Methods of making paper and labels

Abstract

Paper is disclosed for use in making repositionable or removable adhesive labels. The adhesive can be applied in patches or discrete areas to the paper or to a layer of material that cleans rollers in the manufacturing line and/or in printers. The adhesive can be applied in single or multiple layers. The paper is light weight paper and preferably thermal paper for use in POS printers.

Claims

1. A method of making paper suitable for use as removable or repositionable labels, the method comprising the steps of: applying at least one layer of adhesive cleaning material to the paper, either directly to the paper or to at least one layer of another material on the paper; substantially drying the cleaning material; applying a first layer of adhesive to the cleaning material; substantially drying the adhesive; applying at least another layer of adhesive on the first layer of adhesive; substantially drying each another layer before applying an additional layer; each layer of adhesive being applied to generate isolated areas of adhesive surrounded by cleaning material; the cleaning material having an affinity for the adhesive so that, in use, the cleaning material tends to clean rollers over which the adhesive bearing paper may pass.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of adhesive applied in the first layer is less than the amount applied in the second layer or in the layers after the first layer, collectively.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are two layers of adhesive.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adhesive is applied so as to leave adhesive free areas extending across the width of the paper.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the areas have a repeat length or repeat lengths configured to be not equal to the circumference of the roller(s).

6. A method of making adhesive paper suitable for use as removable or repositionable labels, the method comprising: applying a coating on one side of the paper, the coating comprising a material having an affinity for the adhesive; applying a first layer of the adhesive on the coating and in a pattern of discrete adhesive areas each substantially surrounded by exposed coating; applying at least one subsequent layer of adhesive on top of the previous layer or in the case of more than one such subsequent layer on top of the previous layers of adhesive; each subsequent layer not being applied outside of the adhesive areas of the previous layer or layers and being substantially the same or less size than each of the previous layer or layers.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the dry weight of adhesive applied per unit area of the paper is different between one application and another application.

8. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the adhesive applied in one application is different from the adhesive applied in another application.

9. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the paper has two or three layers of adhesive.

10. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the amount of adhesive on the paper is from about 6 to 18 gsm of dry adhesive.

11. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the paper is thermal paper.

12. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the adhesive areas have the shape that is substantially that of a parallelogram having two interior angles greater than 90 degrees.

13. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the paper comprises one or more columns of adhesive areas, each column comprising pairs of such adhesive areas in which the individual adhesive areas are arranged at an angle to each other.

14. A method of making paper suitable for use as removable or repositionable labels, the method comprising the steps of applying at least one layer of adhesive cleaning material to the paper, either directly to the paper or to at least one layer of another material on the paper; substantially drying the cleaning material; applying at least one layer of adhesive to the cleaning material; substantially drying the adhesive; applying at least one layer of cleaning material over the adhesive, the layer or layers having openings therethrough to expose a pattern of adhesive; the cleaning material having an affinity for the adhesive so that, in use, the cleaning material tends to clean rollers over which the adhesive bearing paper may pass.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the paper is thermal paper.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Some preferred features of this disclosure will now be more particularly described by reference in and to the following figures, which are only exemplary of the disclosure.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paper roll according to this disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded, schematic, perspective view of paper according to this disclosure, showing various layers;

(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a coating process showing production of paper according to this disclosure;

(5) FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a POS printer showing the flow of paper there through;

(6) FIG. 5 is an illustration of a pattern of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure;

(7) FIG. 6 is an illustration of another pattern of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure;

(8) FIG. 7 is an illustration of other patterns of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure;

(9) FIG. 8 is an illustration of other patterns of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure;

(10) FIG. 9 is an illustration of the relationship between certain adhesive spacing on paper according to this disclosure and a printer roll;

(11) FIG. 9a is a further illustration of the spacing relationship on paper according to this disclosure shown in FIG. 9.

(12) FIG. 10 is an illustration of another spacing relationship on paper according to this disclosure.

(13) FIG. 10a is a further illustration of another spacing relationship shown in FIG. 10.

