Supply System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bulk material supply system, comprising: a pouch having a compartment for storing the bulk material, a supply section, and a hanger portion for suspending the pouch so that the bulk material can flow from the compartment through the supply section and out of the pouch by gravity; a supply mechanism attached to the pouch, the supply mechanism comprising two parts, the two parts being manually movable relative to each other to move between a closed position in which the supply section is closed by the two parts to prevent the bulk material from flowing out of the pouch through the supply section, and an open position in which the supply section is opened by the two parts to form a supply channel so that the bulk material can flow from the compartment through the supply section and out of the pouch by gravity; and an elastic element for urging the two parts towards the closed position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery system for delivering bulk materials. [Background technology]

[0002] A feeding system for feeding bulk materials includes multiple components that are in direct contact with the bulk material (e.g., food) and remain within the system. The system may be part of a store. These components require frequent cleaning to meet quality requirements and / or hygiene regulations. However, many users, such as retailers, are not equipped or trained to successfully manage such cleaning. As a result, special means (e.g., qualified personnel) are required to clean these components, which impacts costs. Without such means, cleaning cannot be performed properly, posing a risk to the quality and safety of the product (e.g., food). Furthermore, feeding systems are complex and require investment, especially from users.

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

[0004] This 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

[0005] The object of the present invention is a supply system for supplying bulk materials, said supply system comprising: A flexible or semi-flexible pouch, a compartment for storing bulk materials; Supply section; a pouch comprising: a hanger portion from which the pouch can be suspended such that the bulk material can flow by gravity from the compartment through the feed section and out of the pouch (e.g., through the feed section or through an opening in the feed section); A feeding mechanism attached to a pouch, the feeding mechanism comprising two parts, the two parts comprising: a closed position, in which the feed section is closed by the two parts to prevent the bulk material from flowing out of the pouch through the feed section; an open position, in which the feed section is or can be expanded to form a feed channel by the two parts so that the bulk material can flow by gravity from the compartment through the feed section and out of the pouch; and and a resilient element arranged to urge the two parts towards the closed position.

[0006] The pouch and dispensing mechanism are made of a) a cellulosic material or material composition having a combined total of at least 70% by weight cellulose fiber, or b) a single material.

[0007] "Single material" generally refers to a material made of an assembly of different types of constituent materials (in separate layers or elements, or as a compound or mixture), but where the constituent materials are of the same chemical type (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene). The use of such constituent materials of the same chemical type or family in the same material can have different functions (e.g., oxygen barrier, moisture barrier, light barrier, etc.). However, it makes it possible to achieve a composite material that can be recycled or generally biodegraded / composted as a whole in a recycling or biodegradation process specific to one single chemical type of material. In other words, it does not require its components to be divided and separated before being recycled or biodegraded / composted.

[0008] This feeding system makes it possible to dispense bulk materials from the pouches without the need for extra feeding components. In particular, this feeding system simplifies operations, for example, in stores. For example, the pouches are provided with their own feeding mechanism, so no additional investment in dispensers or feeding mechanisms is required. This saves costs. Furthermore, cleaning of components that come into direct contact with the bulk material (e.g., food) is not required. Rather, the feeding system, including the pouches and feeding mechanisms, may simply be placed in a recycling stream (e.g., a paper recycling stream) after use (e.g., with the pouches empty). This eliminates the need for laborious cleaning of components that are difficult to access and / or clean, thus saving costs.

[0009] Because the feeding system includes its own feeding mechanism (such as a shutter mechanism or a clamping mechanism), the user of the system does not need to install a feeding mechanism to regulate the flow of bulk material caused by gravity (e.g., before initially dispensing the bulk material from the pouch). This simplifies the feeding of bulk material. Therefore, no special means or knowledge is required to dispense the bulk material in a safe and hygienic manner. Furthermore, the feeding system has a simple and lightweight structure due to its material(s) and / or material composition(s). The feeding system can be obtained by using a particularly small number of elements. Also, because the feeding mechanism and pouches are made of a defined material (composition), the weight of the system and the amount of material used per product weight can be reduced, even if the pouch is equipped with its own feeding mechanism.

[0010] By providing a feeding mechanism and an elastic element arranged such that the default position is the closed position, it becomes possible to feed bulk material in an easy manner, for example, using only one human hand and / or only a few human fingers (e.g., only two, or even only one). For example, a user can simply move their hand or fingers away from the two parts, so that when no external force acts on the feeding mechanism, the parts can (automatically) return to the closed position due to the restoring force of the elastic element. Thus, it is not necessary for the user to apply an external force to the feeding mechanism (e.g., to one or both of the two parts) to move the two parts to the closed position. In particular, the parts can be biased toward the closed position by the elastic element.

[0011] The material selection for the pouch and the feeding mechanism allows the entire material of the feeding system to easily decompose, dissolve, and separate during a recycling process, for example, a recycling process designed for cellulosic materials such as paper or cardboard, or a recycling process for polymeric materials. The elastic element can be provided so as not to adversely affect the recyclability of the feeding system. For example, the elastic element can be attached by shape and / or friction fit (e.g., by one or more protrusions and / or one or more recesses formed by the two parts and / or by the restoring force of the elastic element). This allows the elastic element to be easily removed from the rest of the feeding system for placement in a recycling stream (e.g., a recycling stream for rubber or metal) different from the recycling stream in which the rest of the feeding system can be recycled (e.g., a recycling stream for cellulosic materials such as paper or cardboard, or for a single material such as polymer / plastic). Furthermore, attaching the feeding mechanism to the pouch can ensure that the feeding mechanism is not easily lost relative to the pouch. This effectively ensures that the feeding mechanism is recycled together with the pouch.

[0012] The feed section may include an upstream section, a foldable section, and a downstream section, the two parts being attached to the upstream section and the downstream section. In the closed position, the foldable section is folded to prevent the bulk material from flowing out of the pouch through the feed section, and in the open position, the foldable section is unfolded or can be unfolded to form a feed channel. This allows the flow of the bulk material to be controlled in a particularly easy manner. The foldable section may extend from the upstream section to the downstream section. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the flow of the bulk material from the compartment through the feed section to a position outside the pouch. In other words, when the pouch is positioned (e.g., suspended) so that the bulk material can flow from the compartment through the feed section to the pouch by gravity, the downstream section is positioned below the upstream section.

[0013] The bendable section may include two subsections, which, in the closed position, are folded parallel to or cross each other, for example, to form a U-shape, a V-shape, or any other shape, such as a W-shape. Folding the bendable section in this manner can prevent bulk material from flowing out of the pouch through the feed section in a particularly effective manner. For example, the folding reduces the cross section of the bendable section and / or causes the path defined by the bendable section to become tortuous, thereby stopping the flow of bulk material through the feed section. For example, the bendable section may be folded to form one or more connecting sections (e.g., having a curved configuration), which may include a connecting section connecting the two subsections to each other. The connecting section may include two further connecting sections that may connect the bendable section to the upstream section and the downstream section, respectively.

[0014] The subsections may extend at an angle relative to one another; in the closed position, the angle is smaller than the angle in the open position, for example, in the range of 0° to 45°. Thus, the flow of bulk material through the feed section can be controlled in a particularly easy manner. In the open position, the subsections may be arranged so that the feed channel extends along a straight line or along a path that deviates (slightly) from a straight line, for example, along a slightly curved or arcuate form that still allows the flow of bulk material. For example, in the open position, the angle between the subsections may be in the range of 90° to 180°, preferably 130° to 180°, more preferably 150° to 180°.

[0015] The foldable section may be pre-folded. For example, the foldable section may include one or more features (such as creases, weakened portions, portions that are more flexible than the rest of the foldable section, etc.) that are arranged to enable the foldable section (particularly a subsection thereof) to be folded into a defined shape. The foldable section may be pre-folded by adding creases, which may form one or more joints (e.g., joints in the form of lines) that facilitate folding the foldable section into a (pre)predetermined shape, for example, a shape with subsections that are parallel or intersecting each other, such as a U- or V-shape.

[0016] The two parts may comprise a bar and a through-opening, through which the bar extends such that the two parts are linearly guided relative to one another. The two parts are therefore arranged in a very compact manner and can be easily moved relative to one another. The bar and the through-opening allow the two parts to be arranged to slide relative to one another along a direction defined by the bar. Also, linearly guiding the parts relative to one another allows particularly easy operation of the feeding mechanism. For example, the part attached to the upstream section of the feeding section comprises a through-opening, and the part attached to the downstream section of the feeding section comprises a bar. This allows the feeding mechanism and the pouches to be arranged in a particularly compact manner.

[0017] The bar may include a manipulation section, such as a recess or hole (opening, through-hole, etc.), preferably located at the distal end of the bar, that allows the bar, and thus at least one of the components, to be easily manipulated or grasped, for example by using a human finger that can hold the manipulation section.

