Patent Publication Number: US-7722275-B2

Title: Writing instrument with a sheet material dispenser

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/803,349 filed Mar. 18, 2004, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/455,532 filed Mar. 18, 2003, Ser. No. 60/468,874 filed May 8, 2003, and Ser. No. 60/490,849 filed Jul. 28, 2003, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The disclosure relates generally to writing instruments and, more particularly, to a writing instrument with a sheet material dispenser. 
     2. Related Art 
     Writing instruments such as highlighters, markers, pens, and pencils are used to mark passages in books, magazines, newspapers, and other printed publications. Highlighters of a variety of colors are very commonly used to emphasize text in printed publications. For instance, Sanford Corporation L.P. (Bellwood, Ill.) produces ACCENT® highlighters, which come in many different colors. Such highlighters are well received by students, teachers, and those in the legal profession. 
     Further, people may mark pages of printed publications. One method of locating a particular page of a printed publication such as a book is to apply a tape flag to mark a page for future reference. In particular, the tape flag may include an adhesive portion and a non-adhesive portion. The adhesive portion may be applied to a surface (e.g., a page of the book) while the non-adhesive portion may be a visual indicator. For example, the non-adhesive portion may be a variety of colors and/or shapes. Another use of tape flags is to mark a section of a page. Accordingly, the non-adhesive portion may also be a variety of letters, numbers, and/or messages. For example, the non-adhesive portion may include a message such as “Sign Here,” “Notarize,” “Initial Here,” or “Sign &amp; Date.” 
     Because a variety of writing instruments and tape flag dispensers are used to mark passages in printed publications, this necessarily requires purchasing, carrying, and/or using many separate individual products. Integrating a writing instrument and a tape flag dispenser into a single product can reduce the inconveniences of purchasing, carrying, and/or using many separate individual products. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Described herein are writing instruments with sheet material dispensers. In one of the various embodiments, a writing instrument includes a body portion and a cap portion. The body portion includes a first end and a second end. Further, the body portion in this embodiment is configured to hold a marking element that extends from an opening at the first end. The cap portion is configured to cover an exposed portion of the marking element to preserve a fluid or ink of the marking element when the writing instrument is not being used. In this embodiment of the writing instrument, the cap portion is also configured to dispense sheet material, such as tape flags. For example, the cap portion may include a barrel portion and a base portion. A roll of tape flags may be secured around the barrel portion. The base portion may include an opening so that an end of a roll of tape flags may be dispensed from the cap portion of the writing instrument. 
     In another of the various embodiments, the writing instrument includes a removable sheet material dispenser other than the cap. The dispenser may include a base portion configured to hold a roll or a stack of sheet material, such as tape flags. A base portion may include an opening so that an end of the roll or the stack of tape flags can be dispensed from the tape flag dispenser. The dispenser may be configured to engage the body portion of the writing instrument at the second end so that the writing instrument and the tape flag dispenser are coupled into a single component. 
     In a particular embodiment, a writing instrument has a body portion, a writing tip held by the body portion, and a flag dispenser that can be attached to and detached from the body portion. The flag dispenser has an inner barrel and an outer housing, with a containing section formed in between the inner barrel and the outer housing. The outer housing of the dispenser has an opening with dimensions that allow a tape flag to be fit through the opening. The containing section is dimensioned to hold a supply of one or more tape flags, which can be removed through the opening in the dispenser. The body portion of the writing instrument has a neck portion, with the writing tip extending from the neck portion. 
     In one implementation, the flag dispenser is a cap that can be attached to the neck portion, covering the writing tip. It another embodiment, the flag dispenser is attached to an end of the body portion. 
     The sheet material may be a stack of individual tape flags. Alternatively, the sheet material may be a roll of individual tape flags or a roll of adhesive tape suitable for being cut into individual tape flags. The body portion of the writing instrument has a substantially cylindrical cross section or a substantially polygonal cross section. The opening in the outer housing is preferably a slit aligned in the direction of an axis of the body portion, and the containing section preferably houses a roll of tape flags that are issued radially through the opening. Alternatively, the opening can be a slit aligned perpendicular to the direction of an axis of the body portion, and the containing section can house a stack of tape flags issued axially through the opening. The flag dispenser is preferably refillable, with access available to replenish the supply of tape flags. Alternatively, the flag dispenser can be made disposable, with no access to the supply of tape flags. 
     In another embodiment, a writing instrument has a body portion, a writing tip held by the body portion, a flag dispenser integrally incorporated into the body portion, a containing section housed in the flag dispenser and adapted to hold one or more tape flags, and an opening in the containing section through which tape flags can be issued. 
     This disclosure will describe several embodiments to illustrate its broad teachings. Reference is also made to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  show one con-figuration of a writing instrument configured to dispense sheet material. 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  show one configuration of a writing instrument with a sheet material dispenser. 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  show another configuration of a writing instrument with a sheet material dispenser. 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  show yet another configuration of a writing instrument with a sheet material dispenser. 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  show one configuration of an add-on sheet material dispenser that can be attached to a writing instrument. 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  show one configuration of a sheet material cartridge. 
         FIG. 13  shows one configuration of a refillable embodiment of a sheet material cartridge. 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  show one configuration of a writing instrument with a cartridge base. 
         FIGS. 16-18  are schematic diagram representations of some various embodiments of sheet material housings. 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  illustrate a particular embodiment of a sheet material housing. 
         FIGS. 20 and 21  are schematic diagram representations of some further embodiments of sheet material housings. 
         FIGS. 22 ,  23 , and  24  illustrate some various embodiments of prepackaged sheet material holders. 
         FIG. 25  depicts an embodiment of a two-piece sheet material cartridge. 
         FIG. 26  illustrates one version of a sheet material cartridge formed onto the end of a writing instrument. 
         FIG. 27  shows an embodiment of a sheet material dispenser with a cap that rotates. 
         FIGS. 28 and 29  illustrate a connectable combination of a writing instrument and a sheet material dispenser. 
         FIGS. 30 and 31  are schematic diagram representations of some various embodiments of a partially open sheet material dispenser. 
         FIGS. 32 and 33  show one embodiment of a dispenser for a supply of tape flags mounted on a roil of paper backing. 
         FIG. 34  shows one embodiment of a writing instrument that dispenses tape flags mounted on a roll of paper backing. 
         FIGS. 35 and 36  show another embodiment of a dispenser for a supply of tape flags mounted on a roll of paper backing. 
         FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional view of a wedge used in the dispenser of  FIGS. 35 and 36 . 
         FIG. 38  shows another embodiment of a writing instrument that dispenses tape flags mounted on a roll of paper backing. 
         FIGS. 39 ,  40 , and  41  illustrate yet another technique for connecting a sheet material dispenser to a writing instrument. 
         FIGS. 42 and 43  illustrate a further technique for connecting a sheet material dispenser to a writing instrument. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a writing instrument generally designated  100  includes a body portion  110  and a cap portion  120 . The writing instrument  100  may be, but is not limited to, a highlighter, a marker, a pen, or a pencil. The body portion  110  may have a cylindrical bottle-like configuration extending from a first end  140  to a second end  145 . In particular, the body portion  110  may include a neck section  147  proximate to the first end  140  and a tubular section  149  extending toward the second end  145  from the neck section  147 . The body portion  110  may be configured to hold a marking element  150 , which extends through an opening of the neck section  147  to apply a fluid or ink to a surface (e.g., a page in a book). The cap portion  120  may be configured to engage the neck section  147  of the body portion  110  to cover an exposed portion of the marking element  150  (i.e., the portion of the marking element  150  extending from the opening of the neck section  147 ). In particular, the cap portion  120  may include a barrel portion  160 , a base portion  170 , and a top portion  180 . The barrel portion  160  may be an elongated central section of the cap portion  120  so that the neck section  147  and the exposed portion of the marking element  150  can be inserted into the barrel portion  160  when the writing instrument  100  is not being used. As a result, the fluid or ink of the marking element  150  can be preserved from drying out. 
     The cap portion  120  may also be configured to store and to dispense sheet material, such as tape flags. As generally known in the art, a tape flag may comprise a sheet of paper, plastic, or other material having an adhesive portion and a non adhesive portion. The material may be provided in any desired color and may bear any desired indicia or message. While the embodiments are described herein specifically with reference to dispensing tape flags, it will be appreciated that the dispensers may be used to dispense other types of sheet material. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 1 , a plurality of tape flags is provided as a stack of tape flags that has been folded transversely to create a bent stack of tape flags. While the illustrated transverse fold is gradual to form the stack of tape flags in a generally cylindrical shape, it will be appreciated that the transverse fold may be more abrupt to create a V- or compressed C-shape. The tape flags may be inserted as a unit into the cap portion  120  over the barrel portion  160 , so that the tape flags  190  are disposed radially about the barrel portion  160 . An end  195  of the tape flags  190  can pass through an opening  175  that may extend axially along the base portion  170 . The opening  175  may be configured to a size and shape so that the end  195  of tape flags  190  may extend through the opening  175 . For example, the opening  175  may be, but is not limited to, a slot, a slit, or a notch. Accordingly, the tape flags can be dispensed radially relative to the writing instrument  100  from the cap portion  120  through the opening  175 . To secure the tape flags  190  within the cap portion  120 , the top portion  180  may engage the barrel portion  160  or the base portion  170 . For example, the top portion  180  may be, but is not limited to, an annular ring inserted through the barrel portion  160 . 
