Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
A pre-formed printable blank label system for a slim-line CD jewel case and
packaging
method.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to printable labels for use in a computer printer and
more
particularly to a pre-formed printable blank label system for a slim-line CD
jewel case.
Background of the Invention
The proliferation of digital data applications together with the advent of
personal
computers equipped with recording devices able to read and write to CDs has
resulted in
vast numbers of blank CDs being recorded for personal use. Each recorded CD is
typically stored in a standard jewel case having a thickness of lOmm. The CD
is only 1.2
mm thick so most of the volume within a typical 10 mm thick jewel case remains
unused.
One of the main reasons for making CD cases thicker than required is to
present a spine
with a wide enough surface to permit labeling by hand or by a computer
printer. Spine
labeling is advantageous because it permits many CD cases to be stacked onto
bookshelves or the like with each CD title plainly visible on the spine. Spine
labeling
thereby enables users to visually search for and identify a desired CD case
without having
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
to physically disturb any of them. The spine label's presence and legibility
are therefore
of prime importance and relevance to the present invention. However, with the
advent of
the Smm thick "slim-line" CD jewel case the spine is too narrow for
conventional labels
and even more difficult to hand-label or label using a computer printer. This
inability to
clearly label their very narrow spines effectively restricts the use of slim-
line cases to
slant storage bins that require the user to flip through the cases to view
their large face
labels.
One example of a printable label used with a CD jewel case is shown in United
States
Patent 6,155,026 "Perforated Stock for Labeling CD-ROM Jewel Case" issued to
Tracy
on December 5, 2000. Generally, prior art labeling systems suffer from several
drawbacks such as: having to tear or cut away and then discard those portions
of the
printed sheet that fall outside the label boundaries; having to discard the
label that was
supplied with the jewel case; and, not being able to easily package
replacement labels
with the CD.
Therefore, there continues to be a need for a more convenient pre-formed
printable label
for use with slim-line CD jewel cases that can also be easily packaged
together with its
CD case during distribution and sale.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
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CA 02489696 2004-12-20
It is an object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies noted
with prior art
for CD slim-line jewel case labels.
It is another object of the invention to provide a user-printable label insert
for CD slim-
line cases that does not waste paper.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a user-printable
label insert that
provides cleanly cut and straight label edges and folds.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a user-printable
label insert for
slim-line CD jewel cases that displays maximally legible label text through
the case's
narrow, transparent spine.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a user-printable
label insert that
may be efficiently packaged together with each CD case during retail display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and meet the objectives stated
herein, my
invention comprises a pre-formed paper insert for labeling the user-recorded
contents of a
slim-line jewel case that is adapted for displaying text though the case's
narrow
transparent spine by means of a spine-sized label panel folded at right angles
to the
label's larger face panel. Small cutouts through both label panels provide
clearance
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CA 02489696 2004-12-20
around the case cover's hinges, thereby permitting the face panel to lie
against the inside
of the cover with its spine panel flush inside the cover's spine edge.
In another embodiment of the label, a foldout portion adjacent to the its
spine portion
serves as a spacer for distancing the spine portion at a known distance from
the printer's
mechanical margin as well as providing structural integrity to the exposed
portion of the
inserted label. Prior to use, this spacer portion is folded flat against the
label's main
body, thereby permitting the label to lie flat against the CD case while
packaged for
transport and during retail sales display.
To enable any standard office printer and desktop computer to print text that
is nearly
flush to the edge of the label's narrow spine panel, a special "carrier sheet"
is provided
that temporarily holds the flattened label against the page so that the label
is well away
from the printer's unprintable margins. In one embodiment of the Garner page,
two
diagonal slits are pierced through the Garner page such that they may engage
the two free
corners of the label's face panel, thereby holding the label at a
predetermined location on
the page and enabling a word processing template to print text right up to the
edge of the
spine panel.
In another embodiment, a patch of low-tack "repositionable" adhesive on the
carrier page
is used to temporarily secure the blank label at the target location on the
Garner page
during printing.
4
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
In another embodiment, the labels are inserted directly into the printer
thereby imposing
unprintable margins along some but not all of its edges. In this embodiment,
the narrow
spine portion of the label is oriented and positioned towards the center of
the printer,
thereby permitting the spatially coordinated software of my invention to print
full-height
text across the entire width of the spine panel. Text on the label's much
larger main
panel is also composed using the coordinated software template such that the
mechanical
margins of the printer do not impinge on the printed area.
Labeling of the CD disk contained within its jewel case may also be supported
through
the provision of software that prints the same data shown on the case's label
insert onto
adhesive labels that are subsequently affixed to the disk contained within.
Software and labeling means may also be provided for printing "liner note"
information
onto pages that fold twice into the correct dimension for engaging under the
retention
tabs inside standard CD case covers.
A modified slim-line CD jewel case configuration may also be provided that is
optimized
for receiving the printed label insert with minimal dimpling of the label. The
modified
jewel case utilizes an eccentric CD placement in the lower case half combined
with a
supplementary paper guide formed near its hinge end. The effect of these
modifications
is to apply a more even gripping pressure onto the label insert, thereby
reducing label
dimpling as well as minimizing any tendency for the case halves to separate
near their
common hinge.
5
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is one view of a typical slim-line CD jewel case.
Figure 2 is the same view as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment of the label of my invention.
Figure 3A illustrates printed matter on one embodiment of the label of my
invention.
Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of a carrier sheet for one embodiment of
my
invention.
Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of a carrier sheet of one embodiment
of my
invention.
