Bulk food dispenser and clip for use in such a dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a feed dispenser (42) for bulk feed, comprising a storage unit (46) whose base communicates with a dispensing unit (84), so as to allow the flow of feed (42) from the storage unit (46) to the dispensing unit (84). The storage unit (46) is configured to receive a removable flexible container holding the feed and is equipped with a removable clamp that is movable between an open and a closed state, has locking means in the closed state, and, when closed onto the flexible container, divides it into two parts, one containing all the feed and the other containing no feed.The storage unit includes: means for suspending the removable container equipped with the clamp so that the empty part of the container is the part closest to the bottom of the storage unit, means for supporting the clamp (2) and opening means configured to allow action on the clamp locking means permitting the clamp to move from the closed state to the open state.

Description

Technical field to which the invention relates

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of food distribution and, more particularly, to a dispenser enabling the distribution of bulk food. Technological background

[0002] Due to increased awareness of environmental and sustainability issues, more and more consumers are adopting more environmentally friendly consumption patterns.

[0003] In the food sector, this trend has led to a significant increase in stores offering bulk food sales. The defining characteristic of bulk sales is that food is offered to consumers without packaging.

[0004] In these types of establishments, customers help themselves to the desired quantity of food displayed on a stand. Each customer can bring their own containers and fill them with the desired amount of food. Bulk sales allow each consumer to better control their food consumption and therefore reduce food waste, as well as their production of waste related to single-use packaging.

[0005] However, when a consumer takes food directly from a display case, there is a significant risk of contaminating all the food on the case. Indeed, if the consumer's hand comes into direct contact with the food, bacteria or germs present on the skin's surface can spread to the food. The food's safety can thus be compromised and, potentially, render the remaining food on the display case unfit for consumption.

[0006] To prevent this contamination, dispensers have been proposed that include a food storage unit and a dispensing unit for the food in bulk. Consumers access the food through the dispensing unit, thus preventing direct contact between the consumer and the food in the storage unit. This allows the food in the storage unit to be preserved in better conditions.

[0007] However, this solution is not without its drawbacks, as the presence of pathogens or food mites has been observed in the food stored in the unit. The food must then be removed from the storage unit as it is unfit for consumption, and the entire dispensing system must be thoroughly cleaned.

[0008] It was observed that food contamination occurs during the filling of the storage unit. Specifically, an operator makes an opening through the wall of a bag containing the food, allowing the food to be poured into the storage unit.

[0009] However, the operator may inadvertently come into contact with the food inside the bag and thus spread pathogens or residues from other foods into the bag. This risk of contamination is even greater when the same operator consecutively fills several storage units with different foods.

[0010] The invention aims to reduce the risk of contamination of food contained in a bag by an operator during bag opening, particularly when the operator has to open several bags consecutively containing different types of food. The invention also aims to enable the distribution of bulk food at a point of sale and / or consumption that guarantees the complete integrity of the bulk food until it is distributed into an individual container for a consumer or user. Object of the invention

[0011] To achieve these objectives, the invention proposes a bulk feed dispenser comprising a storage unit whose base communicates with a dispensing unit, thus allowing the flow of feed from the storage unit to the dispensing unit. According to the invention, the storage unit is configured to receive a removable flexible container holding the feed and equipped with a removable clamp that is movable between an open and a closed state, has locking means in the closed state, and, when closed onto the flexible container, divides it into two parts, one containing all the feed and the other containing no feed.According to the invention, the storage unit further comprises means for suspending the removable container equipped with the clamp so that the empty part of the container is the part closest to the bottom of the storage unit, means for supporting the clamp, and opening means configured to allow action on the clamp locking means allowing the clamp to pass from the closed state to the open state.

[0012] The term "flexible container" refers to a container whose opposite walls can easily be brought together to maintain contact with each other. A flexible container according to the invention may be a pouch made from a flexible sheet of a material having properties suitable for preserving and protecting the bulk food contained within the pouch.

[0013] First, the invention ensures the integrity of bulk food until it is dispensed by using a removable clamp. This clamp can be detached from the dispenser and placed on the flexible container to keep it closed until it is inserted into the dispenser. The container's outer casing is then opened or cut before this insertion, as explained in more detail below. Second, the invention guarantees the integrity of the food because the dispenser is designed to receive the flexible container sealed by the clamp and includes opening mechanisms to operate the clamp and ensure its opening once the flexible container is in place within the dispenser's storage unit. Thus, the invention limits, or even eliminates, the risk of contact between the bulk food and an operator loading the dispenser.

