Techniques for printing onto a transparent receptor media using an inkjet printer

#The present invention generally relates to a method of printing onto a transparent receptor media, and in particular, to a method of printing an image onto an adhesive layer of a receptor media using an inkjet printer.

#Printed labels are used as a convenient way to provide information or personalize items. For instance, labels on consumer items contain bar codes for inventory control, price information, or to generally identify characteristics of the goods or the source of such goods. Labels on food items contain images, such as text or graphics, that describe or portray the product.

#The image on a label is typically printed onto the upper surface of the label. Since the image is exposed, it is vulnerable to moisture and scuffing, which cause the quality of the image to deteriorate. In commercial applications, the image is commonly protected by applying a clear film over the image. When the printed label is applied to the item, a border is created because the label is thick and does not blend into the background of the item. This commonly happens when a white label is applied to a colored background. While aesthetic concerns are not an issue in all applications, aesthetics are important when the user wants the labeled item to look professional. For these applications, images are printed onto transparent labels so that the label blends into the background of the item. However, the print is located on the upper surface of the label and is, therefore, still exposed to moisture and scuffing. For home uses, the image may be laminated to protect it from moisture and scuffing. However, this approach is disadvantageous since lamination increases the overall thickness of the image, adds additional steps to the process, and requires a laminating device.

#While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as the present invention, the advantages of this invention can be more readily ascertained from the following description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 shows a transparent tape of one embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 depicts the transparent tape of one embodiment of the present invention being fed through the inkjet printer with the resulting image printed in reverse;

#The present invention relates to a method for printing an image onto a hydrophobic, adhesive surface of a transparent, plastic receptor media. Generally, the image is printed onto the surface using an inkjet printer. After the image is printed, the receptor media is applied to an item, thereby personalizing the item with the image. Since the image is printed onto the hydrophobic surface, it is protected from moisture and scuffing after it is applied to the item.

#The receptor media 2 of the present invention is transparent and has a plastic layer 4 on the top surface and an adhesive layer 6 on the bottom surface, as shown in FIG. 1. The plastic layer 4 is composed of any thin, flexible plastic known in the art, such as polyester, vinyl, Mylar® (polyethylene terephthalate), or cellophane. The adhesive layer 6 is composed of any suitable adhesive known in the art, such as gummed adhesive, acrylic adhesive, or a pressure sensitive adhesive. The receptor media 2 is preferably a transparent tape and may include, but is not limited to, cellophane tape or a more permanent, adhesive tape. The receptor media 2 may also include transparent printer labels, which are known in the art.

#The receptor media 2 is attached to a carrier 8 that is fed through an inkjet printer 10, as illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the receptor media 2 may be attached to an 8½×11 inch sheet of printer labels. To attach the receptor media 2 to the sheet, the backing of the sheet is partially peeled back and a window is cut in the backing so that the adhesive of the printer labels is exposed or uncovered. The window must be an appropriate size to firmly attach the receptor media 2. The receptor media 2 is placed into the window so that its adhesive layer 6 is facing outwardly to receive ink during the printing process. The receptor media 2 is firmly held in place by the adhesive of the printer labels. In a variation of this embodiment, the receptor media 2 may be attached to the sheet of printer labels by cutting a window in the label. The window must be slightly smaller than the size of the receptor media 2 so that the receptor media is firmly held in place.