Package, support for such package, and supply system comprising such package

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a package (1) comprising a body (2) defining an interior volume (6) for holding a fluent product, and an opening element (4) comprising an opening (4.0) disposed inside the interior volume (6). The body (2) is configured to be displaced relative to the interior volume (6) when a predetermined external force (F) is applied to an actuating section (8) of the body (2), such that the actuating section (8) actuates the opening element (4) until it creates an opening, and the opening (4.0) expands into an openable section (12) of the body (2) to allow the fluent product to flow out of the interior volume (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is directed to a package for containing a flowable product, particularly an edible flowable product. The present invention is further directed to a support configured to hold such a package. The present invention is also directed to a supply system including such a package and configured to dispense a plurality of servings of the flowable product contained within the package to enable the preparation of food or beverage products such as coffee, tea, soup, etc.

Background Art

[0002] From U.S. Patent No. 6,250,506 (B1), a supply system is known that receives a bulk package of powder and is configured to supply the powder flowing out of the package. The bottom side of the package is initially closed by a slidable band. When the package is placed within the supply system, the slidable band can be removed by sliding it within a slot located beneath the package. By removing the sliding band, a passage is liberated through which the powder can flow out of the package by gravity and into the supply unit. The bulk package and supply system of U.S. Patent No. 6,250,506 (B1) avoid contact between the powder and the user who refills and discharges the powder to and from the supply system.

[0003] However, in the supply system of U.S. Patent No. 6,250,506 (B1), the powder soils the surfaces that are exposed to the powder, particularly the slot in which the band slides. Therefore, when replacing the bulk package, the user must thoroughly clean these soiled surfaces, which can be difficult due to the geometry of the slot.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a package, a support for such a package, and a supply system comprising such a package, which keep the fluid product clean and sealed within the package, and which allows the user to conveniently and quickly refill the fluid product into a supply system. According to one aspect, the present invention is a package, A main body that defines an internal volume for holding a fluid product, It comprises an opening element having an opening portion located inside the internal volume, The present invention relates to a package in which, when a predetermined external force is applied to the operating section of the body, the operating section is configured to displace relative to the internal volume, for example, toward or away from the internal volume, so that the operating section acts on an opening element until the opening generates an opening, and the opening expands into the openable section of the body, allowing a fluid product to flow out of the internal volume.

[0005] When the package is coupled to the supply system during use, it can be opened from the inside by an opening partially or entirely located within its internal volume. Thus, the package keeps the fluid product clean and sealed within the package, while allowing the user to conveniently fill the supply system with a new package and open the new package.

[0006] The internal volume can hold the fluid product when the main body is closed, and the internal volume can dispense the fluid product when the main body is opened.

[0007] In this disclosure, the term “flowable product” may mean any product that can flow or be poured under the action of gravity, in particular powdered products. In particular, a flowable product may be an edible substance, such as coffee (soluble coffee, green coffee beans, roasted coffee beans, roasted and ground coffee beans), tea, milk powder, soup powder, bouillon powder, powdered milk for drinking, confectionery (e.g., panned confectionery), or dried pet food.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the operating section can be displaced toward the internal volume section to actuate the opening element until the opening section generates an opening.

[0009] Therefore, a given external force can push the working section, which in turn can deform the body and then push the opening element toward the openable section. An advantage of displacing the working section toward the internal volume, i.e., pushing the working section toward the bottom wall, may be that the body's footprint is minimized during opening generation by contracting as the body deforms.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment, the actuating section may be displaced away from the internal volume to actuate the opening element until the opening generates an opening. Thus, a given external force can pull the actuating section, which in turn pulls the opening element, deforming the body and subsequently tearing the openable section.

[0011] In this alternative embodiment, the open element is preferably connected to the body. fixed It is possible fixed It may include a section, for example, which may be sealed to the main body section opposite the openable section. Therefore, fixed The part can transmit tensile force to the opening element. Furthermore, in this alternative example, the opening element is preferably in the openable section. fixed It is possible. Therefore, when a user applies a predetermined external pulling force by pulling the operating section, and thus the release element, the release element may pull the releaseable section, tear it, and release it.

[0012] In yet another alternative embodiment, instead of pushing or pulling, the displacement of the actuation section relative to the internal volume to actuate the opening element until the opening element generates an opening may be in a direction different from that toward or toward the internal volume, and may, for example, be substantially parallel to the internal volume. The design and arrangement of the body and the opening element may be suitably selected so that the opening element generates an opening.

[0013] A common technical effect of these alternative embodiments is that the opening element may apply a mechanical stress to the openable section that is large enough to break open the openable section, thereby generating an opening.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the opening may extend between the operating section and the openable section, preferably extending substantially from the operating section to the openable section.

