Apparatus for dispensing at least one bulk food product, and associated system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for dispensing at least one bulk food product, comprising a first part (11) and a second part (12), the first part allowing a first side of a bag to be suspended, the second part comprising a spout (12b) and a clamping mechanism (5) configured to clamp a second side of the bag opposite the first side, the clamping mechanism comprising at least one first blade and at least one second blade, the blades being bendable between a closed position and an open position, in which the blades are configured to keep the second side of the bag closed without any force being applied, and in which the blades are configured to bend away from each other and to release the second side of the bag to dispense the food product through the spout.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing the bulk of at least one food product, as well as to a storing and dispensing system comprising such an apparatus.

[0002] The present invention is particularly relevant in the field of bulk supplying of food products such as, for example but not limited to, dried fruits, nuts, rice, pasta, semolina, seeds, cereals, sugar, confectionery, dried vegetables such as lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, peas, etc. in bulk for bulk supply and sales spaces such as shops, grocery stores, wholesalers etc. [Background technology]

[0003] We know bulk storage and dispensing devices that are mainly used in the field of organic food supply, allowing the metered delivery to the consumer of food products such as, for example, cereals, nuts, dried fruit, rice or pasta.

[0004] Bulk storage and dispensing devices, as known for example from EP 2 294 948 and EP 2 599 406, generally comprise a plastic silo for receiving the product for storage and dispensing, and a spout connected to the silo and actuated by a lever. To receive product from such a device, a consumer places a container, for example a bag, on the spout and moves the lever, causing a movable flap on the spout to pivot so as to release the product it holds, and the product is then poured into the consumer's container.

[0005] Especially in the field of bulk supply of organic produce, such storage and supply equipment needs to be regularly cleaned to ensure hygiene, product traceability and to avoid the risk of product mixing, for example when cleaned equipment is used to fill different food products.

[0006] Cleaning of such equipment is accomplished by removing at least the plastic silo, washing the silo using a cleaning product, and drying the silo. Such cleaning has the drawback of risking contamination of the product the silo may contain through the use of the cleaning product.

[0007] Furthermore, after cleaning, it would be necessary to change the labels of those devices in order to obtain traceability of the food products they contain.

[0008] The prior art can also be shown by US6273297, which proposes a device for dispensing viscous liquids such as food sauces contained in sachets, which implements a clamping mechanism for clamping the tip of the sachets between two clamping parts, one of which is movable in parallel to squeeze and clamp this tip or to move it to one side and release it, releasing the viscous liquid out of the sachets. Although suitable for viscous liquids, this device is however not suitable for bulk food products which contain more or less large pieces that prevent them from being clamped by such clamping parts. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a bulk supply device configured to facilitate refilling and cleaning operations and even to minimize cleaning.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to propose a bulk supply device that is easy to use for portioning or serving, whilst providing optimal hygiene conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To this end, the invention proposes a feeding device for feeding the bulk of at least one food product, comprising a first part and a second part adapted to hold a flexible packaging bag containing at least one food product, the first part adapted to allow a first side of the bag to be suspended, the second part comprising a spout supporting a clamping mechanism and a control mechanism for controlling the clamping mechanism adapted to allow clamping a second side of the bag opposite the first side, the clamping mechanism comprising at least one first blade and at least one second blade that are bendable between a closed position and an open position, in which the blades are adapted to keep the second side of the bag closed without mechanical force being applied by the control mechanism, in which in the open position the blades are bent and thus mechanically forced apart by the control mechanism to release the second side of the bag for the food product to be dispensed through the spout.

[0012] The present invention advantageously allows the use of flexible bags used as silos in the feeding device, and we overcome the constraints associated with cleaning known from the prior art. Furthermore, by using flexible bags as feeding silos, product traceability is maintained and any unwanted contamination is avoided.

