Patent Grant
11787206
This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-219010 filed Dec. 28, 2020. The entire content of the priority application is incorporated herein by reference.
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-177438 discloses a cartridge, a thermal printer, a heat-sensitive medium, and an adhesive medium. The heat-sensitive medium and adhesive medium are accommodated in the cartridge. The heat-sensitive medium has a heat-sensitive layer, a first protective layer, and a second protective layer. The heat-sensitive layer produces a single color when heated. The first protective layer and second protective layer are respectively provided on opposite sides of the heat-sensitive layer in a thickness direction of the medium to protect the heat-sensitive layer. The cartridge is detachably mountable in the thermal printer. The thermal printer performs printing while the cartridge is mounted therein by heating the heat-sensitive medium from the side of the second protective layer to develop the single color in the heat-sensitive medium. The adhesive medium includes an adhesive layer and a base material. The adhesive layer of the adhesive medium is bonded to the second protective layer of the heat-sensitive medium to produce a laminated medium printed in the single color.
In the conventional technology described above, edges of the stacked layers are exposed in widthwise endfaces of the laminated medium. Thus, the conventional laminated medium may suffer from poor durability due to moisture penetrating between layers in the widthwise edges of the laminated medium, for example.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a medium having high durability, a cartridge including the medium, and a method of creating the medium.
In order to attain the above and other object, according to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a medium for use in a thermal printer. The medium includes a heat-sensitive medium and an adhesive medium. The heat-sensitive medium defines a thickness in a thickness direction and a width in a width direction crossing the thickness direction. The heat-sensitive medium includes a base material, and a first heat-sensitive layer configured to produce a first color when heated above a first temperature. The adhesive medium is laminated over the heat-sensitive medium in the thickness direction. The first heat-sensitive layer is positioned between the base material and the adhesive medium in the thickness direction. The adhesive medium includes an adhesive-medium base material and adhesive layer provided at the adhesive-medium base material. The adhesive medium defines a width greater than the width of the heat-sensitive medium in the width direction.
With this configuration, since the width of the adhesive medium is larger than the width of the heat-sensitive medium in the width direction, the adhesive medium protrudes out from the edges of the heat-sensitive medium in the width direction when the heat-sensitive medium and adhesive medium are bonded together. Accordingly, the heat-sensitive medium and adhesive medium are bonded together such that the portions of the adhesive medium that protrude from the heat-sensitive medium in the width direction (“protruding width portions”) cover the widthwise end faces of the heat-sensitive medium By covering the widthwise end faces of the heat-sensitive medium with the adhesive medium in this way, the resultant medium can improve durability thereof with respect to moisture penetration, dirt adhesion, wear, and the like at the widthwise end faces of the heat-sensitive medium owing to the portion of the adhesive medium covering the heat-sensitive medium.
According to another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a cartridge including a case, a first supporting portion, and a second supporting portion. The case accommodating the medium according to the one aspect. The first supporting portion is provided at the case for supporting the heat-sensitive medium inside the case. The second supporting portion is provided at the case for supporting the adhesive medium inside the case.
With this configuration, the same technical advantages as the one aspect can be achieved.
According to still another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method for creating the medium according to the one aspect. The method includes: a printing step to apply heat to the heat-sensitive medium to form an image in the heat-sensitive medium; and a laminating step to bond the adhesive medium to the heat-sensitive medium on which the image is formed to create the medium.
With this configuration, the same technical advantages as the one aspect can be achieved.
The particular features and advantages of the embodiment(s) as well as other objects will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described while referring to
In the following description, the lower-left side, upper-right side, lower-right side, upper-left side, top side, and bottom side of a thermal printer 1 depicted in
A printing system according to the present embodiment includes the thermal printer 1 (see
As illustrated in
A cassette cover 6 is provided to the rear of the display 5. The cassette cover 6 can be opened and closed on the device body 2 for exposing or covering the attachment portion 8 described later (see
As illustrated in
Two positioning pins 102 and 103 are provided at two locations in the attachment portion 8. Specifically, the positioning pin 102 is provided in a left-side section of the attachment portion 8, and the positioning pin 103 is provided in a right-side section of the attachment portion 8. When the tape cassette 30 is mounted in the attachment portion 8, the positioning pins 102 and 103 are respectively inserted into pinholes 62 and 63 formed in a cassette case 31 described later (see
A conveying motor 95 is arranged at a position outside of the attachment portion 8 (specifically, at the upper-right side in
An auxiliary shaft 110 is disposed in an upright state in the attachment portion 8 to the rear side of the gear 98. The auxiliary shaft 110 has a substantially columnar shape and can be removably inserted into a support hole part 66 (described later) of the tape cassette 30. An auxiliary shaft 120 is disposed in an upright state in a right-rear section of the attachment portion 8 and to the rear of the positioning pin 103. The auxiliary shaft 120 is removably inserted into a guide hole 57 (described later) of the tape cassette 30.
As illustrated in
A platen roller 15 and a pinch roller 14 are rotatably supported on a free end portion of the platen holder 12. The platen roller 15 is configured to contact and separate from the thermal head 10 in accordance with the pivotal movement of the platen holder 12. The pinch roller 14 is disposed on the left side of the platen roller 15. The pinch roller 14 is configured to contact and separate from the conveying roller 56 (described later) in accordance with the pivotal movement of the platen holder 12.
In the present embodiment, the platen holder 12 is configured to move toward a standby position (the position shown in
In the printing position, the platen holder 12 is positioned adjacent to the attachment portion 8. Accordingly, when the tape cassette 30 is mounted in the attachment portion 8 and the cassette cover 6 is closed, the platen roller 15 presses the heat-sensitive tape 4 against the thermal head 10, and the pinch roller 14 presses the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 against the conveying roller 56 such that the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 are overlapped with each other.