Figure 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of a carrier sheet of one
embodiment of my
invention and an adhesive strip.
Figure 7 illustrates an alternate way to temporarily fix the label to the
Garner sheet.
Figure 8 illustrates the liner notes of one embodiment of my invention.
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CA 02489696 2004-12-20
Figure 9 illustrates the software template of one embodiment of my invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a CD labeled using one embodiment of my invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a software template of another embodiment of my
invention.
Figure 12 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the label of my invention.
Figure 13 illustrates printed matter on a preferred embodiment of the label of
my
invention.
Figure 14 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the label of my invention
within a slim-
line CD jewel case.
Figure 15 illustrates the accompanying software template for the preferred
embodiment
of the label of my invention.
Figure 16 illustrates dimensions of a preferred embodiment of my invention.
Figure 17 illustrates dimensions of one embodiment of my invention.
Figure 18 illustrates another embodiment of the label of my invention.
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CA 02489696 2004-12-20
Figure 19 illustrates an improved slim-line CD jewel case of my invention.
Figure 20 illustrates one packaging configuration of my invention.
Figure 21 illustrates a second packaging configuration of a preferred
embodiment my
invention.
Figure 22 illustrates a complete CD slim-line jewel case with a preferred
embodiment
label folded for packaging.
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CA 02489696 2004-12-20
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Typical Slim line CD Jewel Case
Refernng to Figure 1, there is illustrated a typical slim-line CD jewel case
(10) used for
protecting and storing a digital CD an example of which is illustrated in
Figure 10. This
standardized case is comprised of transparent cover (12) attached in a
clamshell manner
to base ( 14) via hinges ( 16). A CD is secured into disk tray ( 19) by means
of circular
outer flange ( 18) and inner flange (20). The circular outer flange ( 18) is
typically
interrupted at (21), (23), (25) and (27) into four sections (22), (24), (26)
and (28) as
illustrated. The inner flange (20) grips onto the inside rim of the CD
aperture. The jewel
case ( 10) base ( 14) has a front wall (34), a rear wall (36), a left side
wall ( 11 ) and a right
side wall (38). The left side wall ( 11 ) has a gap (40) and the right side
wall has a gap
(42) adjacent to interruptions (21) and (25) in the circular outer flange
(18). The left side
wall (11) includes a rearward first projecting member (37) having a first
inwardly
projecting pin (39). The right side wall (38) has a rearward second projecting
member
(41) having a second inwardly projecting pin (43).
Refernng to Figure 2, which is identical to Figure l, the jewel case further
includes
rectangular hinged cover ( 12) having a rearward skirt (46) forming the spine
of the case,
a left side skirt (48), a right side skirt (50) and an open forward end (52).
The rear of the
left side skirt includes a first projecting member (54) having a first
aperture (56). The
rear of the right side skirt includes a second projecting member (58) having a
second
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CA 02489696 2004-12-20
aperture (60). The top cover includes ridges (62) and (64) which together with
projecting left side tabs (66) and (68) and right side projecting tabs (70)
and (72) retain an
inserted label within the transparent cover and prevent it from moving within
the cover as
the case is opened and closed. The tabs also hold the label against the inside
surface (8)
of the cover. Ridges (62) and (64) may be replaced by a continuous ridge (not
shown)
proximate to the open front end of the cover. There is also ridge (65)
disposed near the
rear edge of the cover.
The hinges (16) comprises the base member rearward left projection (37) having
the first
inwardly protruding pin (39), the base member rearward right projection (41)
having the
second inwardly protruding pin (43), the cover rearward left projection (54)
having a first
aperture (56) and the cover rearward right projection (58) having a second
aperture (60)
such that the first pin meshes with the first aperture and the second pin
meshes with the
second aperture so that the cover and base are joined in a clam shell-like
pivoting
relationship at their respective rearward ends.
A >E~rst Embodiment
T'he Pre-formed Blank Label
Refer now to Figure 3, Figure 3A and Figure 4. Having described a typical slim-
line CD
jewel case with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2, I will now describe a
first
embodiment of my invention. This first embodiment of my invention is a pre-
formed
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
printable blank label system for a slim-line CD jewel case as described in
Figure l and
Figure 2. The pre-formed printable blank label system comprises a label
comprising a
preformed octagonal sheet (70) having contiguous and adjacent first (71) and
second (73)
portions and a carrier sheet (75) illustrated in Figure 4 and adapted for
carrying the
preformed octagonal sheet through a computer printer. The first portion (71 )
of the label
(70) comprises a first rectangle (74) having a front edge (76), a left edge
(78), a right
edge (80), a first width (82), a first length (84), a first face (86), and a
thickness (88). The
first face (86) is adapted for receiving printed material from a computer
printer having
left and right margins. The second portion (73) comprises a second rectangle
(90) having
a rear edge (92), a right edge (94), a left edge (96), a second length (98)
and a second
width (100) that is slightly less than the first width (82). Second portion
(73) includes
second face ( 102) and third face ( 104) having width ( 100). Third face (
104) is defined
between a first line (106) of reduced strength and the rear edge (92). The
third face is
also adapted to receive printed material from the computer printer.
