Abstract: A recoverable article comprising a recoverable fabric, optionally with a matrix material, is provided with a closure whereby it can be retained in the wrapped around configuration. The article is suitable for environmentally protecting cables and pipes and joins therein.

Abstract: An enclosure (1) around a substrate (3) such as a telecommunications cable is made pressure retaining by the provision of re-entrant seals (5), generally V-shaped in cross-section, that are positioned at the region where the enclosure is bonded (4) to the substrate pressure within the enclosure thus tends to open the V rather than put the bond in peel. The re-entrant seals may be cut-to-length in the field and a leak path through the resulting open end (23) avoided by using pressure (P) within the enclosure to close the open end or to balance pressure across it.

Abstract: A heat-recoverable polymeric sheet is coated with a solid sheet of heat-activatable sealant by heating the sheet preferably to a temperature above the crystalline melt point of the polymer, applying, preferably by means of a roller, the sealant sheet to the heated polymer sheet while the polymer sheet is at a temperature capable of activating the sealant so as to adhere it to the polymer sheet. The polymer sheet may be flame-brushed after heating and before application of the sheet of sealant. The technique is particularly useful for sheets intended as wrap-around sleeves for use as enclosures, and which thus have closure rails adjacent opposing longitudinal edges thereof.