GB2489733A

GB2489733A - Tag dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2489733A
Application number: GB201105893A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leigh Mann; William Mann
Original assignee: MANNERING EUROP Ltd
Current assignee: MANNERING EUROP Ltd
Priority date: 2011-04-07
Filing date: 2011-04-07
Publication date: 2012-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-07
Also published as: GB201105893D0; GB2489733B

Abstract

A tag dispenser 1 comprises means for holding a web of a plurality of interconnected tags (fig 6), a housing defining a dispensing pathway 20 along which a leading tag of a web of a plurality of interconnected tags held by the holding means may be supplied to a dispenser opening to enable the leading tag to be gripped by a user, a projection 4 projecting into said dispensing pathway for locating and engaging an aperture (33, fig 6) of a leading tag to prevent it being pulled out of said dispenser opening and a tag release means 3 moveable so as to disengage a leading tag from said projection.

Description

Tag dispenser The present invention relates to a tag dispenser and a dispenser system comprising a tag dispenser and a supply of tags. In particular, the present invention relates to a dispenser and dispenser system for dispensing tags having one or more apertures. The present invention also extends to a method of dispensing tags.

It is well known for tags to be used to label and track all kinds of products, such as food, luggage and pharmaceuticals. The tags can be self-adhesive or designed to be tied or looped to a product. It is common practice for the tags to be provided as a web of a plurality of interconnected tags, such as a roll of tags. In order to remove a single tag from a roll, a user usually needs to hold the roll in one hand and use their other hand to tear or cut off a single tag. Such a procedure can be slow and inconvenient, especially in conditions where hygiene is important, such as food preparation.

The present invention seeks to solve the problems associated with the prior art methods of dispensing tags.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tag dispenser comprising: means for holding a web of a plurality of interconnected tags; a housing defining a dispensing pathway along which a leading tag of a web of a plurality of interconnected tags held by the holding means may be supplied to a dispenser opening to enable the leading tag to be gripped by a user; a projection projecting into the dispensing pathway for locating and engaging an aperture of a leading tag to prevent it being pulled out of the dispenser opening; and a tag release means rnoveable so as to disengage a leading tag from the projection.

The dispenser according to the first aspect of the present invention does not include a web of a plurality of tags but is capable of interacting with such a web as described. According to a further aspect, discussed later, the present invention extends to a system comprising a dispenser and a web of a plurality of tags.

A leading tag' should be understood to mean a tag forming a free end of the web of a plurality of interconnected tags. In use, the leading tag will be placed in the dispensing pathway, with its free end (i.e. its leading end) protruding through the dispenser opening. The leading tag will thus be the first tag dispensed. Once the leading tag (i.e. first) is separated from the web of a plurality of interconnected tags, the next tag (i.e. the second tag) following the leading tag becomes the new leading tag' in the dispenser.

The projection can be any sort of impediment that can locate and engage an aperture of a tag moving past the projection. For example, the projection can comprise one or more upstanding protruding elements.

The projection serves to hold a leading tag in place, within the dispenser, until a user wishes to remove the leading tag from the web of interconnected tags.

When located and engaged in the aperture of a leading tag, the projection prevents the leading tag being pulled out of the dispenser opening. The projection locates and engages the aperture of a leading tag by protruding into and through the aperture.

In order to remove the leading tag from the dispenser, the user operates the tag release means to disengage the leading tag from the projection and then pulls the leading tag out of the dispenser opening. Preferably, the tag release means is user-operated and requires a separate action from pulling the leading tag.

Pulling the leading tag out of the dispenser preferably causes the tag to be separated from the web of interconnected tags held within the dispenser. As such, the dispenser can be used to dispense individual tags using one hand only. The dispenser provides a clean, simple and efficient way of dispensing individual tags.

The dispenser of the present invention preferably operates without any springs or other parts that could become detached from the dispenser. This is particularly important when used in hygienic conditions, such as food preparation areas.

As the leading tag is being pulled out of the dispenser opening, the next tag of the web of interconnected tags moves into and along the dispensing pathway.

Preferably, the projection is arranged to locate and engage the aperture of the next tag following the leading tag being dispensed. In other words, as the next tag moves along the dispensing pathway, its motion is halted when the projection engages its aperture. -3..