(14) FIG. 11 is an exploded, schematic, perspective view of paper according to this disclosure, showing various layers. This is an illustration of a pattern of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure.

(15) FIG. 12 is an exploded, schematic, perspective view of paper according to this disclosure, as showing various layers. This is an illustration of a pattern of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure.

(16) FIG. 13 is a schematic view of paper according to this disclosure, as showing various layers. This is an illustration of a pattern of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure.

(17) FIG. 14 is a schematic view of paper according to this disclosure, as showing various layers. This is an illustration of a pattern of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure.

(18) FIG. 15 is a schematic view of paper according to this disclosure, as showing various layers. This is an illustration of a pattern of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure.

(19) FIG. 16 is a schematic view of paper according to this disclosure, as showing various layers. This is an illustration of a pattern of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure.

(20) FIG. 17 is a schematic view of paper according to this disclosure, as showing various layers. This is an illustration of a pattern of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure.

(21) FIG. 18 is a schematic view of paper according to this disclosure, as showing various layers. This is an illustration of a pattern of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure.

(22) FIG. 19 is a schematic view of paper according to this disclosure, as showing various layers. This is an illustration of a pattern of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure.

(23) FIG. 20 is a schematic view of paper according to this disclosure, as showing various layers. This is an illustration of a pattern of adhesive on paper according to this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(24) FIG. 1 illustrates a roll (1) of paper according to this disclosure. Roll (1) comprises paper (2), which is preferably thermal paper suitable for use in POS printers. Roll (1) is typically cut from a wider roll produced from a coating line or printing press and has a width (W) a longitudinal axis (L).

(25) A pattern of adhesive (3) is applied to the inner surface (4) of the roll and a release coating (5) is applied to the outer surface (6) of the roll, so that the adhesive layer will not stick to the roll itself.

(26) Preferably the edges (7) and (8) of the inner surface of the roll have an adhesive free zones (9, 10) along each of the outer edges of the inner surface and having transverse widths (E1, E2).

(27) Optionally, the center line (11) in the center of the web and extending along with longitudinal (L) axis is also an adhesive free zone (12) having a transverse width (C).

(28) Adhesive patches (13) are preferably separated from one another. Thus, the adhesive can form islands of adhesive. Thus, the adhesive is preferably not continuous along the length of the paper.

(29) FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred construction of the paper according to the disclosure. Paper (20) is coated with top coat (21) which in turn is coating with a release layer (22). Top coat (21) may be a single or multiple layers, such as two layers. The top coat is useful on thermal paper to avoid activation of the thermal layer by handling of the paper or by the release layer. On the opposite side of the paper, a primer and/or cleaning layer (or layers) (23) is provided and on that an adhesive layer (24), preferably applied in two or more layers. Adhesive (24) is arranged in a series of discrete areas, particles or spots. These are preferably individually isolated and spaced apart. They are preferably symmetrically arranged on either side of the center line (C). Paper (20) is a light weight paper, preferably having a weight of 40 to 65 gsm. For POS printers the paper is a thermal paper having a thermally responsive treatment on the surface facing the top coat layer (21). Paper can be utilized that has a suitable top coating from the paper mill, or a suitable top coat can be applied in line. Compositions of a suitable top coats include aqueous acrylate systems, or other systems known by a person skilled in the art. Suitable release layers (22) comprise similar water based acrylate systems, such as 6960 REL, or a UV based release layer (22) can be applied. Primer/cleaner layer (23) can also be a water based acrylate, such as that available from Royal Adhesives under product number 3992 PMR.

(30) The adhesive (24) preferably comprise two or three layers or applications of adhesive. Two layers or applications are more preferred in which the first layer or application is applied in less volume than the second. For example, the first can be from about 6.0 to 15.5 gsm of wet adhesive running at approximately 47% solids, preferably from about 8.0 to about 10.0 gsm of wet adhesive; and the second from about 8.0 to about 22 gsm of wet adhesive running at approximately 47% solids; preferably from about 10.0 to about 12.0 gsm of wet adhesive. It is understood that the first layer of adhesive can be applied in the same or greater volume than the second layer. It is also understood that the first layer of adhesive can run at a different level of solids than the second layer.

