SACRIFICIAL WHEEL RIM PROTECTOR

The present invention is applicable to motor vehicle wheels and, more particularly, to the rims of alloy and chrome finished rims of motor vehicle or motorcycle wheels. BACKGROUND

Many owners who take pride in the appearance of their vehicles suffer disappointment or even financial loss when damage to any part of the vehicle is sustained. A particularly vulnerable to damage parts of a vehicle are the wheel rims, and especially those wheel rims which are of polished alloy, anodised or chrome plated.

Particularly on the passenger side of the vehicle, the scraping of the wheels against a kerb, at some time during the life of the vehicle is almost unavoidable. Even though the sidewall of the tyre usually projects somewhat beyond the plane defined by the outer edge of the wheel rim, the resilience of the tyre can still allow considerable damage and loss of appearance to a rim when impacting along a kerb or other raise obstruction. US 5,967,212 discloses a wheel rim protector comprising a ring of material covering the outer edge of a wheel rim, with a retainer portion located between the bead of the tire and the inside surface of the bead retaining flange of the rim. For fitting purposes, the ring is discontinuous, thus inevitably leaving an unsightly gap. More seriously, the retainer portion extends inwardly under the heel of the tyre bead so that the fitting gap potentially at least provides a continuous air passage into the interior of the tyre. It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages. Notes

1. The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive

sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of". 2. The above discussion of the prior art in the

Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a sacrificial wheel rim protector for minimizing damage to a wheel rim of a motor vehicle; said protector comprising a ring of protective material extending beyond an outermost edge portion of a wheel rim; said ring of protective material substantially preventing damage to said outermost edge portion when a said wheel rim comes into glancing contact with a roadside kerb or other obstruction; said protector further comprising a retaining means for securing said protective material to said wheel rim. Preferably, said ring substantially covers said outermost edge portion of said wheel rim.

Preferably, said ring is continuous.

Preferably, said ring is formed of a series of segments arranged equally spaced around an outermost portion of said wheel rim.

Preferably, said ring includes a buffer or cushion portion and said retaining means; said buffer or cushion portion located at a periphery of said outermost portion of said wheel rim; said outermost portion substantially unobscured by said buffer or cushion portion.

Preferably, said continuous ring of protective material is attached to said wheel rim by said continuous retainer ring portion extending from an outer edge of said continuous ring of protective material.

Preferably, said retainer ring portion is clamped between a lower edge of a sidewall bead of a tyre of said wheel and an inner portion of a profile of said rim.

Preferably, said continuous ring of protective material is applied to an outer edge portion of said wheel rim by an adhesive.

Preferably, said adhesive is pre-applied as an adhesive layer to an inner surface of said continuous ring of protective material; said adhesive layer is protected prior to use by a peel-off protective layer.

Preferably, said continuous ring of protective material is provided in various profiles and diameters to suit specific profiles and diameters of said outermost edge portion of selected wheel rims. Preferably, said continuous ring of protective material is provided in a series of joinable segments.

Preferably, said continuous ring of material includes an inner wall and an outer wall; said inner and outer wall defining a continuous hollow ring. Preferably, said protective material is a polymeric material .

Preferably, said polymeric material is a heat shrink material.

Preferably, said continuous ring of protective material is provided in a range of colours and patterns.

Preferably, an outer surface of said continuous ring of protective material is provided with a chrome or alloy finish.

Preferably, said sacrificial wheel rim protector is injection moulded in a two-colour process.

Preferably, an outer surface of said continuous ring of protective material is inscribed with indicia.

Preferably, said continuous ring of material is transparent .

Preferably, said ring of material is reflective.

Preferably, said ring of material is provided as original or optional equipment of a wheel rim; said ring of material releasably supported at a periphery of said wheel rim.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of protecting an outer edge portion of a wheel rim of a motor vehicle; said method including the steps of: (a) providing a continuous ring of protective material to suit a profile and diameter of an outer edge portion of a wheel rim,

(b) providing said continuous ring with retaining means allowing said continuous ring to be releasably retained at said outer edge portion,

(c) fitting said continuous ring of protective material to said motor vehicle rim.