[0013] Such a clamping mechanism advantageously enables the device to close and open the second side of the flexible packaging bag (more precisely, the feed opening provided on the second side of the bag) so that the food product(s) contained in the bag can be dispensed or not dispensed without contacting the product(s) contained in the packaging bag.

[0014] In one advantageous embodiment, the clamping mechanism is removably attached to the second part, in particular the spout.

[0015] To place the packaging bag in the device of the invention, the clamping mechanism can thus be removed from the spout of the second part and the blades are moved apart to allow clamping of the second side of the bag intended to dispense the product(s) contained in the bag. The clamping mechanism and the packaging bag are then placed in the device by placing the clamping mechanism in the second part and suspending the first side of the bag from the first part of the device.

[0016] The device according to the invention allows for the monitoring of expiration dates as the packaging bags containing the food product(s) are replaced with new pre-filled packaging bags rather than being replenished.

[0017] It should be noted that this device does not require a cleaning step, thus avoiding the waste of water.

[0018] The second end of the packaging bag can be cut at any time once it has been clamped. Thus, the dispensing opening of the bag can be, for example, in the form of a spout which is cut off once it has been clamped.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, one end of the first blade is connected to one end of the second blade by a pivot connection about the same pivot axis.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the control mechanism is movable in parallel along the second portion, the control mechanism being arranged to releasably receive said pivotal connection of the blade of the clamping mechanism and to allow the blade to pivot about a pivot axis.

[0021] Thus, by moving the control mechanism, it is possible to manipulate the blade.

[0022] According to one variant of the invention, the control mechanism comprises a hinge part ensuring the pivoting of the blade around a pivot axis, the hinge part being integral with at least one rod passing through a second part connected to the lever.

[0023] When the lever is pressed, the hinged portion pushes the blade through a rod that slides within the second portion.

[0024] Advantageously, the hinge part is integral with two rods, each of which is connected to a thrust lever.

[0025] This improves the sliding of the rod along the second portion and thus improves the movement of the blade.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second part comprises a housing having a generally elliptical shape that limits the permitted range of movement of the blades of the clamping mechanism at the height of the blades.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, an end of a first blade, designated the first end, is connected to an end of a second blade by a pivot connection, designated the first pivot connection, about a pivot axis, designated the first pivot axis, and the other end of the first blade, designated the second end, is connected to a second pivot connection, about a second pivot axis, and the other end of the second blade, designated the second end, is connected to another second pivot connection, about another second pivot axis.

[0028] In some cases, the second pivot connection and the further second pivot connection are different, and the second pivot axis is parallel to and spaced apart from the further second pivot axis.

[0029] According to one variant, the second swivel connection and the further second swivel connection overlap on a coaxial second pivot axis or on further second pivot axes.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the second pivot connection of each of the blades is connected to a spacer.

[0031] Thus, to refill the apparatus, for example when the food product contained in the flexible bag has been used up, simply remove the clamping mechanism and separate the spacer which pivots by the second pivot connection and another second pivot connection to remove the second side of the flexible bag secured by the blades and replace it with a new bag pre-filled with the supplied food product by securing the second side of the new bag between the blades before repositioning the clamping mechanism on the second part.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention, the housing of the second portion also has a shape complementary to the spacer such that when the spacer is received in the housing, the spacer forms a fastener configured to fasten the second side of the flexible bag.

[0033] Advantageously, the second portion has two notches that allow the spacer to be grasped with two fingers to remove the clamping mechanism from the housing.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first blade and the second blade have a predetermined curved profile that allows the first blade and the second blade to be spaced apart from one another.

[0035] In other words, each blade has a curved profile that favors bending of the blade in a given direction when its ends are compressed.

