Linerless label rolls are used throughout the world to print labels, receipts, and product orders. Some solutions involving linerless label rolls include printed information on two sides of a label to save paper. One drawback to these solutions is that they could not include printed information on the same side as an adhesive.
In various embodiments, methods and systems for a printer, a label, and printing on the label are presented.
According to an embodiment, a printer for printing on two sides of a label is provided. Specifically, the printer includes a first print head to print on a first side of the label, a second print head to print on a second side of the label, the second side opposite the first side and including an adhesive area and an adhesive-free area, and wherein the second print head is to print on the second side in the adhesive-free area.
In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.
Labels, printers, linerless label rolls, food wrappers, and methods for using the same are described herein. A label can include information printed on both sides of the label as well as an adhesive portion on at least one of the sides. A printer can include a plurality of print heads for printing on both sides of a label. A linerless label roll can include a label with adhesive or preprinted information and the label can be printed on both sides. A food wrapper can include printed information on both sides of the wrapper, adhesive to secure the wrapper to itself, and can be used to wrap and securely contain food prepared using the printed information. A method can include printing on both sides of a label, wherein the label includes an adhesive on at least one of the sides. A label with adhesive can include sticky media.
In an example, the label can be used to prepare a product, order, device, etc., using the information on the second side 104. The label can be adhered to the product, order, device, etc. The information on the first side 102 of the label can be used by a customer, third party, user, etc., for use or information. In an example, the adhesive 106 can be used to adhere the label to a product, order, device, etc., leaving the first side 102 visible (e.g., obscuring the second side 104 partially or completely), such as to avoid confusing the customer. In another example, the first side 102 can include a removable adhesive component. The removable adhesive component can be used to preliminarily attach the label (first side 102 face down) to a product, order, device, wrapper, etc. The second side 104 (face up in this example) can include information for preparation of the product, order, device, wrapper, etc. After the product, order, device, wrapper, etc. is prepared, the label can be removed and reattached in a different position or orientation, or on a different apparatus using the adhesive 106 on the second side 104, showing the information on the first side 102 and partially or substantially completely obscuring the second side 104.
In an example, the second side 104 can include a non-adhesive area (e.g., the area of the second side 104 exclusive of the adhesive area 108, the area of the second side 104 exclusive of the adhesive 106, etc.). In an example, information printed on the second side 104 can be printed only on the non-adhesive area. The print-ready non-adhesive area of the second side 104 can be smaller than a print-ready area of the first side 102.
In an example, the printer 202 includes a thermal printer. The thermal printer can print two sided thermal labels. In another example, the printer 202 includes a laser printer. In yet another example, the thermal printer includes an inkjet printer. The printer 202 can include a plurality of print heads, as discussed below in
In an example, the printer 302 can print on a label wherein the label is a label on a linerless label roll. The linerless label roll can feed into the paper channel 306 and the label on the linerless label roll can be printed on by the first print head 304 on a first side of the label and printed on by the second print head 308 on a second side of the label. The linerless label roll can include labels of a predetermined length, and the linerless label roll can be fed through the paper channel 306 until the length is reached. The printer 302 can include circuitry, hardware, logic controllers, mechanical devices, etc., to determine when the length is reached to stop the paper channel 306 from further progressing the linerless label roll. The printer 302 can include a mechanism to cut the linerless label roll at the predetermined length. The mechanism can include an automatic cutter or an edge that can be used to rip the linerless label roll. The mechanism can be internal or external to the printer. In another example, the linerless label roll is perforated at the predetermined length. In this example, the printer 302 may not have a mechanism to cut the linerless label roll.
In an example, the linerless label roll 402 can include label 404. Label 404 can include a preprinted feature 401 or an adhesive 403. In the example shown in diagram 400, the adhesive 403 is on the opposite side of the preprinted feature 401 (e.g., preprinted feature 401 is on the lower right top or showing side of label 404 and the adhesive 403 is on the opposite or not showing side of label 404). In another example, the label 404 can include adhesive 403 on the same side as the preprinted feature 401. In yet another example, the label 404 can include one or more preprinted features 401 on the top side, the opposite side, or both. The preprinted feature 401 can include a color image, a black and white image, text, logos, etc.
The linerless label roll 402 includes other examples combining or omitting features or adhesives. For example, label 406 shows adhesive on the opposite side of the top/shown side. Label 408 includes a preprinted feature without adhesive. In an example, the linerless label roll 402 includes label 410. Label 410 includes adhesive 405 on the top/shown side and an adhesive on the opposite side shown with a dotted oval. In another example, the label 410 can include adhesive 405 without the opposite side adhesive. Placement of the adhesive 405 and the opposite side adhesive are representative, and other placements can be included on a label. For example, adhesive 405 and the opposite side adhesive can be opposite each other on the label 410 (e.g., they would appear partially or substantially completely overlapping on the linerless label roll 402 since it shows see-through components). In another example, linerless label roll 402 includes label 412. Label 412 shows a preprinted feature and adhesive on both sides of the label 412.
In an example, a label 416 in the linerless label roll 402 can include a predetermined length 418. As shown in
Diagram 600B in
Food wrapper label 602B can include a second printed area 608. In the example shown in diagram 600B, the second printed area 608 includes consumer food information. Consumer food information can include ingredients, order information, nutrition information, a calorie count, unwrapping instructions, caution information (e.g., careful, contents hot, watch for hot cheese, etc.), marketing information, contest details or game pieces, etc. The second printed area 608 can include combinations of information described above. In another example, the second printed area 608 can include a removable label.