Preferably, said retaining means comprises an inner retainer portion extending from an outer edge of said continuous ring of protective material; said inner retainer portion clamping between an inner portion of a wheel rim profile and a sidewall of a tyre mounted to said wheel rim.

Preferably, said retaining means comprises a self- adhesive layer pre-applied to an inner surface of said continuous ring of protective material; said self-adhesive layer protected prior to use by a peel-off protective layer.

Preferably, said method further includes the application of heat to a heat shrinkable polymeric material of said continuous ring of protective material and said inner retaining portion.

In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided a wheel rim for a vehicle; said wheel rim including a replaceable sacrificial wheel rim protector;

said sacrificial wheel rim protector releasably mounted to said wheel rim by attachment means; said sacrificial wheel rim protector including a ring of protective material covering an annular portion of an outwardly projecting periphery of said wheel rim.

Preferably, said attachment means includes a series of screws attaching said sacrificial wheel rim protector to said outwardly projecting periphery.

Preferably, said attachment means include one continuous slot provided in said wheel rim; said sacrificial wheel rim protector provided with a corresponding projection from an inner surface of said wheel rim protector for insertion into said slot.

Preferably, said attachment means include a series of equi-spaced slots in said wheel rim; said sacrificial wheel rim protector provided with a corresponding series of projections from an inner surface of said wheel rim protector for insertion into said slots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OP DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a motor vehicle parked too close to a kerb,

Figure 2 is a detailed sectioned view of a portion of a wheel rim and tyre of the vehicle of Figure 1 showing the point of contact between the wheel rim and the side of the kerb, Figure 3 is a sectioned view of a portion of a tyre and rim in which the rim has been fitted with a first preferred embodiment of a sacrificial wheel rim protector according to the invention,

Figure 3A is a perspective view of a small section of the sacrificial wheel rim protector of Figure 3,

Figure 4 is a sectioned view of a portion of a tyre and rim in which the rim has been fitted with a second preferred embodiment of the invention,

Figures 5 to 7 are further examples of preferred profiles and appearance of the embodiment of Figure 3,

Figures 8A and 8B respectively, show an example of a profile of a preferred form of the wheel rim protector and a portion of a vehicle to which it has been fitted.

Figures 9A and 9B respectively, show a further example of a profile of a preferred form of the wheel rim protector and a portion of a vehicle to which it has been fitted

Figure 10 is a sectioned view of sacrificial wheel rim protector provided with a recess for insertion of a selected insert ring,

Figures HA and HB are sectional views of wheel rims provided with attachment means for releasably supporting a sacrificial wheel rim protector according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention,

Figure 12 to 15 show further examples of attachment means for releasably supporting a sacrificial wheel rim protector,

Figure 16 is a sectioned view of a further embodiment according to the invention fitted to a tyre and wheel rim assembly of a vehicle,

Figures 17A to 17C are sectioned views of a further embodiment of the invention showing a method of securing a sacrificial wheel rim protector between a tyre bead and the wheel rim of a vehicle,

Figures 18A to 18C are sectioned views of another embodiment showing a further method of securing a sacrificial wheel rim protector between a tyre bead and the rim of a vehicle,

Figures 19A and 19B are sectioned views of another embodiment showing a further method of securing a sacrificial wheel rim protector between a tyre bead and the rim of a vehicle, Figure 20 is an illustration of a preformed adhesive strip for use in the fitting of a sacrificial wheel rim protector.

Figure 21 illustrates a further embodiment of the sacrificial wheel rim protector. Figure 22 illustrates variations applicable to at least some of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, when a vehicle 10 is brought into a parking position adjacent the kerb 12 of a footpath (or alongside some other low vertically sided obstruction) and the approach is too close, the outer portion 14 of the rim 16 may be brought into glancing contact with the kerb. Although the side wall 18 of a tyre 20 typically projects outwardly past the plane defined by the rim 16, the flexibility of the tyre still allows the rim to make contact with the kerb as the tyre is deflected. Such contact may leave unsightly scouring of the outer portion 14 of the rim 16.