[0018] In the closed position, the components may define a space, and at least one of the components, e.g., a component with a through opening, may include an operating area defining the space, which can be moved to the open position by manually operating the operating area. This allows the components to be manually moved relative to one another in a particularly easy manner. The operating area may be a recessed portion. In particular, the space may be accessible by a human finger, so that, once accessed, the finger can press the operating area, and thus the component including the operating area, away from at least a portion of the other component, thereby moving the component to the open position. The components may be arranged such that the component can be moved to the open position by moving the operating section and the operating area of ​​the bar toward each other. Thus, by grasping the operating section and the operating area with two fingers, respectively, and then moving the fingers toward each other, the component can be moved to the open position. Another of the components, e.g., a component with a bar, may include a further operating area (e.g., a recessed portion) defining the space. The further operating area may be arranged such that the (first) operating area is more easily accessible by a human finger.

[0019] The elastic element can be a coil, a spring, and / or a band. The elastic element can be made of a synthetic material, such as rubber, and / or metal. The elastic element, the pouch, and the delivery mechanism, or the elastic element and the remainder of the delivery system, can be made of the same material or material composition, or can be made of different materials or material compositions. The elastic element is preferably made of a recyclable material.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elastic element surrounds and / or encases the part. Such an arrangement allows the elastic element to be easily accessible for removal from the rest of the system, thereby improving in particular the recyclability of the system. The part may be provided with a recess (such as a groove) into which at least a portion of the elastic element extends. This allows the elastic element to be securely received by the part while at the same time allowing it to be easily removed from the part, for example for recycling.

[0021] The two components include a holder and a strap, the strap having a deformable (e.g., foldable) section movable relative to the holder between a retracted state and a protruding state. In the closed position, the supply section is closed by the holder and the deformable section in the retracted state. In the open position, the supply section is expanded or can expand to form a supply channel by the deformable section in the protruding state. Thus, by deforming the strap, for example by squeezing the strap, the flow of bulk material through the supply section can be easily controlled. In the retracted and / or protruding states, the deformable section can protrude relative to the holder. In the retracted state, the deformable section can be at least partially retracted into the holder (e.g., into the space of the holder) and / or can be arched to a lesser extent than in the protruding state. By moving the deformable section to its protruding state, the deformable section can be folded.

[0022] In the open position, the supply section may be surrounded by at least a part of the strap, for example the deformable section in a protruding state, and the holder.

[0023] The strap may include two manually operable ends that can be moved toward each other to move the deformable section from a retracted state to an extended state. Thus, operation of the feeding system is particularly simple and intuitive. For example, each of the ends may be manipulated by a respective finger to squeeze or pinch the strap and thus move the deformable section to an extended state for subsequent feeding of bulk material through the feeding channel.

[0024] The strap may be linearly guided by the holder. Thus, the feeding mechanism can be made compact. The holder may include one or more guide rails that linearly guide the end of the strap. The one or more guide rails may define a space of the holder and / or face the space of the holder, and at least a portion of the deformable section in the retracted state may be disposed in this space.

[0025] The holder may have edges, for example an upstream edge and / or a downstream edge, such that in the closed position the supply section is closed by the retracted deformable section and the edges, which allow the supply section to be particularly well closed (e.g. folded and / or bent) in order to prevent the bulk material from flowing out of the pouch.

[0026] In the closed position, the holder and the strap may define a space, and the strap may include an operating area defining the space, and manual operation of the operating area may move the deformable section from its retracted state to its extended state. Thus, operation of the feeding mechanism is particularly easy and intuitive. The operating area may be a recessed portion. In particular, the space may be accessible by a human finger, such that, once accessed, the finger presses the operating area, thereby deforming the strap and thereby moving the component to the open position. One of the ends of the strap may include the operating area. Preferably, the strap includes at least two operating areas, each end of the strap including a respective one of the operating areas. Thus, by moving the operating areas toward each other, the strap deforms so that the deformable section is extended, thereby moving the component to the open position. Thus, by grasping the operating area with two fingers and then moving the fingers toward each other, the component can be moved to the open position.

[0027] The elastic element may be arranged to urge the deformable section into its retracted state, such that the deformable section can (automatically) return to its (default) retracted state by the elastic element when the strap is released, thereby simplifying operation of the feeding mechanism.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, one end of the elastic element is connected to the strap and the other end of the elastic element is connected to the holder. Such an arrangement allows the elastic element to be easily accessible for removal from the rest of the system, which may improve, in particular, the recyclability of the system. The holder and / or the strap may comprise a recess (such as a groove) into which at least a portion of the elastic element extends and / or a protrusion around which at least a portion of the elastic element extends. This allows the elastic element to be securely received by the part while at the same time allowing it to be easily removed from the part, for example for recycling.

[0029] In one embodiment, the two parts comprise a wall at least partially surrounding the upstream section of the feed section and a lever connected to, and preferably integrally formed with, the wall, wherein in a closed position the downstream section of the feed section is sandwiched between the lever and the wall to close the feed section. By moving the lever away from the wall, the feed section may be, or may be able to be, expanded to form a feed channel.

[0030] In one embodiment, the two parts include two rods, each with a respective raised section, which, in the closed position, clamp the upstream and downstream sections of the feed section to close it. For example, the raised section of one of the rods may clamp the upstream section of the feed section, and the raised section of the other of the rods may clamp the downstream section of the feed section. This allows the feed section to not only be clamped but also to be serpentine by the raised sections located in the upstream and downstream sections, respectively, thereby closing the feed section in a particularly effective manner.

[0031] The pouch and dispensing mechanism may be made of a cellulosic material or material composition having a total of at least 80% by weight cellulose fibers, preferably at least 90% by weight cellulose fibers, more preferably at least 95% by weight cellulose fibers.

[0032] The feeding mechanism may be made of cardboard and / or paper. Therefore, the feeding mechanism can be made very simply and lightly. The cardboard may be corrugated and / or have a basis weight of at least 200 g / m², for example in the range of 250-600 g / m². The feeding mechanism may be made of a plurality of plates and / or sheets. The feeding mechanism may comprise a sandwich structure. For example, the plates and / or sheets may have different shapes, for example, with openings having different shapes. The plates and / or sheets may be attached to each other, for example, by using adhesive bonding (such as glue), in particular a reversible adhesive. When the plates and / or sheets are attached to each other, they may form a sandwich structure.

[0033] At least a portion of the pouch may be made of paper and / or cardboard. The pouch may have oxygen and / or moisture barrier functionality. The pouch may comprise multiple layers having oxygen and / or moisture barrier functionality. For example, at least one layer of the multiple layers may be made of paper and / or cardboard.

[0034] The multi-layers may comprise an outer layer, one or more middle layers, and an inner layer, which may be positioned so that it can contact the product to be filled, i.e., the bulk material.

[0035] The outer layer may be made of paper and / or cardboard, for example, with a basis weight in the range of 30 to 200 g / m 2. Preferably, the outer layer is a paper layer.

[0036] The intermediate layer is at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected from the list of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), or a combination thereof, preferably in a weight ratio of 0.5 to 20 g / m 2 More preferably, the amount is 1 to 10 g / m 2 and even more preferably 2 to 8 g / m 2 The organic barrier layer may comprise an amount of

[0037] The intermediate layer may comprise at least one inorganic barrier layer selected from the list of metals, metalloids or combinations thereof, preferably having a thickness of 1 to 100 nm.

[0038] The inner layer is preferably 2 to 20 g / m 2 Amount of 4 to 9 g / m 2 The adhesive layer may comprise at least one organic heat seal layer applied in an amount of

[0039] Preferably, the organic heat seal layer is made of an acrylic or methacrylic polymer grafted with at least one type of ionomer. More preferably, the ionomer grafted to the acrylic or methacrylic polymer is a sodium ionomer.

[0040] Preferably, the inorganic layer comprises a metal or metalloid selected from the list of aluminum, aluminum oxide (AlOx), or silicon oxide (SiOx), said metal and / or metalloid being deposited either by vacuum evaporation or transfer metallization.

[0041] The two parts may be more rigid than the pouch, or in other words, less flexible than the pouch.

[0042] The dispensing system may include a tamper-evident element arranged to indicate initial and / or unauthorized manipulation of the component, e.g., initial and / or unauthorized movement of the component to the open position. Thus, the tamper-evident element may make the dispensing system tamper-evident. For example, the tamper-evident element may be arranged such that when the component is moved to the open position, the tamper-evident element (e.g., a cover) is at least partially destroyed (removed, cut, etc.). In the destroyed state, a portion of the tamper-evident element may be detached from another component, e.g., from another component included in the tamper-evident element. The tamper-evident element may include a weakened portion (e.g., a tear line) arranged such that when the dispensing mechanism is manipulated (particularly to move to the open position), the tamper-evident element is destroyed at the weakened portion, which may mean that the tamper-evident element is torn along the tear line.

