Patent Publication Number: US-2003234080-A1

Title: Compact disc labeling apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of applicant&#39;s application Ser. No. 09/573,397 filed May 18, 2000. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] The field of the invention pertains to labeling devices. The invention relates more particularly to an apparatus for labeling optical storage discs, i.e. compact discs, with adhesive labels, wherein the apparatus is an insert dimensioned to fit within and used in conjunction with a conventional jewel case used to package and store such compact discs.  
       [0003] Optical storage discs, more commonly known as compact discs (“CD”s), are used for computer, audio, video, and other applications involving electro-optically recorded and retrievable digital information. In particular, writeable compact discs, such as CD-R and CD-RW, have grown in popularity and usage by enabling users to record their own digitized music, video, data, and other information. With this increased use has grown a need to label these discs once they have been produced and recorded with content. This is because writeable compact discs have no apparent visual method for uniquely identifying a compact disc or determining its contents. While one method of compact disc labeling utilizes a silk-screening or similar printing process to imprint a graphic image or other pre-printed material on the top surface of a disc, this method is typically employed by large-scale manufacturers and would be too impractical for individuals desiring single or small run labeling applications.  
       [0004] Another known method employs annular self-adhesive labels having a gummed adhesive on one side and a non-adhesive markable surface on the other. The difficulty presented by adhesive labels is in accurately centering them on the compact discs. Proper centering is essential for achieving a high-speed, steady-state spin, which is necessary to ensure proper reading and transfer of the digital information stored thereon. Moreover, unbalanced spinning of the compact disc can cause damage to the motor of the compact disc player device. To this end, various types of devices have been developed in an effort to properly center adhesive labels when fixedly applying them to the non-reading side of compact discs.  
       [0005] In particular, many prior art labeling devices feature a vertically operating piston-type configuration wherein a piston/plunger operates to combine an annular label and a compact disc together along a central axis of motion. A representative example of such an arrangement is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,819, which discloses a label applying apparatus having a base which supports a label, and a plunger which supports a compact disc. The plunger is positioned within a center opening of the base and internally supported by a biasing spring against the base. In use, the plunger is telescopically compressed and urged into the center opening of the base against the action of the spring to join the label with the compact disc.  
       [0006] Perhaps the greatest problem with these types of adhesive labeling devices exemplified by the &#39;819 patent is the amount of space required to store such devices. In particular, the relatively large footprint and bulk of these prior art devices may pose a burden on users when attempting to conveniently and inconspicuously store the device away when not in use. The typical piston-type configuration requires and effectively occupies a cylindrical-shaped volume, which often cannot be stored in an easily accessible location near where compact discs are stored, e.g. a compact disc rack. Because such adhesive labeling devices are typically for home and personal use by individual users, and not for industrial or manufacturing applications, it would be advantageous to provide a compact labeling device with a small footprint and capable of being kept together with other compact discs for easy access.  
       [0007] Furthermore, because the size and number of moving components of these prior art labeling devices are relatively large in relation to the compact discs themselves, manufacture and assembly of such prior art labeling devices may come at a high cost. Thus, it can be further appreciated that a smaller, more compact device having a minimal number of moving parts would give such compact labeling devices greater consumer appeal to a larger number of users wishing to label their own compact discs.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple and efficient optical disc labeling apparatus capable of concentrically adhering an annular label to a compact disc.  
       [0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an optical disc labeling apparatus which operates in conjunction with a conventional jewel case to apply an annular label to a compact disc by hinging the cover and base portions of the jewel case relative to each other.  
       [0010] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an optical disc labeling apparatus dimensioned to be insertably mounted in a conventional compact disc jewel case whereby convenient and space-efficient storage of the apparatus can be realized.  
       [0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical disc labeling apparatus which may be insertably mounted in a cover portion of a jewel case by engaging the guide tabs thereof.  
       [0012] And still another object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective optical disc labeling apparatus having a integrally-formed unitary construction capable of being mass-produced by conventional manufacturing methods.  
