Glue pen

A glue pen including a housing, a heater element, and a feed mechanism. The housing is configured to support a meltable adhesive substance. The heater element is disposed in the housing. The feed mechanism is coupled to the housing. The feed mechanism includes a first actuator and a second actuator. Each of the first actuator and the second actuator is selectively movable relative to the other actuator to move the meltable adhesive substance toward the heater element.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a glue pen, and more particularly to a heated glue pen including a feed mechanism.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a glue pen including a housing, a heater element, and a feed mechanism. The housing is configured to support a meltable adhesive substance. The heater element is disposed in the housing. The feed mechanism is coupled to the housing. The feed mechanism includes a first actuator and a second actuator. Each of the first actuator and the second actuator is selectively movable relative to the other actuator to move the meltable adhesive substance toward the heater element.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a glue pen including a housing, a heater element, and a feed mechanism. The housing includes an output end and is configured to support a meltable adhesive substance. The heater element is disposed in the housing adjacent or at the output end. The feed mechanism is coupled to the housing. The feed mechanism includes an actuator movable pivotable about a first axis to engage the meltable adhesive substance. The actuator further movable from a start state to an end state to move the meltable adhesive substance toward the heater element.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a glue pen including a housing, a heater element, and a feed mechanism. The housing is configured to support a meltable adhesive substance. The housing defines a passage and a feed axis extending longitudinally through the passage. The heater element is disposed in the housing. The feed mechanism is coupled to the housing. The feed mechanism includes an actuator protruding from a first side of the housing. The actuator is engageable to move the meltable adhesive substance along the feed axis toward the heater element.

Features and aspects of the disclosed technology will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosed technology are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the embodiments of the technology. As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components, unless otherwise context dictates otherwise. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive- or and not to an exclusive- or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true or present).

Terms of approximation, such as “about,” “generally,” “approximately,” or “substantially,” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

FIGS.1and2illustrate an exemplary glue pen10including a housing14, a heater element18disposed in the housing14, and a feed mechanism22that is coupled to the housing14. The housing14includes a first housing region26and a second housing region30that are coupled together or otherwise formed (including as a single unitary structure) to encapsulate the heater element18. The second housing region30, in one aspect, defines a battery receptacle. The first housing region26and the second housing region30are configured to cooperatively receive a meltable substance, such as a glue stick38. The illustrated embodiment displays a glue stick38, but it is understood that any other substance configured to melt (i.e., a meltable adhesive substance) in response to relatively high temperatures may be substituted in place of the glue stick38.

As illustrated inFIGS.3A&B, the first housing region26includes a protrusion42extending from an end of the housing26. As shown inFIG.1, the feed mechanism22is disposed in a cavity46of the first housing region26. The cylindrical protrusion42defines a first end, a heater element end,50of the first housing region26. A second end of the first housing region26is defined by an intermediate point54where the first housing region26and the second housing region30meet. The second end of the first housing region26is further defined by a rear wall58of the cavity46and is positioned opposite the cylindrical protrusion42such that the cavity46extends between the rear wall58and the cylindrical protrusion42. A top surface62of the first housing region26extends between the intermediate point54and the first end50and includes grooves66(e.g., three grooves). The grooves66may provide a user with easier and more ergonomic gripping of the glue pen10.

The cavity46further includes a roof70, a first pair of apertures74a,74b, and a second pair of apertures78a,78b. The roof70extends downwards from the top surface62of the first housing region26. The first pair of apertures74a,74bare positioned on opposing sides of the glue pen10such that the first pair of apertures74a,74bform a through hole that defines the cavity46. Further, the first pair of apertures74a,74bare generally rectangular and follow the contour of the housing14. In the illustrated embodiment, the opposing sides are right and left sides of the first housing region26. The apertures74a,74bopen away from the glue pen10. The roof70is positioned inwards of the apertures74a,74bsuch that the apertures74a,74breveal downwardly depending sidewalls70a,70bof the roof70. In addition, the roof70defines an upper boundary of the through hole, and thus, the cavity46. In other embodiments, the first pair of apertures74a,74bmay have different geometric openings such that the cavity46is variably defined by the shape of the first pair of apertures74a,74b.

The second pair of apertures78a,78bare positioned opposite each other. One of the second pair of apertures78a,78bis positioned on a front wall86of the cavity46, and the other of the second pair of apertures78a,78bis positioned on the rear wall58of the cavity46. The second pair of apertures78a,78bfurther define a first housing region axis F therebetween. The first housing region26is generally aligned along the first housing region axis F. The second pair of apertures78a,78bare generally circular in the illustrated embodiment. The front wall86is positioned adjacent the cylindrical protrusion42such that the aperture78apositioned on the front wall86defines an opening for a through hole that extends through the cylindrical protrusion42. The second pair of apertures78a,78bare in fluid communication with the cavity46such that the meltable substance may be conveyed between the second pair of apertures78a,78bthrough the cavity46. Specifically, the meltable substance may be, but is not limited to, a glue stick38(FIG.1). In other embodiments, apertures78a,78bfor conveying a meltable substance may be shaped differently or positioned elsewhere on the glue pen10.

As best illustrated inFIGS.4-6, the second housing region30is adjacent to and integrally formed with the first housing region26. The second housing region30includes a generally circular rear endcap90that defines a first end, a battery end,94of the second housing region30. The rear endcap90is removably coupled to the second housing region30. The rear endcap90is removable such that a battery may be received in the second housing region. The second housing region30includes an indicator106(e.g., a light) that may provide an indication of the charge status for the battery received in the second housing region. In another embodiment, the battery may be fixedly positioned in the second housing region30and charged via a charge port positioned in second housing region30. In another embodiment, the second housing region30may contain no battery and instead include an electrical connection, such as an A/C connection for receiving an A/C current to power the heater element18.

The second housing region30further includes a second end opposite the rear endcap90. The second end of the first housing region26and the second end of the second housing region30are coincident at the intermediate point54. A second housing region axis S is defined between the first end94of the second housing region30and the intermediate point54through the center of the rear endcap90. The second housing region axis S, and thus the second housing region30, is angled relative to the first housing region axis F (FIG.3A), and thus the first housing region26. More specifically, the second housing region axis S is oriented such that the second housing region axis S is not parallel nor perpendicular to the first housing region axis F (FIG.3A). In the illustrated embodiment, the second housing region axis S is oriented relative to the first housing region axis F (FIG.3B) at an angle that is less than 45 degrees and greater than 0 degrees.

A top surface98of the second housing region30extends between the first end94of the second housing region30and the intermediate point54. The top surface98includes a power button102, an indicator light106, and a slot or feed cavity110that defines a first axis along which the glue stick38is actuated during use of the glue pen10. In the illustrated embodiment, the power button102is positioned proximal the rear endcap90on a raised portion114of the top surface98. More specifically, the raised portion114slopes up from the rear endcap90, plateaus, and slopes downwards in the direction of the intermediate point54. The power button102is generally rectangular. The indicator light106is positioned adjacent the power button102on the downward sloping portion of the raised portion114. The illustrated indicator106is generally rectangular and smaller than the power button102, although other shapes or configurations for the indicator106are possible and considered herein. The indicator106indicates the charge status of the battery that is disposed in the second housing region30. The feed cavity110is positioned adjacent the intermediate point54and extends from the intermediate point54towards the raised portion114. Further, the feed cavity110is in communication with the cavity46in the first housing region26. More specifically, and with further reference toFIGS.3A&B, the feed cavity110is in communication with the cavity46through the aperture78bpositioned on the rear wall58of the cavity46. The glue stick38may be inserted into the feed cavity110to be conveyed through the cavity46between the second pair of apertures78a,78b.

As shown inFIG.7, the first housing region26and the second housing region30collectively form a bottom surface118extending between the cylindrical protrusion42and the rear endcap90. The bottom surface118is generally parallel to the second housing region axis S. The bottom surface118includes an indented grip122and a support member126. The indented grip122is positioned proximal the cylindrical protrusion42and generally opposite the plurality of grooves66on the top surface62of the first housing region26as best shown inFIGS.3A&B. The indented grip122and the plurality of grooves66cooperatively provide a user with an easier and more ergonomic grip. The support member126is positioned adjacent the rear endcap90and is generally rectangular. The support member126protrudes from the bottom surface118of the glue pen10and is configured to be placed upon an external surface such that the glue pen10may remain upright (e.g., with the top surface62facing upwards) while not in use.

FIGS.8and9illustrate the heater element18. The heater element18includes a base130, a coupling portion134, an outwardly extending portion138, a cone portion142, and a dispensing tube (e.g., an output end)146. The base130is a planar circular surface having generally the same radius as the cylindrical protrusion42of the first housing region26. The coupling portion134extends outwards from the base130in the direction of the first housing region26and includes a pair of cylinders134a,134bconfigured to be received in the cylindrical protrusion42. The outwardly extending portion138extends from the base130in an opposite direction from the coupling portion134(e.g., opposite from the first housing region26). The outwardly extending portion138further extends radial outwards to a maximum radial position of the heater element18. The cone portion142extends from the maximum radial position and slopes inwards to the dispensing tube146. A plurality of channels150is evenly distributed around the heater element18and extend from a position in the outwardly extending portion138to a position adjacent the top of the cone portion142. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing tube146is a hollow tube in communication with the second pair of apertures78a,78bof the first housing region26when the heater element18is disposed in the housing14. The dispensing tube146has a smaller radius than the second pair of apertures78a,78b.

As illustrated inFIGS.10-12and16, the feed mechanism22couples to the first housing region26(FIG.1) and includes a feed mechanism support154, a first actuator158athat is positioned on a first side of the housing14, and a second actuator158bthat is positioned on a second side of the housing14. With additional reference toFIGS.3A and3B, the feed mechanism support154includes a pair of walls162a,162badjacent the first pair of apertures74a,74bin the first housing region26and a feed tube166. The pair of walls162a,162binclude windows170a,170b(seeFIGS.13A and13B) for receiving each actuator158a,158b. The pair of walls162a,162bextend upwards from the bottom of the cavity46to the roof70of the cavity46. The feed tube166is positioned between the pair of walls162a,162b. In addition, the feed tube166extends upwards from the bottom of the cavity46to the roof70of the cavity46and has a through hole positioned therebetween. The through hole of the feed tube166is of generally the same size and shape as the second pair of apertures78a,78bsuch that the through hole is in communication with the second pair of apertures78a,78b.

As best illustrated inFIGS.13A-15, the actuators158a,158bare symmetrically identical (i.e., mirror images) and are disposed in the cavity46and extend outward from the windows170a,170b. Each actuator158a,158bincludes a pivot portion174a,174b, an actuator portion178a,178b(e.g., a protruding portion), and a tab182a,182b. Each of the pivot portions174a,174bis positioned within the feed mechanism support154and defines a pivot184a,184bthat permits pivotal or rotational movement of the corresponding actuator158a,158baround a respective second axis A or a third axis B due to engagement with holes183a,185aand183b,185bin the feed mechanism support154(FIG.11). The first actuator158ais pivotable toward and away from the feed cavity110about the second axis A to engage with or disengage from the glue stick38. The second actuator158bis pivotable toward and away from the feed cavity110about the third axis B to engage with and disengage from the glue stick38. The second axis A is substantially parallel to the third axis B. The actuator portions178a,178bextend from the pivot portions174a,174boutwards from the windows170a,170band in the direction of the heater element end50of the housing14.

Each of the first actuator portion178aand the second actuator portion178bincludes a respective material engaging edge186a,186b. Each of the material engaging edges186a,186bextends outward from the actuator portions178a,178btoward the cavity46to selectively engage the glue stick38. The first and second tabs182a,182bextend beyond the upper and lower extents of the apertures74a,74b(seeFIGS.3A and3B), respectively, to provide a relatively large engagement surface, and to guide movement of the actuators158a,158btoward and away from the heater element18along the sidewalls70a,70b(seeFIGS.3A and3B), respectively.

FIGS.17-25illustrate another exemplary glue pen assembly210including a glue pen214and a stand218. The glue pen214may be coupled to and supported by the stand218while the glue pen214is not in use. Although the stand218is described with reference to the glue pen214, it should be understood that the glue pen10may be supported by the stand218. As illustrated inFIGS.18and19, the glue pen214includes a housing222that defines a cavity226and that supports a feed mechanism230disposed in the cavity226, a battery casing232that supports a battery unit233, a heater element234(e.g., a resistive heater to heat and melt an adhesive product such as a glue stick236), an indicator light235, a circuit board237, and a power button238. The housing222has a first end240, an output end, and the heater element234is disposed in the housing222adjacent to or at the first end240. The cavity226extends along a first or feed axis A1of the housing222and is shaped to receive the glue stick236at an insertion opening242to the cavity226.

With reference toFIGS.17and18, the housing222includes a grip portion248that defines a grip axis A2that is oriented at a non-zero angle (e.g., an acute angle) relative to the feed axis A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the grip axis A2extends at an angle that is less than approximately 45 degrees relative to the feed axis A1, although other angles are possible and considered herein. As such, the grip axis A2intersects the feed axis A1and, together, the feed axis A1and the grip axis A2lie in a glue pen plane P1. The glue pen plane P1bisects the glue pen214through the middle of the glue pen214such that the portion of the glue pen214on a first side (e.g., a left side) of the plane P1is symmetrical to the portion of the glue pen214on a second side (e.g., a right side) of the plane.

With reference toFIGS.19and20A-20C, the feed mechanism230is disposed in the cavity226and includes a spring250and a feed mechanism support254. The spring250is coupled between a heater element end246of the cavity226and the feed mechanism support254to bias the feed mechanism support254away from the heater element234along the feed axis A1. The glue stick236is insertable into the feed mechanism support254, which guides the glue stick236toward the heater element234as described in detail below.

The feed mechanism230also includes a first actuator258a, a second actuator258b, a first pivot rod262a, and a second pivot rod262b. The first actuator258ais positioned on and extends from a first side of the housing222, and the second actuator258bis positioned on and extends from a second side of the housing222that is opposite the first side. Stated another way, the first actuator258aextends from the housing222in a direction that is transverse to the glue pen plane P1on the first side of the plane P1, and the second actuator258bextends from the housing222in a direction that is transverse to the glue pen plane P1on the second side of the plane P1. In some embodiments, the actuators258a,258bmay be oriented such that the actuators258a,258bextend perpendicular to the plane P1and in an opposite direction relative to each other. Each of the actuators258a,258bincludes a respective first portion266a,266band a respective second portion270a,270b. Each of the first portions266a,266bincludes a tab274a,274b. Each of the second portions270a,270bhas a material engaging edge278a,278band a pivot aperture282a,282b. The first portions266a,266bmay be referred to as tab portions for purposes of this description and the claims, and the second portions270a,270bmay be referred to as protruding portions for purposes of the description and the claims.

Each of the first portions266a,266bis removably coupled to a corresponding second portion270a,270b. As shown inFIGS.20A-20C, each of the first portions266a,266bincludes a first mating component286a,286b, and each of the second portions270a,270bincludes a second mating component290a,290b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first mating components286a,286bare female components, and the second mating components290a,290bare male components such that each of the first mating components286a,286bis engaged by or receive a corresponding second mating component290a,290b. In some embodiments, the first mating components286a,286bmay be snap-fit to the second mating components290a,290b. In other embodiments, the first mating components286a,286bmay dovetail with the second mating components290a,290b. In further embodiments, the first mating components286a,286bmay be connected to the second mating components290a,290bby another connecting method. It will be appreciated that, while the disclosure describes and illustrates the first mating components286a,286bmay be male components and the second mating components290a,290bmay be corresponding female components. It will be further appreciated that the first portions266a,266bmay be coupled to the respective second portions270a,270bin other ways without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

The pivot rods262a,262bextend through a corresponding hole292a,292bin the feed mechanism support254. The pivot aperture282a,282bis configured to receive a corresponding one of the pivot rods262a,262bto pivotally couple the actuators258a,258bto the feed mechanism support254. When the feed mechanism230is assembled, the first pivot rod262adefines a first pivot axis A3, and the second pivot rod262bdefines a second pivot axis A3. The first actuator258ais configured to pivot about the first pivot axis A3, and the second actuator258bis configured to pivot about the second pivot axis A3, which is parallel to the first pivot axis A3. More specifically, when the first portions266a,266bare coupled to the second portions270a,270b, the tabs274a,274bof the first portions266a,266bmay be pressed to rotate the first portions266a,266band the second portions270a,270babout the first pivot axis A3and the second pivot axis A4, respectively. As such, the actuator(s)258a,258bmay be placed in a first pivot state (e.g., as illustrated inFIG.23) in which the actuator(s)258a,258bis/are not engaged with the glue stick236and in a second pivot state (e.g., as illustrated inFIG.24) in which the actuator(s)258a,258bengage the glue stick236. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pivot axis A3and the feed axis A1are skew relative to each other, and the second pivot axis A4and the feed axis A1are skew relative to each other. That is, the first pivot axis A3does not intersect the feed axis A1, and the second pivot axis A4does not intersect the feed axis A1. As shown, the first pivot axis A3extends perpendicular to the feed axis A1on a first side of the plane P1(e.g., parallel to the plane P1), and the second pivot axis A4extends perpendicular to the feed axis A1on a second side of the plane P1(e.g., parallel to the plane P1).

Returning reference toFIG.19, the glue pen210further includes a first sleeve294that is located adjacent the insertion opening242of the cavity226and a second sleeve298that is located adjacent the heater element end246of the cavity226. The first sleeve294and the second sleeve298are disposed concentrically around the feed axis A1. The first sleeve294and the second sleeve298may have inner diameters that are equivalent to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the glue stick236to allow movement of the glue stick236along the feed axis A1and keep the glue stick236generally on the feed axis A1. As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, the first sleeve294and the second sleeve298may improve the accuracy and precision by which glue sticks236are directed through the glue pen210.

Returning reference toFIG.18, the battery unit233is received in the battery casing232, and the battery casing232is received in the housing222. The battery unit233is in electrical communication with the power button238, the heater element234, and the circuit board237. Specifically, the power button238is pressable to turn the battery unit233on and off. When the battery unit233is turned on, the battery unit233is configured to output power to the heater element234. A processor or controller on the circuit board237is configured to read, or sense, a charge status of the battery unit233and convey the charge status to a user via the indicator light235.

FIG.21illustrates the stand218that includes a bracket302and a hollow support cone306. The bracket302includes a base310that defines a drip tray318(e.g., as illustrated inFIG.17) and a gun attachment extension314. The attachment extension314extends from the base310and includes a tongue or projection322. The support cone306defines a slot326that is engageable by the projection322. A fastener330is insertable through the projection322and the slot326to secure or fix the support cone306to the bracket302. The support cone306defines a central aperture334that overlaps the drip try318and that is engageable by the glue pen214such that the output end240of the glue pen214is suspended over the drip tray318(e.g., flush with or extends through the central aperture334).

To prepare the glue pen214for use, a user may first insert the glue stick236into the feed cavity342defined in the housing222. When inserted, the glue stick236passes through the first sleeve294, the insertion opening242of the cavity226, the heater element end246of the cavity226, and the second sleeve298, and the glue stick236is positioned adjacent the heater element234. A user may then depress the power button238to activate or turn on the glue pen214. When the glue pen214is on, the battery unit233supplies power to the heater element234. The heater element234may have a buffer time between the depression of the power button238and the heater element234reaching a maximum temperature. The glue stick236may be inserted into the feed cavity342before or after the glue pen214has been turned on and the heater element234has been effectively heated. heater element

Operation of the glue pen214is described with regard to the glue pen214ofFIGS.17-25. It should be understood that the description of operation of the glue pen214may apply to operation of the glue pen10ofFIGS.1-16.FIGS.22and23illustrate the glue pen214with the glue stick236loaded in the glue pen214and with the actuators258a,258bin a start state or initial or first position. In the start state, the actuators258a,258bare positioned at a location adjacent to the insertion opening242of the cavity226and the actuators258a,258b, and more specifically, the material engaging edges278a,278b, are not engaged with the glue stick236. With reference toFIGS.23and24, each of the actuators258a,258bis actuatable by a user independent of the other actuator258a,258bto pivot the actuator258a,258bfrom the first pivot state (FIG.23) to engage the glue stick236in the second pivot state (FIG.24). After the actuator258a,258bis in the second pivot state, the actuator258a,258bmay be engaged (e.g., pushed forward) to translate the glue stick236toward the heater element234along the feed axis A1. The actuators258a,258bmay be simultaneously actuated to cooperatively engage the glue stick236. Pressing one or both of the actuators258a,258b, and more specifically, the tabs274a,274b, in the direction of the heater element234rotates or pivots the actuated actuator(s)258a,258babout the first pivot axis A3and/or the second pivot axis A4(depending on which actuators258a,258bis/are actuated) such that the material engaging edge(s)278a,278bengage(s) the glue stick236. With reference toFIG.25, and after the material engaging edges278a,278bengage the glue stick236, continued pressing on the actuator(s)258a,258bdirects the glue stick236in the forward direction P1(i.e. toward the heater element234) to melt the forward end of the glue stick236when the heater element234is on. That is, continued pressing on the actuator(s)258a,258bby a user translates the actuator(s)258a,258b, and the engaged glue stick236, forward relative to the housing222. The heater element234heats the glue stick236and dispenses the melted substance from the glue pen214. As is appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art of glue pens and glue guns, the heater element234receives the glue stick236in a solid state and heats the glue as it travels along the heater element234before being dispensed in a melted, semi-viscous, state.

Rotation of the actuators258a,258binto engagement with the glue stick236and translation of the actuator(s)258a,258bforward relative to the housing222moves the actuator(s)258a,258bfrom the start state to an end state. In the end state, the actuator(s)258a,258bare engaged with a meltable adhesive substance (e.g., the glue stick236) and one or both of the actuators258a,258bhave been moved or translated toward the heater element234. The end state may be any position between the position of the actuator(s)258a,258bin the start state and the heater element end246(i.e. each actuator258a,258bis infinitely positionable at a location forward of the start state relative to the cavity226. After the actuator(s)258a,258bare placed in the end state and the desired amount glue has been dispensed from the output end240, the user may release the actuator(s)258a,258b, which allows the actuator(s)258a,258bto return to the start state via bias from the spring250acting on the feed mechanism230. The actuators258a,258bpivot out of engagement with the glue stick236(e.g., to the first pivot state) on or shortly after release of the tabs274a,274b. In some embodiments a spring or other bias member may act on the actuators258a,258bto pivot the actuators258a,258bfrom the second pivot state to the first pivot state after release of the tabs274a,274b.

As described above, some or all illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be required for implementation of all embodiments. The features described above may be implemented in an order different from the order described above and does not prohibit implementation in another order or combination. While not explained in detail for each embodiment and/or construction, the features of the disclosure described herein may be included on a tape dispenser independent of other features and are not limited to the illustrated disclosure. Embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.