Price information tag

Abstract

A method of printing price information tags and signs includes providing a digital press, a data management system with computer hardware connected for internet access, a database of stored/archived information, and a supply of sheets having a suitable stiffness and surface quality for use as price information tags and signs. Updated information is received electronically via the internet, and combined with selected elements from the stored/archived information to generate customized tag data, which is communicated through a data flow balancer to the digital press(es) to print customized price information tags. The tags are cut to size and include attachment barbs. The customized tag data is arranged to print tags in a series corresponding to product arrangement on particular store shelves. The customized price information tags can be printed and shipped on a just-in-time basis and in a predetermined sequence within at least 24 hours of receiving the real-time digital information.

1 . A price information tag configured for attachment to a tag holder on a store shelf, the tag holder including opposing members defining a frictional retention area and a throat leading to the frictional retention area and further defining a space behind the frictional retention area, comprising:
 a tag body formed from a flat sheet of material with price information printed thereon relevant to a product for sale; and   a folded flange along a top of the sheet that is doubled back onto the sheet and adapted to create secure attachment when the folded flange and the top of the tag body is slipped into the throat into the frictional retention area, with the folded flange having a portion extending reversely into the space behind the frictional retention area.   
   
   
       2 . The price information tag defined in  claim 1 , wherein the tag body includes a weakened line at a base of the folded flange to facilitate folding the folded flange. 
   
   
       3 . The price information tag defined in  claim 2 , wherein the weakened line includes a score line. 
   
   
       4 . The price information tag defined in  claim 1 , wherein the tag body includes a window formed therein, and a transparent sheet applied covering the window. 
   
   
       5 . The price information tag defined in  claim 1 , wherein the tag body includes tabs extending downwardly for engaging a ridge on the tag holder on the store shelf. 
   
   
       6 . The price information tag defined in  claim 5 , wherein the tabs define at least two pointed structures for engaging a channel the holder. 
   
   
       7 . The price information tag defined in  claim 5 , wherein the tag body includes adhesive for adhering attachment to the shelf. 
   
   
       8 . A price information tag configured for attachment to a tag holder on a store shelf, the tag holder including a place for receiving and supporting a main price tag and further including a transparent front panel for viewing information printed on the main price tag, and further including opposing members at a top of the transparent front panel that define a frictional retention area and a throat leading to the frictional retention area and a space beyond the frictional retention area, comprising:
 a tag body formed from a flat sheet of material with price information printed thereon relevant to a product for sale, a top of the tag body including marginal material defining an open window area; and   a clear plastic panel attached to the tag body and covering the open window area but substantially limited to the open window area and the marginal material, so that when the tag body is attached to the holder, the price information printed on the tag body is visible but also the price information on the main price tag remains visible.   
   
   
       9 . The price information tag defined in  claim 8 , wherein the tag body further includes a folded attachment flange. 
   
   
       10 . The price information tag defined in  claim 8 , wherein the tag body further includes downwardly extending tabs. 
   
   
       11 . A price information tag system for attachment to a shelf-attached channel with upper and lower edges, comprising:
 a tag sheet with printed information and indicia thereon;   a clear plastic sheet having a transparency for seeing therethrough; and   at least one of the tag sheet and clear plastic sheet having upper and lower barbs for retainingly engaging the upper and lower edges of the channel for holding the tag sheet and the clear plastic sheet together on the channel in overlaid positions.   
   
   
       12 . A price information tag system for attachment to a shelf, comprising:
 a shelf-attached channel with upper and lower edges;   a first price tag positioned in the channel and engaging at least the upper edges of the channel, the first price tag having printed information and indicia thereon; and   a second tag includes a transparent sheet, the second tag also engaging at least the upper edge of the channel and positioned over the first price tag with the information and indicia being visible through the transparent sheet of the second tag.