[0036] According to one variant of the invention, the blades have opposing faces, each face including at least a portion of a correspondingly arranged deformable barrier layer.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the closed position, the first blade extends in a first longitudinal plane and the second blade extends in a second longitudinal plane, a first end of each blade is provided with a first pivot attachment having a first pivot axis as its axis of rotation, a second end of the first blade is provided with a second pivot attachment having a second pivot axis as its axis of rotation, and a second end of the second blade is provided with a second pivot attachment having a further second pivot axis as its axis of rotation, further, in the closed position, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis of the first blade are separated by the first longitudinal plane and the first pivot axis and the further second pivot axis of the second blade are separated by the second longitudinal plane.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the clamping mechanism comprises a plurality of first blades and a plurality of second blades.

[0039] The use of several different blades is particularly advantageous for confining the bulk food product across the entire height of the clamping mechanism, thus improving the seal regardless of the product that is clamped between the blades.

[0040] In some cases, the first blade extends in a first longitudinal plane in the closed position and the second blade extends in a second longitudinal plane in the closed position, the first and second planes being different.

[0041] According to one variant of the invention, the first blades and the second blades are arranged in a first pivotal connection such that the first blades overlap the second blades.

[0042] Advantageously, the first blades and the second blades are staggered.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second parts are separated from each other by adjustment means, which allows setting the distance between the first and second parts relative to each other.

[0044] According to one variant of the invention, the adjustment means are telescopic.

[0045] According to one variant of the invention, the device comprises a hanging mechanism for suspending the supply device from the display.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first portion is formed by a support bar configured to allow attachment of a first side of a flexible bag.

[0047] Advantageously, the support bar is provided at its end with a label holder.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first portion is formed by a pivoting crown and is configured to allow attachment of a first side of a flexible bag.

[0049] Advantageously, the crown is provided with a label holder at its end.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a structure disposed between a first part and a second part for restraining a flexible packaging bag, the structure comprising a reinforcement configured to tighten the flexible bag and restrain the product(s) contained by the bag toward the spout.

[0051] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a system for storing and supplying the bulk of at least one food product, comprising a device as defined above and a flexible packaging bag as defined above allowing the storage of said product.

[0052] According to the invention, the bag has a first side and a second side at opposite positions, the first side of the bag being suspended on a first part of the device to enable the clamping mechanism to clamp the second side, in particular the feed opening provided on the second side. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0053] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following non-limiting description and the attached drawings which show, in schematic form, some embodiments of the invention, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a general perspective view of a first embodiment of a feeding device according to the invention equipped with a flexible packaging bag, the device comprising a first part and a second part separated by an adjustment means. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the entire dispensing device of FIG. 1 without the flexible packaging bag. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a general perspective view of a second embodiment of a feeding device according to the invention, without the flexible packaging bag. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a second part of the device of FIG. 1 or FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a clamping mechanism arranged to be received in a second part of the device according to the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a clamping mechanism adapted to be received in a second part of the device according to the invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a clamping mechanism according to a second embodiment in a closed position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a plurality of first blades and a second blade according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a top view of the clamping mechanism according to the second embodiment in the open position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a top view of a clamping mechanism according to a second embodiment in a deployed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] In FIG. 1 a first mode of a bulk feeder 1 is represented, comprising a flexible packaging bag 2 containing one or more food products.

[0055] The device 1 comprises a first part 11 and a second part 12 configured for holding a flexible packaging bag 2 for containing the food product(s).

[0056] The first part 11 and the second part 12 are separated from each other by an adjustment means 3 which allows the distance between the first part 11 and the second part 12 relative to each other to be set depending on the dimensions of the packaging bag 2 that the device 1 is to receive.

[0057] According to this first embodiment, the first part 11 is formed by a crown 11' pivotally mounted relative to the mechanism 4 for hanging the device 1 for display. The crown 11' comprises two longitudinal elements 11'a, 11'b intended to surround a first side 2a of the flexible bag 2 which it accommodates. Furthermore, the crown 11' is provided to allow attachment of the first side 2a of the flexible bag 2, for example using a fastener fixed both to the flexible bag 2 and to one of the longitudinal elements 11'a, 11'b, in order to suspend the bag 2.