With reference now to Figures 3 and 4, the present invention provides a sacrificial wheel rim protector 22 comprising a continuous ring 24 of protective material substantially covering an outermost edge portion 26 of a wheel rim 16 when the wheel rim comes into glancing contact with a roadside kerb or other obstruction. First Preferred Embodiment

In a first preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 3 and 3A, the continuous ring of protective

O

material 24 of the wheel rim protector 22 is attached to the wheel rim 16 by at least one inner retainer portion 28, which extends from an outer edge of the continuous ring of protective material, and which is clamped between a lower edge of the sidewall bead 30 of the tyre 20 and an inner portion of the rim 16 profile.

In a preferred arrangement, the retainer portion 28 is itself a continuous ring of material clamped between the tyre sidewall bead 30 and the internal flange portion of the rim. However, it will be understood that this method of retaining the wheel rim protector may comprise of a number of segments of retainer portions 28 spaced at intervals around the around- the wheel rim protector 22.

Preferably, the retainer portion includes, or is formed of a material with a high coefficient of friction to secure the material in position between the sidewall bead and the internal flange. Preferably also, in the case of the retaining material being a continuous ring, the material is to some extent elastic so as to aid in centralising the location of the retaining material and the ring of protective material.

In a further preferred arrangement, the ring of protective material and the continuous ring of the retainer material, are adapted for heat-shrink fitting to the rim of a vehicle. In this instance, the device is made somewhat larger in diameter than the outer edge of the rim to which it is to be fitted. After initial positioning, a heat gun is used to apply heat evenly to the wheel rim protector, shrinking it tightly onto the rim. An adhesive may be applied to the inside surfaces of both the retainer portion 28 and wheel rim protector ring to further aid in adhesion of the heat-shrink material.

Second Preferred Embodiment:

In a second preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 4, the wheel rim protector 22 again includes a continuous ring of protective material 24, but in this embodiment the ring of material is attached to the wheel rim by an adhesive layer 32. Adhesive layer 32 is pre-applied to the inner surface of the wheel rim protector and is covered prior to use by a peel-off protective layer

(not shown) . Although in each of the above preferred embodiments, the wheel rim protector 22 comprises a continuous ring of protective material covering all of the outermost portion of the wheel rim, the protector may be provided in a number of joinable segments for convenience of packaging and application.

In both of the preferred embodiments, the particular configuration of the inside surface of the wheel rim protector continuous ring 24, its diameter and its depth "D" are provided in a range sizes and profiles to suit a wide range of alloy and chrome plated rim configurations.

It will be noted that in none of the above described embodiments, does the retaining means interfere with the sealing between the heel 31 of the tyre bead and the wheel rim 16. The continuous ring of protective material may be formed of a suitable polymeric material. In at least one preferred form, the ring when supplied as a one-piece construction, may include an inner wall and an outer wall to define a continuous hollow ring. This ring may be air or liquid filled, or contain a resilient material such as a foam for example .

Further preferred forms of the ring may include it being provided in a range of colours and chrome finishes.

In at least one form the continuous ring of material may be transparent .

With reference now to Figures 5 to 7, the outer surface 34 of a wheel protecting ring may be profiled in a variety of decorative patterns, such as the multiple grooving of Figures 5 and 6, or with a single recessed band such as shown in Figure 7 for example. Wheel protecting rings 24 may also be made in a variety of colours to either match or contrast with the colour of the vehicle to which the covers are to be applied.

In at least one preferred form of the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 7, annular sections of the outer surface may be provided in contrasting colours by injection moulding in a two-colour injection moulding process. Thus for example in Figure 7, the main body portion of the ring 24 may match the vehicle colour, with the grove 36 in a contrasting colour.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10, the ring forming the structure of the sacrificial wheel rim protector 122, may be provided with a recess 124 in its outwardly facing surface 126, into which any one of a selection of ring inserts 128 may be fitted. The ring insert may be retained in the wheel rim protector recess 124 by suitably shaping of recess and insert ring profile as shown in Figure 10, or by a suitable adhesive for example.

