GB2526144A

GB2526144A - Aperture liner

Info

Publication number: GB2526144A
Application number: GB1408709.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Richard Stevens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-16
Filing date: 2014-05-16
Publication date: 2015-11-18
Also published as: WO2015173593A2; GB2548182A; WO2015173593A3; EP3146264A2; GB201408709D0; GB2548182B; GB201620715D0; CN106457813A

Abstract

A liner for lining an aperture in sheet material such as plasterboard, the liner having 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 may be provided around the hole. The lip may have deformable tabs for gripping the inside of the aperture. The liner may be of flame resistant fibreboard. Resiliently-deformable and size adjustable 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 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 arc to be mounted in sheet materials, typically in a ceiling finish such as plasterboard or suspended ceiling dies. 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 acconmiodate the new fining.

Also, many such fittings, especially light fittings, arc held in place by the use of sti-ong 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 (e) said slot being so sized and shaped as to allow the liner to he 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 siniple trial-and-error will readily reveal an appropnate slot size.

Preferably. the liner further comprises a generally cylindrical lip located around said circular s hole, said slot also extending through the lip. The lip, in sonic embodiments of the invention allows the liner to he 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 arc collinear. This facilitates manufacturing, as in only a single cut is required, and also provides clearance to further facilitate passing the liner through an aperture to he lined.

Preferably, said liner is composed of fibreboard, and preferably said fibreboard is flame-i-etardant. Fihi-ehoard allows screws to he 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 he 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.

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

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-deformahle annular ring defining a generally circular hole, said hole having a smaller diameter than an aperture to he 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 he passed through a circular aperture to he 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.

I

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

s 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 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 he 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 he reinforced such that the lip extends into the aperture to he 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 foiming pait of an enihodiment 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 1 1 illusti-ates a sequence of cross-sections showing how a liner may he used; Figure 12 and 13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a liner of the invention; s Figures 14 to 18 illustrate yet further embodiments of a liner of the invention; and Figures 19A and I 9B illustrate the embodiment of Figure 18, in use.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Jo Figures IA and I B illustrate, in plan and cross-section view respectively, an embodiment of aperture liner of the invention, generally indicated by L The liner comprises an annular ring 2 of generally circular. planar. configuration. In this embodiment, the ring defines a generally circular hole 4. The rhg 2 is provided with a slot 3 extending from the inner periphery S of the hole 4 to the outer periphery 6 of the ring. lii 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 thi-ough an aperture in a piece of sheet material. Figure lB is a cross-section of the liner of Figure IA, taken through the line A-A. This embodiment may conveniently he made of a rigid material such as wood or fibre hoard, for example Medium Density Fibrehoard (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 he 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. Tn 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 maybe 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 he 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 II, 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 I needs to he 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 s the form of the slot desired, the skilled addressee will readily be able to deternüne an appropriate slot size. It will he seen that the use of a slot having coil inear 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.

Jo 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 plashes. 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 1 3 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 S 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 3o thereby grips, the edge of the sheet material II. To achieve this grip, the tab can he 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 he 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 thner 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 S 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 s (which is shown in plan and cross-section in Figure 2) can be made of a rigid material such as Figures 8A-SF illustrate, in plan view, a range of sliapcs 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 Jo e.g. for the manufacturing process used. For example, the generally square-shaped profiles of Figs SF and SF might lead to less wastage when cut from sheet material. Figure SF 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 SB and SC 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 deformahic, and the ends may he 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 hack, and grip the inside of the hole of the liner. It will he appreciated that it is not imperative that the hand 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 hand 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 strllctural filler, the holes provide a profiled surface for the filler to grip and adhere to.

Figures IOA and lOB illustrate the use of the band 14 and a liner 1 having a lip S. In Figure bA, the sheet material 11 is relatively thin, and the liner may be positioned with the lip S facing upwards, i.e. away from the aperture in the sheet material 1 1. Once the hand 14 is installed it readily extends to a point just above the face 16 of the sheet material 11. By contrast, Figure lOB ilthstrates a situation where the same liner 1 is used on a thicker sheet material. In this case, the configuration of Figure 1OA 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 niatei-ial II. In this way, the same liner and band may be used for different thicknesses of sheet material.