Referring now to Figure 3A (1), the label (70) is shown as it would be removed
from
packaging containing the label and CD contained in a slim-line jewel case
(10). The
label is approximately120mm in width by 140mm in total length. Second
rectangle (90)
left edge (96), right edge (94), second length (98) and second width (100)
ensure that
edges (94) and (96) do not interfere with the operations of the jewel case
hinges (16)
shown in Figure 3A(3) when the case is opened and closed and so prevents
dragging and
creasing the label. Second width (100) is about 2mm less than the first width
(82) and the
length (98) of the second portion is about l7mm. If the first width and the
second width
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CA 02489696 2004-12-20
are made equal to each other, then the overall dimensions of the label needs
to be
changed to about 1 l7mm in width by about 140mm in total length so that the
side to side
movement of the label within the jewel case is minimized and there is no
interference
with the hinges ( 16). The blank label is fixed to the carrier sheet (75) and
pre-determined
printed material ( 111 ) is printed onto the label (70) as shown in Figure
3A(2). The first
line of reduced strength ( 106) is folded so that third face ( 104) is
perpendicular to second
face ( 102) and notches ( 162) and ( 164) form on the left and right side of
the label so
hinges ( 16) are not interfered with. Third face ( 104) is 4mm in width (
113). The printed
and folded label is then inserted into the jewel case (10) in as shown Figure
3A (3) so that
the printed third face (104) is against the transparent spine (46) of the
jewel case and
printed face (86) is against the inside surface (8) of transparent cover (12).
See also
Figure 14 for a view of the complete CD slim-line jewel case assembly.
The Carrier Sheet
Referring now to Figure 4, the Garner sheet (75) is an 8.5 inch by 11 inch
sheet of paper
and includes a plurality of guidelines for centering the label on the carrier
sheet in a
proper orientation so that when the Garner sheet with the label temporarily
fixed to it is
passed through the printer, the label remains stationary and the first and
third faces will
receive printed matter in a neat and legible manner. Guideline ( 120)
coincides with label
edge (78), guideline (121) coincides with label edge (96), guideline (123)
coincides with
label edge (94) guide line ( 122) coincides with label edge (76), guideline (
124) coincides
with label edge (80) and guideline (126) coincides with label edge (92).
Guideline (128)
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CA 02489696 2004-12-20
coincides with line of reduced strength ( 106). Guidelines ( 130) define label
corner ( 132),
guidelines (134) define label corner (136), guidelines (138) define label
corner (140) and
guidelines ( 142) define label corner ( 144). A subset of these guidelines may
be also used
to uniquely locate the desired location of label (70) on carrier page (75).
The Garner sheet also includes an adhesive area ( 146) adapted for temporarily
fixing the
label to the Garner sheet. A person skilled in the art would know that there
are varieties
of adhesives available that can temporarily fix the label to the Garner sheet
in the manner
contemplated by my invention so that the label is held and remains stable on
the Garner
sheet as the combination passes through a printer. The adhesive is adapted to
fix and
release the label without tearing the label or leaving an adhesive residue
upon the label.
Adhesive tape can be used as well. One advantage of using a carrier sheet in
the
configuration illustrated in Figure 4 is that the combination of the label
temporarily fixed
to the carrier sheet and the carrier sheet can be placed in the computer
printer in a portrait
orientation so that the label is centered upon the carrier sheet intermediate
of the printer's
first and second mechanical margins, thereby permitting accurate and neat
printing (111)
on the first and third faces of the label as illustrated in Figure 3A(2). My
invention
contemplates printing the guidelines onto the Garner sheet using software of
my invention
described below so that printed matter is correctly aligned on the label.
Referring to Figure 5, there is shown another embodiment of the Garner sheet
(77)
wherein triangular-shaped slits (79) and (81 ) are cut into the carrier sheet
diagonally
across the corners of the carrier sheet as shown so that corresponding corners
( 132) and
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CA 02489696 2004-12-20
( 136'' of the lal3et are fit therein and temporarily fixed to the c;arrier
sheet in a frictional tit
withu the slits fir transport through the computer printer. The slits may also
be narrow
or "zero wiJih" slits,
Referring to Figure G; ;:here; is shown another ernbcxlun~tit pf the carrier
sheet (87)
wherein label (7()) is ly.aceu within an area delineated by (89) which may be
shaded and
doubfe.sided adhesivE; strip (91) about l0cm tang isplacedwithin rectangle
(93). For
packaging and storagt: of the adhesive strip, wax paper covitrs (95) are used
to protect the
adhesive material. The side of the strip adhering permancn~ly to the carrier
shut is
t 0 covered with a high tae k adhesive material and the side of tie strip to
temporarily fix the
label to the carrier sheet is a low tack adhesive so that the label remains
fixed duriry
transport thtciugh the Iwinter but can be removed ~sily aftei printing without
damaging
the label.
Referring to Figure 7, there is shown yet gnathar ambodimdlt of the carrier
sheet (9y)
wherein the label (70) i ~ fixed Lt7 the Galrler Sheet by adhdsii~e strips (
101 ) and (103). 'The
adhesive srtrips may bf~ ;M PostyIt Flags which can ue uae~ to temporarily flx
the label
to the carrier sheet for hrintirtg and then removed.
~dvantageausly, the various ~rnbodi~xtents of the carrier shit descritxd
herein may also
be used t.'o: printing phc tographs frotrt computer printers haVirtg
machanic;al margins that
do nc~t support zcru-mwgin printing and arc n ctt specifically adapted for
printing photos.
This would permit zertmnargin printing of photographic images right up to tho
edge of
14
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
small sheets of photo t~apcr fixed tc? the carrier sheet of rny, in~~ention
and using a regular
cotc:ur printer. Blank photo-paper is tyFically of similar 5t~c t0 the hlank
t'L~ labels
deseri~aec~ above Thc~ software of my invention described ~eivw is able to be
modified to
create a carrier sheet :uiapted to carry blank photo paper si~cs, tbr examrle,
4." x 6".
