Clip for confining food within a section of a flexible container.

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamp for confining food within a portion of a flexible container. The clamp (2B) comprises a frame adapted to surround one end of a flexible container (34), in which food is present, when the clamp (2B) is open. The frame (4) includes clamping means (32) configured to maintain contact between two opposing walls (36) of the flexible container (34) when the clamp (2B) is closed. The clamp includes means (66) for adhering to the walls (36) of the flexible container (34) at the clamping means (32), such that the walls (36) of the container are connected to the clamping means (32) when the clamp (2B) is opened. Figure 8

Description

Title of the invention: Clamp for confining food in a part of a flexible container. Technical field to which the invention relates

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of food and, more particularly, to a tool for holding food in a desired area of ​​a flexible container. Technological background

[0002] Due to increased environmental and sustainability awareness, 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 particularity of bulk sales lies in the fact that food is offered to consumers without packaging.

[0004] In this type of establishment, customers are asked to help themselves to the desired quantity of food, arranged in a display. Each consumer can then bring their own containers and fill them with the desired quantity of food. Selling in bulk allows each consumer to better control their food consumption and therefore reduce their food waste, but also to reduce their waste production.

[0005] However, when a consumer serves himself directly from a display, there is a significant risk that the consumer will contaminate all the food contained in a display. Indeed, in the event of direct contact between the consumer's hand and the food, bacteria or germs present on the surface of the skin can spread among the food. The sanitary quality of the food can thus be compromised and, possibly, make the food remaining in the display unfit for consumption.

[0006] In order to prevent this contamination phenomenon, dispensers have been proposed comprising a food storage unit and a unit for dispensing the food in bulk. The consumer accesses the food via the dispensing unit, thus preventing direct contact between the consumer and the food present in the storage unit. The food present in the storage unit can thus be preserved in better conditions.

[0007] However, this solution is not without its defects as the presence of pathogens or food moths has been found in the food present in the unit of storage. The food must then be removed from the storage unit as unfit for consumption, and the entire dispensing device must be thoroughly cleaned.

[0008] It has been found that contamination of the food occurs when filling the storage unit. To do this, an operator makes an opening through the wall of a bag containing the food, in order to allow the food to be poured into the storage unit.

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

[0010] The invention aims to reduce this risk of contamination by an operator of food contained in a bag, when opening the bag, in particular when the operator has to open several bags in succession, containing different types of food. Subject of the invention

[0011] For this purpose, the invention provides a clamp for confining a food in a part of a flexible container. In the flexible container, the food may be in solid form and / or in liquid form. Preferably, the food is in the form of fragments or pieces.

[0012] By "flexible container" is meant a container whose opposite walls can easily be brought together in order to be kept in contact with each other.

[0013] The clamp comprises a frame capable of surrounding a first end of a flexible container, in which a food in solid and / or liquid form is present, when the clamp is open.

[0014] The frame comprises clamping means, configured to maintain in contact two opposite walls of the flexible container, when the clamp is closed, 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 food between said parts.

[0015] In other words, the clamping means are capable of temporarily splitting the flexible container into two parts or two separate volumes, without damaging the walls of said container.

[0016] By properly positioning the clamp around a flexible container, an operator can then 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.

[0017] Subsequently, the operator can make an opening in the first part of the flexible container not containing the food, using a suitable tool, without the risk of the tool coming into contact with the food present in the second part of the flexible container. The clamp as described above therefore makes it possible to preserve the food quality. food and sanitary safety of a food contained in a flexible container, when said container is opened by an operator.

[0018] According to another advantage, when the clamp is in the closed position, the operator can turn the flexible container over 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.

[0019] According to another advantage, the clamping means are reversible so that the operator can control the quantity of food flowing from the second part to the first part of the flexible container. Thus, by gradually moving the clamping means apart, the operator can control the flow rate of the food flowing through the opening provided in the first part of said container.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the clamping means are configured to maintain in contact two opposite walls of the flexible container, preferably along a so-called separation line which extends between two edges of the flexible container. This embodiment is particularly suitable when the food, present 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 said container.

[0021] Optionally, the separation line extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to a long side of the flexible container. The separation line may be rectilinear or may include one or more inflections. Optionally, the separation line may delimit a triangular or substantially triangular shape, the apex of which is oriented towards the first part of the container, in order to better control the flow of the food in this first part.

