Apparatus and method for applying labels to compact discs

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for applying adhesive labels of varying shapes and sizes to compact discs that are cut into varying shapes and sizes. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a base, a center rod, at least two positioning members on each side of the center rod, and a deformable element having a raised top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface, wherein the deformable element is fitted over the rod and between and adjacent to the positioning members. The shape and configuration of the deformable element facilitates the smooth and even application of the label to the compact disc when the label is applied to the compact disc. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of providing the apparatus of the present invention; aligning and positioning a label with the adhesive side up over the deformable element between the positioning members; aligning and positioning the compact disc over the label and between the positioning members; pressing the positioned compact disc against the adhesive surface of the label and against the deformable element such that the deformable element deforms and causes the label to adhere to the compact disc in a smooth, even motion giving the label a smooth, even appearance on the compact disc; and removing the compact disc from the apparatus.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for applying a label to a compact disc, the apparatus comprising: 
 a) a base having a top surface and a bottom surface;    b) a rod having a top end, a bottom end, and a side, wherein the bottom end of the rod is coupled to a center portion on the top surface of the base so that the rod protrudes upwardly from the base;    c) at least two positioning members, each positioning member having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top end, and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end of each of the positioning members is coupled to the top surface of the base so that the positioning members protrude upwardly from the base and are spaced apart from each other on each side of the rod, and further wherein the positioning members are adapted to position and retain the label and the compact disc in place between the positioning members when the label is applied to the compact disc; and,    d) a deformable element having a center aperture, a top surface having a raised portion, and a bottom surface being substantially flat, wherein the center aperture of the deformable element is adapted to fit over the rod and the deformable element is adapted to fit between and adjacent to the inner surfaces of the positioning members, and further wherein the shape and configuration of the deformable element facilitates the smooth and even application of the label to the compact disc when the label is applied to the compact disc.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the base is substantially rectangular in shape.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the positioning members are substantially rectangular in shape.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the base, rod, and positioning members comprise a single unitary piece.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the base, rod, and positioning members are comprised of a polypropylene plastic.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the rod has an outer diameter and the aperture of the deformable element has an inner diameter, and wherein the inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the rod.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the label has an aperture having an inner diameter and the compact disc has an aperture having an inner diameter, and wherein the inner diameters of the label and compact disc are both greater than the outer diameter of the rod.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the deformable element is removable.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the deformable element is comprised of polyurethane foam.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the raised portion of the deformable element is at a central portion of the deformable element and wherein the raised portion is substantially curved upwardly.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the deformable element, the label, and the compact disc are all substantially rectangular in shape, wherein one set of opposing sides is substantially straight and another set of opposing sides is curved outwardly.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the deformable element, the label, and the compact disc are all rectangular in shape.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the deformable element, the label, and the compact disc are all square in shape.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the deformable element, the label, and the compact disc are all of a miniature round shape.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the deformable element, the label, and the compact disc are all substantially the same shape and configuration.  
     
     
         16 . An apparatus for applying a label with a center aperture to a shaped compact disc with a center aperture, the apparatus comprising: 
 a) a substantially rectangular base having a top surface, a bottom surface and sides;    b) a substantially cylindrical rod having a top end, a bottom end, and a continuous side, wherein the bottom end of the rod is coupled to a center portion on the top surface of the base so that the rod protrudes upwardly from the base;    c) a first positioning member and a second positioning member, the positioning members having an outer surface, an inner surface, a top end, a bottom end, and sides, wherein the bottom end of each of the positioning members is coupled to the top surface of the base so that the positioning members protrude upwardly from the base and are spaced apart from each other on each side of the rod, and further wherein the positioning members are adapted to position and retain the label and the compact disc in place between the inner surfaces of the positioning members when the label is applied to the compact disc; and,    d) a foam element having a center aperture, a curved top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface, wherein the center aperture of the deformable element is adapted to fit-over the rod, and wherein the deformable element is adapted to fit between and adjacent to the inner surfaces of the positioning members, and further wherein the shape and configuration of the deformable element facilitates the smooth and even application of the label to the compact disc when the label is applied to the compact disc in a manner that the compact disc is pressed down onto the label and onto the deformable element.    
     
     
         17 . A method for applying a label having an adhesive side and a nonadhesive side to a compact disc having a first printable, nonreadable side and a second recording, readable side comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing the apparatus of  claim 1;     b) aligning the label having a center aperture over the deformable element so that the label and the deformable element are in parallel alignment;    c) placing the center aperture of the label over the rod and positioning the label over the deformable element and between the positioning members so that the nonadhesive side of the label is in contact with the raised portion of the top surface of the deformable element and the adhesive side of the label faces upward;    d) aligning the compact disc having a center aperture over the label so that the compact disc and the label are in parallel alignment;    e) placing the center aperture of the compact disc over the rod and positioning the compact disc over the label and between the positioning members so that the first side of the compact disc is in contact with the adhesive side of the label and the second side of the compact disc faces upward;    f) pressing the positioned compact disc against the adhesive surface of the label and against the deformable element such that the deformable element compresses from the raised portion outwardly to its end portions and causes the label to adhere to the compact disc in a smooth, even motion giving the label a smooth, even appearance on the compact disc; and,    g) removing the labeled compact disc from the apparatus.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the deformable element, the label, and the compact disc are all substantially rectangular in shape, wherein one set of opposing sides is substantially straight and another set of opposing sides is curved outwardly.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the deformable element, the label, and the compact disc are all non-round in shape.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the deformable element, the label, and the compact disc are all of a miniature round shape.