(31) The adhesive is preferably a microsphere adhesive which typically has desirable adhesion versus removability properties. Microsphere adhesives are typically composed of spheres measuring about 10 to 250 microns in diameter, preferably from 25 to 50 microns, which form an uneven film, limiting the amount of surface area contact between adhesive and substrate because of the microspheres. Suitable adhesives can be obtained from Franklin Adhesives or National Starch, with a preferable adhesive available from Royal Adhesives under product number 3991 PLV.

(32) FIG. 3 illustrates one way of making the paper according to this disclosure. FIG. 3 shows a coating line. Paper substrate (31) on a feeder roll (32) is fed into the line for receiving the various coatings described herein and exits the line onto a take up roll (33). Roll (33) is ultimately cut into smaller rolls of desired dimensions suitable for customers.

(33) It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that different processes could be used to make the paper and paper rolls of this disclosure. It will also be appreciated that variations of the process described in FIG. 3 could also be made. It is also appreciated that this process could also be performed on a traditional printing press that uses flexographic or gravure processes, or a combination thereof.

(34) As shown in FIG. 3, the line (30) comprises five stations (34, 35, 36, 37 and 38). Station 34 applies top coat to the paper (31). It is understood that this station could be eliminated from the process if the paper utilized has already been coated with a suitable top coating. Station 35 applies a release layer on top of the top coat. The paper is then turned over and a station (36) applies a primer layer that acts as a cleaning agent on the other side of the paper (31). Stations (37) and (38) apply adhesive on the cleaning layer. Any coating can be applied in one or more layers to achieve the desired result by adding a coating station or applicator.

(35) After each coating is applied, heaters (40, 41, 42, 43 and 44) associated with each station dry the relevant coating on the paper (31) as the paper passes through the respective unit.

(36) In each heater, the paper follows an elongated path past heating lamps, the length of the pathway through a heater and the number of heating lamps used being selected to ensure that when the paper (31) exits the heater of a particular station it is substantially dry, and yet, in the case of thermal paper, the temperature in the heater is not allowed to rise to such a level sufficient to activate the thermal coating on the paper that would discolor the paper.

(37) FIG. 4 illustrates a typical POS printer. The roll (50) of paper (51) is drawn over a paper guide (52) to a print head zone (53). In the print head zone (53), a platen roller (54) drives the paper past a print head (55). Since the paper is thermal paper, the print head (55) imparts by heat printing on the paper (51).

(38) The paper is then fed to cutting zone (56), where a blade system (57) cuts the paper to generate a separate receipt (58).

(39) FIG. 5 illustrates one pattern of adhesive on the paper (60) and comprises a plurality of generally rectangular spots or patches of adhesive (61). As illustrated, each spot or patch of adhesive is surrounded by areas with no adhesive. The spots are arranged in columns of two side-by-side rectangles, two sets of columns being ultimately intended for a single roll, such that FIG. 5 illustrates paper (60) that will ultimately be cut into four rolls for commercial purposes.

(40) FIG. 6 illustrates a similar pattern of adhesive spots or patches, on paper (70) the spots (71) being generally rectangular areas of adhesive in rectangles (72) that are applied first to the paper (70) and rectangles (73) that are applied second to the paper. This figure illustrates how the repeat length between the rectangles of adhesive (72) are different than the repeat length between the rectangles of adhesive (73). FIG. 6 therefore shows 2 repeating patterns that are not in register.

(41) FIG. 7 illustrates paper (80) having two pairs of columns of adhesive and that would produce, by cutting down the middle, two rolls of adhesive labeling. The adhesive patches (81) are arranged in generally tire tread design spaced apart along their longitudinal axis by the distance (C). Each roll when cut will provide strips or bands of non-adhesive coated paper extending along the length of the roll between the adhesive patterns and the respective lateral edges of the roll (and having a lateral width (E)). As illustrated, the adhesive patches are angled at about 45° to the center line of each, ultimate paper roll. It is appreciated that the pattern with the larger areas of glue will be tackier than the pattern with the smaller areas of glue.

