Abstract:
Auto-applied packing list and upper label methods. A carrier material with an upper label and a lower label removeably adhered thereto is provided. The upper label and lower label are dispensed in sequence onto a label applicator apparatus. The label applicator apparatus applies the upper label and the lower label to a surface simultaneously, whereby after application the underside of the lower label is in contact with the surface and the undersurface of the upper label is in contact with the top side of the lower label.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Labels are commonly used to secure printed indicia to packages to indicate shipping or other information. In the instance of a shipping use, a separate packing list may be enclosed within a package shipped to the customer containing a purchased item. 
     There is significant demand for a labeling method that allows automatic printing and application of a lower label and an upper label to a surface. For example, there is significant demand for a labeling method that allows automatic printing and application of a packing list and shipping label to the surface of a sealed carton. Because the carton is sealed prior to packing list generation, it is not efficient to open it to insert a packing list. High volume shipping of such packages requires rapid attachment of a packing list and a shipping label to the package. It is preferred to conceal the information of the packing list until the final recipient receives the shipped package. 
     Complicated methods have been implemented for application of a lower label and an upper label to a surface. For example, where a packing list and shipping label are to be applied to the surface of a sealed carton, complicated methods have been implemented in which a packing list is applied and adhered as a pattern adhesive label atop a carton, using a first roll of labels (packing list labels) and a first label applicator. After the packing list label is applied, an address label is applied and adhered atop the packing list label, to conceal the packing list information, using a second roll of labels (address labels) and a second label applicator. Such methods have many shortcomings. For example, precise timing between the packing list application and the shipping label application is required to properly align the two labels, and to avoid mismatches between the packing list and the shipping label (e.g., where the packing list contains information about goods to be shipped to a first customer and the shipping label contains the address of a different customer. In addition, because two printers and two label applicators, along with related hardware and software, are required to apply a packing list and shipping label in sequence, such methods require significant floor space and investment. 
     For the foregoing reasons, it is desired to provide labeling methods that allows automatic printing and application of a lower label and an upper label to a surface while avoiding the many shortcomings of existing labeling methods. For the foregoing reasons, it is desired to provide labeling methods that allows automatic printing and application of a packing list label and shipping label to the surface of a sealed carton while avoiding the many shortcomings of existing labeling methods. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure includes disclosure of at least one method of applying a lower label and an upper label to a surface. In at least one embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure comprises the step of providing a carrier material. According to at least one such embodiment, the carrier material comprises an upper label thereon and a lower label thereon in a position on the carrier material adjacent to the upper label, the lower label comprising a top side and an opposing underside in a position facing and removeably adhered to the carrier material, the upper label comprising a top surface and an opposing undersurface in a position facing and removeably adhered to the carrier material. A method according to at least one such embodiment comprises the steps of dispensing the upper label onto a label applicator apparatus, whereby the top surface of the upper label is held in position against the label applicator apparatus and the undersurface is exposed; and dispensing the lower label onto the label applicator apparatus, whereby the top side of the lower label is held in position against the undersurface of the upper label. At least one such embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the step of applying the upper label and the lower label to a surface simultaneously using a label applicator apparatus, whereby after application the underside of the lower label is in contact with the surface and the undersurface of the upper label is in contact with the top side of the lower label. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label comprises a removable segment and a lower label comprises a removable region, and after the lower label is dispensed onto the label applicator apparatus, the removable segment and the removable region are in registration. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the undersurface of an upper label comprises a zone with reduced adhesive properties, and the underside of a lower label comprises an area with reduced adhesive properties, and after the lower label is dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the zone with reduced adhesive properties and the area with reduced adhesive properties are in registration. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a zone of an undersurface of an upper label with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layer covered with an adhesive deadening agent. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an area of an underside of a lower label with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layer covered with an adhesive deadening agent. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label is held in position against a label applicator apparatus by a vacuum force generated by the label applicator apparatus. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a lower label is held in position against the undersurface of an upper label by a vacuum force generated by a label applicator apparatus. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label comprises one or more holes therethrough, and a lower label is held in position against the undersurface of the upper label by the vacuum force generated by a label applicator apparatus, the vacuum force acting through the one or more holes. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, all of an underside of a lower label comprises reduced adhesive properties. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, all of an underside of a lower label comprises an adhesive layer covered with an adhesive deadening agent. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, all of an undersurface of an upper label comprises pressure sensitive adhesive that removeably adheres the undersurface to the carrier material. 
     In at least one embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure comprises the step of providing a carrier material. According to at least one such embodiment, the carrier material comprises an upper label removeably adhered thereto and a lower label removeably adhered thereto in a position on the carrier adjacent to the upper label. In at least one such embodiment, the upper label comprises a top surface, an undersurface, a removable segment and is bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges, where the undersurface comprises adhesive on at least a portion thereof and is removeably adhered to the carrier material by the adhesive. In at least one such embodiment, the lower label comprises a top side and an opposing underside, and is circumscribed by the leading margin, the trailing margin, and the first and second side margins. In at least one such embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure comprises the steps of dispensing an upper label onto a label applicator apparatus, whereby the top surface of the upper label is held in position against the label applicator apparatus and the undersurface of the upper label is exposed; advancing a lower label toward the label applicator apparatus; and dispensing the lower label onto the label applicator apparatus while the upper label is held in position against the label applicator apparatus, whereby the top side of the lower label is held in position against the undersurface of the upper label and the adhesive on the undersurface of the shipping label adhesively interacts with the top side of the packing list label. In at least one such embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure comprises the step of applying an upper label and a lower label to a surface simultaneously using a label applicator apparatus, whereby after application the underside of the lower label is in contact with the surface and the undersurface of the upper label is in contact with the top side of the lower label and adhered to the surface. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a lower label comprises a removable region, and after the lower label is dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the removable segment of an upper label and the removable region of the lower label are in registration. 