The conveying motor 95 (see
As illustrated in
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As illustrated in
The adhesive tape 7 is wound counterclockwise in a plan view about the tape spool 22 so as to gradually separate from a rotational center of the tape spool 22. Specifically, the adhesive tape 7 is wound about the tape spool 22 such that a first adhesive layer 73 described later (see
As illustrated in
The tape area 400 is provided in the right-rear portion of the cassette case 31 and has a substantially circular shape in a plan view. The support hole part 65 is provided in an approximate center region of the tape area 400 in a plan view. An upper tape area 400A constituting an upper portion of the tape area 400 is provided in the upper case 311 (see
As illustrated in
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As illustrated in
An arm rear wall 37 constituting a rear wall of the arm part 34 is configured of a combination of an upper arm rear wall 37A (see
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
A head peripheral wall 36 extends rearward from the right edge of the arm rear wall 37 and then extends parallel to the arm rear wall 37. The head peripheral wall 36 is configured of a combination of an upper head peripheral wall 36A provided in the upper case 311, and a lower head peripheral wall 36B provided in the lower case 312.
The arm rear wall 37 and head peripheral wall 36 define a space that has a general rectangular shape in a plan view and that penetrates the tape cassette 30 vertically. This space is defined as a head insertion section 39. The head insertion section 39 is in communication with the exterior of the tape cassette 30 on the front side thereof through an exposing area 77 formed in the front surface side of the tape cassette 30 (see
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The guide wall 58 and restricting member 362 define therebetween a long vertical gap functioning as a lower portion of an inlet 61A. The inlet 61A communicates with the exposing area 77 and is part of the conveying path for the heat-sensitive tape 4. Hereinafter, the conveying path of the heat-sensitive tape 4 will be called the “first conveying path.” The inlet 61A guides the heat-sensitive tape 4 into the restricting guide part 61. The partitioning wall 53 and restricting member 362 define therebetween a long vertical gap functioning as a lower portion of a guide hole 61B. The guide hole 61B is part of the first conveying path, and is positioned downstream of the inlet 61A so as to be formed continuously therewith. The guide hole 61B guides the heat-sensitive tape 4 toward the front of the conveying roller 56 described later (see
The top surface of the bottom plate 306 at a bottom end portion of the inlet 61A is formed as a flat continuous surface free of unevenness. However, a lower restricting part 363B is provided along a base end of the partitioning wall 53 and a base end of the restricting member 362 so as to protrude slightly upward from the bottom plate 306. Thus, the bottom end portion of the guide hole 61B (i.e., a protruding end of the lower restricting part 363B) is positioned above the bottom end portion of the inlet 61A (i.e., the top surface of the bottom plate 306). In other words, the lower restricting part 363B forms a step whereby the bottom end portion of the guide hole 61B is higher than the bottom end portion of the inlet 61A.
A restricting part 364 is provided on a top end of the partitioning wall 53 as a protruding piece that protrudes forward from a front surface of the partitioning wall 53. A protruding part 398 is provided on the top of the restricting part 364. The protruding part 398 is a pin that protrudes upward. The lower restricting part 363B and restricting part 364 define therebetween a vertical distance which is equivalent to the width of the heat-sensitive tape 4. Restricting parts 53A and 53B are provided on the front surface of the partitioning wall 53. The restricting part 53A is a step part provided below the restricting part 364 that protrudes slightly forward from the front surface of the partitioning wall 53. The restricting part 53B is a step part provided on the base end of the partitioning wall 53 that protrudes slightly forward from the front surface of the partitioning wall 53.
As illustrated in
The restricting member 361 is provided at a position frontward of the fixing groove 332. When the upper case 311 is assembled to the lower case 312, the guide wall 58 and restricting member 361 define therebetween a long vertical gap that functions as an upper portion of the inlet 61A. The partitioning wall 53 and restricting member 361 define therebetween a long vertical gap that functions as an upper portion of the guide hole 61B.
The bottom surface of the top plate 305 at an upper end portion of the inlet 61A is formed as a continuous flat surface without unevenness. However, an upper restricting part 363A is provided along the fixing groove 332 and a base end of the restricting member 361 and protrudes slightly downward from the top plate 305. In other words, the upper restricting part 363A is provided at a position corresponding vertically to the lower restricting part 363B of the lower case 312 and functions as an upper end portion of the guide hole 61B. The upper end portion of the guide hole 61B (i.e., the protruding end of the upper restricting part 363A) is positioned lower than the upper end portion of the inlet 61A (i.e., the bottom surface of the top plate 305). In other words, the upper restricting part 363A forms a step whereby the upper end portion of the guide hole 61B is lower than the upper end portion of the inlet 61A.
As illustrated in
As will be described later, the support hole 64 is constituted by an opening 64A (see
A guide part 59 is provided in a left-front corner portion of the cassette case 31 to the left side of the conveying roller 56. The guide part 59 is formed in a slit-like shape that extends vertically. After the laminated tape 9 is conveyed past the conveying roller 56, the laminated tape 9 passes through the inside of the guide part 59. At this time, the guide part 59 supports the laminated tape 9 (in the state illustrated in
In the following description, the top side and bottom side in
As illustrated in
The base material 41, first heat-sensitive layer 421, first heat-insulating layer 431, second heat-sensitive layer 422, second heat-insulating layer 432, third heat-sensitive layer 423, and overcoat layer 44 are laminated in the thickness direction of the heat-sensitive tape 4 (the vertical direction in
The base material 41 is a resin film, and specifically a non-foamed resin film, and more specifically a non-foamed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. In other words, gas bubbles are not trapped inside the base material 41.
Each of the heat-sensitive layers 42 produces a corresponding color when heated to a color-developing temperature specific to that layer. The heat-sensitive layers 42 achieve this effect through the use of chemicals, such as those described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-006830.
The first heat-sensitive layer 421 is formed as a film by coating a bottom surface of the first heat-insulating layer 431 with a chemical agent. When the first heat-sensitive layer 421 is heated above a first temperature, transparency of the first heat-sensitive layer 421 is lowered to produce a first color. In the present embodiment, the first color is cyan.
The second heat-sensitive layer 422 is formed as a film by coating a bottom surface of the second heat-insulating layer 432 with a chemical agent. When the second heat-sensitive layer 422 is heated above a second temperature, transparency of the second heat-sensitive layer 422 is lowered to produce a second color. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature. In the present embodiment, the second color is magenta.
