Dispensing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for dispensing bulk material (1), comprising: a flexible or semi-flexible bag (10) comprising a compartment (11) for storing the bulk material (1), a dispensing section (12), and a hanger portion (13) by means of which the bag (10) can be suspended, such that the bulk material (1) can flow out of the bag (10) by gravity from the compartment (11) via the dispensing section (12); a dispensing mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) attached to the bag (10), where the dispensing mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) comprises two components (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 311, 312; 411, 412; 411, 412; 511, 512) which are manually movable relative to each other so as to move between: a closed position in which the dispensing section (12) is moved by the two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 311, 312; 411, 412; 411, 412; 511, 512) in order to prevent the bulk material (1) from flowing out of the bag (10) via the dispensing section (12); and an open position in which the dispensing section (12) is moved by the two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 311, 312; 411, 412; 411, 412; 511, 512) deploys or is allowed to deploy to form a dispensing channel (12.4) such that the bulk material (1) can flow out of the bag (10) by gravity from the compartment (11) via the dispensing section (12); and a resilient element (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) arranged to force the two components (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 311, 312; 411, 412; 411, 412; 511, 512) faces the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing system for dispensing bulk materials. Background Art

[0002] A dispensing system for dispensing bulk materials includes components that come into direct contact with the bulk material (e.g., food) and remain in the system. The system can be part of a store. These components need to be cleaned frequently to meet quality requirements and / or hygiene regulations. However, many users (such as retailers) are not equipped or trained to manage such cleaning well. Therefore, special measures (qualified personnel, etc.) are required to clean these components, which has an impact on costs. Without such measures, the cleaning cannot be done properly, posing a risk to the quality and safety of the product (food, etc.). In addition, the dispensing system is complex and requires a significant investment from the user.

[0003] In view of the above, there is a need for a dispensing system that can dispense bulk materials in an easier and more cost-effective manner.

[0004] This and other objects that become apparent after reading the following description are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is achieved by a dispensing system for dispensing bulk materials, the dispensing system comprising:

[0006] A flexible or semi-flexible bag, the flexible or semi-flexible bag comprising

[0007] · A compartment for storing the bulk material,

[0008] · A dispensing section, and

[0009] · A hanger portion by which the bag can be suspended such that the bulk material can flow out of the bag by gravity from the compartment via the dispensing section (e.g., through the dispensing section or through an opening in the dispensing section);

[0010] A dispensing mechanism attached to the bag, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes two components that can be manually moved relative to each other to move between the following positions:

[0011] · A closed position, in which the dispensing section is closed by the two components to prevent the bulk material from flowing out of the bag via the dispensing section; and

[0012] · An open position, in which the dispensing section is unfolded or permitted to unfold by the two components to form a dispensing channel, such that the bulk material can flow out of the bag by gravity from the compartment via the dispensing section; and

[0013] An elastic element, which is arranged to urge the two components towards the closed position.

[0014] The bag and the dispensing mechanism are made of: a) a cellulose-based material or material composition, the bag and the dispensing mechanism together having at least 70% by weight of cellulose fibers; or b) a single material.

[0015] "Single material" generally means a material assembled from different types of constitutive materials (in separate layers or elements or as a compound or mixture), but wherein the constitutive materials have the same chemical type (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene). The use of such constitutive materials of the same chemical type or family in the same material allows for the realization of a composite material, which can have various functions (e.g., oxygen barrier, moisture barrier, light barrier, etc.), but can be recycled as a whole or generally biodegradable / compostable in a recycling or biodegradation / composting process specific to a single chemical type of material. In other words, before recycling or biodegradation / composting, it is not necessary to disassemble and separate its components.

[0016] The dispensing system makes it possible to dispense bulk material from the bag without the need for additional dispensing components. In particular, the dispensing system simplifies operations, for example, in a store. For example, no additional investment in a dispenser or dispensing mechanism is required, since the bag is provided with its own dispensing mechanism. This saves costs. Moreover, there is no need to clean components that come into direct contact with the bulk material (e.g., food). Instead, the dispensing system including the bag and the dispensing mechanism can simply be placed into a recycling stream (e.g., a paper recycling stream) after use (e.g., when the bag is empty). Thus, there is no need for cumbersome cleaning of hard-to-reach and / or clean components, and thus costs are saved.

[0017] Since the dispensing system includes its own dispensing mechanism (such as a flap mechanism or a clamping mechanism), the user of the system does not need to attach a dispensing mechanism (e.g., before initially dispensing bulk material from the bag) to regulate the gravity-induced flow of the bulk material. This simplifies the dispensing of the bulk material. Thus, no special measures or knowledge are required to dispense the bulk material in a safe and hygienic manner. In addition, the dispensing system has a simple and lightweight structure due to its material and / or material composition. The dispensing system can be obtained by using a particularly small number of elements. Moreover, with the dispensing mechanism and the bag made of a defined material (composition), even though the bag is provided with its own dispensing mechanism, the weight of the system and the amount of material used per product weight can be low.

[0018] The provision of the dispensing mechanism and the resilient element is arranged such that the default position is the closed position, enabling the dispensing of bulk material in an easy manner, such as with only one human hand and / or with only a few (e.g., only two or even only one) human fingers. When no external force acts on the dispensing mechanism, for example because the user can simply release their hand or fingers from the two components, these components can (automatically) return to the closed position by the restoring force of the resilient element. Thus, the user does not need to apply an external force on the dispensing mechanism (such as on one or both of the two components) to move the two components to the closed position. In particular, these components can be pushed towards the closed position by the resilient element.

[0019] The material selection for the bag and the dispensing mechanism is such that the entire material of the dispensing system is easily breakable, soluble, and separable during the recycling process, such as for a recycling process designed for cellulose materials (such as paper or cardboard) or for a recycling process for polymer materials. The resilient element can be arranged such that it does not have a negative impact on the recyclability of the dispensing system. For example, the resilient element can be attached by form - fit and / or friction - fit (such as by one or more protrusions and / or one or more recesses included in the two components and / or by the restoring force of the resilient element). Thereby, the resilient element can be easily removed from the rest of the dispensing system in order to be placed in a recycling stream different from the recycling stream in which the rest of the dispensing system can be recycled (e.g., a recycling stream for rubber or metal, as opposed to a recycling stream for cellulose materials such as paper or cardboard, or for a single material such as polymer / plastic). Additionally, the attachment of the dispensing mechanism to the bag can ensure that the dispensing mechanism is not easily lost relative to the bag. Thus, it can be effectively ensured that the dispensing mechanism is recycled together with the bag.

[0020] The dispensing section may include an upstream section, a collapsible section, and a downstream section, where the two components are attached to the upstream section and the downstream section. In the closed position, the collapsible section is folded to prevent bulk material from flowing out of the bag via the dispensing section, and in the open position, the collapsible section unfolds or is allowed to unfold to form a dispensing channel. Thereby, the flow of bulk material can be controlled in a particularly easy manner. The collapsible section can extend from the upstream section to the downstream section. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the flow of bulk material from the compartment, via the dispensing section, to a position outside the bag. In other words, when the bag is positioned (e.g., hung) such that bulk material can flow by gravity from the compartment and via the dispensing section out of the bag, the downstream section is positioned below the upstream section.

[0021] The collapsible section may include two sub-sections, where in the closed position, the sub-sections are folded parallel or crosswise to each other, such as being folded to form a U-shaped or V-shaped or any other shape, such as a W-shaped. By folding the collapsible section in this way, it is possible to prevent the bulk material from flowing out of the bag via the dispensing section in a particularly effective manner. For example, the folding results in a reduction in the cross-section of the collapsible section and / or the path defined by the collapsible section becomes tortuous, thus preventing the flow of bulk material via the dispensing section. For example, the collapsible section may be folded to form one or more connecting sections (e.g., having a curved form), and the one or more connecting sections may include a connecting section that connects the two sub-sections to each other. The connecting section may include two additional connecting sections that may connect the collapsible section to the upstream section and the downstream section, respectively.

[0022] The sub-sections may extend at an angle to each other, where in the closed position, the angle is less than the angle in the open position, such as being in the range from 0° to 45°. Thus, it is possible to control the flow of bulk material via the dispensing section in a particularly easy manner. In the open position, the sub-sections may be arranged such that the dispensing channel extends in a straight line or along a path that (slightly) deviates from a straight line, such as having a slightly curved or arched form that still allows the flow of bulk material. For example, in the open position, the angle between the sub-sections may be in the range from 90° to 180°, preferably in the range from 130° to 180°, more preferably in the range from 150° to 180°.

[0023] The collapsible section may be pre-folded. For example, the collapsible section may include one or more features (pleats, weakened parts, parts that are more flexible than the rest of the collapsible section, etc.) that are arranged such that the collapsible section (especially its sub-sections) can be folded into a defined shape. The collapsible section may be pre-folded by wrinkling. Thus, one or more joints (e.g., in the form of lines) may be formed, and the one or more joints facilitate folding the collapsible section into a (pre-)defined shape, such as folding it into a shape where the sub-sections are parallel or crosswise to each other, such as a U-shaped or V-shaped.