[0058] The longitudinal elements 11'a, 11'b are connected to each other by a label holder 11'c provided to display information about the product(s) contained in the flexible packaging bag 2.

[0059] As shown, the second portion 12 comprises a body 12a that removably receives the clamping mechanism 5 and further comprises a spout 12b that guides the outflow of the product(s) contained in the packaging bag 2.

[0060] The clamping mechanism 5 of the second part 12 is provided for clamping the second side 2b of the packaging bag 2 located opposite the first side 2a suspended from the first part 11, more specifically, for clamping a supply opening provided on this second side.

[0061] In any example, the clamping mechanism 5 comprises at least one first blade 51 and at least one second blade 52 that are bendable to assume a closed position and an open position. In the closed position (shown in Figures 6 and 7), no mechanical force is applied to the blades 51, 52, allowing the second side 2b of the packaging bag 2 to remain closed. In the open position (shown in Figure 9), a mechanical force is applied to the blades 51, 52, causing them to bend and thus move away from each other, allowing the second side 2b of the bag 2 to be released for dispensing the food product(s) contained in the packaging bag 2 through the spout 12b.

[0062] The feeding device 1 advantageously allows for easy refilling of the device 1 by replacing an empty packaging bag 2 with another filled packaging bag 2. Furthermore, clamping the second side 2b of the packaging bag 2 ensures that the device 1 does not come into contact with the product contained in the packaging bag 2. This saves us from cleaning.

[0063] 4, there is shown the body 12a of the second part 12 of the device 1. The body 12a comprises a housing 13 into which the clamping mechanism 5 can be inserted in a removable manner, i.e., unconstrained and movable in at least one direction.

[0064] The housing 13 of the main body 12a has a substantially elliptical shape 12a1 at the height of the blades 51, 52 in order to make it possible to limit the spacing between the blades 51, 52 of the clamping mechanism 5. Such a shape thus allows the mobility of the blades 51, 52 between the open and closed positions of the clamping mechanism 5. Thus, such a shape allows the blades 51, 52 to take the open and closed positions of the clamping mechanism 5.

[0065] The generally elliptical shape 12a1 of the body 12a of the second portion 12 is combined with the spout 12b to allow for the delivery of the product(s) contained in the packaging bag 2 when the blades 51, 52 are separated.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a first embodiment of a clamping mechanism 5 of the present invention.

[0067] The clamping mechanism 5 shown here comprises only two blades 51, 52 hinged to each other at their respective first ends 511, 521 by means of a first pivot connection L1 about the same first pivot axis A1, which is here formed by complementary pivot attachments 513, 523.

[0068] The other end 512 of the first blade 51, referred to as the second end 512, has a second pivot connection L2 about a second pivot axis A2, and the other end 522 of the second blade 52, referred to as the second end 522, has another second pivot connection L20 about another second pivot axis A20 parallel to the second pivot axis A2.

[0069] The second pivotal connections L2, L20 of each of the blades 51, 52 are connected to spacers 5c, 5d which, on the one hand, enable separation of the blades 51, 52 when the clamping mechanism 5 is removed from the housing 13 of the main body 12a, and, on the other hand, enable the blades 51, 52 to be placed in a closed position when the clamping mechanism 5 is mounted within this housing 13.

[0070] In addition to the generally elliptical shape 12a1, the housing 13 of the main body 12a has a shape 12a2 complementary to the spacers 5c, 5d such that when the spacers 5c, 5d are received in the housing 13, the spacers 5c, 5d form a fastener configured to fasten a portion of the second side 2b of the flexible bag 2.

[0071] When the clamping mechanism 5 is mounted in the housing 13, the spacers 5c, 5d ensure continuous clamping of a portion of the second side 2b of the bag 2, while the first blade 51 and the second blade 52 ensure intermittent clamping of this second side 2b at the supply opening so as to temporarily release the product(s) contained in the bag 2 when a force is applied to the blades 51, 52.

