WO2019101480A2 - Portable shrink device and associated method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable device for shrinking a sleeve or sock of heat-shrinkable material onto an element, said device comprising at least one adapter (803) which is intended to be connected to a steam generator and which comprises a closed frame having an opening, said frame bearing at least one diffuser nozzle for diffusing steam through the nozzle inside the opening. The invention also relates to a corresponding method, and an associated sleeve, sock or element covered with a sleeve or sock.

Description

 PORTABLE RETRACTION DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

The invention relates to a portable device for retracting a sock or sleeve of heat-shrinkable material on at least a portion of an element.

 The invention relates to a method for retracting such a sock or sleeve from such a portable device.

 The invention relates to such a sock or sleeve heat shrinkable material and such an element on which such a sock or such sleeve is heat-shrunk.

 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

 In the field of heat shrinkage, various solutions are known to allow the retraction of sleeves on containers such as the use of steam or infra-red type radiation. Usually, the receptacle provided with its sleeve is placed on the conveyor of a retraction machine in order to circulate inside an enclosure in which the sleeve is retracted via nozzles diffusing steam and / or radiant lamps.

 The disadvantage is that the machines concerned are of very large size and can not therefore be used anywhere other than in the company in which they are located. If such a solution remains suitable for mass distribution requiring high speeds, such machines are of less interest for individuals who wish to heat shrink a smaller number of sleeves.

 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to provide a solution that effectively retracts sleeves or socks on an element without using the retraction machines of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

 In order to achieve this goal, there is provided a portable device for retracting a sock or sleeve of heat-shrinkable material on at least a portion of an element, the device comprising at least one adapter which is intended to be connected to a generator of steam and which comprises a closed frame having an opening, the frame carrying at least one diffusion nozzle for diffusing steam through the diffusion nozzle inside the opening.

 In this way, it is very simple even for a particular to retract a sleeve or sock of heat-shrinkable material on at least a portion of an element. First of all, the individual arranges the sleeve or the sock on said portion before sliding the adapter along the portion so that the portion is in the opening of the adapter: the vapor diffused by the nozzle of the adapter thus retracts the sleeve or sock on the portion of the element.

 It is thus possible to retract very quickly the sleeve or the sock, for example in one or two trips back or even a single go along said portion of the element.

 The particularly advantageous shape of the recessed racket of the adapter facilitates the retraction maneuver for the individual.

 The invention makes it possible to retract sleeves or socks anywhere provided that the steam generator can be supplied with electricity. We can retract sleeves or socks at home or for example on living rooms.

The invention thus allows retraction localized anywhere and thereby a retraction that can be applied to a very small number of sleeves or socks. The invention makes it possible to register in a commercial context of sleeves or socks personalized to each user.

 Optionally, the frame includes diffusion nozzles regularly distributed around the entire periphery of the opening.

 This ensures the diffusion of 360 degrees of steam on the portion of the element arranged in the opening of the adapter. The emitted vapor flow is more homogeneous and ensures better shrinkage.

 Optionally, the frame carries at least two diffusion nozzles for diffusing steam through the diffusion nozzles inside the opening.

 Optionally, the frame comprises at least one row of diffusion nozzles, said row extending in a curved or rectilinear manner.

 Optionally, the row of diffusion nozzles extends all around the opening.

 This ensures the diffusion of 360 degrees of steam on the portion of the element arranged in the opening of the adapter. The emitted vapor flow is more homogeneous and ensures better shrinkage.

 Optionally, the nozzle is carried directly by the frame.

 Optionally, the adapter has a diffusing lip directly carrying the nozzle, said lip being itself directly carried by the frame.

 Optionally, the lip is temporarily attached to the frame.

 Optionally, the lip is snapped onto the frame.

 Optionally, the opening is central.

Optionally, the opening is substantially circular. Optionally, the nozzle is arranged to diffuse steam at a distance from the center of the opening to a maximum of three centimeters.

 Optionally, the nozzle is arranged to diffuse steam at a distance from the center of the opening at most equal to two centimeters.

 The invention also relates to a method for retracting a sock or sleeve of heat-shrinkable material on at least a portion of an element using a device as mentioned above, the method comprising the following successive steps:

 Arrange a sleeve or sock on at least 1 portion of the element,

 Place the adapter around said portion, said portion being arranged in the opening of the adapter,

 Slide the adapter along said portion, the vapor diffused by the nozzle of the adapter for retracting the sleeve or the sock on said portion.

 In addition, it was found that individuals often used elements subject to significant constraints, particularly in terms of shocks in areas as diverse as sport, cleaning, DIY, gardening, do it yourself {known as DIY for Do - It - Yourself), the furnishing ...

 Or one of the main interests of the portable device described and that it allows an individual to retract sleeves or socks personalized, including inscriptions that the individual himself would have chosen.

Therefore, the invention also aims to propose a sleeve or a sock effectively protecting inscriptions present on said sleeve or said sock,

 The invention thus also relates to a sleeve or a sock formed of a multilayer film of heat-shrinkable material on which at least one inscription is printed, the film having a thickness of between 70 and 95 micrometers and comprising at least two layers, a first layer film comprising at least one styrene-based resin and a second layer of the film comprising at least one polyester-based resin, the first layer having a thickness between 30 and 60% of the total thickness of the film and the second layer a thickness of between 5 and 40% of the total thickness of the film, the second layer having a smaller thickness than the first layer.

 Thus, even if the element is used in difficult conditions, the inscription is found very well protected by being carried by the sock or sleeve of multilayer heat shrinkable material which covers at least a portion of the element. Indeed, the fact that the sock or the sleeve is made of multilayer heat-shrinkable material makes it possible to have a sock or a sleeve that is particularly resistant to the impacts suffered, to the weather ... In addition, the combination of a layer based on styrene and a polyester-based layer strengthens this resistance. This resistant is further increased by a sock thickness or relatively large sleeve including a first layer thicker than the second layer.