[0015] Therefore, a given external force is transmitted through the opening to the openable section over a relatively short distance, thereby facilitating the manual opening of the package.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the opening may include an actuation part facing the openable section, the actuation part may be configured to interact with the openable section when the opening element is actuated, preferably by tearing the openable section, until the actuation part produces an opening.

[0017] Therefore, the operating mechanism can reliably open the openable section when the release element is activated.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the actuation portion may be formed by the edge of the opening element, and / or the actuation portion may consist of a cut edge. Preferably, when viewed across the openable section, the opening and preferably its actuation portion may substantially extend to the extent of the internal volume.

[0019] Therefore, such an edge or cut edge can pierce or tear open the releaseable section along the calibrated opening. Therefore, the opening can extend over most or all of the releaseable section, thereby enabling the creation of a large opening and thus ensuring a large flow rate of the fluid product.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the releaseable section can be disposed on a side opposite to the operating section of the body with respect to the internal volume.

[0021] Therefore, the package design can be relatively simple while ensuring reliable operation.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the releaseable section can preferably have a weak portion, such as a tear line or a notch, that extends along the operating part if present.

[0023] [[ID=?]]Therefore, the releaseable section can be easily opened by the user using the operating section while ensuring the calibrated opening.

[0024] In some embodiments, the release element can generally have a rectangular shape.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the body can be a sealed bag or a sealed pouch, the body can have at least one sealing line, and the release element can fixed further include a portion, fixed the portion is sealed within at least one sealing line, and at least one sealing line is preferably formed in or near the operating section.

[0026] Therefore, the release element can displace the operating section fixed so that the portion, and thus the opening, can be directly displaced with respect to the body. fixed can be effected.

[0027] In some embodiments, fixed the portion is integral with the opening in It seems there is a small issue in the original text where the tag in line 16 is not complete. I've translated it as best as possible with the given text. If you can correct the original text, it would be better for a more accurate translation.It may be present, and preferably it may be an integrated component. In some alternative embodiments, fixed The part may be separate from the opening, but may be fixed to the opening. In yet another embodiment, the opening element is attached to the main body. fixed It is not moved, but is simply held in place by the main body wall.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the body may have at least one flat surface, the openable section extends to at least one flat surface, and the body is preferably a flat-bottomed bag.

[0029] Therefore, the design of the openable sections and open elements can be relatively simple, while allowing the package to stand stably on a flat surface before being placed in the supply system.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the body may include a rim extending laterally away from the internal volume, preferably substantially perpendicular to the direction of operation in which a predetermined external force is applied, the rim preferably surrounding the openable section, and the rim preferably having through holes for receiving holder elements configured to support the openable section when an opening is generated.

[0031] Therefore, when the rim accepts the holder element, the rim is clamped in place so that the bottom of the body can be kept sufficiently flat and / or reinforced in particular in the openable section, thereby facilitating the creation of an opening by the opening.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the body or at least its operating section may be made of a flexible material, the opening element is preferably more rigid than the body, and / or the body and / or opening element may be made from a recyclable material such as a paper-based material. In some embodiments, the body may include a transparent polymer that forms a window in the side wall to allow the user to see the level of the fluid product inside the body.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the body and / or open elements may be made from plastic or polymer. In some embodiments, the body may be made from a laminate comprising a paper-based material and a polymer.

[0034] In some embodiments, the body and the open element may be made from the same material.

[0035] In some embodiments, the body may be manufactured from one or more blanks.

[0036] In some embodiments, the body may have a symmetrical or asymmetrical shape.

[0037] Therefore, the main body may be flexible, and in particular, more flexible than the open element, which may facilitate the creation of an opening by the open element. Furthermore, the main body and / or the open element can be recycled.

[0038] In another aspect, the present invention provides a support for supporting the package described in claim 11, comprising a frame for housing the package and a clamping element having a holder element, wherein the holder element preferably protrudes toward the frame, and the clamping element is The holder element is in a disengaged position away from the frame to allow for package insertion, The present invention relates to a support structure which is slidably connected to a frame such that the holder element is movable between a locking position in which the holder element is received in a through hole and a clamping position in which the holder element is movable between a locking position in which the holder element is received in a through hole and a clamping position in which the holder element is preferably movable in which position protruding through a through hole when a holder element is present.

[0039] Therefore, such a support allows the fluid product to be kept clean and sealed within the package, while enabling the user to conveniently refill the fluid product into the supply system.

[0040] In fact, the support can connect the package to the supply system while keeping the bottom of the body sufficiently flat to facilitate the creation of an opening through the opening section.