[0043] As used herein, the words "comprises," "comprising," and similar words should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to." [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, or will be apparent from, the following description of the presently preferred embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic front view of a supply system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a feeding mechanism of the system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3A]1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a feeding mechanism with parts of the mechanism in closed and open positions, respectively; [Figure 3B] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a feeding mechanism with parts of the mechanism in closed and open positions, respectively; [Figure 4A] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a method including the delivery system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4B] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a method including the delivery system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4C] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a method including the delivery system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4D] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a method including the delivery system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4E] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a method including the delivery system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4F] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a method including the delivery system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4G] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a method including the delivery system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5A] 1A and 1B show schematic perspective views of a feed mechanism of a feed system according to a first embodiment in an exploded and assembled state, respectively; [Figure 5B] 1A and 1B show schematic perspective views of a feed mechanism of a feed system according to a first embodiment in an exploded and assembled state, respectively; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of components for providing a feeding mechanism of a feeding system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] An example of a pouch is shown. [Figure 8] 1 shows a schematic front view of a supply system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9A] 9A and 9B show a schematic perspective view and a schematic front view, respectively, of the feeding mechanism of the system shown in FIG. 8, with components of the feeding mechanism in an open position. [Figure 9B] 9A and 9B show a schematic perspective view and a schematic front view, respectively, of the feeding mechanism of the system shown in FIG. 8, with components of the feeding mechanism in an open position. [Figure 10A] 9A and 9B show schematic cross-sectional views of the feeding mechanism shown in FIG. 8, with parts of the mechanism in closed and open positions, respectively. [Figure 10B] 9A and 9B show schematic cross-sectional views of the feeding mechanism shown in FIG. 8, with parts of the mechanism in closed and open positions, respectively. [Figure 11A] 9 illustrates a method including the delivery system shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 11B] 9 illustrates a method including the delivery system shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 11C] 9 illustrates a method including the delivery system shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 10 shows a schematic front view of a supply system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 shows a schematic perspective view of the feeding mechanism of the system shown in FIG. 12 with parts of the feeding mechanism in an open position. [Figure 14A] 14A-14C show schematic cross-sectional views of the feeding mechanism shown in FIG. 13 with parts of the mechanism in closed and open positions, respectively. [Figure 14B] 14A-14C show schematic cross-sectional views of the feeding mechanism shown in FIG. 13 with parts of the mechanism in closed and open positions, respectively. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 shows a schematic front view of a supply system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 shows a schematic perspective view of the feeding mechanism of the system shown in FIG. 15, with parts of the feeding mechanism in an open position. [Figure 17A] 17A-17C show schematic cross-sectional views of the feeding mechanism shown in FIG. 16, with parts of the mechanism in closed and open positions, respectively. [Figure 17B] 17A-17C show schematic cross-sectional views of the feeding mechanism shown in FIG. 16, with parts of the mechanism in closed and open positions, respectively. [Figure 18] 10 shows a schematic front view of a supply system according to a fifth embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Generally, as used herein, "fiber" (or "fiber") refers to cellulose fibers, which are generally extracted from plants, seeds, or trees, and which contain not only cellulose molecules but also hemicellulose and lignin.

[0046] The figures show different embodiments of the feeding (or delivery) system of the present invention. The feeding system may be a so-called "alternative delivery system" (ADS). In the illustrated embodiment, the feeding system is configured to feed a bulk material 1. The bulk material 1 may be a food product. The bulk material 1 may comprise a dry material and / or a solid material. The bulk material 1 may include a loose material or may be a loose material. The bulk material 1 may be a bulk flowable product and / or may comprise a powder and / or kibble and / or any other solid form that can be fed when flowing by gravity. For example, the bulk material 1 comprises coffee beans or grains.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a delivery system 100 according to a first embodiment.

[0048] The supply system 100 comprises a flexible or semi-flexible pouch (or bag) 10, which comprises a compartment 11 for storing bulk material 1 and a supply section 12. The supply section 12 may be (fluidically) connected to the compartment 11. The pouch 10 further comprises a hanger portion 13 by which the pouch 10 can be suspended so that the bulk material 1 can flow by gravity from the compartment 11 via (e.g., through) the supply section 12 and out of the pouch 10. The hanger portion 13 allows the pouch 10 to be suspended upside down. The hanger portion 13 may comprise an opening (through) and / or a hook. Additionally or alternatively, the hanger portion 13 may comprise a section that can be fastened by a clamp. Thus, the pouch 10 can be suspended by fastening this section of the hanger portion 13 by a clamp. This section may be flat and / or part of a seam, such as a welded seam, and / or a fin seal. The sections may be positioned such that fastening the sections does not affect (eg, does not reduce) the volume defined by compartment 11.

[0049] The feed section 12 may include an opening 12a through which the bulk material 1 can flow out of the pouch 10. Thus, as the bulk material 1 flows out of the pouch 10 via the feed section 12, the bulk material 1 may flow through the opening 12a. The opening 12a may be (initially) closed by a closure. The closure may be integrally formed with and / or may be an integral part of the pouch 10. For example, the closure or a portion of the pouch 10 may be removed, e.g., by cutting and / or tearing, to expose the opening 12a.

[0050] The feed section 12 may be formed separately from the compartment 11. For example, the cross section of the feed section 12 is narrower or smaller than the cross section of the compartment 11. The feed section 12 may be, or may be formable into, a spout and / or a tube. The pouch 10 may comprise a tapered section 14 connecting the compartment 11 with the feed section 13. The tapered section 14 may ensure that the compartment 11 can be completely emptied by gravity, i.e., that no bulk material 1 that cannot be dispensed by gravity alone remains in the compartment 11.

[0051] Pouch 10 may include one or more side walls 15, 16, which may include a front wall 15 and a rear wall 16 (FIGS. 3A and 3B). Pouch 10 may include a top end 17 and a bottom end 18. Top end 17 may include a hanger portion 13. Bottom end 18 may include a dispensing section 12. One or more side walls 15, 16 may each have an interior surface that defines compartment 11, i.e., the receiving space of compartment 11. Compartment 11 may extend substantially between top end 18 and bottom end 20. Top end 18 may include an opening that provides access to compartment 11, i.e., the receiving space of compartment 11.

[0052] The pouch 10 may have one or more edges along which the side walls 15, 16 are connected to each other to form the compartment 11 and the dispensing section 12. The edges may include a first side edge 19.1, a second side edge 19.2, an upper edge 19.3, and a lower edge. In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the lower edge, and thus the portion of the connection between the walls 15 and 16, is removed to expose the opening 12a so that the bulk material 1 can flow by gravity out of the pouch 10 through the opening 12a. The side walls 15, 16 may be connected to each other and each peripherally sealed substantially along their periphery to form, for example, one or more fin seals. The one or more fin seals may include an upper fin seal comprising a hanger portion 13.

[0053] The pouch 10 may be made of a cellulosic material or a cellulosic material composition. For example, at least a portion of the pouch 10 may be made of paper and / or cardboard. The pouch 10 may include multiple layers having oxygen and / or moisture barrier functionality, with at least one layer of the multiple layers (e.g., at least the outer or outermost layer) being made of paper and / or cardboard. The basis weight of the paper or cardboard may be in the range of 30 to 200 g / m2. One or more other layers of the multiple layers then provide the oxygen and / or moisture barrier functionality.

[0054] Alternatively, pouch 10 can be made of a single material. By "single material" is meant a material composed of a single type of material. For example, a single material is a material composed of the same chemical family class of polymer, such as polyethylene (PE). Different polymers of the same chemical family of polymers, such as high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene, can be sorted for recycling in the same recycling stream because they are composed of the same monomers. In other words, the layers of a single material are made of the same type of material (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene), rather than different types of materials.

[0055] The feed section 12 may comprise an upstream section 12.1 and a downstream section 12.2. The downstream section 12.2 may comprise the opening 12a or may be located closer to the opening 12a than the upstream section 12.1.

[0056] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, in addition to sections 12.1 and 12.2, feed section 12 may include a bendable section 12.3 that may extend from upstream section 12.1 to downstream section 12.2. Bendable section 12.3 may be designed so that it can be bent into a predetermined (folded) shape by moving sections 12.1 and 12.2 toward each other. Bendable section 12.3 may include at least two subsections 12.31 and 12.32 that can be bent into a predetermined shape, for example, as shown in Figure 3A, where sections 12.31 and 12.32 extend parallel to each other or at least cross each other. If subsections 12.31 and 12.32 cross each other, they may extend at an angle relative to each other that is preferably less than 45°. Preferably, subsections 12.31, 12.32, when folded, form a U-shape or a V-shape. In the folded state, subsection 12.31 may extend, preferably vertically, across upstream section 12.1 and / or subsection 12.32 may extend, preferably vertically, across downstream section 12.2.

