Bulk Dispenser

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bulk dispenser 1 for dispensing fluent products, such as food products, in particular coffee beans. The bulk dispenser comprises a receiving socket 10 having a receiving area 11 for receiving at least a bottom portion 161 of a package 160 containing the fluent product, a cutting element 20 having a cutting blade 21 for cutting the bottom portion, and a cutting actuator 40, 60 for actuating the cutting element to move the cutting blade along a defined trajectory along a perforation direction between a retracted position in which the cutting blade is retracted from the receiving area and an extended position in which the cutting blade protrudes into the receiving area so as to enter the bottom portion when the package is received in the receiving area, and with the cutting blade in the extended position or moving towards the extended position, to cut a bottom opening 162 in the bottom portion when the package is received in the receiving socket.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to bulk dispensers, and in particular to bulk dispensers for dispensing bulk ingredients such as food products, e.g., coffee beans. [Background technology]

[0002] The bulk material may be provided in large quantities, but the user may wish to use only a small amount or a portion of the material for the intended use, which may be consumption or a process, such as, for example, roasting coffee beans and / or grinding roasted coffee beans. The bulk material may be provided in a device that requires occasional replenishment.

[0003] When a user removes a desired amount of bulk material, the remaining unused bulk material may deteriorate due to exposure to environmental factors such as moisture, which may adversely affect the shelf life of the bulk material.

[0004] Furthermore, removing the desired amount of bulk material may not be very hygienic, which means, for example, that pathogens (viruses, bacteria, etc.) may contaminate the remaining bulk material, thereby adversely affecting the quality of the bulk material.

[0005] Additionally, bulk materials may be unsafe to handle, which may be due to the (high) weight of the total amount of bulk material, or to removing (e.g., with scissors or a knife) part of the package enclosing the bulk material in order to obtain the desired amount of bulk material for subsequent use.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide bulk materials in an easier way, and in particular in a more hygienic, safer and cleaner way.

[0007] These and other objects that will become apparent on reading the following description are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a bulk dispenser comprising: a receiving socket having a receiving area for receiving at least a bottom portion of a package containing a fluent product; a cutting element having a cutting blade for cutting the bottom portion; and a cutting actuator for actuating the cutting element to move the cutting blade along a predetermined trajectory between a) a retracted position in which the cutting blade retracts from the receiving area and an extended position in which the cutting blade protrudes into the receiving area so as to enter the bottom portion when the package is received in the receiving area, along a perforation direction, and b) when the cutting blade is in or moving towards the extended position, to cut a bottom opening (e.g., a hole) in the bottom portion when received in the receiving socket. The bulk dispenser further comprises a locking element for locking the package in the receiving socket at least in a direction parallel to the perforation direction, a dispensing opening for allowing the fluent product to flow by gravity from the package through a bottom opening cut in the bottom section, and a dispenser element for controlling the flow of the fluent product out of the bulk dispenser through the dispensing opening.

[0009] Bulk dispensers therefore make it possible to dispense a desired amount of bulk material (for example a food product such as coffee beans) from a package in a very easy way, offering in particular the following advantages:

[0010] There is no need for the user to use a specialized tool, such as a knife or scissors, to provide access to the bulk material contained within the package. Instead, the cutting element is integrated into the bulk dispenser, thereby significantly reducing user exposure to the cutting element and making dispensing of the bulk material safer.

[0011] This bulk dispenser allows safe reception of packages containing bulk materials. On the one hand, this allows the bulk dispenser to at least reduce access to the interior of the package through the bottom opening, thereby, in particular, reducing exposure of the bulk materials contained in the package to the bulk dispenser's environment. This, in particular, reduces the entry of undesirable substances (moisture, pathogens, etc.) into the package. The bulk dispenser therefore also prevents accelerated deterioration of the bulk materials. This means, in particular, that the shelf life of the product contained in the package can be extended. On the other hand, by securely locking the package into the receiving socket, the risk of the package, which may be heavy due to the large amount of materials contained therein, accidentally falling out of the bulk dispenser is significantly reduced.

[0012] A bulk dispenser also makes it possible to dispense with any container for filling the bulk material from a package and then dispensing from that (storage) container. In other words, a bulk dispenser makes it possible to omit intermediate or transfer containers. Rather, a bulk dispenser dispenses the bulk material directly from the package, thereby avoiding the refill step from the package to the (intermediate or storage) container.

[0013] The design of a bulk dispenser offers the advantage of being simple and cost-effective. For example, a bulk dispenser allows all components required to dispense the bulk material to be mechanical, i.e., non-electrical. Therefore, the bulk dispenser can be operated in a very reliable manner. In addition, the bulk dispenser's interaction with the package reduces the number of parts of the bulk dispenser that come into direct contact with the bulk material, which means that the bulk dispenser is easier to clean and reduces the risk of bulk material contamination (e.g., cross-contamination with previously used bulk material). In particular, the mechanical perforation of the package (e.g., flexible) provided by the cutting blade may be performed in a way that limits contact with the product (e.g., food product). Furthermore, the cutting blade's configuration is such that it can easily cut through different materials, such as sturdy flexible materials, especially without the use of electricity.

[0014] The dispensing opening may be surrounded by the track of the cutting element and / or cutting blade. For example, in a top view of the dispensing opening (e.g., when viewed along an axis extending through the dispensing opening), the track of the cutting element and / or cutting blade may (at least partially) surround the dispensing opening. Therefore, the bulk dispenser can be made very compact in size.

[0015] The trajectory (e.g., when viewed in a top view of the receiving socket, e.g., along a direction parallel to an axis perpendicular to the receiving area, e.g., perpendicular to the bottom of the receiving area) may follow a two-dimensional or non-linear path, i.e., a path that deviates from a straight line. In other words, the trajectory of the cutting blade may be such that a flap can be provided in the bottom portion of the package. This offers the advantage that a portion of the packaging material delimited by the cut so made in the bottom portion of the package can be moved while remaining connected to the remainder of the packaging material (e.g., in the form of a flap), thereby, in particular, resulting in a larger bottom opening, in particular a bottom opening that is larger than an opening obtained by a cut that is only linear. Furthermore, a trajectory that follows a two-dimensional or non-linear path may result in no portion of the package being separated from the rest of the package.

[0016] When used with a package containing a fluent product, the force of weight exerted by the fluent product acting against a portion of the package demarcated by a cut, such as a flap, can cause this portion to move, exposing a bottom opening (previously covered by that portion or flap). Bulk material can then easily move through the bottom opening to or into the dispensing opening.

[0017] The trajectory preferably follows a segment of a circle (e.g., in a top view of the receiving socket). In other words, the trajectory can cut a flap in the bottom part of the package, this flap having a contour in the form of a segment of a circle. In particular, the trajectory may follow a segment of a circle (e.g., in a top view of the receiving socket) with an angle α<360°, preferably α<355°, more preferably 345°<α<355°. The angle may be adjustable by an (angular) adjustment element (or mechanism), which may be adjustable in terms of the projection length and / or may comprise a thread, such as a screw.

[0018] The bulk dispenser may include a stop mechanism configured to limit the movement of the cutting blade so that the cutting blade moves only along a defined trajectory (and no further movement). For example, the stop mechanism may include a stop configured to be located in the path of a structure (e.g., a movable part) that is fixedly connected to the cutting blade and therefore moves with the cutting blade.

[0019] The cutting actuator may be configured to actuate the cutting element in a compound motion, preferably in a screw motion or in a helical motion, so as to move the cutting blade at least partially simultaneously in the drilling direction and along the trajectory. To provide the compound motion, the cutting actuator in one embodiment may comprise a screw thread and a corresponding part threaded onto the screw thread, which holds the cutting blade or is connected to the cutting blade in any other way (directly or indirectly).

[0020] Alternatively, the cutting actuator may be configured to actuate the cutting element to move the cutting blade first along the drilling direction and then along the trajectory (i.e., not simultaneously with moving along the drilling direction).

[0021] The trajectory may lie in a plane, with the drilling direction extending transversely (ie, e.g., perpendicular to, rather than parallel to) the plane.

