Importance

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Abstract

Herein is disclosed a rim for a wheel. the rim comprising a barrel having first and second flanges extending radially outward from opposing edges of the barrel. and the barrel comprising a first bead seat and a second bead seat arranged axially inwardly. respectively. of the first and second flanges, wherein the barrel, and first and second flanges. comprise layers of structural fibres bound in a polymer matrix, wherein a pre-form insert is disposed between layers of the structural fibres. wherein the insert comprises a material which acts to absorb and/or deflect and/or dissipate energy from a load or impact applied axially and/or radially to a rim and/or acts to increase the hoop stiffness of the wheel and wherein the insert has, when viewed in cross-section (with the axis of the rim being parallel to the plane of the cross-section). two elongate portions. with a first elongate portion of the insert extending into one of the first or second flanges. and a second elongate portion of the insert extending underneath the first or second bead seat, respectively, such that first and second portions together form an approximate ‘L’ shape in cross-section.

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