 All of this favors the protection of registration. This is especially true when the element is made of wood.

In this way, one can customize an element in a sustainable way. Moreover, it is noted that the invention makes it possible to easily and efficiently customize the element. In particular, the invention allows a customization of the element on any portion of the element. Thanks to the invention can thus be customized at 360 degrees and over its entire height an element. This is particularly advantageous in the case where the element has a complex shape such as a concave or convex portion on which there is currently no technique for directly printing an inscription on such a portion.

 Advantageously, the invention makes it possible not to excessively modify the dimensions of said element.

 In addition, the sock or the sleeve also provides protection for the covered element (impact, weather ...).

 In addition, the sock or the sleeve remains firmly attached to the element in a perennial manner, for example against protections glued to the element.

 Moreover, in the case where a sock is used, it allows to cover the element well since it is adapted to the shape of the portion it covers. This promotes a very good profiling of the element as a whole which makes it less sensitive to external stresses and impacts.

 This can be advantageous for example in the field of sport. Indeed, many sports require the use of dedicated items such as racket sports or even ball sports such as cricket or baseball that require the use of bats.

Sponsors therefore take advantage of these items to promote their products and companies by requiring the registration of brands or logos on the items. These marks or logos were usually printed on the articles during their manufacture in the factory. Unfortunately these sports items are used in a demanding environment. For example bats are subject to repeated impacts which are in addition to a significant intensity and various angles. Thus, the inscriptions printed on the bats tend to deteriorate very quickly and become illegible.

 The sock or the sleeve according to the invention makes it possible to answer this problem.

 For the purpose of the present invention, the term "article" means an article intended to be used regularly by a person, the article having a life time of at least several months or even more than 15 years. The sock or The sleeve thus needs to sustainably bear the inscriptions over time and withstand the impacts suffered. A bottle, a bottle, a container is not an article within the meaning of the present invention. In particular, but not limitatively, "article" means an article intended to perform an action against another object (the ground can be likened to an object).

 By "sock" is meant a sheath of heat-shrinkable material adapted to the shape of the portion that it covers. There is therefore a difference within the meaning of the present invention between a "sock" and a "sleeve" which will be of cylindrical shape even though the element to be covered is of another shape.

 Optionally, the film also comprises at least one intermediate layer arranged between the first layer and the second layer, the intermediate layer having a thickness less than that of the other layers.

 Optionally, the sock is profiled at the

35 shape of the portion that it covers. Optionally, the film has at least three layers.

 Optionally, a central layer of the film is the first layer.

 Optionally, the resin of the first layer is based on a styrene homopolymer.

 Optionally, the resin of the first layer is based on a styrene-butadiene copolymer.

 Optionally, the resin of the first layer is based on a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer.

 Optionally, the resin of the second layer is based on ethylene.

 Optionally, the resin of the second layer is based on poly (ethylene terephthalate).

 Optionally, the inscription is formed of an ink film based on polyurethane and / or propionate.

 Optionally, the inscription is arranged on an inner face of the sock or sleeve.

 Optionally, the film is covered on at least a portion of at least one side of a slip varnish and / or a varnish based on polyurethane and / or propionate.

 Optionally, the sock or sleeve has at least one cutting line of the sock or sleeve.

 The invention also relates to an element on which a sleeve or a sock as mentioned above is retracted over at least a portion of the element.

The invention also relates to an article held in service by a person, a sock as aforesaid being retracted over at least a portion of the article. Optionally, the article comprises a protective sheath from covering one end of the retracted sock on the article.

 Optionally, the article is a sport article. The portion may just as well be the part of the sports article with which a player will interact with an object, as the part by which a person will hold the article, which is therefore subject to mechanical and chemical constraints, such as sweat, imposed by the player on the said portion.

 Optionally, the item is a household or DIY item or gardening item.

 The portion can just as easily be the part of the article with which a user will interact with an object, as the part by which a person will hold the article, which is therefore subject to mechanical and chemical constraints, such as sweat. , imposed by the user on said portion.

 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

 The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description of particular modes of implementation of the invention, with reference to the figures of the attached drawings, among which:

 Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article of which a portion is covered by a sock according to a first embodiment of the invention;

 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the sock before retraction to the article shown in Figure 1;

 FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate two variants of closure of the sock at the distal end of the article illustrated in FIG. 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the article shown in Figure 1, before positioning a protective sleeve of the sleeve; Figure 5 is a view identical to that of Figure 4, the protective sheath being in place on the handle;

 Figure 6 illustrates an article with a portion covered with a sock according to a second embodiment of the invention;

 FIG. 7 illustrates an article of which a portion is covered with a sock according to a third embodiment of the invention;

 FIG. 8 illustrates an article of which a portion is covered with a sock according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

 FIG. 9 illustrates an article of which a portion is covered with a sock according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

 FIG. 10 represents a device for retracting a sock according to any one of the embodiments of the invention on an article;

 FIG. 11 illustrates a first variant of the adapter of the device represented in FIG. 10,

 FIG. 12 illustrates a second variant according to the invention of the adapter of the device represented in FIG. 10,

 FIG. 13 illustrates a third variant according to the invention of the adapter of the device represented in FIG.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF

 THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sheath which is here a sock 5 according to a first embodiment of the invention is retracted on an element which is here a sport article which here is a cricket bat 1 which extends longitudinally along a first axis X. Said bat 1 conventionally comprises a ream 2, which is the part of the bat 1 with which a player strikes a ball, rowing 2 extended a transition zone 3 and a handle 4 through which the player holds the bat 1. The transition zone 3 is thus shaped so as to form a shoulder between the train 2 and the handle 4.

