CN106457813A - eyelet lining - Google Patents

Abstract

A liner (1) for lining an aperture in a sheet material, such as gypsum board, the liner having: (a) an annular ring (2) defining a hole (4) having a smaller diameter than the hole to be lined; a slot (3) extending from the inner perimeter (5) of the hole to the outer perimeter (6) of the ring (2), the slot being sized and shaped so as to allow the liner (1) to pass from one side of the aperture to the other. A lip (8) is optionally provided around the aperture. An elastically deformable liner is also provided. Methods of repairing, reinforcing, or resizing perforations in sheet materials are also provided.

Description

eyelet lining

field of invention

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for lining apertures in sheet material to repair or resize these apertures or to reinforce them against damage. In particular, the invention relates to the use of such devices 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 devices such as light fixtures, air extraction grilles, speakers and the like are to be installed in sheet material, usually in a ceiling finish such as plasterboard or suspended ceiling tiles. Some problems arise with this installation: as an example, it is often the case that the luminaire is replaced by a new model having a different diameter than the original installation diameter. If the diameter is smaller, there is a problem of reducing the size of the original hole to accommodate the new fitting. Also, many such fittings, particularly light fixtures, are held in place by the use of strong spring biased arms on the upper surface of the ceiling member. This is especially true where the lamp also includes a fire shield that needs to be kept in place. When the fitting is removed, for example for maintenance access or to change the fitting (even for fittings of the same size), the edge of the hole in which the fitting sits often becomes damaged by often destructive removal from the spring biased arm.

Two-part ceiling hole liners are described in GB2479894.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to these problems.

Contents of the invention

Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention provides an eyelet liner for lining an eyelet in a sheet material, the liner comprising: (a) an annular ring delimiting an aperture having a smaller diameter than the eyelet to be lined (b) the ring is provided with a slot extending from the inner perimeter of the bore to the outer perimeter of the ring; and (c) the slot is sized and shaped to allow the liner to pass through the hole Teleport from one side to the other. Selection of the proper slot size will depend on the general configuration of the ring and the thickness of the sheet material on which the liner will be used, but simple trial and error will readily reveal the proper slot size.

Preferably, the liner further comprises a generally cylindrical lip positioned around said circular hole, said slot also extending through this lip. In some embodiments of the invention, the lip allows the liner to be used on sheet materials of different thicknesses (by inverting the liner, or not), optionally in combination with the tape described below.

It is also preferred that the edges of the slots are collinear. This facilitates manufacturing as only a single cut is required, and also provides clearance to further facilitate passage of the liner through the eyelet to be lined.

Preferably said liner comprises fibreboard, and preferably said fibreboard is flame retardant. Fibreboard allows easy insertion of screws into the lining and is often required in the vicinity of fittings that may overheat, but especially in order to maintain the fire resistance of the ceiling structure in which the lining is used.

Preferably, said lip is provided with one or more deformable tabs which are movable from a first position substantially coplanar with said lip to a position where it can contact or pierce (in use Middle) The second position of the sheet material. It is also preferred that the one or more fins have pointed ends. Such flaps may also be used on any other embodiment of a liner having a lip, as described herein.

Preferably, the liner further comprises fastening means on the annular ring and elongate legs, the legs including corresponding fastening means to allow the legs to be fastened to the ring.

There is also provided an eyelet liner kit comprising an eyelet liner as described above and a deformable cylindrical band sized to fit within said circular hole. Preferably, the strap is perforated.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an eyelet liner for lining a circular eyelet in a sheet material, the liner comprising: (a) an elastically deformable annular ring defining a substantially circular aperture, The hole has a smaller diameter than the eyelet to be lined; (b) the ring is provided with a slot extending from the inner perimeter of the hole to the outer perimeter of the ring; and (c) is positioned around the circular hole The generally cylindrical lip of the slit through which the slot also extends so that deformation of the liner allows it to pass through the circular eyelet to be lined.

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

In addition, the liner preferably also includes a locking mechanism that allows the liner to be locked in a plurality of different diameters.

In addition, the liner preferably also includes a plurality of securing holes arranged around the ring and around the lip of the liner.

In addition, the liner preferably also includes one or more tabs at the edge region of the lip and corresponding pivot holes in the adjacent region of the ring.

In addition, the liner preferably also includes fastening members on the annular ring and elongate legs, the legs including corresponding fastening members to allow the legs to be fastened to the ring.