     In at least one embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure comprises the step of providing a carrier material. According to at least one such embodiment, the carrier material comprises an upper label removeably adhered thereto and a lower label removeably adhered thereto in a position on the carrier adjacent to the upper label. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment, the carrier material comprises a release coating on a surface thereof. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment, the lower label comprises a top side and an opposing underside that are bounded by a leading margin, a trailing margin, and first and second side margins, where the top side comprises a first surface area circumscribed by the leading margin, the trailing margin, and the first and second side margins. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment, the underside comprises adhesive on at least a portion thereof and the underside is removeably adhered to the release coating by the adhesive. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment, the upper label comprises a top surface, an undersurface, and a removable segment that are bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges, and the top surface comprises a second surface area circumscribed by the leading edge, the trailing edge, and the first and second side edges, where the second surface area is no larger than the first surface area. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment, the undersurface comprises adhesive on at least a portion thereof and is removeably adhered to the release coating by the adhesive. In at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, a method comprises the steps of dispensing the upper label onto a label applicator apparatus, whereby the top surface of the upper label is held in position against the label applicator apparatus and the undersurface is exposed; advancing the lower label toward the label applicator apparatus; and dispensing the lower label onto the label applicator apparatus while the upper label is held in position against the label applicator apparatus, whereby the top side of the lower label is held in position against the undersurface of the upper label. In at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, a method comprises the step of using the label applicator apparatus to apply the upper label and the lower label to a surface simultaneously, whereby after application the underside of the lower label is adhered to the surface and the undersurface of the upper label is adhered only to the top side of the lower label. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, after a lower label and an upper label are dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the leading edge, the trailing edge, and the first and second side edges of the upper label are not outside of the leading margin, the trailing margin, and the first and second side margins of the lower label, respectively. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, after a lower label and an upper label are dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the leading edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the upper label are inboard of the leading margin, the first side margin, and the second side margin of the lower label, respectively. 
     In at least one embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure comprises the step of providing a carrier material. According to at least one such embodiment, the carrier material comprises a removable upper label thereon and a removable lower sheet thereon in a position on the carrier material adjacent to the upper label, the lower sheet comprises a top side and an opposing underside, the underside facing the carrier material, the upper label comprises a top surface and an opposing undersurface, the undersurface facing the carrier material. In at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, a method comprises the steps of dispensing an upper label onto a label applicator apparatus, whereby the top surface of the upper label is held in position against the label applicator apparatus and the undersurface is exposed; and dispensing a lower sheet onto the label applicator apparatus while the upper label is held in position against the label applicator apparatus, whereby the top side of the lower sheet is held in position against the undersurface of the upper label. In at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, a method comprises the step of applying an upper label and a lower sheet to a surface simultaneously using a label applicator apparatus, whereby after application the underside of the lower sheet is in contact with the surface and the undersurface of the upper label is in contact with the top side of the lower sheet. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label comprises a removable segment, and a lower sheet comprises a removable region, and after the lower sheet and upper label are dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the removable segment and the removable region are in registration. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an undersurface of an upper label comprises a zone with reduced adhesive properties, and an underside of a lower sheet comprises an area with reduced adhesive properties, and after the lower sheet and upper label are dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the zone with reduced adhesive properties and the area with reduced adhesive properties are in registration. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label is held in position against a label applicator apparatus by a vacuum force generated by the label applicator apparatus. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label comprises one or more holes therethrough, and a lower sheet is held in position against the undersurface of the upper label by a vacuum force generated by a label applicator apparatus, the vacuum force acting through the one or more holes. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a lower sheet is held in position against the undersurface of an upper label by a vacuum force generated by a label applicator apparatus. 
     In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, all of the underside of a lower sheet comprises reduced adhesive properties. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, all of the underside of a lower sheet comprises an adhesive layer covered with an adhesive deadening agent. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will be more apparent and better understood by reference to the following descriptions of the disclosed methods and systems, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of an upper label according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 4A-B  show side views of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  shows the underside of a label applicator after an upper label and a lower label according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure have been dispensed thereon. 
         FIG. 6  shows a side view of the application of an upper label and a lower label according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure to a surface of a container. 
         FIG. 7  shows an upper label and a lower label according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure adhered to a surface of a container. 
         FIGS. 8A-B  show an embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9A  shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9B  shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10A  shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of an upper label according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10B  shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of an upper label according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11A  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11B  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 12A-B  show side views of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  shows the underside of a label applicator after an upper label and a lower label according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure have been dispensed thereon. 
         FIG. 14  shows a side view of the application of an upper label and a lower label according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure to a surface of a container. 
         FIG. 15  shows an upper label and a lower label according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure adhered to a surface of a container. 
         FIGS. 16A-B  show an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of an upper label according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 19A  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 19B  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of an upper label according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 22A  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 22B  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 23  shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 24  shows the underside of a lower label and the undersurface of an upper label according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 25A  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 25B  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended. 
       FIG. 1  shows an auto-applied upper and lower label system  10  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 1  are auto-applied lower label  14  and auto-applied upper label  16 . In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, a plurality of lower labels  14  and upper labels  16  reside alternately on carrier  12 . In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system  10  according to the present disclosure, each lower label  14  comprises a packing list label, and each upper label  16  comprises a shipping label. 
     According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, lower label  14  is bounded by leading edge  18 , trailing edge  22 , and side edges  20  and  24 . One or more lines of weakness  36  define a boundary of removable region  44 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure where lower label  14  comprises a packing list label, removable region  44  comprises a removable packing list. Frame  40  exists between a line of weakness  36  and leading edge  18 , trailing edge  22 , and side edges  20  and  24 . 
     According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, upper label  16  is bounded by leading edge  26 , trailing edge  30 , and side edges  28  and  32 . One or more lines of weakness  38  define a boundary of removable segment  46 . Frame  42  lies between line of weakness  38  and leading edge  26 , trailing edge  30 , and side edges  28  and  32 . 
     According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, the area of lower label  14  bounded by leading edge  18 , trailing edge  22 , and side edges  20  and  24  is greater than the area of upper label  16  bounded by leading edge  26 , trailing edge  30 , and side edges  28  and  32 . According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, the area of removable region  44  is no larger than the area of removable segment  46 . 