In an example, the printed information area 606 or the second printed area 608 can include preprinted information, printed information, or a combination thereof. For example, the printed information area 606 or the second printed area 608 can include color preprinted information, such as a logo, printed information as described above, or a combination. The food wrapper label 602A and 602B can be printed using a printer, such as the printers 202 or 302 described above in
In another example, the food wrapper label 602A and 602B can include a wrapper and a label as separate components. The label can be printed on both sides or can include preprinted information. The label can include adhesive on one or both sides. In an example, the label can be attached to the wrapper using a first portion of adhesive on a first side. The first side of the label can include preparation instructions. The label can include a second portion of adhesive to securely affix the wrapper to itself after food is prepared according to the preparation instructions and the food is placed in the wrapper. The label can include an opposite side of the first side, wherein the opposite side includes consumer information, such as the information described above (e.g., nutrition information, game piece, ingredients, etc.). In this example, the information on the first side of the label is used to prepare the product (e.g., food and wrapper) coupled to the label or enclosed in or by the label.
Preparation instructions on the labels described above can be essential to the end product presented to a consumer. For example, the label can include food preparation instructions, without which the food could not be prepared accurately. The label can be incorporated in the wrapper or attached to the wrapper.
In an example, an SST may include a kiosk (e.g., a movie rental machine, a vending machine, etc.).
In an example, an SST may include an automatic teller machine (ATM).
In an example, an SST may include a point of sale (POS).
In an example, an SST may include a card authentication system, such as for a hotel room key. The card authentication system may include a card matching or generation system or a card authenticator of a pre-made card.
In an example, an SST may include a chip and pin reader for a credit card, a debit card, an identification card, an integrated circuit card (chip card), or the like. For example, the chip and pin reader may be used to purchase goods or withdraw money (e.g., using a Europay MasterCard Visa (EMV) system).
In an example, an SST may include a payment facilitating machine (e.g., a tablet with a card reader, etc.).
Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.
Example 1 includes the subject matter embodied by a printer for printing on two sides of a label, the printer comprising: a first print head to print on a first side of the label, a second print head to print on a second side of the label, the second side opposite the first side and including an adhesive area and an adhesive-free area, and wherein the second print head is to print on the second side in the adhesive-free area.
In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include wherein the first print head is longer than the second print head.
In Example 3, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-2 may optionally include wherein a point of sale (POS) device includes a printer integrated therein.
In Example 4, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-3 may optionally include wherein the POS includes a Self-Service Terminal (SST).
In Example 5, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-4 may optionally include wherein the first and second print heads are thermal print heads.
In Example 6, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-5 may optionally include wherein the printer includes a toggle to activate the second print head, wherein the second print head is to print on the second side only when the second print head is activated.
In Example 7, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-6 may optionally include wherein the label includes a preprinted area.
In Example 8, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-7 may optionally include wherein the first print head is to print on the first side of the label in the preprinted area.
In Example 9, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-8 may optionally include wherein the first print head is to print on the first side of the label in an area other than the preprinted area.
In Example 10, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-9 may optionally include wherein the preprinted area includes information printed in color and the first and second print head are to print in black.
In Example 11, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-10 may optionally include wherein the label includes a predetermined length from a linerless label roll.
In Example 12, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-11 may optionally include wherein the label includes a food wrapper configured to securely contain food.
In Example 13, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-12 may optionally include wherein the food wrapper includes a preprinted area.
Example 14 includes the subject matter embodied by a method for printing on two sides of a label comprising: printing on a first side of the label, printing on a second side of the label, wherein the second side includes an adhesive component, and wherein printing on the second side of the label includes printing on the second side of the label in an area without the adhesive component.
In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 may optionally include wherein printing on the first side of the label includes printing on the first side of the label using a Self-Service Terminal (SST).
In Example 16, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 14-15 may optionally include wherein printing on the first side of the label includes printing on the first side of the label using a thermal print head.
In Example 17, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 14-16 may optionally include wherein the label includes a preprinted area.
In Example 18, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 14-17 may optionally include wherein printing on the second side of the label includes printing on the second side of the label in the area without the adhesive component.
In Example 19, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 14-18 may optionally include wherein printing on the first side of the label includes printing on the first side of the label using in an area overlapping the adhesive component.
In Example 20, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 14-19 may optionally include wherein the preprinted area includes information printed in color and printing on the first side of the label includes printing in black on the first side of the label.
In Example 21, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 14-20 may optionally include wherein the label includes a predetermined length from a linerless label roll.
In Example 22, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 14-21 may optionally include further comprising securely enveloping food using the label.
Example 23 includes the subject matter embodied by a label comprising: a first side including first printed information, and a second side opposite the first side, the second side comprising: an adhesive area, and an adhesive-free area, the adhesive-free area including second printed information, wherein the second printed information provides instructions for preparing a product to be coupled to the label.
In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 may optionally include wherein the first and second printed information includes thermal printed information.
In Example 25, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-24 may optionally include wherein the first side includes a preprinted area in color and the printed information includes black printed information.
In Example 26, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-25 may optionally include wherein the preprinted area and the second printed information at least partially overlap.
In Example 27, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-26 may optionally include wherein the label further comprises a predetermined length from a linerless label roll.
In Example 28, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 23-27 may optionally include wherein the label is configured to securely contain food.
The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls. In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.