Also within the scope of the present invention is a method of repairing or resizing an aperture in a sheet material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an aperture liner according to the first aspect of the invention (b) positioning the liner on one side of the sheet material adjacent to the hole to be repaired or resized; (c) securing the liner in place; (d) optionally A cylindrical strip of material is positioned within the aperture of the liner and extends within the aperture of the sheet material; and (e) filling the gap between the strip or liner and the edge of the aperture with a suitable material.

Where a lip is provided on such a liner, there is also provided a method of reinforcing perforations in a sheet material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a perforated liner, said liner having a lip, the lip The outer diameter of the lip is about the same size as the eyelet; (b) positioning the liner on one side of the eyelet to be reinforced such that the lip extends into the eyelet to be reinforced.

Brief description of the drawings

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

Figures 1 and 2 show plan and cross-sectional views through the liner of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows the liner of the present invention being passed through the eyelet;

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the liner of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a cross-section of an airfoil forming part of an embodiment of the liner of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows the liner of Figure 4 in place in the bore;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the liner of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a plan view of a series of differently shaped liners of the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a tape for use with the liner of the present invention;

Figure 10 shows the liner and belt in use;

Figure 11 shows a series of cross-sections showing how the liner can be used;

Figures 12 and 13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the liner of the present invention;

Figures 14 to 18 illustrate additional embodiments of the liner of the present invention; and

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

20-23 illustrate additional embodiments of liners of the present invention.

Description of the preferred embodiment

Figures 1A and 1B show a plan view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an embodiment of an aperture liner of the present invention, indicated generally at 1, in plan and cross-section. The liner comprises an annular ring 2 having a generally circular, planar configuration. In this embodiment, the ring delimits a substantially circular aperture 4 . The ring 2 is provided with a slot 3 extending from the inner perimeter 5 of the bore 4 to the outer perimeter 6 of the ring. In this embodiment, the edges 7 of the slots 3 are collinear. Not only does this make the manufacture of the liner simpler (a single cut in a complete annular ring can create a slot), but it also makes it easier for the liner to be manipulated through an aperture in a piece of sheet material. Figure IB is a cross-section of the liner of Figure IA taken through line A-A'. This embodiment may conveniently be made of a rigid material such as wood or fibreboard, eg medium density fibreboard (MDF). Other materials are also contemplated, such as plastics, and especially plastics into which the screws can be easily driven, such as foamed plastics. As will be discussed below, this allows screws to be driven into the liner to secure it in place.

Figures 2A and 2B show again in plan and cross-sectional view (through line AA') respectively a further embodiment of the liner of the present invention, generally indicated by 1 . The liner also comprises an annular ring 2 of substantially circular, planar configuration delimiting a circular aperture 4 . The slot 3 is also provided between the inner perimeter 5 of the hole 4 and the outer perimeter 6 of the ring 2 . The slots 3 have collinear faces 7 . In this embodiment, the lip 8 is also arranged around the hole 4 in the liner, so that a continuous inner face 9 delimits the inner face of the hole 4 and the lip 8 . The liner may be made as a one-piece structure, for example by cutting it from MDF and machining the lip, or it may be made of a material such as plastic including foam, for example by injection moulding. Alternatively, the liner can be made in two separate parts: the ring and the lip, and the parts are then joined together.

Figures 3A-3B show in schematic side views how the design of the liner 1 enables it to be maneuvered from side to side through an aperture 10 in a sheet of material 11 (eg a ceiling). This is especially important in modern ceiling and floor constructions, where the upper side of the ceiling is generally not accessible from the floor above. As can be seen from the figures, the slot 3 in the liner 1 needs to be at least as wide as the thickness of the sheet material 11 on which the liner 1 is used. Depending on the configuration of the ring and the desired form of the slot, the skilled person will easily be able to determine the correct slot size. It can be seen that the use of slots with collinear edges 7 reduces the overall width of the liner, allowing for easier manipulation of the liner through the aperture for a given slot width.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the eyelet liner of the present invention, indicated generally at 1 . The liner again has a substantially circular ring 2 delimiting a bore 4 , with a slot 3 extending between an inner perimeter 5 of the bore 4 and an outer perimeter 6 of the ring 2 . The liner is also provided with a lip 8 in the form of a cylindrical member extending substantially perpendicularly from the face of the ring and situated on the inner edge of the ring. This embodiment may conveniently be pressed from sheet metal, but may also be made of plastic. The lip 8 is also provided with a plurality of deformable tabs 12 formed by cutting or punching through a portion of the material of the lip 8 . The tab can be deformed to a position where it extends away from the hole 4 delimited by the ring (shown as 12'). In order for the tab to remain in this position after deformation it is preferred that the material of construction is easily deformable (eg by hand or by use of a hand tool), but not elastically deformable. In this embodiment the tab is triangular in shape, formed by cutting away the sides of the triangle, once the tab 12 is deformed, the tip 13 is used to pierce the sheet material in which the liner fits.