(42) FIG. 8 illustrates paper (90) carrying four pairs of columns of adhesive spots (91) that would ultimately be cut into four rolls of labels. Each spot (91) is isolated from the other spots and angled towards the center line of each sub roll at angles from about 30° to 60°.

(43) FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the roller (100) of a printer laid flat and having circumference C. FIG. 9 shows a sequence of five rotations of the roller and illustrates how the paper may move over the roller, so that adhesive patches (101) are out of sync with the roller (100) and the cleaning areas (102) are designed to sweep across and contact non-repeating portions of the roller circumference.

(44) FIG. 9a is another representation of FIG. 9, showing the five rotations of FIG. 9 in side by side format, to more clearly show the places on the roller where the adhesive patches (101) and the cleaner areas (102) will contact the roller as the paper moves through the printer.

(45) Similarly, FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the roller of a printer laid flat and having circumference C. FIG. 10 shows a sequence of five rotations of the roller and illustrates how the paper may move over the roller, so that adhesive patches (101) of a different shape are out of sync with the roller and the cleaning areas (102) are designed to sweep across and contact non-repeating portions of the roller circumference.

(46) Similarly, FIG. 10a is another representation of FIG. 10, showing the five rotations of FIG. 10 in side by side format, to more clearly show the places on the roller where the adhesive patches (101) and the cleaner areas (102) will contact the roller as the paper moves through the printer.

(47) FIG. 11 illustrates another preferred construction of the paper according to the disclosure. Paper (110) is coated on one side with a release layer (111). A top coat (not shown) may be applied to paper (110) between paper (110) and release layer (111). The other side of paper (110) has a cleaning layer (112) to which is applied adhesive layer (113). Adhesive layer (113) is a continuous column strip of adhesive running along the roll of paper. The width of the column of adhesive (113) is slightly less than the width the paper in the paper roll (110), so as to leave adhesive free zones on either side (not shown) which extend along the paper. A second layer of adhesive (114) is applied over the first layer of adhesive (113) in the form of two columns of adhesive patches (115). Adhesive patches (115) are parallelogram shaped with each angled with respect to the center line or longitudinal axis of the paper roll at about 45 degrees.

(48) The construction of FIG. 11 may have a weight ratio amount of second layer adhesive (114) to first layer adhesive (113) of about 2 to 1.

(49) FIG. 12 is an exploded, schematic representation of a roll of paper (120), preferably thermal paper, having a release coating (121) on one side. A layer of cleaning agent (122) is applied to the other side of the paper, such as by flood coating. A layer of adhesive (123) is provided on the layer of cleaning agent (122) in the form of a substantially continuous strip of adhesive that may span a major or minor portion of the width of paper (120). Preferably, as in other embodiments herein, the adhesive leaves adhesive free zones extending along either edge of the paper. Over the adhesive layer or layers is applied another layer of cleaning agent (124) having windows or holes (125) therein. This effectively modifies the adhesive into a pattern dictated by the pattern of windows or holes (125) in cleaning layer (124).

(50) FIG. 13 shows a roll of paper (130) having a layer of cleaning agent (131) thereon. Adhesive patches (132) are arranged in two columns along the length of the paper roll in the form of generally parallelogram shaped patches angled toward the center line of the roll and with one column offset from the other, as shown. Each patch (132) is made up of two layers of adhesive: a lower layer (133) and an upper layer (134) in register with the lower layer (133). Adhesive free zones (163) extend along each edge of the paper. Adhesive patches (132) are angled to point in the direction of use of the paper roll.