Figures II A-I 1 D 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.

in Figure 1 1 A shows a liner 1 of the invention that has been passed through an aperture lOin a piece of sheet material, as illustrated in Figure 3 Figure 11 B 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 IIC, 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 he required. In Figure lID, 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 fiom 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 he passed through an aperture to he 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 maybe twisted into the configuration shown in Figure 13. (Figure 13 is shown in the reverse orientation to Figure 12 to illusftatc how it might be orientated for use in a ceiling.) In this deformed orientation, the slot 3 opens up, allowing the liner to he readily passed through an aperture. Once through, the force can he 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 exteiiding generally perpendicularly from the inner pei-iphery of the ring 2. A slot 3 is provided, extending from the outer periphery 6 of the ring 2 to the inner s periphery 5 aid continuing through the lip 8. The width of the slot 3 in this enibodinldilt is not necessarily wide enough to allow the ring to he inserted into a hole as illustrated by Figure 3, but if not so wide, is instead formed of a resiliently-deformable material such as presscd shcet metal or plastics. allowing it to bc inscrted into a hoic to be lincd in the maimer 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 part-way, and serve to relieve stresses in the ring if i is deformed in order o 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 I -In this variant, the liner I is formed (or maybe 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 resiiently-deformable rnatei-iaL This allows the liner to he deformed, not only to fit varying sized apertures, hut also to do so whilst completely lining the edge ofan aperture to he 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 colTespondilig coopeiating 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 posidons. Such a mechathsni may also be provided with a ratchet (and preferably a i-eleasahle ratchet) to allow the ring's size to he readily altered.

Figure 16 illustrates, in perspective view, a further enthodiment 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 defomied into an approximately helical shape (as illustrated iii Figures 12 and 13) to allow it to he passed through an aperture to he lined A slot 3 is provided, passing through the ring 2 and the lip S of the liner 1. allowing the helical deformatioll to be made. in use. In order to assist secunng 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 I to he secured in place by use of e.g. a building filler, such as a plaster-based filler. The filler call 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 all anchor for the liner.

In this embodiment, linear markings 25 are provided. e.g. in the form of score lines, to guide a s 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 lthes 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 resulu tioni 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), hut can also undergo p'astic 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 lipS, allowing to be deformed into the helical configuradon to aflow it to he passed through au 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 maybe conveniently formed by providing slits 27 (or slots) extending from the said edge of the lip at least part-way to the ring 2. Pivot holes 28 are provided in the 1-ing 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 I 9B illustrate how the embodiment of Figure 18 may he used. The Figure shows a cross-scction through a portion of tbc ring, through a tab 26 legion of thc lip 8. Thc 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 illusnted 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 31 and 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 iii 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 deforniable nature of the liner are at least in part provided by the L-shaped cross-section of the liner s providing the desirable resilience after the helical deformation, whilst the essentially planar (albeit curved) form of the lugs 26 allow them to he plastically deformed.

In any described or claimed embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that said hole 4 ro defined by the ring has a diameter of at least 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 nmi 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

CLAIMS1. An aperture liner for lining an aperture in sheet material, said liner comprising: s (a) an annular ring defining a hole, said hole having a smaller diameter than an aperture to be lined; (h) 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.is
3. An aperture liner according to either Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the edges of said slot are collincar.4 An aperture liner according to any preceding claim wherein said liner is composed of fibrcboard.5. An aperture liner according to Claim 4 wherein said fibrcboard 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 lining kit comprising an aperture liner according to any preceding claim and a dcformable cylindrical band, so sized as to fit within said circular hole.9. An aperture lining kit according to Claim 8 wherein said band is perforated.1(1 An aperture liner for lining a circular aperture in sheet material. saidliner comprising: (a) a resilicntly-deformablc 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. extcnding from the inner periphery of the hole to the outer periphery of the ring; and (c) a geiierally cyliiidrical lip located around said circular hole, said slot also extending though the lip; s such that deformation of said liner allows it to be passed through a circular aperture to be lined.11. An apcrturc liner according to Claim 10. further comprising a plurality of slits extending from the outer periphery of said ring towards the lip.11 An aperture liner according to either Claim 10 or Claim 11 thither comprising a locking mechanisni allowing the liner to be locked in a number of different diameters.13-A liner according to ally of Claims 10 to 12 further comprising a plurality of fixing holes disposed around the ring and around the lip of the liner.14. A ihier according to any of Claims 10 to 13 further comprising one or more tabs located at an edge region of the lip, ad corresponding pivot holes in an adjaceflt regiofl of the riflg.15. A method of repairing or re-sizing an aperture in sheet material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) pioviding au aperture liner according to any of Clainis I to 8; (h) locating said liner on one side of said sheet material adjacent the aperture to he repaired or resized; (c) securing said liiier iii position; (d) optionally locating a cylindrical baild of material within the hole of the liner, and extending within the aperture of the sheet material; and (e) filling the gap between the hand or liner mid the edge of the aperture with an appropriate material 16. A method or reinforcing an aperture in sheet material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing au aperture liner according to any of Claims 2 to 7 or Claims 10-14, 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 exteiids into the aperture to he reiiiforced.