Method for attaching heat-shrink film to sheath of strap and sheath of strap with heat-shrink film

Abstract

To attach a heat-shrink film printed on the sheath of a strap, prevent the heat-shrink film from being removed, peeled, or split by mischief or carelessness, and to provide a wrinkle-free heat-shrink film.SOLUTION: A heat-shrink film 5 has a cylindrical shape slightly larger than a sheath body 2. The heat-shrink film 5 is put on the sheath body 2 and then is shrunk by heat to tightly cover the upper end surface, the outer side surface, and the lower end surface of the sheath body 2. Thereafter, an upper side end cap 3 is put on from above the sheath body 2 and a lower side end cap 4 is put on from below the sheath body 2 so that the upper end part and the lower end part of the heat-shrink film 5 are covered.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for attaching heat-shrinkable film with a desired print to a tubular sheath attached to a handrail that is held by a standing passenger, and to the sheath of the handrail with heat-shrinkable film, which also includes a sheath with a sealed decorative body. [Background technology]

[0002] Handrails come in two types: a round, pentagonal, etc. shaped grab handle to be held by standing passengers, and a handrail belt (also called a handrail strap). These are assembled from two components, one of which is a handrail sheath covered with heat-shrinkable film, and the other is a plastic sheath assembled to these two components. The sheath is the part that a standing passenger holds on to, separate from the handrail, and also prevents the handrail belt that is attached to the top of the handrail from opening too wide. Most handrails currently in use have a sheath. The most common sheaths are rectangular and rectangular in shape.

[0003] Most of the conventionally known sheaths are plain, either white or colored in one color.

[0004] Putting pictures on the scabbard, advertising tourist spots, or letters and pictures advertising major events, etc., will attract customers and leave a good impression on passengers. Putting advertisements on the scabbard will attract the attention of customers. If advertisements, slogans, etc. are printed directly on the scabbard, it will be necessary to replace the scabbard every time the advertisement or slogan changes, which is uneconomical. For this reason, there are known cases where a film or sticker with advertisements, slogans, etc. printed on it is affixed to the side of the sheath.

[0005] If a film or sticker with an advertising printed on it is attached to the side of the scabbard, it takes time and effort to remove and replace the film. In addition, when the film or sticker is attached to a scabbard with sloping sides or gently bulging sides, it can wrinkle or twist, resulting in an unattractive scabbard.

[0006] As technologies for displaying advertisements on the sheath, Patent Document 1 discloses a holder for advertising material on a strap, and Patent Document 2 discloses a method for manufacturing advertising surfaces on vehicle straps and the tools used for the same.

[0007] However, the holder for advertising material on hanging straps disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires time and effort to assemble because each component has a complex structure. In addition, since the holder is fixed with screws after assembly, it is not aesthetically pleasing and dirt accumulates in the screw holes, making it difficult to wipe off and clean.

[0008] In the method of manufacturing advertising surfaces for vehicle hanging straps and the manufacturing tool used therefor disclosed in Patent Document 2, there is a risk that the positioning protrusions may injure the palm of a person's hand when gripped. In addition, because the upper and lower ends of the side covering are exposed, there is a risk that these parts may be peeled off, torn, or ripped by mischief or carelessness. Prior Patent Documents

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-113389 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-278525 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a method for attaching heat-shrinkable film with a desired print to a cylindrical sheath of a handrail held by a standing passenger, and a handrail sheath with heat-shrinkable film, thereby enhancing the decorativeness and display effect of the printing, making it easy to attach the heat-shrinkable film, and preventing the heat-shrinkable film from peeling off or tearing due to tampering or carelessness. Another problem to be solved is to make the sheath of the hand strap more attractive to passengers by providing a thick decorative body in intimate contact between the heat shrink film and the sheath body.

