined; (b) said ring being provided with a slot, extending from the inner periphery of the hole to the outer periphery of the ring; and (c) said slot being so sized and shaped as to allow the liner to be passed from one side of such an aperture to the other. Selection of an appropriate slot size will depend on the overall configuration of the ring, and the thickness of sheet material on which the liner is to be used, but simple trial-and-error will readily reveal an appropriate slot size.

Preferably, the liner further comprises a generally cylindrical lip located around said circular hole, said slot also extending through the lip. The lip, in some embodiments of the invention allows the liner to be used on different thickness sheet material (by inverting the liner, or not), in optional combination with a band, described below.

It is also preferred that the edges of said slot are collinear. This facilitates manufacturing, as only a single cut is required, and also provides clearance to further facilitate passing the liner through an aperture to be lined.

Preferably, said liner is composed of fibreboard, and preferably said fibreboard is flame - retardant. Fibreboard allows screws to be readily inserted into the liner, and flameproof material of often required in the proximity of fittings that might overheat, but especially to preserve the fire-resistant properties of a ceiling structure in which a liner is used.

Preferably, said lip is provided with one or more deformable tabs that may be moved from a first position approximately coplanar with said lip to a second position where they can contact, or pierce (in use) said sheet material. It is further preferred that said tab or tabs has a pointed end. Such a tab may also be used on any other embodiment of a liner having a lip, as described herein.

Preferably, said liner further comprises a fastening member located on said annular ring and an elongate leg, said leg comprising a corresponding fastening member to allow said leg to be fastened to said ring.

Also provided is an aperture lining kit comprising an aperture liner as described above and a deformable cylindrical band, so sized as to fit within said circular hole. Preferably, said band is perforated.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided an aperture liner for lining a circular aperture in sheet material, said liner comprising:(a) a resiliently-deformable annular ring defining a generally circular hole, said hole having a smaller diameter than an aperture to be lined; (b) said ring being provided with a slot, extending from the inner periphery of the hole to the outer periphery of the ring; and (c) a generally cylindrical lip located around said circular hole, said slot also extending through the lip; such that deformation of said liner allows it to be passed through a circular aperture to be lined.

In this second aspect, said liner preferably further comprises a plurality of slits extending from the outer periphery of said ring towards the lip.

Also, said liner preferably further comprises a locking mechanism allowing the liner to be locked in a number of different diameters.

Also, said liner preferably further comprises a plurality of fixing holes disposed around the ring and around the lip of the liner.

Also, said liner preferably further comprises one or more tabs located at an edge region of the lip, and corresponding pivot holes in an adjacent region of the ring.

Also, said liner preferably further comprises a fastening member located on said annular ring and an elongate leg, said leg comprising a corresponding fastening member to allow said leg to be fastened to said ring.

Also included within the scope of the invention is a method of repairing or re-sizing an aperture in sheet material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an aperture liner according to a first aspect of the invention; (b) locating said liner on one side of said sheet material adjacent the aperture to be repaired or resized; (c) securing said liner in position; (d) optionally locating a cylindrical band of material within the hole of the liner, and extending within the aperture of the sheet material; and (e) filling the gap between the band or liner and the edge of the aperture with an appropriate material.

Where a lip is provided on such a liner, there is also provided a method or reinforcing an aperture in sheet material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an aperture liner said liner having a lip with an outer diameter approximately the same size as the aperture; (b) locating said liner on one side of the aperture to be reinforced such that the lip extends into the aperture to be reinforced. Brief Description of the Figures

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate plans and cross-sections through liners of the invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a liner of the invention being passed through an aperture;

Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a liner of the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section of a tab forming part of an embodiment of a liner of the invention;

Figure 6 illustrates the liner of Figure 4 in position in an aperture;

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a liner of the invention;

Figure 8 illustrates plan views of a range of differently-shaped liners of the invention;

Figure 9 illustrates a band for use with a liner of the invention;

Figure 10 illustrates a liner and band in use;

Figure 11 illustrates a sequence of cross-sections showing how a liner may be used;

Figure 12 and 13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a liner of the invention;

Figures 14 to 18 illustrate yet further embodiments of a liner of the invention; and