In a further preferred form of the invention, the outer surface of the ring 24 may be provided with indicia, for example carrying the names and insignia of the vehicle maker or that of specialist wheel rim providers. Design excellence in many products has become associated with brand name recognition of well-known fashion houses, so that in another example, the wheel rim protectors of the invention may be inscribed with well-know designer labels.

Third Preferred Embodiment

In this further preferred embodiment, the sacrificial wheel rim protector of the invention is provided as part of the original equipment of a wheel rim. In this case, the rim is designed to releasably support a ring of sacrificial material covering the outermost, vulnerable to damage, portion of the rim.

Thus as shown in Figures 11A and HB, the wheel rim 140 is provided with fixture means for attachment of a sacrificial ring 126 Fixture means may include a series of tapped holes 142 in the rim flange for screwed attachment of the ring 126, such as shown in Figure 11A, or a series of holes for press fitting of lugs 146 correspondingly spaced and projecting from the inner surface of the sacrificial ring 126 as shown in Figure HB.

Further alternative arrangements for releasably attaching a sacrificial rim protector to a rim as original or optional equipment are shown in Figures 12 to 15. Thus as shown in Figure 12, the sacrificial ring 126 may be attached by screws 142 driven from the inside of the rim flange 141. In another preferred form shown in Figure 13, the sacrificial ring 126 is formed at it inner periphery 143 with an inwardly extending lip 144 through which screws 142 are driven into an inner surface of the rim 140 below the tyre bead seating.

In yet another preferred attachment arrangement, the outer rim surface 145 is provided with a series of equally spaced blind slots 146 and the sacrificial ring 126 is provided on its inner surface 147 with corresponding projections 148 which may be press-fitted into the slots 146. In a variation of this arrangement, a continuous slot is provided in the rim with a continuous projection on the inside surface of the sacrificial ring.

In still another preferred arrangement shown in Figure 15, the sacrificial ring 126 (shown disassembled) is provided at its inner periphery with an inwardly projecting lip 144 and upturned flange 145. The inner surface of the rim 140 below the tyre bead seating is provided with a blind shallow groove 150 for receiving the upturned flange 145 of ring 126.

It will be understood that the sacrificial ring of these embodiments may take any of the decorative forms of the embodiments described above and may include rings of a metal or polymeric material, including Teflon, carbon fibre or Kevlar. It may be provided in a selection of colours including the two-colour- arrangement previously described, and may also be reflective or luminous. Although the present embodiment of a sacrificial wheel rim protector provided as original equipment with a rim, has been described in terms of a continuous ring, it will be understood that the principle of the invention may be implement as a series of projecting sacrificial segments of a ring. Thus in Figure 14 for example, each of the grooves 148 may be fitted with a protective sacrificial element, the elements together forming the protective sacrificial ring.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment In still a further preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to Figure 16, a sacrificial wheel rim protector 200 includes a buffer or cushion ring 210 of sacrificial material and retaining means 212. As previously described above, the retaining means 212 comprises tabs or a complete ring of suitable material extending from the buffer or cushion ring 210 portion and is captured between the lower section 214 of the sidewall of a tyre 216 and the inside surface 218 of wheel rim 220, to which tyre 216 is fitted.

In this embodiment, the buffer or cushion ring 210 is located at the periphery 222 of the outermost portion of the wheel rim and does not extend over the outwardly facing portion 224 of wheel rim 220 so that virtually no part of the wheel rim is obscured from view. As can be seen in Figure 16, the inner portion of the buffer of cushion ring 210 substantially fills the annular niche formed between the wheel rim periphery 222 and the side wall of tyre 216. However, as in other embodiments, the buffer or cushion ring of sacrificial material does project beyond the outermost portion of the wheel rim so that it, rather than the wheel rim itself, first comes into contact with a kerb or ^■ other obstruction to which a vehicle approaches to closely. The buffer or cushion ring 210 in one preferred form may be moulded from a tough durable polymeric material, such as, for example, ABS. The ring may be of a solid section, or be hollow, and filled with a suitable compressible material, including a gas, foam or elastomer, for example. In this latter form, that is hollow with a core of compressible material, the ring itself may be less likely to suffer serious damage when pressed into contact with a kerb or other obstruction. In another preferred arrangement, the ring may include a reinforcement of metal or fibre.