[0022] The cutting actuator may comprise a perforating actuator for actuating the cutting element to move the cutting blade along the perforation direction, and a rotary actuator (or track actuator) for actuating the cutting element to move the cutting blade along the track. This offers the advantage that operation of the bulk dispenser is very easy and intuitive, in particular because the perforating and cutting steps can be performed in different (e.g. consecutive) steps using different actuators, in particular a perforating actuator and a rotary actuator, respectively.

[0023] The drilling actuator may include a drilling handle for performing a translational drilling actuation movement and a conversion element for converting the translational drilling actuation movement into a translational drilling movement that allows the cutting blade to move along the drilling direction. The translational drilling actuation movement may be parallel to the drilling actuation direction, such as a horizontal direction. The translational drilling movement is parallel to the drilling direction, which may extend transversely (particularly perpendicularly) to the drilling actuation direction. The drilling direction may be vertical. The drilling actuator may include a pin actuator arranged between the drilling handle and the cutting element. The pin actuator may provide a link between the drilling handle and the cutting element. At least a part of the pin actuator may be located in the path of a part fixedly connected to the cutting handle, which part is preferably the conversion element.

[0024] The conversion element may include an inclined portion (e.g., an inclined surface) configured to convert the translational drilling actuation motion into a translational drilling motion. The inclined portion may be inclined with respect to a drilling actuation direction to which the translational drilling actuation motion is parallel. The conversion element may include a groove including the inclined portion.

[0025] The pin actuator may be configured such that at least a portion of the pin actuator (e.g., a pin) can slide along the inclined portion of the conversion element (e.g., upward along the inclined portion), thereby moving the cutting blade along the drilling direction. The pin actuator may be directly or indirectly connected to the conversion element via one end and directly or indirectly connected to the cutting blade or the cutting element via the other end. The pin actuator may be configured to lift the cutting blade. In particular, the pin actuator may be configured to be located midway along the path of the conversion element, in particular the inclined portion. For example, when an inclined portion extending obliquely to the drilling actuation direction moves along the drilling actuation direction, the pin actuator comes into contact with the inclined portion and then moves or slides upward along the inclined portion, thereby moving the cutting blade along the drilling direction.

[0026] The rotary actuator may include a cutting handle for performing a translational cutting actuation motion and a conversion element for converting the translational cutting actuation motion into a cutting motion that allows the cutting blade to move along a track. The conversion element may include a gear arrangement disposed between the cutting handle and the cutting element. The gear arrangement may include one or more gear wheels (pinions) and / or one or more linear elements (e.g., linear elements that can mesh with one or more gear wheels), such as one or more gear racks. In one embodiment, the gear arrangement includes a gear wheel that meshes with a gear rack. This allows the linear translational cutting actuation motion to be very easily converted into a cutting motion, such as a rotational cutting motion. Furthermore, the gear arrangement provides the advantage that the bottom portion can be cut by the cutting blade using only a small actuation force.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the conversion element may include a rope actuation mechanism disposed between the cutting handle and the cutting element. The rope actuation mechanism may include at least a rope (e.g., a cable) and a spring. The spring may be configured such that, when loaded, the spring biases the cutting blade to move at least partially opposite to the trajectory along which the cutting blade moves to cut the bottom opening in the bottom portion. In particular, the spring may be configured in such a way that, when loaded, the spring biases the cutting blade to its original or initial position. The spring may be a helical spring and / or may be disposed on the cutting element, for example, in a groove in the cutting element. The spring may be directly or indirectly connected to the cutting blade and / or to a portion that does not move, i.e., is stationary, as the cutting blade moves along the trajectory.

[0028] The bulk dispenser may further comprise a blade protection element, which preferably covers the cutting blade at least towards the receiving area in the retracted position. This can ensure that a user of the bulk dispenser does not accidentally come into contact with the sharp cutting blade (e.g., with a hand or fingers), particularly during package change, i.e., while removing a package from the receiving socket and placing a new package in the receiving socket. Thus, the blade protection element at least partially conceals the cutting blade during package change. In particular, the blade protection element can house and / or surround at least a part of the cutting blade, e.g., at least a sharp edge of the cutting blade, e.g., a blade that is sharper than the other edges of the cutting blade (i.e., blade).

[0029] The blade protection element can be configured to prevent a user of the bulk dispenser from cutting themselves when the perforation actuator is actuated, for example during movement of the perforation handle between a retracted position and an extended position, or during opening or closing of a drawer included in the perforation actuator. In particular, the blade protection element can be configured to move when the perforation handle is moved to the retracted position or when the drawer is closed, to allow the cutting blade to cut the package.

[0030] The blade protection element may be configured to operate with a cutting actuator, preferably a piercing actuator, to expose the blade when moved from the retracted position to the extended position. This provides a very safe method for operating the bulk dispenser, particularly since the user of the main dispenser does not need to activate a dedicated actuator for the blade protection element. Furthermore, it avoids accidentally exposing (i.e., leaving) the cutting blade uncovered by the blade protection element, particularly when the cutting blade is not in use.

[0031] The blade protection element may be configured to be integrally formed with the cutting actuator, preferably the drilling actuator, which in particular simplifies the construction and manufacture of the blade protection element.

[0032] The locking element may include a structural fixing element protruding into the receiving area for locking the package in at least a direction parallel to the drilling direction when received in the receiving socket. Thus, the package can be received in the receiving socket very securely. The structural fixing element may be configured to cooperate (e.g., be inserted into) a corresponding structure (e.g., a recess, a protrusion, a plate, etc.) on the package.

[0033] The structural fastening elements may protrude into the receiving area from opposite sides of the receiving area. Thus, the package may be received in the receiving socket with high reliability. Additionally or alternatively, the structural fastening elements may include a pin protruding into the receiving area and / or multiple rails, each rail defining a groove with the receiving socket. The multiple grooves may be open toward each other to receive the receiving section of the package therebetween.

[0034] The bulk dispenser may further comprise a locking actuator including at least a portion of the structural locking element, the locking actuator configured to actuate at least a portion of the structural locking element to selectively enter the receiving area. Preferably, the locking actuator is configured to actuate or move at least a portion of the structural locking element between a locked position in which at least a portion of the structural locking element protrudes into the receiving area and a released position in which at least a portion of the structural locking element releases the receiving area to allow a package to be received in the receiving socket.

[0035] The locking actuator may be integral with the cutting actuator, and preferably, when present, with the drilling actuator. For example, the drilling handle of the drilling actuator may have an actuation side by which the drilling actuator can be actuated, and a back side (such as a locking side or a fixing side) preferably facing away from the actuation side, which back side includes at least a portion of the structural locking element.

[0036] The cutting element may comprise a ring or cylinder element having a longitudinal axis. The cutting blade is preferably provided on an axial face of the ring or cylinder element, and the cutting element (particularly the ring or cylinder element) is movable about its axis or longitudinal axis so as to move the cutting blade along a track, and preferably the ring or cylinder element at least partially defines the feed opening. Thus, the bulk dispenser can be made very compact. In particular, the ring or cylinder may have a wall that defines at least a portion of the feed opening, and this wall may have a recess (such as a receiver) in which the cutting blade is received. The ring or cylinder element may be designed as a holder that holds at least the cutting blade. Thus, the ring or cylinder element may be a blade (or cutting blade) holder.

[0037] The dispenser element may include a flexible supply tube (such as a silicone tube) extending from the supply opening to allow the fluent product to be dispensed from the bulk dispenser, and a pinch valve mechanism for selectively pinching the flexible supply tube to control, preferably stop and / or regulate, the flow of the fluent product. Thus, the flow of the fluent product can be very easily controlled with a simple structure. Furthermore, the flexibility of the supply tube can provide an advantageous seal to prevent undesirable substances (such as moisture) from entering the interior of the package through the supply opening and the bottom opening.

[0038] The dispenser element may include a dispenser handle. By pulling the dispenser handle, a pinch valve mechanism allows the tube to open, thereby allowing product to flow through the tube and out of the bulk dispenser. The dispenser element may include one or more springs configured to prevent the tube from remaining open when the dispenser handle is not manipulated, for example, if the dispenser handle (or trigger) is dropped. In other words, the one or more springs may be configured to bias the tube into a closed position in which the tube preferably forms a seal.

[0039] The cutting actuator may be configured to manually actuate the cutting element. The drilling actuator, if present, may be configured to manually actuate the cutting element. The rotation actuator, if present, may be configured to manually actuate the cutting element. The locking actuator, if present, may be configured to manually actuate at least a portion of the structural locking element.