[0057] Bendable section 12.3 may include one or more joints that assist in folding bendable section 12.3 into a predetermined shape. For example, one or more joints may include joint 12.33 connecting subsections 12.31 and 12.32 to one another. Additionally or alternatively, one or more joints may include joint 12.34 connecting subsection 12.31 to upstream section 12.1 and / or joint 12.35 connecting subsection 12.32 to downstream section 12.2. One or more of joints 12.33-12.35 may be provided by creasing feed section 12. One or more of joints 12.33-12.35 may comprise one or more creases and / or folds, and / or any other joints that can assist in folding section 12.3 into a predetermined shape, such as areas of weakness and / or areas that are more flexible or less rigid than subsections 12.31, 12.32, and / or upstream section 12.1 and / or downstream section 12.2. The distance between joints 12.33 and 12.34 may be the same as the distance between joints 12.33 and 12.35. Joints 12.33-12.35 may provide three folds (or folding sections): a central fold and two boundary or lateral folds. The central fold may be formed in one direction, while the two boundary folds may be formed in the other direction.

[0058] The feeding system 100 according to the first embodiment comprises a feeding mechanism 110 comprising two parts 111 and 112. As shown in more detail in Figures 3A and 3B, the first part 111 is attached to the upstream section 12.1 of the feeding section 12, and the second part 112 is attached to the downstream section 12.2 of the feeding section 12. The parts 111 and 112 may be attached to the sections 12.1 and 12.2 by adhesive bonding (e.g., by using an adhesive). The part 112 may be positioned closer to the opening 12a than the part 111. The parts 111 and 112 may be positioned on the same side of the pouch 10, for example, at the front of the pouch 10, e.g., on the front wall 15.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the two parts 111, 112 are manually movable relative to one another to move between a closed position (Figure 3A) and an open position (Figure 3B).

[0060] 3A, in the closed position, the supply section 12 is closed by two parts 111, 112 so as to prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the pouch 10 via the supply section 12. In the closed position, the parts 111, 112, and thus the upstream section 12.1 and the downstream section 12.2 to which the parts 111, 112 are attached, are arranged relative to each other such that the folding section 12.3 is folded so as to prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing from the compartment 11 through the supply section 12 to the outside of the pouch 10, in particular from flowing from the compartment 11 beyond the folding section 12.3. In this folded state of the section 12.3, the section 12.3 can be folded so that the subsections 12.31 and 12.32 are folded in a predetermined shape, for example so that the subsections 12.31, 12.32 are parallel or intersecting each other, in particular so as to form a U- or V-shape. This causes at least section 12.3 to follow a tortuous path that can prevent bulk material 1 from flowing out of pouch 10 and / or into downstream section 12.2. Additionally or alternatively, foldable section 12.3 may be folded such that the cross-section of at least section 12.3 (and preferably sections 12.1 and / or 12.2) is reduced such that bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing through such reduced cross-section, thereby preventing bulk material 1 from flowing out of pouch 10 and / or into downstream section 12.2. In the closed position, section 12.3 may be folded to protrude and / or bulge away from feed mechanism 110, for example, toward the rear of pouch 10 and / or away from front wall 15.

[0061] 3B , in the open position, the feed section 12 is expanded or is expandable by the two parts 111, 112 to form a feed channel 12.4 (such as a tube) so that the bulk material 1 can flow by gravity from the compartment 11 through the feed section 12 and out of the pouch 10. Thus, the bulk material 1 can flow from the compartment 11 to the outside of the pouch 10 via at least the feed channel 12.4. In the open position, the parts 111, 112, and thus the upstream section 12.1 and the downstream section 12.2 to which the parts 111, 112 are attached, are in an arrangement relative to each other such that the bendable section 12.3 forms the feed channel 12.4, thereby feeding the bulk material 1 out of the pouch 10. For example, section 12.3 may be widened by at least parts 111, 112, and the gravity of bulk material 1 may act on section 12.3 to widen it, thereby forming feed channel 12.4. As section 12.3 widens, the cross-section of section 12.3 may increase such that widened section 12.3 having the increased cross-section forms at least a portion of feed channel 12.4. Section 12.3 may be widened to increase its cross-section so that bulk material 1 can flow through such increased cross-section, thereby allowing bulk material 1 to flow by gravity from compartment 11 through feed section 12, e.g., through at least feed channel 12.4, out of pouch 10, and / or into downstream section 12.2.

[0062] In the unfolded state of section 12.3, section 12.3 may be unfolded such that subsections 12.31 and 12.32 extend along a straight line or along a path that deviates (slightly) from a straight line, e.g., along a (slightly) curved or arcuate shape. For example, subsections 12.31, 12.32 extend relative to one another in the open position at an angle greater than the corresponding angle between subsections 12.31 and 12.32 in the closed state, e.g., an angle between 90° and 180°. Unfolded section 12.3 may follow a path that is less tortuous, or even non-tortuous, than the path of folded section 12.3, such that bulk material 1 can flow by gravity out of pouch 10 and / or into downstream section 12.2 via the path followed by unfolded section 12.3.

[0063] Thus, by virtue of the two parts 111, 112 being movable relative to one another and attached to sections 12.1, 12.2, the foldable section 12.3 can be selectively folded, thereby preventing the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the pouch 10 through the supply section 12, or the foldable section 12.3 can be expanded or made to expand (such as by stretching along the supply direction defined by the supply section 12), thereby allowing the bulk material 1 to flow by gravity from the compartment 11 through the supply section 12 and out of the pouch 10. For example, by moving part 111 away from at least a portion of part 112, upstream section 12.1 similarly moves away from downstream section 12.2, thereby widening section 12.3 and subsequently forming supply channel 12.4, and the gravity of bulk material 1 can act on the thus formed supply channel 12.4 to increase the cross-section of supply channel 12.4, through which cross-section bulk material 1 can flow beyond section 12.3, for example, into downstream section 12.2 and / or out of pouch 10.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 2 , the parts 111, 112 may be movable relative to each other along a linear direction by the parts 111, 112 comprising a bar 113 and a through hole 114. The bar 113 extends through the through hole 114 so that the two parts 111, 112 are linearly guided relative to each other. The part 111 may comprise the through hole 114, and the part 112 may comprise the bar 113. The through hole 114 may have a shape corresponding to the cross section of the bar 113. The through hole 114 may have a slit-like shape. The bar 113 may have a plate-like form. The component 112 may include a mounting section 112.1 by which the component 112 is attached to the downstream section 12.2 of the feed section 12, and a bar 113 may extend from the mounting section 112.1 such that the component 111 may be movable along the bar 113 and away from the mounting section 112.1 to a position where the section 12.3 is widened or is able to widen to form the feed channel 12.4. In the closed position, the component 111 may be supported on the mounting section 112.1.

[0065] Manual operation of the feeding mechanism 110, such that the components 111, 112 move relative to one another between the closed and open positions, can be provided in different ways. For example, in the closed position, the components 111, 112 can define a space 115 that is easily accessible by a human finger. The component 111 can include an operating area 111.1 that defines the space 115. The operating area 111.1 can be a surface that defines a recess in the component 111. The operating area 111.1 is arranged so that the components 111, 112 can be moved to the open position by being manually operated, for example, by being pushed in a direction away from the mounting section 112.1. Thus, a user of the feeding system 100 can first access the space 115 with their finger and then push the operating area 111.1 away from the mounting section 112.1, thereby moving the components 111, 112 to the open position. Additionally or alternatively, the part 112 may comprise a (further) manipulation area 112.2 that defines the space 115. The manipulation area 112.2 may be a surface that defines a recess in the part 112, such as the mounting section 112.1. By means of the manipulation area 112.2, the space 115 may be more easily accessible to the user's fingers for subsequent manipulation of the part 111.

[0066] The bar 113 may include an operating section 113.1, preferably provided at the distal end of the bar 113. The operating section 113.1 may be a recess or a through-hole. The operating section 113.1 may be arranged so that the component 111 can be manually moved toward the operating section 113.1, for example, by operating the operating area 111.1, to move the components 111, 112 to the open position. Thus, a user can grasp the operating area 111.1 with a first finger, grasp the operating section 113.1 with a second finger, and move the first and second fingers toward each other to move the components 111, 112 to the open position, thereby dispensing the bulk material 1 out of the pouch 10. In particular, the first and second fingers may be fingers of the same hand, for example, so that the components 111, 112 can be moved to the open position by a squeezing or pinching movement of the fingers. Thus, a very easy and intuitive design of the feeding mechanism 100 for dispensing the bulk material 1 is provided.

[0067] The bar 113 may include a hole 113.2, which may be an oblong hole. The hole 113.2 may extend parallel to the trajectory of the part 111 (particularly of the operating area 111.1) moving along the bar 113. The hole 113.2 may be arranged so as to be accessible, for example, via a recess containing the operating area 111.1, in both the open and closed positions. The hole 113.2 may therefore ensure that the user's fingers can securely grasp the operating area 111.1 (e.g., not just with the fingertips) for subsequent manipulation. For example, the user's fingers may extend through the space 115 into the hole 113.2 in the closed position, thereby allowing the user to securely grasp the operating area 111.1, e.g., a particularly large surface area of ​​the operating area 111.1. The user's fingers can then move the operating area 111.1, and thus the part 111, relative to the part 112 (e.g., away from the mounting section 112.1), while the fingers simultaneously move within the holes 113.2 along the protruding direction of the holes 113.2. Thus, the user's fingers can securely grip the operating area 111.1 throughout the relative movement between the parts 111, 112 to bring them into the open position.