The third heat-sensitive layer 423 is formed as a film by coating a top surface of the second heat-insulating layer 432 with a chemical agent. When the third heat-sensitive layer 423 is heated above a third temperature, transparency of the third heat-sensitive layer 423 is lowered to produce a third color. The third temperature is higher than the second temperature. In the present embodiment, the third color is yellow.
In the heat-sensitive tape 4 of the embodiment, the first color is cyan, the second color is magenta, and the third color is yellow. Hence, the first heat-sensitive layer 421, second heat-sensitive layer 422, and third heat-sensitive layer 423 together produce all three primary colors. Accordingly, the heat-sensitive tape 4 can display numerous colors by combining the primary colors produced in the heat-sensitive layers 42.
The heat-insulating layers 43 are sheet-like layers. Owing to their low thermal conductivity, the heat-insulating layers 43 function as resistance to heat conduction. Accordingly, a temperature gradient along a direction of heat transfer is produced within each of the heat-insulating layers 43. As will be described later, when the thermal head 10 applies heat to the heat-sensitive tape 4 from the top side in
Specifically, the second heat-insulating layer 432 can produce a lower temperature in the second heat-sensitive layer 422 than the temperature in the third heat-sensitive layer 423. Similarly, the first heat-insulating layer 431 can produce a lower temperature in the first heat-sensitive layer 421 than the temperature in the second heat-sensitive layer 422. In this way, the heat-sensitive tape 4 can be designed to use the effect of the heat-insulating layers 43 to deliberately control the temperature of the first heat-sensitive layer 421 at a temperature higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature, the temperature of the second heat-sensitive layer 422 at a temperature higher than the second temperature and lower than the third temperature, and the temperature of the third heat-sensitive layer 423 at a temperature higher than the third temperature.
The overcoat layer 44 is formed as a film by coating a top surface of the third heat-sensitive layer 423. The overcoat layer 44 protects the heat-sensitive layers 42 on the opposite side from the base material 41 (i.e., from the top surface side of the heat-sensitive tape 4).
Overall, the heat-sensitive tape 4 has visible light transmittance (transparency) in the thickness direction of the heat-sensitive tape 4. In other words, each layer of the heat-sensitive tape 4 has transparency. The visible light transmittance (%) of the base material 41 may be the same as the visible light transmittance of one or more of the heat-sensitive layers 42, heat-insulating layers 43, and overcoat layer 44, or may be different from the visible light transmittance of any of these layers. The visible light transmittance (transparency) for each layer of the heat-sensitive tape 4 is at least 90%, for example, and preferably at least 99%, and more preferably at least 99.9%. Even if the visible light transmittance for each layer of the heat-sensitive tape 4 is less than 90%, the transparency of each layer may be sufficiently high as long as a user can visually recognize colors produced in the heat-sensitive layers 42 through the base material 41. The layers of the heat-sensitive tape 4 may all be transparent or translucent but are preferably transparent.
As illustrated in
The adhesive tape 7 has a width N in the lateral direction. In the present embodiment, the width N of the adhesive tape 7 is expressed by an equation (1) below using the width K and thickness t of the heat-sensitive tape 4.
N=K+2t (1)
The first adhesive layer 73 is provided on a bottom surface of the base material 72. The second adhesive layer 74 is provided on a top surface of the base material 72. That is, the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is configured by applying adhesive to both top and bottom surfaces of the base material 72. The adhesive used for the first adhesive layer 73 and second adhesive layer 74 may be a urethane resin, silicone resin, vinyl resin, polyester resin, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, or acrylic resin type adhesive, for example.
The release paper 75 is bonded to the double-sided adhesive tape 71 through the second adhesive layer 74. A score line 76 is formed in the release paper 75. The score line 76 extends in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive tape 7 and divides the release paper 75 in two in the lateral direction. The score line 76 penetrates a portion of the double-sided adhesive tape 71 in a thickness direction thereof but does not reach the first adhesive layer 73. In other words, the base material 72 is continuously intact across the score line 76 and, thus, the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is continuously intact across the score line 76.
In
As illustrated in
The user views the laminated tape 9 from the second surface side of the base material 41 (i.e., the top side in
As illustrated in
The heat-sensitive tape 4 conveyed around the roller member 535 (the shaft 533) passes between the arm front wall 35 and restricting wall 33 inside the arm part 34. At this time, the upper restricting parts 381A and 382A (see
While in the exposing area 77, the side of the heat-sensitive tape 4 having the heat-sensitive layers 42 (the top side of the heat-sensitive tape 4) opposes the thermal head 10 while the base material 41 side of the heat-sensitive tape 4 (the bottom side of the heat-sensitive tape 4) opposes the platen roller 15, as illustrated in
The heat-sensitive tape 4 having been printed through heat applied by the thermal head 10 is conveyed toward the conveying roller 56 through the inlet 61A and guide hole 61B in the restricting guide part 61 illustrated in
Having gone through the restricting guide part 61, the heat-sensitive tape 4 then passes between the conveying roller 56 and the pinch roller 14, as illustrated in
In the present embodiment, the protruding ends of the lower restricting parts 401B, 381B, 382B, and 363B and the restricting part 384B are all set at the same height irrespective of location. Hence, the heat-sensitive tape 4 accommodated in the tape area 400 is maintained at the same vertical position as the heat-sensitive tape 4 present in the arm part 34 and in the restricting guide part 61, to restrict downward movement of the heat-sensitive tape 4 at each location.
As illustrated in
In the present embodiment, the protruding end of the lower restricting part 411B is set lower than the protruding end of the lower restricting part 401B by the thickness t of the heat-sensitive tape 4. Accordingly, the adhesive tape 7 accommodated in the tape area 410 is conveyed to the conveying roller 56 so that a vertical center of the adhesive tape 7 is aligned with a vertical center of the heat-sensitive tape 4 conveyed from the tape area 400.
While in their superimposed state, the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 are bonded together by being pinched between the pinch roller 14 and conveying roller 56, thereby forming the laminated tape 9 illustrated in
As illustrated in
The flash memory 82 stores programs executed by the CPU 81. The ROM 83 stores various parameters required for executing the programs. The RAM 84 stores various temporary data, such as print data used for forming images.
