Abstract:
In one embodiment, a cartridge body for a cartridge for providing media to a printer includes a first part and a complimentary second part, the first part and the second part formed of post-consumer-material; a hinge integrally connected to the first part and the second part and adapted to close the first part and the second part together over the media and contain the media therein; and an opening formed by the closed first part and second part for dispensing the media to the printer. A cartridge is also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is filed under 35 U.S.C. §111(a), and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/846,926, entitled “Cartridge for Label Printer,” filed Jul. 16, 2013, and also claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/846,931, entitled “Label Printer,” filed Jul. 16, 2013, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The embodiments disclosed herein relate to label printers, and in particular to cartridges for dispensing labels in a label printer. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There are a myriad of applications where it is desirable to efficiently, routinely and inexpensively label items. For example, in a medical setting, personnel print labels on a daily basis for new medical records and for updating old medical records. Without providing additional examples, it suffices to note that there is an enormous demand for quality labeling systems. 
     Accordingly, a number of specialized label printers have been developed and are commercially available. Generally, such label printers are efficient and reliable but not without expense. For example, many of these label printers make use of expensive cartridges for containing and dispensing labels. 
     More specifically, and by way of example, typical label cartridges include a label supply that is disposed within a hard plastic disposable housing. Clearly, such label cartridges are substantially more robust than needed for simply dispensing a small supply of labels. Not only does this cost a customer more than is necessary, but such technology is also expensive when considering shipping, warehousing and disposal. 
     Thus, what are needed are methods and apparatus to provide improved cartridges for a label printer. Preferably, the cartridges provide for reliable printing of labels, are inexpensive to manufacture and distribute, and offer a reduced environmental impact over the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one embodiment, a cartridge body for a cartridge for providing media to a printer includes a first part and a complimentary second part, the first part and the second part formed of post-consumer-material; a hinge integrally connected to the first part and the second part and adapted to close the first part and the second part together over the media and contain the media therein; and an opening formed by the closed first part and second part for dispensing the media to the printer. 
     In another embodiment, a cartridge for dispensing media to a printer is provided. The cartridge includes a body that includes a first part and a complimentary second part, the first part and the second part formed of post-consumer-material; a hinge integrally connected to the first part and the second part and adapted to close the first part and the second part together over the media and contain the media therein; and an opening formed by the closed first part and second part for dispensing the media to the printer and a media guide disposed over the opening. 
     In another embodiment, a method for fabricating a cartridge for dispensing media to a printer, is provided. The method includes selecting a unitary body including two parts, each part joined to the other by a hinge therebetween, each part of the body including a dimple for retaining a roll of media and configured to close together over the media and provide an opening for hosting a dispenser adapted for dispensing the media to the printer; disposing the roll of media in one part; closing the two over the media; and, disposing the dispenser over the opening. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method for fabricating a body for a cartridge for dispensing media to a printer is provided. The method includes selecting material for molding the body; and, molding a unitary body including two parts, each part joinable to the other by a hinge therebetween, each part of the body comprising a dimple for retaining a roll of media and configured to close together over the media and provide an opening for hosting a dispenser adapted for dispensing the media to the printer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments are apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary label printer; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an exemplary cartridge that includes a body and a dispenser, the cartridge for providing printer labels to the label printer of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a body of the cartridge of  FIG. 2  with labels disposed therein; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the body depicted in  FIG. 3 , without labels disposed therein; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of that includes a portion of the underside of the body depicted in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  depict embodiments of tape for taping portions of the body together; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a front side of a dispenser positioned relative to a label roll, wherein the body has been omitted from this view; 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of a backside of the dispenser of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a front side of a frame for the dispenser of  FIGS. 8 and 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a feeder for the dispenser of  FIGS. 8 and 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the dispenser and the label roll, further depicting washers and spacers for printing odd sized media; and, 
         FIGS. 13-15  are depictions of the cartridge disposed in a display card. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for providing a cartridge for a printer. In the exemplary embodiments, the printer is a label printer. Advantageously, construction of the label cartridge uses a small amount of materials, and may be fabricated from substantially recyclable materials. As a result, the label cartridge provided is a low-cost, environmentally friendly device. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an exemplary label printer  100 . The label printer  100  may be used to print labels having a wide range of characteristics. For example, the label printer  100  may print labels having a variety of substrate materials (e.g., labels may be formed of paper, plastic, film, foil, any other substrate material deemed appropriate and may be provided as combinations of the foregoing). The label printer may print labels having a variety of sizes (e.g., such as any size from a variety of standard sizes used in office work, and may include specialty sizes for custom applications). 