The retaining means 212 may be formed of a heat- shrinkable material, as previously described, so that after initial fitting to a rim, the application of heat will secure the sacrificial wheel rim protector to the rim. Alternatively, the securing of the retaining means 212 may be effected by the application of a suitable adhesive.

It will be understood that the present embodiment may include any of the decorative and appearance characteristics of the embodiments described above.

Fifth Preferred Embodiment

With reference now to Figures 17A to 17C, a sacrificial wheel rim protector 300 according to a further embodiment of the invention, is retained as previously described, between the inner profile of the wheel rim 320 and the tyre bead 315 of a tyre mounted to a wheel rim 320. To prevent dislodgement of the sacrificial wheel rim protector 300 during its fitting to the rim 320 and re- inflation of the tyre, the sacrificial wheel rim protector 300 of this embodiment is provided with an extensive annular retaining means 312 extending from the visible external portion 311. The annular retaining means 312 is adapted to closely conform to a portion of the inside surface 321 of the wheel rim 320. To install a sacrificial wheel rim protector 300 of the present embodiment on a wheel rim 320, the tyre is firstly deflated and the outer bead 315 forced away from the outer flange of the wheel rim 320. The annular retaining means 312 of the sacrificial wheel rim protector 300 is then positioned against the inside surface 321 of the wheel rim 320 shown in Figure 17B.

Provided with the sacrificial wheel rim protector 300, is an adhesive strip 342, preferably of aluminium foil tape and preferably preformed in the section shown in Figure 17A. The strip 342 is preferably supplied as a spiral roll 340 as illustrated in Figure 20. Preferably, the adhesive surface on the inside (that is the side facing the wheel rim 320) is protected prior to use by a peel-off strip (not shown) . When uncoiled, the adhesive strip 342 conforms to that annular portion of the wheel rim 320 at which the innermost edge 325 of the annular retaining means 312 locates against the inside surface 321 of the wheel rim 320. Preferably, the width of the adhesive strip 342 is around 20mm and

overlaps the innermost edge 325 of the annular retaining means 312 so that approximately half the adhesive strip 342 lies over the annular retaining means 312 and half over the adjacent uncovered part of the inside surface 321 of the wheel rim 320.

Thus the adhesive strip 342 secures the sacrificial wheel rim protector 300 against dislodgement from its location on the inside surface 321 of the wheel rim 320, when the tyre bead 315 is forced back into its position against the outer flange portion of the wheel rim when the tyre is re-inflated.

Sixth Preferred Embodiment

In this further preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to Figures 18A to 18C, the sacrificial wheel rim protector 400 is formed in similar manner to that of the fifth embodiment above and is also provided with an extensive annular retaining means 412. In this embodiment however the innermost edge 425 of the annular retaining means is provided with an integral annular shoulder 427 projecting upwardly from the annular retaining means.

Also provided with the sacrificial wheel rim protector

400 of this embodiment, is a securing tie 425, preferably in the form of a cable tie. Once the sacrificial wheel rim protector has been correctly positioned as shown in Figure 18B, the cable tie 425 is passed around the rim 420 and the annular retaining means 412 abutting the annular shoulder

427, and secured. The cable tie 425 then serves to prevent dislodgement of the sacrificial wheel rim protector when the tyre bead 415 returns to its sealing position against the rim during re-inflation.

Seventh Preferred Embodiment

In this preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to Figures 19A and 19B, a sacrificial wheel rim protector 500 is formed similarly to those of the Fifth and

Sixth embodiments above, and again is provided with an annular retaining means 512. In this embodiment an adhesive tape 542, preferably of aluminium foil, is again provided to secure the retaining means 512 to the inside surface 519 of the wheel rim 520.

In this embodiment however, the tape is a double sided tape having an adhesive layer on both sides. After deflation of a tyre, pushing the outer tyre bead aside from its seated position and, prior to installing the sacrificial wheel rim protector 500, the tape 542 is applied to the wheel rim surface 519. The sacrificial wheel rim protector is then installed and pressed into contact with the outer adhesive layer of the tape.