     A tape flag can be dispensed from the writing instrument  100  by pulling the end  195  of the tape flags  190  through the opening  175 . If the tape flags are provided as a continuous roll, perforations or other separation means may be formed throughout the continuous roll  190  to facilitate separation of a leading end from the remainder of the roll. The tape flags  190  may be free to rotate around the barrel portion  160  so that a pulling force applied to separate the leading flag from the roll  190  also positions a subsequent flag in the opening  175 . When the writing instrument  100  is in use (i.e., the cap portion  120  is disengaged from the body portion  110  at the first end  140  to expose the marking element  150 ), the cap portion  120  can be inserted into the second end  145  of the body portion  120  for storage. 
     Because the top portion  180  is removable from the cap portion  120 , the writing instrument  100  can be refilled and/or changed with a new supply of tape flags, which may take the form of a continuous roll, rolled or bent stack, or other configuration as needed. To replace the tape flags  190 , a user first removes top portion  180 , and then removes a central support core (if any) of the old tape flags from barrel portion  160 . The user then aligns a new supply of tape flags with the barrel portion  160  and slides the new supply adjacent the barrel portion  160 . The user then draws a leading edge of a tape flag  195  through opening  175 . Top portion  180  is then replaced onto base portion  170 , enclosing the new roll of tape flags. 
     As described above, the cap portion  120  of the writing instrument  100  may be configured to dispense tape flags. Alternatively, the body portion  110  may be configured to dispense tape flags in a similar fashion. The writing instrument  100  may be coupled to a separate removable tape flag dispenser as an “add-on” component. That is, the writing instrument  100  and the removable tape flag dispenser may be separate sub-components that may be integrated into a single, composite component. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a writing instrument  200  may include a body portion  210 , a cap portion  220 , and a tape flag dispenser  230 . Similar to the body portion  110  of the writing instrument  100  described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the body portion  210  may have a cylindrical bottle-like configuration extending from a first end  240  to a second end  245 . In particular, the body portion  210  may include a neck section (not shown) proximate to the first end  240  and a tubular section  249  extending from the neck section toward the second end  245 . The body portion  210  may be configured to hold a marking element (not shown), which extends through an opening of the neck section to apply a fluid or ink to a surface. To cover the exposed portion of the marking element, the cap portion  220  of the writing instrument  200  may be configured to engage the neck section of the body portion  210 . To use the writing instrument  200 , the cap portion  220  may be disengaged from the body portion  210  at the neck section so that the marking element may be exposed to a surface. 
     As noted above, the writing instrument  200  may include a separate component to dispense tape flags. The tape flag dispenser  230  may be configured to engage the tubular section  249  of the body portion  210  at the second end  245 . In particular, the tape flag dispenser  230  may include a barrel portion  260 , and a base portion  270 . A supply of tape flags  290  may be inserted into the tape flag dispenser  230  adjacent the barrel portion  260 , so that the tape flags  290  are disposed radially about the barrel portion  260 . The base portion  270  may include an opening  275  extending axially along a length of the base portion  270 . The opening  275  may be configured to a particular size and shape so that an end  295  of the tape flags  290  can extend through the opening  275 . For example, the opening  275  can be, but is not limited to, a slot, a slit, or a notch. Accordingly, the tape flags can be dispensed radially relative to the writing instrument  200  from the tape flag dispenser  230  through the opening  275 . To secure the tape flags  290  within the tape flag dispenser  230 , the tubular section  249  of the body portion  210  at the second end  245  can be configured to receive the tape flag dispenser  230  via the barrel portion  260 . Accordingly, the body portion  210  and the tape flag dispenser  230  can be coupled together into the writing instrument  200 . 
     Because the tape flag dispenser  230  is removable from the body portion  210 , the writing instrument  200  can be refilled with and/or changed with new tape flags as needed. To replace the tape flags  290 , a user first removes tape flag dispenser  230  from the second end  245  of body portion  210 , and then removes a central support core (if any) of an old supply of tape flags from barrel portion  260 . The user then aligns a new supply of tape flags with the barrel portion  260  and slides the new supply adjacent to the barrel portion  260 . The user then draws a leading edge of a tape flag  295  through opening  275 . Tape flag dispenser  230  is then replaced onto the second end  245  of body portion  210 , enclosing the new supply of tape flags. 
     Although the tape flag dispenser  230  described above is particularly well suited for a body portion having a cylindrical shape, persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the teachings herein are not limited to such a writing instrument with such a particular shape. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the body portion may have a cross-section of other shapes such as, but not limited to, a square or a triangle. Accordingly, the tape flag dispenser  230  may be configured to engage a body portion having any one of those shapes. 
     Instead of generally cylindrical or bent configurations as described above, tape flags may be stacked vertically on top of each other. Typically, for example, a tape flag may include an adhesive portion and a non-adhesive portion. The adhesive portion of a first tape flag may engage the non-adhesive portion of a second tape flag. Subsequent tape flags may engage one another in a similar manner. Accordingly, tape flags may be dispensed axially relative to the writing instrument. Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a writing instrument  300  may include a body portion  310 , a cap portion  320 , and a tape flag dispenser  330 . The body portion  310  and the cap portion  320  may be configured similar to the body portions  110 ,  210  and the cap portions  120 ,  220 , respectively, described above. In particular, the body portion  310  may have a cylindrical bottle-like configuration extending from a first end  340  to a second end  345 . Further, the body portion  310  may include a neck section (not shown) proximate to the first end  340  and a tubular section  349  extending toward the second end  345  from the neck section. The body portion  310  may be configured to hold a marking element (not shown), which extends through an opening of the neck section to apply a fluid or ink to a surface. To cover the exposed portion of the marking element, the cap portion  320  of the writing instrument  300  may be configured to engage the neck section of the body portion  310 . To use the writing instrument  300 , the cap portion  320  can be disengaged from the body portion  310  at the neck section so that the marking element can be exposed to a surface. 
     Here, however, the tape flag dispenser  330  may be configured to store and to dispense a stack of tape flags  390  rather than a roll of tape flags. In particular, the flag dispenser  330  may include a top portion  360 , and a base portion  370 . The top portion  360  may be configured to engage the tubular section  349  of the body portion  310  at the second end  345 . To store and secure the stack of tape flags  390 , the top portion  360  can be inserted into the body portion  310  at the second end  345  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The outer surface diameter of the base portion  370  may be greater than the outer surface diameter of the top portion  360 . Thus, the outer surface of the base portion  370  of the tape flag dispenser  330  may be flush with the outer surface of the tubular section  349  of the body portion  310 . In particular, the base portion  370  may include an opening  375  configured to a particular size and shape so that an end  395  of the stack of tape flags may extend through the opening  375 . For example, the opening  375  may be, but is not limited to, a slot, a slit, and a notch. Accordingly, tape flags can be dispensed axially from the writing instrument  300 . 
     Because the tape flag dispenser  330  is removable from the body portion  310 , the writing instrument  300  can be refilled with and/or changed to a new stack of tape flags  390  as needed. To replace the stack of tape flags  390 , a user first removes tape flag dispenser  330  from the second end  345  of body portion  310 , and then removes a support base (if any) of an old stack of tape flags from a stack receptacle  365  in the tape flag dispenser  330 . The user then inserts a new stack of tape flags into the stack receptacle  365  in the tape flag dispenser  330 . The user then draws a leading edge of a tape flag  395  through opening  375 . Tape flag dispenser  330  is then replaced onto the second end  345  of body portion  310 , enclosing the new stack of tape flags. 
     Another example of a writing instrument configured to dispense a stack of tape flags is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The writing instrument  400  may include a body portion  410 , a cap portion  420 , and a tape flag dispenser  430 . The body portion  410  and the cap portion  420  may be configured similar to the body portions  110 ,  210 ,  310  ad the cap portions  120 ,  220 ,  320 , respectively, described above. In particular, the body portion  410  may have a cylindrical bottle-like configuration extending from a first end  440  to a second end  445 . Further, the body portion  410  may include a neck section (not shown) proximate to the first end  440  and a tubular section  449  extending toward the second end  445  from the neck section. The body portion  410  may be configured to hold a marking element (not shown), which extends through an opening of the neck section to apply a fluid or ink to a surface. To cover the exposed portion of the marking element, the cap portion  420  of the writing instrument  400  may be configured to engage the neck section of the body portion  410 . To use the writing instrument  400 , the cap portion  420  can be disengaged from the body portion  410  at the neck section so that the marking element may be exposed to a surface. 