The user inputs a print start command into the thermal printer 1 by operating the keyboard 3. Upon acquiring the print start command, the CPU 81 reads a program from the flash memory 82 and executes a laminated tape creating process illustrated in
Referring to
In S2, the CPU 81 begins conveyance control. In the conveyance control, the CPU 81 controls the conveying motor 95 to drive the drive shall 18 to rotate. As the drive shaft 18 is driven to rotate, the heat-sensitive tape 4 is pulled off the first supply roll 40 and the adhesive tape 7 is pulled off the second supply roll 70 through the cooperative operations of the conveying roller 56 and pinch roller 14. While the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 are conveyed at this time, the vertical centers of the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 are kept aligned by the lower restricting parts 401B, 411B, 381B, 382B, and 363B; the upper restricting parts 381A, 382A, and 363A; and the restricting parts 384B, 383 and 364.
In S3 the CPU 81 performs print control based on the image data acquired in S1. In the print control, the CPU 81 controls the thermal head 10. Specifically, while conveying the heat-sensitive tape 4, the CPU 81 selectively heats the heating elements 11. At this time, the thermal head 10 heats the heat-sensitive tape 4 on the side of the heat-sensitive layers 42 opposite the base material 41, as described above (see
In S4 the CPU 81 performs control to bond the adhesive tape 7 to the printed heat-sensitive tape 4. Specifically, by controlling the conveying motor 95 to rotate the drive shaft 18, the CPU 81 conveys the printed heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 between the conveying roller 56 and pinch roller 14 so that the adhesive tape 7 is bonded to the printed heat-sensitive tape 4 on the side of the heat-sensitive layers 42 opposite the base material 41, thereby creating the laminated tape 9.
In S5 the CPU 81 halts the conveying motor 95, thereby halting the conveyance control that was initiated in S2. In S6 the CPU 81 controls the cutting motor 96 to cut the laminated tape 9 with the cutting mechanism 16. This completes the laminated tape creating process.
As described above, the laminated tape 9 is configured by bonding the bottom surface of the adhesive tape 7 to the top surface of the printed heat-sensitive tape 4. The heat-sensitive tape 4 has the base material 41, the heat-sensitive layers 42, the heat-insulating layers 43, and the overcoat layer 44. The heat-sensitive layers 42 including the third heat-sensitive layer 423 are provided on the first surface side of the base material 41. That is, the third heat-sensitive layer 423 is positioned between the base material 41 and the adhesive tape 7 in the thickness direction. The third heat-sensitive layer 423 produces the third color (yellow) when exceeding the third temperature. The adhesive tape 7 includes the double-sided adhesive tape 71. The double-sided adhesive tape 71 has the base material 72, the first adhesive layer 73, and the second adhesive layer 74. The width N of the adhesive tape 7 is larger than the width K of the heat-sensitive tape 4.
Thus, when the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 are bonded together, the adhesive tape 7 protrudes out from the edges of the heat-sensitive tape 4 in the width direction, as illustrated in
The heat-sensitive tape 4 also includes the first heat-sensitive layer 421 and second heat-sensitive layer 422, which are the heat-sensitive layers 42 disposed between the base material 41 and the third heat-sensitive layer 423. The first heat-sensitive layer 421 produces the first color (cyan) when exceeding the first temperature. The second heat-sensitive layer 422 produces the second color (magenta) when exceeding the second temperature. Through combinations of the third color produced in the third heat-sensitive layer 423, the first color produced in the first heat-sensitive layer 421, and the second color produced in the second heat-sensitive layer 422, the heat-sensitive tape 4 can express diverse color tones. Moreover, since the adhesive tape 7 covers the widthwise end faces of the heat-sensitive tape 4, the laminated tape 9 of the embodiment can suppress moisture and dirt from penetrating between the first through third heat-sensitive layers 421-423, for example. Therefore, the laminated tape 9 has enhanced durability while being able to express diverse color tones.
The base material 41 has transparency. The adhesive tape 7 is overlaid on the heat-sensitive tape 4 from the first surface side of the base material 41 such that the heat-sensitive layers 42 are sandwiched between the adhesive tape 7 and base material 41. Since the heat-sensitive layers 42 are interposed between the base material 41 and adhesive tape 7 in this case, the laminated tape 9 can improve durability with respect to moisture penetration, dirt adhesion, wear, and the like in the thickness direction.
The width N of the adhesive tape 7 satisfies the relationships in an inequality (2) below with respect to the width K and the thickness t of the heat-sensitive tape 4.
K<N≤K+2t (2)
In this case, the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 can be bonded together so that the length of each protruding width portion of the adhesive tape 7 is no greater than the thickness t of the heat-sensitive tape 4. Accordingly, the protruding width portions of the adhesive tape 7 do not protrude beyond the edges of the heat-sensitive tape 4 in the thickness direction when covering the widthwise end faces of the heat-sensitive tape 4. Therefore, the protruding width portions of the adhesive tape 7 are never bonded to anything other than the widthwise end faces of the heat-sensitive tape 4, as illustrated in
As described above, the tape cassette 30 includes the cassette case 31. The support hole parts 65 and 66 are provided inside the cassette case 31. The support hole part 65 rotatably supports the tape spool 21, and the support hole part 66 rotatably supports the tape spool 22. The heat-sensitive tape 4 is wound clockwise in a plan view about the tape spool 21 so as to gradually separate from the rotational center of the tape spool 21. The adhesive tape 7 is wound counterclockwise in a plan view about the tape spool 22 so as to gradually separate from the rotational center of the tape spool 22. With this configuration, the tape cassette 30 can supply the laminated tape 9 that is highly durable with respect to moisture penetration, dirt adhesion, wear, and the like at the widthwise end faces of the heat-sensitive tape 4.
In the tape cassette 30, the adhesive tape 7 is conveyed relative to the heat-sensitive tape 4 so that the adhesive tape 7 is overlaid on the heat-sensitive tape 4 from the first surface side of the base material 41 with the heat-sensitive layers 42 sandwiched between the adhesive tape 7 and base material 41. In this case, the user can view the colors developed in the heat-sensitive layers 42 from the base material 41 side of the laminated tape 9. Moreover, in the laminated tape 9, the adhesive tape 7 enhances durability with respect to moisture penetration, dirt adhesion, wear, and the like at the widthwise end faces of the heat-sensitive tape 4, while the base material 41 enhances durability of the top surface of the laminated tape 9.