       [0013] The present invention is for a jewel case insert for concentrically applying an annular label with a self-adhesive side to a compact disc. The jewel case insert is designed for use with a conventional jewel case of the type having first and second platforms hingedly connected to each other to hinge between open and closed positions. The first platform, or base portion, has a compact disc support surface and means for releasably mounting a compact disc thereon. And the second platform, or cover portion, has an inner surface which confronts the compact disc support surface when in the closed position, and a plurality of guide tabs which extend inwardly in spaced relation to the inner surface. The jewel case insert comprises a press portion having a press surface, and label retaining means for temporarily retaining an annular label against the press surface with the self-adhesive side up. Furthermore, the jewel case insert also comprises shoulder means connected to the press portion for releasably engaging the plurality of guide tabs. In this manner, the shoulder means maintains the press portion adjacent the inner surface of the second platform with the press surface facing up. When the first and second platforms are hinged to the closed position, a temporarily retained annular label is concentrically aligned with a releasably mounted compact disc and the press surface abuts the annular label against the compact disc to transfer it thereto. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the compact disc labeling apparatus in the open position, with a compact disc and annular label mounted thereon.  
     [0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compact disc labeling apparatus in the closed position illustrating the compact and slim configuration of the compact disc labeling apparatus.  
     [0016]FIG. 3 is a top view of the compact disc labeling apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in the open position.  
     [0017]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the compact disc labeling apparatus taken along the line  4 - 4  of FIG. 3.  
     [0018]FIG. 5 is a partly cross-sectional front view of the compact disc labeling apparatus taken along the line  5 - 5  of FIG. 3.  
     [0019]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the compact disc labeling apparatus similar to FIG. 1 with the second platform partly cut out to show a radial cross section of the second platform and annular label.  
     [0020]FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the radial cross-section of the second platform and annular label taken along the circle  7  of FIG. 6.  
     [0021]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second platform of the compact disc labeling apparatus embodying a second preferred embodiment of the means for temporarily retaining the annular label.  
     [0022]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the second platform of the compact disc labeling apparatus taken along the line  9 - 9  of FIG. 8.  
     [0023]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second platform of the compact disc labeling apparatus embodying a third preferred embodiment of the means for temporarily retaining the annular label.  
     [0024]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the second platform of the compact disc labeling apparatus taken along the line  11 - 11  of FIG. 10.  
     [0025]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a jewel case insert mounted in a jewel case shown in an open position.  
     [0026]FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the jewel case insert shown with the notches aligned with the guide tabs of the second platform.  
     [0027]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the jewel case insert following FIG. 13 with the insert transversely drop-loaded onto the second platform.  
     [0028]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a bisected jewel case insert illustrating the cross-sectional construction thereof.  
     [0029]FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the jewel case insert taken along circle  16  of FIG. 15. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0030] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS.  1 - 6  show various views of a first preferred embodiment of the compact disc labeling apparatus, generally indicated at reference character  10 , for applying a self-adhesive annular label  15  to a compact disc  11 . The apparatus  10  has two basic component parts, a first or base platform, generally indicated at reference character  19 , and a second or cover platform, generally indicated at reference character  28 , which are hinged together to move between an open position (FIGS.  1 ,  3 - 6 ) and a closed position (FIG. 2). The apparatus  10  has similar dimensions, size, and shape as that of conventional “jewel cases” which are commonly used to package and store compact discs. It is appreciated, therefore, that the labeling apparatus  10  has a slim and compact configuration and design which completely and efficiently encloses a compact disc  11  when hinged to the closed position (see FIG. 2). It is notable that conventional jewel cases usually include planar, generally square-shaped base and cover portions which are hinged along a pivot edge in order to allow access to the interior of the case. The base portion of such cases is usually provided with a disc holder having a plurality of centrally located, radially inwardly extending elements which grasp the center opening of the compact disc. And the cover portion of the case usually includes guide tabs which extend inwardly from the side edges to hold printed literature slidably positioned thereon.  
     [0031] It is further notable that the compact disc  11  is made from a plastic material in a manner known in the relevant art, and has a top surface  12  containing a metallic coating, and an opposing bottom surface (not shown) embedded with digitized data. The bottom surface is transparent to permit a laser to encode data thereon, as well as retrievably “read” data therefrom. Furthermore, the compact disc  11  has a centrally located hole  14  utilized for mounting and spin-operation of the compact disc  11 . The area immediately surrounding central hole  14  up to a circular edge  13  is a transparent material not for storing data, and can therefore be contacted and handled without the possibility of damaging or losing data. In contrast, the region of the compact disc  11  extending from the circular edge  13  up to the outer edge of the compact disc  11  operates to store data thereon and is considered the readable area.  