     Here, the tape flag dispenser  430  may include a mounting portion  460 , and a base portion  470 . The inner surface of the mounting portion  460  may be configured to store a stack of tape flags  490  and to mount onto the tubular section  449  of the body portion  410 . For example, the outer surface of the tubular section  449  of the body portion  410  may be cylindrical. Accordingly, the inner surface of the mounting portion  460  may be concaved so that the tape flag dispenser  430  can be coupled to the body portion  410 . The mounting portion  460  may extend over a length of the outer surface of the tubular section  449  of the body portion  410  to secure the stack of tape flags  490  to the body portion  410 . The stack of tape flags  490  may be disposed on a portion of the tubular section  449  proximate to the second end  445 . In particular, a first portion  491  of the stack of tape flags  490  can be secured to the outer surface of body portion  410  by the mounting portion  460  of the tape flag dispenser  430 . A second portion  492  of the stack of tape flags  490  can be stored within the base portion  470 . The mounting portion  460  and the base portion  470  may form an opening  475  such as, but is not limited to, a slot, a slit, and a notch. The opening  475  is configured to a particular size and shape so that an end  495  of the stack of tape flags  490  can extend through the opening  475 . Accordingly, the tape flags can be dispensed axially from the writing instrument  400 . 
     Because the tape flag dispenser  430  is removable from the body portion  4105  the writing instrument  400  can be refilled with and/or changed to a new stack of tape flags as needed. To replace the stack of tape flags  490 , a user first removes tape flag dispenser  430  from the second end  445  of body portion  410 , and then removes a support base (if any) of an old stack of tape flags from a stack receptacle  465  in the tape flag dispenser  430 . The user then inserts a new stack of tape flags into the stack receptacle  465  in the tape flag dispenser  430 . The user then draws a leading edge of a tape flag  495  through opening  475 . Tape flag dispenser  430  is then replaced onto the second end  445  of body portion  410  enclosing the new stack of tape flags. 
     The tape flags used can be stored in a variety of configurations. For example, the tape flags can be arranged as a stack of tape flags or in a roll of tape flags, as noted above. More particularly, in one version the roll of tape flags is a continuous roll of tape flags that have a unidirectional spiral structure. Another version of the roll of tape flags uses a stack of tape flags that has been subsequently bent or curled into the shape of a cylindrical roll. These two versions of the roll of tape flags have slightly different behaviors as their Sags are withdrawn, and the particular dimensions of a tape flag dispenser can be modified accordingly. In one version of the tape flag dispenser, the dimensions are chosen so the tape flag dispenser can hold and dispense either a continuous roll of tape flags or a roll of tape flags made from a stack of tape flags rolled into a cylindrical shape. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate an add-on flag dispenser that can be attached to a writing instrument. In this embodiment, a flag cartridge  901  holding a supply of tape flags is configured to be attached to a highlighter  950 . The flag cartridge  901  is preferably made of a partially pliable material, such as a plastic, and has a nub  902 , a recess  903 , and an opening such as slot  909  for dispensing tape flags  931 . The nub  902  and recess  903  are preferably disposed at opposite ends of flag cartridge  901 , with slot  909  located in a central portion of flag cartridge  901 . Highlighter  950  has a body  951  and a cap  960  that is attached to one end of the body  951  for covering a writing tip (not shown). The body  951  includes a sidewall  951   a  and a rear wall  951   b  enclosing a rear end of the body  951 . The rear wall  951   b  is disposed at an end of the body  951  and has a recess  953 . A nub  902  is formed on cap  960 . 
     The attachment between highlighter  950  and flag cartridge  901  is preferably a frictional or squeeze-fit attachment between nub  902  of flag cartridge  901  and recess  953  of highlighter  950 . Nub  902  is dimensioned so that it fits snugly into recess  953 . That is, this fit is chosen so that it is tight enough to hold firmly the mass of flag cartridge  91 , but not so tight as to hinder manual removal of flag cartridge  901  from highlighter  950 . 
     On some versions of highlighter  950 , nub  962  of cap  960  is dimensioned to similarly fit into recess  953  when flag cartridge  901  is detached from highlighter  950 . Accordingly, in a corresponding embodiment of flag cartridge  901 , nub  902  of flag cartridge  901  has the same dimensions as nub  962  of cap  960 . In a preferred embodiment of flag cartridge  901 , recess  903  of flag cartridge  901  also has the same dimensions as recess  953  of highlighter  950 . With the recesses and nubs matching in this way, cap  960  can be stacked either onto highlighter  950  (when flag cartridge  901  is not present), or onto flag cartridge  901  (when flag cartridge  901  is attached to highlighter  950 ). 
     Depending on the dimensions of recess  903  in flag cartridge  901 , the flag cartridge  901  may or may not fit over the writing tip normally covered by cap  960 . Thus, in some embodiments of the add-on flag dispenser, flag cartridge  901  can serve as a replacement for cap  960 . In other embodiments, flag cartridge  901  cannot replace cap  960 . 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  are closer views of flag cartridge  901 .  FIG. 11  is a top isometric view of flag cartridge  901 , and  FIG. 12  is a bottom isometric view of flag cartridge  901 . The figures show one implementation of the flag cartridge  901 , with nub  902 , recess  903 , and slot  909 . Tape flag  931  is shown extending through slot  909 , ready to be gripped and removed by a user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , flag cartridge  901  has a substantially cylindrical geometry, with radial symmetry. In other implementations, flag cartridge  901  can be constructed with other shapes, such as with square, triangular, or other polygonal or even irregular cross sections. Recess  903  is shown in  FIG. 11  as an indentation into one of the ends of the cylindrical structure of the flag cartridge  901 , and slot  909  is shown aligned on the outer surface of the cylindrical structure, aligned in parallel with an axis of the cylindrical structure. This arrangement of slot  901  can be particularly useful for dispensing tape flags  931  that are stored inside flag cartridge  901  as a continuous roll of tape flags, as a helical roll of separate tape flags, or as a stack of tape flags folded into the shape of a cylindrical roll. In these cases, tape flags are dispensed radially from flag cartridge  901 . 
     in an alternative arrangement (not shown), the slot  909  can be aligned perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical structure. In this arrangement, the tape flags are dispensed axially from flag cartridge  901 . This alternative can be well suited for flag cartridges in which the tape flags are stored as a stack rather than as a roll. In yet another arrangement, the slot  909  can be disposed on an end of the flag cartridge, replacing (or displacing) either the recess  903  or the nub  901  that are shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     The close-up view of  FIG. 11  also illustrates that flag cartridge  901  can be sculpted with a desirable shape that is not completely cylindrical. For example, the flag cartridge  901  as illustrated in  FIG. 11  has a tapered conical-like structure, so that its diameter decreases along its length from a larger diameter near the end with nub  902  to a smaller diameter at the end with recess  903 . Such a taper or other detail in the structure might serve a functional purpose, such as making the flag cartridge easier to grip and easier to remove from a writing instrument. 
     The recess  903  of flag cartridge  901  is shown in  FIG. 11  as having a cylindrical inner surface that tapers closed at its innermost depth, with an inner diameter chosen to securely clasp a nub of a cap or a neck of a writing instrument inserted into the recess. In other embodiments of the flag cartridge, the recess  903  can be equipped with radial slats or circumferential ridges to assist in the clasping operation. 
       FIG. 12  is a shifted view of the flag, cartridge  901  from  FIG. 11 . This view shows the nub  902  of flag cartridge  901 . Nub  9021  preferably has a cylindrical structure attached to the body of flag cartridge  901  with a rounded end protruding away from the body of flag cartridge  901 . Alternatively, nub  902  can be formed with a non-circular cross section, to appropriately match writing instruments with non-circular recesses. And rather than having a nub with a rounded end, further embodiments of flag cartridge  901  can be made with flat-ended or point-ended nubs. 
     Further, nub  902  can be replaced or supplemented by other structures for attaching to writing instruments. For example, instead of a nub, flag cartridge  901  can be equipped with a recess that appropriately matches a nub or protuberance on other writing instruments (not shown). Alternatively (or additionally), further embodiments of flag cartridge  901  can employ adhesive or screw-on structures for attaching to a writing instrument. 
     In some implementations, flag cartridge  901  is a disposable unit, pre-filled with a limited supply of tape flags. In other implementations, flag cartridge  901  is a refillable unit that can be re-stocked with a fresh supply of tape flags as needed. 
       FIG. 13  shows an exploded view of a refillable embodiment of flag cartridge  901 . In this embodiment, flag cartridge  901  includes a cartridge base  972 , a dispenser housing, an example of which is a cartridge cap  973 , and a supply of tape flags  912 . Cartridge cap  973  has a tapered outer shell  904  that is open at one end, and closed at the other end where recess  903  is formed. An outer slot  979  is located on the tapered outer shell  904  of the cap  973 , and extends to the edge of the open end of outer shell  904  of the cap  973 , Cartridge base  972  has a partially cylindrical inner shell  907  and an end cover  906 . Nub  902  is mounted on end cover  906 . End cover  906  is also attached to a first end of inner shell  907 , and closes off that first end of inner shell  907 . An opposing end of inner shell  907  is open and unattached to any other elements of the base  972 . 
     Inner shell  907  has an outer diameter that is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shell  904 . Thus, the open end of inner shell  907  can be fit into the open end of outer shell  904 , forming an enclosure for tape flags. The diameters of outer and inner shells  904  and  907  are selected so that the enclosure for tape flags has appropriate dimensions to hold the supply of tape flags  912 . Further, these diameters are preferably chosen so that outer and inner shells  904  and  907  fit snugly together: the cylindrical shells  904  and  907  can be firmly attached to one another, but are readily separated for refilling. 
     An inner slot  978  is formed on inner shell  907  at a location that can match the placement of outer slot  979  on outer shell  904 . That is, when outer and inner shells  904  and  907  are fit together, outer slot  979  is located over inner slot  978 , thereby creating slot  909  (from  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) that communicates into the enclosure for tape flags. 
     With cartridge cap  973  separated from cartridge base  972 —that is, with the flag cartridge “open”—the supply of tape flags  912  can be inserted into the inner shell  907  of cartridge base  972 , with a leading tape flag  931  extending through inner slot  978 . Inner shell  907  can then be inserted into outer shell  904 —to “close” flag cartridge  901 —while ensuring that tape flag  931  also extends through outer slot  979 . 
     The end cover  906  of cartridge base  972  preferably also includes an extension that reaches radially outwards beyond an outer surface of inner shell  907 . This extension servers as a stopper for cartridge cap  973 , when cartridge cap  973  is being placed onto cartridge base  972 . 
     While this depiction of a refillable flag cartridge involves round-like structures, such as outer and inner shells  904  and  907 , as noted above, other geometries (triangular or other polygonal cross sections) can be used as appropriate to a particular application. 
     Depending on a specific implementation, it is noted that flag cartridge  901  can be configured for use as a replacement for cap portion  120  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Also, flag cartridge  901  can be configured for use as a replacement for tape flag dispenser  230  of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     In other versions of the refillable add-on flag dispenser, the cartridge base can be integrally attached onto an end of a writing instrument, so that the writing instrument is prepared to receive a cartridge cap and tape flags.  FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate an embodiment of such a writing instrument. In these figures, a highlighter  1401  has a body portion  1410  suitable for being gripped by a user. At opposing ends of the body portion  1410  are a back end  1411  and a writings end  1412 . A removable cap  1420  is affixed at the writing end  1412 , covering and protecting a writing tip (not shown). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , a base portion  1472  is mounted on the back end  1411  of highlighter  1401 . Base portion  1472  includes a cylindrical-like inner shell  1407  (corresponding to inner shell  907  from  FIG. 13 ), an inner slot  1478  (corresponding to inner slot  978  from  FIG. 13 ), and an end cover  1406  (corresponding to end cover  906  from  FIG. 13 ). End cover  1406  serves a dual role: one side of end cover  1406  is a mounting surface for inner shell  1407 , while the opposite side of cover  1406  closes the back end  1411  of highlighter  1401 . 
     A cartridge cap (such as cartridge cap  973  from  FIG. 13 ) can be affixed to base portion  1472 , creating an enclosure therein for a supply of tape flags as discussed earlier in the discussion of  FIG. 13 . Since base portion  1472  is mounted directly onto highlighter  1401 , the cartridge cap  973  and the highlighter  1401  make a useful two-component system. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , base portion  1472  can be covered by a cosmetic non-dispensing rear cap  1430  when the cartridge cap  973  is not present. Thus, if no tape flags are desired by a user of this embodiment, the supply of tape flags and the cartridge cap  973  can be removed or discarded. The non-dispensing rear cap  1430  has no slot for dispensing tape flags. In a preferred embodiment, non-dispensing rear cap  1430  is provided with a recess  1433  that is similar to recess  903  and into which cap  1420  can be affixed when highlighter  1401  is being used to write or draw. 
     The above-described embodiments involve housings that hold a supply of tape flags. As noted in the discussion of  FIGS. 1-15 , tape flags can be stored in a variety of configurations in highlighters and other writing instruments. The tape flags can be stored, for example, in continuous or perforated rolls, in stacks, or in folder or rolled stacks. Different geometries can be selected as needed for various implementations of a writing instrument-flag dispenser combination. For example, rolled stacks of tape flags can be particularly suitable for tape flag dispensers that dispense flags in a radial direction and are removably mounted on an end of a writing instrument. 
       FIGS. 16-26  illustrate a variety of techniques for storing tape flags in or on a writing instrument. These techniques can be readily used in combination with the above-described embodiments of and other writing instruments. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a side cross-section of one embodiment of a tape-flag housing mounted on or in a writing instrument, such as the writing instruments described above in the discussion of  FIGS. 5-8 . In this embodiment, the housing includes four side walls  1610 , a top wall  1612 , and a lower wall  1620 . (In this cross-section, only two of the four side walls are shown.) Lower wall  1620  is formed from the outer surface of a writing instrument. Alternatively, lower wall  1620  can be the inner surface of a removable housing, or the inner surface of a removable tape-flag dispenser. Side walls  1610  extend from lower wall  1620 , and top wall  1612  extends from side walls  1610 . Together the walls  1610 ,  1612 , and  1620  form an enclosure  1615  into which a supply of tape flags  1630  can be stored. A slot  1640  is disposed in top wall  1612 , through which a tape flag  1631  can be removed from the supply of tape flags  1630 . 
     The assembly of side, top, and lower walls  1610 ,  1612 , and  1620  can preferably be disassembled, so that the enclosure  1615  can be opened for replacing the supply of tape flags  1630 . For example, the side walls  1610  can be attached to lower wall  1620  by frictional tab-slot couplings. Thus, side walls  1610  can be made detachable from lower wall  1620 , allowing chamber  1615  to be opened and the supply of tape flags  1630  to be replaced. 
     Alternatively, a cartridge such as the assembly in  FIG. 16  can be permanent, so that the assembly of side, top, and lower walls  1610 ,  1612 , and  1620  can not be disassembled, making the supply of tape flags  1630  un-replaceable. This alternative would be useful in a disposable implementation of a flag cartridge, or in a disposable implementation of a writing instrument with a tape-flag supply. Such an implementation could lower production costs and allow users the convenience and/or reduced cost of having a disposable unit. 
     As shown in the side cross-sectional view of  FIG. 16 , the enclosure  1615  for the supply of tape flags  1630  has an inner space that is larger than the dimensions of a supply of tape flags. Thus, there is room inside enclosure  1615  for the supply of tape flags to “float” or move at least slightly within the enclosure. In this implementation, the slot  1640  through which tape flags are removed can preferably be made narrow, since the supply of tape flags  1630  can move enough to properly ret align itself as needed with the slot  1640 . 
       FIG. 17  shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a tape flag housing suitable for mounting on or in a writing instrument, such as the writing instruments described above in the discussion of  FIGS. 5-8 . Here the tape flag housing includes side and lower walls  1610  and  1620 , supply of tape flags  1630 , and an extending tape flag  1631  as described above with respect to  FIG. 16 . This embodiment also has a top wall  1712  with a slot  1740  that is preferably wider than the slot  1640  that was presented in  FIG. 16 . An enclosure  1715  is formed by the walls  1610 ,  1712 , and  1620 , and is dimensioned so that enclosure  1715  closely fits around the supply of tape flags  1630 . In this case, the supply of flags  1630  is fixed at its edges by walls  1610 ,  1712 , and  1620 , and is substantially constrained from moving or rattling in the enclosure  1715 . Accordingly, slot  1740  in top walls  1612  is preferably made wide, so that tape flags can readily be drawn through the slot  1740 . 
       FIG. 18  shows a top cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a tape-flag housing suitable for mounting on or integral with a writing instrument, such as the writing instruments described above in the discussion of  FIGS. 1-4 . Here, tape flags are loosely stored in a cylindrical-like housing suitable for mounting on the end of a writing instrument. In this embodiment, a cylindrical-like shell  1820  has an inner enclosure  1815  and a slot  1840 . A supply of tape flags  1830  is housed in the inner enclosure  1815 , with room to move or rotate at least slightly within the inner enclosure  1815 . A tape flag  1831  can be drawn from the supply of tape flags through the slot  1840  in the shell  1820 . In this embodiment, slot  1840  is preferably made narrow. 
       FIGS. 19A and 19B  show a further embodiment of a tape-flag housing  1900 , in which tape flags are tightly stored in a round housing suitable for mounting on or in a writing, instrument, such as the writing instruments described above in the discussion of  FIGS. 1-4 .  FIG. 19A  is a top cross-sectional view and  FIG. 19B  is an angled side view of this tape-flag housing  1900 . Tape-flag housing  1900  includes a partial cylindrical shell  1920 , an edge-blocking portion  1927 , and a central blocking portion  1921 . The edge-blocking portion  1927  is connected to and located between partial cylindrical shell  1920  and central blocking portion  1921 . 
