Patent ID: 8752884

Claim:
A method for making a structural reinforcement comprising: i) applying a molten polymeric material over and around an elongated localized reinforcement to form a base reinforcing portion that includes an insert molded localized reinforcement, the base reinforcing portion having an interconnected network of ribs and including one or more molded fasteners and one or more holes through which fluids can drain and so that the localized reinforcement bisects the base reinforcing portion; ii) applying an expandable epoxy-based material over the polymeric base reinforcing portion; and iii) substantially completely covering the localized reinforcement with the expandable material; wherein the localized reinforcement made of a material that has a higher tensile strength and higher ductility than the material of the base reinforcing portion; and wherein the localized reinforcement has a generally u-shaped profile, a curvature along its longitudinal axis and a wall thickness from about 0.5 mm to about 3.5 mm; and wherein the localized reinforcement provides increased thermal conductivity to the structural reinforcement as compared to a structural reinforcement that does not include a localized reinforcement.