     [0032] As can be best seen in FIGS. 1, 5, and  6 , the first platform  19  has a generally planar configuration similar to the configuration of a base portion of a jewel case. The first platform  19  comprises a compact disc support surface  26  which extends to and is bounded by four edges: a first outer edge  25 , two opposing side edges  22 , and a first pivot edge  21  at a first pivot end  20 . The compact disc  11  may be mounted on the compact disc support surface  26  with the top surface  12  facing up, i.e. facing away from the securing surface. More particularly, the compact disc  11  is positioned in a recessed portion of the compact disc support surface  26  which is contoured to seat the compact disc  11  therein. In any case, the compact disc  11  is mounted by means for mounting a compact disc which is preferably a disc holder of the type commonly used in jewel cases, as discussed above, having centrally located, radially inwardly extending elements  27 . These extending elements  27  partially and snugly extend through and grasp the centrally located hole  14  of the compact disc  11  to effectively mount the compact disc  11  on the compact disc support surface  26 .  
     [0033] As can be best seen in FIGS. 1, 3, and  6 , the second platform  28  also has a generally planar configuration similar to the configuration of a cover portion of a jewel case. The second platform  28  comprises a label support surface  29  which extends to and is bounded by four edges: a second outer edge  35 , two opposing side edges  32 , and a second pivot edge  31  at a second pivot end  30 . The label support surface  29  functions to seatably support the self-adhesive annular label  15 , which has a gummed adhesive side  16  and an opposing, non-adhesive markable side (not shown). Additionally, the self-adhesive annular label  15  has a central hole  17  defined by an inner circumference edge  18  typically having a diameter no less than the circular edge  13  of the compact disc. Preferably, a resiliently biasing element  40  is detachably or fixedly positioned on the label support surface  29  which functions to keep the self-adhesive annular label  15  horizontally oriented. And preferably still, the resiliently biasing element is a foam material  40  which is cut to form fit a recessed portion of the label support surface  29 , similar to the recessed portion of the first platform  19 .  
     [0034] The annular label  14  may be temporarily retained on the label support surface  29 , with the adhesive side  16  up and facing away from the label support surface  29 , by means for temporarily retaining the annular label  15  on the label support surface  29 . Generally, as shown in the figures, the means for temporarily retaining the annular label  15  preferably utilizes at least two fingers  36 , located at the center of the label support surface  29 . The fingers  36  preferably extend from a fixed end to a suspended end which is adapted to lightly contact the inner circumference edge  18  of the annular label  15  in a resiliently biasing manner. A first preferred embodiment of the means for temporarily retaining can be best seen in FIGS. 1, 3,  6 , and  7  having a hub  39  and spoke  38  configuration, with each of the fixed ends of the fingers  36  being transversely secured to a corresponding spoke  38 . Alternatively, second and third preferred embodiments of the means for temporarily retaining are shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and  10 ,  11 , respectively. In particular, the fingers  36  of the second preferred embodiment of the means for temporarily retaining are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 radially inwardly extending in a converging manner with the fixed ends positioned outside the suspended ends. And in FIGS. 10 and 11, the third preferred embodiment of the means for temporarily retaining is shown also having a hub  39  and spoke  38  configuration, with the fingers  36  radially extending outward from the hub  39  in a diverging manner. It is notable that while the third configuration may produce some nicks along the inner circumference edge  18  of the annular label  15  due to the particular movement of its resiliently biasing fingers  36 , it would not substantially interfere with the retaining function provided by the fingers  36 .  
     [0035] In any case, the fingers  36  shown in the three preferred embodiments preferably also have tabs  37  at its suspended ends which actually effect contact with the inner circumference edge  18  of the annular label  15  along a contact surface  37 ′ (FIGS.  5  and  7 ). Preferably, as can be best seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, the top end of the contact surface  37 ′ of each tab  37  is outwardly angled, such that the inner circumference edge  18  of the annular label  15  is prevented from slipping past the tabs  37 . It is notable that the angle of the tabs  37  need only be very slight to sufficiently temporarily retain the annular label  15  thereagainst. Furthermore, it is notable that while the compact disc  11  is considered to be “mounted” on the compact disc support surface  26 , the annular label  15  is “temporarily retained” on the label support surface  29 , indicating a transitional presence thereon. More particularly, the annular label  15  remains on the label support surface  29  only when in the open position, and is easily disengaged, separated and transferred to the compact disc  11  when in the closed position (see discussion below). In this regard, “temporarily retaining” indicates holding the annular label  15  in a manner which is minimally sufficient to keep it against the label support surface  29 , and which easily and simply releases the annular label  15  with little or no effort.  