Figures 19A and 19B illustrate the embodiment of Figure 18, in use; and

Figures 20 - 23 illustrate further embodiments of liners of the invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figures 1A and IB illustrate, in plan and cross-section view respectively, an embodiment of aperture liner of the invention, generally indicated by 1. The liner comprises an annular ring 2 of generally circular, planar, configuration. In this embodiment, the ring defines a generally circular hole 4. The ring 2 is provided with a slot 3 extending from the inner periphery 5 of the hole 4 to the outer periphery 6 of the ring. In this embodiment, the edges 7 of the slot 3 are collinear. This not only makes manufacture of the liner more simple (a single cut in a complete annular ring can create the slot) but also makes the liner easier to manipulate through an aperture in a piece of sheet material. Figure IB is a cross-section of the liner of Figure 1A, taken through the line A-A'. This embodiment may conveniently be made of a rigid material such as wood or fibre board, for example Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF). Other materials are also envisaged, such as plastics, and especially plastics into which a screw can be readily driven, such as foamed plastics. This allows screws to be driven into the liner to secure it in position as will be described below. Figures 2A and 2B illustrate, again in plan and cross-section view (through the line A-A') respectively, a further embodiment of a liner of the present invention, generally indicated by 1. This liner again comprises an annular ring 2 of generally circular, planar configuration defining a circular hole 4. A slot 3 is again provided between the inner periphery 5 of the hole 4 and the outer periphery 6 of the ring 2. The slot 3 has collinear faces 7. In this embodiment, a lip 8 is also provided, surrounding the hole 4 in the liner such that a continuous inner face 9 defines the hole 4 and the inner face of the lip 8. The liner may be made as a single -piece construction e.g. by cutting it from MDF and machining out the lip, or could be made from a material such as plastics, including foamed plastics, by e.g. injection-moulding.

Alternatively, the liner could be made as two separate parts: ring and lip, and the parts then joined together.

Figures 3A-3B illustrate, in schematic side view, how the design of the liner 1 enables it to be manipulated through an aperture 10 in a sheet of material 11, such as a ceiling, from one side to the other. This is particularly important in modern ceiling and floor construction where there is often no access to the upper side of a ceiling from the floor above. It can be seen from the figure that the slot 3 in the liner 1 needs to be at least as wide as the thickness of the sheet material 11 on which it is to be used. Depending on the configuration of the ring, and the form of the slot desired, the skilled addressee will readily be able to determine an appropriate slot size. It will be seen that the use of a slot having collinear edges 7 reduces the overall width of the liner, thereby allowing it to be manipulated through an aperture more easily for a given slot width.

Figure 4 illustrates, in perspective view, a further embodiment of an aperture liner of the invention, generally indicated by 1. This liner again has a generally circular ring 2 defining a hole 4, and having a slot 3 extending between the inner periphery 5 of the hole 4 to the outer periphery 6 of the ring 2. The liner is also provided with a lip 8 having the form of a cylindrical member extending generally perpendicularly from the face of the ring, and located on the inner edge of the ring. This embodiment may conveniently be pressed from sheet metal, but could also be made of plastics. The lip 8 is further provided with a number of deformable tabs 12 formed by cutting or stamping through a portion of the material of the lip 8. The tabs may be deformed to a position (illustrated as 12') where they extend away from the hole 4 defined by the ring. In order that the tabs remain in this position after deformation it is preferred that the material of construction is readily deformable (e.g. by hand or by use of a hand tool), but not resiliently-deformable. The tabs in this embodiment are triangular in shape, formed by cutting away two sides of the triangle, the pointed end 13 serving to pierce sheet material into which the liner is fitted, once the tab 12 is deformed. Figure 5 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view through two tabs 12, 12' in a lip 8 of the liner, showing the deformation of the tab 12 away from the hole 4.

Figure 6 illustrates, in cross-sectional view, the liner of Figs 4 and 5 in position in an aperture in a piece of sheet material 11. One of the tabs 12' has been deformed such that it pierces, and thereby grips, the edge of the sheet material 11. To achieve this grip, the tab can be pushed inwards, e.g. by using the end of a screwdriver, and the liner rotated in the aperture such that the points of the tabs engage with the sheet material. In this way, the liner provides a strengthening rim to the edge of the aperture, allowing fittings to be installed and

subsequently removed without damaging the edge of the aperture.