[0022] According to a non-limiting alternative embodiment of the invention, the clamping means can be configured to isolate the second part from the first part of the flexible container, in a hermetic manner. By "hermetic" is meant here the impossibility for a gas to pass from the second to the first part of the flexible container.

[0023] According to another non-limiting variant embodiment, the clamping means are configured to isolate the second part from the first part of the flexible container, in a sealed manner. By "sealed" is meant here the impossibility for a liquid to pass from the second to the first part of the flexible container. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the food is a gel or a liquid.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, the clamping means may comprise a first clamping rail, intended to be inserted into a groove provided in a second clamping rail. This embodiment makes it possible to limit the contact surface 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.

[0025] Remarkably, means of adhesion to the walls of the flexible container are present at the level of the clamping means, so that the walls of the container are linked to the clamping means, when the clamp is opened.

[0026] Thus, advantageously, the adhesion means oppose a flow of the food, along the external walls of said container, beyond the first part of the flexible container delimited by the clamp. In other words, the clamp makes it possible to prevent the presence of the food, on the second part of said container.

[0027] Thanks to the invention, in the open or closed position, the clamp protects a large part of the external surface of the flexible container from the risk of soiling by the food extracted from said container.

[0028] Once the flexible container has been opened by an operator, at the first part delimited by the clamp, the operator can grasp the flexible container at its second part, then open the clamp to allow the flow of the food outside said container, limiting the risk of contact between his hands and the food. In other words, when extracting the food from the flexible container, the clamp makes it possible to limit the risk of diffusion of the food to the part of the flexible container handled by the operator.

[0029] In short, the clamp according to the invention provides an effective and practical solution for preventing cross-contamination between foods packaged in separate flexible containers, extracted by the same operator, by making it possible to maintain a high level of cleanliness of the operator's hands, following the extraction of each food from its flexible container. The risk of contamination of the food by the operator is therefore significantly reduced, thanks to the use of the clamp as described above. The quality and safety of the foods extracted from different flexible containers, consecutively by the same operator, are therefore preserved thanks to the use of the clamp.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adhesion means cover the clamping means. Optionally, the adhesion means cover the entire faces of the clamping means, making it possible to maintain contact between two opposite walls of the flexible container.

[0031] According to another advantage, the adhesion means promote better spacing of the walls of the flexible container, when opening the clamp, so that the food contained in the second part of the flexible container can pass more quickly into the first part of said container. The clamp also allows better flow of food between the first part and the second part of the flexible container.

[0032] Preferably, the adhesion means are capable of sticking and / or fixing to the external walls of the flexible container, without damaging or altering said walls. The adhesion means are also configured to allow an operator to easily remove the flexible container from the clamp.

[0033] 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.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the invention, the adhesive element comprises a soft part or a hard part, capable of forming respectively a mechanical bond with a hard part or a soft part of an adhesive element, present on the surface of the flexible container. Preferably, a hard part comprises textile fibers forming hooks at their free end and the soft part comprises textile fibers forming loops at their free end.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the invention, the adhesive element comprises a self-adhesive strip.

[0036] According to another embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises at least one elastic means, the elastic means or means are configured to keep the clamp in the open position when they are in the rest position. The elastic means or means are configured to allow the clamp to close when they are in the working position, that is to say, when they are subjected to a stress. This embodiment promotes easier and wider opening of the clamp.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises a means for locking at least one elastic means, when the elastic means or means are in the working position. In other words, the locking means makes it possible to maintain the elastic means or means in the working position, so that the clamp can be kept closed. Preferably, the locking means is configured to be deactivated by a control means separate from the clamp.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises cutting means, allowing an opening to be made in the first part of the flexible container.

[0039] Preferably, the cutting means comprise means for moving a sharp object along the clamping means.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises means for holding the second part of the flexible container. Preferably, the holding means are configured to hold the second part of the flexible container, in a plane passing between the clamping means. This embodiment allows 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 opening the clamp, the food contained in the second part of the flexible container can flow easily and quickly into the first part of the flexible container.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, the clamp comprises means for suspending the frame in a storage unit of a bulk food dispenser, as described below.

[0042] Of course, the various characteristics, variants and embodiments mentioned above can be associated with each other, in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

[0043] The invention also relates to a bulk food dispenser, comprising a storage unit whose bottom communicates with a dispensing unit, so as to allow a flow of food from the storage unit to the dispensing unit.

