Method and apparatus for printing merchandising information

Abstract

A weighing scale which includes a label printer for printing labels having a detachable portion. A label cassette is easily inserted or removed from the weighing scale. The label cassette is changed depending on the type of label to be printed. Standard labels can be printed, or labels having detachable portions along one side can be printed. The detachable portion can have merchandising information printed thereon including coupon information, advertising information, discounts, specials, and product information. The information on the label and detachable portions is easily edited by an operator at a control panel of the weighing scale. A conversational display is provided which allows easy editing and also allows specials, recipes, etc., to be displayed. A molded cover is provided to prevent moisture from entering the weighing scale without interfering with the operation of the weighing scale.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for printing merchandising information, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) programming label designs;    (b) entering product and merchandising information; and    (c) printing a label including the product and merchandising information.    
     
     
         2 . A method for printing merchandising information according to  claim 1 , wherein said step (a) comprises the substeps of: 
 (i) determining general field position parameters;    (ii) determining field positions for each label;    (iii) converting field positions into coordinate numbers;    (iv) programming the coordinate numbers into a desired label format; and    (v) generating a label in accordance with the desired label format.    
     
     
         3 . A method for printing merchandising information according to  claim 2 , wherein said step (v) comprises the substep of generating a label having a perforated portion along one of four edges.  
     
     
         4 . A method for printing merchandising information according to  claim 3 , wherein the perforated portion of the label includes coupon information, item information, merchandising information and advertising information.  
     
     
         5 . A method for printing merchandising information according to  claim 1  wherein said step (b) comprises the substeps of: 
 (i) creating and storing a table of merchandising messages for products, in a microprocessor;  
 (ii) programming the table of merchandising messages into sales messages;  
 (iii) programming products to refer to the sales messages;  
 (iv) editing the sales messages to change the merchandising messages; and  
 (v) changing the text of the sales messages by editing the contents of the sales messages.  
 
     
     
         6 . A method for printing merchandising information according to  claim 1 , wherein said step (c) comprises the substeps of: 
 (i) selecting a label cassette containing desired label designs;    (ii) inserting the label cassette into a scale/label printer;    (iii) selecting a product number for the product being weighed; and    (iv) printing a label identifying the product and a selected message in accordance with the selected product number.    
     
     
         7 . A method for printing merchandising information according to  claim 6 , wherein said substep (iv) comprises the substep of producing a label having a perforated portion along one of four edges.  
     
     
         8 . A method for printing merchandising information according to  claim 7 , wherein the perforated portion of the label includes coupon information, item information, merchandising information and advertising information.  
     
     
         9 . A weighing scale, comprising: 
 a label cassette easily inserted or removed from a cavity in the weighing scale;    labels, inserted into said label cassette, said labels having an attachable portion and a detachable portion; and    printing means for printing said attachable portion of said labels, to be attached to a weighed product, with product information, and printing said detachable portion of said labels with merchandising information.    
     
     
         10 . A weighing scale according to  claim 9 , wherein said merchandising information includes coupon information, advertising information or product information.  
     
     
         11 . A weighing scale according to  claim 10 , wherein said detachable portion of said labels is detachable in a vertical direction along a left or right portion of said labels.  
     
     
         12 . A weighing scale according to  claim 11 , further comprising a molded plastic cover means for covering the weighing scale for preventing moisture and condensation from entering the weighing scale.  
     
     
         13 . A weighing scale according to  claim 9 , wherein said detachable portion of said labels is detachable in a horizontal direction along a top or bottom portion of said labels.  
     
     
         14 . A weighing scale according to  claim 13 , further comprising molded plastic cover means for covering the weighing scale for preventing moisture and condensation from entering the scale.  
     
     
         15 . A weighing scale, having internal electronics, including a label printer, comprising: 
 a weighing platter for holding a product to be weighed;    a weighing cross for determining a weight of the product on said weighing platter; and    a molded plastic cover for covering the weighing scale, located under said weighing cross, for preventing moisture from entering the internal electronics.    
     
     
         16 . A weighing scale according to  claim 14 , further comprising a label cassette, wherein the weighing scale has a receptacle for receiving said label cassette, and wherein said molded plastic cover is molded in two pieces, one of said two pieces having an opening for covering the receptacle for receiving said label cassette.  
     
     
         17 . A weighing scale according to  claim 15 , wherein said molded plastic cover is formed from a thin material which tightly covers the weighing scale.  
     
     
         18 . A label, comprising: 
 a first portion having a removable backing;    a second portion attached to said first portion and being detachable from said first portion; and    a perforation separating said first portion from said second portion.    
     
     
         19 . A label according to  claim 18 , wherein said first portion includes merchandising information printed thereon, and wherein said second portion includes coupon and advertising information.  
     
     
         20 . A label according to  claim 19 , wherein said perforation is in a vertical direction from a top portion to a bottom portion of the label.