[0072] When the clamping mechanism 5 is outside the housing 13, it can be deployed by pivoting about the first pivot connection L1 as shown in Figure 10. This makes it easy to attach the clamping mechanism 5 every time a bag is changed.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5, the first blade 51 and the second blade 52 may have a predetermined curved profile that favors bending of the blades 51, 52 in a predetermined direction when their ends 51, 52 are pressed together.

[0074] It should be understood that such a curved contour clamps both the second side 2b of the packaging bag 2 and the product(s) at the height of the second side 2b, thereby preventing the product(s) contained in the packaging bag 2 from falling out.

[0075] The opposing inner surfaces 510, 520 of the blades 51, 52 respectively show deformable insulating layers arranged to correspond to each other.

[0076] The deformable barrier layer thus positioned prevents the risk of the flexible packaging bag 2 breaking at the level of the second side 2b by avoiding direct contact of the blades 51, 52 with the packaging bag 2.

[0077] Furthermore, the deformable barrier layer can improve the sealing of the packaging bag 2 .

[0078] 1-3, a control mechanism 6 for blades 51, 52 is shown.

[0079] The control mechanism 6 comprises a lever 6a connected to a hinge portion 6b via at least one rod 6c passing through the body 12a of the second portion 12.

[0080] The hinge portion 6b is configured to receive in a detachable manner (here by simply supporting) the first pivot connection L1 of the blades 51, 52 of the clamping mechanism 5 and enable the blades 51, 52 to pivot about the first pivot axis A1.

[0081] Therefore, the blades 51 and 52 can be operated by moving the lever 6a.

[0082] When the lever 6a is pressed, the hinged portion 6b presses against the blades 51, 52 via the rod 6c sliding inside the body 12a, and the blades 51, 52 are forced to deform, thus allowing them to change from their closed position to their open position. The second side 2b of the bag 2 is then released and the product(s) contained in the bag 2 can flow out through the spout 12b.

[0083] When the lever 6a is released, the unforced blades 51, 52 naturally return to their initial position corresponding to their closed position, thus retaining the product(s) in the packaging bag 2.

[0084] According to the variant of the clamping mechanism 5 shown in FIG. 8, one or more first blades 51 extend in a first longitudinal plane P1 in the closed position (unbent configuration), one or more second blades 52 extend in a second plane P2 in the closed position (unbent configuration), a first end 511, 521 of each blade 51, 52 is provided with a first pivot attachment 513, 523 having a first pivot axis A1 as an axis of rotation, and a second end 512, 522 of each blade 51, 52 is provided with a first pivot attachment 513, 523 having a first pivot axis A1 as an axis of rotation, and The rotary attachment 514, 524 has a second pivot axis A2 (for the upper first blade 51) or a different second pivot axis A20 (for one or more second blades 52), and the first pivot axis A1 and the second pivot axis A2 of the one or more first blades 51 are separated by a first longitudinal plane P1 which includes the first blade 51 in the closed position, and the first pivot axis A1 and the different second pivot axis A20 of the one or more second blades 52 are separated by a second longitudinal plane P2 which includes the second blade 52 in the closed position.

[0085] The arrangement of the first pivot axis A1 and the second pivot axis A2 with respect to the first longitudinal plane P1 and the arrangement of the first pivot axis A1 and the second pivot axis A20 with respect to the second longitudinal plane P2 advantageously makes it possible to orient the bending deformation of the blade 51, 52 in question when its ends 511, 512, 521, 522 are restrained.

[0086] According to a second embodiment of the clamping mechanism 5 shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second embodiment comprises a plurality of first blades 51 and a plurality of second blades 52 manufactured according to the variant of the clamping mechanism 5 of Figure 6. Here, the first blades 51 extend in a first longitudinal plane P1 in the closed position, and the second blades 52 extend in a second longitudinal plane P2 in the closed position, the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 intersecting differently.

[0087] In the configuration shown in Figures 7 and 8, the multiple first blades 51 and the multiple second blades 52 are arranged such that the first blades 51 overlap the second blades 52 at the height of the first pivot connection L1.

[0088] Furthermore, the multiple first blades 51 and the multiple second blades 52 are attached symmetrically with respect to a main plane PP separating them.

[0089] In figure 3 another variant of the invention is shown, in which the first part 11 is formed by a support bar 11'' configured to allow attachment of the first side 2a of the flexible bag 2, for example using pliers which grip the bar 11'' and the first side 2a of the packaging bag 2. Furthermore, this support bar 11'' is provided at its end with a label holder 11''c which allows displaying information about the product(s) contained in the flexible packaging bag 2.

[0090] It should also be noted that the body 12a of the second portion 12 has two notches 12c that allow the spacers 5c, 5d to be grasped with two fingers to remove the clamping mechanism 5 from the housing 13.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the adjustment means 3 comprises a telescopic rod 3 a slidably mounted relative to the body 12 a of the second portion 12 .

[0092] The hanging mechanism 4 comprises a fixing lug 4a from which extends a hanging pin 4b for suspending the dispensing device 1 from a display.

[0093] This hooking mechanism 4 is advantageously adjustably mounted at the position of the telescopic rod 3a.

[0094] 2, the device 1 of FIG. 1 does not include a packaging bag 2 as shown in FIG. 1 in order to better show the structure 7 for restraining the flexible packaging bag 2.

[0095] The restraining structure 7, disposed between the first portion 11 and the second portion 12, is configured to tighten the flexible bag 2 and comprises longitudinal stiffeners 7a, 7b configured to restrain the product contained by the bag 2 towards the spout 12b.

[0096] These longitudinal reinforcements 7a, 7b are fixed to the second part 12 and extend with their free ends 7a'', 7b'' to the first part 11 where they engage in notches 11'd of the crown 11' of the first part 11. Such an arrangement advantageously ensures a stable maintenance of the crown 11'.

[0097] The longitudinal reinforcements 7a, 7b have compression portions 7a'', 7b'' of the flexible packaging bag 2 at the height of the spacers 5c, 5d for restraining the product(s) contained in the packaging bag 2 towards the spout 12b.

[0098] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the described examples, and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the individual features, forms, modifications, and embodiments of the invention can be associated with one another in various combinations, to the extent that they are not mutually incompatible or exclusive. In particular, all the modifications and embodiments described above can be combined with one another.

Claims

1. A feeding device (1) for feeding a bulk of at least one food product, comprising: The feeding device (1) comprises a first part (11) and a second part (12) configured to hold a flexible packaging bag (2) containing the at least one food product, the first part (11) is adapted to allow the first side (2a) of the bag (2) to be suspended; The second part (12) comprises a spout (12b) for supporting a clamping mechanism (5) and a control mechanism (6) for controlling the clamping mechanism (5); the clamping mechanism (5) is configured to enable clamping of a second side (2b) of the bag (2), located opposite the first side (2a); The clamping mechanism (5) includes at least one first blade (51) and at least one second blade (52) that are bendable between a closed position and an open position; in the closed position, the first and second blades (51, 52) are configured to keep the second side (2b) of the bag (2) closed without the application of mechanical force by the control mechanism (6); In the open position, the first blade (51, 52) is mechanically forced by the control mechanism (6) to bend and deform, and thus move away from each other, to release the second side (2b) of the bag (2) for dispensing the food product through the spout (12b). Feeding device (1).

2. one end (511) of said first blade (51) is connected to an end (521) of said second blade (52) by a pivot connection (L1) about the same pivot axis (A1); A supplying device (1) according to claim 1.

3. said first blade (51) has an end (511) called first end (511) connected to an end (521) of said second blade (52) by said pivot connection (L1) called first pivot connection (L1) about said pivot axis (A1) called first pivot axis (A1), The other end (512) of said first blade (51), called the second end (512), is connected to a second pivot connection (L2) about a second pivot axis (A2), the other end (522) of said second blade (52), called the second end (522), is connected to another second pivot connection (L20) about another second pivot axis (A20); A supplying device (1) according to claim 2.

