GB2309955A

GB2309955A - Sheet of markers

Info

Publication number: GB2309955A
Application number: GB9702007A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Colin Thornton
Original assignee: Critchley Ltd
Current assignee: Critchley Group Ltd
Priority date: 1996-02-10
Filing date: 1997-01-31
Publication date: 1997-08-13
Anticipated expiration: 2017-01-31
Also published as: GB2309955B; GB9702007D0

Abstract

A sheet of markers comprises a continuous backing sheet 1 with two longitudinal lines of perforation 5,10, and a series of spaced markers 3 which are releasably attached to the backing sheet by at least one longitudinal strip of adhesive 2,9 and which extend across the width of the backing sheet so that each end of the markers lies between an edge of the backing sheet and the line of perforation closest to that edge. In use, information can be printed onto the markers and a portion of the backing sheet can be torn away to expose a section of each marker for ease of removal. The backing sheet may have a single strip of adhesive 2 between the lines of perforation so that one edge or both edges of the backing sheet can be torn away to expose free ends of the markers which may have one or two cuts 7 to define separate markers 3A,3B. Alternatively, the backing sheet may have two strips of adhesive 9 near the edges of the backing sheet so that the central portion 11 of the backing sheet can be torn away to allow information to be printed on the reverse side of the markers. Portions 8,13 of the markers may be retained on the backing sheet. The markers may be thin flat strips or flattened sleeves for cables. The backing sheet may have traction holes 4.

Description

ImDrovements relating to Sheets carrying Markers It has become standard practice to supply marker members (particularly those which are for attachment for electrical wiring and components) mounted on a backing sheet which can be passed through a printer or typewriter. The markers can then have suitable indications printed on them by the user and then each marker is peeled off for use.

According to the present invention there is provided a continuous sheet of individual marker members at spaced locations down the length of the sheet, the markers being in flattened form to enable information to be printed or typed thereon in a printer or typewriter, and extending across the width of the backing sheet, but short of both edges of the sheet, and being held releasably on the sheet by a strip of adhesive, the sheet having longitudinally extending lines of perforations positioned inwardly of the ends of the markers whereby a portion of the sheet can readily be torn away to expose free ends of the markers.

The provision of the perforation lines which allow portions of the sheet to be torn away then results in the free ends of the markers being exposed so that they can easily be pulled off the sheet or be picked off by special tools. It is also possible for the exposed end of the marker to be applied initially to the item to which it is to be attached before it is removed from the backing sheet.

In one preferred arrangement perforation lines extend down both sides of the sheet and the central region only of the sheet, between the two lines of perforations, carries the adhesive which holds the markers in place. With such an arrangement it is possible to arrange that a marker strip extending across the sheet at each location on the sheet is cut through in the central region to define two separate markers. As each edge strip of the backing sheet, as defined by the perforations, is removed, the free ends of the separate markers will be exposed. The marker strip could be modified such that a central portion of each marker strip is defined by cuts through the marker strip and is able to remain secured to the adhesive on the sheet when the markers to either side are removed. This central portion can be printed with markings which indicate the location to which the markers themselves are to be applied, as an aid to the user.

In an alternative embodiment perforation lines extend down both sides of the sheet and the two side regions of the sheet so formed carry the adhesive which holds the markers in place. With this arrangement the central portion of the backing sheet can be torn away whilst retaining the integrity of the sheet and marker combination since the markers will still interconnect the two edge strips. This allows the combination to be passed again through a printer with the under face uppermost so that the rear faces of the markers can also be printed. It may be advantageous to provide that an end portion of each marker strip lying over the adhesive at one or both sides of the backing sheet is cut through so that it can be retained on the adhesive portion of the sheet when the associated marker is removed.

Again this end portion can provide information to the user relating to the intended location of the marker, for example.

The markers may be in the form of thin flat strips or in flattened sleeve form on the backing sheet. Advantageously the edges of the backing sheet may carry traction holes to aid in passage of the sheet through a printer. The traction holes could be formed in tear-off strips at the sides so that the sheet with printed sleeves can be supplied without these strips.

