US Patent 7364520 Sporting good items including pre-printed graphics

A sporting good item or other product includes a “shrink-label” formed from a shrink-sleeve, shrink-wrap, or a stretch-sleeve adhered to or otherwise affixed to an outer surface of the item. The shrink-label includes pre-printed graphics and closely conforms to the item's outer surface, including any contours or tapered regions, so that the graphics may be displayed anywhere on the item. The shrink-label may optionally be applied to the item via an automated device. A clear coat or other protective layer may optionally be applied to an outer surface of the shrink-label to increase its durability and resistance to abrasion, which is particularly beneficial when the shrink-label is applied to an item intended for impact applications, such as a ball bat.