Each sine of photo-tmr plate can be adapted to corresponding uan-ier sheet
guidelines that
pctmi is the user to aft i K a blank photo sheet at tree correct h3Cation for
b«rderless printing
~f the image if its 8.5" dimension is reduced to about 8.0" ib escape ti,e
printer's margins.
Since the carrier s~he~et. is rc-used when printing cacti new label, it rnay
be made of a more
it) durahle material such as piaatic rather than the paper typically u.~ed for
printed pages.
The carrier sheaf rr~y also bear prini~ed instructions such ashaw to correctly
affix the
label, compose the lat~c l's tea any! feed its leading edge into the printer.
Referring to Figure 8, rZy .invention may include a sheet (ItlS) ofblank liner
notes (iU7)
15 to be included with the labels so that additional inform3tion:cvn be
printed onto Um liner
notes and then stored culjaecrtt to the back of the label. The #sheet is 8.5"
wide by 9.5"
high (the 8.5" dimension can be reduced but the 9.5" is fixeii so as to span
the 4.75" of
the jewel case lid). W v ~ bisecting fold-lines ( t U9) enable tide user to
accurately fold the
finer-notes sheet after it's printed. The resulting 4.23" by 4;75" "booklet"
fits perfectly
?t) inside the ~D case's ewer (1~) ',where it is held in place by the four
retention tabs (68) to
(72) identified in Figurf~ 2. The software included with my invention may also
include a
liner note template to display and manipulate data and print dines fur the
liner not;s.
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
The Software oI c yvention
My invention also inc l ades means for composing attd urier~ting printed
matter onto the
label to facilitate computer printing ~nx&rising n software ~ompnnent that is
;adapted to
print material onto the: label of my invention using slundurttW ord prtxessing
software in
such as way that the first and third surfaces of the label reeesive the minted
matter
a~ouratefy, neatly and legibly.
Referring to Figure 9, there is illustrated t~ virtual label {l7Ct) generated
using the
1 U sothvare component of my invention that would appear on the computer
screen of the
user. The software is .~~~apted to tea run on a standard persogal computer,
The software
template is coordinate's to the physical dimensions of the vial label which
are equal to
the dimensions of ttte z~~l label descriibed shove. As well, t:~e saiiiwarc
coordinates the
label to the guidelines c~f the carrier sheets also described above se that
the label and the
1 > printing on the label we properly ariented with respect to the mechanical
margins of the
printer. A first set o#~ ptittted matter (172) locattx! in a first
ecletesmined position nn the
ferst surface arid a secc:r d set of printed matter (174) lacaked,:m a second
prCdctxrmin~
position on the third surface can be printed correctly onto the blank physical
label :~
illustrated .as item (111) i:x Figc:re 3A{2). The dotted outlina(l76) shown
i.n Figure ~~
20 maps the pre,-determi:nud location cxf the virtual blank label (.~ 7Q)
which the user employs
tn cmnpaRe the la.bel's textual infnrmatian. '1:'he dotted line is for on-
screen visual
reference purposes oni;y and does not print; however, any textual or graphical
information
edited onto the template is printed when the soflzvare diroctsahe displayed
template to
16
- - CA 02489696 2004-12-20
print on the; printer. ~aince the template and printer are con$gured to share
a common XY
frame c?f reference, text Sets (17~) and ( 174) pri,t at the same relative
location on the
physical label as they t.ppear on the so(iware templatE. batted line (176)
andthe
guidelines shown nn the r..arricr sheets previously discasc~ are Coordinated
to ensure
proper positioning of die printed iatxl with respect to the virtual label. My
invention
euntemphates using such popular software as Ivticrnsnt2 Woirclc~ however a
wide variety
of word processors and graph ics programs can he used lu c>heate a very basic
se~ftware
template requiring a!! data to be input w~ia the computer's k~ybaard. A
software label
template could ioe freei Y available to alt purchasers of my invention from an
Internet web
silo, Similarly, a standard word-larocassing tile rnight be u~jed to Irmduce
the carrier
pages and note-liner pages praviQUSiy discussed above. Alpo as discussed
above, the
soitsvara can bH easily adapted to print uotour photographs din a colour
printer having
mechanical margins r~mi riot previously adapted far zero-ma~;in printing. t"he
software.
of my invention may hc~ packaged with the labels on a setrar;~te CD or
recorded onto
every CD solo with lai~;is, In another ctnbcxiirnent of my iriventim, the
soi~ware of my
invention is able to interfere with the lnternei and such music database sirs
as
wwrx-.freedb.org o.r wyw-,v.graecnote,wm to obtain catalog information
describing the
contents of ~~ircually all available music C»s (CD title, artists track
lengths, track titles,
musical genres etc). The automatically downl6aded catulog.datn can than be
'~U automatically tormakted and inserted c~ntn the appropriate tent sets (
172) and ( 174) cm the
virtual blank label thc.r~:by eliminating laborious keyboard data input. 'i'ne
song title data
displayed on the software template can be identified from the remote lntcrnet
database
using a volume identifiE:r read directly from the disk being labeled.
