Abstract: Trigger-operated hot-melt dispenser with positive-feed mechanism wherein at least one continuous feed-belt in axial contact with a rod of thermoplastic material and operated to urge said rod into the melt chamber of said hot-melt dispenser is characterized in that release of the trigger first reverses the feed-belt to withdraw the rod a pre-set amount away from the melt-chamber and after a pre-set interval moves the feed-belt transversely out of contact with the rod. This facilitates removal and replacement of a part-spent rod. Preferably the rate of the transverse movement is greater than the tracking speed of the belt. A preferred embodiment includes twin, parallel feed belts which together grip an intervening rod.

Abstract: An improved, moisture-proof container of solid, moisture-curable composition for use as a hot-melt in the apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,636 in which the composition in the container is further retained within a sealed bag of heat-resistant, resilient foil. The foil may be a simple film of polyamide or polyester but for higher-temperature melting a shrinkage-resistant laminate of polyamide or polyester film supported on an aluminium foil may be used.

Abstract: A hot melt glue gun is described and claimed having a rod feeding mechanism (14) comprising a trigger (50) arranged to drive clamping means to grip a rod of adhesive and to move the rod towards a melt chamber (17) of the gun. The clamping means comprises a carriage (42) movable towards and away from the melt chamber and having a shaped portion (110) to accept a rod to be fed. The clamping means also comprises, pivoted on the carriage, a clamp member having a clamping arm portion (71) for gripping the rod against the shaped portion, and a crank arm portion (70). The crank arm portion has an operating portion (49) having a convex surface (64) arranged to co-operate with pressure means (207) of pivotally mounted connecting means (52). The connecting means is positioned to be operated by the trigger. By virtue of the disposition of the pivots and the clamping arm and of the shaping of the operating portion of the crank arm, there is brought about an improved usage of triggering effort to feed the rod.

Abstract: A melt body (16) for a melt dispenser is disclosed which is particularly suitable for use in a hand held hot melt glue gun for use with rods of hot melt glue. The melt body including a melt chamber (17) provided with a series of fin elements (23) which define passageways terminating at an outlet (21). The fin elements increase in size progressively from an inlet (19) of the melt chamber to the outlet and ensure good transfer of heat to material to be melted. Edge surfaces of the fin elements provide surface portions of an opening adapted to receive the central portion of a rod as the rod is fed into the melt chamber. The shaping of the fin elements is such as to permit convenient manufacture by a die casting process. The spacing of the fin elements is selected so that melted material flows from the outlet when its viscosity has been reduced to an appropriate value to ensure good adhesive bonding.