[0068] The supply system 100 further comprises an elastic element 120 arranged to urge the two parts 111, 112 toward the closed position. Thus, due to the arrangement of the elastic element 120, the default position is the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 120 is tensioned to provide a restoring force acting on the parts 111, 112. The restoring force acts to drive or move (i.e., return) the parts 111, 112 toward each other to the closed position. Thus, when an external force acting on the parts 111, 112 to remain in the open position is removed, the restoring force of the elastic element 120 drives the parts 111, 112 toward each other and thus to the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 120 may or may not be tensioned. The elastic element 120 may be made of a synthetic material, such as rubber, or another material, such as metal. The elastic element 120 can surround and / or encase the parts 111, 112. The elastic element 120 can be provided in the form of a ring and / or a band. To hold the elastic element 120 on the parts 111, 112 at least in the closed position, the part 111 can include a recess 111.2 and / or the part 112 can include a recess 112.3. At least a portion of the elastic element 120 can extend into each of the recesses 111.2 and 112.3. Additionally or alternatively, to prevent the elastic element 120 from detaching from the parts 111, 112, the part 111 can include a protrusion and / or the part 112 can include a protrusion. In the closed position, the elastic element 120 can be tensioned such that the restoring force thus provided of the elastic element 120 acts on the parts 111, 112 to prevent the elastic element 120 from becoming detached.

[0069] The elastic element 120 may include at least two elastic elements 120L, 120R, which may be arranged on the sides of the parts 111, 112, respectively, and / or on the sides of the bar 113, respectively.

[0070] 4A-4G illustrate a method that includes steps of using delivery system 100. FIG.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4A , the method may include a first step in which a pouch 10 is provided. In this step, the pouch 10 may be creased to provide a foldable section 12.3 in a pre-creased state (for a subsequent step). In the first step, the pouch 10 is closed at its feed section 12 by a closure 21. The closure 21 may be integral with the feed section 12, for example, formed by connecting the side walls 15, 16 to each other. The closure 21 is positioned to cover the opening 12a and / or prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing by gravity through the feed section 12 past the closure 21, i.e., downstream of the closure 21. The closure 21 may be connected to the feed section 12 by a weakened portion. Thus, the closure 21 can be peeled off from the feed section 12 by using the weakened portion.

[0072] 4B, the method may include a second step in which the feeding mechanism 100 is attached to the pouch 10 (e.g., by using an adhesive bond such as glue), with the feeding section 12 in a state in which the bendable section 12.3 is folded to form a predetermined shape (U-shaped, V-shaped, etc.) as described above. The remainder of the pouch 10 may be in a flat state. In other words, the pouch 10 may be in a flat state except for the bendable section 12.3, which is folded in the second step to protrude from the remainder of the pouch 10 in its flat state.

[0073] 4C, the method may comprise a third step in which bulk material 1 is filled into compartment 11 of pouch 10, for example, through an opening provided in the top end 17 of pouch 10. This opening may then be closed by sealing, for example, by heat sealing.

[0074] 4D, the method may include a fourth step in which closure 21 is removed from feed section 12. Opening 12a is therefore exposed. However, because feed mechanism 100 is in its (default) closed position, bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing out of pouch 10 via feed section 12, i.e., through opening 12a.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4E, the method may include a fifth step in which the pouch 10 is hung by using the hanger portion 13 so that the bulk material 1 can flow by gravity from the compartment 11 through the feed section 12 and out of the pouch 10, i.e., through the opening 12a (when the feed mechanism 100 is in the open position).

[0076] As shown in FIG. 4F, the method may include a sixth step in which the feeding mechanism 100 is manually operated to move the parts 111, 112 to an open position, thereby feeding the bulk material 1 out of the pouch 10 from the compartment 11 and the feeding channel 12.4 thus formed.

[0077] The sixth step may be repeated several times until the compartment 11 no longer contains bulk material 1, i.e., until the compartment 11 is empty. In such a state, the feeding system 100 may be recycled, as shown in Figure 4G. For example, the feeding system 100 may be recycled by removing the elastic element 120 from the feeding mechanism 110, then placing the pouch 10 and feeding mechanism 100 in a first recycling stream and the elastic element 120 in a second recycling stream.

[0078] 5A shows the feeding mechanism 110 in a disassembled state. In the disassembled state, the part 112 can be disassembled from the part 111. For example, in a first step, the elastic element 120 can be removed, thereby allowing the part 112 to move away from the part 111 and into a position where the parts 111, 112 are disengaged from each other, which can mean that the part 112 is no longer guided by the bar 113. FIG. 5B shows the feeding mechanism 110 in an assembled state. In the assembled state, the part 112 can be linearly guided by the part 111, for example by using the bar 113 extending through the through hole 114.

[0079] The feeding mechanism 100 can be made using plates. The plates can have different shapes. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the part 111 can include multiple plates 111.3-111.5, and / or the part 112 can include multiple plates 112.4-112.6. The part 111 can include plates 111.3, 111.5 spaced apart by one or more distance plates 111.4, thereby providing through openings 114. The bar 113 can be made of plates sandwiched between plates 112.4 and 112.6, and the mounting section 112.1 can include at least plates 112.3 and 112.6, and preferably one or more distance plates 112.5 sandwiched between plates 112.3 and 112.6.

[0080] 6 shows different plates for forming a feed mechanism similar to feed mechanism 100. The plates may comprise plates 111.3', 111.5' for forming at least part of part 111' similar to part 111, where plates 111.3' and 111.5' may be spaced apart from one another by one or more distance plates 111.4', thereby providing through openings 114' in part 111'. Bar 113' similar to bar 113 may be made of plate 112.5' ​​sandwiched between plates 112.4' and 112.6', and mounting section 112.1' similar to mounting section 112.1 may be provided by plates 112.4'-112.6'.

[0081] Dispensing system 100 may include a tamper-evident element arranged to indicate initial and / or unauthorized operation of dispensing mechanism 110, such as movement of components 111, 112 to the open position. For example, the tamper-evident element may include a cover wrapped around at least a portion of components 111, 112, the cover arranged to be at least partially broken when components 111, 112 are moved to the open position. In the broken state, a portion of the cover may be detached from another component, such as another component contained within the cover. FIG. 6 shows an example of a tamper-evident element 116' that may be wrapped around components 111', 112'.

[0082] 7 shows an example of a pouch 10 that may be combined with one or more reinforcing elements 22, 23. The reinforcing element 22 may be positioned to reinforce a lower portion of the pouch 10, such as the tapered section 14. For example, the shape of the reinforcing element 22 may at least partially match the shape of the tapered section 14. The reinforcing element 23 may be positioned to reinforce the hanger portion 13 and / or may include a through opening that may align with an opening included in the hanger portion 13. The elements 22 and / or 23 may be made of cardboard having a basis weight in the range of 300-500 g / m2, for example 400 g / m2.

[0083] FIG. 8 shows a delivery system 200 according to a second embodiment.

[0084] The supply system 200 includes the above-described pouch 10 and a supply mechanism 210 including two components 211, 212, including a holder 211 and a strap 212. The holder 211 may be a frame. The holder 211 may be attached to the supply section 12, for example, to the upstream section 12.1 and / or the downstream section 12.2 of the supply section 12. The holder 211 may be attached to sections 12.1 and / or 12.2 by adhesive bonding (e.g., by using an adhesive). The strap 212 may be attached to the supply section 12, for example, to the front of the pouch 10, e.g., the front wall 15, on a side of the supply section 12 facing away from the holder 211, while the holder 211 is attached to the rear wall 16. The strap 212 may be attached to a section extending between sections 12.1 and 12.2, for example, to a section extending from section 12.1 to section 12.2. The section to which the strap 212 is attached can be any foldable section 12.3.

[0085] As shown in Figures 8, 9A and 9B, 10A and 10B, the two parts 211, 212, i.e., the holder 211 and the strap 212, are manually movable relative to each other to move between a closed position (Figures 8 and 10A) and an open position (Figures 9A, 9B, 10B).