Figure 7 illustrates, in perspective view, a further embodiment of a liner of the invention, generally indicated by 1. The liner 1 has a ring 2, again defining a hole 4. A slot 3 is provided between the inner periphery 5 of the hole 4 and the outer periphery 6 of the ring 2. In this embodiment, the edges 7 and faces of the slot are collinear. A lip 8 is also provided running around the edge of the hole 4, and having a common face with the inner periphery of the hole. The function of this lip will be described in more detail below. This embodiment (which is shown in plan and cross-section in Figure 2) can be made of a rigid material such as wood, MDF or plastics.

Figures 8 A-8F illustrate, in plan view, a range of shapes of liners of the invention to exemplify that the ring element of the liners need not be circular, but can be formed as seen fit e.g. for the manufacturing process used. For example, the generally square-shaped profiles of Figs 8E and 8F might lead to less wastage when cut from sheet material. Figure 8F also illustrates that the hole 4 in the liner need not also be circular. This embodiment could be used to line a square hole. Figures 8B and 8C also illustrate slots where the faces/edges 7 of the slot are not collinear. Figure 8D illustrates a ring with three extended arm pieces providing adequate area for the liner to be secured in position, but allowing it to be conveniently oriented to avoid obstructions in the ceiling void, such as joists, pipes or cables.

Figure 9 illustrates, in perspective view, a deformable band 14 for use as part of a kit with a liner of the invention. The band is preferably resiliently deformable, and the ends may be squeezed together, as indicated by the arrows 15 to form a complete circle that fits within the hole 4 of a liner. By making the band resiliently-deformable, when it is placed in the hole 4 and released, it will spring back, and grip the inside of the hole of the liner. It will be appreciated that it is not imperative that the band forms a complete circle within the hole of the liner. A small gap between the ends of the band will not greatly affect its performance. In this embodiment, the band is provided with a series of perforations (holes) 15 extending through the band material. The holes perform two functions: firstly the holes nearer the edge of the band 14 may be used to secure the band to the inside of the hole 4 of the liner e.g. by use of a pin or screw. Secondly, as will be illustrated below, when used with structural filler, the holes provide a profiled surface for the filler to grip and adhere to.

Figures 10A and 10B illustrate the use of the band 14 and a liner 1 having a lip 8. In Figure 10A, the sheet material 11 is relatively thin, and the liner may be positioned with the lip 8 facing upwards, i.e. away from the aperture in the sheet material 11. Once the band 14 is installed it readily extends to a point just above the face 16 of the sheet material 11. By contrast, Figure 10B illustrates a situation where the same liner 1 is used on a thicker sheet material. In this case, the configuration of Figure 10A would not allow the edge of the band to extend to the face 16 of the sheet material 11, and so the liner is positioned in the opposite orientation, with the lip pointing downwards, i.e. towards and extending partially into the aperture to be lined. Having done this, the band 14 may again be installed in a position where it extends to a point just above the face 16 of the sheet material 11. In this way, the same liner and band may be used for different thicknesses of sheet material.

Figures 11 A-1 ID illustrate a method of using the liner and a band to repair an aperture 10 in a piece of sheet material 11 in a schematic cross-sectional view. The rough edges 17 of the aperture are to be repaired by this method, and the aperture made smaller, and circular.

Figure 11 A shows a liner 1 of the invention that has been passed through an aperture 10 in a piece of sheet material, as illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 1 IB shows the liner being secured in position in the sheet material by the use of screws 18. The liner and sheet material are illustrated in a slightly spaced-apart configuration, for clarity. Alternative methods of fixing may be used, for example by use of a building adhesive. In Figure 11C, a band 14 has been located in the hole 4 in the liner, and positioned such that it extends almost to the face 16 of the sheet material 11. The band can then be secured in position (if required) by use of e.g. a pin or screw, to fasten it to the liner. For bands that are sufficiently resilient, such a fastener might not be required. In Figure 1 ID, a structural filler 19 has been used to fill the gap between the rough face 17 of the sheet material and the outside face of the band 14 in order to effect a repair. If required, a final skim coat of e.g. plaster may be applied to the repaired aperture to produce a high-quality finish flush with the surface 16 of the sheet material 11. Figure 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a liner of the invention, generally illustrated by 1. In this embodiment the liner 1 again comprises a ring 2 defining a hole 4. A lip 8 is also provided, of a generally cylindrical form, and extending away from the face of the ring 2. A slot 3 is also provided in the liner, extending from the inner periphery 5 of the hole 4 to the outer periphery 6 of the ring 2. In this embodiment, the slot does not have to be made wide enough to allow the liner to be passed through an aperture to be lined (as in Figure 3) but instead, the liner is made to be resiliently deformable. In this way, by exerting opposing forces on each end of the ring 2, as illustrated by arrows 20, the ring may be twisted into the configuration shown in Figure 13. (Figure 13 is shown in the reverse orientation to Figure 12 to illustrate how it might be orientated for use in a ceiling.) In this deformed orientation, the slot 3 opens up, allowing the liner to be readily passed through an aperture. Once through, the force can be released, and the liner will spring back into its generally planar configuration as illustrated in Figure 12. Such a liner can readily be manufactured in pressed metal, or could be made in plastics, e.g. by injection-moulding.