Preferably, the engagement of the aperture of the next tag with the projection allows the leading tag to be separated from the next tag. Preferably, a force applied to the leading tag, while the next tag is held by the projection, allows the leading tag to be torn from the next tag. The next tag will then become the new leading tag' in the dispenser, as discussed above.

Preferably, the tag release means is biased to a position in which it does not disengage a leading tag from said projection. In other words, in order to disengage a leading tag from the projection, the user must move the tag release means from its normal, biased position. After being moved by a user, the tag release means returns to its normal, biased position. This allows the projection to automatically engage the aperture of a next tag moving along the dispensing pathway. The tag release means may be biased in any suitable manner.

Preferably, the tag release means comprises a pivoting member having first and second ends. The pivoting member is pivotally attached to the dispenser IS housing. Due to the pivotal nature of the pivoting member, moving the first end causes the second end to move.

Preferably, the first end of the pivoting member is accessible by the user and is preferably located at and/or defines at least in part the dispenser opening.

This allows the user to move the first end of the pivotal member (to release the leading tag) and pull the leading tag using the same hand.

Preferably, the pivoting member is moveable to disengage a leading tag from the projection by moving, and preferably by depressing, the first end of the pivoting member. Once the first end of the pivoting member has been moved, the leading tag is released from the projection and the leading tag can be pulled out of the dispenser opening. Preferably, when the first end of the pivoting member is released by the user, it automatically returns to its normal (biased) first position Preferably, the pivoting member is biased to its first position by locating the pivot point closer to first end of the pivoting member than the second end. As such, the first lever arm defined between the first end of the pivoting member and the pivot point is shorter than the second lever arm defined between the second end of the pivoting member and the pivot point, such that the second lever arm is heavier than the first lever arm.

Preferably, the pivoting member is moveable between a first position where the second end of the pivoting member is located below an upper edge of the projection and a second position where the second end of the pivoting member moves into a position above the upper edge of the projection.

It should be understood that the upper edge' of the projection refers to the distal edge of the projection, i.e. that edge that is furthest away from the point at which the projection is secured to the dispenser housing. Moving the second end of the pivoting member to a position where it is above the upper edge of the projection means that the second end can lift a tag above the projection and thus disengage it from the projection.

Preferably, when the pivoting member is in its usual (biased) first position, its second end lies underneath the dispensing pathway. When the pivoting member is moved into the second position, the second end is lifted into the dispensing pathway. As the second end is lifted, it contacts a leading tag in the dispensing pathway and lifts it so that the aperture of the tag is disengaged from the projection.

The leading tag can then start to be pulled out of the dispensing opening and the first end of the pivoting member can be released, causing the second end to return to its usual (biased) first position underneath the dispensing pathway. In this position, a next tag moving along the dispensing pathway will not be lifted by the second end of the pivoting member and will become engaged with the protruding projection (until the tag release means is again moved).

Preferably, the second end of the pivoting member comprises a tag lifting bar. The tag lifting bar extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of tag travel along the dispensing pathway.

Preferably, the tag lifting bar is located upstream of the projection in the direction of tag travel along the dispensing pathway. This arrangement assists in the disengagement of a tag from the projection, especially when the tag is being pulled along the dispensing pathway by the user.

Preferably, the first end of the pivoting member has a tear bar against which a leading tag can be torn and separated from a next tag following the leading tag.

As such, the first end of the pivoting member is dual-purpose', namely it can be used to move the pivoting member to disengage the leading tag and subsequently used to assist in tearing the leading tag from the next tag.

Preferably, the tear bar has a cut-out through which a portion of a leading tag is exposed. This allows the leading end of a leading tag to be grabbed by the user. Preferably, the leading end of a leading tag can be grabbed at the same time, or shortly after, the first end of the pivoting member is moved by the user.