     In this embodiment, partial cylindrical shell  1920  subtends a grasping region  1915  (marked by dashed lines). A supply of tape flags  1930 , such as a rolled stack of tape flags, is clasped at edges  1925  by partial cylindrical shell  1920 . The edges  1925  of the supply of tape flags  1930  are pressed against edge-blocking portion  1927 , and a middle portion of the supply of tape flags  1930  is supported by central block  1921 . In a preferred implementation, partial cylindrical shell  1920  is a C-clamp structure for grasping the tape flags. A tape flag  1931  can be drawn directly from the supply of tape flags  1930  and pulled away from the grasping region  1915 . The edge-blocking portion  1927 , partial cylindrical shell  1920 , and central blocking portion  1921  are preferably mounted integrally onto an end of a highlighter or other writing instrument, as discussed above (for example, with reference to  FIG. 14 ). Alternatively, these components can be incorporated into a removable tape-flag dispenser, as was also discussed above (for example, with reference to  FIG. 13 ). 
       FIG. 20  illustrates one embodiment of a tape-flag housing  2000  that can be incorporated into a writing instrument or into a tape-flag dispenser, such as the embodiments of writing instruments and dispensers discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 ,  9 - 15 ,  18 , and  19 . The housing  2000  is formed of a cylindrical shell  2020  within which is a chamber  2025 . The chamber  2025  has dimensions suitable for holding a supply of tape flags  2030 . In a preferred implementation, housing  2000  is used as an inner-shell portion with a base or a writing instrument that has an outer-shell portion (such as  904  from  FIG. 13 , so that shell  2020  replaces inner-shells  907  or  1407 ). Housing  2000  can thus serve as an outer shell for a tape-flag chamber. In a preferred version of the housing  2000 , the chamber  2025  is dimensioned to hold a rolled or folded stack  2030  of approximately 35 (20 to 50) tape flags. Disposed on the surface of cylindrical shell  2020  is a narrow slot  2040  aligned in an axial direction. This slot  2040  is sufficiently wide to allow a single leading tape flag  2031  to be drawn through the slot  2040 , but narrow enough to prevent the supply of tape flags  2030  from being withdrawn through the slot  2040 . Thus, in refillable implementations of the writing instrument or tape-flag dispenser, the supply of tape flags  2030  can be reloaded through an open top section of the chamber—that is, reloaded in an axial direction. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates another embodiment of a tape-flag housing  2100  that can be incorporated into a writing instrument or into a tape-flag dispenser, such as the embodiments of writing instruments and dispensers discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 ,  9 - 15 ,  18 , and  19 . The housing  2100  is formed of a cylindrical-like shell  2120  that corresponds to shell  2020  from  FIG. 20 , within which is a chamber  2125 . The chamber  2125  has dimensions suitable for holding a supply of tape flags  2130 . In a preferred version of the housing  2100 , the chamber  2125  is dimensioned to hold a rolled or folded stack  2130  of approximately 35 tape flags. Disposed on the surface of cylindrical shell  2120  is a wide slot  2140 , with a width substantially larger than in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 20 . Slot  2140  is preferably aligned in an axial direction. This slot  2140  is sufficiently wide to allow a folded supply of tape flags  2130  to be inserted through the slot  2140 . Thus, in refillable implementations of the writing instrument or tape-flag dispenser, the supply of tape flags  2130  can be reloaded through slot  2140 —that is, reloaded in a radial direction. 
     To obtain a tape flag from housing  2100 , a user grasps a flag from a back portion of folded stack  2130  and withdraws the flag through slot  2140 . Folded stack  2130  is preferably configured so that once a first tape flag is obtained in this manner, subsequent tape flags are released in sequence. That is, one after another, free ends of successive tape flags protrude through slot  2140  after their predecessors have been withdrawn, facilitating the grasping of tape flags by the user. 
       FIGS. 22 ,  23 , and  24  illustrate pre-packaged tape-flag holders that can be used with a highlighter or other writing instrument, such as the embodiments of writing instruments discussed above. In general, as shown in  FIG. 22 , a pre-packaged unit has a containing shell  2220  dimensioned to hold a supply of tape flags. A slot  2240  is provided in the shell  2220 , and configured so that tape flags can be issued through the slot  2240  from the supply of tape flags in the shell  2220 . 
       FIG. 23  depicts one of the various possible articulations of a pre-packaged tape-flag holder that can be attached to a writing instrument, such as previously described, for example, with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 ,  9 - 15 , and  18 - 22 . This tape-flag holder has a shell  2320  that is made of a two piece construction, including an upper shell section  2320  and a lower shell section (not visible in this drawing). The upper shell section  2320  fits over and covers the lower shell section. When fitted together, the upper and lower shell sections form a closed chamber into which a supply of tape flags can be stored. A slot  2340  is provided in the upper shell section  2320 . Tape flags can be drawn through slot  2340  from the supply of tape flags in the chamber. The lower shell section has a nub or other structure that enables the holder to be attached to a writing instrument  2350 . A recess  2333  is preferably provided on the upper shell section  2320  for attaching a writing-instrument cap (not shown) when the writing instrument is in use. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates one alternative articulation of the pre-packaged tape-flag holder—formed of a single unit  2420 . The unit  2420  has an inner stem  2422  attached to an upper shell  2423 . A slot  2440  is provided in upper shell  2423 . Inner stem  2422  has a nub or other structure that enables the holder to be attached to a writing instrument. Inner stem  2422  and upper shell  2423  are positioned so that a space is provided around the inner stem  2422  and within the upper shell  2423 . The inner stem  2422  and upper shell  2423  are dimensioned so that the space therebetween can hold a supply of tape flags, such as a folded stack of tape flags. The slot  2440  provided in upper shell  2423  allows individual flags can be drawn from the supply of tape flags. A recess  2433  is preferably provided on the upper shell  2423  for attaching a writing-instrument cap (not shown) when the writing instrument is in use. 
     The pre-packaged tape-flag holder of  FIGS. 23 and 24  can be made with or without cosmetic shaping. For example, as shown by upper shell section  2320  and writing instrument  2350  in  FIG. 23 , the shape of upper shell section  2320  can be chosen to match and blend with the shape of the writing instrument  2350 . In the alternative, as exemplified by unit  2420 , the prepackaged tape-flag holder can be constructed in a generic shape, without regard to the shape of a particular writing instrument. 
       FIG. 25  depicts an embodiment of a two-piece flag cartridge  2501  that can be used with or as part of a writing instrument, such as the embodiments of writing instruments discussed above. In this embodiment, a flag cartridge  2501  includes a cartridge cap  2573 , a cartridge base  2572 , and a supply of tape flags  2512 . Cartridge cap  2573  has a tapered outer shell  2504  that is open at one end, and closed at the other end by a recess  2503 . An outer slot  2579  is located on outer shell  2504 , and extends to the edge of the open end of outer shell  2504 . Cartridge base  2572  has a cylindrical-like inner shell  2507 , an end cover  2506 , and a supporting insert  2502 . Supporting insert  2502  is mounted on end cover  2506 . End cover  2506  is also attached to a first end of inner shell  2507 , and closes off that first end of inner shell  2507 . An opposing end of inner shell  2507  is open. 
     Flag cartridge  2501  can be attached to a highlighter by supporting insert  2502 . The supporting insert is preferably dimensioned with an outer diameter that matches an inner diameter of the back end of a highlighter (such as circular opening  2871  indicated in  FIG. 28  below). Thus, supporting insert  2502  can be inserted into the back end of a highlighter. 
     Inner shell  2507  has an outer diameter that is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of outer shell  2504 . Thus, the open end of inner shell  2507  can be fit into the open end of outer shell  2504 , forming an enclosure for tape flags. The diameters of outer and inner shells  2504  and  2507  are selected so that the enclosure for tape flags has appropriate dimensions to hold the supply of tape flags  2512 . Further, these diameters are preferably chosen so that outer and inner shells  2504  and  2507  fit securely together, but are readily separated for refilling. 
     An inner slot  2578  is disposed on inner shell  2507  at a location that can match the placement of outer slot  2579  on outer shell  2504 . Thus, when outer and inner shells  2504  and  2507  are fit together, outer slot  2579  is located over inner slot  2578 , thereby creating a slot that communicates into the enclosure for tape flags. 
     With cartridge cap  2573  separated from cartridge base  2572 —that is, with the flag cartridge “open”—the supply of tape flags  2512  can be inserted into the inner shell  2507  of cartridge base  2572 , with a leading tape flag extending through inner slot  2578 . Inner shell  2507  can then be inserted into outer shell  2504  to “Close” flag cartridge  2501 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates one version of a flag cartridge formed onto the end of a writing instrument. A body section  2610  of a writing instrument can be created with a flag chamber  2625  formed into an end portion  2653  of the body section  2610 . The end portion  2653  is formed with a slot  2640  through which tape flags can be issued from the flag chamber  2625 . The end portion is preferably formed so that a cover, such as cartridge cap  2573  from  FIG. 25 , can be attached to close the flag chamber  2625 . 
