| abstract |
This patent describes laminated articles which are heat recoverable in involute fashion to an overlapping, generally cylindrical configuration and which are useful as wrap-around sleeves for wires, cables, cable splices and the like. Also described are laminated articles initially heat recoverable to an elongate S-shaped configuration, which latter can be wrapped about an elongate substrate, the edge portions thereof interlocked, and heat recovered to form a protective closure. The articles of the invention comprise a first lamina existing in latent compression relative to a second, adjacent lamina such that upon the application of heat the second lamina urges recovery of the first lamina in involute fashion. Means are disclosed whereby the exterior faces of the articles of the invention can be rendered adherable one to the other under the conditions of heat recovery, such that upon involute recovery a bonded, integral article is formed. The involutely heat recoverable articles can be formed of, e.g., polymeric or metallic laminae by a wide variety of processes, the particulars of which are set out herein. |