(51) FIG. 14 shows paper (140) coated with a cleaning layer (141) and having columns of adhesive patches (142) extending along the roll of paper (140). Each patch comprises a first adhesive layer (143) and a second adhesive layer (144) on top of the first adhesive layer. For each patch, the adhesive layers are in register with each other. Adhesive patches (142) comprise generally parallelogram shaped patches, each inclined with respect to the center line or longitudinal axis (not shown) of the paper. As shown, adhesive patches (142) are generally arranged in four columns extending along the length of the paper roll with the patches inclined towards that axis.

(52) FIG. 15 shows paper roll (150) coated with cleaning layer (151). On one side of the longitudinal axis of the paper roll is provided a column of discrete adhesive patches (152). Patches (152) comprise a first layer of adhesive (153) and a second layer of adhesive (154) on top of and in register with the first layer of adhesive. As shown in FIG. 15 each patch of adhesive comprises a general parallelogram shaped area of adhesive angled towards the center line. Additional patches of adhesive (155) are provided on the other side of the center line to at least somewhat balance the weight effect of the patches of adhesive (152) on the other side of the center line. Patches (155) are applied as part of the first layer of adhesive and comprise generally elongated patches. Additional similar patches (156) may be provided near the center line

(53) FIG. 16 shows paper made in the manner illustrated in FIG. 11, in which paper (160) has a layer of cleaning agent (not shown) with a broad, first layer of adhesive (161) extending as a column spanning the central axis along the paper roll. A second layer of adhesive is provided in the form of patches (162) extending in two columns along the roll and shaped as parallelograms angled towards the center line and with one column offset with respect to the other. Adhesive free zones (163) extend along each edge of the paper.

(54) FIG. 17 provides a somewhat similar arrangement to FIG. 15 and comprises paper (170) having a first layer of adhesive extending in a continuous column (171) along one side of the paper with respect to the central longitudinal axis. Superimposed on the column are a series of adhesive patches (172) applied as a second layer on top of column (171). Patches (172) are generally shaped as parallelograms inclined towards the central axis of the paper roll. Patches (172) have the same width (with respect to the longer angled sides of the parallelogram as the width of column (171). On the other side of that axis is provided a second, narrower column of adhesive (173). Optionally, the narrower column of adhesive may have, as a second layer on top of it, intermittent, elongate patches of adhesive (174). Patches (174) are preferably within the boundary of adhesive column (173).

(55) FIG. 18 represents a portion of a roll of paper constructed in a manner shown in FIG. 12. The roll in FIG. 14 comprises paper (180) having a layer of cleaning agent (not shown) with a layer of adhesive (181) thereon. On top of the adhesive layer is another layer of cleaning agent (182) having holes (183) therethrough, so as to expose the adhesive (181) in the pattern of the holes. In a similar manner to as shown in FIG. 13, these patterns are formed by two columns of spaced, parallelogram patches of adhesive generated by the windows or holes in the cleaning agent layer (182) and arranged on either side of the center line at an angle thereto.

(56) FIG. 19 comprises a roll of paper (190) that has a similar construction to that described in respect to FIG. 18. Thus, the paper has a coating of material having an affinity for the adhesive (such a layer not being shown in the drawing). On top of that layer is provided a coating of adhesive (191) and on top of that is provided another layer of the material having the affinity for the adhesive (192). That layer having a series of holes or windows therethrough (193) which exposes the underlying adhesive layer as shown in the figure. This produces four columns of exposed adhesive, with two on either side of the center line. Each pair of columns comprises a two columns of adhesive patches inclined towards each other and each patch having a generally parallelogram shape.

(57) FIG. 20 represents a portion of a roll of paper constructed in a similar manner to that of FIGS. 18 and 19. In essence, paper having a pattern similar to that of the paper in FIG. 17 is prepared in the same manner as that in FIGS. 18 and 19.