 The sock 5 is made from a multilayer film.

 This allows to have a sock 5 more resistant to impacts suffered.

STRUCTURE OF THE FILM The film has at least two layers. Preferably, the film comprises at least three layers.

 The film may have a symmetrical structure or an asymmetrical structure.

 The film here is composed of three layers.

 The film here comprises a central layer, and two outer layers which respectively cover one of the faces of the central layer.

 The two outer layers are here identical to each other. The central layer here is different from the outer layers.

 Thus, the central layer is formed from a single first composition B and the outer layers are formed from a single identical second composition A for the outer layers and different from the first composition B.

 This gives a multilayer film comprising the following layers stacked on top of one another:

 an outer layer A,

 a central layer B,

an outer layer A. According to another variant, one can have a film comprising five layers;

 a central layer,

 two intermediate layers which respectively cover 1 / one of the faces of the central layer,

 two outer layers which respectively cover one of the free faces of the intermediate layers.

 The outer layers are here identical to each other. The intermediate layers are here identical to each other. The central layer is different from the outer layers.

 Thus, the central layer is formed from a single first composition E, the intermediate layers from a single third composition D identical for the two intermediate layers, and the outer layers are formed from a single second composition C identical for the outer layers and different from the first composition E.

 This gives a multilayer film comprising the following layers stacked on top of one another:

 an outer layer C,

 an intermediate layer D,

 a central layer E,

 an intermediate layer D,

 an outer layer C.

 According to another variant, one can have a film comprising seven layers:

 a central layer,

 two first intermediate layers which respectively cover one of the faces of the central layer,

two second intermediate layers which respectively cover one of the free faces of the first intermediate layers, two outer layers which respectively cover one of the free faces of the second intermediate layers.

 The outer layers are here identical to each other. The first intermediate layers are here identical to each other. The second intermediate layers are here identical to each other. The central layer is different from the outer layers.

 Thus, the central layer is formed from a single first composition I, the first intermediate layers from a single third composition H identical for the first two intermediate layers, the second intermediate layers from a single fourth composition G identical for the two second intermediate layers and the outer layers are formed from a single second composition F identical for the outer layers and different from the first composition I.

 A multilayer film is thus obtained comprising the following layers stacked one on the other;

 an outer layer F,

 a second intermediate layer G,

 a first intermediate layer H,

 a central layer I,

 a first intermediate layer H,

 a second intermediate layer G,

 an outer layer F.

Alternatively, the film is composed of another number of layers than 3, 5 or 7. It can thus have a film composed of two layers. For example, it is possible to have a film composed of layers A and B or layers C and E or layers I and F (ie a central layer, B, E or I, that intended to be in contact with the article, and an outer layer A, C or F). For example, it is possible to have a three-layer or quadro-layer film composed of layers C, D and E or layers F, G and / or H, I (ie a central layer, that intended to be in contact with the article, an outer layer and one or two intermediate layers). We can thus have a film that is asymmetrical.

 Preferably, the film comprises a number of odd layers. Furthermore, preferably, the layers surrounding the central layer are identical two by two thus ensuring symmetry to the film.

COMPOSITION OF LAYER B 00 E OR I

The first composition comprises one or more styrene-based resins. At least one, and preferably all, of these resins are thermoplastic resins.

 At least one, and most preferably, the resins are a homopolymeric styrene resin or a styrene-butadiene copolymer resin.

 Preferably, per hundred parts by weight of the first composition, the first composition comprises at least 50% by weight of styrene-butadiene copolymer, and preferably at least 70% by weight of styrene-butadiene copolymer.

 In the case of a resin based on a styrene-butadiene copolymer, said copolymer may be a block copolymer, a star copolymer, a random copolymer or a combination of these different co-polymer architectures.

 Preferably, the resin is based on a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer.

In particular, the first composition is composed of a single resin comprising a single SBS (for the styrene-butadiene styrene block copolymer). COMPOSITION OF THE LAYER F OR C OR A The second composition comprises one or more polyester-based resins. At least one, and preferably all, of these resins are thermoplastic resins.

 At least one, and preferably all, of the resins of the second composition are based on co-polyester.

 Preferably, at least one, and preferably all, of the resins of the second composition are based on a copolymer of glycol-modified co-polyester type.

 In the various resins, the ester bonds are typically formed from a dicarboxylic acid component (derived from one or more dicarboxylic acids) and a dihydroxy component (derived from one or more dihydroxy compounds).

 The dicarboxylic acids can be chosen from the following list:

aromatic dicarboxylic acid such as terephthalic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, 2-methyl-terephthalic, acid to diphenyl ether-4, 4 ¹ -dicarboxylic acid, acid naphthalin-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, naphthalin-2,6-dicarboxylic acid ...

 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, such as oxalic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, decanedicarboxylic acid, undecanedicarboxylic acid ...

 The hydroxy compounds can be chosen from the following list:

 aliphatic glycol such as ethylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, neopentyl glycol, hexamethylene glycol, dodecamethylene glycol, etc.

cycloaliphatic glycol such as cyclohexanediol, cyclohexanedimethanol ... aromatic hydroxy compound such as bisphenol (bisphenol AF, bisphenol F, bisphenol S), hydroquinone, 1,3-bis (2-hydroxyethoxy) benzene, 1,4-bis (2-hydroxyethoxy) benzene, , 2-bis (4-p-hydroxyethoxyphenyl) propane, bis (4-b-hydroxyethoxyphenyl) sulfone ...

 For example, the second composition may be composed of a resin itself composed of a thermoplastic copolyester formed of a terephthalic acid, as dicarboxylic acid, and an ethylene glycol and / or a neopentyl glycol and / or cyclohexanedimethanol, as the hydroxy compound (here a modified glycol).