In one preferred form of the double sided adhesive tape 542, it is provided as a set of segments which may then be applied sequentially around the rim prior to installing the sacrificial wheel rim protector. Eighth Preferred Embodiment

A particular feature, in each of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth embodiments above, of the external portion 311, 411, 511 and 611 of the sacrificial wheel rim protector 300, 400, 500 and 600 (that is, that portion visible at the outer edge of the rim after fitting) , is the shape of the external portion. Particularly it will be noted that the angle of the radially inward portion and inward edge 309, 409, 509 and 609, of this external portion of the sacrificial wheel rim protector, forms an acute angle with the annular retaining means 312, 412, 512 and 612. This arrangement ensures that the inward edge 309, 409, 509 and 609 fits snugly against the outside edge of the wheel rim as can be seen in Figures 17B, 17C, 18B,18C and 19B.

Similarly, the outward edge 313, 413, 513 and 613 of the external portion 311,411, 511 and 611, is so shaped

that as the wall of the tyre 330, 430, 530 and 630 takes up its position relative the lip of the rim as the tyre reaches full inflation, the wall pushes against the outward edge "locking" the outer portion securely against the side wall of the tyre and the lip 343, 443, 543 and 643 of the rim. Variations

With reference to Fig 22 there are shown variations in the structure to the tail arrangement which can be applied to at least some of the above described embodiments.

Specifically, the tail portion 712 of the protector as shown in side view and cut away- perspective view may include a recess 792 into which the tape or adhesive strip 342 of previously described embodiments may be laid. The dimensions of the recess are such that the tape, when laid in the recess, has its top surface 793 lying flush with the top surface 794 of the tail 712.

As shown in Fig 22 irregularities for example in the form of ridges 790 may be applied to the surface including the top surface 794 of the tail 712 . Preferably these ridges or other irregularities are aligned in an axial direction. Their purpose is to provide additional purchase for the tyre rubber as it slips over and presses against the surface of the tail 712. Other forms of irregularity can be envisaged including grooves. In a preferred radially aligned form the grooves or ridges or other deformity occur typically in the range 10 mm to 50 mm apart around the circumference of the wheel. In Use

The retro-fitting of the first preferred embodiment of the sacrificial wheel rim protector 300 requires at least a partial deflation of the tyre sufficient for the tyre bead

to be pushed away from the inside flange surface of the wheel rim. The retainer portion in its continuous ring form of the wheel rim protector, is sufficiently flexible to allow it to be manipulated over the rim periphery and seat between the tyre sidewall bead and the inside surface of the rim.

In the preferred embodiment, the wheel rim protector of the invention is injection moulded in a heat shrink polymeric material and, after the initial fitting of the continuous ring heat is applied to both the retainer portion 28 and the outer protecting ring 24. As a result the shrinkage of the material causes both the retainer portion and the outer ring 24 to closely conform and substantially adhere to the wheel rim surfaces. When the retainer portion is provided in the form of a number of segments, each segment is readily manipulated into the gap between the tyre sidewall and the inside surface of the rim.

In the case of the second preferred embodiment described above, the wheel rim protector is readily applied to the rim after peeling off the protective cover to expose the self-adhesive layer on the inner surface of the ring of continuous material.

When a vehicle fitted with the sacrificial wheel rim protector of the present invention inadvertently contacts a kerb or other vertically surfaced obstruction, damage to the wheel rim is prevented by the wheel rim protector. In most cases the wheel rim protector will itself sustain damage, but being relatively inexpensive, may be readily replaced thus maintaining an attractive appearance of the vehicle.

In the third preferred embodiments, the rim and sacrificial wheel rim protector are designed to fit together as an assembly for provision as either original

equipment or as an available option. The rim is provided with attachment means for releasably supporting the protecting ring of material, and the ring is designed with a matching arrangement of screw holes, projecting lugs or other attachment arrangements to suit the fixing arrangement of the rim. In these embodiments, a damaged sacrificial wheel rim protector is readily removed and replaced.

The protecting ring may be made of any suitable material. It may be made of metal, or may include metal within its moulding. It alternative forms it may be made of a reinforcing fibre or a composite of reinforcing fibres .

The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.