FIG. 5 shows a partial cross-section through the two tabs 12 , 12 ′ in the lip 8 of the liner, showing the deformation of the tabs 12 away from the hole 4 .

FIG. 6 shows the liner of FIGS. 4 and 5 in place in a perforation in a piece of sheet material 11 in a cross-sectional view. One of the tabs 12 ′ has been deformed such that it pierces and thus bites the edge of the sheet material 11 . To achieve this snapping, the tabs can be pushed inwards, for example by using the end of a screwdriver, and the liner rotated in the eyelets so that the points of the tabs engage the sheet material. In this way, the liner provides a reinforced perimeter to the edge of the eyelet, allowing fittings to be installed and subsequently removed without damaging the edge of the eyelet.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the liner of the present invention, indicated generally at 1 . The liner 1 has a ring 2 which again delimits a hole 4 . The slot 3 is also provided between the inner perimeter 5 of the hole 4 and the outer perimeter 6 of the ring 2 . In this embodiment, the edge 7 and the face of the slot are collinear. There is also provided a lip 8 extending around the edge of the hole 4 and having a common face with the inner perimeter 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) may be made of a rigid material such as wood, MDF or plastic.

Figures 8A-8F show, in plan view, a range of shapes for the liner of the present invention, to illustrate that the annular elements of the liner need not be circular, but may be formed as seen, e.g., to suit the manufacturing process used shape. For example, the generally square profile of FIGS. 8E and 8F may result in less waste when cutting from sheet material. Figure 8F also shows that the holes 4 in the liner need not be circular as well. This embodiment can be used to line square holes. Figures 8B and 8C also show slots where the faces/edges 7 of the slot are not collinear. Figure 8D shows a ring with three extending arms that provide enough area for the liner to be secured in place, but allow it to be conveniently oriented to avoid obstructions in the ceiling void ( For example, joists, pipes, or cables).

Figure 9 shows in perspective a deformable strip 14 used as part of a kit with a liner according to the invention. The band is preferably elastically deformable and the ends can be squeezed together, as indicated by arrow 15, to form a complete circle that fits within the hole 4 of the liner. By making the strap elastically deformable, when it is placed in the hole 4 and released, it will spring back and bite the inside of the hole of the liner. It should be understood that the band need not form a complete circle within the bore of the liner. A small gap between the ends of the belt will not significantly affect its performance. In this embodiment the belt is provided with a series of perforations (holes) 15 extending through the material of the belt. The holes perform two functions: firstly, the holes closer to the edge of the strap 14 can be used to secure the strap to the inside of the hole 4 of the lining, eg by using pins or screws. Second, as will be shown below, when used with structured packing, the pores provide a forming surface for the packing to bite and adhere to.

10A and 10B illustrate the use of a band 14 and a liner 1 with a lip 8 . In FIG. 10A , the sheet material 11 is relatively thin, and the liner may be positioned with the lip 8 facing upwards, ie away from the perforations in the sheet material 11 . Once the strap 14 is installed, it readily extends to a point just above the face 16 of the sheet material 11 . In contrast, Figure 10B shows the use of the same liner 1 on a thicker sheet material. In this case, the configuration of Figure 10A would not allow the edge of the tape to extend to the face 16 of the sheet material 11, and thus the lining would be positioned in the opposite orientation with the lip facing downwards, i.e. towards the side to which the lining is to be added. eyelets and extend partially into the eyelets to be lined. After doing so, the strap 14 can 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 tape can be used for sheet materials of different thicknesses.

11A-11D illustrate in schematic cross-sectional view a method of repairing a hole 10 in a piece of sheet material 11 using a liner and tape. The rough edge 17 of the eyelet will be repaired by this method and the eyelet is made smaller and round.

