Method and apparatus for reliable printing on linerless label stock

Abstract

A system comprising a linerless pressure sensitive label stock and a printer for printing on linerless pressure sensitive label stock exhibit reduced tendency for exposed adhesive to stick to printer components. The linerless pressure sensitive label stock has a plurality of regions that are substantially non-tacky formed along the length of the label stock web. In one embodiment, the non-tacky regions are formed by printing an adhesive deadening agent over the pressure sensitive adhesive. In another embodiment, the adhesive is printed in a pattern having non-tacky regions. Optional perforations in the non-tacky regions aid separation of printed regions from the rest of the web. Various means of web position sensing allow the printer to track the positions of the substantially non-tacky regions. After printing, the web of linerless pressure sensitive label stock is moved to positions where it is unlikely to stick to printer components.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.