[0086] 8 and 10A, in the closed position, the supply section 12 is closed by two parts 211, 212 to prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the pouch 10 via the supply section 12. More specifically, the strap 212 comprises a deformable (e.g., foldable) section 212.1 that is movable relative to the holder 211 between a retracted state and an extended state. In the closed position, the retracted state of the deformable section 212.1 is such that the supply section 12 is closed by the deformable section 212.1 and the holder 211 relative to the holder 211, thereby preventing the bulk material 1 from flowing from the compartment 11 through the supply section 12 to the outside of the pouch 10, in particular from flowing from the compartment 11 beyond section 12.3. Preferably, at least section 12.3 is closed by the holder 211 and the deformable section 212.1 in the retracted state. In this closed state of section 12.3, subsections 12.31 and 12.32 may be closed (e.g., folded, bent, clamped) such that section 12.3 is shaped (e.g., bent) so that subsections 12.31, 12.32 are parallel or cross each other, particularly forming a U- or V-shape. With section 12.3 closed by holder 211 and deformable section 212.1 in a retracted state, section 12.3 may follow a serpentine path that may prevent bulk material 1 from flowing out of pouch 10 and / or into downstream section 12.2. Additionally or alternatively, section 12.3 may be closed by holder 211 and deformable section 212.1 in the retracted state such that the cross-section of section 12.3 is reduced such that bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing through such reduced cross-section, thereby preventing bulk material 1 from flowing out of pouch 10 and / or into downstream section 12.2. In the closed position, at least a portion of section 12.3 may be disposed within space 211.1 defined by holder 211 and / or may protrude or bulge into space 211.1.

[0087] The holder 211 may have one or more edges 211.2, 211.3, for example, an upstream edge 211.2 and a downstream edge 211.3. In the closed position, the supply section 12 is closed by the deformable section 12.2 in a retracted state and one or more of the edges 211.2, 211.3. For example, the upstream region of section 12.3 may be fastened between the deformable section 12.2 (retracted) and the upstream edge 211.2, and / or the downstream region of section 12.3 may be fastened between the deformable section 12.2 (retracted) and the downstream edge 211.2. The one or more edges 211.2, 211.3 may be arranged to define a space 211.1.

[0088] 10B , in the open position, the feed section 12 is widened or can be widened by the two parts 211, 212 to form a feed channel 12.4 so that the bulk material 1 can flow from the compartment 11 through the feed section 12 and out of the pouch 10 by gravity. Thus, the bulk material 1 can flow from the compartment 11 to the outside of the pouch 10 through at least the feed channel 12.4. In the open position, the feed section 12, particularly section 12.3, is widened and / or can be widened by the deformable section 212.1 in the protruding state, thereby forming the feed channel 12.4, and thus the bulk material 1 can be fed out of the pouch 10 by gravity. For example, the deformable section 212.1 in the protruding state allows the feed section 12 to be widened, and the gravity of the bulk material 1 acts on the feed section 12 (such as section 12.3) to widen the feed section 12, thereby forming the feed channel 12.4. In other words, the deformable section 212.1 in the protruding state may be arranged such that the deformable section 212.1 does not prevent the feeding section 23 from being widened or expanded by the gravity of the bulk material 1 acting on the feeding section 23.

[0089] As section 12.3 widens, the cross-section of section 12.3 may increase such that widened section 12.3 having the increased cross-section forms at least a portion of feed channel 12.4. Section 12.3 may be widened to increase its cross-section to allow bulk material 1 to flow through such increased cross-section, thereby allowing bulk material 1 to flow by gravity from compartment 11 through feed section 12, e.g., through at least feed channel 12.4, out of pouch 10 and / or into downstream section 12.2.

[0090] The deformable section 212.1 may be permanently attached to the feed section 12 (e.g., by using an adhesive bond, in particular a glue, etc.) such that when the deformable section 212.1 moves from a retracted state to an extended state, for example, in a direction away from the feed section 12, the deformable section 212.1 widens the feed section 12 so that the bulk material 1 can flow by gravity from the compartment 11 through the feed section 12 and out of the pouch 10. This may increase the cross-section of the feed section such that the widened section 12.3 having the increased cross-section forms at least a part of the feed channel 12.4. The section 12.3 may be widened such that its cross-section is increased so that the bulk material 1 can flow through the so-enlarged cross-section.

[0091] In the unfolded state of section 12.3, section 12.3 may be unfolded such that subsections 12.31 and 12.32 extend along a straight line or along a path that deviates (slightly) from a straight line, e.g., along a (slightly) arcuate shape. For example, subsections 12.31 and 12.32 extend relative to one another in the open position at an angle greater than the corresponding angle between subsections 12.31 and 12.32 in the closed state, e.g., an angle between 90° and 180°. The unfolded section 12.3 may follow a path that is less tortuous, or even non-tortuous, than the path of section 12.3 closed by holder 211 and deformable section 212.1 in the retracted state, such that bulk material 1 can flow by gravity out of pouch 10 and / or into downstream section 12.2 via the path followed by unfolded section 12.3.

[0092] Thus, by the two parts 211, 212 being movable relative to one another, the feed section 12 can be selectively closed (e.g., folded, bent) to prevent the flow of bulk material 1 through the feed section 12 and out of the pouch 10, or the feed section 12 can be expanded or able to expand, to allow the flow of bulk material 1 from the compartment 11 through the feed section 12 and out of the pouch 10 by gravity. By transitioning the deformable section 212.1 from a retracted state to an extended state, the deformable section 212.1 expands the feed section 12, or the deformable section 212.1 moves to a position where the feed section 12.3 can be expanded, for example, by the gravity of the bulk material 1 acting on the feed section 12.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and 11A-11C, the parts 211, 212 may be movable relative to each other, for example, along a linear direction. The strap 212 may have two manually operable ends 213L, 213R, which may be arranged opposite each other. The ends 213L, 213R are arranged to be movable toward each other. When the ends 213L, 213R move toward each other, the deformable section 212.1 moves from a retracted state ( FIGS. 8 , 10A, 11A, 11B ) to an extended state ( FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10B, 11C ). Each of the ends 213L, 213R may have a plate-like shape and / or a thickness equal to the thickness of the deformable section 212.1. Each of the ends 213L, 213R may be connected to the deformable section 212.1 by a respective hinge 213.1. The first outer portion 212.1L of the deformable section 212.1 may be angled relative to the end 213L by the first hinge 213.1, and the second outer portion 212.1R of the deformable section 212.1 may be angled relative to the end 213R by the second hinge 213.1. The first outer portion 212.1L and the second outer portion 212.1R of the deformable section 212.1 may extend crosswise (e.g., diagonally) relative to one another in the extended state, and / or may extend parallel to or slightly crosswise (e.g., at an angle greater than the corresponding angle in the extended state) relative to one another in the retracted state. Each of the hinges 213.1 may be an integral connection between the respective end 213L, 213R and the deformable section 212.1. Each of the hinges 213.1 may be provided by creasing the strap 212 and / or may be a fold. The two parts 212.1L, 212.1R may be connected to each other by a hinge 212.2, which may be provided by a crease in the strap 212 and / or may be a fold.

[0094] The strap 212 may be linearly guided by the holder 211. The holder 211 may include a guide rail 214. Each of the end portions 213L, 213R may be guided by and / or received within a respective guide rail 214 so that the two parts 211, 212 are linearly guided relative to each other. The guide rail 214 may include a recess having a width equal to or greater than the thickness of each of the end portions 213L, 213R. The guide rail 214 may have a slit-like shape. The guide rail 214 may include a first part that guides a first section of each of the end portions 213L, 213R and a second part that guides a second section of each of the end portions 213L, 213R. The first and second parts of the guide rail 214 may be arranged opposite each other. Thus, the ends 213L, 213R may be movable along one or more guide rails 214 to a position in which the deformable section 212.1 is in a protruding state, whereby the feed section 12 is widened or able to widen to form the feed channel 12.4. In the closed position, the deformable section 212.1 is in a retracted state in which the deformable section 212.1 may protrude from the holder to a lesser extent than in the open position.

[0095] In the closed position, the components 211, 212 may define a space 215 that is easily accessible by a human finger. The strap 212 may include an operating area 213.2 that defines the space 215. The operating area 213.2 may be part of one of the ends 213L, 213R and / or may be a surface defined by the thickness of the strap 212 or the thickness of each of the ends 213L, 213R. The operating area 213.2 is arranged to move the components 211, 212 to the open position by being manually operated, for example, by being pushed along a direction parallel to the guide rail 214 and / or away from the (opposite) component of the holder 211. Thus, a user of the supply system 200 may first access the space 215 with their finger and then press the operating area 213.2, thereby moving the components 211, 212 to the open position. Additionally or alternatively, holder 211 may include area 211.4 that defines space 215. Area 211.4 may allow space 215 to be more easily accessible to a user's fingers for subsequent manipulation of strap 212.