 For example, at least one of the resins of the second composition is based on ethylene, for example based on PET (for polyethylene terephthalate)

In particular, the second composition is composed of a single resin comprising a single PET.

 The PET selected is, for example, PETg (for glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate).

 It is noted that, preferably, the core layer is based on styrene-butadiene copolymer and the outer layers are based on PET.

 This makes it possible to obtain a particularly impact-resistant film.

COMPOSITION OF THE LAYER D OR G OR H

The third composition and / or the fourth composition are here shaped to allow forming intermediate layers promoting cohesion between the central layer and the outer layers.

The third composition and / or the fourth composition may be identical to the first composition (B or E or I) or may be identical to the second composition (A or C or F) or may comprise the first composition (B or E or I) with one or more other resins or may comprise the second composition (A or C or F) with one or more other resins or may comprise a mixture of the first composition (B or E or I) ) with the second composition (A or C or F) or may comprise a mixture of the first composition (B or E or I) with the second composition (A or C or F) and one or more other resins,

 The third composition and / or the fourth composition can thus also comprise (in replacement or in addition to what has been indicated in the preceding paragraph) one or more adhesive resins to improve the cohesion of the film.

 For example, one minus one resin is a resin modified from one or more olefin-type and / or styrenic-type base resin (s).

 The olefin type base resin is formed from a homopolymer (s) and / or a copolymer (s) of ethylene, propylene, alpha olefin (comprising from 2 to 8 atoms). of carbons) ...

 The styrenic type base resin is formed of a styrene homopolymer (s) and / or styrene copolymer (s) with, for example, butadiene. The modified resin results from the modification of a styrene and / or styrene copolymer (s). or a plurality of base resins by, for example, a carboxylic acid which is grafted onto the base resin,

The grafted carboxylic acid is, for example, α-ethylenic or β-ethylenic unsaturation. The grafted carboxylic acid may be an acrylic acid, a maleic acid, a fumaric acid, an itaconic acid, a hymic acid, and / or an anhydride of one of these acids. Preferably, a grafted carboxylic acid is chosen from an anhydride maleic acid,

 The modified resin may be diluted in the third composition and / or the fourth composition in unmodified resin such as olefin and / or styrenic type base resin as above.

THICKNESS OF THE FILM

The film has a thickness of between 10 and 120 microns and preferably between 35 and 95 microns and more preferably between 40 and 90 microns,

 This allows to have a sock 5 more resistant including impacts suffered.

 Typically, the film has a thickness of at least 70 microns and preferably at least 75 microns.

 A film having a thickness of about 85 microns is chosen here.

THICKNESS OF LAYERS

In particular, the central layer (B or E or I) has a thickness of between 20 and 80%, preferably between 30 and 60%, of the total thickness of the film.

 In particular, the outer layers (A or C or F) individually have a thickness of between 5 and 40%, preferably between 10 and 30%, and preferably between 20 and 30%, of the total thickness of the film.

This distribution of thicknesses makes it possible to have a film, and therefore a sock 5, which is particularly resistant to the impacts suffered. If the film has intermediate layers, they preferably have a lower thickness than the other layers. In particular, the intermediate layers (D or G or H) together in the same film have a thickness of between 1 and 30%, preferably between 5 and 20 1, of the total thickness of the film.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FILM

The film is preferably stretched in one direction.

 For example, the film has a greater transverse shrinkage rate than a longitudinal shrinkage rate. The film typically has a transverse retraction rate greater than 70% and a longitudinal retraction rate substantially close to 0% (with a tolerance of plus or minus 5%, the longitudinal retraction rate being however preferably between 0 and 5% ).

 This allows the sock 5 to retract well on the bat 1. This promotes a fine retraction and a very good casing of the bat 1 by the sock 5 which makes the whole more resistant, including the impacts suffered.

 The film has a very good resistance to impact (at the level of its inscriptions or its inscriptions). The film has an impact resistance of at least 1300 grams (at the level of its inscriptions or out of its inscriptions) (according to a test called "Dart" test which meets the ASTM D 1709 standard) or of at least 2.5 Joules (according to a Charpy test).

Such a film (at the level of its inscriptions or its inscriptions) has low coefficients of static and dynamic friction. Preferably, a such film (at the level of its inscriptions or its inscriptions) has static and / or dynamic coefficients of friction less than 0.45 and preferably less than 0.35 (for example vis-à-vis a wooden article and / or d 'a cricket ball). Such a film (at the level of its inscriptions or its inscriptions) has, for example, coefficients of static and / or dynamic friction between 0.25 and 0.45, and preferably between 0.25 and 0.35 (for example vis-à-vis a wooden article and / or a cricket ball).

 Such coefficients can be measured, for example, by means of a test according to ASDM D 1894.

 The film can naturally have such coefficients of static and dynamic friction. For example, one or more layers of the film may incorporate a compound that promotes sliding of the film (slip-type resin, polyurethane-based resin and / or propionate-based resin).

 In replacement or in addition, the film is coated with a varnish to achieve such static and dynamic friction coefficients. Such a varnish is for example a slip varnish, a varnish based on polyurethane and / or based on propionate ... The varnish can be applied to both sides of the film in whole or in part or on one side of the film only in whole or in part ... The varnish is for example applied to the areas of the film not covered by an inscription. Preferably, the adhesion between the different layers of the film is greater than 8 Newton, and even more preferably greater than 10 Newton.

MANUFACTURE OF THE SOCKS The sock 5 is made from said film as follows.

 The described film is first shaped into a tubular sheath which is stored flat as a coil.

 The sheath then unrolls progressively from the reel, passes through a shaper which opens said sheath and then a cutting member which cuts a section of the sheath thus opened. Said section forms the sock 5.