     The label printer  100  may be deployed as a desktop printer (as shown). However, in some embodiments, the label printer  100  is a hand-held unit. Generally, the label printer  100  includes at least one form of user interface (not shown). Exemplary user interfaces include at least one keypad and/or display on the label printer  100 , and may further include a network interface, a local interface (e.g., USB, serial, parallel, wireless and the like). In short, the label printer  100  may be provided as a printer having a diverse set of printing capabilities for printing media provided as a roll of stock and dispensed from a cartridge. Disposed within the label printer  100  is a cartridge  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary embodiment of the cartridge  10  is shown. In this example, the cartridge  10  includes a body  2  and a media guide  20 . Disposed within the body  2  is a roll of labels (also referred to as a “spool of labels”). The roll of labels may be pulled from the cartridge  10  through the media guide  20  by the label printer  100  as needed. Techniques for feeding labels from the cartridge  10  are known in the art, and therefore discussed herein only on a limited basis. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a view of the body  2  (i.e., the cartridge  10  without the media guide  20 ) is shown. In this example, a full roll of labels  1  is visible, and occupies an interior portion of the body  2 . Generally, the body  2  is formed of a unitary piece of material (note that assembly of the body  2  is discussed further herein). 
     In its assembled form, the body  2  has a first part  4  that is mated to a second part  6  at a seam  5 . The combination of the first part  4  and the second part  6  results in an opening for hosting the media guide  20 . The opening is defined by a mounting lip  14 . The mounting lip  14  generally includes attributes that are suited for joining together with a backside of the media guide  20 . In one embodiment, the media guide  20  includes dimples configured for least one of hooking and clamping onto material of the mounting lip  14 . Accordingly, mounting of the media guide  20  to the mounting lip  14  may be accomplished without the aid of glue, tape, or other adhesives (although adhesives may be used, if desired). 
     In this example, the body  2  includes an alignment feature such as a keel  8  disposed at a base of the body  2 . The keel  8  generally provides for stability and a secure fit of the cartridge  10  when the cartridge  10  is disposed within the label printer  100 . That is, in some embodiments, each printer  100  may make use of a plurality of differently sized cartridges  10 . Each of the differently sized cartridges  10  may include a commonly sized keel  8 . Accordingly, although a single printer  100  may be configured for using cartridges of varying size, each cartridge  10  that is loaded into the printer  100  will be installed in an appropriate geometry (such as centrally aligned) within the printer  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the alignment feature is separate from the keel  8 . For example, the alignment feature may include a feature disposed along a top of the cartridge  10 . 
     Generally, the body  2  is formed from recyclable material such as paper pulp. The material may include at least one of natural fibers and synthetic fibers and it may further include at least one of natural and synthetic binders as deemed appropriate. The binders may be included for various purposes. For example, binders may be selected to at least one of provide physical strength, resistance to humidity and/or moisture, to enhance marking of the body  2  and for other similar purposes. The material may be at least one of laminated, layered, coated, and treated as deemed appropriate. The material(s) used may be biodegradable, or at least partially biodegradable. 
     In this example, a body hinge  3  is provided in a central portion of the body  2  that exists between the first part  4  and the second part  6 . 
     Generally, the cartridge  10  includes the first part  4  and the second part  6 . In the exemplary embodiment, the first part  4  and the second part  6  provide for a “clam-shell” style of device, where the two sides close upon each other. However, this is merely illustrative and is not limiting of the teachings herein. That is, it may be considered that, in some embodiments, the first part  4  and the second part  6  are simply joined together to result in the body  2 . In some embodiments, the first part  4  and the second part  6  are a bottom and a top, respectively, and are not respective sides. 