The invention may be performed in various ways and some preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a plan view of one form of sheet and marker combination of this invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of a second form of sheet and marker combination of this invention; and Figure 3 is a plan view of a third form of sheet and marker combination of this invention; In the arrangement shown in Figure 1 a backing sheet 1 has a central band of adhesive 2 onto which is releasably mounted a series of markers 3 so that they lie across the sheet 1. The sheet is provided with traction holes 4 whereby the sheet may be passed through a printer and desired markings can then be printed onto the markers 3.

Two lines of perforations 5 are provided in the backing sheet 1. When the markers are to be used, one or both of the strips 6 formed by the perforation lines 5 can be torn away to expose the free ends of the markers so that they may be grasped easily or will enable a mounting tool to grip the end of the marker 3, or alternatively a part assembly device, for example a marker carrier. These markers may be in flat thin strip form. Alternatively they may be in the form of a flattened sleeve which is ultimately to be applied about a cable. The free end of a cable could be presented to the exposed end of such a marker 3 when the removable strip 6 has been detached.

In the modified arrangement show in Figure 2 the marker strip is cut at two positions 7 so as to create separate markers 3A and 3B. When the markers 3A and 3B are removed the central portion 8 can be left in place. During the printing procedure markings can be applied to the portion 8 which will indicate to the user the intended destination for the markers 3A and 3B.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 3 the backing sheet 1 carries two adhesive bands 9 towards the side edges of the sheet 1. The marker strip is then mounted across the sheet 1 by attaching it releasably to the bands 9. In this case two perforation lines 10 are formed inwardly of the adhesive bands 9. After the marker strip 3 has been through the printer to have indication markings printed on it the central band 11 of the backing sheet 1 can be torn away along the perforation lines 10. The remaining parts of the combination of backing sheet and markers can then be fed back through the printer but with the other face uppermost so that the other side of each marker 3 can have markings printed onto it. Finally each marker can be detached by gripping the central portion thereof and pulling it away from the remaining side portions of the backing sheet 1. If desired the marker strip could have a cut line creating a portion 13 which is left behind on one of the adhesive strips 9. Again this can have markings indicating the intended destination of the marker 3.

Claims

1. A continuous sheet of individual marker members at spaced locations down the length of the sheet, the markers being in flattened form to enable information to be printed or typed thereon in a printer or typewriter, and extending across the width of the backing sheet, but short of both edges of the sheet, and being held releasably on the sheet by a strip of adhesive, the sheet having longitudinally extending lines of perforations positioned inwardly of the ends of the markers whereby a portion of the sheet can readily be torn away to expose free ends of the markers.

2. A sheet according to Claim 1, wherein perforation lines extend down both sides of the sheet and the central region only of the sheet between the two lines of perforations carries the adhesive which holds the markers in place.

3. A sheet according to Claim 2, wherein a marker strip extending across the sheet at each location on the sheet is cut through in the central region to define two separate markers.

4. A sheet according to Claim 3, wherein a central portion of each marker strip is defined by cuts through the marker strip and is able to remain secured to the adhesive on the sheet when the markers to either side are removed.

5. A sheet according to Claim 1, wherein perforation lines extend down both sides of the sheet and the two side regions of the sheet so formed carry the adhesive which holds the markers in place.

6. A sheet according to Claim 5, wherein an end portion of each marker strip lying over the adhesive at one or both sides of the backing sheet is cut through so that it can be retained on the adhesive portion of the sheet when the associated marker is removed.

7. A sheet according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the markers are thin flat strips or are in flattened sleeve form on the backing sheet.

8. A sheet according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 wherein the edges of the backing sheet carry traction holes to aid in passage of the sheet through a printer.

9. A sheet according to Claim 8, wherein the traction holes are formed in tear-off strips at the sides of the sheet.

10. A continuous sheet of individual marker members substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.