The lower restricting parts 401B, 381B, 382B, and 363B; the upper restricting parts 401A, 381A, 382A, and 363A; and the restricting parts 383 and 364 are provided along the first conveying path. These restricting parts restrict the heat-sensitive tape 4 from moving vertically in the tape cassette 30, i.e., with respect to the width direction, when conveyed along the first conveying path. The lower restricting part 411B is provided on the second conveying path. The protruding end of the lower restricting part 411B is set lower than that of the lower restricting part 401B by the thickness t of the heat-sensitive tape 4. Hence, the adhesive tape 7 is conveyed by the conveying roller 56 so that its vertical center is aligned with the vertical center of the heat-sensitive tape 4. Consequently, the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 are bonded together with the adhesive tape 7 protruding beyond both widthwise edges of the heat-sensitive tape 4. In this way, the tape cassette 30 can provide the laminated tape 9 with high durability.
As described above, the CPU 81 performs the print control (S3). In this print control, the CPU 81 controls the thermal head 10 while controlling the conveying motor 95. Specifically, while conveying the heat-sensitive tape 4, the CPU 81 selectively heats the heating elements 11 in the thermal head 10. At this time, the heat-sensitive layers 42 in the heat-sensitive tape 4 are heated by the thermal head 10. Each of the heat-sensitive layers 42 produces a corresponding color when heated to the color-developing temperature specific to that layer. The CPU 81 performs control to bond the adhesive tape 7 to the printed heat-sensitive tape 4 (S4). Specifically, the CPU 81 controls the conveying motor 95 to convey the printed heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7. The adhesive tape 7 is bonded to the printed heat-sensitive tape 4 between the conveying roller 56 and pinch roller 14. Through this process, the printing system according to the embodiment can provide the laminated tape 9 having high durability with respect to moisture penetration, dirt adhesion, wear, and the like at the widthwise end faces of the heat-sensitive tape 4.
In S4, the adhesive tape 7 is overlapped on the heat-sensitive tape 4 from the first surface side of the base material 41 with the heat-sensitive layers 42 sandwiched therebetween. Since the heat-sensitive layers 42 are interposed between the base material 41 and adhesive tape 7 in this way, the printing system can provide the laminated tape 9 with high durability to moisture penetration, dirt adhesion, wear, and the like in the thickness direction.
As described above, the CPU 81 performs the conveyance control (S2). In the conveyance control, the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 are conveyed while the lower restricting parts 401B, 411B, 381B, 382B, and 363B; upper restricting parts 381A, 382A, and 363A; and restricting parts 384B, 383, and 364 position the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 such that their vertical centers are aligned. In this case, the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 are bonded together with the adhesive tape 7 protruding beyond both widthwise edges of the heat-sensitive tape 4. Thus, the printing system can provide the laminated tape 9 with high durability.
Hereinafter, like parts and components having the same functions as those in the depicted embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals and descriptions of these parts and components are omitted or simplified.
The thermal printer 1A includes an attachment portion 8A, in place of the attachment portion 8 of the embodiment. The attachment portion 8A includes a first attachment portion 811, and a second attachment portion 812. The first attachment portion 811 constitutes a right-rear section of the attachment portion 8A. A support shaft 811A is provided in the first attachment portion 811. The support shaft 811A extends vertically and is inserted into the first tape spool 21. The support shaft 811A rotatably supports the first tape spool 21. Thus, the first supply roll 40 is detachably mounted in the first attachment portion 811.
The second attachment portion 812 is positioned in a left-rear section of the attachment portion 8A, i.e., on the left side of the first attachment portion 811. A support shaft 812A is provided in the second attachment portion 812. The support shaft 812A extends vertically and is inserted into the second tape spool 22. The support shaft 812A rotatably supports the second tape spool 22. Thus, the second supply roll 70 is detachably mounted in the second attachment portion 812.
A conveying roller 313 is provided downstream (on the left side) of the thermal head 10 in the conveying direction. The conveying roller 313 is cylindrical in shape and is mounted on the drive shaft 18. The drive shaft 18 is configured to drive the conveying roller 313 to rotate. The pinch roller 14 can contact and separate from the conveying roller 313 along with the pivotal movement of the platen holder 12. In the printing position of the platen holder 12, the pinch roller 14 presses the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 against the conveying roller 313 with the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 overlapped with each other.
The heat-sensitive tape 4 is drawn frontward off the right side of the first supply roll 40, and then turned leftward at a right-front corner portion of the attachment portion 8A. The heat-sensitive tape 4 passes along the front side of the head holder 19. On the front side of the head holder 19, the heat-sensitive layer 42 side of the heat-sensitive tape 4 opposes the thermal head 10 while the base material 41 side of the heat-sensitive tape 4 opposes the platen roller 15. Thus, the thermal head 10 is positioned on the opposite side of the heat-sensitive layers 42 from the base material 41 (i.e., the rear side of the heat-sensitive tape 4). Accordingly, the thermal head 10 can heat the heat-sensitive tape 4 from the opposite side of the base material 41.
The heat-sensitive tape 4 passes between the conveying roller 313 and pinch roller 14 after passing along the front side of the head holder 19. At this time, the heat-sensitive layer 42 side of the heat-sensitive tape 4 opposes the conveying roller 313 while the base material 41 side of the heat-sensitive tape 4 opposes the pinch roller 14.
The adhesive tape 7 is pulled frontward from the left side of the second supply roll 70. The adhesive tape 7 then curves leftward while being in contact with a right-front circumferential portion of the conveying roller 313. At this time, the release paper 75 side of the adhesive tape 7 opposes the conveying roller 313, while the double-sided adhesive tape 71 side opposes the pinch roller 14. Accordingly, with the adhesive tape 7 overlapping the heat-sensitive tape 4 on the opposite side of the heat-sensitive layers 42 from the base material 41, the conveying roller 313 supports the adhesive tape 7 from the opposite side of the heat-sensitive tape 4.