     As noted above, various embodiments of a flag dispenser can be formed or attached onto the end or onto the body of a writing instrument. A further design choice involves the use of a rotating or sliding cap to cover or uncover a slot through which tape flags are dispensed. Such an adjustable cover can also be used to cover or uncover a tape flag protruding from a slot in the flag dispenser. 
       FIG. 27  shows an embodiment of a flag dispenser with a cap that rotates. This dispenser has a rotating cap  2773  and a base  2772 . The rotating cap  2773  and the base  2772  fit together to form a chamber for holding a supply of tape flags. Rotating cap  2773  may be affixed to base  2772 , for example, with interlocking grooves and ridges (not shown) formed on an inner surface of cap  2773  and on an outer surface of base  2772 . Alternatively, the cap  2773  and base  2772  may be formed with matching threads (not shown) that allow cap  2773  and base  2772  to be screwed together. 
     An outer slot  2779  is provided in cap  2773 , and an inner slot  2778  is provided in base  2772 . Slots  2778  and  2779  can be aligned so that tape flags can be removed from the supply of tape flags inside the chamber. Outer slot  2779  is preferably made narrow so that tape flags protruding from the flag dispenser are held in place, and inner slot  2778  is preferably made wide so that the dispenser can be easily refilled. 
     In the depicted embodiment, cap  2773  is formed in a way that allows rotation when cap  2773  is fit onto base  2772 . One position of cap  2773  aligns inner and outer slots  2778  and  2779 . In this position of cap  2773 , tape flags can be issued through the slots. Another position of cap  2773  mis-aligns inner and outer slots  2778  and  2779 . In this position of cap  2773 , the chamber holding a supply of tape flags is shut closed, and tape flags cannot be issued through the slots. This position preferably also locks or conceals the end of any tape flag protruding through inner slot  2778 . 
     As discussed above, the base of flag dispenser can be formed onto a free-standing unit adapted for attachment to a writing instrument. Alternatively, a base can be formed directly onto the end of a writing instrument, as illustrated by the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 27 . In this embodiment, base  2772  is formed onto the end of the body  2710  of a writing instrument. 
       FIGS. 28 and 29  illustrate yet another technique for connecting a flag dispenser to a writing instrument. In these figures, a highlighter and flag dispenser have separable parts preferably formed of injection-molded plastic, including: a body portion  2851 , a cap  2860 , a plug  2872 , and a rear cap  2873 . Body portion  2851  as shown has a substantially tubular or cylindrical shape, with a back end  2811  and a front end  2812 . A writing tip (not shown) is mounted on body portion  2851  at front end  2812 . Cap  2860  is attached (but removable) to front end  2812 , and preferably includes a nub  2862 . The back end  2811  has a circular opening  2871  into which plug  2872  can be affixed. 
     Plug  2872  has several connected portions, including an insertion cylinder  2802 , an end cover  2806 , and a cylindrical-like inner shell  2807 . An axially-aligned inner slot  2878  is provided in inner shell  2807 . Insertion cylinder  2802  has an outer diameter that corresponds to an inner diameter of circular opening  2871  of body portion  2851 : the insertion cylinder  2802  is dimensioned to fit snugly into circular opening  2871 , thereby affixing plug  2872  to body portion  2851 . 
     End cover  2806  is connected to insertion cylinder  2802 , and closes the body portion  2851  of the writing instrument when plug  2872  is affixed to body portion  2851 . Inner shell  2807  is formed on end cover  2806 . Within inner shell  2807  is a chamber  2825  that has dimensions suitable for holding a supply of tape flags  2912  (depicted n  FIG. 29 ). 
     Rear cap  2873  generally has the shape of a short hollow cylinder closed at one end. Rear cap  2873  has a tapered outer shell  2804 , on which is provided an outer slot  2879  aligned in an axial direction. Closing one end of outer shell  2804  is a cover with a recess  2803 , which is preferably dimensioned to clasp cap  2860  by nub  2862 . 
     An inner radius of outer shell  2804  is matched to an outer radius of inner shell  2807 : the outer shell  2804  is dimensioned to fit snugly onto inner shell  2807 , thereby affixing rear cap  2873  to plug  2872 . 
     With rear cap  2873  thus affixed to plug  2872 , chamber  2825  is fully enclosed except for an opening formed by the overlap of inner and outer slots  2878  and  2879 . Through these slots tape flags can be drawn form a supply of tape flags stored in chamber  2825 . 
       FIG. 29  is a close-up view of elements from  FIG. 28 . This drawing highlights (1) body portion  2851  with back end  2811  and circular opening  2871 ; (2) plug  2872  with insertion cylinder  2802 , end cover  2806 , inner shell  2807 , chamber  2825 , and inner slot  2878 ; and (3) rear cap  2873  with outer shell  2804 , outer slot  2879 , and recess  2803 . Also depicted is (4) a supply of tape flags  2812 , which fits into chamber  2825 . 
     Tape-flag dispensers attached to writing instruments need not have fully enclosed chambers. Sides and portions of the top of a chamber can be left uncovered, so long as the supply of tape flags held by the dispenser are securely held in the chamber. 
       FIG. 30  shows a partially open tape-flag dispenser  3001  that can be joined with (by a nub-recess connection, not shown) or formed onto the end of a highlighter or other writing instrument, such as those shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . The dispenser  3001  has a bottom wall  3006 , aback wall  3061 , a front wall  3062 , and a top wall  3063 ′. A slot  3040  is provided in front wall  3062 . The walls  3006 ,  3061 ,  3062 , and  3063  are connected together to form a chamber within. The chamber has one or more open sides. Additionally, the chamber can have a partially open bottom and top. 
     A supply of tape flags  3012  can be held by dispenser  3001 . The supply of tape nags  3012  can preferably be inserted into dispenser  3001  through one or more openings in dispenser  3001 . Dispenser  3001  preferably has a recess  3003  formed into the top wall  3063 . Recess  3003  can be used to hold a cap (such as cap  220  from  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) when the writing instrument is in use. 
       FIG. 31  shows another embodiment of a partially open tape-flag dispenser  3101  that can be joined with the end of a highlighter or other writing instrument, such as those shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , by inserting a nub (not shown) of the dispenser  3101  into a recess of the highlighter. Alternatively, dispenser  3101  can be integrally formed onto the end of a highlighter or other writing instrument. The dispenser  3101  includes a central spindle  3164  for supporting a supply of tape flags (not shown). As with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 30 , dispenser  3101  has a bottom wall  3106 , aback wall  3161 , a front wall  3162 , and a top wall  3163 . A slot  3140  is provided in front wall  3162 . The walls  3106 ,  3161 ,  3162 , and  3163  are connected together to form a chamber within. The chamber has one or more open sides. Additionally, the chamber can have a partially open bottom and top. 
     A supply of tape flags (not shown) can be held by dispenser  3101 . The supply of tape flags can preferably be inserted into dispenser  3101  through one or more openings in dispenser  3101 . Dispenser  3101  preferably has a recess  3103  formed into the top wall  3163 . Recess  3103  can be used to hold a cap (such as cap  220  from  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) when the writing instrument is in use. 
     As discussed above, a variety of designs are contemplated for the supply of tape flags that are stored in the various embodiments of the writing instrument. In addition to rolls, stacks, rolled stacks, and folded stacks of tape flags, the supply of tape flags can also be implemented as a paper roll on which separate tape flags have been affixed. Such designs are shown in  FIGS. 32-38 . 
       FIG. 32  is a top-view cross section of a dispenser  3200  for a supply of tape flags mounted on a roll of paper backing. In this depiction, dispenser  3200  has a shell  3204 , an axially mounted rod  3229 , and a supply roll  3212  of tape flags mounted on paper backing. The shell  3204  encloses a tape-flag chamber  3215  and has two slots: one slot  3279  for removing tape flags and another slot  3280  for removing the paper backing. In the supply roll  3212 , separate tape flags are mounted on a roll of disposable paper backing. During use, the tape flags are drawn from supply roll  3212 , and are pulled across rod  3229  towards flag slot  3279 , through which the tape flags can be removed. One tape flag  3231  is shown issuing through the flag slot  3279 . 
     The disposable paper backing is similarly drawn from supply roll  3212 , but is then wrapped back around rod  3229 , separating the paper backing from the tape flags. The paper backing then issues through the backing slot  3280 . A stem of paper backing  3232  is shown extending through the backing slot  3280 . 
     To obtain tape flags, a user pulls on an end of paper backing  3232  protruding from backing slot  3280 . The tension applied to the paper backing causes supply roll  3212  to rotate within chamber  3215  so that more paper backing advances away from the supply roll  3212  and around rod  3229 . As the paper backing is drawn in a tight radius around rod  3229 , a leading non-adhesive portion  3248  of a tape flag becomes separated from the paper backing. As the paper backing is further drawn around rod  3229 , the tape flag becomes further separated from the paper backing and is projected towards and through flag slot  3279 . The user can then grasp and remove the protruding, tape Sag  3231  by non-adhesive portion  3248 . 