     According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, upper label  16  and lower label  14  are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier  12  and removeably adhered to carrier  12 , thereby enabling upper label  16  and lower label  14  to be dispensed from carrier  12  in sequence as discussed herein. Carrier  12  comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating  15  on the surface of carrier  12  facing the undersides of lower label  14  and upper label  16 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, release coating  15  is a silicone release coating. According to at least one embodiment of label system  10  according to the present disclosure, adhesive  13  is interposed between release coat  15  and the undersides of lower label  14  and upper label  16 , as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive  13  is a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, carrier  12  comprises transverse stripe  34 . Transverse stripe  34  comprises a color or shading of a region of carrier  12  that is different from the color of the remainder of carrier  12 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  34  is located after each upper label  16  and before the adjacent lower label  14 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  34  overlaps the trailing edge  30  of each upper label  16  and the leading edge  18  of each lower label  14 . 
     In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes  34  are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label  16  and the adjacent lower label  14 . 
       FIG. 2  shows the underside of lower label  14  and the undersurface of upper label  16  according to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, with carrier  12  not visible for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 2  is underside  1014  of lower label  14 , which is bounded by leading edge  18 , trailing edge  22 , and side edges  20  and  24 . Also shown in  FIG. 2  is undersurface  1016  of upper label  16 , which is bounded by leading edge  26 , trailing edge  30 , and side edges  28  and  32 . 
     In at least one embodiment, underside  1014  of lower label  14  comprises a first portion  1040  and a second portion  1044 , separated by a line of weakness  36 . First portion  1040  comprise the underside of frame  40 . Second portion  1044  comprises the underside of removable region  44 . In at least one embodiment, first portion  1040  comprises adhesive  13  on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion  1044  is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion  1044  comprises adhesive  13  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent  17  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  13  in those areas thereby rendering adhesive  13  ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent  17  is selected so as to not render adhesive  13  completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent  17 . In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive  13  with adhesive deadening agent  17 , the treated areas retain a slight tackiness. 
     In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface  1016  of upper label  16  comprises a first portion  1042  and a second portion  1046 , separated by a line of weakness  38 . First portion  1042  comprises the undersurface of frame  42 . Second portion  1046  comprises the undersurface of removable segment  46 . In at least one embodiment, first portion  1042  comprises adhesive  13  on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion  1046  is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion  1046  comprises adhesive  13  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent  17  thereby such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  13  in those areas rendering adhesive  13  ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent  17  is selected so as to not render adhesive  13  completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent  17 . In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive  13  with adhesive deadening agent  17 , the treated areas retain a slight tackiness. 
       FIG. 3A  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken on line of  FIG. 1 . The auto-applied upper and lower label system is shown in  FIG. 3A  in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 3A  are carrier  12 , adhesive  13 , lower label  14  comprising leading edge  18  and trailing edge  22 , release coating  15 , and upper label  16  comprising leading edge  26  and trailing edge  30 . As shown in this embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, second portion  1044  and second portion  1046  are free of adhesive  13 . 
       FIG. 3B  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken on line of  FIG. 1 . The auto-applied upper and lower label system is shown in  FIG. 3B  in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 3B  are carrier  12 , adhesive  13 , lower label  14  comprising leading edge  18  and trailing edge  22 , release coating  15 , upper label  16  comprising leading edge  26  and trailing edge  30 , and adhesive deadening agent  17 . As shown in this embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, second portion  1044  comprises adhesive  13  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent  17  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  13  in those areas. Second portion  1046  also comprises adhesive  13  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent  17  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  13  in those areas. 
       FIGS. 4A-B  show side views of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure while in use. As shown in  FIG. 4A , carrier  12  with upper label  16  and lower label  14  thereon is advanced in direction  508 . Carrier  12  is routed around member  502 , causing upper label  16  to be dispensed from carrier  12  beginning with leading edge  26 . At least a portion of undersurface  1016  of upper label  16  comprises adhesive  13  after it is dispensed from carrier  12 . As upper label  16  is dispensed from carrier  12 , upper label  16  passes under label applicator  500 . Force  504  generated by label applicator  500  causes upper label  16  to be lifted and held against screen  506 . Screen  506  forms a lower surface of label applicator  500 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, force  504  is a vacuum force. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, force  504  is an electrostatic force. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4B , after upper label  16  is dispensed from carrier  12 , carrier  12  with lower label  14  thereon is advanced in direction  508 . Carrier  12  is routed around member  502 , causing lower label  14  to be dispensed from carrier  12  beginning with leading edge  18 . At least a portion of underside  1014  of lower label  14  comprises adhesive  13  after it is dispensed from carrier  12 . As lower label  14  is dispensed from carrier  12 , lower label  14  passes under label applicator  500 . Force  504  generated by label applicator  500  causes lower label  14  to be lifted and held against, and in registration with, upper label  16 . Because in such an embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure the area of lower label  14  is greater than the area of upper label  16 , force  504  acts on the edges of lower label  14  to hold lower label  14  against screen  506 . Undersurface  1016  begins to be adhered to lower label  14  by adhesive  13 . 
     In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, prior to the time upper label  16  is dispensed from carrier  12 , indicia is printed on or applied to upper label  16 . In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure where upper label  16  is a shipping label, indicia, such as, for example, destination address and/or other relevant shipping indicia, may be printed on or applied to upper label  16 . 
     In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, prior to the time lower label  14  is dispensed from carrier  12 , indicia is printed on or applied to lower label  14 . In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure where lower label  14  is a packing list label, indicia, such as, for example, container contents and/or other packing list indicia, may be printed on or applied to lower label  14 . 
     In at least one embodiment, label applicator  500  comprises a printing capability such as, for example, a thermal transfer printer or a direct thermal printer. In such an embodiment, indicia may be applied to upper label  16  and/or lower label  14  by label applicator  500 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the underside of label applicator  500  after upper label  16  and lower label  14  have been dispensed thereon, according to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure. Visible in  FIG. 5  is screen  506 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , underside  1014  of lower label  14  is visible. From the point of view shown in  FIG. 5 , lower label  14  fully obscures upper label  16 , although upper label  16  is in registration with lower label  14 , between lower label  14  and screen  506 . Adhesive  13  is present in an effective amount in first portion  1040 . Second portion  1044  comprises no more than very limited adhesive properties. 
