A tape head includes a two-stage system by which a spring is tensioned. In a first stage, the spring may be partially tensioned when a case, moving along a conveyor, contacts a first application roller. The spring may be additionally tensioned when the case, continuing to move along the conveyor, contacts the second stage. In one example of the second stage, a lever is moved by contact with the moving case. Movement of the lever moves tensions the spring further. By tensioning the spring in multiple stages, assemblies and/or processes, less force is applied by the case to the first application roller. Accordingly, it is less likely to deform the case. The tensioned spring provides energy to move a second application roller around a trailing edge of the case, and thereby press a cut end of the tape against a side of the case.