[0040] In one embodiment, the bulk dispenser may be devoid of any electrical elements and / or components. In one embodiment, the bulk dispenser may use only mechanical components for moving the cutting element along the perforation direction, moving the cutting element along a defined trajectory, locking the package in the receiving socket with the locking element, and dispensing a controlled flow of fluent product from the dispenser through the dispensing opening with the dispenser element. In one embodiment, the bulk dispenser consists of mechanical components.

[0041] The cutting actuator, preferably the piercing actuator and, if present, the rotation actuator, and the dispenser element may be configured to be actuatable from the same side of the bulk dispenser, preferably manually actuatable, and / or to be able to protrude or enter the same area, e.g., a user area where a user operates the bulk dispenser. In this way, a very easily operable bulk dispenser is provided. In particular, each of the piercing actuator, the rotation actuator, and the dispenser element may be configured to be actuatable along (or about) directions, which are parallel to one another.

[0042] The bulk dispenser may be based on a three-step mechanism. In a first step, a vertical movement actuated by a trigger (which may be part of a perforation actuator) results in or aims to perforate the bottom portion (e.g., membrane) of the package. Once the package is perforated, in a second step, a second trigger (which may be part of a rotary actuator) is actuated (e.g., by a user, such as a store clerk) to cut the package, e.g., the bottom portion, to a desired length, i.e., along a defined trajectory. In a third step, a third trigger (which may be part of a dispenser element) is actuated (e.g., by a user or a further user, such as a consumer) to dispense product from the bulk dispenser, e.g., into a container, e.g., a container located below the bulk dispenser. For example, opening a pinch to allow the product to flow.

[0043] The cutting element may comprise a holder (e.g., a blade holder) for holding at least a cutting blade, which is preferably fixedly connected to the holder. The holder may be configured to be movable so that by moving the holder (e.g., along and / or about its axis), the cutting blade can be moved in the drilling direction (in particular up and down) and / or along a defined trajectory. The holder may be a ring or cylinder element. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] Further features, details and advantages of the invention are explained below, particularly in connection with the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a bulk dispenser according to the present invention; [Figure 2A] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 2B] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a cutting blade of the bulk dispenser shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 4A] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 4B] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 5] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the bulk dispenser shown in FIG. 1 with the bottom of the bulk dispenser partially removed and the cutting blade retracted from the receiving area. [Figure 6] 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the bulk dispenser shown in FIG. 5, with the cutting blade in an extended position where the cutting blade protrudes into the receiving area. [Figure 7] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 8] 8 shows a schematic top view of the features shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a dispenser element of one embodiment of a bulk dispenser according to the present invention; [Figure 10] 10 shows a schematic top view of the dispenser element shown in FIG. 9, with the dispenser element in a closed position. [Figure 11] 10 shows a further schematic top view of the dispenser element shown in FIG. 9, with the dispenser element in a clamped position. [Figure 12] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a bulk dispenser according to the present invention; [Figure 13] 13 shows a schematic perspective view of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in FIG. 12 with the cutting handle disassembled (unplugged). [Figure 14] 13 shows a schematic perspective view of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in FIG. 12 with the cutting handle in an assembled (inserted) position. [Figure 15] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a rotary actuator of one embodiment of a bulk dispenser according to the present invention; [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a schematic top view of the rotary actuator shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a schematic perspective view of the rotary actuator shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] 18A and 18B show further schematic perspective views of the rotary actuator shown in Figures 16 and 17, respectively. [Figure 19] 1 shows a schematic side view of a system including a bulk dispenser and a package received in a receiving socket of the bulk dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] 1 shows a bulk dispenser 1 comprising a receiving socket 10 having a receiving area 11 for receiving at least a bottom portion of a package containing a fluent product. The receiving socket 10 may comprise a bottom 12 upon which the bottom portion of the package may be placed. The bottom 12 may define the receiving area 11. The receiving socket 10 may comprise one or more sidewalls 13 that may extend from the bottom 12. The bottom 12 and the one or more sidewalls 13 may define the receiving area 11.

[0046] The bulk dispenser 1 may be a home and / or consumer device. The bulk dispenser 1 may be designed so that it can be placed on a table and / or fixed to a wall.

[0047] The package may have a bottom, including a bottom portion that at least partially corresponds to the receiving socket 10 or receiving area 11. The fluent product contained within the package may be a bulk material and / or an ingredient. The fluent product may be a food product, particularly a moisture-sensitive food product. For example, the fluent product may be in granular form. In one embodiment, the fluent product comprises coffee beans. The package may be a box, a pouch, a bag, or any other package or container suitable for containing a large quantity of fluent product. For example, the package is suitable for containing at least 1 kg of fluent product. The package, particularly at least the bottom portion, may be made of paper (such as bulk paper), cardboard, and / or one or more layers that, for example, provide an oxygen and / or moisture barrier. The package may be hermetically sealed and / or rigid and / or have a structure suitable for standing upright.

[0048] 2A and 2B, the bulk dispenser 1 further comprises a cutting element 20 having a cutting edge 21 (e.g., a blade) for cutting the bottom portion of the package. The cutting edge 21 may have a (blade) tip 22 and / or a sharp cutting edge 23, which may be angled to form the tip 22. In particular, the cutting edge 21 may include side cutting edges 24, which are preferably equally sharp or sharper than each of the cutting edges 24. The cutting edges 23 may extend from one side cutting edge 24 to the other side cutting edge 24.

[0049] The cutting element 20 may comprise a ring or cylinder element 25 having a longitudinal axis. The cutting blade 21 may be provided on an axial face of the ring or cylinder element 25 and / or may protrude from the distal end of the ring or cylinder element 25. The ring or cylinder element 25 may be hollow and / or comprise a wall 26, which preferably defines an (empty) space 27 of the hollow ring or cylinder element 25. The wall 26 may comprise a distal end 28, which is preferably in the form of a ring and / or comprises a ring-like surface. The ring or cylinder element 25, e.g., the wall 26, may comprise a recess 29 in which the cutting blade 21 is provided or arranged, preferably in a fixed manner. The recess 29 may be in the form of a slot. The recessed portion 29 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ring or cylinder element 25 and / or along a direction corresponding to at least a portion of the ring shape of the ring or cylinder element 25. When the cutting blade 21 is received by or disposed within the recessed portion 29, the cutting blade 21 may protrude from the recessed portion 29. Preferably, the cutting blade 21 protrudes from the distal end 28 of the wall 26.

[0050] The cutting element 20, in particular the ring or cylinder element 25 which may hold the cutting blade 21, may be movable or rotatable about and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ring or cylinder element 25, in particular so that the cutting blade 21 can move along a defined trajectory and / or drilling direction as further described below.

[0051] The bulk dispenser 1 further comprises a cutting actuator 40, 60 for actuating the cutting element 20 to move the cutting blade 21 in the drilling direction and along the defined trajectory. The cutting actuator 40, 60 may comprise a perforating actuator 40 for actuating the cutting element 20 to move the cutting blade 21 along the drilling direction between a retracted position and an extended position. The extended position of the cutting blade 21 is exemplarily shown in FIG. 5.

[0052] 1 to 5 show the retracted position of the cutter blade 21. In the retracted position of the cutter blade 21, the cutter blade 21 is retracted from the receiving area 11, meaning that the cutter blade 21 does not extend into the receiving area 11. Preferably, in the retracted position, the cutter blade 21 does not protrude from the bottom 12 and / or may be configured so that the cutter blade 21 does not intersect with a plane in which the bottom 21 or a surface of the bottom 21 (e.g., a package or a surface on which the bottom portion of the package may be placed) extends. In the retracted position of the cutter blade 21, the bottom portion of the package can be received in the receiving socket 10 in such a way that the cutter blade 21 is separated from the bottom portion. Thereby, the cutter blade 21 does not enter the bottom portion, i.e., the bottom portion of the package remains intact, and therefore the package can still retain the fluent product contained therein. Thus, in the retracted position, the receiving area 11 can receive the bottom portion of the package, after which the package can be removed from the receiving socket 10 in such a way that the fluent product can still be held by the package in a particularly sealed manner.