       FIG. 6  shows a side view of the application of upper label  16  and lower label  14  to surface  601  of container  600 , according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 6 , label applicator  500  moves in direction  602 , thereby moving upper label  16  and lower label  14  in direction  604  until the underside  1014  of lower label  14  is in contact with surface  601  of container  600 . The pressure of label applicator  500  against surface  601  of container  600  causes adhesive  13  to adhere the underside  1014  of lower label  14  to surface  601  of container  600 , and completes the adhesion of undersurface  1016  to lower label  14 . 
       FIG. 7  shows lower label  14  and upper label  16  adhered to surface  601  of container  600 , according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 7 , lower label  14  and upper label  16  are in registration. A line of weakness  38  is visible on upper label  16 . 
       FIGS. 8A-B  show an embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 8A , removable segment  46  of upper label  16  is partially removed from upper label  16  along a line of weakness  38 . Removing segment  46  in this fashion reveals removable region  44  of lower label  14 . In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure where lower label  14  is a packing list label, removable region  44  may comprise a removable packing list. Because in such an embodiment of the present disclosure underside  1046  has no more than very limited adhesive properties, removable region  44  is not damaged or defaced by removing segment  46 . As segment  46  is removed, frame  42  of upper label  16  remains adhered to lower label  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8B , removable segment  46  of upper label  16  is fully removed from upper label  16  along a line of weakness  38 . Removable region  44  may be removed from lower label  14  along a line of weakness  36 . In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure where lower label  14  is a packing list label, removable region  44  may comprise a removable packing list. Because in such an embodiment of the present disclosure underside  1044  has no more than very limited adhesive properties, removable region  44  is readily removable from surface  601  of container  600 . After removable region  44  is removed, frame  42  of upper label  16  remains adhered to frame  40  of lower label  14 , and frame  40  of lower label  14  remains adhered to surface  601  of container  600 . 
       FIGS. 9A-B  shows auto-applied upper and lower label system  100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIGS. 9A-B  are auto-applied lower label  114  and auto-applied upper label  116 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label  114  and upper label  116  reside adjacent to each other on carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, a plurality of lower labels  114  and upper labels  116  reside alternately on carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system  100  according to the present disclosure, each lower label  114  comprises a packing list label, and each upper label  116  comprises a shipping label. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label  114  comprises leading edge  118 , trailing edge  122 , side edges  120  and  124 , side tabs  131  and  133 , trailing tab  135 , and removable region  144 . In an embodiment of auto-applied upper and lower label system  100  according to the present disclosure such as is shown in  FIG. 9A , a trailing edge of side tabs  131  and  133  is substantially even with trailing edge  122 . In an embodiment of auto-applied upper and lower label system  100  according to the present disclosure such as is shown in  FIG. 9B , a trailing edge of side tabs  131  and  133  is not even with trailing edge  122 . One or more lines of weakness  136  and  137  define a boundary between removable region  144  and side tabs  131  and  133 , respectively. One or more lines of line of weakness  139  define a boundary between removable region  144  and trailing tab  135 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, removable region  144  comprises a removable packing list. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label  116  is bounded by leading edge  126 , trailing edge  130 , and side edges  128  and  132 . One or more lines of weakness  138  define a boundary of removable segment  146 . Frame  142  lies between a line of weakness  138  and leading edge  126 , trailing edge  130 , and side edges  128  and  132 . According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label  116  comprises one or more holes  147 . Holes  147   a ,  147   b ,  147   c ,  147   d ,  147   e ,  147   f ,  147   g , and  147   h  are shown in the embodiment of label system  100  of  FIGS. 9A-B . Other embodiments of label system  100  may have a greater number or lesser number of holes. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes  147  extend through segment  146  and carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes  147  extend only through segment  146 . 
     According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior to use upper label  116  and lower label  114  are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier  112 , thereby enabling upper label  116  and lower label  114  to be dispensed from carrier  112  in sequence as discussed herein. Carrier  112  comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating  115  on the surface of carrier  112  facing the undersides of lower label  114  and upper label  116 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, release coating  115  is a silicone release coating. According to at least one embodiment of label system  100  according to the present disclosure, adhesive  113  is interposed between release coat  115  and the undersides of lower label  114  and upper label  116 , as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive  113  is a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     In at least one embodiment, carrier  112  comprises transverse stripe  134 . Transverse stripe  134  comprises a color or shading of a region of carrier  112  that is in contrast with the color of the remainder of carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  134  is located after each upper label  116  and before the adjacent lower label  114 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  134  is located after each lower label  114  and before the adjacent upper label  116 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  134  overlaps the trailing edge  130  of each upper label  116  and the leading edge  118  of each lower label  114 . 
     In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes  134  are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label  116  and the adjacent lower label  114 . 
       FIGS. 10A-B  shows the underside of lower label  114  and the undersurface of upper label  116  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, with carrier  112  not visible for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIGS. 10A-B  is underside  1114  of lower label  114 , comprising leading edge  118 , trailing edge  122 , side edges  120  and  124 , side tabs  131  and  133 , trailing tab  135 , and removable region underside  1144 . In an embodiment of auto-applied upper and lower label system  100  according to the present disclosure such as is shown in  FIG. 10A , a trailing edge of side tabs  131  and  133  is substantially even with trailing edge  122 . In an embodiment of auto-applied upper and lower label system  100  according to the present disclosure such as is shown in  FIG. 10B , a trailing edge of side tabs  131  and  133  is not even with trailing edge  122 . Also shown in  FIGS. 10A-B  is undersurface  1116  of upper label  116 , which is bounded by leading edge  126 , trailing edge  130 , and side edges  128  and  132 . 
     In at least one embodiment, underside  1114  of lower label  114  is substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, underside  1114  of lower label  114  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but underside  1114  comprises an adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in those areas thereby rendering adhesive  113  ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent  117  is selected so as to not render adhesive  113  completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent  117 . In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive  113  with adhesive deadening agent  117 , the treated areas retain a slight tackiness. In at least one embodiment, all of underside  1114  is free of or substantially free of adhesive properties, although in such an embodiment underside  1114  may retain a slight tackiness. In at least one alternate embodiment, at least a portion of the underside of trailing tab  135  may comprise adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area. In such an embodiment, adhesive  113  serves to removeably adhere lower label  114  to carrier  112  until lower label  114  is dispensed. 
     In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface  1116  of upper label  116  comprises a first portion  1142  and a second portion  1146 , separated by a line of weakness  138 . First portion  1142  comprises the undersurface of frame  142 . Second portion  1146  comprises the undersurface of removable segment  146 . In at least one embodiment, first portion  1142  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion  1146  is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion  1146  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in those areas thereby rendering adhesive  113  ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent  117  is selected so as to not render adhesive  113  completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent  117 . In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive  113  with adhesive deadening agent  117 , the treated areas retain a slight tackiness. 
       FIG. 11A  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken on line XI-XI of  FIG. 9A  or  FIG. 9B . The auto-applied upper and lower label system is shown in  FIG. 11A  in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 11A  are carrier  112 , adhesive  113 , lower label  114  including leading edge  118  and trailing tab  135 , release coating  115 , upper label  116  including leading edge  126  and trailing edge  130 , hole  147   a , and hole  147   h . As shown in this embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, underside  1144  and second portion  1146  are free of adhesive  113 . 
       FIG. 11B  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken on line XI-XI of  FIG. 9A  or  FIG. 9B . The auto-applied upper and lower label system is shown in  FIG. 11B  in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 11B  are carrier  112 , adhesive  113 , lower label  114  including leading edge  118  and trailing tab  135 , release coating  115 , upper label  116  including leading edge  126  and trailing edge  130 , adhesive deadening agent  117 , hole  147   a , and hole  147   h . In at least one other embodiment of the present disclosure, underside  1144  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in those areas. Second portion  1146  also comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in those areas. 
       FIGS. 12A-B  show a side view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure while in use. As shown in  FIG. 12A , carrier  112  with upper label  116  and lower label  114  thereon is advanced in direction  508 . Carrier  112  is routed around member  502 , causing upper label  116  to be dispensed from carrier  112  beginning with leading edge  126 . At least a portion of undersurface  1116  of upper label  116  comprises adhesive  113  after it is dispensed from carrier  112 . As upper label  116  is dispensed from carrier  112 , upper label  116  passes under label applicator  500 . Force  504  generated by label applicator  500  causes upper label  116  to be lifted and held against screen  506 . Screen  506  forms a lower surface of label applicator  500 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 12B , after upper label  116  is dispensed from carrier  112 , carrier  112  with lower label  114  thereon is advanced in direction  508 . Carrier  112  is routed around member  502 , causing lower label  114  to be dispensed from carrier  112  beginning with leading edge  118 . As lower label  114  is dispensed from carrier  112 , lower label  114  passes under label applicator  500 . Force  504  generated by label applicator  500  causes lower label  114  to be lifted and held against, and in registration with, upper label  116 . In such an embodiment, lower label  114  is not in contact with screen  506 . Because in at least one such embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure upper label  116  comprises one or more holes  147 , even though the area of lower label  114  is less than the area of upper label  116 , if force  504  is a vacuum force, force  504  acts through holes  147  in upper label  116  to hold lower label  114  against, and in registration with, upper label  116 . Undersurface  1116  begins to be adhered to lower label  114  by adhesive  113 . 
     In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, prior to the time upper label  116  is dispensed from carrier  112 , indicia is printed on or applied to upper label  116 . In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure where upper label  116  is a shipping label, indicia, such as, for example, destination address and/or other relevant shipping indicia, may be printed on or applied to upper label  116 . 
     In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, prior to the time lower label  114  is dispensed from carrier  112 , indicia is printed on or applied to lower label  114 . In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure where lower label  114  is a packing list label, indicia, such as, for example, container contents and/or other packing list indicia, may be printed on or applied to lower label  114 . 
     In at least one embodiment, label applicator  500  comprises a printing capability such as, for example, a thermal transfer printer or a direct thermal printer. In such an embodiment, indicia may be applied to upper label  116  and/or lower label  114  by label applicator  500 . 
       FIG. 13  shows the underside of label applicator  500  after upper label  116  and lower label  114  have been dispensed thereon, according to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure. Visible in  FIG. 13  is screen  506 . Shown in  FIG. 13  are undersurface  1116  comprising first portion  1142  and second portion  1146  separated by a line of weakness  138 . First portion  1142  comprises effective amount of adhesive  113  on its surface area. Also shown in  FIG. 13  is underside  1114  of lower label  114 , comprising side tabs  131  and  133 , trailing tab  135 , lines of weakness  136 ,  137 , and  139 , and removable region underside  1144 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , in at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure only tabs  131 ,  133 , and  135  come into contact with adhesive  113  on first portion  1142 . Accordingly, in such an embodiment lower label  114  is adhered to undersurface  1116  only at tabs  131 ,  133 , and  135 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a side view of the application of upper label  116  and lower label  114  to a surface  601  of container  600 , according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 14 , label applicator  500  moves in direction  602 , thereby moving upper label  116  and lower label  114  in direction  604  until the underside of lower label  114  is in contact with surface  601  of container  600 . The pressure of label applicator  500  against surface  601  of container  600  causes adhesive  113  to adhere the undersurface  1116  of upper label  116  to surface  601  of container  600 , and completes the adhesion of undersurface  1116  to lower label  114 . 
       FIG. 15  shows lower label  114  and upper label  116  adhered to a surface of container  600 . Shown in  FIG. 15  is upper label  116  comprising a line of weakness  138  and removable segment  146 . Lower label  114  comprising removable region  144  is concealed under upper label  116 , with removable region  144  in registration with removable segment  146 . 