[0011] The method of attaching the heat shrinkable film according to the embodiment of claim 1 is as follows. This is a method for attaching a heat-shrinkable film with a desired print pattern to the main part of the tubular sheath that is provided with a handrail that is held by a standing passenger, The heat shrinkable film has a tubular shape that is slightly larger than the sheath body, After covering the sheath body with the heat shrinkable film, the heat shrinkable film is heated and shrunk to adhere closely to the upper end surface, all side surfaces, and the lower end surface, which are the outer surfaces of the sheath body; After this, an upper end cap having a strap hole is attached from above the sheath body toward the upper end surface of the sheath body to hide the upper end of the heat shrinkable film; A lower end cap having a strap hole is attached from below the sheath body toward the lower end surface of the sheath body to hide the lower end of the heat shrinkable film. This prevents the heat shrink film from being torn, ripped, or peeled off due to tampering or carelessness starting from the upper and lower ends, and also positions the heat shrink film to prevent wrinkles.

[0012] The method of attaching the heat shrinkable film according to the embodiment of claim 2 further includes the following method. The upper end cap and the lower end cap are attached to the sheath body by inserting two legs of each of the upper end cap and the lower end cap along two opposing wall surfaces of the tube body, and further by inserting and engaging the claws formed at the tip of each of the two legs into four small holes formed on the side of the sheath body, The upper end cap and the lower end cap are in a state in which the four small holes are covered with the heat shrink film, and therefore the engagement of the claw portions cannot be released. Furthermore, since the tips of the four legs of each of the claw portions are in contact with or close to both side edges of the hand strap which is inserted from above the upper end cap, through the tube body, toward the lower end cap after being attached to the tube body, each of the claw portions is unable to move to release the lock.

[0013] The method of attaching a heat shrinkable film according to the embodiment of claim 3 is any of the above methods, further comprising the following additional steps: The heat shrink film attached to the tube body can be removed and replaced by pulling out the hand strap and breaking the portion of the heat shrink film covering the small holes, and then inserting a tool with a thin tip into each of the small holes from the outside and pushing the claws out from within the small holes to the inside of the sheath body, while the upper and lower end caps are pulled out of the sheath body.

[0014] The sheath of the hanger with heat shrinkable film according to an embodiment corresponding to claim 4 has the following configuration. A cylindrical sheath that is a component of a handrail that is held by a standing passenger, the sheath is composed of a sheath body, an upper end cap removably attached from above the sheath body toward an upper end thereof, and a lower end cap removably attached from below the sheath body toward a lower end thereof, The sheath body is covered with a cylindrical heat-shrinkable film having a desired printing thereon, and then the heat-shrinkable film is heated and shrunk, so that the upper end surface, the outer peripheral side surface, and the lower end surface of the sheath body are covered with the heat-shrinkable film and brought into close contact with each other; The upper end cap and the lower end cap each have two parallel legs protruding into the sheath body, and the claws at the tip of each leg are distributed and engaged into a total of four small holes formed in the side of the sheath body, and since the tips of each leg are in contact with or close to both side edges of the hand strap, they cannot be inadvertently detached from the tube body. The upper end cap and the lower end cap hide the upper and lower ends of the heat shrink film that covers the entire outer surface of the sheath body, preventing tearing, ripping, and peeling due to tampering or inadvertent catching starting from the upper and lower ends of the heat shrink film, and also position the heat shrink film to prevent wrinkles.

[0015] The sheath for a hanger with a heat shrinkable film according to an embodiment corresponding to claim 5 further comprises the following configuration in addition to the sheath for a hanger with a heat shrinkable film according to claim 4. A thick decorative body is disposed in a tightly attached state at an appropriate position between the outer peripheral side surface of the sheath body and the heat shrinkable film. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The method of attaching the heat-shrinkable film of the present invention and the sheath of the hanger with heat-shrinkable film are attached in a tightly adhered state by heat shrinking the heat-shrinkable film printed as desired on the peripheral side of the sheath body, making it possible to produce an attractive-looking sheath with heat-shrinkable film with simple operations.

[0017] The method of attaching the heat shrink film to the sheath body by heat shrinking it allows the heat shrink film to be attached without wrinkles or twists even to sheath bodies with inclined or slightly bulging sides.