     Refer now also to  FIG. 4  where a view of the body  2  in its empty form is provided. In this depiction, it may be seen that there is a respective inward dimple  11  disposed in a center of each of the first part  4  and the second part  6 . Collectively, the pair of dimples  11  provides a mounting feature for mounting and retaining the roll of labels  1 . Extending radially outward from each of the dimples  11  is a plurality of ribs  12 . Each of the ribs  12  enhances strength of a sidewall of each of the first part  4  and the second part  6 , and further helps to ensure alignment of the roll of labels  1  as it rotates about an axis of rotation, R. In some embodiments, a plurality of guides  15  may also be included. Similarly, each of the guides  15  enhances strength of a respective sidewall, and further helps to ensure alignment of the roll of labels  1  as it rotates about the axis of rotation, R. 
     In some embodiments, a support is provided in place of or in addition to the dimple  11 . As one example, the support may include a solid portion of material (similar to the dimple  11 ), a perforation through which an axle is disposed, or another type of support. That is, the body  2  may include a support that provides a mounting feature for mounting and retaining the roll of labels  1 , and the support is not limited to being a dimple  11 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , another perspective view of the body  2  is shown. In this illustration, and underside of the body  2  is more clearly depicted. It may be seen that the keel  8  provides for a substantial surface for seating the cartridge  10  within the label printer  100 . It may also be seen that the body hinge  3  includes a continuous portion of material that extends (or is shared with) the first part  4  and the second part  6 . 
     When initially fabricated, the body  2  may be seen as two side-by-side cups (embodiment not shown). A first cup correlates to the first part  4  of the body  2  and a second cup correlates to the second part  6  of the body  2 . Connecting the two side-by-side cups is the continuous portion of material that extends (or is shared with) the first part  4  and the second part  6  and referred to herein as the body hinge  3 . 
     Note that opposing arrows are shown above the body  2 . The opposing arrows are provided to imply folding together of the two side-by-side cups to provide the body  2 . Prior to the folding, the roll of labels  1  may be loaded into one of the two side-by-side cups (i.e., one side of the first part  4  and the second part  6 ). Once the two side-by-side cups are folded together to provide the body  2  having the first part  4  and the second part  6 , the seam  5  may be secured. The seam  5  may be secured with tape, glue, ultrasonic welding or by any other type of security deemed appropriate. For example, in some embodiments, interlocking features (e.g., lugs and openings, etc.) may be provided in each of the first part  4  and the second part  6 , such that when the body  2  folded together, the first part  4  and the second part  6  naturally interlock. 
     In some embodiments, the first part  4  and the second part  6  are held together, at least in part, by tape disposed over the seam  5 . In some embodiments, the tape is a patterned tape. That is, the tape may be designed to avoid bunching or wrinkling by incorporation of a pattern therein. Reference may be had to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In  FIGS. 6 and 7 , embodiments of patterned tape  71  are shown. In  FIG. 6 , the tape  71  includes an “alternating pattern.” In  FIG. 7 , the tape  71  includes a “waffle pattern.” 
     In some embodiments, the body  2  is held together simply by mounting of the media guide  20  onto the body  2 . Additionally, by providing a secure fit within the label printer  100 , it may be assured that the cartridge  10  is maintained in a unitary form. Refer now to  FIG. 8  where aspects of the media guide  20  are shown in greater detail. 
     In  FIG. 8 , the media guide  20  is shown in relation to the roll of labels  1  without the body  2  (merely for purposes of illustration and a better understanding of the media guide  20 ). The media guide  20  includes a frame  21  and a feeder  22 . The feeder  22  receives label stock from the roll of labels  1  and feeds the label stock to the label printer  100 . The roll of labels  1  includes an inner annulus  16 . The inner annulus  16  exhibits a diameter that is suited for securely mating with the pair of dimples  11  disposed in the body  2 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the roll of labels  1  does not require an inner support or axle, such as a cardboard tube, and is thus more cost-effective to produce. In some other embodiments, the roll of labels  1  is loaded onto spool. 
     In some embodiments, the media guide  20  may be referred to as a “dispenser” and by other similar terms. 
