AU2009101293B4

AU2009101293B4 - Improvements to label rolls

Info

Publication number: AU2009101293B4
Application number: AU2009101293A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Loic David Nyssen
Original assignee: LABELCITY Pty Ltd
Current assignee: LABELCITY Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-12-17
Filing date: 2009-12-17
Publication date: 2010-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 2017-12-17
Also published as: AU2009101293A4

Description

1 IMPROVEMENTS TO LABEL ROLLS Technical Field The present invention relates to rolls of labels for use in label printing machines, and to related methods and systems. 5 Background to the Invention Label printers are widely used to provide labels, both in industrial applications and in office environments. In such printers, the labels are arranged on one side of a web or backing tape. The tape is fed from the roll, using a drive motor, through the printer. The labels on the backing pass through a print zone, 10 in which the label is pressed against a platen, and the image is formed onto the label. Many different types of such printer are known, including dry lettering, dry film impression, thermal printing ink jet printing and laser printing. A problem arises in such printers, to ensure that the print head is in proper 15 registration with the drive motor, so that the correct image is printed at the correct speed onto the label. One solution to this problem is disclosed in W098/16391 by Esselte NV. A set of regularly spaced bars or similar markings are disposed on the backing tape. A detector is disposed in the printer, in order to detect the speed of the tape, 20 so that the printing head is controlled in dependence upon the detected tape speed. Convention implementations of this approach, for example as disclosed in figure 4 of the Esselte patent application, use a set of regularly spaced, generally rectangular markings to provide the necessary information for the sensor in the 25 printer. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved backing marking arrangement, which is compatible with the detectors and software used in existing label printers. Summary of the invention 30 In a broad form, the present invention provides an label roll, wherein the backing tape incorporates symbols such as letters arranged and positioned so 2 that they are detectable by the sensors in the printer. The symbols accordingly provide the necessary information to enable speed registration by the printer, while additionally providing a message, branding or the like. According to one aspect, the present invention provides a label roll for a 5 label printer, the roll including a backing tape, an array of labels removably affixed to a first face of the tape, and a set of symbols provided on the second face of the tape, wherein the symbols include letters which form a regularly spaced pattern, the pattern of symbols being operatively adapted to provide speed registration information for a sensor in said label printer. 10 In a preferred form, the letters form a word or message on the backing which is readable by the user. This allows, for example, the name of the manufacturer, or a brand name, to be displayed whilst also providing a operational function for the tape backing in the printing process. In a further preferred form, the symbols include rectangles, and the letters and rectangles 15 together form the pattern. Brief description of drawings Illustrative implementations of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a first implementation of the present invention; 20 Figure 2 illustrates a second implementation of the present invention; and Figure 3 illustrates a third implementation of the present invention. Description The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that the examples is intended to be 25 illustrative and not limitation of the scope of the present invention. The precise implementation is inherently related to the specific machine for which the label roll is intended. This will dictate matters such as the spacing required, positioning of recesses (if any) for drive systems, color of markings, and other matters specific to the particular machine in question. Reference to the 30 manufacturer's specifications, and actual trial in the intended systems, are highly recommended.

2a In general, the principles of such printers are disclosed in the above referenced W098/16391 by Esselte NV, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 5 3 Referring to figure 1, this illustrates a first face 10 and a second face 20 of the label roll. First face 10 carries the labels 11. The dimensions of the labels 11 define the shape of the label roll, and the positioning of the drive recesses 12. On the second face 20, conventionally, a pattern of regularly spaced 5 rectangles is provided. A comparable feature is present according to this invention as edges 31. However, the dominant appearance is the pattern of letters 30 and rectangles 32. The letters 30 and rectangles 32 provide a pattern of signals in the corresponding sensors of the printer (not shown) so as to provide a speed measurement for control of the printing process. This example is suitable 10 for use with, for example, a Dymo model 400 series and 450 series printer. It can be seen that the letter could form the name of the retailer of wholesaler, as in the example; a brand name; or even messages, for example supporting a charity or promoting another product. The backing material may be of any conventional type, for example a 15 supercalendered glassine paper. Similarly, the labels may be of any suitable type, for example thermal paper. Figure 2 illustrates an implementation suitable for labels with different dimensions, and corresponding different faces 14, 21. In this version, the rectangle symbol 33 is somewhat different and the drive recesses 15 are 20 positioned differently. Figure 3 illustrates an implementation suitable for another shape and dimension of labels. Faces 16 and 22 are again necessarily different as a consequence, and the drive recesses 17 are again positioned differently. The symbol 34 is again somewhat different in shape. 25 It will be appreciated that there are a very large number of possible implementations, both in terms of the specific letters or other symbols chosen, and in application to a wide range of printer types. Variations and additions are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 30

Claims

1. A label roll for a label printer, the roll including a backing tape, an array of labels removably affixed to a first face of the tape, and a set of symbols provided on the second face of the tape, wherein the symbols include letters which form a 5 regularly spaced pattern, the pattern of symbols being operatively adapted to provide speed registration information for a sensor in said label printer.

2. The label roll according to claim 1, wherein the letters define a message on the label backing which is readable by a user of the label roll.

3. The label roll according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the symbols include 10 rectangles, and the letters and rectangles together form the regularly speed pattern.

4. A label roll substantially as herein described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. LABELCITY PTY LTD WATERMARK PATENT & TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS UIP1228AUOO