       FIGS. 16A-B  show an embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 16A , removable segment  146  of upper label  116  is partially removed from upper label  116  along a line of weakness  138 . Removing segment  146  in this fashion reveals removable region  144 . In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure where lower label  114  is a packing list label, removable region  144  may comprise a removable packing list. Because in such an embodiment of the present disclosure underside  1146  has no more than very limited adhesive properties, removable region  144  is not damaged or defaced by removing segment  146 . As segment  146  is removed, frame  142  of upper label  116  remains adhered to lower label  114  at tabs  131 ,  133 , and  135  and also to surface  601 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16B , removable region  144  may be removed from lower label  114  along lines of weakness  136 ,  137 , and  139 . In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure where lower label  114  is a packing list label, removable region  144  may comprise a removable packing list. Because in such an embodiment of the present disclosure underside  1144  has no more than very limited adhesive properties, removable region  144  is readily removable from surface  601  of container  600 . After removable region  144  is removed, frame  142  of upper label  116  remains adhered to surface  601  of container  600 , and tabs  131 ,  133 , and  135  are retained under frame  142 . 
       FIG. 17  shows auto-applied upper and lower label system  101  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 17  are auto-applied lower label  114  and auto-applied upper label  116 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label  114  and upper label  116  reside adjacent to each other on carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, a plurality of lower labels  114  and upper labels  116  reside alternately on carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system  101  according to the present disclosure, each upper label  116  comprises a shipping label, and each lower label  114  comprises a return label. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label  114  comprises leading edge  118 , trailing edge  122 , side edges  120  and  124 , side tabs  131  and  133 , and trailing tab  135 . In an embodiment of auto-applied upper and lower label system  101  according to the present disclosure, a trailing edge of side tabs  131  and  133  may be substantially even with trailing edge  122 . 
     According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label  116  is bounded by leading edge  126 , trailing edge  130 , and side edges  128  and  132 . One or more lines of weakness  138  define a boundary of removable segment  146 . Frame  142  lies between a line of weakness  138  and leading edge  126 , trailing edge  130 , and side edges  128  and  132 . According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label  116  comprises one or more holes  147 . Holes  147   a - 147   h  are shown in the embodiment of label system  101  of  FIG. 17 . Other embodiments of label system  101  may have a greater number or lesser number of holes. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes  147  extend through segment  146  and carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes  147  extend only through segment  146 . 
     According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior to use upper label  116  and lower label  114  are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier  112 , thereby enabling upper label  116  and lower label  114  to be dispensed from carrier  112  in sequence as discussed herein. Carrier  112  comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating  115  on the surface of carrier  112  facing the underside of lower label  114  and undersurface of upper label  116 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, release coating  115  is a silicone release coating. According to at least one embodiment of label system  101  according to the present disclosure, adhesive  113  is interposed between release coat  115  and the underside of lower label  114  and undersurface of upper label  116 , as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive  113  is a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     In at least one embodiment, carrier  112  comprises transverse stripe  134 . Transverse stripe  134  comprises a color or shading of a region of carrier  112  that is in contrast with the color of the remainder of carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  134  is located after each upper label  116  and before the adjacent lower label  114 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  134  is located after each lower label  114  and before the adjacent upper label  116 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  134  overlaps the trailing edge  130  of each upper label  116  and the leading edge  118  of each lower label  114 . 
     In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes  134  are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label  116  and the adjacent lower label  114 . 
       FIG. 18  shows the underside of lower label  114  and the undersurface of upper label  116  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, with carrier  112  not visible for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 18  is underside  1114  of lower label  114 , comprising leading edge  118 , trailing edge  122 , side edges  120  and  124 , side tabs  131  and  133 , and trailing tab  135 . In an embodiment of auto-applied upper and lower label system  101  according to the present disclosure, a trailing edge of side tabs  131  and  133  may be substantially even with trailing edge  122 . Also shown in  FIG. 18  is undersurface  1116  of upper label  116 , which is bounded by leading edge  126 , trailing edge  130 , and side edges  128  and  132 . 
     In at least one embodiment, underside  1114  of lower label  114  comprises adhesive  113  on at least a portion of its surface area. In at lest one embodiment, underside  1114  of lower label  114  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface  1116  of upper label  116  comprises a first portion  1142  and a second portion  1146 , separated by a line of weakness  138 . First portion  1142  comprises the undersurface of frame  142 . Second portion  1146  comprises the undersurface of removable segment  146 . In at least one embodiment, first portion  1142  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion  1146  is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion  1146  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in those areas thereby rendering adhesive  113  ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent  117  is selected so as to not render adhesive  113  completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent  117 . In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive  113  with adhesive deadening agent  117 , the treated areas retain a slight tackiness. 
       FIG. 19A  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken on line XIX-XIX of  FIG. 17 . The auto-applied upper and lower label system is shown in  FIG. 19A  in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 19A  are carrier  112 , adhesive  113 , lower label  114  including leading edge  118  and trailing tab  135 , release coating  115 , upper label  116  including leading edge  126  and trailing edge  130 , hole  147   a , and hole  147   h . As shown in this embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, second portion  1146  is free of adhesive  113  and underside  1144  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area. 
       FIG. 19B  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken on line XIX-XIX of  FIG. 17 . The auto-applied upper and lower label system is shown in  FIG. 19B  in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 19B  are carrier  112 , adhesive  113 , lower label  114  including leading edge  118  and trailing tab  135 , release coating  115 , upper label  116  including leading edge  126  and trailing edge  130 , adhesive deadening agent  117 , hole  147   a , and hole  147   h . In at least one other embodiment of the present disclosure, underside  1144  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area. Second portion  1146  also comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in that area. 