     The cartridge  10  may include an electronic component, simply referred to as a “chip”  13  (see  FIG. 3 ). The chip  13  may include, for example, a radiofrequency identification antenna (RFID), non-volatile random-access-memory (NVRAM), other similar components as well as suitable combinations thereof. Generally, the chip  13  includes memory to provide for tracking of information, assessment and/or control of functionality and the like. Accordingly, the printer  100  may be configured to recognize each cartridge  10 . Once recognition has been performed, the printer  100  may adjust internal parameters, communicate recognition information, and perform other similar functions. In some embodiments, the printer  100  is configured to store data in the chip  13 . Data stored may include information such as a number of remaining labels within the cartridge  10 . In short, the chip  13  is generally configured for exchanging information with the printer  100  regarding the media. 
     In some embodiments, the chip  13  is disposed on the body  2 . In some other embodiments, the chip  13  is disposed on the media guide  20 . Generally, the chip  13  may be oriented such that when the cartridge  10  is loaded into the printer  100 , the printer  100  may reliably interface with the chip  13 . For example, the chip  13  may be oriented such that contacts on the chip  13  align with contacts on the printer  100  when the cartridge  10  is installed. In one embodiment, the chip  13  is centrally oriented on the media guide  20 , such as on the frame  21  above the keel  8 . 
     In some embodiments, the chip  13  includes encryption technologies. For example, at least some of the contents of the chip  13  may be stored and/or communicated in encrypted form. Accordingly, the printer  100  may also include encryption capabilities for communication with the chip  13 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a back side of the media guide  20  is shown. In this embodiment, the feeder  22  is rotatably coupled to the frame  21  at a dispenser hinge  26 . The dispenser hinge  26  is disposed on each side of the frame  21 . As may be seen in this view, the frame  21  may include at least one mount  17 . The mount  17  provides for retention of the frame  21  on the mounting lip  14  of the body  2 . The mount  17  may be provided in any form deemed suitable for mating with the body  2 . Generally, the frame  21  includes a face  34  that extends from one sidewall to an opposing sidewall. The face  34  provides for substantial mechanical strength in the frame  21 , and may additionally prevent inadvertent damage to the roll of labels  1 . When the cartridge  10  is installed in the label printer  100 , the feeder  22  may be oriented in an upward position (as shown). However, prior to use, a size of the cartridge  10  may be minimized by rotating the feeder  22  into a downward position (not shown, as implied by the downward pointing arrow). When the feeder  22  is in a downward position, finger grips  24  disposed on each side of the feeder  22  aligns with and is received by a respective grip receiver  25  disposed within the frame  21 . The finger grips  24  may snap into the respective grip receivers  25 , or may simply align there with. In either case, the finger grips  24  respective grip receivers  25  provide for increased strength of the media guide  20  when the cartridge  10  is not in use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a front side of the frame  21  is shown. In this illustration, the feeder  22  has been removed to better present and discuss features of the frame  21 . In particular, it may be seen that the frame  21  includes opposing thruways  31 . The thruways  31  provide for retention of respective pins to provide for each dispenser hinge  26 . Complementing each thruway  31  is a semicircular guide rail  32  which is provided to cooperate with a positioning guide of the feeder  22 . Each guide rail  32  may include a stop (not shown) for cooperating with a stop of each respective positioning guide, and therefore restricting movement of the feeder  22 . The frame  21  may include at least one cross member  33 . The at least one cross member may be positions to provide for enhanced strength of the frame  21  and the feeder  22 . 
     In some embodiments, the face  34  is a solid surface. In some other embodiments, the face includes a window (which may be open). The window may be provided for users to monitor label stock, and may further be designed to reduce usage of materials in construction of the media guide  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , an embodiment of the feeder  22  is depicted. In this example, the feeder  22  is depicted separately from the frame  21  and the body  2  to better present and discuss features of the feeder  22 . In this example, the feeder  22  includes a pair of pins  41  (one pin  41  being shown). Each pin  41  is inserted into a respective one of the thruways  31  of the frame  21 . Collectively, each pin  41  and thruway  31  provides for a dispenser hinge  26 . Also shown, is one of two positioning guides  42 . Generally, each positioning guide  42  is provided to cooperate with a respective one of the guide rails  32  on the frame  21 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , each positioning guide  42  may include at least one stop  43 . The at least one stop  43  may provide for restricting or controlling movement of the feeder  22 . A channel  50  may be included with the positioning guide  42 . The channel  50  may be provided to provide some degree of spring, flexibility and/or resilience in the rotation motion of the feeder  22 . The channel  50  may further aid installation of the pin  41  into the respective thruway  31  by enhancing flexibility of the feeder  22 . 