Figure 14 illustrates, in perspective view, an embodiment of liner of the invention, generally indicated by 1. The liner again comprises a ring 2 defining a hole 4. The ring 2 is also provided with a lip 8 extending generally perpendicularly from the inner periphery of the ring

2. A slot 3 is provided, extending from the outer periphery 6 of the ring 2 to the inner periphery 5 and continuing through the lip 8. The width of the slot 3 in this embodiment is not necessarily wide enough to allow the ring to be inserted into a hole as illustrated by Figure

3, but if not so wide, is instead formed of a resiliently-deformable material such as pressed sheet metal or plastics, allowing it to be inserted into a hole to be lined in the manner illustrated in Figures 12-13 by deforming the ring in a twisting fashion. The ring is further provided with a series of stress-relief slits 21 extending from the outer periphery 6 of the ring towards the lip 8. The slits may extend all the way to the lip 8, as illustrated, or merely partway, and serve to relieve stresses in the ring if it is deformed in order to vary the diameter of the hole 4 defined by the ring. The slits might be in the form of cuts in the material of the ring, or might constitute slots, with a portion of the ring material being removed. This design of ring allows the diameter to be adjusted so as to fit a range of different aperture sizes, or to make up for any small variation in hole size that can occur in practice.

Figure 15 illustrates a variant of the liner of Figure 14 (shown this time in plan view) generally indicated by 1. In this variant, the liner 1 is formed (or may be deformed) into a configuration such that the ring 2 circumscribes more than 360°, i.e. a portion of one end of the ring overlaps the other end. The liner is again formed of a resiliently-deformable material. This allows the liner to be deformed, not only to fit varying sized apertures, but also to do so whilst completely lining the edge of an aperture to be lined. In a further illustrated, optional feature, a locking mechanism comprising e.g. a series of holes or indents 22 may be provided in the lip 8 at one end of the ring, and a corresponding cooperating peg, hook or detent 23 provided at the other end in order to allow the liner to be locked in one of a number of positions. Such a mechanism may also be provided with a ratchet (and preferably a releasable ratchet) to allow the ring' s size to be readily altered.

Figure 16 illustrates, in perspective view, a further embodiment of a liner 1 of the invention. Corresponding features with previously-described embodiments are indicated with like reference numbers. This embodiment is formed of resilient material, allowing it to be deformed into an approximately helical shape (as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13) to allow it to be passed through an aperture to be lined. A slot 3 is provided, passing through the ring 2 and the lip 8 of the liner 1, allowing the helical deformation to be made, in use. In order to assist securing the liner in place, a number of fixing holes 24 are provided, disposed around the ring 2 and the lip 8 of the liner. These fixing holes allow the liner 1 to be secured in place by use of e.g. a building filler, such as a plaster-based filler. The filler can e.g. be applied to the upper and edge surfaces of an aperture to be lined, and the liner manipulated into place. The filler will then partly extrude through the fixing holes, providing an anchor for the liner. In this embodiment, linear markings 25 are provided, e.g. in the form of score lines, to guide a user who might wish to remove a portion of the ring 2 of the liner 1 , for example to be able to avoid a feature on the sheet material, such as a ceiling joist. In particular preferred variants of the embodiment, the lines are in the form of lines of weakening, such as a groove or a perforation, to further assist cutting. The markings 25 preferably extend from a first position on the outer edge of the ring 2 to an adjacent second position on the outer edge of the ring.

Figure 17 illustrates, again in perspective view, the embodiment of Figure 16, after a portion of the ring 2 has been removed. This can result from a portion being removed, in use, as described above. Alternatively, the liner can be manufactured in this configuration.