 The sock 5 is particularly resistant to impact.

 As shown in Figure 2, before retraction, the sock 5 is in the form of a section which is open at both longitudinal ends.

 Furthermore, the sheath, and therefore the sock 5, comprises a sealing line 6 (visible in Figures 4 and 5) corresponding to the area where the film has been wound on itself. This sealing is for example ensured by ultrasound sealing, by thermal sealing, by means of an adhesive ...

 The sealing line 6 of the sock 5 here extends longitudinally along the first axis X over the entire height of the sock 5.

 Preferably, the sock 5 is arranged on the bat 1 so that the sealing line 6 is on the main face opposite to the main face with which the ball is usually struck. In a variant, the sock 5 is arranged so that the sealing line 6 is on one of the lateral faces of the bat 1 connecting the two main faces to each other, said lateral faces being of smaller dimensions and presenting a lower risk of contact. with the ball.

This avoids too much stress on the sealing line 6 and thus strengthens the resistance of the sock 5. The sock 5 is particularly transparent.

 The sock 5 has at least one inscription 7, Said inscription 7 is typically printed on the sock 5.

 Preferably, the inscription 7 is printed on the inner face of the sock 5 (the face in contact with the bat 1).

 This makes it possible to better protect the inscription 7, in particular of the impacts suffered.

 As indicated above, the film of the sock 5 has low coefficients of static and dynamic friction even at the level of the inscriptions.

 The ink or inks forming the inscription 7 can thus naturally have the aforementioned static and dynamic coefficients of friction.

 Preferably, the inscription 7 is formed of one or more inks based on polyurethane and / or based on propionate.

 This makes it possible to have an inscription 7 formed of a softer ink film which reinforces the resistance of the inscription 7.

 Alternatively or in addition, the ink film forming the inscription 7 is covered with a varnish to achieve such static and dynamic friction coefficients.

 In the same way it ensures a flexibility in the registration 7 which will make it less sensitive to the impacts suffered.

 This again makes it possible to better protect the inscription 7.

Such a varnish is for example a slip varnish, a varnish based on polyurethane and / or based on propionate ... The varnish can be the same as that possibly applied to the film or a different varnish. For example, you can print the film and then cover all the surface of the film (at the level of the inscriptions and its inscriptions) with the same varnish,

 Preferably the sock 5 is retracted so as to extend from the distal end of the train 2 to the distal end of the handle 4. The sock 5 is thus retracted on an elongated portion which is formed here by the train 2, the transition zone 3 and a portion of the handle 4.

 At the distal face of the train 2, different closures of the sock 5 on the train 2 are conceivable.

 Referring to Figure 3a, and according to a first variant, the sock 5 is shaped so that the edges of its distal end 8 come into contact with one another and / or overlap. Thus the entire distal face of the train 2 is covered by the sock 5 which has on the article a distal end 8 closed,

 This protects the bat 1 very well.

 Referring to Figure 2, when the sock 5 is flat, its distal end 8 preferably forms a convex round.

 In this way, before retraction, the sock 5 has two beaks at the distal face of the train 2, nozzles which facilitate their welding to one another when the sock 5 is retracted on the bat 1.

It is optionally possible to improve the closure at the distal end 8 of the sock 5 on the train 2 by carrying out a sealing operation such as ultrasonic sealing, thermal sealing, by means of an adhesive. With reference to FIG. 3b, according to a second variant, the sock 5 is shaped so as not to completely cover the distal face of the train 2, For example a central zone of the distal face of the train 2 is not covered by the sock 5,

 This facilitates the retraction of the sock 5 on the bat 1.

 Preferably, the bat 1 then comprises a protection 9 arranged so as to cover at least the portion of the distal face of the train 2 which is not covered by the sock 5. The protection 9 is for example in an elastically deformable material to better absorb shocks. The protection 9 is typically based on rubber, natural or synthetic.

 Preferably, the protection 9 is held in place on the distal face of the train 2 by means of the sock 5 which is partially retracted on said protection 9 thus securing protection 9 and bat 1.

 This ensures a simple and good protection of the bat 1. In addition, the player does not need to secure the protection 9 by adhesive which may contain corrosive products.

 As can be seen in FIG. 2, when the sock 5 is flat, its distal end 10 has two recesses 11 extended by an end portion 12 which is narrower than the rest of the sock 5 in order to facilitate the retraction of the sock 5 along of the transition zone 3 and the portion of the handle 4.

The distal end 10 of the sock 5 is thus tightened. This makes it possible to profile the distal end 10 in the shape of the portion of the bat 1 to be covered.

There is thus a sock 5 shaped to the shape of the portion of the bat 1 to cover. If we compare Figures 1 and 2, we note that the sock 5 no retracted has substantially the same shape as the portion of the bat 1 to cover.

 This ensures a very fine retraction of the sock 5 on the bat 1. This makes the sock 5 more resistant but also to be able to arrange the sock 5, and therefore the inscriptions worn, even on complex shaped areas.

 Preferably, the bat 1 comprises a sleeve 13 for protecting the handle 4, which makes it possible at the same time to protect the handle 4 and to cover the end of the sock 5 retracted on the handle 4 in order to protect it from external aggressions (sweat impact of the ball, effort exerted by the player on the handle ...).

 The sheath 13 extends here so as to cover not only the handle 4 but also at least partly the transition zone 3.

 The sheath 13 is for example made of textile material, rubber (natural or synthetic) ...

 The sheath 13 can just as easily be sold already shaped, the player having only to put the sheath 13 on the handle 4, only in the form of a band that the player wraps around the handle 4 to give it the final shape of sheath 13 (better known as "straps").