     In this example, the feeder  22  is formed of two pieces of material. The material may be plastic, metal, a composite material or any other material deemed suitable. A feeder top  45  includes the pins  41  and the alignment tabs  24 . A feeder bottom  46  is mated to the feeder top  45  and results in a throat  49  which defines an exit for the media. During use, the label stock is fed through the throat  49  and to the label printer  100 . Included as a part of the feeder top  45  and within the throat  49  is a leaf spring  48 . Generally, the leaf spring  48  may be anchored at one end. Incorporation of the leaf spring  48  provides for retention of the label stock, as well as smooth feeding of the label stock and generally prevents the label stock from sliding backward towards the roll. Accordingly, the feeder top  45  may be fabricated separately from the feeder bottom  46  to ensure the leaf spring  48  imparts adequate pressure. Generally, the feeder bottom  46  is mated to the feeder top  45  along sidewalls thereof, such as below the alignment tabs  24 . The feeder bottom  46  may be mated to the feeder top  45  by use of at least one of interlocking features, glue and other similar techniques. An optional alignment rib  47  may be included on an exterior of the feeder bottom  46 . The alignment rib  47  may be provided to enhance physical strength of the feeder  22  when the feeder  22  is in a closed position and overlying the face  34  of the frame  21  and to ensure alignment. 
     Additionally, when closed, the feeder  22  may redirect the media downwards over the semicircular guide rail, adding some force to help prevent the label end from slipping back into the enclosing cartridge  10 . For a completely closed, disposable cartridge, having the end get wound inside would render it useless (much like winding a 35 mm film canister so the leader goes inside). 
     The feeder  22  may optionally include restrictive guides (for example, a spacer as described below) either molded in or slipped into the throat  49 . These restrictive guides narrow the opening from side to side and allow a single cartridge to be used for narrower media rolls. The narrower media may be wound on a cardboard or other core that is the full cartridge width in order to engage with the dimples in the paper pulp. To prevent such a roll from “telescoping” inside the cartridge, cardboard or other forms of washers of an appropriate thickness can be slid over the core to prevent side to side movement of the narrower roll in the cartridge. These washers, in effect, reduce the internal paper path to match that of the throat-narrowing guides (refer to discussion regarding  FIG. 12  below). 
     Generally, the media guide  20  is fabricated from a robust material such as an appropriate form of plastic or polymer. The feeder  22  and the frame  21  may be fabricated from similar materials, or may incorporate different materials. In some embodiments, at least one of the frame  21  in the feeder  22  include metallic components. 
     Generally, fabrication of the cartridge  10  begins with fabrication of the body  2 . Fabrication of the body  2  may be performed by molding material for the body  2 . Once the body  2  has been formed, one side is loaded with label stock. Subsequently, the other side of the body  2  is folded over the label stock and the two parts of the body  2  are joined together at the seam  5 . Optionally, fabrication may include applying the media guide  20  to the body  2 . Applying the media guide  20  to the body  2  may be delayed. For example, application of the media guide  20  to the body  2  may be performed by an end-user. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 12 , it may be seen that the feeder  22  and the roll of labels  1  are generally of a width, W (see  FIG. 7 ). Generally, the width, W, of the feeder  22  is suited for dispensing labels  1  of a similarly sized width, W. In some embodiments, the feeder  22  may be provided with at least one spacer  62 . The spacers  62  may be disposed within the feeder  22  (for example, in the throat  49 ), and provide for alignment of the labels  1  that have a lesser width, (0.X*W). Similarly, the roll of labels  1  may be complimented with at least one washer  61 . The washers  61  provide for alignment of the labels  1  that have a lesser width, (0.X*W). In some embodiments, only one spacer  62  and one washer  61  are used within the cartridge  10 . 
     Accordingly, each embodiment of the feeder  22  may be configured to feed labels  1  of a variety of widths (from a full width, W, to smaller fractions of the full width, W). 