Figure 18 illustrates, in perspective view, a yet further embodiment of a liner 1 of the invention. The liner is again made of resiliently-deformable material, such as pressed metal or plastics. The material of choice is sufficiently resilient to allow it to be temporarily deformed into a helical configuration (as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13), but can also undergo plastic deformation when deformed past its elastic limit, as described below. This embodiment maintains the same basic features of a ring 2 with an extending lip 8, and a slot 3 passing through the ring 2 and lip8, allowing to be deformed into the helical configuration to allow it to be passed through an aperture. In addition, the lip 8 is provided with a series of tabs 26 around the edge of the lip 8 furthest from the ring 2. The tab may be conveniently formed by providing slits 27 (or slots) extending from the said edge of the lip at least partway to the ring 2. Pivot holes 28 are provided in the ring 2, adjacent each tab 26. The pivot holes 28 preferably extend through the ring 2, but could also comprise a ridge or indent to allow a tool to pivot therein as described below.

Figures 19A and 19B illustrate how the embodiment of Figure 18 may be used. The Figure shows a cross-section through a portion of the ring, through a tab 26 region of the lip 8. The liner has been positioned on a portion of sheet material 11 containing an aperture to be lined, with the lip portion 8 extending into the aperture. The elements are illustrated in slightly spaced-apart configuration, for clarity. A tool 29 is provided, having a pivot point 30, for example in the form of a lug or pin, a lug-engagement region 3 land a handle portion 32 to act as lever. The pivot point 30 may be engaged with a pivot hole 28, and the handle portion 32 used to deform the lug 26 towards the edge of the sheet material 11 by moving the handle in the direction illustrated by the arrow. As shown in Figure 19B, this results in the lug 26 engaging with the edge of the sheet material 11 , thereby anchoring the liner 1 in position. This movement deforms the lug past its elastic limit (i.e. it does not spring back), thereby providing a semi-permanent fixing. The characteristics of the partly-resiliently deformable nature of the liner are at least in part provided by the L-shaped cross-section of the liner providing the desirable resilience after the helical deformation, whilst the essentially planar (albeit curved) form of the lugs 26 allow them to be plastically deformed.

Figure 20 illustrates, in cross-section, a further embodiment of an aperture liner of the invention, generally indicated by 1, comprising an annular ring 2, and a lip 8. The liner is illustrated in position in a hole in a sheet material 11 , typically a ceiling. The form of the liner may be as described in any of the embodiments above that comprise an annular ring. The liner is further provided with a fastening member 33A located on the annular ring 2. An elongate leg 34 is also provided, the leg 34 being provided with a cooperating fastening member 33B, such that the leg may be connected to the liner, as illustrated in Figure 21. The fastening members (33A and 33B) may comprise, for example, two halves of a press-stud arrangement or other mechanical arrangement that provides an attachable, and preferably releasably-attachable, connection to be made between the leg and the liner. Two such legs are provided in the illustrated embodiment, and these may be used, for example, to support a fire protection cover, such as a solid fire can or a flexible, fireproof fire protection hood (not illustrated). A single such leg could also be provided, for fire protection covers that only require a single point attachment. By provision of an attachable leg 34, the liner can be inserted into an aperture from below, and then the leg attached, via the aperture, to extend into the space above the sheet material.

Figures 22 and 23 illustrate a further embodiment of an aperture liner 1 of the invention, in plan view, in place in an aperture 10 to be lined. The liner is of a similar form to that illustrated in Figure 9, i.e. comprising a generally cylindrical band of material, preferably metal. In the configuration shown in Figure 22, the ends 36A, 36B of the band overlap each other, reducing the overall diameter of the liner 1 , to enable it to be positioned in the aperture 10 to be lined. The ends 36 of the liner are illustrated in Figure 22 in a radially spaced-apart configuration, for clarity; in preferred embodiments the innermost end 36A would be biased against the outermost end 36B, assisting the transition to the configuration of Figure 23, and the maintenance of the liner in that configuration. The liner is so sized, relative to the aperture to be lined, that one end of the liner can be held against the edge of the aperture and a force applied to the other end (illustrated by arrow 35) to cause the two ends of the band forming the liner to come into alignment, and abut each other, as illustrated in the configuration of Figure 23. In this configuration, the body of the liner is under compression, and forces itself snugly against the wall of the aperture, holding the liner in place. In Figure 23, the liner and aperture are shown in a spaced apart configuration, merely for clarity. The inventor has found that such a choice of dimension for the liner (in relation to the size of aperture to be lined) leads to the production of an audible click when the liner is transitioned from the configuration of Figure 22 to that of Figure 23. This provides the user with audible feedback that the liner has been correctly fitted. This is particularly useful in the context of fitting liners to ceiling apertures, where it is often difficult to see the liner during installation.