With the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 superposed, the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 are bonded together between the pinch roller 14 and conveying roller 313, thereby forming the laminated tape 9.
As in the embodiment described above, the laminated tape 9 according to the first modification can enhance durability with respect to moisture penetration, dirt adhesion, wear, and the like at the widthwise end faces of the heat-sensitive tape 4.
The thermal printer 1B includes an attachment portion 8B, in place of the attachment portion 8 of the embodiment. The attachment portion 8B includes a first attachment portion 821, and a second attachment portion 822. The first attachment portion 821 constitutes an approximate right half of the attachment portion 8B. The tape cassette 920 is detachably mounted in the first attachment portion 821. The second attachment portion 822 constitutes an approximate left half of the attachment portion 8B. The tape cassette 921 is detachably mounted in the second attachment portion 822.
The tape cassette 920 corresponds to a right-side portion of the tape cassette 30 of the embodiment, assuming that the tape cassette 30 is divided in half in the left-right direction between the first supply roll 40 and the second supply roll 70. The tape cassette 920 has a cassette case 930. The cassette case 930 has a general rectangular parallelepiped shape and is configured by assembling together a lower case 932, and an upper case (not shown). The first supply roll 40 is accommodated inside the cassette case 930. The arm part 34 is provided on a front surface 930A of the cassette case 930. The guide part 59 is provided at the cassette case 940.
The tape cassette 921 corresponds to a left-side portion of the tape cassette 30 of the embodiment, assuming that the tape cassette 30 is divided in half in the left-right direction between the first supply roll 40 and second supply roll 70. The tape cassette 921 has a cassette case 940. The cassette case 940 has a general rectangular parallelepiped shape and is configured by assembling together a lower case 942, and an upper case (not shown). The second supply roll 70 is accommodated inside the cassette case 940. The conveying roller 56 is disposed in a left-front corner portion of the cassette case 940. The head insertion section 39 is formed by the arm part 34 and a front surface 940A of the cassette case 940.
The heat-sensitive tape 4 is drawn frontward off the right side of the first supply roll 40, and then turned leftward in a right-front corner portion of the cassette case 930. The heat-sensitive tape 4 passes through the inside of the arm part 34 and subsequently exits the cassette case 930 through the opening 341.
While in a region corresponding to the exposing area 77 of the tape cassette 30, the side of the heat-sensitive tape 4 having the heat-sensitive layers 42 opposes the thermal head 10 while the base material 41 side of the heat-sensitive tape 4 opposes the platen roller 15. Thus, the thermal head 10 is positioned on the opposite side of the heat-sensitive layers 42 from the base material 41 (i.e., on the rear side of the heat-sensitive tape 4) while the tape cassette 920 is mounted in the first attachment portion 821 and the tape cassette 921 is mounted in the second attachment portion 822. Accordingly, the thermal head 10 can heat the heat-sensitive tape 4 from the opposite side of the base material 41 in the region corresponding to the exposing area 77.
The heat-sensitive tape 4 passes between the conveying roller 56 and pinch roller 14 through the region corresponding to the exposing area 77. At this time, the heat-sensitive layer 42 side of the heat-sensitive tape 4 opposes the conveying roller 56, while the base material 41 side of the heat-sensitive tape 4 opposes the pinch roller 14.
The adhesive tape 7 is pulled frontward from the left side of the second supply roll 70. The adhesive tape 7 curves leftward while being in contact with the right-front circumferential portion of the conveying roller 56. At this time, the release paper 75 side of the adhesive tape 7 opposes the conveying roller 56 while the double-sided adhesive tape 71 side opposes the pinch roller 14. Accordingly, with the adhesive tape 7 overlapping the heat-sensitive tape 4 on the opposite side of the heat-sensitive layers 42 from the base material 41, the conveying roller 56 supports the adhesive tape 7 from the opposite side of the heat-sensitive tape 4.
With the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 superposed, the heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 are bonded together between the pinch roller 14 and conveying roller 56, thereby forming the laminated tape 9. The laminated tape 9 is discharged from the cassette case 940 after passing through the interior of the guide part 59.
As in the embodiment described above, the laminated tape 9 according to the second modification can enhance durability with respect to moisture penetration, dirt adhesion, wear, and the like at the widthwise end faces of the heat-sensitive tape 4.
A tape cassette of the third modification differs from the tape cassette 30 of the embodiment in that an adhesive tape 701 (illustrated in
The adhesive tape 601 is a long strip-like medium configured of a sheet 620, a first adhesive layer 630, a second adhesive layer 640, and a release paper 650. The adhesive tape 601 has the same length K as the heat-sensitive tape 4 in the width direction. The remaining structure of the adhesive tape 601 is identical to the adhesive tape 7 of the embodiment. In other words, the sheet 620 is equivalent to the base material 72 of the embodiment, the first adhesive layer 630 is equivalent to the first adhesive layer 73 of the embodiment, the second adhesive layer 640 is equivalent to the second adhesive layer 74 of the embodiment, the release paper 650 is equivalent to the release paper 75 of the embodiment, and a score line 660 provided in the release paper 650 is equivalent to the score line 76 of the embodiment.
The tape cassette 30C can also be used with the thermal printer 1 of the embodiment. That is, a printing system according to the third modification includes the thermal printer 1 and the tape cassette including the adhesive tape 701, the heat-sensitive tape 4 and the adhesive tape 601 illustrated in
As illustrated in
A tape cassette of a fourth modification differs from the tape cassette 30 of the embodiment in that an adhesive tape 702 (illustrated in
K+2t<M (3)
The adhesive tape 702 includes a base material 722, and the first adhesive layer 73. The base material 722 is transparent, but the remaining structure is identical to the base material 72 in the embodiment.
The tape cassette of the fourth modification can also be used with the thermal printer 1 of the embodiment. That is, a printing system according to the fourth modification includes the thermal printer 1 and the tape cassette including the adhesive tape 702, and the heat-sensitive tape 4 illustrated in
As illustrated in
In this modification, the user may apply adhesive to the bottom surface of the laminated tape 9 (the surface of the base material 722 on the opposite side of the first adhesive layer 73) once the laminated tape 9 is completed, for example. Alternatively, the adhesive tape 702 may be self-adhesive.