       FIG. 33  further illustrates the structure of dispenser  3200  from  FIG. 32 . This figure shows the dispenser without shell  3204 , so that the other components can be more clearly depicted. In this depiction, supply roll  3212  is mounted on an optional support core  3260 . This illustration shows paper backing  3232  being drawn tightly around rod  3229  so that a leading tape flag  3231  is separated from the paper backing  3232 . 
       FIG. 34  shows one implementation of the dispenser  3200  from  FIG. 32  or  FIG. 33  as incorporated into the body  3210  of a writing instrument. A rear portion of the writing instrument body  3210  composes shell  3204 . An end of paper backing  3232  extends through backing slot  3280  in shell  3204 , and a leading tape flag  3231  extends through flag slot  3279  (not visible in this view). By grasping the writing instrument body  3210  with one hand and pulling the end of paper backing  3232  with another hand, a user can obtain the tape flag  3231  from the flag slot  3279 . 
     A spectrum of variations are contemplated for the mechanism exemplified by dispenser  3200  of  FIG. 32  or  33 . For example, instead of paper, various other materials, such as plastic films, may be employed in the paper backing  3232  of supply roll  3212 . Support core  3260  can be made as a solid cylinder, a hollow tube, or a hollow cylinder, or even of a non-round shape. Support core  3260  can be formed of paper, plastic, or cardboard, among other material. One end of the writing instrument body  3210  preferably includes a recess  3203  that is dimensioned to conveniently hold a writing cap (such as cap  220  from  FIG. 3 ). Still further, dispenser  3200  can be integrated into a disposable or removable unit, as was discussed for example with respect to  FIGS. 1-4  and  9 - 15 . 
       FIG. 35  is a top-view cross section of another dispenser  3500  for a supply of tape flags mounted on a roll of paper backing, and  FIG. 36  is another view of dispenser  3500 . These depictions shows a supply roll  3512  of tape flags and a wedge  3529 . In the supply roll  3512 , separate tape flags  3541  are mounted oil a roll of disposable paper backing  3544 . Unlike supply roll  3212  from  FIG. 32  (in which tape flags were aligned with non-adhesive portions towards the end of the supply roll  3212 ), in supply roll  3512  tape flags are aligned with their non-adhesive portions  3548  towards one edge of the supply roll  3512 , and with their adhesive portions  3549  towards an opposite edge of the supply roll  3512 . 
     Wedge  3529  is used to form a crease  3543  in a leading end  3531  of paper backing  3544  as the backing is drawn from the supply roll  3512 . As the paper backing is creased, a folded section  3546  of the paper backing  3544  is folded away from the non-adhesive portions  3548  of tape flags  3541 . Thus, this folding separates the folded section  3546  of the paper backing from the nonadhesive portions  3548  of tape flags  3541 , while leaving the adhesive portions  3548  attached to the paper backing  3544 . This separation makes the tape flags  3541  ready for grasping by a user. 
       FIG. 37  is a side-view cross section of tape flags being drawn across wedge  3529 . Wedge  3529  has a vertical surface  3710  that is parallel to the alignment of the tape flags  3541  and paper backing  3544  in supply roll  3512 . Additionally, wedge  3529  has an angled surface  3720  that is formed at an angle from vertical surface  3710 . A corner  3730  is formed at the intersection of the vertical and angled surfaces  3710  and  3720 . 
       FIG. 37  also shows a cross-section of paper backing  3544  and tape flag  3541  being drawn across the vertical surface  3710  of wedge  3529 . With an appropriate grip supplied by a user, tension in paper backing  3544  folds paper backing  3544  over the corner  3730  of wedge  3529 , so that the folded section  3546  of the paper backing  3544  is pulled away from the non-adhesive portions  3548  of tape flags  3541 . The adhesive portions  3549  remain attached to the paper backing  3544 . The non-adhesive portions  3548  are then easily grasped by a user so that the tape flags  3541  can be completely peeled away from the paper backing  3544 . 
       FIG. 38  shows one implementation of dispenser  3500  from  FIG. 35  as incorporated into the body  3510  of a writing instrument. A rear portion of the writing instrument body  3510  houses dispenser  3500 . The end  3531  of the paper backing extends through a slot  3579  in body of  3510 . This view shows the folded section  3546  of paper backing  3544  being folded away from the non adhesive portions  3548  of tape flags  3541 . 
     By grasping the writing instrument body  3510  with one hand and pulling the end of paper backing  3531  with another hand, a user can obtain the tape flags  3541  from the slot  3579 . Tape flags  3541  can then be easily peeled from paper backing  3544 , and the extending expended portion of paper backing  3544  can be torn off and discarded by the user. 
     Slot  3579  preferably has two extensions  3581  and  3582  as shown in  FIG. 38 . One of these extensions  3581  is straight and collinear with the main portion of slot  3579 . Tape flags can be drawn, if desired, without folding through slot  3579  and straight extension  3581 . Another extension  3582  is angled away from the main portion of slot  3579 , matching the angled surface  3720  of wedge  3529 . Tape flags can be drawn, if desired, through slot  3579  and angled extension  3582  to assist with the folding operation around wedge  3529 . 
     The combination writing instrument-flag dispenser illustrated in  FIG. 38  can be modified with a number of variations. For example, instead of paper, various other materials may be employed in the paper backing  3544 , such as a plastic film. Supply roll  3512  can be made with or without a support core. An optional recess  3503  in writing instrument body  3510  can be provided to conveniently hold a writing cap (such as cap  220  from  FIG. 3 ). Still further, the dispenser  3500  can be integrated into a disposable or removable unit, as was discussed for example with respect to  FIGS. 1-4  and  9 - 15 . Further, it is noted that tape-flag dispensers attached to writing instruments need not have fully enclosed chambers. Sides and portions of the top of a chamber can be left uncovered, so long as the supply of tape flags held by the dispenser are securely held in the chamber. 
       FIGS. 39 ,  40 , and  41  illustrate yet another technique for connecting a flag dispenser to a writing instrument  3900 . The writing instrument  3900  has parts preferably formed of injection-molded plastic, including: a body portion  3951 , a plug  3972 , and a cover cartridge  3973 . Plug  3972  is preferably permanently attached onto body portion  3951 . This attachment may be by adhesive, by heat treatment, or by press fitting with or without interlocking rings and ridges. 
     Body portion  3951  has a front end  3912  that holds a marking element  3950 , and a back end  3911  adapted to connect with plug  3972 . Body portion  3951  is preferably dimensioned to be readily gripped by a user&#39;s band. 
     Cover cartridge  3973  has a cylinder-like shape with two openings on the ends: a front opening  3984  and a back opening  3983 . Cover cartridge  3973  holds a supply of tape flags  3990 . To assist a user in determining how many flags are remaining in the supply  3990 , cover cartridge  3973  may be made of a transparent material. The supply of tape flags  3990  may be a folded stack of tape flags, as discussed above. The tape flags  3990  are held within the interior of cover cartridge  3873  by friction between the flags and the interior wall of cover cartridge  3973 . Bumps, protrusions, tabs, ledges, and nubs (not shown) may be added near the lower end of the interior of cover cartridge  3973  to provide additional support. When folded, the supply of tape flags  3990  has a gap between the folded ends  3991  of the stack of tape flags. An end of a tape flag  3995  is shown protruding from an dispenser opening  3975  in cover cartridge  3973 . 
     Plug  3972  includes a spindle  3907 , an end cover  3906  attached to one end of spindle  3907 , a cap holder  3903  attached to the opposing end of spindle  3907 , and a plug wall  3978  attached to the length of spindle  3907 . The plug  3972  is dimensioned so that the supply of tape flags  3990  fits around spindle  3907 , and the plug wall  3978  is located between the gap formed between the ends  3991  of the supply of tape flags  3990 . The plug wall  3978  thus separates the folded ends  3991 . Plug  3972  may be further dimensioned so that the supply of tape flags  3990  is held fixed with respect to plug  3972 , fixed from rotating by the plug wall  3978 , and held in a folded shape by the cover cartridge  3973 . 
     Plug  3972  preferably also includes an insertion cylinder  3902  connected to end cover  3906 . Insertion cylinder  3902  has a shape that corresponds to the shape of an opening in back end  3911  of body portion  3951 . The insertion cylinder  3902  is dimensioned to be inserted into back end  3911  until end cover  3906  contacts the rear edge of back end  3911  thereby affixing plug  3972  to body portion  3951 . 
     Plug  3972  is preferably fixed permanently into back end  3911 , so that plug  3972  and back end  3911  may not be separated by a user. This permanent attachment may be achieved, for example, by appropriately dimensioning plug  3972  and back end  3911  and press-fitting these components together. The fit may be augmented by interlocking ridges and grooves (not shown) on plug  3972  and inside back end  3911 . 