 Moreover, the sheath 13 may just as well be closed at one of its longitudinal ends, so as to cover the proximal face of the handle 4, which is open at both ends.

 Optionally, the bat 1 comprises a fastener 14 of the casing 13 to the bat 1. The fastener 14 typically comprises a strip of adhesive material positioned astride the distal end of the sheath 13 and the corresponding portion of the bat 1.

Preferably, in order to facilitate removal of the sock 5, said sock 5 comprises at least one first cutting line 15. Said cutting line 15 extends longitudinally along the first axis X over the entire height of the sock 5.

 In particular, the sock 5 comprises a second cutting line 16 parallel to the first cutting line 15 and extending like it over the entire height of the sock 5.

 Said cutting lines 15, 16 are formed for example by micro-perforations in the sock 5.

 The cutting lines 15, 16 extend here so as to frame the sealing line 6, each cutting line 15, 16 being separated by the same distance from the sealing line 6.

 This advantageously benefits from the more fragile sealing line 6 to facilitate removal of the sock 5.

 Preferably, the sock 5 comprises a gripping tongue 17 associated with the cutting lines 15, 16. Said gripping tongue 17 is here arranged between the two cutting lines 15, 16 so as to protrude from the proximal end 10 of the sock 5. The gripping tongue 17 is for example glued on the sock 5.

 The player can thus very easily grasp the grip tab 17 and pull it to cause tearing of the sock 5 along its cutting lines.

 As can be seen in FIG. 5, advantageously, the sheath 13 masks the gripping tab 17, which prevents an involuntary tearing at its level when using the bat 1.

We thus have a bat 1 well protected with a further change of the sock 5 possible but also easy and fast. This allows in particular to be able to change the sock 5 when it is damaged or when one wishes to change the inscriptions noted on the sock 5.

 In addition, this facilitates a recycling of the bat 1 by allowing a separation of the sock 5 of the bat 1 at the end of its life.

 Although the sports article described here is a bat 1, the invention of course relates to any type of sports article.

 According to a second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the sports article is a baseball bat 101, the heat-shrinkable sock 105 being retracted on the distal portion of the bat 101 with which a player is tapping the ball.

 Alternatively, the sock 105 is retracted on the proximal portion of the bat 101 which is held by the jeur.

 According to yet another variant, the sock 105 is retracted both on the distal portion and the proximal portion of the bat 101, so as to completely or partially cover the proximal portion and / or so as to completely or partially cover the distal portion .

 According to a third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the sports article is a tennis racket 201, table tennis racket, badminton racket, the sock of heat-shrinkable material 205 being retracted on the handle of the racket 201.

 Note that we can of course also retract the sock on the handle of a sports article that is not concerned with racket games such as the handle of a bat, a stick ...

The invention is thus transferable to many sports applications that the sock is retracted on the part intended to interact with an element, water, snow, the ground ... and / or on the part intended to be grasped by the player, the invention can thus be used on oars (d rowing, canoeing, kayaking.), bats, snowshoes, sticks, ski poles, curling brooms ...

 Furthermore, although the articles described are sports articles, the invention naturally relates to other articles.

 Thus, the invention is transposable to household items (brooms, squeegees ...) or even to DIY items (hammers, screwdrivers ...), gardening (rake, shovel ...) or more general any article of "do it yourself" (better known by the word "do-it-yourself") or even furniture for example, this list is not exhaustive.

 According to a fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the article is a broom 601, the sock 605 made of heat-shrinkable material being retracted on the distal portion of the broom 601 with which a person rubs the floor. In addition or in replacement, the sock 605 is retracted on the handle of the broom 601.

According to a fifth embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, the article is a piece of furniture 701, such as a table. Sock 705 heat shrinkable material is retracted on at least the distal portion of the foot of furniture 701 intended to rest against the ground. In addition or in replacement, the sock 705 is retracted over the entire height of the foot and / or the tray of the furniture 701. The furniture 701 can be in any material wood, metal ... The furniture 701 is for example a table such than that used in salons or fairs. The sock 705 is for example closed at one end so as to wrap the part of the foot resting against the ground or is open at both ends.

 Again, the invention is thus transferable to many applications of everyday life that the sock is retracted on the part intended to interact with an element, water, snow, soil ... and / or on the part intended to be seized by a person. Moreover, the invention can be used on any type of material. The invention is particularly interesting on wooden articles.

 Moreover, the sock is retracted on the article by the user himself and not in the factory.

 For this purpose, a portable retraction device 300 will now be described with reference to FIG.

 The device 300 here comprises a steam generator 301. The steam generator 301 is for example a portable steam generator or an individual steam cleaner as usually present in the trade. For example, there are steam cleaners of the Karcher brand or the brand Tristar. It is noted that such steam generators 301 are portable and can in particular be worn by a single person.

 Preferably, the device 300 comprises a steam generator 301 delivering steam at a pressure of at least 3 bars.

 The steam generator 301 is also selected so that it delivers steam here at a rate of at least 35 grams per minute, and preferably at a rate of between 35 and 40 grams per minute.

 The steam generator 301 typically has a reservoir of at least 0.2 liters.

The steam generator 301 here has a power of at least 1000 Watt. The steam generator 301 delivers steam through an adapter 303 of the device which is connected to the steam generator 301 by a pipe 302 of the device 300.

 The adapter 303 facilitates the implementation of the retraction step of the sock or sleeve on the element by a user. In particular, the adapter 303 is such that a user only has to slide it along the portion to be covered in a single go or in a single round trip so that the sock or the sleeve is found correctly. retracted on the element.