Alternatively, the user
17
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
could type in the CCs' s title as the remote database c;uery used to look up
the desired
lat~eling information. ~~lterizatively, the labeling information could he read
into the
template directly frotr~ the CD's digital index without any i~teractian with a
remote
database (xnc~st rel~~:ar:t Nhen cataloging MP3 music files).: ~ihe same
general apprrtach
used 1'ar gathering music labeling information may ale be aced to gather
information for
labeling a fi'VD jewel ease. A centralized database such aswww.DVDliver.com
c,r
vlvw.dvdtitledb.com wwutd be ru:ce5sed through the Lltc;m~t and appropriate
data fields
downloaded for format:ed and printing (e.g. movie title, act~brs, plot
synopsis, reviewer
ratings ete). To label -tl~e jewel case containing a generic computer data CD,
its f le
! 0 structure may he read from the disk and displayed graphieaHy on screen to
illustrate the
hierarchy of folders, s~xa-folders and individual data files. (once the
software template
has been populated with the data hierarchy, its graphical representation can
be printed in
the set (1 t2). To facilitate optinutl data formatting, the us~-:may be able
to collapse or
expand nested folders, thereby permitting the file~structure ~ierairi:hy to
display only the
most useful information within the limped printable urea on> label ( 170).
Desr.«ptive title text fc,r the data GD is typically composed by the user for
display in text
set ( 174) (e.g. "C drive: backup U2~03/ll4" or ''i~amily uigita3 Photo
Fifes"). Thd data
labelinb routine rnay t;iuilitate this tap~lcvel Iabellng function by
automatically reading
the CD's digits! ''vnlmr ~ name" and using it a5 the default libel text. 'fhe
user may then
choose to ovwrridc the subgestcd title text by editing the sot~vare template
on-Screen.
In annther emttodimrnt of my invention, the software includies the following
functions:
inseaie~n of irr~ages that 5crvc :~s a background to the text.uttl=label
information (i.e.
is
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
background images su~lt as photos of musicialts, cover art, scenes from a
movie etc;; alto.
text scaling to takes ady,tntage of whate~~er label spa4e is av4ilable (i_e_
font size adjusted
such that lh;~ inft~rn~atvcut xcupies al I of the printable area): if the
front surface of the
label is not large enough to legihly display all of the desir~e~ catalog
information, then the
S software part.itians the tiara itt two and format the second data-block for
,printing onto the
back surface of the latel. Suitable prornpts are issued to permit the user to
flip the label
over and re-insert it in:o the printer fur printing of the exoesia data. The
software lneiudes
the ability to colour cad.e the third face ( i 04) to ret7ect musib genre or
data type. For
cxsmple, if the disk curtains music then its getut (e.g. jazz,~classical,
roelc ete) would be
used to colorize the pr;r~ted spine. All cx part ofthe spine panel's
background would he
coloured so chat stacks ~~f sitnilar tousle Gl3s would line up ~tto a
contiguous color bar
(e.g, green for male pox vocalist, yellow for female pop vocalist ctc_)_
Nutnaric catalog
codos rnay also be print~Kd onto fact (104) to aid in maintaintttg the order
of large
wllectivns. Thz text printed on face (1U4) may be automatically harmonized
with the
text set (1721 printed opto the label's first face (8ti). For sxdmple, the
C>5's title and
artist shown on the main face would be automatically copied and re-formatted
onto the
spine with font characteristics and wording that are aptin izdd for mF,ximurn
legibility in
that continuo space. Calibration functions that enaBle the ustrr to adjust the
location at
which labrl ticids dcsilmed an the template actually print or~o the paper
label. Nor
2U example, if after printin ;;, text field 1,174) is slightly too hi~~or low
on face ( 104) then
the user would he at~le to adjust that data field slightly up or down, thereby
insuring that
subsequent labels will Eo~int at the correct height for optimal k$gibility.
19
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
Referring to Figure 10, the software template of my invention used to compose
and print
label text onto the label may also include functions for printing all or part
of the same
information onto adhesive labels for fixation to the recorded CD (183),
thereby providing
a complete labeling solution for both the recorded media and its storage case.
For
S example, Figure 10 shows two adhesive-backed "Avery ~#5160" disk labels (
180) and
( 182). The labels display data fields ( 184) and ( 186) respectively. Such
mailing labels
are much less costly and more spac~efficient than the large doughnut-shaped
labels
commonly available for labeling CDs. Thirty such mailing labels fit onto a
single, letter-
sized page rather than just two full-sized, circular CD labels. The same data
already
assembled for printing of case label is reformatted to fit onto the labels (
180) and ( 182).
The user is then prompted to insert a sheet of labels into the printer and
identify the next
unused label locations on the sheet. The two resulting printed mailing labels
( 184) and
(186) are then adhered symmetrically about the disk's center, as illustrated,
thereby
insuring the disk's dynamic balance will be maintained during playback.
Refer now to Figure 11. Due to mechanical constraints related to their paper
handling
mechanism, most desktop printers are not capable of margin-less printing. By
exploiting
the margin characteristics of such printers, users may still be able to print
a useful amount
of data onto the CD slim-line jewel case label previously illustrated. FIG 11
illustrates a
software template ( 185) that asymmetrically positions and orients the text
sets ( 187) and
( 189) with respect to the direction of paper transport ( 191 ) such that an
artificial margin
( 193) is created between third face ( 104) and the right mechanical margin of
the printer
thereby enabling the label's critical spine text set (189) to be relatively
unaffected by any
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
of the printer's four mechanical margins (top, bottom, left and right). Since
CD jewel
cases are opened from right to left (i.e. hinge and spine on the left), the
main label text
( 187) is oriented upside-down so that when the correspondingly oriented paper
label is
fed through the printer (the top of the page always entering the printer
first), the resulting
label reads correctly when installed in its CD case.