     Cover cartridge  3973  is dimensioned to securely fit onto plug  3972 , with a secure but removable connection between the cover cartridge  3973  and plug  3972 . Plug  3972  fits into front opening  3984  of cover cartridge  3973 . The fit between plug  3972  and cover cartridge  3973  may be a snap-fit, in which small grooves, tabs, and slots (not shown) on these components removeably engage with each another to hold the plug  3972  and cover cartridge  3973  together. Cover cartridge  3973  and plug  3972  are dimensioned so when attached together, these components securely hold the supply of tape flags  3990 , and tape flags may be readily drawn from the supply of tape flags  3990  through dispenser opening  3975  in cover cartridge  3973 . 
     When attached to plug  3972 , cover cartridge  3973  is preferably free to rotate in place. By rotating cover cartridge  3973 , a user may retract a protruding end of a tape flag  3995  partly or completely into cover cartridge  3973 , thus preparing the writing instrument  3900  for storage. 
     To prevent the protruding end of a tape flag  3995  from being completely retracted, plug  3972  and an inner surface of cover cartridge  3973  may each additionally be fitted with one or more stopper tabs (not shown) that engage one another to limit the extent that cover cartridge  3973  can rotate with respect to plug  3972 . These stopper tabs may be specifically located so that the cover cartridge  3973  can rotate clockwise to a limit, and counterclockwise to a limit. This bi-directional limited rotation may be tailored to the dimensions of a stack of tape flags, whose zigzag folding structure requires the cover cartridge  3973  to rotate in both directions. 
     An insert, such as cardboard or plastic insert (not shown), may be added to the bottom of cover cartridge  3973  to hold the supply of tape flags  3990  in place when the cover cartridge  3973  is not attached to the plug  3972 . This insert may take the form of a flat disk that is dimensioned to snugly fit into front opening  3984  after the supply of tape flags  3990  has been placed into cover cartridge  3973 . The insert has a central hole dimensioned to admit the spindle  3907  of plug  3972 . The insert may be particularly useful in implementations of the writing instrument  3900  where the supply of tape flags  3990  and the cover cartridge  3973  are replaceable as a single unit. In implementations of the writing instrument  3900  where the supply of tape flags  3990  is a separately replaceable component, the insert may be omitted, thereby facilitating refilling or replacement of the supply of tape flags  3990 . 
     Cap holder  3903  on plug  3972  includes a recess dimensioned to hold the nub of a cap (not shown) for writing instrument  3900 . When cover cartridge  3973  is attached to plug  3972 , cap holder  3903  is accessible through back opening  3983  of cover cartridge  3973 . Thus, a cap with a nub (such as cap  220  shown in  FIG. 3 ) is securely connected to writing instrument  3900  by inserting the nub through the back opening  3983  and snugly into the recess of the cap holder  3903  of plug  3972 . 
       FIG. 41  is a view of writing instrument  3900  as assembled. Shown in this diagram are body portion  3951  with a marking element  3950 , and cover cartridge  3973 , with back opening  3983 , dispenser opening  3975 , and flag  3995  protruding through dispenser opening  3975 . 
       FIGS. 42 and 43  illustrate a further technique for connecting a flag dispenser to a writing instrument  4200 . The writing instrument  4200  has parts preferably formed of injection-molded plastic, including: a body portion  4251 , a plug  4272 , a flag cartridge  4201 , and a cover  4273 . Plug  4272  is preferably permanently attached onto body portion  4251  in a manner similar to the attachment between plug  3972  and body  3951  of  FIG. 39 . This attachment may be by adhesive, by heat treatment, or by press fitting with or without interlocking rings and ridges. 
     Body portion  4251  has a front end  4212  and a back end  4211  adapted to connect with plug  4272 . Body portion  4251  is preferably dimensioned to be readily gripped by a user&#39;s hands. 
     Cover  4273  has a cylinder-like shape with two openings on the ends: a front opening  4284  and a back opening  4283 . Flag cartridge  4201  is dimensioned to fit into cover  4273  through front opening  4284 . To assist a user in determining how many flags are remaining in flag cartridge  4201 , cover  4273  may be made of a transparent material. Additionally, flag cartridge  4201  may also be made of a transparent material. Flag cartridge  4201  has an annular-like shape or C-shape with a gap formed to receive a supply of tape flags  4290 . The supply of tape flags  4290  may be a folded stack of tape flags. An end of a tape flag  4295  is shown protruding through the gap in the flag cartridge  4201  and a dispenser opening  4275  in cover  4273 . 
     Plug  4272  includes a spindle  4207 , an end cover  4206  attached to one end of spindle  4207 , and a cap holder  4203  attached to the opposing end of spindle  4207 . The plug  4272  is dimensioned so that flag cartridge  4201 , and thus the supply of tape flags  4290  in flag cartridge  4201 , fit around spindle  4207 . 
     Plug  4272  may include stopper tabs (not shown) so that flag cartridge  4201  is held fixed with respect to plug  4272 . The stopper tabs prevent flag cartridge  4201  from rotating with respect to plug  4272 . Alternatively, plug  4272  and flag cartridge  4201  may be configured so that flag cartridge  4201  is free to rotate around the spindle  4207  of plug  4272   
     Plug  4272  preferably also includes an insertion cylinder  4202  connected to end cover  4206 . Insertion cylinder  4202  has a shape that corresponds to the shape of an opening in back end  4211  of body portion  4251 : the insertion cylinder  4202  is dimensioned to fit into back end  4211 , thereby affixing plug  4272  to body portion  4251 . Plug  4272  is preferably fixed permanently into back end  4211 , so that plug  4272  and back end  4211  may not be separated by a user. This permanent attachment may be achieved, for example, by appropriately dimensioning plug  4272  and back end  4211  and press-fitting these components together. The fit may be augmented by interlocking ridges and grooves  4221  and  4223  on plug  4272  and inside back end  4211 . 
     Cover  4273  is dimensioned to securely fit onto plug  4272 , with a secure but removable connection between the cover  4273  and plug  4272 . Plug  4272  fits into front opening  4284  of cover  4273 . Cover  4273  and plug  4272  are dimensioned so when attached together, these components securely hold flag cartridge  4201 , and tape flags may be readily drawn from the flag cartridge  4201  through dispenser opening  4275  in cover  4273 . 
     When attached to plug  4272 , cover  4273  is preferably free to rotate in place. By rotating cover  4273 , a user may retract a protruding end of a tape flag  4295  partly or completely into cover  4273 , thus preparing writing instrument  4200  for storage. To prevent the protruding end of a tape flag  4295  from being completely retracted, flag cartridge  4201  and an inner surface of cover  4273  may additionally be fitted with stopper tabs, such as a stopper tab  4225  on flag cartridge  4201  and one or more matching stopper tabs (not shown) on cover  4273  that engage to limit the extent that cover  4273  can rotate with respect to flag cartridge  4201 . These stopper tabs may be specifically located so that the cover  4273  can rotate clockwise to a limit, and counterclockwise to a limit. This bi-directional limited rotation may be tailored to the dimensions of tape flags in a folded stack of tape flags, whose zig-zag folding structure requires the cover  4273  to rotate in both directions while tape flags are being dispensed. 
     An insert, such as cardboard or plastic insert (not shown), may be added to the bottom of cover  4273  to hold flag cartridge  4201  in place when the cover  4273  is not attached to the plug  4272 . This insert may take the form of a flat disk that is dimensioned to snugly fit into front opening  4284  after flag cartridge  4201  has been placed into cover  4273 . The insert has a central hole dimensioned to admit the spindle  4207  of plug  4272 . The insert may be particularly useful in implementations of the writing instrument  4200  where the flag cartridge  4201  and cover  4273  are replaceable as a single unit. In implementations of the writing instrument  4200  where the flag cartridge  4201  is a refillable or separately replaceable component, the insert may be omitted, thereby facilitating refilling or replacement of the flag cartridge  4201 . 
     Cap holder  4203  on plug  4272  includes a recess dimensioned to hold a cap (not shown) when writing instrument  4200  is being used for writing. When cover  4273  is attached to plug  4272 , cap holder  4203  is accessible through back opening  4283  of cover  4273 . Thus, a cap with a nub (such as cap  220  shown in  FIG. 3 ) is securely connected to writing instrument  4200  by inserting the nub through the back opening  4283  and snugly into the recess of the cap holder  4203  of plug  4272 . 
       FIG. 43  is a view of writing instrument  4200  as assembled. Shown in this diagram are body portion  4251  with a marking element  4250 , and cover cartridge  4273 , with back opening  4283 , dispenser opening  4275 , and flag  4295  protruding through dispenser opening  4275 . 
     Although the foregoing disclosure has illustrated the integration of a tape flag dispenser into a highlighter, the teachings of the disclosure may be applied to other writing instruments and dispensers of sheet material other than tape flags without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. The tape flag dispensers disclosed herein can be employed with other writing instruments such as, but not limited to, pens, pencils, and markers. Further, it can be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the tape flag dispenser can be made without all of the features discussed in the illustrative embodiments, and that features from the various illustrative embodiments can be intercombined as appropriate for specific applications and situations.