Variably printed tape and system for printing and applying tape onto surfaces

Abstract

An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, cutting the tape segment to form a tag, and applying the tag onto an object includes a printer for printing information onto the tape segment. A controller controls the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape. The printed tape segment is transported to a location for application onto the object and is cut. An adhesive tape can have variable information printed on it and can be applied onto an object. The tape includes a backing layer and an adhesive layer on the first side of the backing layer. At least one of the backing layer and the adhesive layer are colored to yield a tape opacity of greater than 60. The tape can have a scan rating of at least C when applied on a black background and an opacity of at least 65. The tape can achieve specific scan ratings when adhered to surfaces that have color coordinates including combinations of a*, b*, and L* that are selected in combination with each other.

1 . An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, for cutting the tape segment to form a tag, and for applying the tag onto an object comprising: 
 a printer for printing information onto the tape;    controlling means for controlling the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape;    transport means for transporting the printed tape segment to a location for application onto the object;    cutting means for cutting the tape segment to form the tag; and    applying means for applying the printed tag onto the object.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the transport means transports the tag to the applying means to perform next tag out application.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the object onto which the tag is to be applied is a box having sides, corners, and seams along which the box is sealed, and the applying means comprises means for applying the tag onto at least one of the sides, the corners, and the seams of the box.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the applying means comprises means for applying the tag along at least one of the seams of the box to seal the box with a tag that is printed with information that was variably printed.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the means for applying the tag along at least one of the seams of the box to seal the box provides a seal that maintains the box closed during shipping and handling.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the printer comprises means for at least one of thermal transfer printing, inkjet printing, and laser printing.  
     
     
         7 . A case sealing apparatus for sealing boxes using tape and comprising the apparatus of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         8 . An adhesive tape capable of having variable information printed thereon to form a tag and capable of being applied onto an object comprising: 
 a non-paper backing layer having a first side and a second side;    an adhesive layer located on the first side of the backing layer; and    means for yielding a good resolution comprising: 
 at least one of the backing layer and the adhesive layer being colored to yield a tape opacity of greater than 60.  
   
     
     
         9 . The adhesive tape of  claim 8  further comprising ink printed on the side of the tape opposite the adhesive layer.  
     
     
         10 . The adhesive tape of  claim 8  wherein the means for yielding a good resolution comprises a flood coat of ink located at at least one of: between the backing layer and the adhesive layer, and on the second side of the backing layer.  
     
     
         11 . The adhesive tape of  claim 8  wherein the tag has a scan rating of at least C when applied on a black background and an opacity of at least 65.  
     
     
         12 . The adhesive tape of  claim 8  wherein the tag has a scan rating of A when applied on a black background and an opacity of at least 80.  
     
     
         13 . The adhesive of  claim 12  wherein the tag has a rub resistance of at least Good.  
     
     
         14 . The adhesive tape of  claim 8  wherein the color of at least one of the backing layer and the adhesive layer is white.  
     
     
         15 . The adhesive tape of  claim 8  wherein the tag can serve as a box sealing tape.  
     
     
         16 . The adhesive tape of  claim 8  further comprising a low adhesion backsize layer located on the second side of the backing layer.  
     
     
         17 . The adhesive tape of  claim 16  wherein the low adhesion backsize layer comprises at least one of a silicone, an alkyl, fluorochemical constituents, and combinations of these.  
     
     
         18 . The adhesive tape of  claim 8  wherein the backing layer is treated by at least one of: a primer, flame, and corona.  
     
     
         19 . An object having the adhesive tape of  claim 8 .  
     
     
         20 . An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape according to  claim 8  and applying the tag onto an object.  
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20  comprising: 
 a printer for printing information onto a tape;  
 controlling means for controlling the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape;  
 transport means for transporting the tape segment to a location for application onto the object;  
 cutting means for cutting the tape segment; and  
 applying means for applying the tag onto the object.  
 
     
     
         22 . An adhesive tape capable of having variable information printed thereon to form a tag and capable of being applied onto an object comprising a non-paper backing layer having a first side and a second side; and an adhesive layer located on the first side of the backing layer, wherein the tag is capable of achieving a scan rating of at least F when adhered to every surface regardless of a surface's color coordinates.  
     
     
         23 . The adhesive tape of  claim 22  wherein the tag is capable of achieving a scan rating of A when adhered to surfaces that have color coordinates including any a*, any b*, and any L*.  
     
     
         24 . The adhesive tape of  claim 22  wherein the tag is capable of achieving a scan rating of at least D when adhered to surfaces that have color coordinates that satisfy the equation:  
       1>[−2.1+0.054( L *)+0.033( a *)].  
     
     
         25 . The adhesive tape of  claim 22  wherein the tag is capable of achieving a scan rating of at least C when adhered to surfaces that have color coordinates that satisfy the equation:  
       2>[−2.1+0.054( L *)+0.033( a *)].  
     
     
         26 . The adhesive tape of  claim 22  wherein the tag is capable of achieving a scan rating of at least B when adhered to surfaces that have color coordinates that satisfy the equation:  
       3>[−2.1+0.054( L *)+0.033( a *)].  
     
     
         27 . The adhesive tape of  claim 22  wherein the tag is capable of achieving a scan rating of A when adhered to surfaces that have color coordinates that satisfy the equation:  
       4>[−2.1+0.054( L *)+0.033( a *)].