[0014] According to one feature of the invention, the storage unit delimits an enclosed space, accessible through a door, allowing the insertion into the storage unit of the flexible container equipped with the clamp, and the opening means are configured to allow action on the locking means after the door has been closed.

[0015] This feature of the invention enhances the preservation of bulk food because the clamp that allows the contents of the flexible container to flow into the dispensing unit can only be opened once the storage unit door is closed. This embodiment therefore prevents contact between the food flowing from the flexible container and an operator placing said container into the storage unit.

[0016] Furthermore, the enclosed space defined by the storage unit allows for control of the environment in which the food is extracted from the flexible container. This embodiment therefore significantly preserves the taste and sanitary quality of the food during its extraction from the flexible container.

[0017] According to one embodiment, between the closing of the door and the opening of the clamp, the atmosphere inside the storage unit is renewed by a controlled atmosphere, or the atmosphere inside the storage unit is purified by appropriate filtration means.

[0018] According to one variant of the invention, the storage unit includes door closing means which are maneuverable between an open position and a closed position in which the door is immobilized in the closed position and the closing means are capable, during their maneuver, of acting on the opening means of the clamp.

[0019] This variant further enhances the guarantee of food integrity by combining the locking of the door with the opening of the clamp.

[0020] According to another variant of the invention, the opening means are associated with the door so as to act on the locking means and allow the passage of the clamp into the open position when the door is closed.

[0021] This alternative design also enhances food preservation, as it is the door's movement to the closed position that triggers the opening of the clamp, thus releasing the food. The door's movement towards its closed position therefore activates the locking mechanism.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the support means are capable of moving, at least in part, outside the storage unit in order to facilitate the attachment of the clamp to the support means.

[0023] According to another feature of the invention, the suspension means for the flexible container are capable of moving, at least in part, outside the storage unit in order to facilitate the attachment of the flexible container to the suspension means.

[0024] According to yet another feature of the invention, the storage unit includes means for joining with the chassis of the gripper, when the gripper is positioned in the storage unit, so as to limit the passage of an airflow between the gripper and the walls of the storage unit.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the distribution unit includes an Archimedes screw which ensures the conveyance of the food to a distribution outlet.

[0026] Preferably, the pitch of the Archimedes screw increases, according to the direction of conveying the food by said screw.

[0027] According to another preferred embodiment, the core of the Archimedes screw decreases according to the direction of conveying the food by said screw.

[0028] The combination of these two characteristics advantageously increases the amount of feed moved by the screw, while preventing the feed from compacting between the screw blades.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the distribution unit includes at least one cap, positioned between the storage unit and the Archimedes screw, so as to allow for better distribution of the feed from the distribution unit onto at least a portion of the Archimedes screw. The term "cap" refers to an element capable of deflecting the fall of feed from the distribution unit.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the distribution unit includes at least two caps, positioned opposite each other in the storage unit, so as to allow the feed to flow at the level of the longitudinal axis of the Archimedes screw.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the distribution unit includes a third cap, positioned between the two caps mentioned above and the Archimedes screw, so as to promote a flow of feed along the longitudinal axis of the Archimedes screw.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the dispensing unit comprises a cylindrical element surrounding a distal portion of the Archimedes screw. The Archimedes screw includes a proximal portion, opposite or substantially opposite the storage unit, and a distal portion positioned downstream of the proximal portion. The term "downstream" refers to the direction of movement of food by the Archimedes screw. The distal portion is surrounded by a cylindrical element such as a sleeve or sheath.

[0033] Remarkably, the distribution unit includes a clearance or inter-hopper, adjacent to the cylindrical element, so as to facilitate easier insertion into the cylindrical element of food conveyed by the Archimedes screw.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the distribution unit includes means for suspending a container, so as to allow a natural flow of food from the distribution unit into the container.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the suspension means include means for measuring the weight of the container suspended by said means.

[0036] Preferably, the dispensing unit includes a display screen enabling a consumer to view, in real time, the weight measured by the measuring means.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the display screen allows the name of the food flowing from the distribution unit to be shown, the price per kilo as well as the price of said food.

[0038] The invention also relates to a clamp for confining food within a portion of a flexible container and intended to be removably placed in a dispenser according to the invention, said clamp comprising: a chassis which is configured to cooperate with support means of the dispenser and which is capable of surrounding a first end of a flexible container in which is present a food, in solid and / or liquid form, when the clamp is open, the chassis comprising clamping means which are movable between an open state of the clamp and a closed state of the clamp and which are configured to maintain in contact two opposite walls of the flexible container, when the clamp is in the closed state, so as to isolate a first part of the flexible container from a second part of said container, in order to prevent the passage of a food between said parts, locking means of the clamping means in the closed state of the clamp.

[0039] The removable nature of the clamp, both with respect to the dispenser and the flexible container, makes it particularly easy to use for an operator ensuring, on the one hand, the placement of a full flexible container in a dispenser according to the invention and, on the other hand, the removal of an empty flexible container from a dispenser according to the invention.

[0040] Furthermore, the clamping means are capable of temporarily dividing the flexible container into two parts or two distinct volumes without damaging the container walls. The clamp locking means then allow the clamping means to be reversibly held in this closed position.

[0041] By properly positioning the clamp around a flexible container, an operator can therefore quickly and easily isolate a first part of the flexible container, not containing the food, from a second part of the flexible container containing the food.

[0042] Subsequently, the operator can open the first part of the flexible container, which does not contain food, using an appropriate tool, without risk of the tool coming into contact with the food in the second part of the flexible container. The clamp as described above therefore allows for the preservation of the food safety and hygiene of food contained in a flexible container when the container is opened by an operator.

[0043] When the clamp is in its closed state, the operator can invert the flexible container so that the second part is positioned above the first part of said container, without risk of food flowing from the second to the first part.

[0044] According to the invention, the clamping means are configured to maintain contact between two opposite walls of the flexible container, preferably along a so-called separation line extending between two edges of the flexible container. This embodiment is particularly suitable when the food in the flexible container is in powder or liquid form, in order to prevent the food from passing from the second part to the first part of the container.

[0045] Optionally, the dividing line extends perpendicularly or nearly perpendicularly to one of the long sides of the flexible container. The dividing line may be straight or have one or more curves. Optionally, the dividing line may define a triangular or nearly triangular shape, with its apex pointing towards the first part of the container, to better control the flow of food into that first part.

[0046] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the clamping means can be configured to isolate the second part of the flexible container from the first part, in a hermetic manner. "Hermetic" here means that it is impossible for a gas to pass from the second part of the flexible container to the first.

[0047] According to another, non-limiting embodiment, the clamping means are configured to isolate the second part of the flexible container from the first part, creating a hermetic seal. "Hermetic seal" here means that no liquid can pass from the second to the first part of the flexible container. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the food product is a gel or a liquid.

[0048] According to yet another embodiment, the clamping means may include a first clamping rail, designed to fit into a groove formed in a second clamping rail. This embodiment makes it possible to limit the contact area between the walls of the flexible container, along the junction line, in order to preserve the volume delimited by each part of the flexible container.

[0049] Once the flexible container is opened by an operator at the first section defined by the gripper, the operator can grasp the container at the second section and then open the gripper to allow the food to flow out of the container, minimizing the risk of contact between their hands and the food. In other words, when removing the food from the flexible container, the gripper helps limit the risk of food spilling onto the part of the container handled by the operator.

[0050] In summary, the tongs according to the invention provide an effective and practical solution for preventing cross-contamination between foods packaged in separate flexible containers and removed by the same operator. This solution allows the operator to maintain a high level of hand cleanliness after removing each food item from its container. The risk of food contamination by the operator is therefore significantly reduced through the use of the tongs as described above. Consequently, the quality and safety of foods removed consecutively from different flexible containers by the same operator are preserved through the use of these tongs.

[0051] According to one feature of the invention, the frame of the clamp includes at least one elastic means which is in the rest position when the clamp is in the open state and in the working position when the clamp is in the closed state and which is configured to act in the direction of moving away from the clamping means of the clamp.

[0052] According to one feature of the invention, means for adhesion to the walls of the flexible container are present at the clamping means, so that the walls of the container are linked to the clamping means when the clamp is opened.

[0053] Thus, advantageously, the adhesive means prevent the food from flowing down the outer walls of the container beyond the first section of the flexible container delimited by the clamp. In other words, the clamp prevents the food from being present on the second section of the container.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adhesion means cover the clamping means. Optionally, the adhesion means cover all faces of the clamping means, allowing two opposite walls of the flexible container to be kept in contact.

[0055] Another advantage is that the adhesive means promote better separation of the flexible container walls when the clamp is opened, allowing the food in the second part of the container to flow more quickly into the first part. The clamp also facilitates better flow of food between the first and second parts of the flexible container.

[0056] Preferably, the adhesive means are capable of adhering to and / or attaching to the external walls of the flexible container without damaging or altering said walls. The adhesive means are also configured to allow an operator to easily remove the flexible container from the clamp.

[0057] According to another embodiment of the invention, the adhesion means comprise at least one adhesive element, capable of temporarily forming a chemical and / or mechanical bond with a wall of the flexible container.

[0058] According to another embodiment of the invention, the adhesive element comprises a soft portion or a hard portion, adapted to form a mechanical bond with a hard portion or a soft portion of an adhesive element present on the surface of the flexible container. Preferably, a hard portion comprises textile fibers forming hooks at their free end, and the soft portion comprises textile fibers forming loops at their free end.

[0059] According to another embodiment of the invention, the adhesive element comprises a self-adhesive strip.

[0060] According to another embodiment of the invention, the chassis includes cutting means, allowing an opening to be made in the first part of the flexible container.

[0061] Preferably, the cutting means include means for moving a cutting object along the clamping means.

[0062] According to another embodiment of the invention, the frame includes means for retaining the second part of the flexible container. These retaining means are integrated into the clamp, and more specifically into its frame. These retaining means are adapted to ensure the suspension of the flexible container within the dispenser when the clamp is placed inside. The retaining means are preferably configured to hold the second part of the flexible container in a plane passing between the clamping means. This embodiment allows for easier flow of the food contained in the second part of the flexible container to the clamping means when the second part of the flexible container is placed above the first part of the flexible container.In this way, after the clamp is opened, the food contained in the second part of the flexible container can flow easily and quickly into the first part of the flexible container.

[0063] According to another embodiment of the invention, the gripper includes means for suspending the chassis within a storage unit of a bulk feed dispenser, as described below. The gripper's suspension means are then configured to cooperate with the suspension means of the dispenser's storage unit.

[0064] The invention also relates to a flexible container suitable for holding food in solid and / or liquid form. The flexible container is remarkable in that it comprises, on two opposing external faces, adhesion means adapted to cooperate with the clamping means of a clamp as described above.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the adhesion means of the flexible container are able to cooperate with adhesion means present at the clamping means of a clamp according to the invention.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the flexible container also includes hanging means, allowing the flexible container to be suspended in a storage unit of a food dispenser as described above.

[0067] By way of non-limiting example, the attachment means are formed by at least one passage provided through a tab attached to the flexible container, and / or at least one appendage attached to an outer face of the flexible container.

[0068] Of course, the different modes of embodiment, characteristics, variants and forms of embodiment mentioned above can be associated with each other, according to various combinations, insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other. Description of the figures

[0069] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: There Fig. 1 illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of a clamp according to the invention, in the closed position or state; The Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of a clamp according to the invention, in the open position or state; The Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a clamp according to the figure 2, surrounding a closed, flexible container containing food; The Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-section of a clamp according to the figure 3 , when the clamp is closed to isolate one part of the flexible container from a second part containing the food; The Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-section of the clamp holding the flexible container as shown by the figure 4 , after making an opening in the first part of the flexible container; The Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-section of a storage unit constituting a dispenser according to the invention, comprising a clamp holding a flexible container, as illustrated by the figure 5 ; There Fig. 7 illustrates an analog to the Fig. 6 after opening the clamp; The Fig. 8illustrates a cross-section of a storage unit, constituting a dispenser according to the invention, comprising a second embodiment of a clamp according to the invention, comprising means for adhesion to the walls of a flexible container; The Fig. 9 illustrates a longitudinal section of a flexible container according to the invention, comprising means for adhesion on its outer faces; The Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of a clamp according to the invention; The Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a bulk food dispenser according to the invention; The Fig. 12 illustrates a longitudinal section of the distributor represented by the figure 11 ; There Fig. 13 illustrates an Archimedes screw that is part of the bulk food dispenser represented by the figure 12 . Detailed description of the invention

[0070] As mentioned above, the invention proposes a clamp to confine food in a part of a flexible container, in order to reduce the risk to an operator of contaminating the food present in the flexible container when opening it, but also to prevent contact between the operator's hands and the food when the operator handles the flexible container to extract the food from said container. First method of making a clamp

[0071] A first embodiment of a clamp 2 according to the invention is illustrated in figures 1 and 2 attached. More specifically, clamp 2 is shown in the closed position on the figure 1 , then in the open position on the figure 2 .

[0072] The clamp 2 consists of a frame 4 delimiting a passage 6 visible on the figure 2 Passage 6 is rectangular in shape.

[0073] The frame includes means for reversibly varying the dimensions of this passage 6. To achieve this, the frame 4 consists of two parts 8A and 8B, both U-shaped. Preferably, these parts are of the same material; they can be made from a metallic material or from a synthetic polymer.

[0074] A first part 8A is arranged so that its ends 10A can slide inside the ends 10B of a second part 8B. Thus, as illustrated respectively by the figures 1 and 2 , an operator can easily bring the larger sides 12 of the frame closer together, in order to close the clamp 2, or spread the larger sides 12 apart to open said clamp.

[0075] The frame 4 also includes elastic means, positioned along the short sides 16 of the frame. The elastic means are connected to the frame so as to naturally oppose the closing of the clamp 2. In this example, the elastic means are springs schematically represented by reference numerals 14 on the Figs. 1 and 2 . Each end of the elastic means is connected, via an appendix 18A, to an end 10A of the first part 8A, and to an end 10B of the second part 8B, via an appendix 18B.

[0076] The clamp 2 includes locking means 20 for holding the clamp in the closed position, as illustrated by the figure 1 These locking means 20 are reversible, to allow the clamp to be opened as illustrated by the figure 2 .

[0077] According to this example, the locking means 20 consist of a latch 22, one end 24 of which is connected to an appendage 18B attached to the second part 8B. The end 24 is held to the appendage 18B so as to allow a free end 26 of the latch to pivot. The free end 26 of the latch is bent to retain the appendage 18A as illustrated by the figure 1 .

[0078] Thus, the latch 22 can be pivoted by an operator or by means of opening as mentioned below, in order to allow the opening of the clamp.

[0079] The frame also includes cavities 28, formed in its long sides 12, such that the cavities are open on a first face 30 of the frame. The first face 30 of the frame is parallel or substantially parallel to the sliding motion of the parts relative to each other. The cavities are designed to cooperate with support means described below.

[0080] Remarkably, the clamp 2 includes clamping means in the form of stops 32. According to the present example, the stops 32 are arranged in the passage 6 delimited by the frame 4. A stop extends from one long side 12 of the frame, towards an opposite long side.

[0081] As illustrated by the figure 3 The stops 32 are configured to allow the passage of a flexible container 34 when the clamp is open, and then to grip said container when the clamp is closed, as illustrated by the figure 4 .

[0082] When the clamp 2 is closed, the stops 32 then maintain contact between two opposing walls 36 of the flexible container. In the closed position, the clamp thus isolates a first part 38 of the flexible container from a second part 40 of said container. A food item 42 present in the flexible container can thus be confined within the second part 40 of the flexible container, as represented by the figure 4 .

[0083] By way of non-limiting examples, the food may consist of cereals, coffee beans, coffee powder or chocolate, pasta, rice grains, legumes, flour, sugar, snack foods, etc.

[0084] Advantageously, an operator can activate the locking means 20 described above to keep the clamp closed. The operator can then make an opening 44 in the first part 38 of the flexible container as illustrated by the figure 5 without risking contact with the food 42 contained in the second part 40 of said container. The clamp 2 according to the invention therefore makes it possible to preserve the food and sanitary quality of the food 42 when the flexible container 34 is opened by an operator.

[0085] Subsequently, the operator can manipulate the flexible container so that its second part 40 is above its first part 38, as illustrated by the figure 6 , without risk of food flowing through opening 44. In other words, in the closed position, the clamp 2 prevents unwanted flow of food through opening 44. Bulk food distributor

[0086] The invention also relates to a bulk feed dispenser comprising a storage unit 46 as illustrated by the figures 6 to 8The storage unit is parallelepiped in shape. It includes support means for the gripper 2. In this example, the support means consist of lugs 48, adapted to slide along platforms 50 that extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly from the walls 52 of the storage unit. The lugs 48 have dimensions complementary to the cavities 28 formed in the first face 30 of the gripper frame, to allow their insertion into said cavities. The support means are thus adapted to hold the gripper in the closed position within the storage unit, as illustrated by the figure 6 but also to allow its opening as illustrated by the figure 7 .

[0087] Preferably, the clamp 2 is positioned in the storage unit so that the second part 40 of the flexible container 34 is positioned above the first part 38 of said container, as represented by the figure 6 .

[0088] According to this embodiment, the storage unit 46 includes suspension means 54 formed, here, by a hook positioned at the upper part of the dispensing unit. The hook is arranged to allow the suspension of the second part 40 of the flexible container. Preferably, the hook 54 is positioned so that the flexible container 34, once suspended from said hook, extends in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first face 30 of the frame, passing through the center or substantially through the center of the clamp 2 when it is closed.

[0089] To this end, the flexible container 34 has a tab 56 attached to its second part 40. The tab has a passage 58 allowing the insertion of the hook 54 as illustrated by the figure 6 .

[0090] According to another feature of the invention, the storage unit 46 includes means for joining with the clamp 2. More specifically, these joining means are configured to limit the passage of an airflow between the clamp 2 and the walls 52 of the storage unit, when the clamp is held by the support means mentioned above.

[0091] Advantageously, when the clamp is open, the feed flowing through the opening 44 in the first part 38 of the flexible container remains confined, or substantially confined, in a lower part 60 of the storage unit. This embodiment advantageously facilitates maintenance of the storage unit by preventing feed from accumulating in the upper part 62 of the storage unit as the feed flows from the flexible container.

[0092] The lower part 60 of the storage unit is included between the bottom of the storage unit and the clamp 2, and the upper part 62 of the storage unit is separated from the lower part by said clamp.

[0093] The joining means may include one or more flexible lips 64, for example made from a synthetic material such as a silicone sheet. The flexible lips are arranged so as to bear against the edges of the frame of the gripper 2 when the gripper is closed and opened.

[0094] The storage unit includes a door, not visible to figures 6 to 8allowing the insertion of a flexible container equipped with a clamp as described above. The storage unit then includes means for opening the clamp, configured to open the clamp after the door is closed. The opening means are configured to act on the locking means 20 of the clamp 2. This embodiment advantageously prevents contact between food flowing from the flexible container and an operator who has placed said container in the storage unit.

[0095] Preferably, the storage unit defines an enclosed space to better control the environment in which the food is removed from the flexible container. This embodiment therefore significantly preserves the taste and sanitary quality of the food during its removal from the flexible container.

[0096] According to one embodiment, between the closing of the storage unit door and the opening of the clamp, the atmosphere inside the storage unit is renewed by a controlled atmosphere, or the atmosphere inside the storage unit is purified by known means. Second method of making a clamp

[0097] There figure 8 presents a second embodiment of a clamp 2 according to the invention, differing from the clamp described previously in that adhesion means 66 are present at the stops 32. The adhesion means 66 are configured to bind to the walls 36 of the flexible container when the clamp 2 is opened.

[0098] More specifically, the adhesion means 66 are capable of adhering to and / or attaching to the external walls of the flexible container without permanently damaging or altering said walls. The adhesion means are also configured to allow an operator to easily remove the flexible container from the clamp 2.

[0099] Preferably, the adhesion means comprise at least one adhesive element capable of temporarily forming a chemical and / or mechanical bond with a wall of the flexible container. In this example, the adhesion means 66 are formed by a self-adhesive strip.

[0100] Advantageously, the adhesion means 66 promote a greater separation of the walls 36 of the flexible container when the clamp 2 is opened, so that the food contained in the second part 40 of the flexible container can pass more easily and therefore more quickly into the first part 38 of said container. This embodiment thus allows for a better flow of food between the first and second parts of the flexible container.

[0101] According to another advantage, the adhesion means 66 prevent the food from flowing along the outer walls of the flexible container beyond its first part 38 delimited by the clamp 2. In other words, this variant embodiment of the clamp 2 makes it possible to prevent the presence of food at the level of the second part 40 of the flexible container 34 when food is extracted from the first part of said container.

[0102] Once the flexible container is opened by an operator at the first section defined by the gripper 2, the operator can grasp the flexible container at its second section and then open the gripper to allow the food to flow out of the container, minimizing the risk of contact between their hands and the food. In other words, this second embodiment of the gripper 2 limits the risk of food extracted by an operator from a flexible container spreading to the part of the container being handled by the operator. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the food is viscous. Flexible container

[0103] As illustrated by the figure 9The invention also relates to a flexible container 34, suitable for containing food 42 in solid and / or liquid form. This flexible container is remarkable in that it comprises adhesion means 67 on its two opposing external walls, which are substantially at the same height.

[0104] Preferably, the adhesion means are configured to cooperate with the clamping means of a clamp 2 as described above. The adhesion means may be identical or substantially identical for the clamp 2 and the flexible container 34, or they may be complementary.

[0105] Preferably, the flexible container 34 includes suspension means 68 for suspending the flexible container in a storage unit 46 as described above. In this case, the suspension means 68 include the tab 56 attached to the flexible container. The tab is traversed by the opening 58 designed to allow the insertion of the hook 54 of the storage unit 46 described above. Third method of making a clamp

[0106] There Figure 10This illustrates a third embodiment of a clamp 2 according to the invention, which differs from the embodiments described above in that the frame 4 consists of a first frame 70, held opposite a second frame 72. The frames are rectangular in shape and held together by a hinge 74 at the first short sides 16. The hinge allows the frames to move apart or together, so that the second short sides 17 of the frames act as clamping means as described above. In other words, the second short sides 17 are capable of splitting a flexible container in two, to isolate a first part of the flexible container from a second part containing food.

[0107] The clamp 2 also includes locking means 20 for holding the clamp in the closed position. As mentioned below, the locking means 20 are configured to be disengaged when the clamp is present in a storage unit according to the invention.

[0108] The clamp 2 also includes holding or suspension means 76, allowing the end of a flexible container to be held near the hinge 74.

[0109] The clamp 2 includes a rail 78 extending along its first short sides 16, so as to permit the clamp to be suspended in a storage unit as illustrated by the figure 12The dispenser according to the invention, and more particularly the storage unit, includes suspension means for the rail 78, enabling an operator to suspend the gripper 2 within the storage unit. To facilitate the attachment of the rail 78 to said suspension means, the latter may be movable so as to be at least partially withdrawn from the storage unit during the installation of the gripper. Details of the bulk food dispenser

[0110] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 And 12 , the distributor 80 includes a storage unit 46 as described above, the bottom of which 82 communicates with a distribution unit 84.

[0111] According to this example, a clamp 2 is suspended in the storage unit as illustrated by the figure 12 .

[0112] The locking means 20 of the clamp 2 are then configured to cooperate with a handle 86, allowing the closure of a door 88 of the storage unit. More specifically, when the handle 86 is pivoted to close the door 88, the handle releases the locking means 20, thus allowing the clamp 2 to open. Advantageously, the food contained in a flexible container held by the clamp 2 flows from the flexible container into a confined environment. In other words, the food flows from the flexible container to the dispensing unit 84 without being exposed to the environment outside the storage unit 46.

[0113] The feed is then moved into the distribution unit 84 by means of an Archimedes screw 90 towards a distribution outlet 91. The screw comprises a proximal portion 92, opposite or substantially opposite the storage unit 46, and a distal portion 94 positioned downstream of the proximal portion. The term "downstream" refers to the direction of flow of feed along the Archimedes screw.

[0114] According to the present example, the pitch of the screw 90 increases, according to the direction of conveying the food by said screw.

[0115] According to another feature of the invention, the core 96 of the screw decreases according to the direction of conveying the food by said screw.

[0116] Advantageously, the combination of these two characteristics makes it possible to increase the volume available for conveying the feed, along the screw, according to the direction of conveying, in order to prevent a compression phenomenon of the feed during its transport by said screw.

[0117] The distribution unit includes at least one cap 98 visible on the figure 12 positioned between the storage unit 46 and the screw 90, to allow for better distribution of the feed along the screw. The term "cap" refers to an element designed to deflect the fall of feed from the distribution unit.

[0118] The distribution unit 84 comprises a cylindrical element or sleeve 100 surrounding the distal part 94 of the screw. Notably, the distribution unit includes a clearance 102, adjacent to the sleeve 100, so as to facilitate easier insertion of feed conveyed by the screw 90 into said sleeve.

[0119] The dispensing unit 84 also includes means 104 for suspending a container, so as to allow a natural flow of feed from the dispensing unit into the container. The suspension means 104 include means 106 for measuring the weight of the container suspended by said means. Advantageously, the quantity of feed dispensed into a container held by the suspension means 104 can thus be displayed in real time on a display screen 108 integrated into the dispensing unit 84.

[0120] According to the distributor embodiment described above, the handle forming part of the gripper opening means acts only on the gripper locking means. According to a variant of the invention, in addition to acting on the locking means, the opening means control a displacement of the support means so as to ensure the separation of the gripper clamping means. This variant is particularly advantageous when the gripper does not include elastic means as described in relation to the figures 1 and 2 which act in the direction of a separation of the clamping means.

Claims

1. Food dispenser (42) in bulk form, comprising a storage unit (46) whose bottom communicates with a distribution unit (84), so as to allow a flow of food (42) from the storage unit (46) to the distribution unit (84), characterized in thatthe storage unit (46): - is configured to receive a removable flexible container (34) containing the food and being equipped with a removable clamp (2) which is movable between an open state and a closed state, has locking means (20) in the closed state and which, in the closed state on the flexible container, divides it into two parts, one of which contains all of the food and the other of which contains no food, - comprises: - means for suspending (54) the removable container equipped with the clamp so that the empty part of the container is the part closest to the bottom of the storage unit, - means for supporting the clamp (2) - and opening means configured to allow action on the locking means (20) of the clamp (2) allowing the clamp to move from the closed state to the open state.

2. Food dispenser (42) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe storage unit (46) delimits an enclosed space, accessible via a door (88), allowing the insertion into the storage unit (46) of the flexible container (34) fitted with the clamp (2) and in that the opening means are configured to allow action on the locking means after closing the door (88).

3. Food dispenser (42) according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage unit (46) comprises means (86) for closing the door which are operable between an open position and a closed position in which the door is immobilized in the closed position and in that the closing means are capable, during their operation, of acting on the opening means of the clamp (2).

4. Food dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe opening means are associated with the door so as to act on the locking means and allow the clamp to move into the open position when the door is closed.

5. Food dispenser (42) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support means are able to move, at least in part, outside the storage unit (46), in order to facilitate the attachment of the clamp (2) to the support means.

6. Food dispenser (42) according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the storage unit (46) comprises joining means (64) with the frame (4) of the clamp (2), when the clamp (2) is positioned in the storage unit (46), so as to limit the passage of an air flow between the clamp (2) and the walls (36) of the storage unit (46) 7. Clamp (2) for confining a food (42) in a part of a flexible container (34) and intended to be removably placed in a dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 6, said clamp comprising: - a frame (4) which is configured to cooperate with support means of the dispenser and which is capable of surrounding a first end of a flexible container (34) in which a food (42) is present, in solid and / or liquid form, when the clamp (2) is open, the frame (4) comprising clamping means (32) which are movable between an open state of the clamp and a closed state of the clamp and which are configured to maintain in contact two opposite walls (36) of the flexible container (34), when the clamp (2) is in the closed state, so as to isolate a first part (38) of the flexible container (34) from a second part (40) of said container, in order to prevent the passage of a food (42) between said parts,- means for locking the clamping means in the closed state of the clamp., 8. Clamp (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the frame (4) comprises at least one elastic means (14) which is in the rest position when the clamp is in the open state and in the working position when the clamp is in the closed state and which is configured to act in the direction of moving the clamping means away from the clamp.

9. Clamp according to claim 7 or 8. characterized in that it comprises, at the level of the clamping means, means of adhesion (66) to the walls (36) of the flexible container (34) so ​​that the walls (36) of the container are linked to the clamping means (32) when the clamp (2) is opened.

10. Clamp (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the adhesion means (66) comprise at least one adhesive element, capable of forming a chemical and / or mechanical bond with a wall of the flexible container (34).

11. Clamp (2) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the frame (4) comprises cutting means, allowing an opening to be made in the first part (38) of the flexible container (34).

12. Clamp (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the cutting means comprise means for moving a sharp object along the clamping means (32).

13. Clamp (2) according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the frame (4) comprises means (76) for holding the second part (40) of the flexible container (34).

14. Clamp (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that the suspension means (76) are configured to hold the second part (40) of the flexible container (34), in a plane passing between the clamping means (32).

15. Flexible container (34) capable of containing a food (42) in solid and / or liquid form, characterized in thatit comprises on two opposite external faces, adhesion means (66) capable of cooperating with the clamping means (32) of a clamp (2) according to one of claims 7 to 14.

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