A tape cassette according to a fifth modification differs from the tape cassette 30 of the embodiment in that an adhesive tape 703 (illustrated in
The tape cassette of the fifth modification can also be used in the thermal printer 1 of the embodiment. That is, a printing system according to the fifth modification includes the thermal printer 1 and the tape cassette including the adhesive tape 703 and the heat-sensitive tape 4 illustrated in
As in the embodiment, a laminated tape 903 illustrated in
In addition to the first through fifth modifications described above, many modifications and variations may be made to the depicted embodiment.
For example, the base material 41 of the embodiment may be a foamed PET film. Alternatively, the base material 41 may be a resin film formed of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, ethylene methacrylic acid (EMAA) copolymer, polybutene (PB), polybutadiene (BDR), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetherketone (PEK), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), nylon (NY), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), foamed/expanded polystyrene (FS/EPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), saponified ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), plain transparent (PT) cellophane, moisture-proof sealable transparent (MST) cellophane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), vinylon (VL), polyurethane (PU), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), or the like. In these cases, the base material 41 may be a foamed or a non-foamed resin film.
Since foamed resin has lower thermal conductivity than the same resin that is not foamed, the thermal conductivity of the base material 41 can be lowered through a simple construction when the base material 41 is configured of a foamed resin film. When the base material 41 has low thermal conductivity, heat inputted into the heat-sensitive tape 4 from the heat-sensitive layer 42 side is less likely to be diffused in the base material 41 when printing with the thermal printer 1. Accordingly, using a foamed resin film as the base material 41 can reduce the quantity of heat needed to be inputted into the heat-sensitive tape 4 for developing colors in the heat-sensitive layers 42 through a simple configuration. In other words, by using foamed resin film as the base material 41, the quantity of heat inputted into the heat-sensitive tape 4 for producing colors in the heat-sensitive layers 42 can be reduced without needing to use a special material in the base material 41 for reducing thermal conductivity.
When the adhesive tape 7 is bonded to the heat-sensitive tape 4 after the thermal printer 1 has performed printing on the heat-sensitive tape 4, the base material 41 functions as a laminating member for protecting the heat-sensitive layers 42. If the base material 41 has low thermal conductivity, the base material 41 can suppress unintended discoloration in the heat-sensitive layers 42 caused by heat inputted into the base material 41 side than when the base material 41 is formed of material having high thermal conductivity.
When the base material 41 is configured of non-foamed resin film, visible light transmittance of the base material 41 tends to be higher than when the base material 41 is formed of foamed resin film. Accordingly, the printed image in the laminated tape 9 will appear clear and distinct to the user.
Provided that the base material 41 has transparency sufficient for its application, the base material 41 may be formed of a metal foil (aluminum foil or copper foil), a vacuum metalized (VM) film, or the like, or may be configured of one of various types of paper, such as translucent paper, washi (traditional Japanese paper), wood-free paper, dust-free paper, glassine, clay-coated paper, resin-coated paper, laminated paper (polyethylene-laminated paper, polypropylene-laminated paper, etc.), synthetic paper, kraft paper, and the like. The base material 41 may also be formed of a nonwoven cloth or a glass cloth, for example.
The overcoat layer 44 may be made of a material identical to that of the heat-insulating layers 43. In other words, another heat-insulating layer (third heat-insulating layer) may be provided as the overcoat layer 44. Still alternatively, the overcoat layer 44 may be omitted. In this case, thermal conductivity from the thermal head 10 to the heat-sensitive layers 42 is enhanced, so that the thermal printer 1 can shorten a heating period by the thermal head 1, thereby reducing the cost required for the overcoat layer 44.
In the embodiment described above, the heat-sensitive tape 4 has a plurality of heat-sensitive layers 42. However, the heat-sensitive tape 4 may instead have just a single heat-sensitive layer. In this case, the base material 41, first heat-sensitive layer 421, first heat-insulating layer 431, and overcoat layer 44 are layered in the given order, for example. After the heat-sensitive tape 4 is printed, the adhesive tape 7 having the score line 76 is bonded to the side of the heat-sensitive tape 4 opposite the base material 41. Accordingly, the tape cassette 30 can suppress a deterioration in printing quality caused by the score line 76. That is, since the adhesive tape 7 is bonded to the heat-sensitive tape 4 after printing is performed on the heat-sensitive tape 4, the tape cassette 30 can suppress the generation of white lines in the printed result, not only when the heat-sensitive tape 4 has a plurality of heat-sensitive layers 42 but also when the heat-sensitive tape 4 has only a single heat-sensitive layer.
Note that both the first heat-insulating layer 431 and overcoat layer 44 may be omitted when the heat-sensitive tape 4 has only a single heat-sensitive layer. In this case, the single heat-sensitive layer may be formed by coating the top surface of the base material 41 with a chemical.
The heat-sensitive layers 42 in the embodiment may be configured by just two layers. In other words, the third heat-sensitive layer 423 may be omitted and, hence, the second heat-insulating layer 432 may also be omitted. In this case, the first heat-sensitive layer 421 may be formed by applying a chemical to the bottom surface of the first heat-insulating layer 431 while the second heat-sensitive layer 422 is formed by applying a chemical to the top surface of the first heat-insulating layer 431. Thus, it is sufficient for the heat-sensitive tape 4 to include at least one heat-insulating layer.
Alternatively, the heat-sensitive layers 42 may be configured by four or more layers. For example, a fourth heat-sensitive layer (not shown) may be provided on the opposite side of the third heat-sensitive layer 423 from the second heat-sensitive layer 422. In this case, the fourth heat-sensitive layer develops a fourth color when a fourth temperature is exceeded. The fourth temperature is higher than the third temperature. The fourth color may be black, for example. In this configuration, a third heat-insulating layer (not shown) is provided between the third heat-sensitive layer 423 and the fourth heat-sensitive layer in the thickness direction.
