Abstract: Recoverable articles including an inner resilient tubular member that is held in a laterally expanded configuration by engagement with an outer holdout member are provided. The outer surface of the inner member is provided with a plurality of channels extending therealong. The holdout member occupies the channels so as to provide the holdout engagement. The holdout engagement is arranged to be weakened mechanically without any substantial change in the molecular structural properties of the holdout member, thereby to allow recovery of the inner tubular member towards its unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: An arrangement for enclosing an elongate substrate, e.g. a cable connection includes an outer resilient sleeve held in a radially-expanded configuration by being mounted on an inner holdout member, wherein the holdout member includes a generally tubular member that has a slit extending longitudinally thereof such that application of a force radially thereof causes the holdout member to reduce in circumference and to collapse around the substrate under the action of the recovery force of the outer resilient sleeve.

Abstract: A recoverable article includes an inner resilient tubular member that is held in a laterally exapanded configuration by engagement with outer holdout strips, wherein the outer surface of the inner member is provided with a plurality of channels extending therealong and the holdout strips occupies the channels so as to provide said holdout engagement, wherein the holdout strips is arranged to be removed intact without any substantial change in the molecular structural properties of the holdout strips; thereby to allow recovery of the inner tubular member towards its unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: A recoverable article comprising an inner resilient tubular member that is held out in a laterally expanded configuration by engagement with outer holdout structure, wherein the outer surface of the inner member is provided with a plurality of cavities, and wherein the holdout structure occupies the cavities so as to provide the holdout engagement, wherein the holdout structure comprises at least one initiating portion that is structurally different from the remaining portion that engages at least one associated cavity, whereby release of the initiating portion from its cavity facilitates subsequent release of the remaining portion of the holdout structure.