Abstract: A structural reinforcement for an article including a carrier (10) that includes: (i) a mass of polymeric material (12) having an outer surface; and (ii) at least one fibrous composite insert (14) or overlay (960) having an outer surface and including at least one elongated fiber arrangement (e.g., having a plurality of ordered fibers). The fibrous insert (14) or overlay (960) is envisioned to adjoin the mass of the polymeric material in a predetermined location for carrying a predetermined load that is subjected upon the predetermined location (thereby effectively providing localized reinforcement to that predetermined location). The fibrous insert (14) or overlay (960) and the mass of polymeric material (12) are of compatible materials, structures or both, for allowing the fibrous insert or overlay to be at least partially joined to the mass of the polymeric material. Disposed upon at least a portion of the carrier (10) may be a mass of activatable material (126).

Abstract: A structural reinforcement comprising a rigid polymeric structure having a longitudinal axis and including a lower portion and an upper portion each of the lower and upper portions including a top surface and bottom surface, an expandable adhesive material located onto a portion of each of the top and bottom surface of each of the upper and lower portions, wherein the rigid polymeric stricture includes a plurality of ribs and the top edge of one or more of the ribs is co-planar with the expandable adhesive material prior to activation of the expandable adhesive material.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement comprising a rigid polymeric structure having a longitudinal axis and including a lower portion and an upper portion each of the lower and upper portions including a top surface and bottom surface, an expandable adhesive material located onto a portion of each of the top and bottom surface of each of the upper and lower portions, wherein the rigid polymeric stricture includes a plurality of ribs and the top edge of one or more of the ribs is co-planar with the expandable adhesive material prior to activation of the expandable adhesive material.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for an article including a carrier (10) that includes: (i) a mass of polymeric material (12) having an outer surface; and (ii) at least one fibrous composite insert (14) or overlay (980) having an outer surface and including at least one elongated fiber arrangement (e.g., having a plurality of ordered fibers). The fibrous insert (14) or overlay (960) is envisioned to adjoin the mass of the polymeric material in a predetermined location for carrying a predetermined load that is subjected upon the predetermined location (thereby effectively providing localized reinforcement to that predetermined location). The fibrous insert (14) or overlay (960) and the mass of polymeric material (12) are of compatible materials, structures or both, for allowing the fibrous insert or overlay to be at least partially joined to the mass of the polymeric material. Disposed upon at least a portion of the carrier (10) may be a mass of activatable material (128).