The first color, second color, and third color in the depicted embodiment may be colors other than cyan, magenta, and yellow. For example, the first, second, and third colors may all be the same color. When multiple layers of the same color are superimposed in the laminated tape 9, the laminated tape 9 can depict depth in the formed image.
The heat-sensitive layers 42 may be formed by applying chemical agent to the top surface of each of the heat-insulating layers 43. Alternatively, the heat-sensitive layers 42 may be pre-formed in sheets and bonded by adhesive to the respective heat-insulating layers 43.
At least one of the first adhesive layer 73 and second adhesive layer 74 may be colored or may be opaque. When the laminated tape 9 is being adhered to a prescribed wall, for example, the wall to which the laminated tape 9 is adhered becomes the background of the laminated tape 9 when the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is transparent or translucent (i.e., has transparency). Accordingly, the user can freely change the background according, to the wall to Which the laminated tape 9 is adhered.
The adhesive tape 7 of the embodiment may be configured by the base material 72 and first adhesive layer 73. In this case, the user may apply adhesive to the surface of the base material 72 on the side opposite the first adhesive layer 73 (i.e., the exposed surface) after completion of the laminated tape 9, for example. Alternatively, the adhesive tape 7 may be self-adhesive. When the adhesive tape 7 is thinner in this way, the size of the second supply roll 70 in the tape cassette 30 can be made smaller, thereby enabling the cassette case 31 to be more compact.
The score line 76 in the embodiment need not be formed in a straight line, but may be formed in a wavy line or the like. Further, a plurality of score lines 76 laterally juxtaposed may be formed in the release paper 75 rather than just a single score line 76. Alternatively, a plurality of score lines 76 extending laterally may be formed at prescribed intervals in the longitudinal direction of the release paper 75. The score lines 76 may also extend obliquely to the lateral and longitudinal directions.
The cassette case 31 in the embodiment described above may accommodate a first fanfold stack in place of the first supply roll 40. That is, the first fanfold stack may be accommodated in the cassette case 31 for supplying the heat-sensitive tape 4 that has been accordion-folded into a stack. A second fanfold stack may be accommodated in the cassette case 31 in place of the second supply roll 70. In other words, the second fanfold stack may be accommodated in the cassette case 31 for supplying the adhesive tape 7 that has been accordion-folded into a stack.
The first supply roll 40 of the embodiment may be a coreless roll that omits the first tape spool 21. Similarly, the second supply roll 70 may be a coreless roll that omits the second tape spool 22.
The conveying roller 56 may be provided as part of the thermal printer 1 rather than the tape cassette 30. In other words, the conveying roller 56 may be pre-mounted on the drive shaft 18, and the printed heat-sensitive tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 may be bonded together by members on the thermal printer 1 side (the conveying roller 56 pre-mounted on the drive shaft 18, and the pinch roller 14).
In the embodiment described above, the processing of S1 may be executed by an external device connected to the thermal printer 1, such as a personal computer or a smartphone. Additionally, the processing of S4 may be omitted. The user may manually cut the laminated tape 9, for example. Further, the cutting mechanism 16 may also execute a half cut in which the heat-sensitive tape 4 of the laminated tape 9 is cut entirely in its thickness direction while the adhesive tape 7 is left continuously intact in the longitudinal direction at the cutting position.
The user may also manually bond the printed heat-sensitive tape 4 to the adhesive tape 7. In this case, the thermal printer 1 need not be provided with a mechanism for bonding the heat-sensitive tape 4 to the adhesive tape 7.
Further, a portion of the top surface, bottom surface, and side surfaces of the cassette case 31 may be eliminated. The conveying roller 56 may also be a non-rotatable body, such as a fixed cylindrical body or plate-shaped body. In this case, the drive force of the conveying motor 95 may be transmitted to the pinch roller 14, for example.
In place of the CPU 81, the thermal printer 1 may employ a microcomputer, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or the like as the processor. The process for creating a laminated tape may be a distributed process performed by a plurality of processors. The non-transitory storage medium may be any storage medium capable of storing information, regardless of the duration that the information is stored. The non-transitory storage medium need not include transitory storage media (conveyed signals, for example). The program may be downloaded from a server connected to a network (i.e., transmitted as a transmission signal) and stored in the flash memory 82, for example. In this case, the program may be saved in a non-transitory storage medium, such as a hard disk drive provided in the server.
The variations described above may be combined in any way that does not produce inconsistencies.
While the description has been made in detail with reference to the embodiments, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made thereto.
The heat-sensitive tape 4 is an example of a heat-sensitive medium. The adhesive tape 7 is an example of an adhesive medium. The laminated tape 9, 901, 902, 903 is an example of a medium. The base material 41 is an example of a base material. The third heat-sensitive layer 423 is an example of a first heat sensitive layer. The first and second heat-sensitive layers 421, 422 are examples of a second heat-sensitive layer. The base material 72, 721, 722 is an example of an adhesive-medium base material. The adhesive layer 73, 74, 733 is an example of an adhesive layer. The cassette case 31 is an example of a case. The support hole part 65 is an example of a first supporting portion. The support hole part 66 is an example of a second supporting portion. The thermal printer 1, 1A, 1B is an example of a thermal printer. The linear protruding parts of the lower restricting part 401B, restricting part 384B, upper restricting part 381A, lower restricting part 382B, lower restricting part 381B, restricting part 383, upper restricting part 363A, restricting part 364, lower restricting part 363B are examples of a first restricting portion. The linear protruding parts of the lower restricting part 411b is an example of a second restricting portion.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-219010 | Dec 2020 | JP | national |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20010053746 | Suzuki | Dec 2001 | A1 |
| 20190061375 | Matsumoto | Feb 2019 | A1 |
| 20220203726 | Nishihara | Jun 2022 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1785685 | Jun 2006 | CN |
| 2008-006830 | Jan 2008 | JP |
| 2013-208786 | Oct 2013 | JP |
| 2017-177438 | Oct 2017 | JP |
| 02096665 | Dec 2002 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| Temperature Indication Belt And The Manufacturing Device of Label With The Indication OF, CN 1785685 A (Year: 2006). |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220203726 A1 | Jun 2022 | US |