[0096] The parts 211, 212 may define at least two spaces 215. Each of the ends 213L, 213R may include a respective manipulation area 213.2 that defines one of the spaces 215. The manipulation areas 213.2 thus provided may be arranged such that each of the parts 211, 212 may be manually manipulated, for example, by being pushed along a direction parallel to the guide rail 214 and / or toward the respective other manipulation area 213.2, to move the parts 211, 212 to an open position, in which the deformable sections 212.1 are in a protruding state and a user can dispense the bulk material 1 from the pouch 10. Thus, a user of the dispensing system 200 may first access each of the spaces 215 with their respective fingers (e.g., of the same hand) and then push the manipulation areas 213.2 toward each other (e.g., by squeezing or pinching), thereby moving the parts 211, 212 to the open position. Thus, a very easy and intuitive design of the feeding mechanism 200 for feeding the bulk material 1 is provided.

[0097] The holder 211 may include a hole 211.5, which may be an oblong hole. The hole 211.5 may extend parallel to the trajectory of at least a portion of the strap 212, particularly the ends 213L and 213R, which move linearly relative to the holder 211, such as along the guide rail 214. The hole 211.5 may be positioned to be accessible in both the open and closed positions. Thus, the hole 211.5 can ensure that the user's fingers can securely grasp each of the operation areas 213.2 for subsequent manipulation. For example, in the closed position, the user's fingers may extend into the hole 211.5 through one of the spaces 215, thereby allowing the user to securely grasp each of the operation areas 213.2, e.g., a particularly large surface area of ​​the operation area 213.2. The user's fingers can then move the control areas 213.2 towards each other, thus moving the deformable sections 212.1 into the protruding state, while simultaneously moving within the holes 211.5 along the protruding direction of the holes 211.5. Thus, the user's fingers can securely grip the control areas 213.2 throughout the relative movement between the parts 211, 212 to bring them into the open position.

[0098] The supply system 200 further comprises an elastic element 220 arranged to urge the two parts 211, 212 towards the closed position, and thus the deformable section 212.1 towards its retracted state. Due to the arrangement of the elastic element 220, the default position is therefore the closed position. In the open position, the elastic element 220 is tensioned to provide a restoring force acting on the parts 211, 212. The restoring force acts to drive or move (i.e., return) the parts 211, 212 towards the closed position, for example, to move the ends 213L, 213R away from each other and / or to drive or move each of the ends 213L, 213R towards its respective part of the holder 211. Thus, when an external force acting on the part 212 to remain in the open position (i.e., to keep the deformable section 212.1 in a protruding state) is removed, the restoring force of the elastic element 220 drives the deformable section 212.1 towards its retracted state, and thus the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 220 may be tensioned or untensioned. The elastic element 220 may be made of a synthetic material, such as rubber, or another material, such as metal. The elastic element 220 may surround and / or encase a section of the parts 211, 212. The elastic element 220 may be provided in the form of a ring and / or a band. To connect the elastic element 220 with the parts 211, 212, the holder 211 may include a recess 211.6 and / or the strap 212 may include a protrusion 212.3. At least a portion of the elastic element 220 may extend into the recess 211.6 and / or surround and / or encase the protrusion 212.3. The protrusion 212.3 may be part of one of the ends 213L, 213R. At least a portion of the elastic element 220 may extend parallel to the guide rail 214 and / or outside the space 215 and / or the hole 211.5. By at least the protrusion 212.3, the respective end 213L, 213R may be guided within the guide rail 214. For example, at least a portion of the protrusion 212.3 may extend into the interior of the guide rail 214, for example into a recess in the guide rail 214.

[0099] The elastic element 220 may comprise at least two elastic elements 220L, 220R, which may be disposed on sides of the strap 212. For example, the first elastic element 220L may have one end connected to the strap 212, e.g., end 213L, and the other end connected to the holder 211, e.g., a first side of the holder 211, and / or the second elastic element 220R may have one end connected to the strap 212, e.g., end 213R, and the other end connected to the holder 211, e.g., a second side of the holder 211. The first and second sides of the holder 211 may be disposed on opposite sides of the holder 211.

[0100] 11A-11C illustrate a method that includes using delivery system 200. FIG.

[0101] 11A and 11B, the method may include a first step in which a feeding system 200 is provided. In this step, the feeding mechanism 210 is in a closed position in which the bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing out of the pouch 10 through the feeding section 12 and opening 12a.

[0102] 11C, the method may include a second step in which the feeding mechanism 200 is manually operated to move the parts 211, 212 to an open position, thus feeding the bulk material 1 from the compartment 11 and the feeding channel 12.4 thus formed out of the pouch 10 and into a container, such as a cup. As shown, a user may operate the feeding mechanism 200 with one hand and hold the container with the other.

[0103] The second step can be repeated several times until the compartment 11 of the pouch 10 no longer contains the bulk material 1, i.e., until the compartment 11 is empty. In such a state, the feeding system 200 can be recycled. For example, the feeding system 200 can be recycled by removing the elastic element 220 from the feeding mechanism 210, then placing the pouch 10 and the feeding mechanism 200 in a first recycling stream and the elastic element 220 in a second recycling stream.

[0104] The feeding mechanism 200 can be made using plates. The plates may have different shapes. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the holder 211 can comprise multiple plates 211.7-211.9, and / or the strap 212 can comprise or consist of a single plate 212.4. The holder 211 can comprise plates 211.7, 211.9 spaced apart by one or more distance plates 211.8, thereby providing one or more guide rails 214. At least some of the plates 211.7-211.9 can comprise through openings such that, when the plates 211.7-211.9 are attached to one another, the through openings form at least part of the spaces 211.1 and / or the spaces 215 and / or the holes 211.5.

[0105] FIG. 12 shows a delivery system 300 according to a third embodiment.

[0106] The feeding system 300 comprises the above-described pouch 10 and a feeding mechanism 310 comprising two components 311, 312, including a wall 311 and a lever 312. The wall 311 at least partially surrounds the upstream section 12.1 of the feeding section 12. For example, the wall 311 has a ring-shaped cross section, and the ring may have a closed configuration, such as a ring configuration, an oval configuration, or a rectangular configuration. The lever 312 is connected to the wall 311 and is preferably formed integrally with the wall 311. The lever 312 may have the form of a gate or a flap. The lever 312 is movable relative to the wall 311 so that the lever 312 can move to a closed position (see FIG. 14A ). In the closed position, the downstream section 12.2 of the feeding section 12 is sandwiched between the lever 312 and the wall 311 to close the feeding section 12 and thereby prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the pouch 10 through the feeding section 12.

[0107] The lever 312 is also movable relative to the wall 311 such that the lever 312 can be moved to an open position (see FIGS. 12, 13, and 14B) in which the downstream section 12.2 of the feed section 12 is spread or is able to spread so that the bulk material 1 can flow by gravity from the compartment 10 through the feed section 12 and out of the pouch 10. The lever 312 can be attached (e.g., by an adhesive bond, such as glue) to the downstream section 12.2 such that the feed section 12 spreads when the lever 312 is moved to the open position. Alternatively, the lever 312 can simply support the downstream section 12.2 (e.g., from below) such that the feed section 12 can spread when the lever 312 is moved to the open position, for example, by the gravity of the bulk material 1 acting on the feed section 12.

[0108] The wall 311 may be attached to the feed section 12 by using an adhesive bond, such as, for example, glue.

[0109] The operating element 313 may extend from the lever 312, for example from a distal end of the lever 312. The operating element 313 is arranged so that it can be pushed (e.g. by a container such as a cup) to move the lever 312 to the open position. For example, the operating element 313 in the form of a lever may extend transversely, for example perpendicularly to the lever 312. The operating element 313 may be provided with a through opening that allows easy manipulation of the operating element 313 by a user's hand and / or the container.

[0110] The supply system 300 further comprises an elastic element 320 arranged to urge the two parts 311, 312 towards the closed position, and thus the lever 312 against the wall 311. Thus, due to the arrangement of the elastic element 320, the default position is the closed position. In the open position, the elastic element 320 is tensioned to provide a restoring force acting on the parts 311, 312. The restoring force acts to drive or move (i.e., return) the parts 311, 312 to the closed position, for example, to drive or move (i.e., return) the lever 312 towards at least a portion of the wall 311. Thus, when an external force acting on the lever 312 to remain in the open position (e.g., to keep the lever 312 in the flip-open state) is removed, the restoring force of the elastic element 320 drives the lever 312 to its closed state (e.g., the flip-closed state), and thus to the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 320 may or may not be tensioned. The elastic element 320 may be made of a synthetic material, such as rubber, or another material, such as metal. The elastic element 320 may surround and / or encase sections of the parts 311, 312. The elastic element 320 may be provided in the form of a ring and / or a band. For example, the feed section 12 may be guided through an opening defined by the elastic element 320. The elastic element 320 may be attached to the wall 311 by a first part (e.g., a first end) and to the lever 312 by a second part (e.g., a second end), for example, at the distal end of the lever 312. The part 313 may be arranged to prevent the second part of the elastic element 320 from coming off the lever 312.

[0111] FIG. 15 shows a delivery system 400 according to a fourth embodiment.

