A plurality of different structural members for reinforcing a plate-like
structure, such as a bushing tip plate for intended use in forming fibers
from a fluid material supplied to a bushing assembly, are disclosed. Each
reinforcing member includes a body having a first portion for attachment
to the structure and a second portion having a profile with a variable
height including at least one apex. The body may be integrally formed of a
single piece of material, or two or formed from more separate pieces of
material bonded or secured together. The body may be T-shaped, L-shaped,
or F-shaped in cross-section. The second portion of the body may have an
inverted V-shaped profile, an inverted W-shaped profile, or an arcuate
profile. The at least one apex may be located at the midpoint or elsewhere
along the length of the body.