 The adapter 303 comprises a closed frame having an opening, the frame being here shaped as a closed ring 304 connected to the steam inlet pipe 302, the ring 304 having around its circumference 305 diffusion nozzles (a part only is referenced here) regularly distributed over all said conference except at the connection with the pipe 302. Typically, the diffusion nozzles

305 are holes formed on the inner surface of the ring 304 so as to be all turned towards the inside of the ring 304. The ring 304 thus comprises a row of circular diffusion nozzles 305. In a variant, the row of diffusion nozzles 305 may form only a portion of an arc of a circle.

 The ring 304 is quite circular, or substantially circular (because of its connection to the pipe 302 can locally flatten the ring 304).

 The ring 304 is for example plastic or metal material.

 The opening of the frame is here centered in the frame.

Of course, the adapter 303 can take other forms. A first variant which does not form part of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 11. In this variant, in place of an entire ring, the adapter 403 comprises a circular half-ring 404.

 The half-ring 404 has around its circumference diffusion nozzles 405 (only a part of which is referenced here) evenly distributed over the entire circumference. Typically, the diffusion nozzles 405 are holes formed on the inner surface of the half-ring 404 so as to be all turned towards the inside of the half-ring 404. The ring 404 thus comprises a row of circular diffusion nozzles 405. .

 The half-ring 404 is for example plastic or metal material.

 It is thus possible to retract the sock or the sleeve, for example in two steps, by retracting firstly on a first side of the portion of the element and then on a second side of the portion of the element, thanks to the 180-degree diffusion. degrees of steam through the half-ring 404.

 A second variant of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 12. In this variant, the adapter 503 also comprises a closed frame having an opening 504.

 The frame is here shaped as a closed ring 504 connected to the steam inlet pipe. The ring 504 is quite circular, or substantially circular (because of its connection to the pipe 502 can locally flatten the ring 504). The ring 504 is for example plastic or metal material. The opening of the frame is here centered in the frame.

While in the other variants, the frame carries directly the vapor diffusion nozzles, which are thus directly attached to the frame, in the present alternatively, the frame comprises a diffusing lip itself carrying the nozzles, said lip being itself fixed to the frame. The lip is here shaped into an inner ring 506 which is concentric with the ring 504 but which is not closed. Said ring 506 forms for example a half-arc of a circle.

 Preferably, the lip is temporarily attached to the frame. For example, the lip is snapped onto the frame.

 This makes it possible to fix other lips to the same frame and thus to adapt the diffusion of steam to another element. For example, depending on the section of the element, it is possible to associate the frame with a lip of greater or lesser dimensions to adapt to the dimensions of the element.

 The diffusion nozzles 505 are therefore formed in the crown 506 only. The diffusion nozzles 505 are distributed evenly around the circumference. Typically, the diffusion nozzles 505 are holes formed on the inner surface of the ring 506 so as to be all turned towards the inside of the ring 506. The ring 504 thus comprises a row of circular diffusion nozzles 505.

 The ring 506 and / or the ring 504 is for example plastic or metal material.

 In this way, the adapter 503 makes it possible to diffuse steam only 180 degrees while limiting the risk of 360 degree steam spraying through its ring 504.

Of course, the lip can take another form. Thus according to a third variant, in place of an open crown, the lip may take the form of a closed ring 806 which forms here a complete circle. The rest of the third variant is identical to the second variant. Advantageously, the different adapters are interchangeable with each other, and can thus all be used with the same steam generator 301 and the same pipe 302.

 As for the option of interchangeability of the lip, this allows to adapt the vapor diffusion to the dimensions of the element on which we want to retract the sleeve or the sock.

 Whatever the variant envisaged, in use, the user arranges the sock or the sleeve around the portion to be covered.

 The user turns on the steam generator and then slides the frame along said portion so as to ensure the retraction of the sock or sleeve on said portion through the action of the vapor diffused by the nozzles.

 Qn thus allows a simple, fast and effective retraction and this even starting from a steam generator for particular. In particular, it is possible to retract a sock or a sleeve on an element in just a few minutes (of the order of three minutes, including the heating time of the steam generator).

 In addition, the retraction is done in a secure manner for the user.

 Preferably, whatever the variant envisaged, the nozzles are arranged in the adapter so as to diffuse steam at a distance from the center of the opening at most equal to three centimeters.

 Preferably, whatever the variant envisaged, the nozzles are arranged so as to diffuse steam at a distance from the center of the opening at most equal to two centimeters.

This ensures a very good retraction of the sock or sleeve on the element. Thus, because of the ease of retraction of the sock or sleeve on the portion to be protected, according to a particular aspect of the invention, the same merchant may market both the retraction device, the elements and the socks or sleeves comprising various inscriptions.

 The user can thus choose alone which sock or sleeve to arrange on the element. It can also easily change the sock or sleeve by removing the previous one and retracting a new sock or sleeve on the item.

 In a particular way, the user selects the inscription or inscriptions to print on a sock or a blank sleeve before retracting it on the dedicated element.

 The invention thus offers a wide choice of customization of an item to its owner with further customization that can be modified over time.

 Customization can also be done at 360 degrees and over the entire height of the target portion (and therefore for example in the case of a bat on the entire height of the train).

 The invention also allows a customization lasting in time and in accordance with the life of the element.

 The invention is thus a dynamic and durable communicating tool.

 The invention is not limited to what has just been described, but on the contrary covers any variant that falls within the scope defined by the claims.

In particular, the film from which the sock or sleeve originates may have a composition other than that which has been indicated. For example, the outer layers may be in a material other than PET and for example be based on superplasticizing polycarboxylate (Better known by its acronym T-PEG), The intermediate layers may have a composition other than what has been indicated.

 The film could equally well be stretched in the transverse direction (the film is then called by its acronym TDO for "Transverse Direction Orientation" in the middle) that in the sense of the machine (the film is then called under its acronym MDO for "Machine Direction Direction" in the middle).