     In embodiments where the roll of labels  1  has a lesser width, W, additional alignment features may be employed. For example, a washer (not shown) may be added to each side of the roll of labels  1 , effectively increasing the width of the roll of labels  1  to a full width, W. 
     The washers  61  and the spacers  62  may be fabricated from any type of material deemed appropriate. 
     In some embodiments, at least one washer  61  is either complimented by or replaced by an extended dimple  11 . That is, in some embodiments, a geometry of the dimple  11  may be adjusted to accommodate the roll of labels  1  having a reduced width (0.X*W). 
     In some embodiments, the feeder  22  further includes a slot  65 . The slot  65  may be included to mate with a portion of the printer  100 , thereby assuring alignment. The feeder  22  may include other alignment features to aid in orientation of the cartridge  10  within the printer  100 . The finger grips  24  may also be used to assist with alignment when the cartridge  10  is disposed into the printer  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , the cartridge  10  may be displayed in a display card  80 . Generally, the display card  80  may be provided as a display device that is fabricated from recyclable materials such as card stock. Advantageously, this avoids the cost and annoyance of blister packaging. In the embodiments shown, the display card  80  provides for use in hanging displays as well as shelf display. 
     Generally, the display card  80  includes a front  81 , a base  82  and a back  83 . The display card  80  includes a cutout that has a profile of the body  2  of the cartridge  10 . A user assembling units for display, such as for retail, may take a quantity of display cards  80  and insert appropriately sized cartridges  10  into respective cutouts. In some embodiments, a width of the base  82  is just slightly larger than a width of the keel  8 . Accordingly, once placed through the cutout, the cartridge  10  remains secure within the display card  80 . 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 14-15  are the slot  65 , the tape  71  and a location for the chip  13 . 
     Having discussed an exemplary embodiment of the cartridge  10 , aspects of additional embodiments and features are now presented. 
     By virtue of a separate media guide  20  and body  2 , it is possible to provide substantially decrease manufacturing costs. For example, the media guide  20  may be manufactured with greater respect for fitment and tolerances associated with fitting the cartridge  10  into the label printer  100 . However, the body  2  may be manufactured with much greater latitude in sizing and conformity with specifications. 
     Advantageously, the media guide  20  may be easily separated from the body  2 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the media guide  20  is provided as a reusable and replaceable component. In some of these embodiments, a manufacturer may provide users with new media guides  20  for bodies  2  to replace broken or non-functional media guides. Beneficially, this provides for an ability to use remaining media stock even in the event of a failure of the media guide. 
     The body  2  may include other adornments or features. For example, the body may include reinforcing structures (i.e., reinforcements) for particularly large implementations. Reinforcements may include, for example, at least one of additional features incorporated into the material used to form the body  2  and may include other components such as metallic strips disposed within or attached to the body  2 , as well as other similar implementations. 
     The cartridge  10  may include adornments such as handles, gripping tabs and the like to aid in handling of the cartridge  10 . For example, the cartridge  10  may include a pull-tab (not shown) to simplify removal of the cartridge  10  from the label printer  100 . The pull-tab may include, for example, a piece of tape affixed to the body  2 . The pull-tab may include at least one of woven, non-woven, spun, and braided material. In some embodiments of the prior art, the pull tab for a larger cartridge will fill up the cartridge bay in the printer and does not leave any space for finger recesses to remove the cartridge from the printer. Advantageously, the pull-tab on the cartridge (which may be combined with a product identification label) solves this problem, thus resulting in a more compact printer. 
     The cartridge  10  may be configured for particular embodiments of label printers  100 . In some embodiments, the cartridge  10  is configured for use in prior art label printers  100 . Advantageously, techniques for fabrication of the cartridge provide for use in a wide variety of label printers  100 . Further, manufacturers of the cartridge  10  may quickly adapt manufacturing techniques to accommodate changing specifications for label printers  100 . 
     Various other components may be included and called upon for providing for aspects of the teachings herein. For example, additional materials, combinations of materials and/or omission of materials may be used to provide for added embodiments that are within the scope of the teachings herein. 
     When introducing elements of the presently disclosed embodiments, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
     While the disclosure has been provided with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed.