Heat-shrinkable covering material

Abstract

To provide a heat-shrinkable covering material that can be easily handled and fits into a compact size while ensuring a sufficient length of a tube. [Solution] The heat-shrinkable covering material 10 is composed of a tube 12 and a core material 14. The tube 12 is a cylindrical resin film, and two folds 16 extending longitudinally are formed at opposing radial positions. The tube 12 is folded at the two folds 16, and the hollow portion is kept flat with its center collapsed. One end of the tube 12 in this flattened state is fixed to the core material 14, and the other end is wound around the core material 14.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a material that utilizes heat shrinkability to cover single-tube pipes and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Single-wall pipes are widely used at civil engineering and construction sites for scaffolding, barricades, temporary fencing, and supports. Single-wall pipes are hollow steel tubes that are coated with hot-dip galvanization for rust prevention, giving them a steel-colored appearance. In recent years, there has been a demand to improve the image of construction sites, and consideration has been given to the color and design of materials as well. Single-wall pipes are no exception, and measures such as painting them to blend in with the surrounding landscape are necessary. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, painting a single-pipe beautifully not only takes time and effort, but also a certain level of skill. Furthermore, single-pipe pipes are often leased or rented, so painting them without permission is not permitted, and if painted, removing the coating when returning the pipe is a hassle.

[0004] Apart from painting, there is also heat-shrinkable tubing, which is used to protect the harnesses of electronic devices. Heat-shrinkable tubing can be covered by simply placing it over the object and applying heat. Since no adhesive is used, it is also easy to remove.

[0005] However, since single-wall pipes have a diameter of 48.6 mm, heat-shrinkable tubing for electronic devices cannot be used directly. Furthermore, single-wall pipes vary in length from roughly 1 m to 6 m, and many pipes are used, so heat-shrinkable tubing of sufficient length must be secured to accommodate these. Furthermore, construction sites where single-wall pipes are used are often packed with materials in narrow spaces, so the heat-shrinkable tubing must be long enough, yet compact and easy to handle overall. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a heat-shrinkable covering material, which is formed by flattening a tube made of a heat-shrinkable material in the radial direction along two folds formed in the longitudinal direction and then winding it in the longitudinal direction.

[0007] The heat-shrinkable covering material constructed in this way can be pulled out and cut to the required length, the hollow portion expanded, and placed over the single-tube pipe. When heat is applied, the tube shrinks to completely cover the single-tube pipe. Because the tube is flattened radially and wound lengthwise, it remains compact while still providing sufficient length, making it easy to handle and use even in the tight spaces of construction sites.

[0008] The tube can also be wound around a cylindrical core, which helps the core hold the tube in place and makes it easier to use and handle on the job site. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This device ensures sufficient length for the tube, which is made of heat-shrinkable material, while remaining compact overall, making it easy to handle and use even in the narrow spaces of construction sites. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the structure of heat-shrinkable covering material [Figure 2] A diagram showing the expanded state of the heat-shrinkable covering material tube [Figure 3] A diagram showing the state in which a tube of heat-shrinkable covering material is placed on a single pipe DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The external appearance is shown. The heat-shrinkable covering material 10 is composed of a tube 12 and a core material 14. The tube 12 is a cylindrical resin film, and two folds 16 extending longitudinally are formed at opposing positions in the radial direction. The tube 12 is folded at the two folds 16, and the hollow portion is kept flat with the tube 12 collapsed. One end of the tube 12 in this flattened state is fixed to the core material 14, and the other end is wound around the core material 14.

[0012] Figure 2 shows the expanded state of the heat-shrinkable covering material tube. When the tube 12 is wound around the core material 14, it is folded along two folds 16, causing the hollow portion to collapse. When in use, the hollow portion of the tube 12 is expanded while pressing down on the two folds 16 with the fingers.

[0013] Figure 3 shows the state in which a tube of heat-shrinkable covering material has been placed over a single pipe. An appropriate length of tube 12 is unwound from core material 14, and while holding down the two folds 16 with your fingers, the hollow part of tube 12 is expanded and placed over the tip of single pipe 18. After placing the tip over, it is sufficient to push single pipe 18 into the hollow part without tearing tube 12. Once the entire single pipe 18 has been covered, tube 12 is cut and heat is applied to the surface, causing tube 12 to shrink and completely cover the single pipe 18.

[0014] The tube 12 is made of a heat-shrinkable material that shrinks when heat is applied. Examples of materials that can be used include polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyolefin. Each of these materials has its own characteristics, so it is best to use them according to the application and usage environment.

[0015] The diameter of the tube 12 is selected from the viewpoints of ease of fitting onto the single-wall pipe and the prevention of wrinkles, kinks, sagging, etc. when shrunk, and a margin of at least 15%, preferably about 20%, is necessary. The standard for single-wall pipes is JIS G 3444, which stipulates an outer diameter of 48.6 mm. Therefore, a minimum diameter of 56 mm, preferably about 60 mm, is required.

[0016] Although JIS G 3444 does not specify a standard for the length of single-tube pipes, considering that most single-tube pipes on the market are 1 m to 6 m long, a total length of approximately 50 m to 150 m for the tube 12 would be sufficient. Longer lengths are acceptable, but considering that the tube will primarily be used on construction sites, it is preferable to prioritize advantages in terms of handling and ease of use.

[0017] The heat-shrinkable covering material 10 is primarily used to cover single-wall pipes, but can also be used to cover a variety of other applications. For example, it can be applied to cylindrical pipes other than single-wall pipes, pipes and pillars of other cross-sectional shapes, life rope supports, clamps, chains, etc. To accommodate such a wide variety of applications, it is desirable to have heat-shrinkable covering material 10 available in a variety of diameters, thicknesses, lengths, materials, and colors.

[0018] In addition to being used at construction sites such as civil engineering and building construction sites, the heat-shrinkable covering material 10 can also be used for business purposes such as agriculture, manufacturing, and the service industry, as well as for home gardening, DIY projects, and for bicycles and motorcycles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0019] 10 Heat-shrinkable covering material 12 tubes 14 Core material 16 folds 18 Single pipe

Claims

1. The tube is made of a heat-shrinkable material, and is flattened in the radial direction along two folds formed in the longitudinal direction, and then wound in the longitudinal direction. Heat-shrinkable covering material.

2. The tube is wound around a cylindrical core material. The heat-shrinkable covering material according to claim 1.

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