[0024] The two components may include a rod and a through-opening, where the rod extends through the through-opening such that the two components are linearly guided relative to each other. Thus, the two components are arranged in a very compact manner and can be easily moved relative to each other. By the rod and the through-opening, the two components can be arranged to slide relative to each other along the direction defined by the rod. The linear guidance of the components relative to each other also allows for particularly easy operation of the dispensing mechanism. For example, the component attached to the upstream section of the dispensing section includes a through-opening, and the component attached to the downstream section of the dispensing section includes a rod. Thus, the dispensing mechanism is arranged in a particularly compact manner together with the bag.

[0025] The rod may include a gripping section, such as a recess or a hole (opening, through-hole, etc.), where the gripping section is preferably provided on the distal end of the rod. Through the gripping section, the rod and thus at least one of the components can be easily manipulated or grasped, for example by using a human finger that can hold the gripping section.

[0026] In the closed position, the components may define a space, where at least one of the components, such as a component including a through-opening, includes a gripping area that defines the space, such that by manually operating the gripping area, the components can be moved to the open position. Thus, these components can be manually moved relative to each other in a particularly easy manner. The gripping area may be a recessed portion. In particular, the space may be accessible by a human finger, such that once touched, the finger can push the gripping area and thus the component including the gripping area away from at least a part of the other component, whereby these components are moved to the open position. The components may be arranged such that by moving the gripping section of the rod and the gripping area towards each other, these components can be moved to the open position. Thus, by gripping the gripping section and the gripping area with two fingers respectively and then moving the fingers towards each other, these components can be moved to the open position. Another one of the components (such as the component including the rod) may include an additional gripping area (e.g., a recessed portion) that defines the space. The additional gripping area may be arranged such that the (first) gripping area can be more easily accessed by a human finger.

[0027] The elastic element may be coiled, a spring and / or a band. The elastic element may be made of a synthetic material such as rubber and / or metal. The elastic element, the bag and the dispensing mechanism, or the elastic element and the rest of the dispensing system may be made of the same material or material composition, or may be made of different materials or different material compositions. The elastic element is preferably made of recyclable material.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element surrounds and / or wraps the component. With such an arrangement, the elastic element can be easily accessed for removal from the rest of the system, thereby particularly improving the recyclability of the system. The component may include a recess (such as a groove) in which at least a part of the elastic element extends. Thus, the elastic element is firmly received by the component and at the same time can be easily removed from the component, for example for recycling.

[0029] The two components may include a retainer and a strip, wherein the strip includes a deformable (e.g., collapsible) section that is movable relative to the retainer between a retracted state and an extended state, wherein in a closed position, the dispensing section is closed by the retainer and the deformable section in the retracted state, and wherein in an open position, the dispensing section is deployed or allowed to be deployed by the deformable section in the extended state to form a dispensing channel. Thus, by deforming the strip, such as by squeezing the strip, the flow of bulk material through the dispensing section can be easily controlled. In the retracted state and / or the extended state, the deformable section may project relative to the retainer. In the retracted state, the deformable section may be at least partially retracted into the retainer (such as into a space of the retainer) and / or may arch to a lesser extent than in the extended state. By moving the deformable section to its extended state, the deformable section can collapse.

[0030] In the open position, the dispensing section may be surrounded by at least a portion of the strip (such as the deformable section in the extended state) and the retainer.

[0031] The strip may include two manually operable ends that can be moved towards each other to move the deformable section from the retracted state to the extended state. Thus, the operation of the dispensing system is particularly simple and intuitive. For example, each of the ends may be operated by a respective finger to squeeze or clamp the strip and thus move the deformable section to the extended state in order to subsequently dispense bulk material via the dispensing channel.

[0032] The strip may be linearly guided by the retainer. Thus, the dispensing mechanism can be made compact. The retainer may include one or more guide rails through which the ends of the strip are linearly guided. The one or more guide rails may define and / or face a space of the retainer, wherein at least a portion of the deformable section in the retracted state may be disposed in the space.

[0033] The retainer may include edges, such as an upstream edge and / or a downstream edge, wherein in the closed position, the dispensing section is closed by the deformable section in the retracted state and the edges. By the edges, the dispensing section can be closed particularly well (e.g., collapsed and / or folded) to prevent bulk material from flowing out of the bag.

[0034] In the closed position, the retainer and the strip can define a space, wherein the strip includes a gripping area that defines the space, such that by manually operating the gripping area, the deformable section can be moved from its retracted state to its extended state. Thus, the operation of the dispensing mechanism is particularly easy and intuitive. The gripping area can be a recessed part. In particular, the space can be accessible to a human finger, such that once touched, the finger can push the gripping area and thus deform the strip, whereby the components are moved to the open position. One of the ends of the strip can include the gripping area. Preferably, the strip includes at least two gripping areas, wherein each end of the strip includes a respective one of the gripping areas. Thus, by moving the gripping areas towards each other, the strip can be deformed such that the deformable section is brought into the extended state, thereby moving the components to the open position. Thus, by gripping the gripping areas with two fingers respectively and then moving the fingers towards each other, the components can be moved to the open position.

[0035] The elastic element can be arranged to force the deformable section into its retracted state. Thus, once the hand is released from the strip, the deformable section can (automatically) return to its (default) retracted state by the elastic element. Thus, the operation of the dispensing mechanism is simplified.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, one end of the elastic element is connected to the strip and the other end of the elastic element is connected to the retainer. By such an arrangement, the elastic element can be easily accessible for removal from the rest of the system, thereby particularly improving the recyclability of the system. The retainer and / or the strip can include recesses (such as grooves) and / or protrusions, at least a portion of the elastic element extends in the recesses, and at least a portion of the elastic element extends around the protrusions. Thus, the elastic element is firmly received by the components and can be easily removed from the components, for example for recycling.

[0037] In one embodiment, the two components include a wall that at least partially surrounds an upstream section of the dispensing section, and a rod that is connected to the wall and is preferably integrally formed with the wall, wherein in the closed position, a downstream section of the dispensing section is clamped between the rod and the wall so as to close the dispensing section. By moving the rod away from the wall, the dispensing section can be unfolded or allowed to unfold to form a dispensing channel.

[0038] In one embodiment, the two components include two rods, each rod including a respective raised section, and wherein in the closed position, the raised sections clamp an upstream section and a downstream section of the dispensing section so as to close the dispensing section. For example, the raising of one of the rods can clamp the upstream section of the dispensing section, and the raising of the other rod can clamp the downstream section of the dispensing section. Thus, the dispensing section not only becomes clamped, but also becomes tortuous due to the raised sections respectively disposed at the upstream section and the downstream section, thereby closing the dispensing section in a particularly effective manner.

[0039] The bag and the dispensing mechanism can be made of a cellulose-based material or material composition, and together the bag and the dispensing mechanism have at least 80% by weight of cellulose fibers, preferably at least 90% by weight of cellulose fibers, more preferably at least 95% by weight of cellulose fibers.

[0040] The dispensing mechanism can be made of cardboard and / or paper. Thus, the dispensing mechanism can be manufactured very simply and be lightweight. The cardboard can be corrugated and / or can have a grammage of at least 200 g / m2, such as in the range from 250 g / m2 to 600 g / m2. The dispensing mechanism can be made of multiple boards and / or sheets. The dispensing mechanism can include a sandwich structure. For example, the boards and / or sheets can have different shapes, such as including openings with different shapes. The boards and / or sheets can be attached to each other, for example, by using an adhesive (such as glue), especially a reversible adhesive. Once the boards and / or sheets are attached to each other, they can form a sandwich structure.

[0041] At least a part of the bag can be made of paper and / or cardboard. The bag can have an oxygen and / or moisture barrier function. The bag can include multiple layers having an oxygen and / or moisture barrier function. For example, at least one layer of the multiple layers can be made of paper and / or cardboard.

[0042] The multiple layers can include an outer layer, one or more intermediate layers, and an inner layer. The inner layer can be arranged such that it can contact the product to be packaged (i.e., the bulk material).

[0043] The outer layer can be made of paper and / or cardboard, for example having a grammage in the range from 30 g / m2 to 200 g / m2. Preferably, the outer layer is a paper layer.

[0044] The intermediate layer can include at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list of the following: polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), butanediol-vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), or a combination thereof, preferably the amount of the polymer is from 0.5 g / m2 to 20 g / m2, more preferably the amount thereof is from 1 g / m2 to 10 g / m2, even more preferably the amount thereof is from 2 g / m2 to 8 g / m2.

[0045] The intermediate layer may include at least one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list consisting of: metals, metalloids, or combinations thereof, and the at least one inorganic layer preferably has a thickness between 1 nm and 100 nm.

[0046] The inner layer may include at least one organic heat-sealing layer, and the at least one organic heat-sealing layer is preferably applied in an amount between 2 g / m2 and 20 g / m2, more preferably in an amount between 4 g / m2 and 9 g / m2.

[0047] Preferably, the organic heat-sealing layer is made of an acrylic or methacrylic acid polymer grafted with at least one type of ionomer. More preferably, the ionomer grafted onto the acrylic or methacrylic acid polymer is a sodium ionomer.

[0048] Preferably, the inorganic layer contains a metal or metalloid selected from the list consisting of: aluminum, aluminum oxide (AlOx), or silicon oxide (SiOx), and the metal and / or metalloid may be deposited by vacuum deposition or by transfer metallization.