 The film can be manufactured by extrusion (possibly co-extrusion), by rolling

(possibly controlled cumulative rolling) ...

 Everything that has been said about the film is applicable to all portable device variants according to

1 'invention, all the implementation variants of the associated method, any form of sock or sleeve and any element (and therefore any application).

 The sock may be shaped differently from what has been indicated in particular according to the shape of the portion to be covered. The sock will thus be shaped to the shape of the portion to be covered. The sock will have a profile dedicated to the portion to be covered. The sock may be closed at one of its ends even before its retraction on the portion to be covered. Preferably, the sock will have a closed end (either before and after retraction, or only after retraction) in the shape of a corresponding end of a portion of the coated member.

 The sock will be particularly adapted to cover a longiform portion.

 In place of a sock, we can have a sleeve made from the film that has been described.

The inscriptions may be printed on the outside of the sock or sleeve, opposite to the internal face in contact with the element, in addition to or in replacement of those printed on the inner face of the sock or sleeve,

 The sock or sleeve may include tracers to make the element a connected element. The sock or the sleeve may thus include a chip or an RFID tag, for example.

 Although here the sock or sleeve is transparent (except for its potential inscriptions) the sock or the sleeve may be opaque over its entire surface or only a part, the inscriptions then being of color (s) contrasting ( s). For example, the sock or the sleeve may be dyed in the mass and / or covered on an internal and / or external surface with an opaque layer, the inscriptions then being of contrasting color (s).

 The sock or the sleeve may have a number of cutting lines different from what has been indicated and possibly no cutting line. The sock or the sleeve may not have a gripping tab or may have a larger number of gripping tabs.

 The sock or sleeve may be retracted on portions other than what has been indicated. The portion concerned may be of elongated shape, rectilinear as a curve.

 In addition, the sock or the sleeve can be retracted on any other type of element (article, container ...) than what has been indicated and therefore be used in any other application than what has been indicated.

The sock or the sleeve can be retracted differently on the element than what has been described and we can for example ensure this retraction industrial with ovens, steam tunnels, hot air ... well known to those skilled in the art.

 With regard to the portable device of the invention, all that has been said about the portable device, and whatever the variant of the portable device envisaged, is applicable to all the associated process implementations, the film variants mentioned here, any form of sock or sleeve and any element (and therefore any application).

 Moreover, the adapter may have a shape other than those described to be shaped into a hollow racket through which the user passes the portion on which heat-retract the sock or the sleeve. Thus the adapter may have a general polygonal shape (for example rectangular or square) or a general oval shape with an opening of the same or different shape. For example, a generally polygonal adapter with a circular opening may be used. If the adapter has a lip it may have the same shape as the frame or a different shape.

 In the same way, the adapter may have one or more flat rows to carry the diffusion nozzles (and not curved as described above).

 The lip may be flexible or rigid. For example, one may have a lip preformed to the shape of the target opening or a flexible lip that the user arranges around the frame, the frame then itself conforming the lip so that it draws the opening.

Although here the nozzles are holes, the nozzles may be of more complex shapes and be for example nozzles integrated to the lip and / or the frame. For example we can have rigid nozzles inserted into a flexible lip. The lip is for example based on metal, based on plastic, based on rubber (natural or synthetic) ...

 Preferably, however, the sock or the sleeve will be retracted as homogeneously as possible in order to prevent the sock or the heat-shrink sleeve from having areas with different amounts of material on the element which would weaken the sock. or the sleeve.

Claims

A portable device for retracting a sock or sleeve of heat-shrinkable material on at least a portion of an element, the device comprising at least one adapter (303, 503, 803) which is intended to be connected to a steam generator and which comprises a closed frame having an opening, the frame carrying at least one diffusion nozzle for diffusing steam by said diffusion nozzle inside the opening,  2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises nozzles (305, 505, 805) uniformly distributed over the entire periphery of the opening.  3. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the frame comprises at least one row of nozzles (305, 505, 805) of diffusion, said row extending in a curved or rectilinear manner.  4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle (305, 505, 805) is carried directly by the frame.  5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adapter comprises a lip (506, 806) diffusing directly bearing the nozzle, said lip being itself directly carried by the frame.  6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the lip (506, 806) is fixed temporarily to the frame.  7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the lip (506, 806) is snapped onto the frame. 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening is central. 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening is substantially circular.  10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle (305, 505, 805) is arranged to diffuse steam at a distance from the center of the opening at most equal to three centimeters.  11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the nozzle (305, 505, 805) is arranged to diffuse steam at a distance from the center of the opening at most equal to two centimeters.  12. A method for retracting a sock or sleeve of heat-shrinkable material on at least a portion of an element using a device according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following successive steps:  Arrange a sleeve or sock on at least the portion of the element,  - Place the adapter (303, 503, 803) around said portion, said portion being arranged in the opening of the adapter,  Slide the adapter (303, 503, 803) along said portion, the vapor diffused through the nozzle of the adapter for retracting the sleeve or sock on said portion. 13. Sleeve or sock formed of a multilayer film of heat-shrinkable material on which at least one inscription is printed, the film having a thickness of between 70 and 95 micrometers and comprising at least two layers, a first layer of the film comprising at least one a styrene-based resin and a second layer of the film comprising at least one polyester-based resin, the first layer having a thickness of between 30 and 60% of the total thickness of the film and the second layer a thickness of between 5 and 40% of the total thickness of the film, the second layer having a smaller thickness than the first layer.  14. Sleeve or sock according to claim 13, wherein the film also comprises at least one intermediate layer arranged between the first layer and the second layer, the intermediate layer having a thickness less than that of the other two layers.  15. Element on which a sleeve or a sock according to one of claims 13 or 14 is retracted over at least a portion of the element.