(58) Thus, the paper roll in FIG. 20 comprises paper (200) covered with a first layer of material having an affinity for the adhesive (not shown) and having a first layer of adhesive in the form of two columns extending along the roll as (201 and 202) with column (201) being wider than column (202). Optionally, as shown, a second layer of adhesive is applied on each column in patterns representing a smaller area than that of the respective, underlying column. The second layer of adhesive on the wider column being in the form of spaced patches generally in the shape of parallelograms (203) and being shaped on the narrower column as spaced apart elongated portions (204) within the width of that column that paper having an upper layer of cleaning agent (205) covering the paper and having windows or holes (206 and 207) so as to expose the underlying adhesives. Thus, these windows have substantially the same shape as that of columns (210 and (202).

(59) Accordingly, this disclosure provides:

(60) Paper, suitable for use as removable or repositionable labels, comprising:

(61) a paper substrate, having a weight of less than about 70 gsm, a width extending between lateral edges, a longitudinal axis extending along the center of the width, an upper side and a lower side,

(62) the upper side supporting a release layer;

(63) the lower side supporting at least one layer of an adhesive cleaning material;

(64) a pattern of adhesive on the adhesive cleaning material;

(65) the pattern of adhesive being disposed on both sides of the longitudinal axis in the form of a plurality of substantially discrete adhesive areas, so that the adhesive along the paper in the direction of the longitudinal axis is not continuous;

(66) at least some of the adhesive areas being applied in multiple layers.

(67) A roll of thermal paper,

(68) the paper having a weight of less than about 70 gsm;

(69) the roll comprising a first side treated with thermally reactive material, a top coat over the thermally reactive material and a release layer on the topcoat;

(70) an adhesive cleaning layer on the other side of the paper and adhesive on the cleaning layer;

(71) the adhesive being such that labels produced from the roll are removable or repositionable;

(72) the adhesive being in discrete areas surrounded by exposed cleaning layer.

(73) A roll of paper, for producing removable or repositionable adhesive labels on a POS printer,

(74) the paper having a weight of less than about 70 gsm,

(75) the roll comprising on one side of the paper adhesive in the form of substantially discrete patches applied to one or more intervening layers between the paper and the adhesive;

(76) the amount of adhesive on the paper being from about 6 to about 18 gsm of dry adhesive.

(77) Paper as described above, wherein the amount of adhesive is from about 8 to about 10 gsm.

(78) A roll of paper,

(79) having a weight of less than about 70 gsm, and

(80) having adhesive patches along the length of the roll to produce at least one repeat pattern in that direction;

(81) each repeat pattern having a repeat length;

(82) the patches being separated by areas of non-adhesive material that has an affinity for the adhesive;

(83) the spacing of the adhesive and non-adhesive being configured to interact with a printer having a platen roll to facilitate the passage of the paper through the printer,

(84) the platen roll having a circumference;

(85) the ratio of each repeat length to the circumference being not a whole number.

(86) A roll as described above, having one or two repeat lengths.

(87) A roll as described above, wherein each repeat length is less than the circumference.

(88) A roll as described above, wherein the circumference is one to two inches.

(89) Paper as described above, wherein the paper is thermal paper.

(90) Paper, as described above, having a longitudinal axis.

(91) Paper as described above, wherein the longitudinal axis is in the center of the width of the paper.

(92) Paper as described above, having a zone free of adhesive extending along the longitudinal axis.

(93) Paper as described above, wherein the adhesive is arranged in columns, the columns being parallel to and on both sides of the longitudinal axis.

(94) Paper as described above, wherein there are two columns, with one on either side of the longitudinal axis.

(95) Paper as described above, wherein the adhesive is arranged in one column on the longitudinal axis.

(96) Paper as described above, wherein the adhesive is arranged at an angle of from about 20-70° to the longitudinal axis.

(97) Paper as described above, wherein the adhesive is arranged at an angle of about 45° to the longitudinal axis.

(98) Paper as described in paragraphs 0118 or 0127 to 0132, wherein the adhesive is arranged asymmetrically on either side of the longitudinal axis.

(99) Paper as described above, wherein the adhesive covers from about 65-85% of the linear length of the paper.

(100) Paper as described above, wherein the adhesive covers as least 60% of the width of the paper.