Preferably, the projection and the tear bar are spaced apart from each other along the dispensing pathway by a selected distance such that a tag of a predetermined length can be dispensed. The position of the projection along the dispensing pathway dictates how far a leading tag can be pulled freely before the next tag is halted due to its engagement with the projection. Once the next tag is engaged, the user will experience some resistance to the movement of the leading tag (which is still attached to the next tag and the rest of the web) and will then be minded to tear the leading tag against the tear bar. The closer the projection is to the tear bar, the sooner the next tag will be engaged and thus the shorter the leading tag will be once torn off at the tear bar. The larger the distance between the projection and the tear bar, the longer the leading tag will be once torn off. The selected distance between the projection and the tear bar corresponds to the length of a dispensed single tag minus the distance between the trailing end of a leading tag and a trailing end of the aperture engaged by the projection.

Preferably, the position of the projection along the dispensing pathway may be adjusted so that the dispenser can dispense tags of different sizes. By adjusting the position of the projection, the distance between the projection and the tear bar can be adjusted.

The projection may be removable from the dispenser housing and attachable to the housing at a plurality of different positions. For example, the housing may comprise an elongate groove extending along the dispensing pathway along which the projection may be secured at a variety of positions. Alternatively or additionally, the housing may comprise a plurality of apertures arranged along the dispensing pathway through which the projection can be secured.

Preferably, the dispenser further comprises a tension bar around which a web of interconnected tags can pass prior to entering the dispenser pathway. The tension bar prevents excessive supply of the web from a supply such as a roll.

Preferably, the tension roll is configured such that it can be moved away from the web of tags when the web of tags is being changed or replenished. This provides a more convenient changing and replenishment of the web.

Preferably, the means for holding a web of a plurality of interconnected tags comprises means for holding a roll of tags.

Preferably, the means for holding a roll of tags comprises a pair of grooves for holding a shaft of a roll of tags.

Preferably, the dispenser is made of a material that is easy to clean, such as metal or plastic.

Preferably, the dispenser comprises means for securing the dispenser housing to a stationary surface. Preferably, the securing means comprises a pair of suction pads located near the dispensing opening end. The suction pads give stability to the dispenser during the tearing of a leading tag from a next tag.

The present invention extends to a tag dispenser system comprising a web of a plurality of interconnected tags and a tag dispenser as discussed above, wherein each of the plurality of interconnected tags has at least one aperture. The tag dispenser system may comprise a tag dispenser having any or all of the features discussed above.

Preferably, the web of a plurality of interconnected tags comprises a roll of interconnected tags. Each roll may contain a large number of tags, such as up to 100, 100 to 200, or over 200. Preferably, the dispenser may accommodate rolls having a diameter of at least 200 mm.

Alternatively, in a less preferred embodiment, the web of a plurality of interconnected tags may comprise a stack of interconnected tags, such as in a zig-zag or accordion shape.

The tags may be self-adhesive and may have a self-adhesive portion and a release sheet in contact with the self-adhesive portion.

Preferably, the interconnected tags are connected to each other via lines of weakness. This provides for easier tearing of the leading tag from the next tag, for example at the tear bar. Preferably, the lines of weakness are provided by perforations through the web of tags.

Preferably, the projection and the dispenser opening are spaced apart from each other such that when an aperture of a leading tag is engaged by the projection a line of weakness at the leading end of the leading tag is aligned with the dispensing opening. This means that the leading end of the leading can be gripped easily by the user and when the next tag is engaged by the projection, the line of weakness at the trailing end of the leading tag will then be aligned with the dispensing opening. Tearing the leading tag from the next tag is thus facilitated.

Preferably, the line of weakness at the leading end of the leading tag is aligned with the tear bar of the pivoting member, Preferably, the projection is arranged to locate and engage the aperture of a next tag following a leading tag as the next tag passes the projection. The projection will engage and locate a next tag when it is in its usual biased position.

Preferably, engagement of the projection in the aperture of the next tag allows the leading tag to be separated from the next tag.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing individual tags comprising the steps of using the tag dispenser or tag dispenser system described above.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing individual tags comprising the steps of: providing a dispenser according to the first aspect of the present invention (and any embodiments thereof); inserting a web of a plurality of interconnected tags into the dispenser, each of the pluraflty of interconnected tags having at least one aperture; passing a leading tag of the web through the dispensing pathway such that a leading end of the leading tag is accessible at the dispenser opening and the aperture of the leading tag is engaged with the projection; moving the tag release means to disengage the projection from the aperture of the leading tag; pulling the leading tag through the dispenser opening until the aperture of the next tag is engaged with the projection; and separating the leading tag from the next tag.