In any described or claimed embodiment of the invention, it is particularly preferred that the liner is configured to have no lip or flange portion that extends beyond the face of the aperture to be lined from which the liner is inserted. In this way, the finished ceiling (or other sheet material) with its lined aperture can be made essentially planar, with the aperture liner remaining flush (or even recessed) with the finished surface. This allows significant flexibility for installing e.g. light fittings through the aperture where any protrusion would hinder installation, or be unsightly.

In any described or claimed embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that said hole 4 defined by the ring has a diameter of at least 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 mm and a diameter no larger than 100, 150, 175, 200, 300, 400 or 500mm.

Also in any described or claimed embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that said hole 4 defined by the ring is circular, or approximately circular. Also in any described or claimed embodiment of the invention, the liner is of one-piece construction.

Claims

1. An aperture liner for lining an aperture in sheet material, said liner comprising:

(a) an annular ring defining a hole, said hole having a smaller diameter than an aperture to be lined;

(b) said ring being provided with a slot, extending from the inner periphery of the hole to the outer periphery of the ring; and

(c) said slot being so sized and shaped as to allow the liner to be passed from one side of such an aperture to the other.

2. An aperture liner according to Claim 1 further comprising a generally cylindrical lip located around said circular hole, said slot also extending through the lip.

3. An aperture liner according to either Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the edges of said slot are collinear.

4. An aperture liner according to any preceding claim wherein said liner is composed of fibreboard.

5. An aperture liner according to Claim 4 wherein said fibreboard is flame-retardant.

6. An aperture liner according to any of Claims 2 to 3 wherein said lip is provided with one or more deformable tabs that may be moved from a first position approximately coplanar with said lip to a second position where they can contact, or pierce (in use) said sheet material.

7. An aperture liner according to Claim 6 wherein said tab or tabs has a pointed end.

8. An aperture liner according to any preceding claim further comprising a fastening member located on said annular ring and an elongate leg, said leg comprising a corresponding fastening member to allow said leg to be fastened to said ring.

9. An aperture lining kit comprising an aperture liner according to any preceding claim and a deformable cylindrical band, so sized as to fit within said circular hole.

10. An aperture lining kit according to Claim 9 wherein said band is perforated.

11. An aperture liner for lining a circular aperture in sheet material, said liner comprising: further comprising a fastening member located on said annular ring and an elongate leg, said leg comprising a corresponding fastening member to allow said leg to be fastened to said ring.

(a) a resiliently-deformable annular ring defining a generally circular hole, said hole having a smaller diameter than an aperture to be lined;

(c) a generally cylindrical lip located around said circular hole, said slot also extending through the lip;

such that deformation of said liner allows it to be passed through a circular aperture to be lined.

12. An aperture liner according to Claim 11, further comprising a plurality of slits extending from the outer periphery of said ring towards the lip.

13. An aperture liner according to either Claim 11 or Claim 12 further comprising a locking mechanism allowing the liner to be locked in a number of different diameters.

14. A liner according to any of Claims 11 to 13 further comprising a plurality of fixing holes disposed around the ring and around the lip of the liner.

15. A liner according to any of Claims 11 to 14 further comprising one or more tabs located at an edge region of the lip, and corresponding pivot holes in an adjacent region of the ring.

16. A liner according to any of Claims 11 to 15 further comprising a fastening member located on said annular ring and an elongate leg, said leg comprising a corresponding fastening member to allow said leg to be fastened to said ring.

17. A method of repairing or re-sizing an aperture in sheet material, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an aperture liner according to any of Claims 1 to 8;

(b) locating said liner on one side of said sheet material adjacent the aperture to be repaired or resized;

(c) securing said liner in position;

(d) optionally locating a cylindrical band of material within the hole of the liner, and extending within the aperture of the sheet material; and (e) filling the gap between the band or liner and the edge of the aperture with an appropriate material.

18. A method or reinforcing an aperture in sheet material, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an aperture liner according to any of Claims 2 to 8 or Claims 10-15, said liner having a lip with an outer diameter approximately the same size as the aperture;

(b) locating said liner on one side of the aperture to be reinforced such that the lip extends into the aperture to be reinforced.