(101) Paper as described above, wherein the adhesive covers 75-80% of the width of the paper.

(102) Paper as described above, wherein the adhesive covers at least 40% of the surface area of the paper.

(103) Paper as described above, wherein the adhesive covers at least 60% of the surface area of the paper.

(104) Paper as described above, wherein the paper weight is from about 40 to about 65 gsm.

(105) Paper as described above, wherein the paper weight is about 55 gsm.

(106) A printer loaded with paper as described above.

(107) Use of paper as described above to produce removable or repositionable labels.

(108) A method of making paper suitable for use as removable or repositionable labels, the paper having a weight of less than about 70 gsm, the method comprising the steps of

(109) applying at least one layer of primer to the paper, either directly to the paper or to at least one layer of another material on the paper;

(110) substantially drying the primer;

(111) applying a first layer of adhesive to the primer;

(112) substantially drying the adhesive;

(113) applying at least another layer of adhesive on the first layer of adhesive;

(114) substantially drying each another layer before applying an additional layer;

(115) each layer of adhesive being applied to generate isolated areas of adhesive surrounded by primer;

(116) the primer having an affinity for the adhesive so that, in use, the primer tends to clean rollers over which the adhesive bearing paper may pass.

(117) A method as described above, wherein the amount of adhesive applied in the first layer is less than the amount applied in the next layer.

(118) A method as described above, wherein there are two layers of adhesive.

(119) A method as described above, wherein the adhesive is applied so as to leave adhesive free areas extending across the width of the paper.

(120) A method as described above, wherein the separation of the areas is configured to be not equal to the circumference of the rollers.

(121) A method as described above, as applied to paper as described above.

(122) A method of cleaning a roller in a printer over which paper bearing adhesive passes, the method comprising:

(123) providing paper as described above;

(124) moving the paper past the roller so that the adhesive cleaning material, adhesive cleaning layer or non-adhesive material having an affinity for the adhesive, respectively, tends to remove adhesive from the roller to minimize the paper jamming or fouling the printer.

(125) A method as described above wherein the primer or cleaning material comprises polyvinyl acetate.

(126) A method as described above, wherein the primer or cleaning material comprises titanium dioxide.

(127) A method of making removable or repositionable lightweight paper labels, the method comprising operating a printer loaded with paper as described above, wherein the printer cuts the paper to make the labels and in so doing cuts though the adhesive.

(128) A method of making adhesive paper suitable for use as removable or repositionable labels, the paper having a weight of less than about 70 gsm, the method comprising;

(129) applying a coating on one side of the paper, the coating comprising a material having an affinity for the adhesive;

(130) applying a first layer of the adhesive on the coating and in a pattern of discrete adhesive areas each substantially surrounded by exposed coating;

(131) applying at least one subsequent layer of adhesive on top of the previous layer or layers of adhesive;

(132) each subsequent layer not being applied outside of the adhesive areas of the previous layer or layers and being substantially the same and/or less size than each of the previous layer or layers.

(133) A method as described above, wherein the material acts as a cleaning agent for adhesive deposited on rollers in the manufacturing line and/or printers.

(134) A method as described above, wherein the dry weight of adhesive applied per unit area of the paper is different between one application and another application.

(135) A method as described above, wherein the adhesive applied in one application is different from the adhesive applied in another application.

(136) A method as described above, wherein the paper has two or three layers of adhesive.

(137) A method as described above wherein the amount of adhesive on the paper is from about 6 to 18 gsm of dry adhesive.

(138) A method as described above, wherein the paper is thermal paper.

(139) A method as described above, wherein the adhesive areas have the shape that is substantially that of a parallelogram having two interior angles greater than 90 degrees.

(140) A method as described above, wherein the paper comprises one or more columns of adhesive areas, each column comprising pairs of such adhesive areas in which the individual adhesive areas are arranged at an angle to each other.

(141) A method as described above, wherein the angle is about 45 degrees.

(142) A method as described above, as applied to the paper as described above.