In order to prevent skewed printing due to a small sheet of paper being
unevenly grabbed
as it enters the printer mechanism, a moveable fence is typically provided on
printers to
accommodate different paper sizes. This moveable left paper guide contacts the
small
sheet of paper along its left edge, thereby holding it evenly against the
printer's fixed
right side paper guide and maintaining orthogonal text alignment. When the
label is fed
into a typical printer (in correspondence with FIG 11), its spine panel (104)
is located
several inches from the printer's left mechanical margin. Since most printer
manufacturers do not move the left mechanical margin to correspond with the
current
location of the printer's moveable alignment fence, this template
configuration thereby
permits the critical spine label text ( 189) to be printed right up to the
edge of the label.
Thus, this "spine edge in middle" printing methodology and template partially
defeats the
conventional printer's inherent resistance to printing adequately onto third
face ( 104).
The software template shown in Figure 11 permits "spine edge in middle"
labeling using
many popular printers manufactured by Hewlett Packard~, Canon~, Epson~ and
others.
Text can be printed on to face (104) however label edges (76), (78) and (80)
(Figure 3)
remain subject to unprintable margins (the margin's width being variable
according to the
21
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
make and model of printer). If the user wishes to print background graphics
over the
label's entire surface or text that extends close these edges, it will be
necessary to make
use of the carrier sheet means and method described above.
One Preferred Embodiment of the Pre-formed Label
Refer now to Figure I2. I will now describe one preferred embodiment of my
invention.
This preferred embodiment label (200) is a pre-formed printable blank label
for a slim
line CD jewel case having the characteristics described above with reference
to Figure 1
and Figure 2. In this preferred embodiment, the pre-formed printable blank
label (200)
comprises a dodecagonal sheet having contiguous and adjacent first (202),
second (204)
and third (206) portions. The first portion comprises a first rectangle (210)
having a front
edge (2I I ) left edge (214), a right edge (212), a first width (216), a first
length (218), a
first face (220), and a thickness (222). The first face (220) is adapted for
receiving
printed material from a computer printer having left and right mechanical
margins and
not adapted for margin-less printing. The second portion (204) comprises a
second
rectangle (224) having a second length (226) and a second width (228) that is
slightly less
than first width (216), a second face (230), a third face (232) having a third
length (234)
and a fourth face (236). The third face (232) is defined between a first (240)
and a
second (242) parallel lines of reduced strength. The third face (232) is
adapted to receive
printed material from the computer printer. The third portion (206) comprises
a rear edge
(250), a fifth face (252) having a width equal to the first width (216) and a
third length
(256). The main advantage of this preferred embodiment of my invention is that
the label
can be inserted into a computer printer for printing material independent of a
carrier
sheet. The label is inserted into the computer printer so that the front edge
(21 I) is
22
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
against the left margin of the computer printer so that the first (220) and
second (230)
faces separate the third face (232) from the printer margin. In this way the
third face is
intermediate the first margin said second margin of the printer permitting
accurate
printing upon the third face. Alternatively, the label can be inserted into
the computer
printer so that the rear edge (2S0) is against the left margin of the computer
printer. In
this configuration the third face (232) is separated from the left margin of
the printer by
the fifth face (252) and is intermediate the first margin and the second
margin of the
printer permitting accurate printing upon the third face. In either of these
two label
orientation scenarios, the software component orients the virtual label used
to compose
labeling information such that the information prints onto its desired label
face as shown
in Figure 14. The printer's moveable paper guide is also typically positioned
to constrain
the label's free end, thereby maintaining orthogonallity as the label is drawn
into the
printer mechanism.
Referring now to Figure 13, to insert this preferred embodiment label (200)
into the slim
line CD jewel case, the label is folded at a right angle along the first (240)
parallel line of
reduced strength and folded at an angle that is at least a right angle along
the second
(242) parallel line of reduced strength so that the label forms a triangular
shaped form
(254). The first (220) and second (230) faces are co-planer, adjacent and
contiguous.
Fourth (236) and fifth faces (252) rest below first and second faces and are
separated by
the distance (234) of the third face (232). The first and third faces are
available to receive
printed matter (231) in a neat and legible matter from a computer printer. The
triangular
shaped form (254) that is formed from folded faces (230), (232) and (236)
result in the
23
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
second and fourth faces supporting the third face against the transparent
spine (46) of the
jewel case (10).
Refernng to Figure 14, once the label is printed and folded the first (220)
and second
(230) faces are adapted for insertion into the transparent cover ( 12) of the
jewel case ( 10)
and the third face (232) is adapted for insertion into the transparent spine
(46) of the
jewel case.
Referring back to Figures 12, 13 and 14 the second width (228) of the second
(230), third
(232) and fourth (236) faces is adapted to a maintain positional agreement
with the left
and right hinges ( 16) so that they can pivot without interfering with the
label.
The use of third portion (206) permits the label to be rotated 180 degrees
with respect to
the orientation required for use with the software template described above,
thereby
rendering it easier to read the data prior to printing (i.e. the main text
panel reads right
side up and the critical spine panel does not fall within the printer's left
or right
mechanical margins).
Referring to Figure 15, there is shown a typical software template (233) that
would
appear on the user's computer screen required to print the second embodiment
label (200)
showing first set (240) and second set (250) of printed matter. This template
is
positioned horizontally in a landscape orientation instead of vertically or in
a portrait
orientation.
Referring to Figure 16, there are shown appropriate dimensions in mm for one
preferred
embodiment label although these can vary.
24
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
Refernng to Figure 17, there are shown appropriate dimensions in mm for one
embodiment label although these can vary.
While the present invention is conceived for printing label inserts for slim
line CD cases,
it may also be used to print other types of labels. For example: with minor
modifications,
labels for standard (10 mm thick) CD cases and DVD cases can also be made
using
modified software, labels and carrier sheets described above. Cases for:
audiocassette
tapes, audio "mini-disks", videocassette tapes etc are other applications that
may utilize
similar label inserts. The software template and Garner page described above
may
therefore include additional templates to format and print information onto
common
blank label inserts for such applications.
A Third Embodiment of the Pre-formed Label
Refer back to Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3. When the cover (12) of the
jewel case
(10) is closed, ridge (65) abuts against the top surface of second face (102)
of label (70)
and back wall (36) top surface (6) is forced against the bottom surface of
second face
( 102). Since ridge (65) is closer to hinge ( 16) than ridge back wall top
surface (6) the
second face of the label is bent upward against the inside of cover thereby
insuring that
the third face ( 104) remains flush inside surface of the back skin (46) of
the cover ( 12).
However, the circumferential outer flange quarters (22) and (24) causes the
first face (86)
of the label to deform into a serpentine shape when the cover is closed
because there are
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
pressure points ( 15) and ( 17) located on flange quarters (22) and (24)
respectively. These
cause the label to bulge upwards, ridge (65) causes the label to bulge
downwards and
back wall top surface (6) causes the label to bulge upwards forming a
sinusoidal
deformation in the label. Points (15) and (17) may also cause unsightly
dimples to form
in the visible surface of the label. The tension in the label caused by the
sinusoidal
deformation creates a slight outward pressure within the CD causing it to
bulge slightly
open near hinges ( 16). Hence the rear portion of the slim line jewel case may
be slightly
thicker than the front portion of the case. When the cases are stacked, this
deformity
creates a tilting effect making vertical storage difficult and unattractive.
To reduce these
effects, there is a third embodiment of my pre-formed label illustrated in
Figure 18. The
third embodiment of the label (300) comprises a first portion (302) and a
second portion
(304). The first portion comprises a first rectangle (306) having a left edge
(308), a right
edge (310), a front edge (312), a first width (314), a first length (316), a
first face (318),
and a thickness (320). First face (318) is adapted for receiving printed
material from a
computer printer having left and right margins. Second portion (304) comprises
a second
rectangle (321) having a right edge (322), a left edge (324), a rear edge
(326), a second
length (328), a second width (330) that is slightly less than the first width
(314), a second
face (332) and a third face (334) having a third width (336). Second face
(332)
comprises at least three adjacent and parallel lines (334), (336), and (338)
of reduced
strength having an inherent tendency to absorb compression, so that when the
CD jewel
case is closed the label remains essentially flat within the case. The first
line (334) in this
embodiment is coincident with points (15) and (17). The second line (336) is
coincident
with the back wall top surface (6) and the third line (338) is coincident with
back ridge
26
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
(65). If necessary other lines of reduced strength can be inscribed on the
surface of the
label as required. Third face (334) is defined between a fourth line (340) of
reduced
strength and the rear edge (326) and is adapted to receive printed material
from the
computer printer. This illustrated embodiment of the invention also relies
upon the
carrier sheets previously discussed and described. These supplementary lines
of reduced
strength may also be formed in the embodiment of the label shown in Figure 12.
The thickness (320) of the paper used for the label will also influence the
amount of
tension created by the label in the closed jewel case. The thinner the paper,
the easier it
will conform to the serpentine path needed to fit inside the closed CD case.
If the paper
is too thin then dimpling will be apparent from points ( 15) and ( 17) and a
flimsy
appearance will result. Experience shows that semi-gloss paper approximately
0.15 mm
thick provides a good compromise: flexible enough to minimize the tilting
effect while
still providing a high quality print surface with enough stiffness to
facilitate removal from
the carrier page. Notwithstanding this experience, a wide variety of papers of
different
thickness and composition are adaptable to the present invention.
Modified Slim-line Jewel Case
Refernng to Figure 19, simple modifications to the design of the slim line
jewel case can
result in a flat disposition of the label within the closed jewel case and
prevent dimpling
and folding of the label. The embodiment of the slim-line CD jewel case can be
used for
any embodiment of the labels of my invention. The modified CD slim line jewel
case
27
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
(400) for holding a CD having an outer diameter and an centered aperture
having an inner
diameter comprises a cover (401), a base (402) pivotally fixed to the cover by
hinges
(404), and a CD tray (406) for holding the CD tightly. The cover (401)
comprises a first
rectangular body (408) having a top surface (410), a bottom surface (412), a
left skirt
(414), a right skirt (416), a rear skirt (418), a front open end (420), a
rearward left
projection (422) having a first aperture (424) and a rearward right projection
(426) having
a second aperture (428).
The base (402) comprises a second rectangular body (430) having a top surface
(432), a
bottom surface (434), a rear wall (436), a left side wall (438), a right side
wall (440), a
front wall (442). The left side wall (438) includes a left side flange (444)
and the right
side wall (440) includes a right side flange (446). The base further comprises
an interior
wall (448) adjacent to and parallel to the rear wall (436) and spaced a
predetermined
distance from the rear wall. The left side wall (438) includes a rearward left
projection
(450) having a first pin (452) and the right side wall (440) includes a
rearward right
projection (454) having a second pin (456). The CD tray (406) comprises a
first outer
circular wall (460) having an inside diameter (D462) equal to the outside
diameter of a
CD and a second inner wall (464) having an outside diameter (D466) equal to
the inside
diameter of the CD aperture diameter. The second inner wall is adapted to
engage the
CD aperture so that the CD is removably fixed within the tray. In this
embodiment of the
jewel case, the CD tray first outer circular wall (460) is circumscribed
within the
rectangle formed by the base front wall (442), left side wall (438), right
side wall (440)
and interior wall (448). The hinge means comprises the rearward left
projection (450)
28
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
having the first inwardly protruding pin (452), the rearward right projection
(454) having
the second inwardly protruding pin (456), the rearward left projection having
a first
aperture (424) and the rearward right projection having a second aperture
(428) such the
first pin meshes with the first aperture and the second pin meshes with the
second
S aperture so that the cover and base are joined in a pivoting relationship at
their respective
rearward ends.
The interior wall (448) is tangent to the outer wall of the CD tray (460) and
therefore the
sharp points ( 15) and ( 17) in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 are
eliminated. The
combination of interior wall (448) cooperating with rear wall (436) means that
the
dimpling of the label is avoided and the serpentine bending of the label is
less
pronounced. This in turn reduces the tendency of the jewel case to partially
open and
cause a tilting effect when stacked.
Packaging the Labels Together with the Slim-line CD Jewel Case
Referring to Figure 20, one embodiment of my invention contemplates being able
to
package a plurality of CD slim-line jewel cases. Compact packaging for
efficient
transport and retail display is one of the present invention's principal
benefits and can
take one of several forms depending on the end-user's requirements. For
example, if the
user requires blank recording media and jewel cases as well as a case labeling
capability
that includes edge-to-edge graphics, then all of the components illustrated in
Figure 20
may be supplied. Figure 20 illustrates a partially exploded view of a shrink-
wrapped
29
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
assembly (500) comprised of carrier-page (502), a plurality of slim line CD
jewel cases
(504) a plurality of label inserts (506) and a plurality of liner-notes (508).
The assembly
(500) is tightly shrink-wrapped (not shown) and so the plurality of slim line
CD jewel
cases (504) form a rigid structure of sufficient dimensions to protect
flexible Garner page
(502) from being damaged during transport and retailing. Adhesive labels (not
illustrated) may also be included as a layer in the sandwiched assembly. Each
of the
plurality of labels (506) is stored flat against the outside of plurality of
jewel cases (504).
Alternatively, each of the plurality of jewel cases may contain at least one
of the plurality
of labels already inserted as previously described. If the label is delivered
inside its case,
the user wishing to print label data onto it must first extract the blank
label and flatten it
prior to printing with software templates contemplated and described herein.
Usually, a
printer roller-feed mechanism will insure complete flattening of the label as
its slightly
folded third surface ( 104) passes under the print heads. This mode of label
packaging is
best suited to a manufacturer of blank CD media since they are able to insert
a blank label
at the factory prior to each CD case being individually shrink-wrapped. If
such is the
case, the label may be printed with retail sales graphics on one side and be
blank on the
other. The end-user would then remove the label and print catalog data onto
its blank
reverse side, thereby permitting the same piece of paper to serve both as an
advertising
medium for blank media and an after-sales label for its recorded contents.
The package (500) may also include a separate CD containing the software
templates
contemplated and described herein. Alternatively, as previously noted, the
appropriate
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
software template corresponding to the user's particular printer and graphical
requirements may be downloaded from a website.
Figure 21, illustrates a more compact and preferred packaging configuration
(600) using
a preferred embodiment of my invention. No carrier page is included. Since no
carrier
sheet is required, all of the plurality of jewel cases (602) can be single-
stacked together
with a corresponding plurality of preferred embodiment labels (604).
Figure 22 is a close up of a set (700) comprising a single CD case (704) and
preferred
embodiment label (702) suitable for stacked packaging such as shown in Figure
21. The
preferred embodiment label (702) is folded so that at (706) the fourth and
fifth faces are
folded below the first, second and third faces of label (702). The third face
is adapted for
insertion into the spine (708) of the case.
A method of packaging a slim-line CD jewel cases as shown in Figure 21 and
Figure 22
comprising the steps of:
a. taking an empty slim-line CD jewel case;
b. folding a dodecagonal sheet along said second line of reduced strength so
that the fourth and fifth faces are co-planer and located below the first,
second and third faces;
c. placing said dodecagonal sheet on top of said empty slim-line CD jewel
case;
d. repeating steps a to c for a plurality of empty slim-line CD jewel case;
31
CA 02489696 2004-12-20
e. stacking said plurality of slim-line CD jewel cases; and,
f. shrink-wrapping said plurality of slim-line CD jewel cases.
If the user already possesses a library of recorded CDs in standard jewel
cases and only
wishes to re-package them into labeled slim line cases in accordance with the
present
invention, then the blank CDs may be omitted from the above-described package.
Only
slim line cases and blank labels such as the one shown in Figure 3 are
included in the
package together with the software template needed to exploit them. The
software may
be included with the package or downloadable from a website. If carnet page
printing
capability is desired then adhesive strips are included with the blank labels.
The included slim line CD jewel cases included in all of the described
packaging
configures may be of the type described in Figures 3 and 18 or the type
described in
Figure 12.
This description contains much specificity that should not be construed as
limiting the
scope of the invention but merely provides illustrations of some of its
embodiments.
Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims
and their
legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.
32