FIG. 11A shows a liner 1 of the present invention which has been threaded through an aperture 10 in a piece of sheet material, as shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 11B shows the liner secured in place in the sheet material by use of screws 18 . For clarity, the liner and sheet material are shown in a slightly spaced configuration. Alternative fixing methods may be used, for example, by using construction adhesives. In FIG. 11C the band 14 has been positioned in the hole 4 in the liner and is positioned so that it extends almost to the face 16 of the sheet material 11 . The strap can then be fixed in place (if required) by using eg pins or screws to secure the strap to the liner. For straps with sufficient elasticity, such fasteners may not be required. In Figure 11D, structural filler 19 has been used to fill the gap between the rough side 17 of the sheet material and the outer face of the belt 14 to facilitate repair. If desired, a final skim coat such as plaster may be applied to the repaired hole to produce a high quality finish flush with the surface 16 of the sheet material 11 .

Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the liner of the present invention, indicated generally at 1 . In this embodiment, the liner 1 again comprises a ring 2 delimiting a hole 4 . A lip 8 of generally cylindrical form and extending away from the face of the ring 2 is also provided. A slot 3 is also provided in the liner, the slot 3 extending from the inner perimeter 5 of the hole 4 to the outer perimeter 6 of the ring 2 . In this embodiment, the slot does not have to be made wide enough to allow the liner to pass through the eyelet to be lined (as in Figure 3), but the liner is made elastically deformable. In this way, by exerting opposing forces on each end of the ring 2, as indicated by arrow 20, the ring can be twisted into the configuration shown in FIG. 13 . (Figure 13 is shown in the opposite orientation to Figure 12 to illustrate how it may be oriented for use in a ceiling.) In this modified orientation the slot 3 is open allowing the liner to pass easily through the eyelet. Once threaded, the force can be released and the liner will spring back to its generally planar configuration, as shown in FIG. 12 . Such a liner can easily be manufactured from pressed metal, or it can be made from plastic, eg by injection moulding.

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the liner of the present invention, indicated generally at 1 . This liner again comprises a ring 2 delimiting a hole 4 . The ring 2 is also provided with a lip 8 extending approximately perpendicularly from the inner perimeter of the ring 2 . A slot 3 is provided extending from the outer perimeter 6 of the ring 2 to the inner perimeter 5 and continuing through the lip 8 . In this embodiment, the width of the slot 3 does not have to be wide enough to allow the ring to be inserted into the hole, as shown in Figure 3, but if not so wide, is instead formed from an elastically deformable material, such as a pressed sheet metal or plastic, allowing it to be inserted into the hole to be lined in the manner shown in Figures 12-13 by deforming the ring in a twisting manner. The ring is also provided with a series of strain relief slots 21 extending from the outer perimeter 6 of the ring towards the lip 8 . As shown, the slit may extend all the way to the lip 8, or only partially, and serve to relieve stress in the ring if it deforms so as to change the diameter of the hole 4 delimited by the ring. The slits may be in the form of cuts in the material of the ring, or may constitute slots in which a portion of the ring material is removed. This design of the ring allows the diameter to be adjusted to suit a range of different hole sizes, or to compensate for any small variations in hole size that may occur in practice.

Figure 15 shows a variation of the liner of Figure 14, indicated generally by 1, this time shown in plan. In this variant, the liner 1 is formed (or may be deformed) so that the ring 2 goes around more than 360° in a configuration, ie a part of one end of the ring overlaps the other. The lining is again formed from elastically deformable material. This allows the liner to deform, not only to fit different sized eyelets, but to do so when lining the edges of the eyelet that is being lined exactly. In an optional feature further shown, a locking mechanism, for example comprising a series of holes or notches 22, may be provided in the lip 8 at one end of the ring, with corresponding cooperating pegs, hooks or detents 23 provided at the other end. at one end to allow the liner to be locked in one of several positions. Such a mechanism may also be provided with a ratchet (and preferably a releasable ratchet) to allow easy change of ring size.

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the liner 1 of the invention. Features corresponding to those of the previous embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals. This embodiment is formed from a resilient material that allows it to deform into a generally helical shape (as shown in Figures 12 and 13) to allow it to pass through the eyelet to be lined. A slot 3 is provided through the ring 2 and lip 8 of the liner 1 which allows helical deformation in use. To assist in securing the liner in place, a number of securing holes 24 arranged around the ring 2 and lip 8 of the liner are provided. These fixing holes allow the liner 1 to be fixed in place by using, for example, building fillers (eg gypsum based fillers). The filler may, for example, be applied to the upper and edge surfaces of the aperture to be lined and manipulate the liner into place. The filler will then be partially extruded through the anchor holes, providing an anchor for the liner. In this embodiment, linear markings 25 are provided, for example in the form of score lines, to guide a user who may wish to remove a portion of the loop 2 of the liner 1, for example to be able to avoid features on the sheet material such as ceiling joists). In a particularly preferred variant of embodiment, the thread is in the form of a weakened thread, such as grooves or perforations, to further assist cutting. The marking 25 preferably extends from a first location on the outer edge of the ring 2 to an adjacent second location on the outer edge of the ring.