[0018] The printing contents can be selected from patterns, designs, text guides, advertisements, etc., and the sheath for the handle with heat shrinkable film can be printed according to the purpose.

[0019] In the heat-shrinkable film-attached hanger of the present invention, the upper end of the heat-shrinkable film which is in close contact with the upper surface of the sheath body is covered and held down by the upper end cap, and the lower end of the heat-shrinkable film is also covered and held down by the lower end cap, thereby preventing the heat-shrinkable film from being pulled off, torn, ripped, peeled off, etc. starting from the upper or lower end due to mischief, carelessness, or inattention.

[0020] The heat-shrinkable film-attached hanger of the present invention has a structure in which the upper and lower end caps each have two legs that elastically deform along the inner wall of the sheath body and penetrate into the sheath body, and the claws at the tip of each leg are distributed to penetrate and engage with a total of four small holes on the opposing side wall surfaces of the sheath body, so that the end caps will not accidentally lift up or come off from the sheath body.

[0021] In the heat-shrinkable film-equipped handrail of the present invention, if a thick decorative body is arranged in a tightly attached state at an appropriate location between the outer peripheral side surface of the sheath body and the heat-shrinkable film, it will surprise and make a favorable impression on passengers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1( a ) is a front view of a hanger with a sheath with heat-shrinkable film according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1( b ) is a front view of a hanger with a sheath with heat-shrinkable film according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] 1A is a perspective view of a heat-shrinkable film formed into a cylindrical shape by lamination, as seen from the front side; FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the same film, as seen from the rear side; and FIG. [Figure 4] (a) is a front cross-sectional view of the upper part of the sheath body covered with the heat-shrinkable film, (b) is a perspective view of the same, (c) is a front cross-sectional view showing the upper part of the sheath body after the heat-shrinkable film has been heated and shrunk, (d) is a plan view of the same, and (e) is a bottom view. [Diagram 5] 1A is a perspective view of a heat shrinkable film formed into a cylindrical shape, as seen from the front side, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the same film, as seen from the back side. [Figure 6](a) is a front cross-sectional view of the upper part of the sheath body covered with the heat-shrinkable film, (b) is a perspective view of the same, (c) is a front cross-sectional view showing the upper part of the sheath body after the heat-shrinkable film has been heated and shrunk, (d) is a perspective view of the same, and (e) is a bottom view. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the sheath body covered with a heat shrink film. [Figure 8] A front cross-sectional view of the sheath body with heat shrink film and upper and lower end caps attached. [Figure 9] (a) is a front cross-sectional view of the sheath with heat-shrink film and the handle strap passing through it, and (b) is an enlarged view of a portion of the sheath. [Figure 10] 1A is a front view of the sheath according to the first embodiment, FIG. 1B is a perspective view before the heat shrink film and decorative body are attached to the sheath, and FIG. 1C is an enlarged side cross-sectional view after attachment. [Figure 11] 10(a) is a front view of the sheath according to the second embodiment, (b) is an oblique view before the heat shrink film and decorative body are attached to the sheath, and (c) is an enlarged side cross-sectional view after attachment. EXAMPLES

[0024] -overview- FIG. 1(a) shows a hanger 10A equipped with a sheath 2A with a heat-shrinkable film according to the first embodiment, and (b) shows a hanger 10B equipped with a sheath 2B with a heat-shrinkable film according to the second embodiment. The hanging handles 10A and 10B are common in that they are configured by assembling a handgrip 11, a handgrip belt 12, and a sheath 1. The illustrated handgrip 11 is in the shape of a round ring, but may be in another shape (for example, a pentagonal shape). Both sheaths 1A, 1B are configured by assembling together a sheath body 2 having a vertically long cylindrical shape, an upper end cap 3 attached to the upper end surface of the sheath body 2, and a lower end cap 4 attached to the lower end surface of the sheath body 2. The sheath 1 shown in the figures has a horizontally long rectangular shape in a plan view, but it is also possible to use one that is elliptical or circular in a plan view.

[0025] The heat shrinkable film 5 has a printed cylindrical shape, is placed over the outer surface of the sheath body 2, and is attached in a tightly contacting state by heat shrinkage. The content printed on the heat shrinkable film 5 is not limited, but examples include pictures and characters introducing tourist spots, pictures and characters introducing events, advertisements, slogans, patterns, etc. The printed patterns shown in the figures are merely examples.

[0026] -Sheath 1A according to the first embodiment- A sheath 1A according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is composed of a sheath body 2, an upper end cap 3, a lower end cap 4, and a heat shrinkable film 5. The sheath body 2 shown in the figure is a rectangular cylinder having a vertically long rectangular shape. Of the four side surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d of the sheath body 2, small rectangular holes 2f, 2g, 2h, and 2i are formed in the upper and lower parts of two opposing side surfaces (2c and 2d). The upper end surface 2j and the lower end surface 2k of the cylindrical body 2 are frame-shaped flat surfaces. Although not shown, a sheath having different cross-sectional shapes at the upper and lower ends may be used.

[0027] -Upper end cap 3 and lower end cap 4- The upper end cap 3 and the lower end cap 4 shown in the figure have the same shape. The upper end cap 3 has a frame plate portion 3a whose shape and size are roughly matched to the upper end surface 2j of the sheath body 2, with legs 3c, 3e protruding downward from the inner edge of the frame plate portion 3a, with an outwardly facing claw portion 3d protruding from the tip of the leg 3c, and an outwardly facing claw portion 3f also protruding from the tip of the leg 3e.

[0028] The lower end cap 4 has a frame plate portion 4a whose shape and size are roughly matched to the lower end surface 2k of the sheath body 2, with legs 4b, 4d protruding downward from the inner edge of the frame plate portion 4a, with an outwardly facing claw portion 3d protruding from the tip of the leg 4b, and an outwardly facing claw portion 3f also protruding from the tip of the leg 3e.

[0029] -Heat shrink film 5- As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) and 3(a) and 3(b), the heat shrinkable film 5 is printed. The heat shrink film 5 is either a laminated type heat shrink film 5A shown in Figures 3(a) and (b) or a cylindrical integrated type heat shrink film 5B shown in Figures 5(a) and (b). In the following description of the heat shrink film 5, the content is common to both heat shrink films 5A and 5B.

[0030] The heat shrinkable film 5A shown in Figures 3(a) and (b) is laminated into a cylindrical shape after printing. 5a is the lamination surface. The size of the heat shrinkable film 5 is slightly larger than the sheath body 2. The vertical length L of the heat shrinkable film 5 is the vertical length H of the sheath body plus a dimension nearly twice the plate thickness t. Printing is performed on the back or front side of the heat shrinkable film 5A. It is also possible to print on the front side with paint or ink containing an antibacterial material.

[0031] - Installation of heat shrink film 5 - 4(a) and 4(b), when the heat shrink film 5 is placed on the sheath body 2, the upper end 5b of the heat shrink film 5 is aligned so as to protrude upward from the upper end surface 2j of the sheath body 2. Although not shown, the lower end of the heat shrink film 5 is aligned in the same manner. After this alignment, the entire heat shrink film 5 is heated and heat shrunk as shown in Fig. 4(c). This heat shrinkage causes the heat shrink film 5 to be attached in close contact with each side surface, the upper end surface 2j, and the lower end surface 2k of the sheath body 2 as shown in Figs. 4(c), (d), and (e).

[0032] 5(a) and (b) is a heat shrinkable film of a cylindrical integral molding type. Examples of products in which a film is molded into a cylindrical shape include disposable covers for folded up wet umbrellas and heat shrinkable film covers for clotheslines. The heat shrinkable film 5 may be a lamination type heat shrinkable film 5A, or a cylindrical integral molding type heat shrinkable film 5B. Printing on the surface of the lamination type heat shrinkable film 5A is facilitated if it is performed before lamination. Printing on the surface of the heat shrinkable film 5B of the cylindrical molding die can be easily performed by supporting the heat shrinkable film 5B on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical or round bar-shaped holder and rotating a transfer roll coated with paint to transfer the print (not shown).