[0044] The bulk food dispenser is remarkable in that the storage unit comprises means for holding a clamp as described above, so that the first part of a flexible container delimited by the clamp is the part closest to the bottom of the storage unit.

[0045] In other words, the holding means are configured so that in the storage unit, the second part of a flexible container delimited by the clamp is positioned above the first part of said container, in order to allow a natural flow of a food present in the second part of the flexible container, into the first part of said container.

[0046] Optionally, the holding means may comprise guide means, configured to cooperate with the frame of the clamp, so as to prevent further positioning of the clamp in the storage unit.

[0047] According to another embodiment of the invention, the holding means are capable of moving, at least in part, outside the storage unit, in order to facilitate the attachment of the clamp to the holding means.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the invention, the storage unit comprises means of connection with the chassis of the clamp, when the clamp is positioned in the storage unit, so as to limit the passage of an air flow between the clamp and the walls of the storage unit.

[0049] This embodiment offers the advantage of preventing the diffusion of food from the flexible container into an upper part of the storage unit. In other words, this embodiment promotes confinement of the food extracted from the flexible container in a lower part of the storage unit. This embodiment thus facilitates maintenance of the storage unit by preventing the food from being deposited in the upper part of the storage unit.

[0050] The lower part of the storage unit is between its bottom and the clamp, and the upper part of the storage unit is separated from the lower part by the clamp.

[0051] To do this, the joining means may comprise at least one flexible lip, for example made from a synthetic material such as silicone, configured to bear against one or more sides of the frame of the clamp, when the clamp is closed or open.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the invention, the storage unit delimits an enclosed space, accessible via a door, allowing the insertion into the storage unit of a flexible container, provided with a clamp as described above, and the storage unit comprises means for opening the clamp, and the opening means are configured to open the clamp after closing the door. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to prevent contact between the food flowing from the flexible container and an operator placing said container in the storage unit.

[0053] Advantageously, the enclosed space delimited by the storage unit makes it possible to more precisely control the environment in which the food is extracted from the flexible container. This embodiment therefore makes it possible to significantly preserve the taste quality as well as the health quality of the food, when it is extracted from the flexible container.

[0054] According to an alternative 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 means known to those skilled in the art.

[0055] According to another embodiment of the invention, the storage unit comprises means for closing the door, and the closing means are capable of acting on the means for opening the clamp.

[0056] According to an alternative embodiment, the closing means are capable of acting on at least one locking means, of an elastic means of a clamp as described above.

[0057] According to an alternative embodiment, in the distribution unit, the food is conveyed by means of an Archimedes screw.

[0058] Preferably, the pitch of the Archimedes screw increases, depending on the direction of conveyance of the food by said screw.

[0059] According to another preferred embodiment, the core of the screw decreases according to the direction of conveyance of the food by said screw.

[0060] The combination of these two characteristics advantageously makes it possible to increase the quantity of food moved by the screw, while preventing the phenomenon of packing the food between the blades of the screw.

[0061] According to an alternative embodiment, the distribution unit comprises at least one cap, positioned between the storage unit and the Archimedes screw, so as to allow better distribution of the food coming from the distribution unit, on at least part of the Archimedes screw. The term "cap" means an element capable of deflecting the fall of food coming from the distribution unit.

[0062] According to another variant embodiment, the distribution unit comprises 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.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the distribution unit comprises a third cap, positioned between the two caps mentioned above and the Archimedean screw, so as to promote a flow of the food along the longitudinal axis of the Archimedean screw.

[0064] According to another embodiment, the distribution unit comprises a cylindrical element surrounding a distal portion of the Archimedean screw. The Archimedean screw comprises a proximal portion, facing or substantially facing the storage unit, and a distal portion positioned downstream of the proximal portion. The term "downstream" refers to the direction of movement of a food by the Archimedean screw. The distal portion is surrounded by a cylindrical element such as a jacket or a sheath.

[0065] Remarkably, the distribution unit comprises a clearance or an interhopper, adjacent to the cylindrical element, so as to promote easier insertion into the cylindrical element of a food conveyed by the Archimedes screw.

[0066] According to an alternative embodiment, the dispensing unit comprises means for suspending a container, so as to allow a natural flow of the food from the dispensing unit into the container.

[0067] According to an alternative embodiment, the suspension means comprise means for measuring the weight of the container suspended by said means.

[0068] Preferably, the dispensing unit comprises a display screen allowing a consumer to view, in real time, the weight measured by the measuring means.

[0069] According to an alternative embodiment, the display screen makes it possible to view the name of the food flowing from the distribution unit, the price per kilo as well as the price of said food.

[0070] The invention also relates to a flexible container, capable of containing a food in solid and / or liquid form. The flexible container is remarkable in that it comprises adhesion means on at least one of its external faces, and the adhesion means are capable of cooperating with the clamping means of a clamp as described above.

[0071] According to an alternative embodiment, the adhesion means of the flexible container are capable of cooperating with the adhesion means present at the level of the clamping means of a clamp according to the invention.

[0072] According to an alternative embodiment, the flexible container comprises suspension means, making it possible to suspend the flexible container in a storage unit of a food dispenser as described above.

[0073] By way of non-limiting example, the suspension means may designate a passage provided through a tab secured to the flexible container, and / or at least one appendage secured to an outer face of the flexible container. Description of figures

[0074] The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0075] [Fig-1] illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of a clamp according to the invention, in the closed position;

[0076] [Fig.2] illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of a clamp according to the invention, in the open position;

[0077] [Fig.3] illustrates a cross-section of a clamp according to [Fig.2], surrounding a closed flexible container, in which food is present;

[0078] [Fig.4] illustrates a cross-section of a clamp according to [Fig.3], when the clamp is closed in order to isolate a first part of the flexible container from a second part comprising the food;

[0079] [Fig.5] illustrates a cross-section of the clamp holding the flexible container as illustrated by [Fig.4], after making an opening in the first part of the flexible container;

[0080] [Fig.6] illustrates a cross-section of a storage unit according to the invention, comprising a clamp holding a flexible container, as illustrated in [Fig.5];

[0081] [Fig.7] illustrates a cross-section of a storage unit according to the invention, after opening the clamp illustrated in [Fig.6];

[0082] [Fig.8] illustrates a cross-section of a storage unit, comprising a second embodiment of a clamp according to the invention, comprising means of adhesion to the walls of a flexible container;

[0083] [Fig.9] illustrates a longitudinal section of a flexible container according to the invention, comprising adhesion means on its outer faces;

[0084] [Fig. 10] illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of a clamp according to the invention;

[0085] [Fig. 11] illustrates a perspective view of a bulk food dispenser according to the invention;

[0086] [Fig. 12] illustrates a longitudinal section of the distributor represented by [Fig. 11];

[0087] [Fig. 13] illustrates an Archimedes screw forming part of the bulk feed dispenser represented by [Fig. 12]. Detailed description of the invention

[0088] As mentioned above, the invention provides a clamp for confining a food in a part of a flexible container, in order to reduce the risk for an operator of contaminating the food present in the flexible container when it is opened, 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.

[0089] First embodiment of a clamp

[0090] A first embodiment of a clamp 2A according to the invention is illustrated by the attached figures 1 and 2. More precisely, the clamp 2A is shown in the closed position in [Fig.l], then in the open position in [Fig.2].

[0091] The clamp 2A consists of a frame 4 delimiting a passage 6 visible in [Fig.2]. The passage 6 is rectangular in shape.

[0092] The chassis comprises means for reversibly varying the dimensions of this passage 6. To do this, the chassis 4 is composed of two parts 8A and 8B, both in the shape of a “U”. Preferably, these parts are of identical nature, they can be made from a metallic material or from a synthetic polymer.

[0093] 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 figures 1 and 2, an operator can easily bring the larger sides 12 of the chassis together, in order to close the clamp 2A, or else move the larger sides 12 apart to open said clamp.

[0094] The chassis 4 also comprises elastic means, positioned along the short sides 16 of the chassis. The elastic means are connected to the chassis so as to naturally oppose the closing of the clamp 2A. According to the present example, the elastic means are springs shown diagrammatically by the references 14 in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each end of the elastic means is connected, by means of an appendage 18A, to an end 10A of the first part 8A, and to an end 10B of the second part 8B, by means of an appendage 18B.

[0095] The clamp 2A comprises locking means 20 for holding the clamp in the closed position, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. These locking means 20 are reversible, to allow the clamp to be opened as illustrated in [Fig. 2].

[0096] According to the present example, the locking means 20 consist of a latch 22, one end 24 of which is connected to an appendage 18B secured to the second part 8B. The end 24 is held to the appendage 18B so as to allow pivoting of a free end 26 of the latch. The free end 26 of the latch is curved in order to retain the appendage 18A as illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0097] Thus, the latch 22 can be pivoted by an operator or opening means as mentioned below, in order to allow the opening of the clamp.

[0098] The chassis also comprises cavities 28, arranged in its large sides 12, so that the cavities are open on a first face 30 of the chassis. The first face 30 of the chassis is parallel or substantially parallel to the sliding movement of the parts between them. The cavities are intended to cooperate with support means described below.

[0099] Remarkably, the clamp 2A comprises 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 chassis 4. A stop extends from a large side 12 of the chassis, towards an opposite large side.

[0100] As illustrated by [Fig.3], the stops 32 are configured to allow the passage of a flexible container 34, when the clamp is open, then to grip said container when the clamp is closed, as illustrated by [Fig.4].

[0101] When the clamp 2A is closed, the stops 32 then keep two opposite walls 36 of the flexible container in contact. 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 42 present in the flexible container can thus be confined in the second part 40 of the flexible container, as shown in [Fig.4].

[0102] By way of non-limiting examples, the food may be composed of cereals, coffee beans, coffee or chocolate powder, pasta, rice grains, legumes, flour, sugar, snack-type foods, etc.

[0103] Advantageously, an operator can activate the locking means 20 described above, in order to keep the clamp closed. The operator can then make an opening 44 in the first part 38 of the flexible container as illustrated in [Fig.5], without risking being in contact with the food 42 confined in the second part 40 of said container. The clamp 2A according to the invention therefore makes it possible to preserve the food and health quality of the food 42, when the flexible container 34 is opened by an operator.

[0104] Subsequently, the operator can manipulate the flexible container so that its second part 40 is above its first part 38, as illustrated by [Fig.6], without any risk of the food flowing through the opening 44. In other words, in the closed position, the clamp 2A makes it possible to prevent unwanted flow of the food through the opening 44.

[0105] Storage unit for a bulk food dispenser

[0106] The invention also relates to a storage unit 46 for a dispenser of bulk food, illustrated by Figures 6 to 8. The storage unit is parallelepiped in shape. It comprises means for supporting the clamp 2A. According to the present example, the support means consist of lugs 48, capable of sliding along platforms 50 which extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the walls 52 of the storage unit. The lugs 48 are of dimensions complementary to the cavities 28, formed in the first face 30 of the chassis of the clamp, to allow their insertion into said cavities. The support means are thus capable of holding the clamp in the closed position in the storage unit, as illustrated by [Fig.6], but also of allowing it to be opened as illustrated by [Fig.7].

[0107] Preferably, the clamp 2A 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 shown in [Fig.6].

[0108] According to the present embodiment, the storage unit 46 comprises a hook 54, positioned at its upper part. 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 chassis, passing through the center or substantially through the center of the clamp 2A when it is closed.

[0109] To do this, 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 in [Fig.6].

[0110] According to another characteristic of the invention, the storage unit 46 comprises means for joining with the clamp 2A. More precisely, these joining means are configured to limit the passage of an air flow between the clamp 2A and the walls 52 of the storage unit, when the clamp is held by the support means mentioned above.

[0111] Thus, advantageously, when the clamp is open, the food flowing through the opening 44 provided 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 makes it easier to maintain the storage unit, by preventing the phenomenon of food being deposited in the upper part 62 of the storage unit, when the food flows from the flexible container.

[0112] The lower part 60 of the storage unit is between the bottom of the storage unit and the clamp 2A, and the upper part 62 of the storage unit is separated from the lower part by said clamp.

[0113] The joining means may comprise one or more flexible lips 64, for example made from a synthetic material such as silicone. The lips flexible are arranged so as to bear against the edges of the frame of the clamp 2A, when the clamp is closed and open.

[0114] According to an embodiment not shown, the storage unit comprises a door allowing the insertion of a flexible container, provided with a clamp as described above. The storage unit comprises means for opening the clamp, configured to open the clamp after closing the door. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to prevent contact between the food flowing from the flexible container and an operator having placed said container in the storage unit.

[0115] Preferably, the storage unit delimits an enclosed space to better control the environment in which the food is extracted from the flexible container. This embodiment therefore makes it possible to significantly preserve the taste quality as well as the sanitary quality of the food, when it is removed from the flexible container.

[0116] According to an alternative embodiment, between the closing of the door of the storage unit 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.

[0117] Second embodiment of a clamp

[0118] [Fig. 8] shows a second embodiment of a clamp 2B according to the invention, distinguished from the clamp 2A described above in that adhesion means 66 are present at the stops 32. The adhesion means 66 are configured to bond to the walls 36 of the flexible container, when the clamp 2B is opened.

[0119] More specifically, the adhesion means 66 are capable of sticking and / or fixing themselves 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 2B.

[0120] 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. According to the present example, the adhesion means 66 are formed by a self-adhesive strip.

[0121] Advantageously, the adhesion means 66 promote better spacing of the walls 36 of the flexible container, when the clamp 2B 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 therefore allows better flow of food between the first part and the second part of the flexible container.

[0122] 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 2B. In other words, this variant embodiment of the clamp 2B makes it possible to warn of the presence of the food, at the level of the second part 40 of the flexible container 34, when a food is extracted by the first part of said container.

[0123] Once the flexible container has been opened by an operator, at the first part delimited by the clamp 2B, the operator can grasp the flexible container at its second part, then open the clamp to allow the flow of the food outside said container, limiting the risk of contact between his hands and the food. In other words, this second embodiment of the clamp 2B makes it possible to limit the risk of diffusion of a food extracted by an operator from a flexible container, up to the part of the flexible container handled by the operator. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the food is viscous.

[0124] Flexible container

[0125] As illustrated by [Fig.9], the invention also relates to a flexible container 34, capable of containing a food 42 in solid and / or liquid form. The flexible container is remarkable in that it comprises adhesion means 66 on at least one of its external walls, in this case on its opposite walls and substantially at the same height.

[0126] Preferably, the adhesion means are configured to cooperate with the clamping means of a clamp 2B as described above. The adhesion means may be identical or substantially identical for the clamp 2B and the flexible container or may be complementary.

[0127] Preferably, the flexible container 34 comprises suspension means 68, allowing the flexible container to be suspended in a storage unit 46 as described above. In the present case, the suspension means 68 comprise a tab 56 secured to the flexible container. The tab is crossed by a passage 58 intended to allow the insertion of a hook 54 of the storage unit 46 described above.

[0128] Third embodiment of a clamp

[0129] [Fig. 10] illustrates a third embodiment of a clamp 2C according to the invention. The clamp 2C differs from the clamp 2A described above in that the chassis 4 consists of a first frame 70, held opposite a second frame 72. The frames are rectangular in shape and held to each other by a hinge 74, at first short sides 16. The hinge allows the frames to move apart or to move closer together, so that 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 in which is present a food.

[0130] The clamp 2C also comprises 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.

[0131] The clamp 2C also comprises attachment means 76, making it possible to hold the end of a flexible container, close to the hinge 74.

[0132] The clamp 2C comprises a rail 78 extending along its first short sides 16, so as to allow the suspension of the clamp in a storage unit as illustrated by [Fig. 12]. Preferably, the storage unit comprises means complementary to the rail 78, allowing an operator to suspend the clamp 2C in the storage unit. In order to facilitate the attachment of the rail 78 to said complementary means, the complementary means can at least partially extend out of the storage unit.

[0133] Bulk food dispenser comprising a storage unit

[0134] The invention also relates to a bulk food dispenser 80 illustrated by Figures 11 and 12. The dispenser 80 consists of a storage unit 46 as described above, the bottom 82 of which communicates with a dispensing unit 84.

[0135] According to the present example, a 2C clamp is suspended in the storage unit as illustrated in [Fig. 12].

[0136] The locking means 20 of the clamp 2C are configured to cooperate with a handle 86, allowing the closing of a door 88 of the storage unit. More precisely, when the handle 86 is pivoted to close the door 88, the handle releases the locking means 20 so as to allow the opening of the clamp 2C. Thus, advantageously, the food contained in a flexible container held by the clamp 2C 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.

[0137] The food is subsequently moved into the distribution unit 84 via an Archimedean screw 90. The screw comprises a proximal portion 92, facing or substantially facing 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 a food along the Archimedean screw.