FIG. 17 shows the embodiment of FIG. 16 again in perspective view after part of the ring 2 has been removed. As mentioned above, this may result from parts being removed in use. Optionally, the liner can be manufactured in such a configuration.

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the liner 1 of the invention. The lining is again made of an elastically deformable material such as pressed metal or plastic. The selected material is sufficiently elastic to allow it to temporarily deform into a helical configuration (as shown in Figures 12 and 13), but may also undergo plastic deformation when deformed beyond its elastic limit, as described below. This embodiment maintains the same basic features of the ring 2 with the extending lip 8 and the slot 3 passing through the ring 2 and lip 8, allowing deformation into a helical configuration to allow it to be passed through the eyelet. Furthermore, the lips 8 are provided with a series of fins 26 around the edge of the lip 8 furthest from the ring 2 . The tab may conveniently be formed by providing a slit 27 (or slot) extending at least partly from said edge of the lip to the ring 2 . A pivot hole 28 is provided in the ring 2 adjacent each tab 26 . Pivot holes 28 preferably extend through ring 2, but may also include ridges or notches to allow the 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 part of the ring, through the region of the flap 26 of the lip 8 . The liner has been positioned on the part of the sheet material 11 containing the eyelet to be lined, with the lip portion 8 extending into the eyelet. Elements are shown in a slightly spaced configuration for clarity. A tool 29 is provided having a pivot point 30 eg in the form of a lug or pin, a lug engagement area 31 and a handle portion 32 acting as a lever. Pivot point 30 is engageable with pivot hole 28 and handle portion 32 is used to deform lug 26 towards the edge of sheet material 11 by moving the handle in the direction indicated by the arrow. As shown in Figure 19B, this causes the lugs 26 to engage the edges of the sheet material 11, thereby anchoring the liner 1 in place. This movement deforms the lug beyond its elastic limit (ie, it does not spring back), thereby providing a semi-permanent fixation. The partially elastically deformable nature of the liner is at least partially provided by the L-shaped cross-section of the liner, providing the desired elasticity after helical deformation, while the substantially planar (albeit curved) form of the lugs 26 allows them to deform plastically .

FIG. 20 shows in cross-section a further embodiment of an aperture liner of the invention, indicated generally at 1 , comprising an annular ring 2 and a lip 8 . The liner is shown in place in a hole in the sheet material 11 (typically a ceiling). The form of the liner may be of the form described in any of the above embodiments comprising an annular ring. The liner is also provided with fastening members 33A on the annular ring 2 . There is also provided an elongated leg 34 provided with cooperating fastening members 33B so that the leg can be attached to the liner, as shown in FIG. 21 . The fastening members (33A and 33B) may comprise, for example, two halves of a snap structure or other mechanical structure providing attachable and preferably releasably attachable, creating a connection between the legs and the liner. Two such legs are provided in the embodiment shown, and they may be used, for example, to support a fire cover, such as a solid cupping or a flexible fire shield (not shown). A single such leg may also be provided for fire protection covers requiring only a single point of attachment. By providing attachable legs 34, the liner can be inserted into the eyelet from below and then attached by the leg through the eyelet to extend into the space above the sheet material.