[0049] The two components may be more rigid than the bag. In other words, the two components may be less flexible than the bag.

[0050] The dispensing system may include a tamper-evident element arranged to indicate initial and / or unauthorized manipulation of the component, such as initial and / or unauthorized movement of the component into an open position. Thus, the dispensing system can be tamper-evident through the tamper-evident element. For example, the tamper-evident element may be arranged such that once the component is moved to the open position, the tamper-evident element (e.g., a lid) is at least partially damaged (removed, cut, etc.). In the damaged state, a part of the tamper-evident element may be detached from another part, such as from another part included in the tamper-evident element. The tamper-evident element may include a weakened portion (such as a tear line) arranged such that when the dispensing mechanism is manipulated (specifically, operated to move to the open position), the tamper-evident element is damaged in the weakened portion, which may mean that the tamper-evident element is torn along the tear line.

[0051] As used in this specification, the words "comprising", "including" and similar words should not be construed as having an exclusive or exhaustive meaning. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in the following description of presently preferred embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings, and these features and advantages will be apparent from the description, wherein:

[0053] Figure 1Shows a schematic front view of a dispensing system according to a first embodiment;

[0054] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the dispensing mechanism of the system shown;

[0055] Figure 3A And Figure 3B Shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the dispensing mechanism, where the components of the mechanism are in the closed position and the open position respectively;

[0056] Figures 4A to 4G Schematically shows a method including Figure 1 The dispensing system shown;

[0057] Figure 5A And Figure 5B Respectively show schematic perspective views of the dispensing mechanism of the dispensing system according to the first embodiment in the disassembled state and the assembled state;

[0058] Figure 6 Shows a schematic top view of the components for providing the dispensing mechanism of the dispensing system according to the first embodiment;

[0059] Figure 7 Shows an example of a bag;

[0060] Figure 8 Shows a schematic front view of a dispensing system according to a second embodiment;

[0061] Figure 9A And Figure 9B Respectively show Figure 8 A schematic perspective view and a schematic front view of the dispensing mechanism of the system shown, where the components of the dispensing mechanism are in the open position;

[0062] Figure 10A And Figure 10B Shows Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of the dispensing mechanism shown, where the components of the mechanism are in the closed position and the open position respectively;

[0063] Figures 11A to 11C Schematically shows a method including Figure 8 The dispensing system shown;

[0064] Figure 12 Shows a schematic front view of a dispensing system according to a third embodiment;

[0065] Figure 13 Shows Figure 12 A schematic perspective view of the dispensing mechanism of the system shown, where the components of the dispensing mechanism are in the open position;

[0066] Figure 14A and Figure 14B shows Figure 13 a schematic cross-sectional view of the dispensing mechanism shown, in which the components of the mechanism are in the closed position and the open position, respectively;

[0067] Figure 15 shows a schematic front view of a dispensing system according to a fourth embodiment;

[0068] Figure 16 shows Figure 15 a schematic perspective view of the dispensing mechanism of the system shown, in which the components of the dispensing mechanism are in the open position;

[0069] Figure 17A and Figure 17B shows Figure 16 a schematic cross-sectional view of the dispensing mechanism shown, in which the components of the mechanism are in the closed position and the open position, respectively; and

[0070] Figure 18 shows a schematic perspective view of a dispensing system according to a fifth embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Generally speaking, in this specification, "fibre (or fiber)" means cellulose fibres usually extracted from plants, seeds or trees; such fibres contain not only cellulose molecules but also hemicellulose and lignin.

[0072] The drawings show different embodiments of the dispensing (or delivery) system of the present invention. The dispensing system can be a so-called "Alternative Delivery System" (ADS). In the embodiments shown, the dispensing system is adapted to dispense bulk material 1. The bulk material 1 can be food. The bulk material 1 can include dry and / or solid materials. The bulk material 1 can include or can be loose materials. The bulk material 1 can be a bulk flowable product and / or can include powders and / or ground foods and / or any other solid form that can be dispensed when flowing by gravity. For example, the bulk material 1 includes coffee beans or grains.

[0073] In Figure 1 it shows a dispensing system 100 according to a first embodiment.

[0074] The dispensing system 100 includes a flexible or semi-flexible bag (or sack) 10, which includes a compartment 11 for storing bulk material 1 and a dispensing section 12. The dispensing section 12 can be (fluidly) connected to the compartment 11. The bag 10 also includes a hanger portion 13 through which the bag 10 can be suspended such that the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag 10 by gravity from the compartment 11 via (e.g., through) the dispensing section 12. Through the hanger portion 13, the bag 10 can be suspended upside down. The hanger portion 13 can include an opening (through) and / or a hook. Additionally or alternatively, the hanger portion 13 can include a section that can be clamped by a clamp. Thus, by clamping the section of the hanger portion 13 by the clamp, the bag 10 can be suspended. This section can be flat and / or can be part of a seam, such as a weld and / or a fin seal. This section can be arranged such that clamping this section does not affect (reduce, etc.) the volume defined by the compartment 11.

[0075] The dispensing section 12 can include an opening 12a through which the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag 10. Thus, when the bulk material 1 flows out of the bag 10 via the dispensing section 12, the bulk material 1 can flow through the opening 12a. The opening 12a can be initially closed by a closure. The closure can be integrally formed with the bag 10 and / or with an integral part of the bag 10. For example, the closure or a part of the bag 10 can be removed, for example, by cutting and / or tearing, in order to expose the opening 12a.

[0076] The dispensing section 12 can be formed differently from the compartment 11. For example, the cross-section of the dispensing section 12 is narrower or smaller than the cross-section of the compartment 11. The dispensing section 12 can be or can be capable of being formed as a nozzle and / or a tube. The bag 10 can include a tapered section 14 that connects the compartment 11 to the dispensing section 13. Through the tapered section 14, it can be ensured that the compartment 11 can be completely emptied by gravity, i.e., no bulk material 1 that cannot be dispensed only by gravity remains in the compartment 11.

[0077] The bag 10 can include one or more side walls 15, 16, which can include a front wall 15 and a rear wall 16 ( Figure 3A and Figure 3B ). The bag 10 can include an upper end 17 and a lower end 18. The upper end 17 can include the hanger portion 13. The lower end 18 can include the dispensing section 12. The one or more side walls 15, 16 can each have an inner surface that defines the compartment 11 (i.e., the receiving space of the compartment 11). The compartment 11 can extend substantially between the upper end 18 and the lower end 20. The upper end 18 can have an opening that provides access to the compartment 11, i.e., access to the receiving space of the compartment 11.

[0078] The bag 10 may include one or more edges, and side walls 15, 16 are connected to each other along the one or more edges to form a compartment 11 and a dispensing section 12. The edges may include a first side edge 19.1, a second side edge 19.2, an upper edge 19.3, and a lower edge; Figure 1 In the state shown, a portion of the lower edge and thus the connection between the walls 15, 16 is removed so as to expose an opening 12a such that the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag 10 by gravity via the opening 12a. The side walls 15, 16 may be connected to each other and sealed peripherally along their perimeters respectively, for example to form one or more fin seals. The one or more fin seals may include an upper fin seal which includes a hanger portion 13.

[0079] The bag 10 may be made of a cellulose-based material or a cellulose-based material composition. For example, at least a portion of the bag 10 may be made of paper and / or cardboard. The bag 10 may include multiple layers having an oxygen barrier function and / or a moisture barrier function, wherein at least one layer of the multiple layers (such as at least the outer layer or the outermost layer) is made of paper and / or cardboard; the grammage of the paper or cardboard may be in the range from 30 g / m2 to 200 g / m2. One or more other layers of the multiple layers then provide the oxygen and / or moisture barrier function.

[0080] Alternatively, the bag 10 may be made of a single material. "Single material" means a material composed of a single type of material. For example, a single material is a material composed of polymers of the same chemical family (such as polyethylene (PE)). Different polymers of the same chemical family of polymers are, for example, high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene, which can be classified for recycling in the same recycle stream because they are composed of the same monomers. In other words, the layers of a single material are not made of different types of materials, but are made of the same type of material (such as polyethylene or polypropylene).

[0081] The dispensing section 12 may include an upstream section 12.1 and a downstream section 12.2. The downstream section 12.2 may include the opening 12a, or may be arranged closer to the opening 12a than the upstream section 12.1.

[0082] As Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, the dispensing section 12 may include a collapsible section 12.3 in addition to sections 12.1 and 12.2, and the collapsible section may extend from the upstream section 12.1 to the downstream section 12.2. The collapsible section 12.3 may be designed such that by moving sections 12.1 and 12.2 towards each other, the collapsible section 12.3 can be folded into a defined (folded) shape. The collapsible section 12.3 may include at least two sub-sections 12.31, 12.32, and the at least two sub-sections may be folded into a defined shape, such as a shape in which sections 12.31, 12.32 extend parallel to each other, as Figure 3A shown, or at least cross-extend from each other. If the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 cross-extend from each other, they may extend at an angle preferably less than 45° to each other. Preferably, once folded, the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 form a U-shaped or V-shaped configuration. In the folded state, the sub-section 12.31 may cross and extend relative to the upstream section 12.1, preferably perpendicular to the upstream section, and / or the sub-section 12.32 may cross and extend relative to the downstream section 12.2, preferably perpendicular to the downstream section.

[0083] The collapsible section 12.3 may include one or more joints that assist in folding the collapsible section 12.3 into a defined shape. For example, the one or more joints may include a joint 12.33 that connects the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 to each other. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more joints may include a joint 12.34 that connects the sub-section 12.32 to the upstream section 12.1 and / or a joint 12.35 that connects the sub-section 12.31 to the downstream section 12.2. The one or more joints 12.33 - 12.35 may be provided by wrinkling the dispensing section 12. The one or more joints 12.33 - 12.35 may include one or more pleats and / or creases and / or any other joints that may assist in folding the section 12.3 into a defined shape, such as weakened regions and / or regions that are more flexible or less rigid than the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 and / or the upstream section 12.1 and / or the downstream section 12.2. The distance between the joints 12.33 and 12.34 may be the same as the distance between the joints 12.33 and 12.35. Through the joints 12.33 - 12.35, three creases (or folding sections) may be provided: a middle crease and two boundary creases or lateral creases. The middle fold may be formed in one sense, while the two boundary creases may be formed in another sense.

[0084] The dispensing system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a dispensing mechanism 110, and the dispensing mechanism includes two components 111 and 112. As Figure 3A and Figure 3BShown in more detail, a first component 111 is attached to an upstream section 12.1 of the dispensing section 12, and a second component 112 is attached to a downstream section 12.2 of the dispensing section 12. The components 111, 112 can be attached to the sections 12.1, 12.2 by bonding (e.g., by using glue). The component 112 can be arranged closer to the opening 12a than the component 111. The components 111, 112 can be arranged on the same side relative to the bag 10, such as on the front side of the bag 10, e.g., on the front wall 15.

[0085] As Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, the two components 111, 112 are capable of being manually moved relative to each other so as to move between a closed position ( Figure 3A ) and an open position ( Figure 3B ).

[0086] As Figure 3A shown, in the closed position, the dispensing section 12 is closed by the two components 111, 112 to prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the bag 12 via the dispensing section 12. In the closed position, the components 111, 112 and thus the upstream section 12.1 and the downstream section 12.2 to which the components 111, 112 are attached are in such an arrangement that the foldable section 12.3 is folded to prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12 and out of the bag 10, in particular to prevent the bulk material from flowing out of the compartment 11 beyond the fold section 12.3. In this folded state of the section 12.3, the section 12.3 can be folded such that the sub-sections 12.31 and 12.32 are folded into a defined shape, such as a shape in which the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 are parallel or cross each other, in particular forming a U-shaped or V-shaped configuration. Thereby, at least the section 12.3 follows a tortuous path that can prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the bag 10 and / or flowing into the downstream section 12.2. Additionally or alternatively, the foldable section 12.3 can be folded such that the cross-section of at least the section 12.3 (and preferably the section 12.1 and / or the section 12.2) is reduced in such a way that it prevents the bulk material 1 from flowing through such a reduced cross-section, thereby preventing the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the bag 10 and / or flowing into the downstream section 12.2. In the closed position, the section 12.3 can be folded to project and / or bulge away from the dispensing mechanism 110, such as towards the back of the bag 10 and / or away from the front wall 15.

[0087] As Figure 3BAs shown, in the open position, the dispensing section 12 is unfolded or allowed to unfold by two components 111, 112 to form a dispensing channel 12.4 (such as a tube, etc.), so that the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag by gravity from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12. Therefore, the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag 10 from the compartment 11 and via at least the dispensing channel 12.4. In the open position, the components 111, 112 and thus the upstream section 12.1 and the downstream section 12.2 to which the components 111, 112 are attached are arranged relative to each other such that the foldable section 12.3 unfolds and / or is allowed to unfold to form the dispensing channel 12.4, and thus the bulk material 1 is dispensed out of the bag 10. For example, the section 12.3 is at least allowed to unfold by the components 111, 112, and the gravity of the bulk material 1 acts on the section 12.3, such that the gravity causes the section 12.3 to unfold, thereby forming the dispensing channel 12.4. When the section 12.3 unfolds, the cross-section of the section 12.3 can be increased, such that the unfolded section 12.3 with the increased cross-section forms at least a part of the dispensing channel 12.4. The section 12.3 can unfold such that its cross-section is increased in such a way that the bulk material 1 can flow through the so-increased cross-section, so that the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag 10 by gravity from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12 (such as at least via the dispensing channel 12.4) and / or flow into the downstream section 12.2.

[0088] In the unfolded state of the section 12.3, the section 12.3 can unfold such that the sub-sections 12.31 and 12.32 extend along a straight line or along a path (slightly) deviating from a straight line, such as extending along a (slightly) curved or arched shape. For example, the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 extend at an angle to each other in the open position, and this angle is greater than the corresponding angle between the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 in the closed state. For example, the angle is included in the range from 90° to 180°. The unfolded section 12.3 can follow a path with fewer twists and turns or even no twists and turns than the path of the folded section 12.3, so that the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag 10 by gravity and via the path followed by the unfolded section 12.3 and / or flow into the downstream section 12.2.

[0089] Thus, with two components 111, 112 being movable relative to each other and attached to sections 12.1, 12.2, the collapsible section 12.3 can be selectively collapsed to prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the bag 10 via the dispensing section 12, or unfolded or allowed to unfold (such as by stretching along the dispensing direction defined by the dispensing section 12), thereby allowing the bulk material 1 to flow out of the bag 10 from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12 by gravity. For example, by moving the component 111 away from at least a part of the component 112, the upstream section 12.1 also moves away from the downstream section 12.2, whereby the section 12.3 unfolds; subsequently, a dispensing channel 12.4 is formed, on which the gravity of the bulk material 1 can act so as to increase the cross-section of the dispensing channel 12.4 through which the bulk material 1 can flow past the section 12.3, such as into the downstream section 12.2 and / or out of the bag 10.

[0090] As Figure 2 shown, by the components 111, 112 including a rod 113 and a through-hole 114, the components 111, 112 can be capable of moving relative to each other in a linear direction. The rod 113 extends through the through-hole 114 such that the two components 111, 112 are linearly guided relative to each other. The component 111 may include the through-hole 114, where the component 112 may include the rod 113. The through-hole 114 may include a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the rod 113. The through-hole 114 may have a slit-like shape. The rod 113 may have a plate-like form. The component 112 may include an attachment section 112.1 by which the component 112 is attached to the downstream section 12.2 of the dispensing section 12, where the rod 113 may extend from the attachment section 112.1. Thus, the component 111 can be capable of moving along the rod 113 and away from the attachment section 112.1 into a position where the section 12.3 unfolds or is allowed to unfold to form the dispensing channel 12.4. In the closed position, the component 111 may be supported on the attachment section 112.1.

[0091] The manual operation of the dispensing mechanism 110 can be provided in different ways such that the components 111, 112 move relative to each other between a closed position and an open position. For example, in the closed position, the components 111, 112 can define a space 115 that is easily accessible to a human finger. The component 111 can include a gripping area 111.1 that defines the space 115. The gripping area 111.1 can be a surface that defines a recess provided in the component 111. The gripping area 111.1 is arranged such that by being manually operated, e.g., in a direction away from the attachment section 112.1 (pushing), the components 111, 112 move to the open position. Thus, a user of the dispensing system 100 can first access the space 115 with his or her finger and then push the gripping area 111.1 away from the attachment section 112.1, thereby moving the components 111, 112 to the open position. Additionally or alternatively, the component 112 can include an (additional) gripping area 112.2 that defines the space 115. The gripping area 112.2 can be a surface that defines a recess provided in the component 112 (such as in the attachment section 112.1). Through the gripping area 112.2, the space 115 is more easily accessible to the user's finger for subsequent operation of the component 111.

[0092] The rod 113 can include a gripping section 113.1 preferably provided at the distal end of the rod 113. The gripping section 113.1 can be a recess or a through-hole. The gripping section 113.1 is arranged such that the component 111 can be manually moved, e.g., by operating the gripping area 111.1, towards the gripping section 113.1 in order to move the components 111, 112 to the open position. Thus, a user can grip the gripping area 111.1 with a first finger and the gripping section 113.1 with a second finger and move the first finger and the second finger towards each other in order to move the components 111, 112 to the open position and thereby dispense the bulk material 1 out of the bag 10. In particular, the first finger and the second finger can belong to the same hand such that, for example, the components 111, 112 can be moved to the open position by a squeezing or clamping action of the fingers. Thus, a very easy and intuitive design of the dispensing mechanism 100 for dispensing the bulk material 1 is provided.

[0093] The rod 113 may include a hole 113.2, which may be an oval hole. The hole 113.2 may extend parallel to the trajectory of the component 111 (in particular the gripping area 111.1) moving along the rod 113. The hole 113.2 may be arranged to be accessible in both the open position and the closed position, for example via a recess including the gripping area 111.1. Thus, the hole 113.2 may ensure that the user's finger can firmly grip (e.g., not only with the fingertips) the gripping area 111.1 for subsequent operation. For example, the user's finger may extend through the space 115 into the hole 113.2 in the closed position, whereby the user can firmly grip the gripping area 111.1, such as the particularly large surface area of the gripping area 111.1. Then, the user's finger may move the gripping area 111.1 and thus move the component 111 relative to the component 112 (e.g., away from the attachment section 112.1), where the finger is simultaneously in the hole 113.2 and moves along the extension direction of the hole 113.2. Thus, during the entire relative movement between the components 111, 112, the user's finger can firmly grip the gripping area 111.1 to achieve the open position.

[0094] The dispensing system 100 further includes an elastic element 120 which is arranged to urge two components 111, 112 towards a closed position. Thus, due to the arrangement of the elastic element 120, the default position is the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 120 is tensioned to generate a restoring force acting on the components 111, 112. The restoring force acts such that it can drive or move (i.e., return) the components 111, 112 to the closed position, such as driving or moving (i.e., returning) the components 111, 112 towards each other. Thus, when the external force acting on the components 111, 112 to hold them in the open position is removed, the restoring force of the elastic element 120 drives the components 111, 112 towards each other and thus into the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 120 may or may not be tensioned. The elastic element 120 may be made of a synthetic material such as rubber or another material such as metal. The elastic element 120 may surround and / or wrap the components 111, 112. The elastic element 120 may be provided in the form of a ring and / or a belt. To hold the elastic element 120 on the components 111, 112 at least in the closed position, the component 111 may include a recess 111.2 and / or the component 112 may include a recess 112.3. At least a portion of the elastic element 120 may extend into each of the recesses 111.2 and 112.3. Additionally or alternatively, the component 111 may include a protrusion and / or the component 112 may include a protrusion to prevent the elastic element 120 from being released from the components 111, 112. In the closed position, the elastic element 120 may be tensioned such that the restoring force thus achieved by the elastic element 120 acts on the components 111, 112 to prevent the elastic element 120 from disengaging.

[0095] The elastic element 120 may include at least two elastic elements 120L, 120R which may be respectively arranged on the lateral sides of the components 111, 112 and / or respectively arranged on the lateral sides of the rod 113.

[0096] Figures 4A to 4G A method including steps of using the dispensing system 100 is shown.

[0097] As Figure 4AAs shown, the method may include a first step of providing the bag 10. In this step, the bag 10 may be wrinkled to provide a foldable section 12.3 in a pre-wrinkled state (for subsequent steps). In the first step, the bag 10 is closed at its dispensing section 12 by a closure 21. The closure 21 may be integral with the dispensing section 12, such as by connecting the side walls 15, 16 to each other. The closure 21 is arranged to cover the opening 12a and / or prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing by gravity via the dispensing section 12 beyond the closure 21, i.e., downstream of the closure 21. The closure 21 may be connected to the dispensing section 12 by a weakened portion. Thus, the closure 21 can be torn off from the dispensing section 12 by using the weakened portion.

[0098] As Figure 4B shown, the method may include a second step in which a dispensing mechanism 100 is attached to the bag 10 (e.g., by using an adhesive such as glue), where the dispensing section 12 is in a state where the foldable section 12.3 is folded to form a defined shape (U-shaped, V-shaped, etc.) as described above. The remaining portion of the bag 10 may be in a flat state. In other words, except for the foldable section 12.3 that is folded to protrude from the remaining portion of the bag 10 in a flat state, the bag 10 may be in a flat state in the second step.

[0099] As Figure 4C shown, the method may include a third step in which the bulk material 1 is filled into the compartment 11 of the bag 10, e.g., via an opening provided at the upper end 17 of the bag 10. Then, the opening may be closed, for example, by a seal such as heat sealing.

[0100] As Figure 4D shown, the method may include a fourth step in which the closure 21 is removed from the dispensing section 12. Thereby, the opening 12a is exposed. However, since the dispensing mechanism 100 is in its (default) closed position, the bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing out of the bag 10 via the dispensing section 12, i.e., the bulk material is prevented from flowing through the opening 12a.

[0101] As Figure 4E shown, the method may include a fifth step in which the bag 10 is suspended by using a hanger portion 13 such that the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag 10 by gravity from the compartment 11 and via the dispensing section 12, i.e., out of the bag through the opening 12a (if the dispensing mechanism 100 is in the open position).

[0102] As Figure 4F shown, the method may include a sixth step in which the dispensing mechanism 100 is manually operated to move the components 111, 112 to the open position, and thus dispense the bulk material 1 from the compartment 11 and the dispensing channel 12.4 so formed out of the bag 10.

[0103] The sixth step can be repeated several times until compartment 11 no longer contains any bulk material 1, i.e., until compartment 11 is empty. In such a state, the dispensing system 100 can be cycled, as Figure 4G shown. For example, the dispensing system 100 can be cycled by removing the elastic element 120 from the dispensing mechanism 110 and then placing the bag 10 and the dispensing mechanism 100 in a first recycle stream and the elastic element 120 in a second recycle stream.

[0104] Figure 5A The dispensing mechanism 110 is shown in a disassembled state. In the disassembled state, the component 112 can be disassembled from the component 111. For example, in the first step, the elastic element 120 can be removed, allowing the component 112 to move away from the component 111 to a position where the components 111, 112 are disengaged from each other, which may mean that the component 112 is no longer guided by the rod 113. Figure 5B The dispensing mechanism 110 is shown in an assembled state. In the assembled state, the component 112 can be linearly guided by the component 111, for example by using a rod 113 that extends through the through-hole 114.

[0105] The dispensing mechanism 100 can be made by using plates. The plates can have different shapes. As Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, the component 111 can include a plurality of plates 111.3 - 111.5 and / or the component 112 can include a plurality of plates 112.4 - 112.6. The component 111 can include plates 111.3, 111.5, which are spaced apart from each other by one or more spacer plates 111.4, thereby providing a through-opening 114. The rod 113 can be made of a plate sandwiched between the plates 112.4 and 112.6, where the attachment section 112.1 can include at least the plates 112.3 and 112.6 and preferably includes one or more spacer plates 112.5 sandwiched between the plates 112.3 and 112.6.

[0106] Figure 6 Different plates for forming a dispensing mechanism similar to the dispensing mechanism 100 are shown. The plates can include plates 111.3', 111.5' so as to form at least a part of a component 111' similar to the component 111, where the plates 111.3' and 111.5' can be spaced apart from each other by one or more spacer plates 111.4', thereby providing a through-opening 114' of the component 111'. A rod 113' similar to the rod 113 can be made of a plate 112.5' sandwiched between the plates 112.4' and 112.6', where an attachment section 112.1' similar to the attachment section 112.1 can be provided by the plates 112.4' - 112.6'.

[0107] The dispensing system 100 may include a visible tamper-evident element arranged to indicate initial and / or unauthorized manipulation of the dispensing mechanism 110, such as movement of components 111, 112 to an open position. For example, the visible tamper-evident element may include a cover wrapped around at least a portion of components 111, 112, and the cover is arranged such that once components 111, 112 are moved to the open position, the cover is at least partially damaged. In a damaged state, a portion of the cover may be detached from another portion, such as another portion included in the cover. Figure 6 An example of a visible tamper-evident element 116' that may be wrapped around components 111', 112' is shown.

[0108] Figure 7 An example of a bag 10 that may be combined with one or more reinforcing elements 22, 23 is shown. The reinforcing element 22 may be arranged to reinforce the lower portion of the bag 10, such as the tapered section 14. For example, the shape of the reinforcing element 22 may at least partially conform to the shape of the tapered section 14. The reinforcing element 23 may be arranged to reinforce the hanger portion 13 and / or may include a through-opening that may be aligned with an opening included in the hanger portion 13. Element 22 and / or element 23 may be made of cardboard having a grammage in the range from 300 g / m2 to 500 g / m2 (such as 400 g / m2).

[0109] In Figure 8 a, a dispensing system 200 according to a second embodiment is shown.

[0110] The dispensing system 200 includes the above-described bag 10 and a dispensing mechanism 210 that includes two components 211, 212, which include a retainer 211 and a strip 212. The retainer 211 may be a rack. The retainer 211 may be attached to the dispensing section 12, such as to the upstream section 12.1 and / or the downstream section 12.2 of the dispensing section 12. The retainer 211 may be attached to sections 12.1 and / or 12.2 by bonding (e.g., by using glue). The strip 212 may be attached to the dispensing section 12, such as on a side of the dispensing section 12 remote from the retainer 211, such as on the front side of the bag 10, for example attached to the front wall 15, while the retainer 211 is attached to the rear wall 16. The strip 212 may be attached to a section extending between sections 12.1 and 12.2, such as a section extending from section 12.1 to section 12.2. The section to which the strip 212 is attached may be an optional foldable section 12.3.

[0111] As Figure 8 , Figure 9A and Figure 9B , Figure 10A and Figure 10BAs shown, two components 211, 212, namely the retainer 211 and the strip 212, can be manually moved relative to each other so as to move between a closed position ( Figure 8 and Figure 10A ) and an open position ( Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B 、 Figure 10B ).

[0112] As Figure 8 and Figure 10A shown, in the closed position, the dispensing section 12 is closed by the two components 211, 212 to prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the bag 10 via the dispensing section 12. More specifically, the strip 212 includes a deformable (such as collapsible) section 212.1 that can move between a retracted state and an extended state relative to the retainer 211. In the closed position, the retracted state of the deformable section 212.1 is relative to the retainer 211 such that the dispensing section 12 is closed by the deformable section 212.1 and the retainer 211, thereby preventing the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the compartment 11 of the bag 10 via the dispensing section 12, in particular preventing the bulk material from flowing out of the compartment 11 beyond the section 12.3. Preferably, at least the section 12.3 is closed by the retainer 211 and the deformable section 212.1 in the retracted state. In this closed state of the section 12.3, the section 12.3 can be closed (collapsed, folded, clamped, etc.) such that sub-sections 12.31 and 12.32 are formed (such as folded) into a shape where the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 are parallel or cross each other, in particular into a U-shaped or V-shaped configuration. By the section 12.3 closed by the retainer 211 and the deformable section 212.1 in the retracted state, the section 12.3 can follow a tortuous path that can prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the bag 10 and / or flowing into the downstream section 12.2. Additionally or alternatively, the section 12.3 can be closed by the retainer 211 and the deformable section 212.1 in the retracted state such that the cross-section of the section 12.3 is reduced, such that the bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing through such a reduced cross-section, thereby preventing the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the bag 10 and / or flowing into the downstream section 12.2. In the closed position, at least a portion of the section 12.3 can be arranged in the space 211.1 defined by the retainer 211 and / or can project into or protrude into this space.

[0113] The retainer 211 may include one or more edges 211.2, 211.3, such as an upstream edge 211.2 and a downstream edge 211.3. In the closed position, the dispensing section 12 is closed by the deformable section 12.2 in the retracted state and one or more of the edges 211.2, 211.3. For example, the upstream region of the section 12.3 may be clamped between the deformable section 12.2 (retracted) and the upstream edge 211.2, and / or the downstream region of the section 12.3 may be clamped between the deformable section 12.2 (retracted) and the downstream edge 211.2. The one or more edges 211.2, 211.3 may be arranged to define a space 211.1.

[0114] As Figure 10B shown, in the open position, the dispensing section 12 is deployed or allowed to be deployed by two components 211, 212 to form a dispensing channel 12.4, such that the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag by gravity from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12. Thus, the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag 10 from the compartment 11 and via at least the dispensing channel 12.4. In the open position, the dispensing section 12, particularly the section 12.3, is deployed and / or allowed to be deployed by the deformable section 212.1 in the extended state, thereby forming the dispensing channel 12.4; thus, the bulk material 1 can be dispensed from the bag 10 by gravity. For example, by the deformable section 212.1 in the extended state, the dispensing section 12 is allowed to be deployed, where the gravity of the bulk material 1 acts on the dispensing section 12 (such as on the section 12.3) to deploy the dispensing section 12, thereby forming the dispensing channel 12.4. In other words, the deformable section 212.1 in the extended state may be arranged such that the deformable section 212.1 does not prevent the dispensing section 23 from being deployed or expanded due to the gravity of the bulk material 1 acting on the dispensing section 23.

[0115] When the section 12.3 is deployed, the cross-section of the section 12.3 may be increased such that the deployed section 12.3 with the increased cross-section forms at least a part of the dispensing channel 12.4. The section 12.3 may be deployed such that its cross-section is increased in such a way that the bulk material 1 can flow through the so-increased cross-section, so that the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag 10 from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12 (such as at least via the dispensing channel 12.4) and / or flow into the downstream section 12.2.

[0116] The deformable section 212.1 can be attached (e.g., permanently, such as by using an adhesive, in particular glue) to the dispensing section 12 such that when the deformable section 212.1 moves from a retracted state to an extended state, for example in a direction away from the dispensing section 12, the deformable section 212.1 causes the dispensing section 12 to unfold so that the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag 10 by gravity from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12. Thus, the cross-section of the dispensing section can be increased such that the unfolded section 12.3 with the increased cross-section forms at least part of the dispensing channel 12.4. The section 12.3 can be unfolded such that its cross-section is increased in such a way that the bulk material 1 can flow through the thus-increased cross-section.

[0117] In the unfolded state of the section 12.3, the section 12.3 can be unfolded such that the sub-sections 12.31 and 12.32 extend in a straight line or along a path (slightly) deviating from a straight line, such as along a (slightly) arched shape. For example, the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 extend at an angle to each other in the open position, the angle being greater than the corresponding angle between the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 in the closed state, such as an angle included in the range from 90° to 180°. The unfolded section 12.3 can follow a path that is less tortuous or even non-tortuous than the path of the section 12.3 closed by the retainer 211 and the deformable section 212.1 in the retracted state, such that the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag 10 by gravity and via the path followed by the unfolded section 12.3 and / or flow into the downstream section 12.2.

[0118] Thus, by the ability of the two components 211, 212 to move relative to each other, the dispensing section 12 can be selectively closed (collapsed, folded, etc.) to prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the bag 10 via the dispensing section 12, or unfolded or allowed to unfold to allow the bulk material 1 to flow out of the bag 10 by gravity from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12. By transferring the deformable section 212.1 from the retracted state to the extended state, the deformable section 212.1 causes the dispensing section 12 to unfold, or the deformable section 212.1 moves to a position where the dispensing section 12.3 can be unfolded, for example by the gravity of the bulk material 1 acting on the dispensing section 12.

[0119] As Figure 9A and Figure 9B and Figures 11A to 11CAs shown, components 211, 212 can be capable of moving relative to each other, for example, in a linear direction. The strip 212 can include two manually operable ends 213L, 213R that can be arranged relative to each other. The ends 213L, 213R are arranged such that they can move towards each other. When the ends 213L, 213R move towards each other, the deformable section 212.1 moves from a retracted state ( Figure 8 , Figure 10A , Figure 11A , Figure 11B ) to an extended state ( Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 10B , Figure 11C ). Each of the ends 213L, 213R can have a plate-like form and / or a thickness equal to the thickness of the deformable section 212.1. Each of the ends 213L, 213R can be connected to the deformable section 212.1 by a respective hinge 213.1. The first transverse member 212.1L of the deformable section 212.1 can be inclined relative to the end 213L by the first hinge 213.1, and the second transverse member 212.1R of the deformable section 212.1 can be inclined relative to the end 213R by the second hinge 213.1. The first transverse member 212.1L and the second transverse member 212.R of the deformable section 212.1 can extend crosswise (such as obliquely) relative to each other in the extended state, and / or can extend parallel to or (slightly) crosswise (such as at an angle greater than the corresponding angle in the extended state) relative to each other in the retracted state. Each of the hinges 213.1 can be an integral connection between the respective ends 213L, 213R and the deformable section 212.1. Each of the hinges 213.1 can be provided by wrinkling the strip 212 and / or can be a wrinkle. The two members 212.1L, 212.1R can be connected to each other by a hinge 212.2, which can be provided by wrinkling the strip 212 and / or can be a wrinkle.

[0120] The strip 212 can be linearly guided by the retainer 211. The retainer 211 may include guide rails 214. Each of the ends 213L, 213R can be guided by and / or received in the respective guide rail 214 such that the two components 211, 212 are linearly guided relative to each other. The guide rail 214 may include a recess having a width equal to or greater than the thickness of the respective ends 213L, 213R. The guide rail 214 may have a slit-like shape. The guide rail 214 may include a first part guiding a first section of the respective ends 213L, 213R and a second part guiding a second section of the respective ends 213L, 213R. The first and second parts of the guide rail 214 may be arranged relative to each other. Thus, the ends 213L, 213R can be moved along one or more guide rails 214 to a position where the deformable section 212.1 is in an extended state, whereby the dispensing section 12 unfolds or is allowed to unfold to form a dispensing channel 12.4. In the closed position, the deformable section 212.1 is in a retracted state, in which the deformable section 212.1 may protrude from the retainer to a lesser extent than in the open position.

[0121] In the closed position, the components 211, 212 may define a space 215 that is easily accessible to a human finger. The strip 212 may include a gripping area 213.2 defining the space 215. The gripping area 213.2 may be part of one of the ends 213L, 213R and / or may be a surface defined by the thickness of the strip 212 or the thickness of the respective ends 213L, 213R. The gripping area 213.2 is arranged such that by being manually operated, e.g., pushed in a direction parallel to the guide rail 214 and / or away from the (opposite) part of the retainer 211, the components 211, 212 are moved to the open position. Thus, a user of the dispensing system 200 can first access the space 215 with his or her finger and then push the gripping area 213.2, thereby moving the components 211, 212 to the open position. Additionally or alternatively, the retainer 211 may include an area 211.4 defining the space 215. Through the area 211.4, the space 215 is more easily accessible to the user's finger for subsequent operation of the strip 212.

[0122] The components 211, 212 can define at least two spaces 215. Each of the ends 213L, 213R can include a respective gripping area 213.2 that defines one of the spaces 215. The gripping areas 213.2 provided in this way can be arranged such that by being manually operated respectively, for example in a direction parallel to the guide rail 214 and / or towards the respective other gripping area 213.2 (pushing), the components 211, 212 are moved to an open position, in which the deformable section 212.1 is in an extended state, and in which the user can dispense the bulk material 1 from the bag 10. Thus, the user of the dispensing system 200 can first reach each of the spaces 215 with the respective fingers (for example, fingers of the same hand), and then push the gripping areas 213.2 towards each other (for example, by squeezing or pinching), thereby moving the components 211, 212 to the open position. Thus, a very easy and intuitive design of the dispensing mechanism 200 for dispensing the bulk material 1 is provided.

[0123] The retainer 211 can include a hole 211.5, which can be an oval hole. The hole 211.5 can extend parallel to the trajectory of at least a part of the strip 212 (in particular the ends 213L, 213R), which moves linearly relative to the retainer 211, such as along the guide rail 214. The hole 211.5 can be arranged to be accessible in both the open position and the closed position. Thus, the hole 211.5 can ensure that the user's finger can firmly grip the respective gripping area 213.2 for subsequent operation. For example, the user's finger can extend through one of the spaces 215 in the closed position into the hole 211.5, whereby the user can firmly grip the respective gripping area 213.2, such as a particularly large surface area of the gripping area 213.2. Then, the user's finger can move the gripping area 213.2 towards each other and thus move the deformable section 212.1 to the extended state, where the finger is simultaneously in the hole 211.5 and moves along the extension direction of the hole 211.5. Thus, during the entire relative movement between the components 211, 212, the user's finger can firmly grip the gripping area 213.2 to achieve the open position.

[0124] The dispensing system 200 further includes an elastic element 220 which is arranged to urge two components 211, 212 towards the closed position and thus to urge the deformable section 212.1 into its retracted state. Thus, by the arrangement of the elastic element 220, the default position is the closed position. In the open position, the elastic element 220 is tensioned to generate a restoring force acting on the components 211, 212. The restoring force acts such that it can drive or move (i.e., return) the components 211, 212 to the closed position, such as driving or moving (i.e., returning) the ends 213L, 213R away from each other and / or driving or moving (i.e., returning) each of the ends 213L, 213R towards the corresponding part of the retainer 211. Thus, when the external force acting on the component 212 to hold it in the open position (i.e., to hold the deformable section 212.1 in the extended state) is removed, the restoring force of the elastic element 220 drives the deformable section 212.1 into its retracted state and thus to the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 220 may or may not be tensioned. The elastic element 220 may be made of a synthetic material such as rubber or another material such as metal. The elastic element 220 may surround and / or wrap sections of the components 211, 212. The elastic element 220 may be provided in the form of a ring and / or a band. To connect the elastic element 220 to the components 211, 212, the retainer 211 may include a recess 211.6 and / or the strip 212 may include a protrusion 212.3. At least a portion of the elastic element 220 may extend in the recess 211.6 and / or may surround and / or wrap the protrusion 212.3. The protrusion 212.3 may be part of one of the ends 213L, 213R. At least a portion of the elastic element 220 may extend parallel to the guide rail 214 and / or may not extend inside the space 215 and / or the hole 211.5. Through at least the protrusion 212.3, the corresponding ends 213L, 213R may be guided in the guide rail 214. For example, at least a portion of the protrusion 212.3 extends inside the guide rail 214, such as in a recess of the guide rail 214.

[0125] The elastic element 220 may include at least two elastic elements 220L, 220R, and the at least two elastic elements may be arranged on the lateral sides of the strip 212. For example, the first elastic element 220L may be connected to the strip 212 at one end, such as connected to the end 213L, and connected to the retainer 211 at the other end, such as connected to the first lateral side of the retainer 211, and / or the second elastic element 220R may be connected to the strip 212 at one end, such as connected to the end 213R, and connected to the retainer 211 at the other end, such as connected to the second lateral side of the retainer 211. The first lateral side and the second lateral side of the retainer 211 may be arranged on opposite sides of the retainer 211.

[0126] Figures 11A to 11C A method including steps of using a dispensing system 200 is shown.

[0127] As Figure 11A and Figure 11B shown, the method may include a first step of providing the dispensing system 200. In this step, the dispensing mechanism 210 is in a closed position, in which position, the bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing out of the bag 10 via the dispensing section 12 and the opening 12a.

[0128] As Figure 11C shown, the method may include a second step, in which the dispensing mechanism 200 is manually operated to move the components 211, 212 to an open position, and thus dispense the bulk material 1 from the compartment 11 and the so-formed dispensing channel 12.4 out of the bag 10 and, for example, into a container such as a cup. As shown, the user can operate the dispensing mechanism 200 with one hand and hold the container with the other hand.

[0129] The second step may be repeated several times until the compartment 11 of the bag 10 no longer contains any bulk material 1, that is, until the compartment 11 is empty. In such a state, the dispensing system 200 can be cycled. For example, the dispensing system 200 can be cycled by removing the elastic element 220 from the dispensing mechanism 210 and then placing the bag 10 and the dispensing mechanism 200 in a first recycle stream and the elastic element 220 in a second recycle stream.

[0130] The dispensing mechanism 200 may be made of a plate. The plate may have different shapes. As Figure 10A and Figure 10BAs shown, the retainer 211 may include a plurality of plates 211.7 - 211.9, and / or the strip 212 may include (a single) plate 212.4 or may be composed of (a single) plate. The retainer 211 may include plates 211.7, 211.9, which are spaced apart from each other by one or more spacer plates 211.8, whereby one or more guide rails 214 may be provided. At least some of the plates 211.7 - 211.9 may include through - openings such that, in the state where the plates 211.7 - 211.9 are attached to each other, the through - openings form at least a part of the space 211.1 and / or the space 215 and / or the hole 211.5.

[0131] In Figure 12 is shown a dispensing system 300 according to a third embodiment.

[0132] The dispensing system 300 includes the above - mentioned bag 10 and a dispensing mechanism 310, which includes two components 311, 312, and the two components include a wall 311 and a rod 312. The wall 311 at least partially surrounds the upstream section 12.1 of the dispensing section 12. For example, the wall 311 has a cross - section of an annular shape, where the ring may have a closed form, such as an annular form, an elliptical form, or a rectangular form. The rod 312 is connected to the wall 311 and is preferably integrally formed with the wall 311. The rod 312 may have the form of a gate or a flap. The rod 312 is capable of moving relative to the wall 311 such that the rod 312 can be moved to a closed position (see Figure 14A ), where the downstream section 12.2 of the dispensing section 12 is clamped between the rod 312 and the wall 311 in order to close the dispensing section 12 and thus prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the bag 10 via the dispensing section 12.

[0133] The rod 312 is also capable of moving relative to the wall 311 such that the rod 312 can be moved to an open position (see Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14B ), in which open position, the downstream section 12.2 of the dispensing section 12 unfolds or is allowed to unfold such that the bulk material 1 can flow out of the compartment 10 via the dispensing section 12 by gravity from the bag 10. The rod 312 may be attached to the downstream section 12.2 (e.g., by bonding, such as glue) such that when the rod 312 is moved to the open position, the dispensing section 12 unfolds. Alternatively, the rod 312 may simply support the downstream section 12.2 (e.g., from below) such that when the rod 312 is moved to the open position, the dispensing section 12 is allowed to unfold, for example, by the gravity of the bulk material 1 acting on the dispensing section 12.

[0134] The wall 311 may be attached to the dispensing section 12, for example, by using bonding (such as glue).

[0135] The operating member 313 may extend from the rod member 312, for example, from the distal end of the rod member 312. The operating member 313 is arranged such that it can be pushed (e.g., by a container such as a cup) so as to move the rod member 312 to the open position. The operating member 313, which is in the form of a rod for example, may extend crosswise (such as perpendicularly) with respect to the rod member 312. The operating member 313 may include a through-opening that allows for easy grasping of the operating member 313 by the user's hand and / or by a container.

[0136] The dispensing system 300 further includes an elastic element 320 that is arranged to urge the two members 311, 312 towards the closed position and thus urge the rod member 312 against the wall 311. Thus, due to the arrangement of the elastic element 320, the default position is the closed position. In the open position, the elastic element 320 is tensioned to generate a restoring force acting on the members 311, 312. The restoring force acts such that it can drive or move (i.e., return) the members 311, 312 to the closed position, for example, drive or move (i.e., return) the rod member 312 towards at least a portion of the wall 311. Thus, when the external force acting on the rod member 312 to hold it in the open position (e.g., to hold the rod member 312 in the flipped open state) is removed, the restoring force of the elastic element 320 drives the rod member 312 to its closed state (e.g., the flipped closed state) and thus to the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 320 may or may not be tensioned. The elastic element 320 may be made of a synthetic material such as rubber or another material such as metal. The elastic element 320 may surround and / or wrap around a section of the members 311, 312. The elastic element 320 may be provided in the form of a ring and / or a band. For example, the dispensing section 12 may be guided through an opening defined by the elastic element 320. The elastic element 320 may be attached to the wall 311 by a first member (such as a first end) and attached to the rod member 312 by a second member (e.g., a second end), for example, attached to the distal end of the rod member 312. The member 313 may be arranged to prevent the second member of the elastic element 320 from detaching from the rod member 312.

[0137] In Figure 15 is shown a dispensing system 400 according to a fourth embodiment.

[0138] The dispensing system 400 includes the above-mentioned bag 10 and a dispensing mechanism 410 that includes two members 411, 412 that include a first rod 411 and a second rod 412. The dispensing section 12 is arranged between the rods 411, 412. The rod 412 is connected to the rod 411. The rods 411, 412 are capable of moving relative to each other such that they can be moved to the closed position (see Figure 17A) In this closed position, the dispensing section 12 is clamped between the rods 411, 412. More specifically, each of the rods 411, 412 includes a respective raised section 411.1, 412.1, where in the closed position, the raised section 411.1 clamps the downstream section 12.2 of the dispensing section 12, and the raised section 412.1 clamps the upstream section 12.1 of the dispensing section 12. Thus, the dispensing section 12 extends along a tortuous path and / or includes a reduced cross-section, whereby the dispensing section 12 is closed. Accordingly, the bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing out of the bag 10 via the dispensing section 12.

[0139] The rods 411, 412 are also movable relative to each other such that they can be moved to an open position (see Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17B ), in which open position, the dispensing section 12 unfolds or is allowed to unfold such that the bulk material 1 can flow out of the bag by gravity from the compartment 10 via the dispensing section 12. The rod 411 and / or the rod 412 can be attached to the dispensing section 12 (e.g., by bonding, such as glue) such that when the rods 411, 412 are moved to the open position, the dispensing section 12 unfolds.

[0140] The rods 411 and / or the rod 412 may include chamfered portions 411.2, 412.2 that allow the rods 411, 412 to tilt relative to each other in order to move between the closed position and the open position.

[0141] The rods 411, 412 may be operable via the ends of the rods 411, 412. For example, by pushing one end of the rods 411, 412 towards each other (clamping, etc.), the other ends of the rods 411, 412 can move away from each other, thereby moving the rods 411, 412 to the open position. This one end may include chamfered portions 411.2, 412.2.

[0142] The dispensing system 400 further includes an elastic element 420 which is arranged to urge two components 411, 412 towards the closed position and thus urge the rods 411, 412 towards each other. Thus, due to the arrangement of the elastic element 420, the default position is the closed position. In the open position, the elastic element 420 is tensioned to generate a restoring force acting on the components 411, 412. The restoring force acts such that it can drive or move (i.e., return) the components 411, 412 to the closed position, for example drive or move (i.e., return) at least a part of the rod 412 towards at least a part of the rod 411, and / or vice versa. Thus, when the external force acting on the rod 411 and / or the rod 412 to hold the rods 411, 412 in the open position is removed, the restoring force of the elastic element 420 drives at least a part of the rods 411, 412 towards each other respectively so as to move the rods 411, 412 to the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 420 may or may not be tensioned. The elastic element 420 may be made of a synthetic material such as rubber or another material such as metal. The elastic element 420 may surround and / or wrap around the rods 411, 412. The elastic element 420 may be provided in the form of a ring and / or a band. For example, the rods 411, 412 may be operable through one end (which may be on the first lateral side of the dispensing section 12), where the elastic element is arranged on the other end of the rods 411, 412 (which may be on the second lateral side of the dispensing section 12).

[0143] In Figure 18 it, a dispensing system 500 according to a fifth embodiment is shown.

[0144] The dispensing system 500 includes the above-mentioned bag 10 and a dispensing mechanism 510. The dispensing mechanism 510 may substantially correspond to the above-mentioned dispensing mechanism 210, except that the dispensing mechanism 510 moves between the closed position and the open position through an operable element 511 that can rotate or can be twisted instead of a deformable section 212.1. Thus, the operable element 511 can be rotated to the open position, in which the dispensing section 12 is unfolded or allowed to be unfolded through the operable element 511 or through a component connected to the operable element 511. An elastic element (not shown) is arranged to urge the operable element 511 towards the closed position, in which the dispensing section 12 is at least closed by the operable element 511 or by a component connected to the operable element 511, and preferably by a component (such as a static component); for example, the dispensing section 12 is then clamped between the component and the operable element 511 or the component connected to the operable element 511.

[0145] The dispensing mechanism 510 may include a housing 512 which may contain elastic elements and / or may include components (such as static components) that can interact with the operating element 511 or components connected thereto. The housing 512 may include at least two components 512.1, 512.2 which may be disengaged from each other to provide access to the interior of the housing 512, such as to the elastic elements and / or said components, and / or to disengage the dispensing mechanism 510 from the dispensing section 12. For example, a part of the dispensing section 12 (such as one or more sealing fins and / or one or more welds) may be clamped between the components 512.1, 512.2. The housing 512 may contain and / or cover (hide, etc.) the mechanical means (elastic elements, guide rails, etc.) for moving the dispensing mechanism 510 between a closed position and an open position. The housing (or casing) 512 may be molded. The dispensing mechanism 510 may be designed such that the dispensing system 500 can be attached to a wall via the dispensing mechanism 510.

[0146] If, according to the first alternative, the bag 10 is made of a cellulose-based material or a cellulose-based material composition, then each of the corresponding dispensing mechanisms 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 is made of a cellulose-based material or a cellulose-based material composition (such as paper and / or cardboard), such that the bag 10 and the dispensing mechanism 100 together have a total cellulose fiber content of at least 70 wt%, preferably at least 80 wt%, more preferably at least 90 wt%, even more preferably at least 95 wt%, and most preferably 100 wt%. Thus, the dispensing systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 achieve a very high level of recyclability, since in particular the bag 10 and the corresponding dispensing mechanisms 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 can be placed in the same recycling stream.

[0147] If, according to the second alternative, the bag 10 is made of a single material (such as the single material is a polymer, for example PE or PP), then the corresponding dispensing mechanisms 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 are made of the same single material, thereby also enabling the corresponding dispensing mechanisms 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 to be recycled together with the bag 10. The elastic element can simply be manually removed from the rest of the corresponding dispensing system, such that the elastic element has no negative impact on the recyclability of the corresponding dispensing system. For example, the elastic element can be placed in a first recycling stream, while the bag and the corresponding dispensing mechanism can be placed together in a second recycling stream.

[0148] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Many changes may be made to the disclosed embodiments in light of the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments. Instead, the scope of the present invention should be defined in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0149] Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to one or more particular embodiments, equivalent changes and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the drawings. In addition, while the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several particular embodiments, such features may be combined with one or more other features of the other particular embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

1. A dispensing system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for dispensing bulk material (1), the dispensing system comprising: A flexible or semi-flexible bag (10), the flexible or semi-flexible bag comprising · A compartment (11) for storing the bulk material (1), · A dispensing section (12), and · A hanger portion (13), the bag (10) being capable of being suspended by the hanger portion such that the bulk material (1) can flow out of the bag (10) by gravity from the compartment (11) via the dispensing section (12); A dispensing mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510), the dispensing mechanism being attached to the bag (10), wherein the dispensing mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) comprises two components (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512) that are manually movable relative to each other to move between the following positions: · A closed position, in which the dispensing section (12) is closed by the two components (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512) to prevent the bulk material (1) from flowing out of the bag (10) via the dispensing section (12); and · An open position, in which the dispensing section (12) is unfolded or allowed to unfold by the two components (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512) to form a dispensing channel (12.4) such that the bulk material (1) can flow out of the bag (10) by gravity from the compartment (11) via the dispensing section (12); And An elastic element (120, 220, 320, 420, 520), the elastic element being arranged to urge the two components (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512) towards the closed position.

2. The dispensing system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing section (12) comprises an upstream section (12.1), a collapsible section (12.3), and a downstream section (12.2), wherein the two components (111, 112) are attached to the upstream section (12.1) and the downstream section (12.2), wherein in the closed position, the collapsible section (12.3) is folded to prevent the bulk material (1) from flowing out of the bag (10) via the dispensing section (12), and wherein in the open position, the collapsible section (12.3) is unfolded or allowed to unfold to form the dispensing channel (12.4).

3. The dispensing system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the collapsible section (12.3) comprises two sub-sections (12.31, 12.32), and wherein in the closed position, the sub-sections (12.31, 12.32) are folded parallel or crossed with respect to each other, such as being folded to form a U-shaped or V-shaped configuration, and / or wherein the sub-sections (12.31, 12.32) extend at an angle with respect to each other, wherein in the closed position, the angle is less than the angle in the open position, such as being in the range from 0° to 45°.

4. The dispensing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two components (111, 112) comprise a rod (113) and a through-opening (114), wherein the rod (113) extends through the through-opening (114) such that the two components (111, 112) are linearly guided with respect to each other.

5. The dispensing system (100) according to claim 4, wherein the rod (113) comprises a gripping section (113.1), such as a recess or a hole, wherein the gripping section (113.1) is preferably provided at the distal end of the rod (113).

6. The dispensing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the closed position, the two components (111, 112) define a space (115), wherein at least one of the two components (111, 112), such as the component (111) comprising the through-opening (114), comprises a gripping area (111.1) defining the space (115), such that by manually operating the gripping area (111.1), the two components (111, 112) can be moved to the open position.

7. The dispensing system (100, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic element (120, 320, 420) surrounds and / or wraps the component (111, 112; 311,312；411,412)。 8. The dispensing system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bag (10) and the dispensing mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) are made of a cellulose-based material or material composition, and the bag and the dispensing mechanism together have at least 80 wt% cellulose fibers, preferably at least 90 wt% cellulose fibers, more preferably at least 95 wt% cellulose fibers.

9. The dispensing system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) is made of cardboard and / or paper, and / or wherein at least a part of the bag (10), such as one or more layers of a multi-layer having an oxygen and / or moisture barrier function, is made of paper and / or cardboard.

Images