     Auto-applied upper and lower label system  101  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure may be automatically applied to a surface through the use of apparatuses and processes substantially similar to the apparatuses and processes shown and described in  FIGS. 12A-15  and this written description. Auto-applied upper and lower label system  101  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in a manner substantially similar to manner shown and described in  FIGS. 16A-16B  and this written description, provided that because underside  1114  of lower label  114  of auto-applied upper and lower label system  101  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, lower label  114  of auto-applied upper and lower label system  101  is not readily removable from the surface to which it is applied. According to at least one embodiment of auto-applied upper and lower label system  101  according to the present disclosure, upper label  116  comprises shipping address indicia and lower label  114  comprises return shipping address indicia. According to such an embodiment, if a container comprising upper label  116  and lower label  114  is to be returned to its source, upon receipt the recipient may remove upper label  116  to reveal return shipping address indicia on lower label  114 . The container then may be shipped back to its source. 
       FIG. 20  shows auto-applied upper and lower label system  102  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 20  are auto-applied lower label  114  and auto-applied upper label  116 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label  114  and upper label  116  reside adjacent to each other on carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, a plurality of lower labels  114  and upper labels  116  reside alternately on carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system  102  according to the present disclosure, each lower label  114  comprises a packing list label, and each upper label  116  comprises a shipping label. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label  114  comprises leading edge  118 , trailing edge  122 , side edges  120  and  124 , and trailing tab  135 . According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label  116  is bounded by leading edge  126 , trailing edge  130 , and side edges  128  and  132 . One or more lines of weakness  138  define a boundary of removable segment  146 . Frame  142  lies between a line of weakness  138  and leading edge  126 , trailing edge  130 , and side edges  128  and  132 . According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label  116  comprises one or more holes  147 . Holes  147   a - 147   i  are shown in the embodiment of label system  102  of  FIG. 20 . Other embodiments of label system  102  may have a greater number or lesser number of holes. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes  147  extend through segment  146  and carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes  147  extend only through segment  146 . 
     According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior to use upper label  116  and lower label  114  are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier  112 , thereby enabling upper label  116  and lower label  114  to be dispensed from carrier  112  in sequence as discussed herein. Carrier  112  comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating  115  on the surface of carrier  112  facing the underside of lower label  114  and undersurface of upper label  116 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, release coating  115  is a silicone release coating. According to at least one embodiment of label system  102  according to the present disclosure, adhesive  113  is interposed between release coat  115  and the underside of lower label  114  and undersurface of upper label  116 , as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive  113  is a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     In at least one embodiment, carrier  112  comprises transverse stripe  134 . Transverse stripe  134  comprises a color or shading of a region of carrier  112  that is in contrast with the color of the remainder of carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  134  is located after each upper label  116  and before the adjacent lower label  114 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  134  is located after each lower label  114  and before the adjacent upper label  116 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  134  overlaps the trailing edge  130  of each upper label  116  and the leading edge  118  of each lower label  114 . 
     In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes  134  are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label  116  and the adjacent lower label  114 . 
       FIG. 21  shows the underside of lower label  114  and the undersurface of upper label  116  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, with carrier  112  not visible for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 21  is underside  1114  of lower label  114 , comprising leading edge  118 , trailing edge  122 , side edges  120  and  124 , and trailing tab  135 . Also shown in  FIG. 21  is undersurface  1116  of upper label  116 , which is bounded by leading edge  126 , trailing edge  130 , and side edges  128  and  132 . 
     In at least one embodiment, underside  1114  of lower label  114  is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, underside  1114  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in those areas thereby rendering adhesive  113  ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent  117  is selected so as to not render adhesive  113  completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent  117 . In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive  113  with adhesive deadening agent  117 , the treated areas retain a slight tackiness. 
     In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface  1116  of upper label  116  comprises a first portion  1142 , a second portion  1146 , and a third portion  1147 . First portion  1142  and third portion  1147  comprise the undersurface of frame  142 . Second portion  1146  comprises the undersurface of removable segment  146 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, first portion  1142  and second portion  1146  are separated by a line of weakness  138 . 
     In at least one embodiment, first portion  1142  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion  1146  and third portion  1147  are free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion  1146  and third portion  1147  comprise adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of their surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in those areas thereby rendering adhesive  113  ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent  117  is selected so as to not render adhesive  113  completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent  117 . In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive  113  with adhesive deadening agent  117 , the treated areas retain a slight tackiness. 
       FIG. 22A  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken on line XXII-XXII of  FIG. 20 . The auto-applied upper and lower label system is shown in  FIG. 22A  in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 22A  are carrier  112 , adhesive  113 , lower label  114  including leading edge  118  and trailing tab  135 , release coating  115 , upper label  116  including leading edge  126  and trailing edge  130 , hole  147   a , hole  147   h , hole  147   i , and hole  147   j . As shown in this embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, second portion  1146  is free of adhesive  113  and underside  1144  is free of adhesive  113 . 
       FIG. 22B  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken on line XXII-XXII of  FIG. 20 . The auto-applied upper and lower label system is shown in  FIG. 22B  in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 22B  are carrier  112 , adhesive  113 , lower label  114  including leading edge  118  and trailing tab  135 , release coating  115 , upper label  116  including leading edge  126  and trailing edge  130 , adhesive deadening agent  117 , hole  147   a , hole  147   h , hole  147   i , and hole  147   j . In at least one other embodiment of the present disclosure, underside  1144  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in that area. Second portion  1146  also comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in that area. 
     Auto-applied upper and lower label system  102  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure may be automatically applied to a surface through the use of apparatuses and processes substantially similar to the apparatuses and processes shown and described in  FIGS. 12A-15  and this written description. Auto-applied upper and lower label system  102  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in a manner substantially similar to manner shown and described in  FIGS. 16A-16B  and this written description, provided that because third portion  1147  is either free of adhesive  113  or covered with an adhesive deadening agent  117 , when lower label  114  is removed from the surface to which upper and lower label system  102  has been applied, all of lower label  114  including trailing tab  135  is removed from such surface. 