[0112] The feeding system 400 comprises the above-described pouch 10 and a feeding mechanism 410 comprising two parts 411, 412, including a first rod 411 and a second rod 412. The feeding section 12 is disposed between the rods 411 and 412. The rods 411, 412 are connected to the rod 411. The rods 411, 412 are movable relative to each other such that they can be moved to a closed position (see FIG. 17A), in which the feeding section 12 is sandwiched between the rods 411 and 412. More specifically, each of the rods 411, 412 comprises a respective raised section 411.1, 412.1, in which, in the closed position, the raised section 411.1 sandwiches the downstream section 12.2 of the feeding section 12, and the raised section 412.1 sandwiches the upstream section 12.1 of the feeding section 12. This causes the feed section 12 to extend along a serpentine path and / or include a reduced cross section, thereby closing the feed section 12. Thus, the bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing out of the pouch 10 through the feed section 12.

[0113] Rods 411, 412 are also movable relative to one another such that they can be moved to an open position (see Figures 15, 16 and 17B) in which feed section 12 is unfolded or capable of unfolding to allow bulk material 1 to flow by gravity from compartment 10 through feed section 12 and out of the pouch. Rod 411 and / or rod 412 may be attached (e.g., by an adhesive bond such as glue) to feed section 12 such that feed section 12 unfolds when rods 411, 412 are moved to the open position.

[0114] Rod 411 and / or rod 412 may include chamfered portions 411.2, 412.2 that allow rods 411, 412 to tilt relative to one another to move between closed and open positions.

[0115] The rods 411, 412 may be operable via the ends of the rods 411, 412. For example, by pushing (such as clamping) one end of the rods 411, 412 towards each other, the other ends of the rods 411, 412 may move away from each other, thereby moving the rods 411, 412 to an open position. One end may include a chamfered portion 411.2, 412.2.

[0116] The supply system 400 further comprises an elastic element 420 arranged to urge the two parts 411, 412 towards the closed position, and thus the rods 411, 412 towards each other. Thus, due to the arrangement of the elastic element 420, the default position is the closed position. In the open position, the elastic element 420 is tensioned to provide a restoring force acting on the parts 411, 412. The restoring force acts to drive or move (i.e., return) the parts 411, 412 to the closed position, e.g., to move at least a portion of the rod 412 towards at least a portion of the rod 411, and / or vice versa. Thus, when an external force acting on the rods 411 and / or 412 to keep them in the open position is removed, the restoring force of the elastic element 420 drives at least a portion of the rods 411, 412 towards each other, respectively, to move the rods 411, 412 to the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 420 may be tensioned or untensioned. The elastic element 420 may be made of a synthetic material, such as rubber, or another material, such as metal. The elastic element 420 may surround and / or encase the rods 411, 412. The elastic element 420 may be provided in the form of a ring and / or band. For example, the rods 411, 412 may be maneuverable by one end (which may be on a first side of the feed section 12), and the elastic element may be disposed at the other end of the rods 411, 412 (which may be on a second side of the feed section 12).

[0117] FIG. 18 shows a delivery system 500 according to a fifth embodiment.

[0118] The supply system 500 comprises the above-described pouch 10 and a supply mechanism 510. The supply mechanism 510 may substantially correspond to the above-described supply mechanism 210, with the difference that the supply mechanism 510 moves between a closed position and an open position by means of a rotatable or twistable operating element 511 instead of a deformable section 212.1. The operating element 511 can thus be rotated to an open position in which the supply section 12 is unfolded or can be unfolded by the operating element 511 or a part connected to the operating element 511. An elastic element (not shown) is arranged to urge the operating element 511 towards the closed position in which the supply section 12 is closed at least by the operating element 511 or a part connected to the operating element 511, and preferably by a part (such as a stationary part). For example, the supply section 12 is fastened between this part and the operating element 511 or a part connected to the operating element 511.

[0119] The feeding mechanism 510 may include a housing 512 that may house the elastic element and / or include components (e.g., stationary components) that can interact with the operating element 511 or components connected thereto. The housing 512 may include at least two components 512.1, 512.2 that can be detached from each other to provide access to the interior of the housing 512, such as the elastic element and / or components, and / or to detach the feeding mechanism 510 from the feeding section 12. For example, a portion of the feeding section 12 (e.g., one or more sealing fins and / or one or more weld seams) may be fastened between the components 512.1 and 512.2. The housing 512 may house and / or cover (e.g., conceal) mechanics (e.g., elastic elements, guide rails, etc.) used to move the feeding mechanism 510 between the closed and open positions. The housing (or casing) 512 may be molded. The feeding mechanism 510 may be designed to allow the feeding system 500 to be mounted to a wall by the feeding mechanism 510.

[0120] According to a first alternative, when the pouch 10 is made of a cellulosic material or a cellulosic material composition, each of the respective feeding mechanisms 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 is made of a cellulosic material or a cellulosic material composition (such as paper and / or cardboard) such that the pouch 10 and the feeding mechanism 100 together have a total cellulose fiber content of at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, even more preferably at least 95% by weight, and most preferably 100% by weight. This allows the feeding system 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 to achieve a very high grade of recyclability, in particular since the pouch 10 and the respective feeding mechanism 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 can be placed in the same recycling stream.

[0121] According to a second alternative, if the pouch 10 is made of a single material (e.g., a single material that is a polymer such as PE or PP), each feeding mechanism 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 is made of the same single material, thereby allowing each feeding mechanism 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 to be recycled together with the pouch 10. The elastic elements can be easily manually removed from the rest of the respective feeding systems so that the elastic elements do not adversely affect the recyclability of the respective feeding systems. For example, the elastic elements can be placed in a first recycling stream, while the pouch and each feeding mechanism can be placed together in a second recycling stream.

[0122] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Many modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the present invention should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0123] While the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. Moreover, while a particular feature of the present invention may be disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations, as may be desirable or advantageous for any given application or particular use.

Claims

1. A supply system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for supplying a bulk material (1), said supply system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising: A flexible or semi-flexible pouch (10), a compartment (11) for storing said bulk material (1); a feed section (12); a pouch (10) comprising a hanger portion (13) on which the pouch (10) can be hung so that the bulk material (1) can flow by gravity from the compartment (11) through the feed section (12) and out of the pouch (10); A feeding mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) attached to the pouch (10), the feeding mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) comprising two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512), the two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512) being: a closed position, in which the supply section (12) is closed by the two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512) so as to prevent the bulk material (1) from flowing out of the pouch (10) through the supply section (12); and a feeding mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) that is manually movable relative to one another to move between an open position and an open position, in which the feeding section (12) is or can be expanded by the two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512) to form a feeding channel (12.4) so ​​that the bulk material (1) can flow by gravity from the compartment (11) through the feeding section (12) and out of the pouch (10); a resilient element (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) arranged to urge the two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512) towards the closed position.

2. 2. The supply system (100) of claim 1, wherein the supply section (12) comprises an upstream section (12.1), a foldable section (12.3), and a downstream section (12.2), the two parts (111, 112) being attached to the upstream section (12.1) and the downstream section (12.2), and wherein in the closed position, the foldable section (12.3) is folded to prevent the bulk material (1) from flowing out of the pouch (10) through the supply section (12), and in the open position, the foldable section (12.3) is unfolded or can be unfolded to form the supply channel (12.4).

3. 3. The supply system (100) of claim 2, wherein the foldable section (12.3) comprises two subsections (12.31, 12.32), and in the closed position, the subsections (12.31, 12.32) are folded parallel to or across each other, for example to form a U- or V-shape, and / or the subsections (12.31, 12.32) extend at an angle to each other, which angle in the closed position is smaller than the angle in the open position, for example being comprised in the range of 0° to 45°.

4. 4. A supply system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two parts (111, 112) comprise a bar (113) and a through opening (114), the bar (113) extending through the through opening (114) such that the two parts (111, 112) are linearly guided relative to each other.

5. 5. The supply system (100) of claim 4, wherein the bar (113) comprises an operating section (113.1), for example a recess or a hole, the operating section (113.1) being preferably provided at a distal end of the bar (113).

6. 6. The supply system (100) according to claim 1, wherein in the closed position, the two parts (111, 112) define a space (115), and at least one of the two parts (111, 112), for example the part (111) comprising the through opening (114), comprises an operating area (111.1) defining the space (115), and the two parts (111, 112) can be moved to the open position by manually operating the operating area (111.1).

7. The supply system (100, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic element (120, 320, 420) surrounds and / or encases the part (111, 112; 311, 312; 411, 412).

8. 8. The feeding system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pouch (10) and the feeding mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) are made of a cellulosic material or material composition having a total of at least 80% by weight of cellulose fibers, preferably at least 90% by weight of cellulose fibers, more preferably at least 95% by weight of cellulose fibers.

9. 9. The supply system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the supply mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) is made of cardboard and / or paper and / or at least a part of the pouch (10), e.g. one or more layers of a multi-layer having oxygen and / or moisture barrier functionality, is made of paper and / or cardboard.

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