[0138] According to the present example, the pitch of the screw 90 increases, depending on the direction of conveyance of the food by said screw.

[0139] According to another characteristic of the invention, the core 96 of the screw decreases according to the direction of conveyance of the food by said screw.

[0140] Advantageously, the combination of these two characteristics allows to increase the volume available for conveying the food, along the screw, depending on the direction of conveying, in order to prevent compression of the food during its transport by said screw.

[0141] The distribution unit comprises at least one cap 98 visible in [Fig. 12], positioned between the storage unit 46 and the screw 90, so as to allow better distribution of the food along the screw. The term "cap" means an element capable of deflecting the fall of food coming from the distribution unit.

[0142] The dispensing unit 84 comprises a cylindrical element or sheath 100 surrounding the distal portion 94 of the screw. Remarkably, the dispensing unit comprises a clearance 102, adjacent to the sheath 100, so as to promote easier insertion of a food conveyed by the screw 90 into said sheath.

[0143] The dispensing unit 84 also comprises means 104 for suspending a container, so as to allow a natural flow of the food from the dispensing unit into the container. The suspension means 104 comprise means 106 for measuring the weight of the container suspended by said means. Thus, advantageously, the quantity of food poured into a container held by the suspension means 104 can be displayed in real time on a display screen 108 integrated into the dispensing unit 84.

Claims

Claims

1. Clamp (2B) for confining a food (42) in a part of a flexible container (34), comprising a frame (4) 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 (2B) is open, the frame (4) comprising clamping means (32) configured to maintain in contact two opposite walls (36) of the flexible container (34), when the clamp (2B) is closed, 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, characterized in that means of adhesion (66) to the walls (36) of the flexible container (34) are present at the clamping means (32), so that the walls (36) of the container are connected to the clamping means (32) during the opening of the clamp (2B).

2. Clamp (2B) according to claim 1, 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).

3. Clamp (2B) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the frame (4) comprises at least one elastic means (14), and in that the elastic means or means are configured to keep the clamp (2B) in the open position when they are in the rest position.

4. Clamp (2B) according to claim 3, characterized in that the frame (4) comprises a locking means (20) of at least one elastic means (14), when the elastic means or means are in the working position.

5. Clamp (2B) according to one of claims 1 to 4, 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).

6. Pliers (2B) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cutting means comprise means for moving a sharp object along the clamping means (32).

7. Clamp (2B) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the frame (4) comprises means (76) for holding the second part (40) of the flexible container (34).

8. Clamp (2B) according to claim 7, characterized in that the holding means (76) are configured to hold the second part (40) of the flexible container (34), in a plane passing between the clamping means (32).

9. 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 that the storage unit (46) comprises means for holding a clamp (2B) according to one of claims 1 to 8, so that the first part (38) of a flexible container (34) delimited by said clamp (2B), is the part closest to the bottom of the storage unit (46).

10. Food dispenser (42) according to claim 9, characterized in that the holding means are able to move, at least in part, outside the storage unit (46), in order to facilitate the attachment of the clamp (2B) to the holding means.

11. Food dispenser (42) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the storage unit (46) comprises joining means (64) with the frame (4) of the clamp (2B), when the clamp (2B) is positioned in the storage unit (46), so as to limit the passage of an air flow between the clamp (2B) and the walls (36) of the storage unit (46).

12. Food dispenser (42) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the storage unit (46) delimits an enclosed space, accessible via a door (88), allowing the insertion into the storage unit (46) of a flexible container (34) provided with a clamp (2B) according to one of claims 1 to 8, and in that the storage unit (46) comprises means for opening the clamp (2B), and in that the opening means are configured to open the clamp (2B) after closing the door (88).

13. Food dispenser (42) according to claim 12, characterized in that the storage unit (46) comprises means (86) for closing the door, and in that the closing means are capable of acting on the means for opening the clamp (2B).

14. Flexible container (34) capable of containing a food (42) in solid and / or liquid form, characterized in that it comprises adhesion means (66) on at least one of its external faces, and in that the adhesion means (66) are capable of cooperating with the clamping means (32) of a clamp (2B) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

15. Flexible container (34) according to claim 14, characterized in that the adhesion means (66) are capable of cooperating with the means adhesion (66) present at the level of the clamping means (32) of a clamp (2B) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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