     [0036] As best shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and  6 , the first pivot end  20  of the first platform  19  is hinged to the second pivot end  30  of the second platform  28  along the corresponding pivot edges  21 ,  31 . The pair of side edges  22  of the first platform  19  terminate near the first pivot end  20  at hinge corners  23 ,  24 , and the pair of side edges  32  of the second platform  28  terminate near the second pivot end  30  at hinge plates  33 ,  34 . The hinge plates  33 ,  34  are pivotally secured to the corresponding hinge corners  23 ,  24  at pivot joints, which are preferably comprised of pivot pin and hole combinations (not shown).  
     [0037] In this manner, the first and second platforms  19 ,  29  may hinge relative to each other about their respective pivot ends  20 ,  30 , between an open position and a closed position. Initially, the open position may be obtained by pulling apart the two platforms at the first and second outer edges,  25  and  35 , respectively. In the open position, the compact disc  11  may be mounted on the first platform  19  with the top side  12  up, and the annular self-adhesive label  15  may be temporarily retained on the label support surface  29  with the adhesive side  16  up. The two platforms are subsequently hinged together to the closed position (FIG. 2) such that the respective outer edges  25 ,  26  and side edges  22 ,  32  of the first and second platforms  19 ,  28  are again in contact. Preferably, the step of hinging the two platforms  19 ,  28  together to the closed position entails keeping the second platform  29  steady at a horizontal reference position while hingeably transitioning the first platform  19  alone. This has the advantage of utilizing gravity to help prevent the annular label  15  from curling or otherwise repositioning itself during the transitional hinging step from the open and closed positions. In any case, the means for mounting the compact disc  11  and the means for temporarily retaining the annular label  15  are adapted and indexed in a manner to concentrically align the compact disc  11  and the annular label  15  when in the closed position. Thus, in the closed position, the top side  12  of the compact disc  11  is brought in contact with the adhesive side  16  of the annular label  15  to establish a bonding relationship by virtue of the gummed adhesive. The foam  40  has sufficient thickness so that it is compressed when the first platform  19  is closed against the second platform  28 , thereby pressing the adhesive side  16  of the label  15  against the compact disc  11 . A preferred foam thickness (uncompressed) is about one-eighth inch, which is preferably compressed about ten percent when the chassis is closed. Once bonded, the two platforms  19 ,  28  may once again be pulled apart along the first and second outer edges  25 ,  35 , to allow access to the newly labeled compact disc. The difference between the means for mounting the compact disc  11  and the means for temporarily retaining the annular label  15  is apparent in the post-adhesion, reopening process, wherein the stronger grasp of the extending elements  27  of the means for mounting is more than sufficient to overcome the resiliently biasing and retaining contact of the tabs  37  and fingers  36  of the means for temporarily retaining. Thus the now bonded label may easily separate from the label support surface  29  without damaging the inner circumference edge  18  of the annular label  15 .  
     [0038] Construction of the compact disc labeling apparatus  10  is preferably made of a durable material, such as impact polystyrene, which would provide greater strength and flexibility than the crystal polystyrene commonly used for conventional jewel cases. The greater durability of impact polystyrene would enable greater number of cycles of repeated use without failure.  
     [0039] In a second embodiment of the compact disc labeling apparatus  10 , the second platform  28 , as discussed above, may operate as an independent attachment for use with an existing base portion of a conventional jewel case. Furthermore, it is notable that while the label support surface  29  is preferably integrally formed into the second platform  28 , it can alternatively be produced as an independent component which is releasably insertable to an existing cover portion of a conventional jewel case, preferably by utilizing the guide tabs of the conventional jewel case, as will be discussed next.  
     [0040] In FIGS.  12 - 16 , a third embodiment of the compact disc labeling apparatus is shown as a jewel case insert, generally indicated at reference character  44 . The insert  44  is generally designed for use with a conventional jewel case having a base portion  19 ′ and a cover portion  28 ′. Details of a conventional jewel case are best shown in FIG. 12 with both the base portion  19 ′ and cover portion  28 ′ having a generally planar, square shaped configuration. The base portion  19 ′ comprises a compact disc support surface  26 ′ which extends to and is bounded by four edges: a first outer edge  25 ′, two opposing side edges  22 ′, and a first pivot edge  21 ′ at a first pivot end  20 ′. As discussed previously, a disc holder mechanism is typically provided with centrally located, radially inwardly extending elements  27 ′ which releasably mount a compact disc  11  on the compact disc support surface  26 ′ with the top surface  12  of the compact disc  11  facing up, i.e. facing away from the base portion  19 ′.  