The tag release means is moved from before the leading tag is pulled through the dispenser opening.

The method of this aspect of the present invention provides a clean, simple and efficient way of dispensing individual tags from a web of a plurality of interconnected tags.

Alternatively, the web of a plurality of interconnected tags may comprise a stack of interconnected tags, such as in a zig-zag or accordion shape.

Preferably, the projection and the dispenser opening are spaced apart from each other along the dispensing pathway such that when an aperture of a leading tag is engaged by the projection a line of weakness at the leading end of the leading tag is aligned with the dispensing opening. This means that the leading end of the leading can be gripped easily by the user and when the next tag is engaged by the projection, the line of weakness at the trailing end of the leading tag will then be aligned with the dispensing opening. Tearing the leading tag from the next tag is thus facilitated.

Preferably, the line of weakness at the leading end of the leading tag is aligned with the tear bar of the pivoting member.

The present invention in these further aspects of the invention may include any or all of the features described in respect of the other aspects and embodiments of the invention to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent therewith.

Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to Figures 1 to 6 of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a section of the dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the dispenser of Figure 1: Figure 4 is a sectional view of a portion of the dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a plan view of a blank for producing a side wall of the dispenser of Figure 1; and Figure 6 is a plan view of a single tag suitable for use with the dispenser of Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows a dispenser 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the dispenser 1 has a housing formed of first and second side walls 2a, 2b and a lower wall 6 (Figs. 2 to 4) extending between the first and second side walls 2a, 2b. The side walls 2a, 2b and lower wall 6 are formed of sheet stainless steel, but other sheet metals or other materials could be used. The side walls 2a, 2b each have a folded lower portion 2d and fold lines 2e. The lower wall 6 is bent upwardly to form a raised portion 6a (Figs. 2 and 3).

A blank used to form each of the two side walls 2a, 2b is shown in Fig. 5.

The side walls 2a, 2b each have a cut-out 2c for a tension bar 14 (Fig. 2), a groove 11 to accept a shaft 10 of a roll lOa of interconnected tags 30 (Fig. 6) and a plurality of apertures 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13.

Apertures 5 hold spacing shafts 5a, Sb, 5c, Sd which extend between the first and second side walls 2a, 2b. Aperture 7 extends through the folded lower portion 2d and holds a nut 7d for attaching suction pads 7a, 7b to the dispenser 1.

The suction pads 7a, 7b provide stability to the dispenser, especially during tearing of a leading tag from the next tag in the roll, Aperture 8 holds a threaded adjustable foot member 8a, which can provide further stability on uneven surfaces.

Aperture 9 holds a rear foot 9a.

Aperture 12 holds a rear roller 12a and apertures 13 hold front rollers ISa, 13b. Front rollers 13a, 13b define a nip in a dispensing pathway 20 (Figs. 2 to 4), through which tags are dispensed.

Extending along the dispensing pathway 20 (Figs. 2 to 4) beyond the front rollers 13a, 13b is a release plate 3. The release plate 3 has a first front end 3a and a second rear end 3b (Figs. 2 to 4). The release plate 3 can be seen inside the dispenser in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. The front end 3a of the release plate 3 defines a dispensing opening. The second end 3b of the release plate 3 is in the form of a lifting bar. The release plate 3 is also made of stainless steel plate.

The release plate 3 is pivotally mounted to the raised portion 6a of lower wall 6 at pivot point 3e. The release plate 3 is biased to be in a first position as shown in Fig. 2, with the first end 3a in a raised position and the lifting bar 3b in a lowered position. This biasing action is achieved by locating the pivot point 3e closer to the first end 3a than to the second end 3b. As such, the first lever arm defined between the first end 3a and the pivot point 3e is shorter than the second lever arm defined between the second end 3b and the pivot point 3e, with the result that the second lever arm is heavier than the first lever arm.

A projection 4 is secured to an elongate groove 16 formed in the raised portion 6a of lower wall 6. The elongate groove I 6a extends along the dispensing pathway 20. The projection 4 includes a threaded member and a nut (both not shown) that can be loosened and moved along the elongate groove 16 and secured at any desired position. Also provided are three apertures 16b upstream and downstream (along the direction of tag travel) onto which the projection can be secured (see Fig. 4).