[0033] 6(a) and 6(b), when the heat shrink film 5 is attached to the sheath body 2, the heat shrink film 5 is placed over the sheath body 2, and the upper end 5b of the heat shrink film 5 is aligned so as to protrude upward from the upper end surface 2j of the sheath body 2. Although not shown, the lower end of the heat shrink film 5 is also aligned in the height direction so as to protrude downward from the lower end surface of the sheath body.

[0034] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6(c), the entire heat-shrinkable film 5 is heat-shrunk, so that the heat-shrinkable film 5 is attached in close contact with the four side surfaces, the upper end surface 2j, and the lower end surface 2k of the sheath body 2, as shown in FIG. 6(c), (d), and (e).

[0035] -Upper end cap 3 and lower end cap 4- After this, from the state shown in FIG. 7 to that shown in FIG. 8, an upper end cap 3 is attached to the upper end face of the sheath body 2 to which the heat shrink film 5 has been attached, and a lower end cap 4 is attached to the lower end face of the tube body 2.

[0036] The upper end cap 3 is placed over the sheath body 2 by pushing it into the sheath body 2 while aligning the claws 3d, 3f along the opposing cylindrical inner walls of the sheath body 2. At this time, the tips of the legs 3c, 3e are temporarily deformed in directions approaching each other due to the elasticity of the material. When the claws 3d, 3f, . . . enter the small holes 2f, 2g of the sheath body 2, the upper end cap 3 is attached to the sheath body 2 with the heat shrink film 5 attached thereto.

[0037] In this way, even if the claw portion 3f of the upper end cap 3 inadvertently tries to slip out of the small hole 2g, as shown in Figure 9(b), the lower end of the leg portion 3e abuts against the side of the hand strap 12, so it will not slip out.

[0038] The lower end cap 4 is attached to the lower part of the cylindrical body 2 in the same manner as the upper end cap 3.

[0039] FIG. 8 shows the sheath 1 with the heat shrink film 5 before the hand strap is inserted, and FIG. 9(a) shows the sheath 1 with the heat shrink film 5 after the hand strap has been inserted. After the upper end cap 3 and the lower end cap 4 are attached to the sheath body 2, the hanging strap 12 is inserted and attached. In this way, even if the claws 3c, 3f, 4c, 4e are attempted to be removed from the small holes 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i toward the inside of the tube, the tips of the legs 3c, 3e, 4b, 4d come into contact with the side edges of the hand strap 12, so that the claws 3c, 3f, 4c, 4e will not be released from their engagement. See Fig. 9(b). In order to remove the upper end cap 3 and the lower end cap 4 from the sheath body 2, it is necessary to first remove the hanging strap 12.

[0040] -Sheath 1B according to the second embodiment- A sheath 1B according to a second embodiment is shown in FIGS. The sheath 1B according to the second embodiment is constructed by combining a sheath body 2, an upper end cap 3, a lower end cap 4, a heat shrinkable film 5, and a decorative body S. The sheath shown in FIG. 10(a) and the sheath shown in FIG. 11(a) differ in the printed content and the shape of the decorative body S.

[0041] The decorative object S1 shown in Fig. 10(a) is made by printing a shape of a maiko on cardboard. It is also possible to use cloth instead of cardboard. The decorative body S1 is temporarily attached to the sheath body 2 as shown in Figure 10(b), and then a heat-shrinkable film 5 is placed over the sheath body 2 and the heat-shrinkable film 5 is heat-shrunk, so that the decorative body S1 is attached in a tightly contacted state between the heat-shrinkable film 5 and the sheath body 2 as shown in Figure 10(c).

[0042] The decorative object S2 shown in Fig. 11(a) is shaped like a part of a coffee can and is made of, for example, plastic. Instead of plastic, it can be made of rubber (including synthetic rubber). The decorative body S2 is attached in a state where it is in close contact between the heat shrink film 5 and the sheath body 2 as shown in Fig. 10(c) by covering the sheath body 2 with a heat shrink film 5 while it is temporarily attached to the sheath body 2 as shown in Fig. 11(b) and then heat shrinking the heat shrink film 5.