     [0041] And similar to the base portion  19 ′, the cover portion  28 ′ comprises an inner surface  41  which extends to and is bounded by four edges: a second outer edge  35 ′, two opposing side edges  32 ′, and a second pivot edge  31 ′ at a second pivot end  30 ′. The first pivot end  20 ′ of the base portion  19 ′ is hinged to the second pivot end  30 ′ of the cover portion  28 ′ along the corresponding pivot edges  21 ′,  31 ′. The pair of side edges  22 ′ of the base portion  19 ′ terminate near the first pivot end  20 ′ at hinge corners  23 ′,  24 ′, and the pair of side edges  32 ′ of the cover portion  28 ′ terminate near the second pivot end  30 ′ at hinge plates  33 ″,  34 ″. The hinge plates  33 ″,  34 ″ are pivotally secured to the corresponding hinge corners  23 ′,  24 ′of the base portion  19 ′ via pivot pins  33 ( a ) and  34 ( a ). In this manner, the base portion  19 ′ and the cover portion  28 ′ may be pivoted between open and closed positions. It is notable that the cover portion  28 ′ includes guide tabs  42  which extend inwardly from side edges  32 ′ in spaced relation to the inner surface  41 . Guide channels are thereby formed between the guide tabs  42  and the inner surface  41 . The guide tabs  42  are typically used to retain printed literature on the cover portion  28 ′. As shown in FIG. 12, four guide tabs  42  are typically utilized, two on each side edge  32 ′. It is further notable that the cover portion  28 ′ of a jewel case typically has raised features  43  (FIG. 12) at the pivot and outer ends of the inner surface  41  which prevent printed literature from sliding out when seated against the inner surface  41 .  
     [0042] As shown in FIGS.  12 - 16 , the jewel case insert  44  is generally planar in shape and is dimensioned to be mounted on the cover portion  28 ′ of a conventional jewel case. In particular, the insert  44  has a central press portion with a press surface  45 . The press portion is positioned adjacent the inner surface  41  of the cover portion  28 ′ such that the press surface  45  faces up and away from the cover portion  28 ′. Preferably, the press surface  45  has an annular configuration with an inner circumference  54  and an outer circumference  55 . And as can be seen in FIGS. 15 and 16 in particular, the press surface  45  has a radial cross-section which preferably generally increases in relative elevation from the outer circumference  55  to the inner circumference  54 . It is appreciated that this includes both continuous as well as step increases in elevation. Preferably still, as shown in FIG. 16, the radial cross-section of the press surface  45  has a convex-curvilinear shape. In any event, the press surface  45  operates to exert contact pressure to an annular label in order to transfer it to a compact disc, as will be discussed in detail below. For this purpose, it is notable that the press portion, as well as the insert  44  as a whole, is constructed from an injection molded plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene which exhibits some resiliently biasing characteristics. Some resilient biasing of the press surface  45  is believed to provide more even application of contact pressure to annular labels during the transfer process.  
     [0043] The jewel case insert  44  also has label retaining means for temporarily retaining an annular label against the press surface  45  with the self-adhesive side  16  up and facing away from the press surface  45 . Preferably, as shown in the figures, the label retaining means is located within the inner circumference  54  of the annular press surface  45 , and preferably has a hub/spoke configuration integrally connected to the press portion. The hub spoke configuration includes a hub  39 ′ and at least two fingers  36 ′ which each extend from a fixed end to a suspended end. As discussed previously, the fixed end of each finger  36 ′ is preferably transversely secured to a corresponding spoke, but is not limited only to such configuration. And the suspended end is preferably adapted to lightly contact the inner circumference edge of the annular label  15  in a resiliently biasing manner. Moreover, the fingers  36 ′ also preferably have shoes  37 ′ at its suspended ends which actually effect contact with the inner circumference edge  18  of the annular label  15 .  