       FIG. 23  shows auto-applied upper and lower label system  103  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 23  are auto-applied lower label  114  and auto-applied upper label  116 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label  114  and upper label  116  reside adjacent to each other on carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, a plurality of lower labels  114  and upper labels  116  reside alternately on carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system  103  according to the present disclosure, each upper label  116  comprises a shipping label, and each lower label  114  comprises a packing list label. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label  114  comprises leading edge  118 , trailing edge  122 , side edges  120  and  124 , side tabs  131  and  133 , trailing tab  135 , and removable region  144 . One or more lines of weakness  136  and  137  define a boundary between removable region  144  and side tabs  131  and  133 , respectively. In at least one such embodiment, trailing edge  122  comprises a plurality of trailing tabs  141 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, removable region  144  comprises a removable packing list. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label  116  is bounded by leading edge  126 , trailing edge  130 , and side edges  128  and  132 . One or more lines of weakness  138  define a boundary of removable segment  146 . Frame  142  lies between a line of weakness  138  and leading edge  126 , trailing edge  130 , and side edges  128  and  132 . According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label  116  comprises one or more holes  147 . Holes  147   a - 147   h  are shown in the embodiment of label system  103  of  FIG. 23 . Other embodiments of label system  103  may have a greater number or lesser number of holes. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes  147  extend through segment  146  and carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, holes  147  extend only through segment  146 . 
     According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior to use upper label  116  and lower label  114  are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier  112 , thereby enabling upper label  116  and lower label  114  to be dispensed from carrier  112  in sequence as discussed herein. Carrier  112  comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating  115  on the surface of carrier  112  facing the underside of lower label  114  and undersurface of upper label  116 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, release coating  115  is a silicone release coating. According to at least one embodiment of label system  103  according to the present disclosure, adhesive  113  is interposed between release coat  115  and the underside of lower label  114  and undersurface of upper label  116 , as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive  113  is a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     In at least one embodiment, carrier  112  comprises transverse stripe  134 . Transverse stripe  134  comprises a color or shading of a region of carrier  112  that is in contrast with the color of the remainder of carrier  112 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  134  is located after each upper label  116  and before the adjacent lower label  114 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  134  is located after each lower label  114  and before the adjacent upper label  116 . In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe  134  overlaps the trailing edge  130  of each upper label  116  and the leading edge  118  of each lower label  114 . 
     In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes  134  are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label  116  and the adjacent lower label  114 . 
       FIG. 24  shows the underside of lower label  114  and the undersurface of upper label  116  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, with carrier  112  not visible for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 24  is underside  1114  of lower label  114 , comprising leading edge  118 , trailing edge  122 , side edges  120  and  124 , side tabs  131  and  133 , trailing tabs  141 , and removable region underside  1144 . In at least one embodiment, the underside of at least one of trailing tabs  141  comprises segment  1141 . According to such an embodiment, each segment  1141  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area. In such an embodiment, each segment  1141  comprising adhesive  113  serves to removeably adhere packing list label  114  to carrier  112  until packing list label  114  is dispensed. According to such an embodiment, the rest of underside  1114  of packing list label  114  is substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, underside  1114  of packing list label  114  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but the portions of underside  1114  other than segments  1141  comprise an adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in those areas thereby rendering adhesive  113  ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent  117  is selected so as to not render adhesive  113  completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent  117 . In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive  113  with adhesive deadening agent  117 , the treated areas retain a slight tackiness. In at least one embodiment, all of underside  1114  is free of or substantially free of adhesive properties, although in such an embodiment underside  1114  may retain a slight tackiness. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 24  is undersurface  1116  of upper label  116 , which is bounded by leading edge  126 , trailing edge  130 , and side edges  128  and  132 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface  1116  of upper label  116  comprises a first portion  1142  and a second portion  1146 , separated by a line of weakness  138 . First portion  1142  comprises the undersurface of frame  142 . Second portion  1146  comprises the undersurface of removable segment  146 . In at least one embodiment, first portion  1142  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion  1146  is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion  1146  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in those areas thereby rendering adhesive  113  ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent  117  is selected so as to not render adhesive  113  completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent  117 . In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive  113  with adhesive deadening agent  117 , the treated areas retain a slight tackiness. 
       FIG. 25A  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken on line XXV-XXV of  FIG. 25 . The auto-applied upper and lower label system is shown in  FIG. 25A  in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 25A  are carrier  112 , adhesive  113 , lower label  114  including leading edge  118 , a trailing tab  141  and a segment  1141 , release coating  115 , upper label  116  including leading edge  126  and trailing edge  130 . As shown in this embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, second portion  1146  is free of adhesive  113  and underside  1144  is free of adhesive  113 . 
       FIG. 25B  shows a cross-sectional view of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure taken on line XXV-XXV of  FIG. 23 . The auto-applied upper and lower label system is shown in  FIG. 25B  in a semi-exploded state for purposes of clarity. Shown in  FIG. 25B  are carrier  112 , adhesive  113 , lower label  114  including leading edge  118 , a trailing tab  141  and a segment  1141 , release coating  115 , upper label  116  including leading edge  126  and trailing edge  130 , and adhesive deadening agent  117 . In at least one other embodiment of the present disclosure, underside  1144  comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in that area. Second portion  1146  also comprises adhesive  113  on all or substantially all of its surface area, but adhesive deadening agent  117  such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive  113  in that area. 
     Auto-applied upper and lower label system  103  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure may be automatically applied to a surface through the use of apparatuses and processes substantially similar to the apparatuses and processes shown and described in  FIGS. 12A-15  and this written description. Auto-applied upper and lower label system  102  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in a manner substantially similar to manner shown and described in  FIGS. 16A-16B  and this written description, provided that when removable region  144  is removed the surface to which it is applied, removable region  144  is separated from lower label  114  along lines of weakness  136  and  137 , and by tearing trailing tabs  141 . 
     While this disclosure has been described as having preferred designs, the apparatus and methods according to the present disclosure can be further modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. For example, any method disclosed herein and in the appended claims represent one possible sequence of performing the steps thereof. A practitioner may determine in a particular implementation that a plurality of steps of one or more of the disclosed methods may be combinable, or that a different sequence of steps may be employed to accomplish the same results. Each such implementation falls within the scope of the present disclosure as disclosed herein and in the appended claims. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains.