Label applicator and system

• US 7,302,982 B2
• Filed: 11/26/2003
• Issued: 12/04/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ccl Label Incorporated (CCL Industries Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
• Inventors: Hodsdon, Jerry G., Banks, Donald E., Yurchenco, James R., Lewis, Charles Richard Jr., Wien, Thomas, Nicholson, Dana Robert, Hei, Joseph Li-Hsing, Flink, Christopher M., Piazza, Anthony IV, Wu, Kocheng Michael, Thompson, Chase Tyler
• Primary Examiner(s): Tucker; Philip
• Assistant Examiner(s): Chan; Sing P.
• Application Number:
  US10/724,282
• Publication Number:
  US 20040108071A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,469 Days
• Field of Search: 156/391, 156/556, 156/580
• US Class Current: 156/391
• CPC Class Codes: B65C 2009/267 for non-circular shaped compact discs
• CPC Class Codes: B65C 9/0006 Removing backing sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B65C 9/265 specially adapted for compact discs
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/10 by an adhesive layer
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 23/40 Identifying or analogous means applied to or incorporated in the record carrier and not intended for visual display simultaneously with the playing-back of the record carrier, e.g. label, leader, photograph
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1744 Means bringing discrete articles into assembled relationship

Abstract

A label applicator including a support surface having a central area and curving downwardly from the central area. A post assembly extends up from the central area such that a label having a label through-hole can be positioned in a support position generally on the support surface with the post assembly extending up through the label through-hole and an adhesive face of the label facing up. Thereby an article having an article through-hole can be positioned over the post assembly so that a flat surface of the article can be pressed and guided against the adhesive face of the positioned label. The curved surface flattens out as the article is pressed down, allowing the label to be smoothly applied to the article. Pins extending up adjacent to the support surface engage in notches on the label and help hold the label in place.

Claims

1. A label application system, comprising:

an applicator body including a label support surface;

a first label having a narrow central opening;

a second label having a wide central opening, wider than the narrow central opening;

the first label being positionable in a first label application position on the label support surface with an exposed adhesive face of the first label disposed upwardly, or the second label being positionable in a second label application position on the label support surface with an exposed adhesive face of the second label disposed upwardly;

a post assembly extending up from a central area of the label support surface;

the post assembly having a first effective diameter adapted to center the first label in the first label application position;

engagement structure positionable by a user between an operative position and an inoperative position, the engagement structure when in the operative position extending generally above the label support surface and adapted to define a second effective diameter greater than that of the first effective diameter and adapted to center the second label in the second label application position;

the engagement structure is in the inoperative position when the first label is in the first label application position; and

the post assembly including an article support surface adapted to support an article in a position such that the article can be pressed down and against the exposed adhesive face of the first label when in the first label application position and against the exposed adhesive face of the second label when in the second label application position.

2. The applicator system of claim 1 wherein the inoperative position is generally below the label support surface.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the engagement structure includes a plurality of posts.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the posts are movable by the user between inoperative positions below the support surface and operative positions extending above the support surface.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the engagement structure defines an opening having the second effective diameter.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the post assembly defines a first circle having the first effective diameter and a center point coincident with a center point of the first circle.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the engagement structure when in the operative position is disposed radially outward from the post assembly.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the post assembly is movable relative to the support surface.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the narrow central opening has a diameter of 0.604 inch and the wide central opening has a diameter of 1.625 inches.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the article support surface is a ridge.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the article support surface includes a plurality of outwardly-extending surfaces.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the article is a CD.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the article is a DVD.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein the article is a an optical disc.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein the article support surface is a ledge.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the engagement structure has a portion thereof extending below the label support surface when the engagement structure is in the operative position.

17. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the post assembly is adapted to center the first label when the engagement structure is in the inoperative position.

18. A label application system, comprising:

an applicator body including a label support surface

a second label having a wide central opening, wider than the narrow central opening;

the first label being positionable in a first label application position on the label support surface with an exposed adhesive face of the first label disposed upwardly, or the second label being positionable in a second label application position on the label support surface with an exposed adhesive face of the second label disposed upwardly;

post means extending up from a central area of the label support surface for centering the first label in the first label application position;

centering means positionable by a user between an operative position and an inoperative position, the centering means when in the operative position extending generally above the label support surface for centering the second label in the second label application position;

the post means centering the first label when the centering means is in the inoperative position and the first label is in the first label application position; and

the post means including article support means for supporting an article in a position such that the article can be pressed down and against the exposed adhesive face of the first label when the first label is in the first label application position.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein a portion of the centering means extends below the label support surface when the centering means is in the operative position.

20. The system of claim 18 wherein when the centering means is in the operative position and the second label is in the second label applicator position, a portion of the centering means engages an edge of the wide central opening to center the second label.

21. The system of claim 18 wherein when the first label is in the first label application position, a portion of the post means engages an edge of the narrow central opening to center the first label.

22. The system of claim 18 wherein when the centering means moves between the operative and inoperative positions, the centering means moves relative to the label support surface.

23. A label applicator, comprising:

an body including a label support surface;

a post assembly extending up from a central area of the label support surface;

first and second pairs of engagement members supported by the applicator body, the first and second pairs being spaced outward from the post assembly on opposite sides thereof;

with a label, the label having (a) a central portion having an adhesive face and a central hole, and (b) first and second tabs extending out from the central portion, each of the tabs having a pair of opposite side notches, in a label application position on the applicator, the central portion is on the support surface with the adhesive face disposed upwardly, the post assembly is disposed in the central hole, the engagement members of the first pair are disposed in respective ones of the side notches of the first tab, and the engagement members of the second pair are disposed in respective ones of the side notches of the second tab; and

the post assembly including an article support surface adapted to support an article in a position such that the article can be pressed down and against the adhesive face of the label when in the label application position.

24. The of claim 23 wherein the central opening has a diameter of 0.604 inch or 1.625 inches.

25. The of claim 23 wherein the article support surface is a ridge or a ledge.

26. The of claim 23 wherein the article support surface includes a plurality of outwardly-extending surfaces.

27. The of claim 23 wherein the article is a CD or a DVD.

28. The of claim 23 wherein the article is a disc.

29. The of claim 23 further comprising an arcuate rim extending between one of the engagement members of the first pair and one of the engagement members of the second pair.

30. The of claim 23 wherein the engagement members each comprise a pin or a peg.

31. A label applicator, system comprising:

a label including;

a center portion, the center portion having an adhesive face and a center hole;

a first tab extending out from the center portion, the first tab including a pair of opposite side notches; and

a second tab extending out from the center portion, the second tab including a pair of opposite side notches;

a label applicator including;

an applicator body having a label support surface;

a post assembly extending up from a central area of the label support surface, the post assembly being adapted to support an article in a support position; and

first and second pairs of engagement members supported by the applicator body and spaced outward from the post assembly on generally opposite sides thereof; and

the label being positionable in a label application position on the body with the center portion on the support surface, the adhesive face upwardly disposed, the post assembly passing through the center hole, the first pair of engagement members positioned in the side notches of the first tab, and the second pair of engagement members positioned in the side notches of the second tab.

32. The system of claim 31 wherein with the label in the label application position an article in the article support position can be pressed down and against the adhesive face.

33. The system of claim 31 wherein the center portion is circular and the article is a disc.

34. The system of claim 31 wherein the engagement members comprise pins or pegs.

35. A label applicator, comprising:

an applicator body including a label support surface;

a post assembly at a central area of the label support surface;

the post assembly including a spindle, an inner centering post and an outer centering ring;

the spindle extending up from the inner centering post and defining an article support ledge on a top surface of the post and surrounding the spindle, the ledge being adapted to support an article having a hole in an article support position with the spindle disposed in the hole;

the inner centering post having a first effective diameter adapted to center a first label having a narrow central opening in a first label application position with the centering post disposed in the narrow central opening and an adhesive face of the first label upwardly disposed;

the outer centering ring surrounding the inner centering post and having a second effective diameter, which is larger than the first effective diameter, adapted to center a second label having a wide central opening, which is wider than the narrow central opening, in a second label application position with the centering ring disposed in the wide central opening and an adhesive face of the second label upwardly disposed; and

the post assembly being adapted to allow an article in the article support position to be pressed down against the first label when the first label is in the first label support position to adhere the first label to the article.

36. The applicator of claim 35 wherein the spindle and the centering post are affixed together as a single unit.

37. The applicator of claim 36 wherein a lower end of the spring biases against the outer centering ring.

38. The applicator of claim 35 wherein the post assembly includes a spring which biases the support ledge up.

39. The of claim 35 wherein the top surface of the outer centering ring is level with the surrounding label support surface when the article is being press adhered to the first or second labels.

40. The of claim 35 wherein the ledge is level with the top surface of the outer centering ring when the article is being press adhered to the first or second labels.

41. The of claim 35 wherein the post assembly includes a spring for biasing the outer centering ring relative to the support surface.

42. The of claim 41 wherein the spring upwardly biases the centering ring relative to the support surface.

43. The applicator of claim 35 wherein the post assembly is adapted to allow an article in the article support position to be pressed down against the second label, when the second label is in the second label support position and without the first label being in the first label support position, to adhere the second label to the article.

44. A label applicator, comprising:

an applicator body including a label support surface;

a label-application post assembly at a central area of the support surface;

the post assembly including an outer centering ring movable in an opening in the support surface;

the post assembly further including a centering post and a spindle fixed to the centering post and extending up from a top surface thereof;

the outer centering ring being concentric with the centering post;

a support ledge defined by the top surface of the centering post; and

the centering post being movable in an opening in the centering ring.

45. The applicator of claim 44 wherein the centering post is upwardly biased.

46. The applicator of claim 44 wherein the post assembly includes a spring which upwardly biases the centering post.

47. The applicator of claim 46 wherein the spring defines an inner spring, and the post assembly further includes an outer spring operatively associated with the centering ring.

48. The applicator of claim 47 wherein the outer spring upwardly biases the centering ring.

49. The applicator of claim 47 wherein the centering post defines a downwardly-disposed cup in which the inner spring is disposed and the outer ring defines a downwardly-disposed ring in which the outer spring is disposed.

50. The applicator of claim 44 wherein the applicator body includes abutment structure which defines a lower position of the centering ring.

51. The applicator of claim 44 wherein the outer centering ring is adapted to be positioned in a central opening of a label to center the label relative to the support surface.

52. The applicator of claim 44 wherein the outer centering ring completely encircles the centering post.

53. A label applicator, comprising:

a label support surface having a central area;

a post assembly extending up from the central area such that a label having a label through-hole can be positioned in a support position generally on the support surface with the post assembly extending up through the label through-hole and an adhesive face of the label facing up, such that an article having an article through-hole can be positioned over the post assembly so that a flat surface of the article can be pressed and guided against the adhesive face of the positioned label; and

wherein the post assembly includes a spindle positioned under the support surface and supported by a spring assembly including a flat spring and a coiled spring, the flat spring holding the coiled spring against the spindle and biasing the spindle in a raised position such that at least a portion of the spindle extends through the support surface.

54. A label applicator, comprising:

a label support surface having a central area;

a post assembly extending up from the central area such that a label having a label through-hole can be positioned in a support position generally on the support surface with the post assembly extending up through the label through-hole and an adhesive face of the label facing up, such that an article having an article through-hole can be positioned over the post assembly so that a flat surface of the article can be pressed and guided against the adhesive face of the positioned label;

wherein the support surface positions the label in a lateral position by a pair of flex ribs positioned at outer, longitudinal edges, the flex ribs coupled to the support surface at points along elongated sides and include a raised edge opposite the coupling points; and

wherein the pair of flex ribs each include an alignment wall having two sides angled relative to each other along a crease line.

55. The applicator of claim 54 wherein the alignment walls of both of the flex ribs defines a V-shape.

56. The applicator of claim 55 wherein both of the V-shape walls open toward the other.

57. The applicator of claim 54 wherein the alignment walls are both adapted to receive therein a separate alignment tab of the label.

58. A label applicator, comprising:

a label support surface having a central area;

a post assembly extending up from the central area such that a label having a label through-hole can be positioned in a support position generally on the support surface with the post assembly extending up through the label through-hole and an adhesive face of the label facing up, such that an article having an article through-hole can be positioned over the post assembly so that a flat surface of the article can be pressed and guided against the adhesive face of the positioned label; and

a pair of surface flaps coupled to the support surface and having an opening at substantially parallel positions relative to the support surface, wherein the surface flaps each include a foam portion at the opening, the surface flaps being compressible against the support surface when the article is positioned on the spindle and pushed down against the support surface.

59. A label applicator, comprising:

a label support surface having a central area;

a post assembly extending up from the central area such that a label having a label through-hole can be positioned in a support position generally on the support surface with the post assembly extending up through the label through-hole and an adhesive face of the label facing up, such that an article having an article through-hole can be positioned over the post assembly so that a flat surface of the article can be pressed and guided against the adhesive face of the positioned label; and

wherein the post assembly includes a ring coupled to a foam sleeve and a cap capable of being screwed into and out of the foam sleeve, the ring for supporting the article placed on the post assembly and capable of moving up and down with the foam sleeve as the post assembly is moved up and down.

60. A label applicator, comprising:

an applicator body having a support surface;

a post assembly extending up from the applicator body;

a locator assembly having at least one locator member and a lift post operatively connected to the at least one locator member;

the lift post extending through the body and through the post assembly;

the locator assembly being movable from a rest position to a lifted position by pulling up on the lift post such that the lift post moves relative to the post assembly;

when the locator assembly is in the rest position, the post assembly defines a centering structure for a small-hole adhesive label on the support surface, the small-hole adhesive label having a central small through-hole; and

when the locator assembly is in the lifted position, the at least one locator member extends up above the support surface around the post assembly such that the at least one locator member defines a centering structure for a large-hole adhesive label on the support surface, the large-hole adhesive label having a central large through-hole which has a larger diameter than that of the small through-hole.

61. The applicator of claim 60 wherein the at least one locator member includes a plurality of locator members.

62. The applicator of claim 60 wherein the at least one locator member includes a plurality of spaced locator posts.

63. The applicator of claim 62 wherein the locator assembly includes a connecting structure which operatively connects the locator posts with the lift post.

64. The applicator of claim 63 wherein the connecting structure comprises a bottom plate.

65. The applicator of claim 63 wherein the lift post includes an elongate post which extends through the post assembly and a lift knob secured at an upper end of the elongate post.

66. The applicator of claim 63 wherein the diameter of the small hole is approximately 0.604 inch and the diameter of the large hole is approximately 1.625 inches.

67. The applicator of claim 63 wherein the post assembly includes upright flexible tabs attached at upper and lower ends thereof and having a rest position wherein portions thereof extend outwardly relative to a vertical axis of the post assembly and define stops for holding an article in a rest position on the post assembly spaced above a label in a support position on the support surface and are flexible inwardly upon downward pressure against the article to allow the article to be pressed down against the label.

68. A label applicator, comprising:

an applicator body having a support surface;

a post assembly extending up from the body;

a locator assembly having at least one locator member and a lift post;

the lift post extending through the body and through the post assembly;

the locator assembly being movable relative to the applicator body between a first position and a second position;

when the locator assembly is in the first position, the post assembly defines a centering structure for a small-hole adhesive label on the support surface, the small-hole adhesive label having a central small through-hole;

when the locator assembly is in the second position, the at least one locator member extends up above the support surface generally around the post assembly such that the at least one locator member defines a centering structure for a large-hole adhesive label on the support surface, the large-hole adhesive label having a central large through-hole which has a larger diameter than that of the small through-hole; and

the lift post being operatively connected to the at least one locator member.

69. The applicator of claim 68 wherein the at least one locator member includes a plurality of locator members.

70. The applicator of claim 68 wherein the at least one locator member includes a plurality of spaced locator posts.

71. The applicator of claim 70 wherein the locator assembly includes a connecting structure which operatively connects the locator posts with the lift post.

72. The applicator of claim 71 wherein the connecting structure comprises a bottom plate.

73. The applicator of claim 68 wherein the lift post includes an elongate post which extends through the post assembly and a lift knob secured at an upper end of the elongate post.

74. The applicator of claim 68 wherein the diameter of the small through-hole is approximately 0.604 inch and the diameter of the large through-hole is approximately 1.625 inches.

75. The of claim 68 wherein the post assembly includes upright flexible tabs attached at upper and lower ends thereof and having a rest position wherein portions thereof extend outwardly relative to a vertical axis of the post assembly and define stops for holding an article in a rest position on the post assembly spaced above a label in a support position on the support surface and are flexible inwardly upon downward pressure against the article to allow the article to be pressed down against the label.

76. The applicator of claim 75 wherein the article is an optical disc.

77. The applicator of claim 68 wherein the second position is a lifted position relative to the first position.

78. The applicator of claim 77 wherein the locator assembly is movable from the first position to the second position by pulling up on the lift post.

79. The applicator of claim 78 wherein the lift post moves relative to the post assembly when the locator assembly is moved from the first position to the second position.

80. A label applicator, comprising:

an applicator body having a label support surface;

a label-application post assembly at a central area of the support surface;

the post assembly including a label centering ring, a centering post, and a spindle extending up from a top surface of the centering post;

the centering ring being movable in an opening in a center of the support surface and being concentric with the centering post; and

the centering post and the spindle being movable together and relative to the label support surface between operative raised and lowered positions.

81. The applicator of claim 80 wherein the label support surface is circular.

82. The applicator of claim 80 wherein the centering ring encircles the centering post above the support surface.

83. The applicator of claim 80 wherein the spindle is movable with respect to the outer centering ring.

84. The applicator of claim 80 wherein the top surface of the centering post forms an optical disc support ledge.

85. The applicator of claim 80 wherein:

the centering post has a first effective diameter adapted to center a first label having a narrow central opening in a first label application position on the support surface with an adhesive face of the first label disposed upwardly; and

the centering ring has a second effective diameter greater than the first effective diameter and adapted to center a second label having a wide central opening wider than the narrow central opening in a second label application position on the support surface with an adhesive face of the second label disposed upwardly.

86. The applicator of claim 85 wherein the centering post is adapted to center the first label when the centering post is in a raised position relative to the support surface.

87. The applicator of claim 86 wherein the centering ring is adapted to center the second label when the centering post is in a raised position relative to the support surface.

88. The applicator of claim 87 wherein the top surface of the centering post forms an article support ledge which is adapted to support an optical disc article for application of the second label thereto when the second label is in the second label application position.

89. The applicator of claim 87 wherein the top surface of the centering posts forms an article support ledge which is adapted to support an optical disc article for application of the first label thereto when the first label is in the first label application position.

90. The applicator of claim 85 wherein the narrow central opening has a diameter of approximately 0.604 inch and the wide central opening has a diameter of approximately 1.625 inches.

91. The applicator of claim 80 wherein the support surface is configured to support a round label having a pair of opposing and outwardly extending tabs.

92. A label applicator, comprising:

an applicator body having a support surface;

a label-application post assembly at a central area of the support surface;

the post assembly including an outer centering ring, a centering post, and a spindle extending up from a top surface of the centering post;

the outer centering ring being movable in an opening in the support surface and being concentric with the centering post; and

a coil spring for moving the spindle and the centering post together and relative to the outer centering ring.

93. The applicator of claim 92 wherein the post assembly includes a spring for upwardly biasing the centering post.

94. The applicator of claim 92 wherein:

the centering post has a first effective diameter adapted to center a first label having a narrow central opening in a first label application position on the support surface with an adhesive face of the first label disposed upwardly; and

the centering ring has a second effective diameter greater than the first effective diameter and adapted to center a second label having a wide central opening wider than the narrow central opening in a second label application position on the support surface with an adhesive face of the second label disposed upwardly.

95. The applicator of claim 94 wherein the centering post is adapted to center the first label when the centering post is in a raised position relative to the support surface.

96. The applicator of claim 95 wherein the centering ring is adapted to center the second label when the centering post is in a raised position relative to the support surface.

97. The applicator of claim 96 wherein the top surface of the centering post forms an article support ledge which is adapted to support an optical disc article for application of the second label thereto when the second label is in the second label application position.

98. The applicator of claim 96 wherein the top surface of the centering post forms an article support ledge which is adapted to support an optical disc article for application of the first label thereto when the first label is in the first label application position.

99. The applicator of claim 95 wherein the narrow central opening has a diameter of approximately 0.604 inch and the wide central opening has a diameter of approximately 1.625 inches.

100. The applicator of claim 92 wherein the support surface is configured to support a round label having a pair of opposing and outwardly extending tabs.

101. The applicator of claim 92 wherein:

the centering post forms first centering means with a first effective diameter for centering a first label having a narrow central opening in a first label application position on the support surface with an adhesive face of the first label disposed upwardly; and

the centering ring forms second centering means with a second effective diameter greater than the first effective diameter for centering a second label having a wide central opening wider than the narrow central opening in a second label application position on the support surface with an adhesive face of the second label disposed upwardly.

102. The applicator of claim 101 wherein the first centering means is for centering the first label when the centering post is in a raised position relative to the support surface.

103. The applicator of claim 102 wherein the second centering means is for centering the second label when the centering post is in a raised position relative to the support surface.

104. The applicator of claim 103 wherein the top surface of the centering post forms support means for supporting an optical disc article for application of the second label thereto when the second label is in the second label application position.

105. The applicator of claim 102 wherein the top surface of the centering post forms support means for supporting an optical disc article for application of the first label thereto when the first label is in the first label application position.

106. The applicator of claim 102 wherein the narrow central opening has a diameter of approximately 0.604 inch and the wide central opening has a diameter of approximately 1.625 inches.

107. The applicator of claim 101 wherein the support surface includes means for supporting a round label having a pair of opposing and outwardly extending tabs.

108. A label applicator, comprising:

an applicator body having a support surface;

a label-application post assembly at a central area of the support surface;

the post assembly including an outer centering ring, a centering post, and a spindle extending up from a top surface of the centering post;

the outer centering ring being movable in an opening in the support surface and being concentric with and encircling the centering post above the support surface; and

the post assembly including a spring for upwardly biasing the centering post.

109. The applicator of claim 108 wherein:

the centering post has a first effective diameter adapted to center a first label having a narrow central opening in a first label application position on the support surface with an adhesive face of the first label disposed upwardly; and

the centering ring has a second effective diameter greater than the first effective diameter and adapted to center a second label having a wide central opening wider than the narrow central opening in a second label application position on the support surface with an adhesive face of the second label disposed upwardly.

110. The applicator of claim 109 wherein the centering post is adapted to center the first label when the centering post is in a raised position relative to the support surface.

111. The applicator of claim 110 wherein the centering ring is adapted to center the second label when the centering post is in a raised position relative to the support surface.

112. The applicator of claim 111 wherein the top surface of the centering post forms an article support ledge which is adapted to support an optical disc article for application of the second label thereto when the second label is in the second label application position.

113. The applicator of claim 111 wherein the top surface of the centering post forms an article support ledge which is adapted to support an optical disc article for application of the first label thereto when the first label is in the first label application position.

114. The applicator of claim 111 wherein the centering post is biased towards the raised position and is movable to a lower position relative to the support surface.

115. The applicator of claim 109 wherein the narrow central opening has a diameter of approximately 0.604 inch and the wide central opening has a diameter of approximately 1.625 inches.

116. The applicator of claim 109 wherein the outer centering ring is movable relative to the centering post.

117. The applicator of claim 109 wherein a top surface of the centering ring can be depressed down in the plane of the support surface.

118. The applicator of claim 108 wherein the support surface is configured to support a round label having a pair of opposing and outwardly extending tabs.

119. A label applicator, comprising:

an applicator body having a round label support surface;

a label-application post assembly at a central area of the support surface;

the post assembly including an outer centering ring, a centering post, and a spindle extending up from the centering post;

the centering ring being movable in an opening in a central area of the support surface; and

the centering post and the spindle being movable together and relative to the label support surface between operative raised and lowered positions.

120. The applicator of claim 119 wherein the label-application post assembly is adapted to center a first label having a narrow central opening in a first label application position with an adhesive face of the first label disposed upwardly and is adapted to center a second label having a wide central opening in a second label application position with an adhesive face of the second label disposed upwardly.

121. The applicator of claim 120 wherein the centering post is adapted to center the first label when the centering post is in a raised position relative to the support surface.

122. The applicator of claim 121 wherein the centering ring is adapted to center the second label when the centering post is in a raised position relative to the support surface.

123. The applicator of claim 120 wherein the spindle extends up from a top surface of the centering post, and wherein the top surface defines a support surface for a round optical disc for application of the first label thereto when in the first label application position.

124. The applicator of claim 123 wherein the top surface defines a support surface for a round optical disc when the post assembly is in the second configuration.

125. The applicator of claim 119 wherein the post assembly includes a coil spring for upwardly biasing the spindle relative to the support surface.

126. The applicator of claim 119 wherein the centering ring is movable relative to the opening between a first position and a different second position relative to the support surface, and wherein the centering ring when in the first position has its top surface generally below the support surface.

127. The applicator of claim 126 wherein when the centering ring is moved from the first position to the second position the top surface is moved above and away from the support surface.

128. The applicator of claim 126 wherein spring means biases the centering ring from the first position to the second position.

129. A label applicator, comprising:

an applicator body including a label support surface;

a post assembly extending up from a central area of the label support surface;

the post assembly having a first effective diameter adapted to center a first label having a narrow central opening in a first label application position on the support surface with an adhesive face of the first label disposed upwardly;

engagement structure positionable by a user between an operative position and an inoperative position, the engagement structure when in the operative position extending generally above the label support surface and adapted to define a second effective diameter greater than that of the first effective diameter and adapted to center a second label having a wide central opening wider than the narrow central opening in a second label application position on the support surface with an adhesive face of the second label disposed upwardly;

the post assembly including an article support surface adapted to support an article in a position such that the article can be pressed down and against the adhesive face of the first label when in the first label application position; and

first and second pairs of pegs supported by the body, the first and second pairs being spaced outward from the post assembly on opposite sides thereof, the first pair of pegs engaging in side edge notches of a first tab of one of the first or second labels when that label is in the label application position, and the second pair of pegs engaging in side edge notches of a second tab of that label when in the label application position.

130. The applicator of claim 129 wherein the article support surface is adapted to support an article in a position such that the article can be pressed down and against the adhesive face of the second label when in the second label application position.

131. A label applicator, comprising:

an applicator body including a label support surface;

a post assembly extending up from a central area of the label support surface;

first and second pairs of engagement members supported by the applicator body, the first and second pairs being spaced outward from the post assembly on opposite sides thereof;

with a label, the label having (a) a central portion having an adhesive face and a central hole, and (b) first and second tabs extending out from the central portion, each of the tabs having a pair of opposite side notches, in a label application position on the applicator, the central portion is on the support surface with the adhesive face disposed upwardly, the post assembly is disposed in the central hole, the engagement members of the first pair are disposed in respective ones of the side notches of the first tab, and the engagement members of the second pair are disposed in respective ones of the side notches of the second tab;

the post assembly including an article support surface adapted to support an article in a position such that the article can be pressed down and against the adhesive face of the label when in the label application position; and

first and second arcuate rims on the support surface, a first one of the engagement members of the first pair and a first one of the engagement members of the second pair being positioned at opposite ends of the first arcuate rim, and a second one of the engagement members of the first pair and a second one of the engagement members of the second pair being positioned at opposite ends of the second arcuate rim.

132. The applicator of claim 131 wherein the first and second rims comprise first and second arcuate ribs, respectively.

133. A label applicator, comprising:

an applicator body including a label support surface;

a label-application post assembly at a central area of the support surface;

the post assembly including an outer centering ring movable in an opening in the support surface;

the post assembly including a centering post and a spindle fixed to the centering post and extending up from a top surface thereof;

the outer centering ring being concentric with the centering post;

a support ledge defined by the top surface of the centering post;

the post assembly including an inner spring which upwardly biases the centering post;

the post assembly including an outer spring operatively associated with the centering ring; and

at least one of;

(1) wherein the centering post is movable in an opening in the centering ring;

(2) wherein the centering post is upwardly biased relative to the support surface;

(3) wherein the outer spring upwardly biases the centering ring;

(4) wherein the centering post defines a downwardly-disposed cup in which the inner spring is disposed and the outer ring defines a downwardly-disposed ring in which the outer spring is disposed; and

(5) wherein the applicator body includes abutment structure which defines a lower position of the centering ring.

134. The applicator of claim 133 wherein the centering post is movable in an opening in the centering ring.

135. The applicator of claim 133 wherein the centering post is upwardly biased relative to the support surface.

136. The applicator of claim 133 wherein the outer spring upwardly biases the centering ring.

137. The applicator of claim 133 wherein the centering post defines a downwardly-disposed cup in which the inner spring is disposed and the outer ring defines a downwardly-disposed ring in which the outer spring is disposed.

138. The applicator of claim 133 wherein the body includes abutment structure which defines a lower position of the centering ring.

139. A label applicator, comprising:

an applicator body having a support surface;

a label-application post assembly at a central area of the support surface;

the post assembly including an outer centering ring, a centering post, and a spindle extending up from a top surface of the centering post;

the outer centering ring being movable in an opening in the support surface and being concentric with the centering post;

a coil spring for moving the spindle relative to the outer centering ring; and

the post assembly including a spring for upwardly biasing the centering post.

140. A label application system, comprising:

a label applicator base assembly including a label support surface;

at least a narrow-hole label and a wide-hole label; and

centering means manually positionable by a user between alternative first and second configurations (a) for centering, when in the first configuration, in a narrow hole of the narrow-hole label, the narrow-hole label in a label application position on the label support surface with an exposed adhesive face of the narrow-hole label being upwardly disposed and (b) for centering, when in the second configuration, in a wide hole, which is wider than the narrow hole, of the wide-hole label, the wide-hole label in a label application position on the label support surface with an exposed adhesive face of the wide-hole label being upwardly disposed.

141. The system of claim 140 wherein the base assembly includes a base which supports the label support surface and defines the lower support surface of the label applicator, and the label support surface is fixed and non-rotatable relative to the label support surface.

142. The system of claim 140 wherein the first and second configurations are along a vertical axis relative to the label support surface.