Shrinkable tubing with integral tear strip

An elongated article having a rupturable sleeve of thermoplastic shrunken thereover, said sleeve comprising

• (a) a generally cylindrical tube open at its top and bottom having opposed first wall portions and second wall portions connected along parallel first and second side edges;
• (b) juxtaposed lines of weakness formed in said first and second wall portions proximate to one of said side edges;
• (c) said juxtaposed lines of weakness and the side edge defining tear strip zones therebetween;
• (d) a reinforcing-levering band in said zones in the form of an arcuate rib formed by welding superimposed portions of said first and second wall portions;
• (e) said reinforcing levering band being disposed parallel to said lines of weakness and in combination with said zones and lines of weakness establishing a tear strip for opening the sleeve from top-to-bottom along one of said side edges;
• (f) said reinforcing-levering band being generally arcuate in cross-section and projecting outwardly from the surface of said article;
• (g) whereby said band may be grasped and pulled to sever said lines of weakness and facilitate the removal of said sleeve from said article.