     [0044] And as can be seen in the figures, a shoulder  46  is connected to the press portion which extends beyond the outer circumference  55  of the press surface  45  in a radial direction. The shoulder  46  has an outer edge  50 , a pair of side edges  51 , and an inner edge  49 , which are dimensioned to fit within the boundaries of the inner surface, i.e. the second outer edge  35 ′, the two opposing side edges  32 ′, and the second pivot edge  31 ′. As can be best seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the shoulder  46  preferably connects to an annular step sidewall  48  of the press portion which elevates the press surface  45  above the shoulder  46 . It is appreciated that while the shoulder  46  is shown in the figures as a single surface construction continously surrounding the press surface  45 , it is not limited only to such. Alternatively, a plurality of independent shoulder portions may be utilized as well. In any case, the shoulder  46  operates to releaseably engage the guide tabs  42  to thereby maintain the press portion adjacent the inner surface  41  of the cover portion  28 ′ with the press surface  45  facing up and away from the cover portion  28 ′. It is notable that the terms “engage” and “engaging” as used herein and in the claims, are not necessarily limited to a state of continuous contact between bodies. Rather it is broadly defined to describe a confrontational state where bodies may be in physically contact, or are poised and ready to contact, affect, or interact with each other. It is therefore understood that the term “shoulder means for releasably engaging the guide tabs” includes both a contactual relationship, as well as a state of spaced-apart confrontation where the guide tabs  42  are positioned to obstruct release of the shoulder  46 , especially in a direction normal to the inner surface  41  of the cover portion  28 ′. It is appreciated that even without constant contact between the guide tabs  42  and the shoulder  46 , the guide tabs  42  obstruct the release of the shoulder  46  therepast, thereby producing an “engagement” therebetween.  
     [0045] As shown in the figures, the shoulder  46  preferably has a plurality of guide tab contact surfaces  53  which abuttingly engage the guide tabs  42  from between the guide tabs  42  and the inner surface  41  of the cover portion  28 ′. The guide tab contact surfaces  53  are preferably raised portions of the shoulder  64  which align beneath the guide tabs  42  when fully seated (see FIG. 12). Moreover, each guide tab contact surface  53  preferably has an incline portion which wedges the guide tab contact surface  53  between the corresponding guide tab  42  and the inner surface  41 , when moved between an initial drop-loaded position (shown in FIG. 14) and a fully seated operational position (shown in FIG. 15). It is appreciated that the wedging action provides a snug frictional engagement to better maintain the insert  44  in the seated position. It is further appreciated that the guide tab contact surfaces  53  are particularly located on the shoulder  46  such that they concentrically align an annular label  15  to a compact disc  11  when the insert  44  is fully mounted in the seated position and the jewel case is pivoted to the closed position.  
     [0046] Furthermore, as can be seen in FIGS.  12 - 15 , the shoulder  46  has a plurality of notches  52  which operate to facilitate insertion and mounting of the jewel case insert  44  on the cover portion  28 ′. Preferably, each notch  52  is associated with and positioned adjacent a corresponding guide tab contact surface  53 . And each notch  52  is sized and positioned to allow passage of a corresponding guide tab  42  therethrough. As shown in FIG. 13, the insert  44  may be positioned over the inner surface  41  of the cover portion  28 ′ with the notches  52  aligned to receive passage of the guide tabs  42 . Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the insert  44  may be drop-loaded against the inner surface  41  such that the guide tabs  42  pass through the notches  52  and thereby position the corresponding guide tab contact surface  53  at a slide level. The slide level is that elevation relative to the inner surface  41  and the guide tabs  42  where the guide tab contact surfaces  53  may slide between the guide tabs  42  and the inner surface  41  to engage the guide tabs  42 . In this manner, the insert  44  may be subsequently slid to the seated position shown in FIG. 12 where the outer edge  50  clears past the raised features  43  and the annular press surface  45  is positioned to concentrically transfer an annular label to a compact disc.  
     [0047] And upon seatably mounting the jewel case insert  44 , an annular label  15  may be temporarily retained, a compact disc  11  releasably mounted, and the cover  28 ′ and base  19 ′ portions pivoted relative to each other. When pivoted to the closed position, the press surface  45  exerts a contact pressure on the annular label  15  such that all regions of the self-adhesive side adheres to the compact disc  11 , and the label is transferred thereto. It is notable that the the convex curvilinear cross-section of the press surface  45  as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 operates to roll-press the annular label against the compact disc, similar in operation to that of a grindstone wheel. It is believed that this roll-pressing configuration and action more completely and evely applies contact pressure over the annular label during application and tranfer.  
     [0048] The present embodiments of this invention are thus to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive; the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.