4. The second pivotal connection (L2, L20) of each of the first and second blades (51, 52) is connected to a spacer (5c, 5d). A supplying device (1) according to claim 3.

5. The control mechanism (6) is movable in parallel along the second portion (12); said control mechanism (6) is configured to detachably receive said pivot connection (L1), called first pivot connection (L1), of the blades (51, 52) of said clamping mechanism (5) to enable said blades (51, 52) to pivot about said pivot axis (A1), called first pivot axis; A supplying device (1) according to claim 2.

6. the control mechanism (6) comprises a hinge portion (6b) that ensures that the first blade and the second blade (51, 52) pivot about the pivot axis (A1), which is the first pivot axis (A1); the hinge portion (6b) is fixed to at least one rod (6c) passing through the second portion (12) so as to be connected to the lever (6a); A supplying device (1) according to claim 5.

7. the second part (12) comprises a housing (13) having a substantially elliptical shape (12a1) that limits the permitted range of movement of the first blade and the second blade (51, 52) of the clamping mechanism (5) at the height of the first blade and the second blade (51, 52); A supplying device (1) according to claim 1.

8. the housing (13) of the second portion (12) further has a shape (12a2) complementary to the spacers (5c, 5d) such that, when the spacers (5c, 5d) are received in the housing (13), the spacers (5c, 5d) form a fastener configured to fasten a portion of the second side (2b) of the flexible bag (2); A supplying device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. the first blade (51) and the second blade (52) have a predetermined curved profile that allows the first blade (51) and the second blade (52) to be spaced apart from each other; A supplying device (1) according to claim 1.

10. In the closed position, the first blade (51) extends in a first longitudinal plane (P1) and the second blade (52) extends in a second longitudinal plane (P2); the first end (511, 521) of each blade (51, 52) is provided with a first pivot attachment (513, 523) having the first pivot axis (A1) as an axis of rotation; the second end (512) of the first blade (51) is provided with a second pivot attachment (514) having the second pivot axis (A2) as an axis of rotation; the second end (522) of the second blade (52) is provided with a second further pivot attachment (524) having the second further pivot axis (A20) as its axis of rotation; in the closed position, the first pivot axis (A1) and the second pivot axis (A2) of the first blade (51) are separated by the first longitudinal plane (P1), and the first pivot axis (A1) and the further second pivot axis (A20) of the second blade (52) are separated by the second longitudinal plane (P2); A supplying device (1) according to claim 3.

11. The clamping mechanism (5) includes a plurality of first blades (51) and a plurality of second blades (52). A supplying device (1) according to claim 1.

12. said first blade (51) extends in said closed position in a first longitudinal plane (P1); the second blade (5a2) extends in the closed position in a second longitudinal plane (P2); The first longitudinal plane (P1) and the second longitudinal plane (P2) are different, A supplying device (1) according to claim 11.

13. said first part (11) and said second part (12) being separated from each other by an adjustment means (3); A supplying device (1) according to claim 1.

14. The feeding device (1) comprises a structure (7) arranged between the first part (11) and the second part (12) for restraining the flexible packaging bag, the structure comprises stiffeners (7a, 7b) configured to fasten the flexible bag (2) and to restrain the product(s) contained in the bag (2) towards the spout (12b); A supplying device (1) according to claim 1.

15. 1. A system for storing and dispensing bulk of at least one food product, comprising: The device (1) comprises a supply device according to claim 1, A flexible packaging bag (2) for containing at least one food product, The bag (2) has a first side (2a) and a second side (2b) located opposite each other, a first side (2a) of the bag (2) is suspended from a first part (11) of the feeding device (1) to enable the clamping mechanism (5) to clamp the second side (2b); system.

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