[0053] 6 shows the extended position of the cutting blade 21. In the extended position, the cutting blade 21 protrudes into the receiving area 11 so as to enter the bottom portion of the package when the package is received in the receiving area 11. In other words, as the cutting blade 21 moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the cutting blade 21 cuts or penetrates (e.g., pierces or punches) the bottom portion, for example, first with the tip 22 and then with the sharp cutting edge 23. In the extended position, the cutting blade 21 preferably protrudes from the bottom 12. The direction in which the cutting blade 21 moves between the retracted and extended positions may be transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the bottom 12 and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ring or cylinder element 25.

[0054] The perforation actuator 40 may include a perforation handle 41 for performing the translational perforation actuation movement. The perforation handle 41 is not limited to a specific specification. Preferably, the perforation handle 41 is configured to manually actuate the cutting element 20 and / or includes a surface that a user's hand can press to perform the translational perforation actuation movement. The perforation handle 41 may be configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. For example, the perforation handle 41 is configured to move by pulling or pushing, for example, corresponding to a drawer. At least a portion of the perforation actuator 40 may be designed as a drawer, and the perforation handle 41 may be a front or end surface of the drawer. The perforation handle 41 may include a wall, which is preferably designed as a cover, for example, so that it appears as a housing part of the bulk dispenser 1 and / or can be configured to cover an opening, through which the interior of the bulk dispenser 1 can be seen when not covered by the wall of the perforation handle 41. The perforation actuator 40 may be configured such that at least a portion of the perforation actuator 40, such as the perforation handle 41 or the (outer) surface of the perforation handle 41, is flush with a housing portion of the bulk dispenser 1, for example, the front wall of the housing and / or one or more side walls of the housing (see FIG. 6 ). This allows the bulk dispenser 1 to have a very good appearance when the perforation handle 41 is in its retracted position, and in particular an appearance that simplifies use of the bulk dispenser 1. For example, a user of the bulk dispenser 1 will not be aware of, or at least will be barely aware of, the perforation handle 41 and will not be confused by multiple actuatable handles.

[0055] 1 and 4, in the extended position of the perforation handle 41 (e.g., when the drawer is open), the cutting blade 21 may be in its retracted position. As shown in FIG. 5, in the retracted position of the perforation handle 41 (e.g., when the drawer is closed), the cutting blade 21 may be in its extended position. In the extended and retracted positions of the perforation handle 41, the perforation handle 41 may be a different distance from the cutting blade 21. For example, in the extended position, the perforation handle 41 may be further from the cutting blade 21 than in the retracted position of the perforation handle 41.

[0056] 2A and 3, the drilling actuator 40 may further include a conversion element 42 for converting the translational drilling actuation motion of the drilling handle 41 into a translational drilling motion that allows the cutting blade 21 to move along the drilling direction. The conversion element 42 may include an inclined portion 421 (e.g., an inclined surface) configured to convert the translational drilling actuation motion into a translational drilling motion. The inclined portion 421 may be inclined with respect to the drilling actuation direction to which the translational drilling actuation motion is parallel. The inclined portion 421 is configured to move the cutting blade 21 along the drilling direction, particularly from the retracted position of the cutting blade 21 to the extended position. In other words, the inclined portion 421 may be configured to lift the cutting blade 21 at least from its retracted position to its extended position. For example, the cutting blade 21 can slide upward, directly or indirectly, on the (inclined) surface of the inclined portion 421, and this sliding motion moves the cutting blade 21 from a retracted position to an extended position along the drilling direction (e.g., upward vertically).

[0057] The conversion element 42 may have a further inclined portion 422 (e.g., an inclined surface), which may be parallel to and / or facing the inclined portion 421 and / or may be inclined with respect to the perforation actuation direction. The inclined portion 422 may be configured to move the cutting blade 21 along the perforation direction, in particular from its extended position to its retracted position. In other words, the inclined portion 422 may be configured to move the cutting blade 21 at least from its extended position to its retracted position. The inclined portion 422 may be configured to move the cutting blade 21 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the cutting blade 21 moves to perforate the bottom portion of the package. For example, the cutting blade 21 can slide downward, directly or indirectly, on the (inclined) surface of the inclined portion 422, and this sliding movement drives (or moves) the cutting blade 21 from the extended position to the retracted position along the perforation direction.

[0058] The transduction element 42 may be fixed relative to the drilling handle 41. A beam 43 may be provided which comprises the transduction element 42. The beam 43 may be fixedly connected to the drilling handle 41, preferably formed integrally therewith. The beam 43 may extend transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the drilling handle 41. In particular, the beam 43 may extend parallel to the drilling actuation direction. The transduction element 42 may comprise a groove 423 which comprises an inclined portion 421 and / or a (further) inclined portion 422. The groove 423 may extend in the beam 43, for example in the form of a through opening.

[0059] In one embodiment, the conversion element 42 may be connected to the cutting blade 21. For example, a ramp, such as in the form of ramp 422, may be connected to the cutting blade 21, and a beam fixedly connected to the drilling handle 41 may be configured to be moved against, and thus slide along, the (sloped) surface of the ramp to lift the ramp, and thus the cutting blade 21, from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 2A, 3, 4A, and 4B, the drilling actuator 40 may include a pin actuator 44 disposed between the drilling handle 41 and the cutting element 20. The pin actuator 44 may have one end 442 directly or indirectly connected to the cutting element 20 and the other end 443 directly or indirectly connected to the conversion element 42. The pin actuator 44 may be configured to move along a direction parallel to the drilling direction. The pin actuator 44 may be configured such that the inclined portion 421 moves relative to a portion of the pin actuator 44, e.g., the pin 441 of the actuator 44, thereby moving or lifting the pin actuator 44 and, therefore, the cutting element 20, thereby lifting the cutting blade 21 and moving it from the retracted position to the extended position. For example, the inclined portion 421 may be configured to move or slide under (and / or relative to) the pin 441 such that the pin 441 slides upward on the (inclined) surface of the inclined portion 421, thereby lifting the cutting blade 21 to the extended position. The pin actuator 44 may be configured such that the angled portion 422 can move relative to a portion of the pin actuator 44, e.g., pin 441, to retract the pin actuator 44, thereby moving the cutting blade 21 from the extended position to the retracted position. For example, the angled portion 422 may be configured to move or slide on the pin 441 such that the pin slides down the (angled) surface of the angled portion 422, thereby retracting the cutting blade 21 to its retracted position.

[0061] The pin 441 may be received in the groove 423. In particular, the pin 441 may extend through the groove 423, for example, from one side (back side) of the beam 43 to another side (front side) facing away from the one side of the beam 43. A protrusion 441 may be provided at the distal end of the pin 441 to hold or secure the pin 441 within the groove 423. The protrusion 444 may extend transversely (in particular perpendicularly) to the protrusion 441.

[0062] The pin actuator 44 may be connected to the cutting element 20, and thus the cutting blade 21, at least via a protrusion 30, e.g., a flange. The cutting element 20 may include the protrusion 30. For example, the cutting element 20 may include a ring or cylinder element 31, which may be a further ring or cylinder element in which the ring or cylinder element 25 is received, and the protrusion 30 is connected to and / or integrally formed with the ring or cylinder element 31. The pin actuator 44 may include a lifting section 445 that may be connected to the underside of the protrusion 30 to lift the protrusion 30, and thus the cutting blade 21, from the retracted position to the extended position. The lifting section 445 may be connected to the protrusion 30 to enable relative movement between the protrusion 30 and the lifting section 445 (which may rotate to move the cutting blade 21 along a defined trajectory). The lifting section 445 may have a shape that is at least partially complementary to the periphery of the ring or cylinder element 31. This allows the lifting section 445 to be advantageously connected to the cutting element 20. The pin actuator 44 may comprise a further section 446 that may be connected to an upper side of the projection 30. In particular, the sections 445 and 446 may define a groove 447 that may receive the projection 30 therein, preferably with play. The projection 30 may be configured to be movable within the groove 447. The sections 445, 446 may be configured to support (vertical) movement of the cutting blade 21 along the drilling direction and / or to enable (horizontal) movement of the cutting blade 21 along a defined trajectory that may be triggered after movement of the cutting blade 21 along the drilling direction.

[0063] At least a portion of the pin actuator 44 may be disposed between the cross beam 43 and the cutting element 20 .

[0064] The drilling actuator 40 may include one or more transduction elements 42. As shown, the drilling actuator 40 may include multiple transduction elements 42, for example, two transduction elements 42. The transduction elements 42 may be arranged on respective sides of the cutting element 20, and / or at least a portion of the cutting element 20 may be arranged between the transduction elements 42, for example, when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the ring or cylinder element 25. The drilling actuator 40 may include one or more beams 43, for example, two beams 43. Each of the beams 43 may include a respective transduction element 42. The drilling actuator 40 may include one or more pin actuators 44, particularly in a number corresponding to the number of transduction elements 42. For example, each of the transduction elements 42 may be connected to a respective pin actuator 44. The pin actuators 44 may be arranged on respective sides of the cutting element 20, and / or at least a portion of the cutting element 20 may be arranged between the pin actuators 44, for example, when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the ring or cylinder element 25.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 5-8 , the bulk dispenser 1 further includes a rotary (or trajectory) actuator 60 for actuating the cutting element 20 to move the cutting blade 21 along a predetermined trajectory. When the cutting blade 21 is moved along the trajectory by the rotary actuator 60, the cutting blade 21 is preferably in its extended position. Thus, when the bottom portion of the package is received in the receiving socket 10, the cutting blade 21 cuts a bottom opening in the bottom portion of the package, which bottom opening preferably has a contour corresponding to the predetermined trajectory or a contour corresponding to the cut obtained by the cutting blade 21 moving along the predetermined trajectory. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8 , the predetermined trajectory corresponds to or follows a segment of a circle, particularly a segment of a circle having an angle of less than 360°, e.g., less than 355°. In one embodiment, the angle is between 345° and 355°. The cutting blade 21 thereby cuts the bottom portion in such a way as to avoid removing a portion of the package (and thus potentially contaminating the fluent product). Instead, the portion of the package delimited by the cut made by the cutting blade 21 moving along a defined trajectory corresponds to the flap and can move the flap to a position where it exposes the bottom opening, and in particular can move in such a way that the bottom opening is enlarged compared to the bottom opening obtained by a straight cut alone, so that the fluent product can flow through the bottom opening in a very advantageous manner, with the flap remaining connected to the package.

[0066] The defined trajectory may lie in a plane, which may be parallel to the base 12 or to the surface of the base 12. The drilling direction of the cutting blade 21 may extend transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the plane in which the trajectory lies.

[0067] The rotary actuator 60 may include a cutting handle 61 for performing a translational cutting actuation movement. The cutting handle 61 may have a different specification or shape from the perforation handle 41. This improves the ease of use of the bulk dispenser 1, as the user can easily identify the handle for performing the respective or intended operation, e.g., the translational cutting actuation movement instead of the translational perforation actuation movement. For example, the cutting handle 61 has a width smaller than the width of the bulk dispenser 1 when viewed parallel to the direction in which the translational cutting actuation movement is parallel. Preferably, the width of the cutting handle 61 is smaller than half the width of the dispenser 1. In particular, the cutting handle 61 may include one or more protrusions that can be actuated, in particular one or more protrusions that can be gripped by the hand or fingers of a user of the bulk dispenser 1.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the rotary actuator 60 may include a conversion element 62 for converting a translational cutting actuation motion performed by the cutting handle 61 into a cutting motion that enables the cutting blade 21 to move along a trajectory. The conversion element 62 may include a gear arrangement 63 that may be disposed between the cutting handle 61 and the cutting element 20. The gear arrangement 63 may include a gear wheel (pinion) 631 and / or a gear rack 632. The gear wheel 631 may include multiple gear wheels 631.1-631.4, each of which may have a different number of teeth and / or a different diameter. The gear wheel 631 may include four gear wheels 631.1-631.4. In other embodiments, the gear wheel 631 may include a different number of gear wheels, for example, two, three, or more than four gear wheels. Gear wheel 631 or one of gear wheels 631.1 to 631.4, e.g. gear wheel 631.4, may be arranged coaxially with at least a part of cutting element 20, e.g. ring or cylinder element 25 and / or ring or cylinder element 31, and / or may be connected to cutting element 20 by a fastening means (e.g. shaft-hub connection) or by being integrally formed with a part of cutting element 20, such as ring or cylinder element 31 and / or ring or cylinder element 25.

[0069] The gear rack 632 may be fixedly connected to the cutting handle 61. For example, the beam 64 may be fixedly connected to the cutting handle 61, and the gear rack 632 may be fixedly connected to and / or integrally formed with the beam 64. The beam 64 may extend parallel to the cutting actuation direction, to which the translational cutting actuation movement is parallel. The beam 64 may be connected to the cutting handle 61 via a further beam 65. The beam 65 may extend parallel to and / or not aligned with the beam 64, in order to delimit a space in which at least a part of the gear arrangement 63, for example at least a part of the gear wheel 63 or at least a part of the gear wheel 631.1, may be arranged.

[0070] The gear rack 632 preferably meshes with a gear wheel 631, e.g., gear wheel 631.1. The translational or linear movement of the gear rack 632, corresponding to the translational cutting actuation movement performed by the cutting handle 61, thereby causes the gear wheel 631 (e.g., gear wheel 631.1) and thus the cutting blade 21 to rotate, so that the cutting blade 21 moves along a defined trajectory. Depending on the diameter of the gear wheel 631 or the diameter of the gear wheels 631.1-631.4, respectively, the rotational speed of the cutting blade 21 can be affected. For example, the cutting handle 61 may be pulled at a certain speed, and the gear arrangement 63 ensures that the speed of the cutting blade 24 along the defined trajectory is less than the speed of the pulled handle 61. The gear wheels 631.1-631.4 may be configured as follows: Gear wheel 631.1 may mesh with gear wheel 631.2; gear wheel 631.2 may be fixedly connected to gear wheel 631.3 (e.g. by being integrally formed with and / or coaxially arranged with gear wheel 631.3) (gear wheels 631.2 and 631.3 may be printed together); gear wheel 631.3 may mesh with gear wheel 631.4. The axes of all gear wheels 631.1 to 631.4 are preferably parallel to one another.

[0071] The gear arrangement 63 may include a course that is 70 mm by 15 teeth. For example, the gear rack 632 has a course that is 70 mm and / or 15 teeth. These 15 teeth may actuate gear wheel 631.1, which is a gear wheel with 20 teeth. Gear wheel 631.1 may actuate gear wheel 631.2, which is a gear wheel with 20 teeth. Gear wheel 631.2 may be fixedly connected to gear wheel 631.3, which is a gear with 60 teeth. Gear wheel 631.3 may be configured to rotate gear wheel 631.4, which may include 30 teeth, and thus the cutting blade 21, for example a ring or cylinder element 25 (or any other holder) that holds the cutting blade 21.

[0072] The conversion element 62, including the gear arrangement 63, allows for a convenient method of cutting the bottom portion of the package to obtain a bottom opening. In particular, the cutting handle 61 may be moved along a first distance in such a way that the cutter blade 21 moves a second distance along a predetermined trajectory, where this second distance may be smaller than the first distance. Thus, for example, the cutter blade 21 can be moved along a predetermined trajectory in a very precise manner so that the predetermined trajectory does not trace a complete circle. Tracing a complete circle would cut off a portion of the bottom portion of the package, leading to contamination of the fluent product. The gear arrangement 63 also allows for a small actuation force to be applied to the cutting handle 61 (e.g., to pull the cutting handle 61 to an extended position) in such a way that the cutting force on the cutter blade 21 is increased due to the gear ratio of the gear arrangement 63.

[0073] The cutting handle 61 may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position of the cutting handle 61, the cutting handle 61 may protrude further into the user area (the area where a user of the bulk dispenser 1 is located to operate the bulk dispenser 1) than in the retracted position. In particular, in the extended position of the cutting handle 61, the cutting handle 61 may be further away from the cutter blade 21 than in the retracted position. By moving the cutting handle 61 from the retracted position to the extended position, the cutter blade 21 can move along a defined trajectory to cut a bottom opening in the bottom portion of the package.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the bulk dispenser 1 may include a stopper mechanism 450 configured to define a trajectory along which the cutting blade 21 moves to cut a bottom opening in the bottom portion of the package. In particular, the stopper mechanism 450 may be configured to prevent the cutting blade 21 from moving along a trajectory that traces a closed circle and / or from moving further than the defined trajectory. Preferably, the stopper mechanism 450 is configured to allow the cutting blade 21 to move only along the defined trajectory, e.g., a two-dimensional path or a segment of a circle. The stopper mechanism 450 may include a stopper 451 (e.g., a protrusion) configured to remain fixed as the cutting blade 21 moves along the defined trajectory. The stopper mechanism 450 may include a movable portion 452 (e.g., a protrusion) configured to move with the cutting blade 21 as the cutting blade 21 moves along the defined trajectory and to contact the stopper 451. When the movable part 452 comes into direct or indirect contact with the stopper 451, the cutting blade 21 has moved along the defined trajectory. The stopper 451 may be attached to the pin actuator 44. The movable part 452 may be directly or indirectly (fixedly) connected to the cutting blade 21, for example, via the ring or cylinder element 25 and / or the ring or cylinder element 31. The movable part 452 may be attached to the ring or cylinder element 31 in such a way that the position of the movable part 452 relative to the ring or cylinder element 31 can be adjusted.

[0075] The stopper mechanism 450 effectively prevents the risk of overcutting the package, i.e., cutting off a portion from the bottom of the package, which may contaminate the fluent product dispensed by the bulk dispenser 1. For example, without the stopper mechanism, by actuating the cutter handle 61, a user can pull the handle 61 back 7 cm, moving 15 teeth. The gear wheel 631.2 associated with the 20-tooth gear wheel 631.3 rotates three-quarters (3 / 4) of a turn. Therefore, the 60-tooth gear wheel 631.3 also rotates three-quarters (3 / 4), causing the cutter blade 21 or the blade holder holding the cutter blade 21 to rotate 3 / 4 * 60T / 30T = 1.5 turns. On the one hand, this 1.5 turns ensures that the package is fully opened. However, on the other hand, cutting the package by rotating 360° * 1.5 turns is excessive. The risk is that by cutting the cut portion completely or even slightly close to 360°, the cut portion may enter the consumer's container, which is unacceptable. To effectively prevent this from happening, a stop mechanism 450 can be provided.

[0076] The stopper mechanism 450 may include an adjustment element 453 configured to adjust the defined trajectory, particularly the angle of the circular segment traced by the trajectory. The adjustment element 453 may be configured to contact the stopper 451. The adjustment element 453 may be connected to the movable part 452, for example, fixedly connected, particularly so that the movable part 452 can contact the stopper 451 via the adjustment element 453. The adjustment element 453 may protrude from the movable part 452, and the protrusion of the adjustment element 453 is preferably positioned between the stopper 451 and the movable part 452 when the stopper 451 and the movable part 452 (indirectly) contact each other. The adjustment element 453 may be adjustable so that the length of the adjustment element 452 protruding from the stopper 451 can be changed. For example, by increasing the protrusion length, the angle of the circular segment can be decreased. The adjustment element 453 may be screwed onto the movable part 452. The adjustment element 453 allows fine adjustment of the cut angle (i.e., the segment of the circle), which makes it easier to, among other things, ensure a good flow of product and cut the package with an advantageous ("good") shape, avoiding any product remaining at the edge of the package. The adjustment element 453 makes it easy to find the best balance between these factors.

[0077] 1 , 5 , and 6 , the bulk dispenser 1 further includes one or more locking elements 80. The one or more locking elements 80 are configured to lock (e.g., fix and / or secure) the package within the receiving socket 10 at least in a direction parallel to the piercing direction. The one or more locking elements 80 may be arranged to ensure that the bottom portion of the package remains in a predetermined position relative to the receiving socket 10 and / or may be configured to prevent at least a portion of the bottom portion of the package from leaving the receiving socket 10 (i.e., from lifting off the receiving socket 10 or the bottom 12) when the cutter blade 21 moves to the extended position to enter at least a portion of this bottom portion. Thus, the one or more locking elements 80 can enable the cutter blade 21 to easily pierce the bottom portion of the package and prevent the cutter blade 21 from moving along a predetermined trajectory without cutting a bottom opening in the bottom portion of the package. Additionally, the one or more locking elements 80 are configured to hold the package relative to the bulk dispenser 1 in a manner that prevents the package from tipping over when received within the receiving socket 10 .

[0078] The one or more locking elements 80 may comprise structural fastening elements 81, 82 protruding into the receiving area 11 for locking the package when received in the receiving socket 10 at least in a direction parallel to the drilling direction. The structural fastening elements 81, 82 may protrude into the receiving area 11 from opposite sides of the receiving socket 10. For example, the one or more structural fastening elements 81 may be disposed on the receiving socket 10, such as on a wall 14 that defines the receiving area 11. The wall 14 may extend from and / or connect the side walls 13 to one another. Each of the one or more structural fastening elements 81 may comprise a pin protruding into the receiving area 11. Each of the pins may be adapted to enter a corresponding socket or receptacle included in the package, for example, in a bottom portion of the package. The pin may include or be an insert.

[0079] The one or more locking elements 80 may comprise one or more further structural fixing elements 82 that may be configured to selectively enter the receiving area 11. In other words, the one or more further structural fixing elements 82 are not configured to permanently protrude into the receiving area 11, but are configured to protrude into the receiving area 11 as desired, for example, when a package is removed from or received into the socket 10. The perforation actuator 40 may comprise one or more structural fixing elements 82. In other embodiments, a (dedicated) fixing actuator may be provided that comprises one or more structural fixing elements 82, and the fixing actuator is configured to actuate the structural fixing elements 82 to selectively enter the receiving area 11. With the perforation actuator 40 equipped with the structural fixing element 82, the structural fixing element 82 can be moved by the perforation actuator 40 or the perforation handle 41 between a fixed position, exemplarily shown in Figure 6, in which the structural fixing element 82 protrudes into the receiving area 11, and a released position, exemplarily shown in Figures 1 and 5, in which the structural fixing element 82 releases the receiving area 11 to allow a package to be received in or removed from the receiving socket 10. In the released position, the structural fixing element 82 is preferably configured not to enter or protrude into the receiving area 11, in order to release the receiving area 11 in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0080] The structural fixing element 82 may be fixedly connected to and / or integrally formed with a portion of the drilling actuator 40, such as the drilling handle 41. For example, the drilling handle 41 may have an actuation side that can be manually actuated (e.g., to move or push the drilling handle 41 from an extended position to a retracted position where the cutting blade 21 drills a bottom portion) and a back side opposite the actuation side, with one or more structural fixing elements 82 extending from the back side. Each of the structural fixing elements 82 may include a pin that can protrude into the receiving area 11 (e.g., when the cutting handle 41 is in the retracted position). The structural fixing elements 82 may be configured to face the wall 14 on which the structural fixing element 81 may be disposed. Each of the structural fixing elements 82 may be adapted to fit into a corresponding socket or receiver included in the package, for example, in the bottom portion of the package.

[0081] Additionally or alternatively, the one or more locking elements 80 may comprise one or more (third) structural fixing elements (not shown), for example, protruding into the receiving area 11 from opposite sides thereof in the form of one or more rails, respectively. Each of the rails may be configured to define a groove together with the receiving socket 10, in particular the bottom 12. For example, the rail may extend from one of the side walls 13 and / or the walls 14. Preferably, each of the (e.g., two) rails extends from the respective side wall 13 into the receiving area 11. The grooves thus obtained may be configured to be open towards each other to receive a receiving section of a package (e.g., in the form of a plate) therebetween.

[0082] The receiving socket 10 may include a recessed portion 15 configured to aid in gripping the drilling handle 41. The recessed portion 15 may be provided in the bottom portion 12 and / or may be angled relative to the surface of the bottom portion 12. The recessed portion 15 may extend to the back side of the handle 41.

[0083] The bulk dispenser 1 further comprises a dispensing opening 90 for allowing the fluent product to flow by gravity from the package through a bottom opening cut in the bottom section. The dispensing opening 90 may be configured to be surrounded by the track of the cutting element 20 and / or cutting blade 21. In particular, the ring or cylinder element 25 can at least partially define the dispensing opening 90. For example, the space 27 defined by the ring or cylinder element 25 at least partially bounds the dispensing opening 90. The bottom portion 12 of the socket 10 may include at least a portion of the dispensing opening 90.

[0084] As shown in more detail in Figures 5 and 6 and 9 to 11, the bulk dispenser 1 further comprises a dispenser element 91. The dispenser element 91 is configured to control the flow of fluent product from the dispenser 1 through the dispensing opening 90, for example, to the outside of the bulk dispenser 1, for example, into a cup (not shown) provided outside the bulk dispenser 1. The dispenser element 91 allows a defined amount of product contained in a package to be dispensed from the bulk dispenser 1. The dispenser element 91 may be a portion doser.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 9-11 , the dispenser element 91 may include a flexible feed tube 92, preferably made of silicone, extending from the dispensing opening 90 to allow the fluent product to be dispensed from the bulk dispenser 1. The dispenser element 91 may further include a pinch valve mechanism 93 for selectively pinching the flexible feed tube to control, preferably stop and / or regulate, the flow of the fluent product. The pinch valve mechanism 93 may include a (movable) device 931 configured to directly contact the tube 92 to reduce the outlet opening of the tube 92, thereby restricting or reducing the flow of the fluent product through the dispensing opening 90. In particular, the device 931 may be configured to pinch the tube 92 to form a seal. In this case, the seal corresponds to the permeability of the tube. The seal can significantly reduce the ingress of substances (such as moisture) into the interior of the package through the dispensing opening 90.

[0086] Pinch valve mechanism 93 may comprise a beam (cross beam) 932, with tube 92 positioned between device 931 and beam 932, in particular so that tube 92 can be clamped or pressed between device 931 and beam 932. Device 931 can be moved relative to beam 932 away from beam 932 (thereby adjusting to enlarge the opening of tube 92 and therefore increase the flow of fluent product through feed opening 90) and towards beam 92 (thereby adjusting to narrow the opening of tube 92 and therefore reduce or even stop the flow of fluent product through feed opening 90).

[0087] The dispenser element 91 may include a dispensing handle 94 (e.g., comprising one or more protrusions that can be grasped by a user's hand or fingers) for performing a translational dispensing actuation motion, and a conversion element 95 for converting the translational dispensing actuation motion into a translational dispensing motion to enable the pinch valve mechanism 93 to selectively pinch the flexible tubing 92. As shown, the conversion element 95 may include a gear arrangement 96. The gear arrangement 96 may include a gear wheel (pinion) 961 and / or one or more gear racks 962, 963. The dispenser element 91 may include a beam 97 fixedly connected to the dispensing handle 94. The gear rack 962 may be connected to and / or integral with the beam 97. A further gear rack 963 may be connected to and / or integral with the device 931. The gear wheel 961 may be disposed between the beam 97 and the device 931. Gear wheel 961 may mesh with both gear rack 962 and gear rack 963. As shown in Figure 10, arrangement 96 may be configured such that moving handle 94 away from tube 92 moves device 931 away from tube 92, thereby allowing the opening of tube 92 to enlarge or widen, thereby increasing the flow of fluent product.

[0088] By moving the handle 94 toward the tube 92, the gear arrangement 96 can move the device 931 toward the tube 92 to pinch the tube 92 to reduce or stop the flow of fluent product. The pinch valve mechanism 93 is shown in FIG. 10 pinching the tube 92 in a manner that stops the flow of fluent product out of the tube 92. As shown, the device 931 presses at least a portion of the tube 92 against the beam 932, thereby creating a seal to stop the flow of fluent product through the tube 92. The pinch valve mechanism 93 is shown pinching the tube 92 and providing a regulated flow of fluent product from the tube 92 in FIG. 11.

[0089] The perforation actuator 40, the rotary actuator 60, and the dispenser element 91 are not limited to a particular arrangement relative to one another. The perforation actuator 40, the rotary actuator 60, and the dispenser element 91 may be operable from the same side (e.g., the user side) of the bulk dispenser 1 and / or may be configured to protrude into a user area and / or through a common plane. For example, the perforation actuator 40 may be at least partially disposed on an upper portion of the bulk dispenser 1, and both the rotary actuator 60 and the dispenser element 91 may be at least partially disposed on a lower portion of the bulk dispenser 1. The bulk dispenser 1 may include a housing 100 in which at least the perforation actuator 40, the rotary actuator 60, and the dispenser element 91 are disposed. The housing 100 may include, for example, first and second housing portions stacked on top of one another. The first housing portion 101 may include at least a portion of the perforation actuator 40, and the second housing portion 102 may include at least a portion of each of the rotary actuator 60 and the dispenser element 91. The axis defined and extending through the supply opening 91 and / or the tube 92 may traverse the housing parts 101, 102. The housing 100 may have a shape in the form of a parallelepiped.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 12-14, the cutting handle 61 may be detachable. The cutting handle 61 may also be provided as a physical key. The rotary actuator 60 may include a connection portion 66 to which the cutting handle 61 can be detachably connected and / or into which the cutting handle 61 can be plugged. The cutting handle 61 may include one or more protrusions 61.1 that can engage with one or more corresponding openings 66.1 provided in the connection portion 66. As shown in FIG. 12, when the cutting handle 61 is detached from the connection portion 66, the rotary actuator 60 may be inoperable, or at least difficult to operate. This can improve the user and store experience. This is because the user (or consumer) will not be confused by having to deal with too many parts, especially when the handle 61 is detached and therefore invisible to the user. In other words, the risk of a user accidentally activating the rotary actuator 60 is reduced because the rotary actuator 60 at least appears inoperable due to the detached handle 61. If the cutting handle 61 is attached to the connecting portion 66, for example by one or more protrusions 61.1 that each engage with one or more corresponding openings 66.1, the cutting actuator 60 can be actuated (e.g. by a user, such as an employee) by using the cutting handle 61. A removable cutting handle 61 can ensure, in particular, that the operation to cut a bottom opening in the bottom portion of the package is performed only once per package. The connecting portion 66 may be provided at the distal end of the beam 65.

[0091] Additionally or alternatively, the cutting handle (trigger) 61 may be secured with other securing mechanisms, for example, one or more complex shapes and / or one or more mechanisms used for wheel protection.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 15-18 , the conversion element 62 may include a rope actuation mechanism 120 in addition to or as an alternative to the gear arrangement 63. The rope actuation mechanism 120 allows the conversion element 62 to eliminate or eliminate any gears. The rope actuation mechanism 120 may be adapted to move the cutting blade 21 along a predetermined trajectory that traces a segment of a circle having an angle of approximately 350° or less. A stop mechanism 450 may be provided to effect or control such a predetermined trajectory. The rope actuation mechanism 120 may include a cable 121 (or rope) connected (e.g., at one end) to the cutting element 20, for example, to the ring or cylinder element 25 and / or the ring or cylinder element 31, and operable by being pulled (e.g., via the other end of the cable 121). The cable 121 is configured such that, by moving or pulling the cable 121, the cutting blade 21 (and / or a holder that holds the cutting blade 21, such as the ring or cylinder element 25) is rotated to move along a defined trajectory. Thus, the translational cutting actuation motion is a motion that pulls the cable 121. The cutting handle 61 (e.g., in the form of a ring) may be connected to the cable 121, for example, at the other end of the cable 121. The cable 121 may be at least partially coiled (or wrapped) around, for example, the ring or cylinder element 25 and / or the ring or cylinder element 31. Thus, when the cable 121 is pulled by the cutting handle 61, the cable 121 unwinds, thereby moving the cutting blade 21 along the defined trajectory.

[0093] The rope actuating mechanism 120 may include a spring 122 configured to be tensioned or loaded when the cable 121 is pulled to move the cutting blade 21 along a defined trajectory. When the spring 122 is tensioned or loaded, the spring 122 biases the cutting blade 21, preferably the ring or cylinder element 25 that holds the cutting blade 21, toward an initial position, which may be a position where the cable 121 is not tensioned by the pulling force applied by the handle 61 and / or a position where the spring 122 is in a steady state. The spring 122 may be a helical spring coiled around a portion of the cutting element 20, such as the ring or cylinder element 25 and / or the ring or cylinder element 31. The spring 122 may be connected (e.g., via one end) to a portion of the bulk dispenser 1 that does not move with the cutting blade 21 moving along the defined trajectory. For example, the spring 122 may be fixed to the pin actuator 44. For example, pin actuator 44 comprises a section 448 to which spring 122 is fixedly connected. Section 448 may comprise a groove through which at least a portion of spring 122 extends and / or a protrusion that is at least partially surrounded by at least a portion of spring 122. Spring 122 may be connected to cutting element 20, in particular to ring or cylinder element 25 and / or ring or cylinder element 31, for example via another end. Cutting element 20, in particular ring or cylinder element 31, may comprise a recessed portion 32 (e.g. in the form of a groove) in which at least a portion of spring 122 is disposed or received.

[0094] 2 and 3, the bulk dispenser 1 may comprise a blade protection element 140 that covers the cutting blade 21, preferably at least towards the receiving area 11 in the retracted position. The blade protection element 140 may be arranged over the cutting blade 21 when the cutting blade 21 is in the retracted position. The blade protection element 140 may be designed such that the blade protection element 140 accommodates at least a portion of the cutting blade 21 when the cutting blade 21 is in the retracted position. The blade protection element 140 may be integrally formed with the perforation actuator 40, for example with a (cross) beam 45 of the perforation actuator 40, which may extend transversely from or relative to the bars 43 and / or may connect the bars 43 to one another. By actuating the perforation actuator 40 (e.g., by moving the perforation handle 41 to the retracted position), the blade protection element 140 can be moved to a position where it exposes (e.g., moves away from) the cutting blade 21, particularly when the cutting blade 21 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. When viewed parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the ring or cylinder element 25, the blade protection element 140 preferably covers the cutting blade 21 when the cutting blade 21 is in the retracted position.

[0095] 19 illustrates a system 150 comprising a bulk dispenser 1, such as those described above, and a package 160 containing a fluent product. The package 160 comprises a bottom portion 161 that is received in the receiving socket 10 of the bulk dispenser 1. A method for dispensing the fluent product contained in the package 160 by the bulk dispenser 1 may be as follows. A) locking the package 160 in the receiving socket 10 at least in a direction parallel to the perforation direction by the locking element 80; B) moving the cutting blade 21 from a retracted position to an extended position along the perforation direction (P) by the cutting actuator or a perforation actuator 40 provided on the cutting actuator, whereby the cutting blade 24 protrudes into the receiving area 11 and thus into the bottom portion 161; C) moving the cutting blade 21 in the extended position along a predetermined trajectory (T) by the cutting actuator or a rotational actuator 60 provided on the cutting actuator, whereby the cutting blade 21 cuts a bottom opening 162 in the bottom portion 161; and D) controlling the flow of the fluent product by the dispenser element 91 through the bottom opening 162 and then through the supply opening 90, which flows out of the package 160 by gravity.

[0096] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiment shown in the drawings is only a preferred embodiment; however, other designs of bulk dispensers may be used.

Claims

1. A bulk dispenser (1), comprising: a receiving socket (10) having a receiving area (11) for receiving at least a bottom portion (161) of a package (160) containing a fluent product; a cutting element (20) having a cutting blade (21) for cutting said bottom portion (161); A disconnection actuator (40, 60) comprising: along the perforation direction between a retracted position in which the cutting blade (21) is retracted from the receiving area (11) and an extended position in which the cutting blade (21) projects into the receiving area (11) so as to enter the bottom part (161) when the package (160) is received in the receiving area (11); and along a defined trajectory with the cutting blade (21) in or moving towards the extended position to cut a bottom opening (162) in the bottom portion (161) when received within the receiving socket (10); a cutting actuator (40, 60) for actuating the cutting element (21) to move the cutting blade (21); a locking element (80) for locking said package (161) in said receiving socket (10) at least in a direction parallel to said drilling direction; a dispensing opening (90) for allowing the fluent product to flow by gravity out of the package (161) through the bottom opening (162) cut in the bottom portion (161); a dispenser element (91) for controlling the flow of said fluent product out of said dispenser (1) through said dispensing opening (90); A bulk dispenser (1).

2. 2. A bulk dispenser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing opening (90) is surrounded by the track of the cutting element (20) and / or the cutting blade (21).

3. 3. A bulk dispenser (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trajectory follows, in a top view of the receiving socket (10), a two-dimensional path, preferably a segment of a circle, more preferably a segment of a circle with an angle α<360°, even more preferably α<355°, most preferably 345°<α<355°.

4. The bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting actuator is configured to actuate the cutting element (21) in a combined motion, preferably in a screw motion or a helical motion, so as to move the cutting blade (21) at least partially simultaneously in the drilling direction and along the trajectory.

5. The cutting actuator a drilling actuator (40) for actuating the cutting element (20) to move the cutting blade (21) along the drilling direction; a rotary actuator (60) for actuating the cutting element (20) to move the cutting blade (21) along the track; Equipped with The drilling direction preferably extends transversely to the plane in which the track lies. A bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The perforation actuator (40) a drilling handle (41) for performing a translational drilling actuation movement; a conversion element (42) for converting the translational drilling actuation movement into a translational drilling movement that allows the cutting blade (21) to move along the drilling direction; Equipped with The piercing actuator (40) preferably comprises a pin actuator (44) disposed between the piercing handle (41) and the cutting element (20). A bulk dispenser (1) according to claim 5.

7. The rotary actuator (60) a cutting handle (61) for performing a translational cutting actuation movement; a conversion element (62) for converting said translational cutting actuation movement into a cutting movement enabling said cutting blade (21) to move along said track; Equipped with The conversion element (62) preferably comprises: Located between the cutting handle (61) and the cutting element (20), a gear arrangement (63), and / or Rope actuation mechanism (120) Equipped with A bulk dispenser (1) according to claim 5 or 6.

8. Preferably, the device further comprises a blade protection element (140) that covers the cutting blade (21) at least towards the receiving area (11) in the retracted position, and preferably the blade protection element (140) is configured to operate together with the cutting actuator (40, 60), preferably the piercing actuator (40), and more preferably to be integrally formed with the cutting actuator (40, 60), preferably the piercing actuator (40), so as to expose the cutting blade (21) when moved from the retracted position to the extended position. A bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking element (80) comprises structural fixing elements (81, 82) protruding into the receiving area (11) for locking the package (160) in at least a direction parallel to the drilling direction when received in the receiving socket (10).

10. the structural fastening elements (81, 82) protrude into the receiving area (11) from opposite sides of the receiving area (11), and / or The structural fixing elements (81, 82) a pin projecting into said receiving area (11), and / or a plurality of rails, each of which defines a groove with said receiving socket (10), said grooves preferably opening towards one another to receive the receiving section of said package (160) therebetween; 10. The bulk dispenser (1) according to claim 9, comprising:

11. 11. The bulk dispenser (1) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a locking actuator including at least a part of the structural fixing element (81, 82), the locking actuator being configured to actuate at least a part of the structural fixing element (81, 82) to selectively enter the receiving area (11) and preferably between a locked position, in which the at least a part of the structural fixing element (81, 82) protrudes into the receiving area (11), and a released position, in which the at least a part of the structural fixing element (81, 82) releases the receiving area (11) to allow the package (160) to be received in the receiving socket (10), the locking actuator being preferably integral with the cutting actuator (20, 40), and more preferably integral with the piercing actuator (40), if present.

12. 12. A bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cutting element (20) comprises a ring or cylinder element (25) having a longitudinal axis, the cutting blade (21) is preferably provided on an axial face of the ring or cylinder element (25), the cutting element (20) is movable about the longitudinal axis of the ring or cylinder element (25) to move the cutting blade (21) along the track, and preferably the ring or cylinder element (25) at least partially defines the dispensing opening (90).

13. The dispenser element (91) a flexible dispensing tube (92), preferably a silicone tube, extending from the dispensing opening (90) to allow the fluent product to be dispensed from the bulk dispenser (1); a pinch valve mechanism (93) for selectively pinching the flexible supply tube (92) to control, preferably stop and / or regulate, the flow of the fluent product; A bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

14. the cutting actuator (40, 60) is configured to manually actuate the cutting element (20); the piercing actuator (40), if present, is configured to manually actuate the cutting element (20); the rotary actuator (60), if present, is configured to manually actuate the cutting element (20); and / or the locking actuator, if present, is configured to manually actuate the at least some of the structural locking elements (81, 82); A bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. the cutting actuators (40, 60), preferably the piercing actuator (40) and, if present, the rotating actuator (60), and the dispenser element (91) are configured to be operable from the same side of the bulk dispenser (1), preferably manually; A bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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