[0043] The present invention finds application in the field of handrails for passengers to hold on to in railroad cars and public buses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1A Sheath according to the first embodiment 1B Sheath according to the second embodiment 2. Scabbard body 3 Upper end cap 4 Lower end cap 5. Heat shrink film 10 Hanging Hand S Decoration S1 Maiko-shaped ornament S2 Decorative object made from part of a coffee can

Claims

1. This method attaches a heat shrinkable film with a desired print pattern to a main part of a tubular sheath provided with a handrail held by a standing passenger, The heat shrinkable film has a tubular shape that is slightly larger than the sheath body, After the heat shrink film is placed on the sheath body, it is heated and shrunk to be closely attached to the upper end surface, all side surfaces, and the lower end surface, which are the outer surfaces of the sheath body; After this, an upper end cap having a strap hole is attached from above the sheath body toward the upper end surface of the sheath body to hide the upper end of the heat shrinkable film; A lower end cap having a strap hole is attached from below the sheath body toward the lower end surface of the sheath body to hide the lower end of the heat shrinkable film. To provide a method for attaching a heat shrink film to the sheath of a hanging strap, which prevents the heat shrink film from being torn, split or peeled off due to mischief or careless catching starting from the upper and lower ends, and also positions the heat shrink film to prevent wrinkles from occurring.

2. The upper end cap and the lower end cap are attached to the sheath body by inserting two legs of each of the upper end cap and the lower end cap along two opposing wall surfaces of the tube body, and further by inserting and engaging the claws formed at the tip of each of the two legs into a total of four small holes formed in the side surface of the sheath body, The upper end cap and the lower end cap are in a state in which the four small holes are covered with the heat shrink film, and therefore the engagement of the claw portions cannot be released. Furthermore, the method for attaching a heat-shrinkable film to a hanger sheath as described in claim 1, wherein each of the claw portions is in a state in which it cannot move to release the engagement because the tip portions of each of the four legs are in contact with or close to both side edges of the hanger belt which is inserted from above the upper end cap, through the tube body, toward the lower end cap after being attached to the tube body.

3. The heat shrink film attached to the tube body can be removed and replaced by pulling out the strap and breaking the part of the heat shrink film covering the small hole. A method for attaching a heat shrink film to the sheath of a hanger described in claim 1 or 2, in which a tool with a thin tip is then inserted into each of the small holes from the outside of the holes to push each of the claws out from within the small holes to the inside of the sheath body, and the method is performed in a state in which the upper end cap and the lower end cap are pulled out of the sheath body.

4. A cylindrical sheath that is a component of a handrail that is held by a standing passenger, the sheath is composed of a sheath body, an upper end cap removably attached from above the sheath body toward an upper end thereof, and a lower end cap removably attached from below the sheath body toward a lower end thereof, A cylindrical heat shrinkable film having a desired printing is placed on the sheath body, and then the heat shrinkable film is heated and shrunk to cover and adhere the upper end surface, the outer peripheral side surface, and the lower end surface of the sheath body with the heat shrinkable film. The upper end cap and the lower end cap each have two parallel legs protruding into the sheath body, and the claws at the tip of each leg are distributed and engaged into a total of four small holes formed on the side of the sheath body, and since the tips of each leg are in contact with or close to both side edges of the hand strap, the end cap cannot be accidentally detached from the tube body. The upper end cap and the lower end cap hide the upper and lower ends of the heat shrink film that covers the entire outer surface of the sheath body, preventing tearing, ripping, and peeling due to vandalism or carelessness starting from the upper and lower ends of the heat shrink film, while also positioning the heat shrink film and preventing wrinkles from forming.This is a sheath with a hanger and heat shrink film.

5. 5. A sheath for a hanger with a heat shrinkable film as described in claim 4, wherein a thick decorative body is disposed in a tightly adhered state at an appropriate position between the outer peripheral side surface of the sheath body and the heat shrinkable film.

Images