Kirk RC:

Who invented it? I don't know, but irradiated polyolefins (To give them their proper name) are everywhere now. Shrink tube, shrink wrap, MonoKote and later variations, etc.

MonoKote was the first on the market that I know of, I actually have an unopened roll of "TOP FLITE Revolutionary New SUPER MonoKote The covering with the built in finish" in flat grey. It is so old, the label sheet is printed in monochrome, brown on white, and it says you need a small travel iron to apply it. No mention of a specialized covering iron, they weren't yet being made.

As a guess, I'd say this roll dates from 1961 or 1962. I have no idea why I never opened or used it, but I'm keeping it just as a "Collector's Item."

If you are sufficiently curious the stated patent number is 3388651, you could research and get the name of the patent holder - that wouldn't necessarily be the inventor's name, of course.

Bill.