Figures 22 and 23 show plan views of another embodiment of the eyelet liner 1 of the present invention in place in an eyelet 10 to be lined. The liner has a similar form to that shown in Figure 9, ie comprising a substantially cylindrical strip 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 its positioning in the eyelet 10 to be lined. For clarity, the ends 36 of the liner are shown in a radially spaced configuration in FIG. Figure 23 configuration, and maintaining the liner in this configuration. The liner is sized relative to the eyelet to be lined in such a way that one end of the liner can be held against the edge of the eyelet and a force (shown by arrow 35) applied to the other end aligns the two ends of the lined strip and adjoin each other, as shown in the configuration of FIG. 23 . In this configuration, the body of the liner is compressed and forces itself against the walls of the aperture, thereby holding the liner in place. In Fig. 23, the liner and eyelets are shown in a spaced apart configuration for clarity only. The inventors have found that this selection of the size of the liner (relative to the size of the aperture to be lined) results in an audible click when the liner is transitioned from the configuration of FIG. 22 to the configuration of FIG. 23 . This provides audible feedback to the user that the liner has been installed correctly. This is particularly useful where the liner is being installed to a ceiling grommet 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 constructed without a lip or flange portion extending beyond the edge of the liner to be added into which the liner is inserted. eyelet face. In this way, a finished ceiling (or other sheet material) with lined eyelets can be made substantially planar, with the eyelet lining remaining flush (or even recessed) with the finished surface. This allows for significant flexibility in installing eg light fixtures through the eyelets, where any protrusions would interfere with the installation, or be unattractive.

In any described or claimed embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that said aperture 4 delimited by a ring has a diameter of at least 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm or 60mm and does not exceed a diameter of 100mm, 150mm, 175mm, 200mm, 300mm, 400mm or 500mm.

Also in any described or claimed embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that said aperture 4 delimited by a ring is circular or approximately circular.

Also in any described or claimed embodiment of the invention, the liner is of one-piece construction.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS 1. An eyelet liner for lining eyelets in a sheet material, said eyelet liner comprising: (a) an annular ring delimiting an aperture having a diameter smaller than the aperture to be lined; (b) the ring is provided with a slot extending from the inner perimeter of the bore to the outer perimeter of the ring; and (c) The slots are sized and shaped to allow transfer of the liner from one side of such an aperture to the other. 2. The eyelet liner of claim 1 , further comprising a generally cylindrical lip positioned about the circular hole, the slot also extending through the lip. 3. An aperture liner as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the edges of the slots are collinear. 4. An aperture liner according to any preceding claim, wherein the liner comprises fibreboard. 5. The perforation liner of claim 4, wherein the fibreboard is flame retardant. 6. An eyelet liner according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the lip is provided with one or more deformable tabs capable of The first position in which the parts are substantially coplanar moves to a second position in which it can contact or pierce (in use) the sheet material. 7. The eyelet liner of claim 6, wherein the fins have pointed ends. 8. A borehole liner according to any preceding claim, further comprising an elongate leg and fastening means on said annular ring, said leg including corresponding fastening means to allow said leg to be Fastened to the ring. 9. An eyelet lining kit comprising an eyelet liner according to any preceding claim and a deformable cylindrical band dimensioned to fit within the circular hole. 10. The eyelet lining kit of claim 9, wherein the strip is perforated. 11. An eyelet liner for lining circular eyelets in a sheet material, said liner comprising: further comprising an elongated leg and a fastening member on the annular ring, the leg including a corresponding fastening member to allow the leg to be fastened to the ring; (a) an elastically deformable annular ring defining a generally circular aperture having a diameter smaller than the aperture to be lined; (b) the ring is provided with a slot extending from the inner perimeter of the bore to the outer perimeter of the ring; and (c) a generally cylindrical lip positioned around said circular hole, said slot also extending through said lip; The deformation of the lining is such that it passes through the circular eyelet to be lined. 12. The eyelet liner of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of slits extending from the outer perimeter of the ring toward the lip. 13. An eyelet liner as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising a locking mechanism allowing the liner to be locked in a plurality of different diameters. 14. A liner according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising a plurality of securing holes arranged around the ring and around the lip of the liner. 15. A liner as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising one or more tabs at an edge region of the lip and corresponding pivots in an adjacent region of the ring. shaft hole. 16. A liner according to any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising elongate legs and fastening members on said annular ring, said legs including corresponding fastening members to allow said The legs are fastened to the ring. 17. A method of repairing or resizing a hole in a sheet material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an eyelet liner according to any one of claims 1 to 8; (b) positioning said liner on one side of said sheet material adjacent said eyelet to be repaired or resized; (c) securing the liner in place; (d) optionally positioning a cylindrical strip of material within the aperture of said liner and extending within said aperture of said sheet material; and (e) Fill the gap between the band or liner and the edge of the eyelet with a suitable material. 18. A method of reinforcing cells in a sheet material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an eyelet liner as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 or claims 10-15, said liner having a lip the outer diameter of which is sized to match the size of said eyelet about the same; (b) Positioning the liner on one side of the eyelet to be reinforced such that the lip extends into the eyelet to be reinforced.