The projection 4 extends upwardly into the dispensing pathway 20. When the lifting bar 3b is in its lowered position, it is located below the top edge of projection 4. When the first end 3a of the release plate 3 is pressed in a downward direction, the release plate 3 moves (in a see-saw' manner) into a second position where the lifting bar 3b is positioned above the top of projection 4. The lifting bar 3b moves through a cut-out channel 16c in the raised portion 6a of lower wall 6. A second cut-out channel 16d is provided so that a shorter release plate 3 could be used, particularly when the projection 4 is located in downstream apertures 16b.

The release plate 3 has a cut-out 3c at its first (front) end 3a. This allows a leading end of a leading tag to be grasped by the user at the same time as they grasp the front end 3a of the release plate 3. The front end 3a acts a tear bar.

Usually, lines of weakness are provided on the tags, however if no lines of weakness were provided a cutting blade could be provided on the front end 3a, Figure 2 shows an internal sectional view of the dispenser of Fig. 1. Second side wall 2b, release plate 3, lower wall 6, projection 4, spacing shafts Sa, Sb, Sc, front rollers ISa, 13b and rear roller 12a can all be seen. The dispensing pathway extends from rear roller 12a to the front end 3a of release plate 3. In use, interconnected tags travel along the dispensing pathway 20 in tag travel direction 25.

Also shown in Fig. 2 is tension bar 14. The tension bar 14 extends between tension bar support plates 14a, 14b, which are rotatably mounted to the shaft of rear roller 12a. In a first operative position, the tension bar support plates 14a, 14b extend in a vertical direction, parallel to the side plates 2a, 2b. This position is shown in solid lines in Fig. 2. In this position, the tension bar 14 is received in cut-out 2c (see Fig. 5). In use, a web of tags passes in front of the tension bar 14 and then under rear roller 12a (from the rear) into the dispensing pathway 20. The tension bar 14 serves to prevent over-run of the web from the roll 1 Oa.

The tension bar 14 may be moved to a second non-operative position, where it is out of the usual path of the web, thus allowing a web of tags from roll lOa to be easily replaced or replenished. In order to place the tension bar 14 in a non-operative position, the tension bar support plates 14a, 14b are rotated (in a clockwise direction shown in Fig. 2) until the tension bar 14 is at its lowest possible -11 -position. An intermediate stage is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 2, where the tension bar support plates 14a, 14b are mid-rotation.

Fig. 6 shows an example of a suitable tag 30 that can be used with the dispenser of Fig. 1. The tag 30 is self-adhesive and comprises an adhesive portion 36 and a release sheet 37. The tag 30 comprises detents 32 and aperture 33. The tag 30 has a reading end 31, a trailing end 34 and a trailing end 35 of the aperture 33. The tag 30 is secured to other tags on the web via perforations along its leading and trailing edges 31, 34.

In use, the dispenser 1 may be sat on a horizontal or non-horizontal surface.

The suction pads 7a, 7b can be pressed to secure the dispenser Ito a surface.

Threaded adjustable foot members 8a can be adjusted to provide stability. A roll iDa of tags 3D on a shaft 10 is placed in grooves ha, lib, with the free end of the web of tags 30 being located at the rear of the dispenser I. A leading end 31 of a leading tag 30 is threaded in front of tension bar 14 and behind and under rear roller 12a into dispensing pathway 20. The leading end 31 is threaded between front rollers I 3a, 1 3b and under front end 3a of release plate 3, so that it is exposed in cut-out 3c. The aperture 33 of leading tag 30 should be positioned over and engaged with projection 4, To dispense a first tag 30, a user grasps front end 3a near the cut-out 3c so that they can also grasp the leading end 31 of leading tag 30 at the same time, The user presses down on front end 3a and pulls the leading end 31 away from the dispenser 1. Pressing down the front end 3a lifts the second end 3b of the release plate 3 which in turn lifts the leading tag 30 above the projection 4. Pulling leading tag 30 causes the tag 30 to travel over projection 4 in tag travel direction 25. Once the aperture 33 of leading tag 30 has travelled over projection 4, the first end 3a of the release plate 3 can be released, thus allowing it to rise to its usual position.

The leading tag 30 can then be pulled freely out of the dispenser 1 until the next tag in the roll, to which the leading tag 30 is attached, passes along the dispensing pathway 20 and is engaged with projection 4. The engagement of the next tag's aperture 33 with the projection 4 causes a force on the leading tag 30 to be felt by the user, and unless excessive force is applied by the user, the leading * tag 30 to stop. The projection 4 is positioned such that the leading tag 30 is stopped wfth its trailing end 34 (and its perforations) aligned with the front end 3a of the release plate 3. The leading tag 30 can thus be pulled upwardly against the front end 3a (i.e. the tear bar) to tear the leading tag 30 from the next tag in the web, When another tag 30 is required by the user, the next tag 30 can be dispensed in the same way.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tag dispenser comprising: means for holding a web of a plurality of interconnected tags; a housing defining a dispensing pathway along which a leading tag of a web of a plurality of interconnected tags held by the holding means may be supplied to a dispenser opening to enable the leading tag to be gripped by a user; a projection projecting into said dispensing pathway for locating and engaging an aperture of a leading tag to prevent it being pulled out of said dispenser opening; and a tag release means moveable so as to disengage a leading tag from said projection.
2. The tag dispenser of claim 1, wherein said tag release means is biased to a position in which it does not disengage a leading tag from said projection.
3. The tag dispenser of claim I or 2, wherein said tag release means comprises a pivoting member, said pivoting member having first and second ends.
4. The tag dispenser of claim 3, wherein said first end of said pivoting member is located at and/or defines at least in part said dispenser opening.
5. The tag dispenser of claim 3 or 4, wherein said pivoting member is moveable to disengage a leading tag from said projection by depressing said first end of said pivoting member.
6. The tag dispenser of any of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein said pivoting member is moveable between a first position where the second end of said pivoting member is located below an upper edge of said projection and a second position where said second end of said pivoting member moves into a position above the upper edge of said projection.
7. The tag dispenser of claim 6, wherein said second end of said pivoting member comprises a tag lifting bar.
5. The tag dispenser of claim 7, wherein said tag lifting bar is located upstream of said projection in the direction of travel of a tag along the dispensing pathway.
9. The tag dispenser of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein said first end of said pivoting member has a tear bar against which a leading tag can be torn and separated from a next tag following said leading tag.
10. The tag dispenser of claim 9, wherein said tear bar has a cut-out through which a portion of a leading tag is exposed.
11. The tag dispenser of claim 9 or 10, wherein said projection and said tear bar are spaced apart from each other by a selected distance such that a tag of a predetermined length can be dispensed.
12. The tag dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein the position of said projection along the dispensing pathway may be adjusted so that the dispenser can dispense tags of different sizes.
13. The tag dispenser of any preceding claim, further comprising a tension bar around which a web of interconnected tags can pass prior to entering said dispensing pathway.
14. The tag dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein said means for holding a web of a plurality of interconnected tags comprises means for holding a roll of tags.
15. The tag dispenser of claim 14, wherein said means for holding a roll of tags comprises a pair of grooves for holding a shaft of a roll of tags.
16. A tag dispenser system comprising a web of a plurality of interconnected tags and the tag dispenser of any preceding claim, wherein each of said plurality of interconnected tags has at least one aperture.
17. The tag dispenser system of claim 16, wherein said web of a plurality of interconnected tags comprises a roll of interconnected tags.
18. The tag dispenser system of claim 16 or 17, wherein said interconnected tags are connected to each other via lines of weakness,
19. The tag dispenser system of claim 18, wherein said projection and said dispenser opening are spaced apart from each other such that, when an aperture of a leading tag is engaged by said projection, a line of weakness of said leading tag is aligned with said dispensing opening, 20, The tag dispenser of any of claims l6to 19, wherein said projection is arranged to locate and engage the aperture of a next tag following said leading tag as the next tag passes said projection.21. The tag dispenser of claim 20, wherein said engagement of said projection in said aperture of said next tag allows the leading tag to be separated from said next tag.22. A method of dispensing individual tags comprising the step of using the tag dispenser or tag dispenser system of any preceding claim, 23. A tag dispenser, dispenser system or method substantially as herein described, and/or with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.