[0041] In some embodiments where there are no through holes, the rim may be gripped by a frame on one side of the rim, for example, or by a clamping element on the opposite side of the rim, and the holder element may be formed by a region having a relatively large coefficient of friction to enhance this grip.

[0042] In yet another aspect, the present invention is a supply system, A package according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments and models, The package comprises at least an openable section and a receiving section configured to receive a fluid product supplied through the opening, A supply unit configured to selectively supply fluid products and having a supply outlet, The present invention relates to a supply system comprising a dispensing unit that fluidly connects a receiving section to a supply unit, and a dispensing unit configured to dispense a fluid product to the supply unit.

[0043] Therefore, such a supply system keeps the fluid product clean and sealed within its packaging, while allowing the user to conveniently refill the fluid product into the supply system.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the dispensing unit may include a conveyor for dispensing the fluid product to the supply outlet.

[0045] The supply unit may be equipped with valves that can be selectively opened to selectively supply fluid products.

[0046] Therefore, such a conveyor or valve may enable a user to release a package and obtain a supply of fluid product that can be used, for example, to prepare food or beverage products.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the supply system may further include a support for holding a package, preferably a support as described above. Preferably, the support, more preferably a clamping element, includes a coupling section configured to be tightly coupled with a receiving section to form a closed delivery channel from an opening created in the openable section to a supply outlet.

[0048] Therefore, such a support can tightly couple the package to the supply system, especially before the package is opened. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] Further features, details, and advantages of the present invention are described below, particularly in relation to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This is a schematic transparent perspective view of a package according to one aspect of the present invention in a closed state. [Figure 2] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the package shown in Figure 1, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along Plane III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along Plane IV of Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of detail V in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is a schematic transparent perspective view of the package shown in Figure 1 in the open state. [Figure 7] This is a schematic perspective view of the package in Figure 6, as seen along arrow VII in Figure 6, in the open state. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the package from different angles, with the outside of the openable section covered. [Figure 9] This diagram is similar to Figure 8, but the outside of the openable section is exposed. [Figure 10] This is a schematic perspective view of the package shown in Figures 8 and 9, partially inserted into a support, according to another aspect of the present invention, viewed along the same angle as in Figures 8 and 9. [Figure 11] This figure is similar to Figure 10, showing the package fully inserted into the support in Figure 10, with the holder elements of the support not engaged with the package. [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along plane XII in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This diagram is similar to Figure 11, where the holder element of the support is engaged with the package. [Figure 14] As shown in Figure 13, the package and support in the engaged state are similar to those in Figure 12. [Figure 15] This is a schematic perspective view in a separated state of a supply system comprising the package and support shown in Figures 11 to 14, according to yet another aspect of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure is similar to Figure 15 in the bonded state. [Figure 17] Figure 16 shows a schematic cross-sectional view along plane XVII. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] Figures 1 and 2 show a package 1 comprising a main body 2 and an opening element 4. The main body 2 defines an internal volume 6 for holding a fluid product, not shown, such as edible powder for preparing food or beverage products.

[0051] The body 2 may be a flat-bottomed bag and may have at least one flat surface. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the body 2 may generally have a parallelepiped shape. The parallelepiped shape may have a volume section generally having a triangular prism shape on top. The body 2 may be formed by four side walls 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4 and a bottom wall 2.6 joined to the side walls 2.1 to 2.4. On the opposite side of the bottom wall 2.6, the side walls 2.1 to 2.4 may be joined to form the upper part 2.8 of the body 2. The body 2 may have a symmetrical shape as shown in Figures 1 to 17. Alternatively, the body 2 may have an asymmetrical shape.

[0052] In this disclosure, the relative terms “bottom,” “top,” and “side” may refer to the orientation of the package in Figure 1. When package 1 is used in a supply system 201 as shown in Figures 15-17, the fluid product can flow out of package 1 under the action of gravity and therefore through the bottom wall 2.6 which can pre-support the weight of the fluid product.

[0053] The body 2 may be a sealed bag or sealed pouch and may have a sealing line 7 at the top 2.8. The body 2 may be manufactured from one or more blanks. A blank or each blank may be formed from a plurality of sheets bonded or welded together. A blank or each blank may have fold lines and / or weld lines to form a bottom wall 2.6 and side walls 2.1-2.4. Preferably, the body 2 may be made from a recyclable material such as a paper-based material. The sealing line 7 may be a weld line. In this disclosure, the term “weld line” may refer to a line that is welded or bonded.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, the opening element 4 includes an opening 4.0. The opening 4.0 is located inside the internal volume 6. The opening element 4 can be sealed by a sealing line 7. fixed It may further include part 4.7. Therefore, the open element 4 is connected to the main body 2. fixed It is possible. Preferably, fixed As shown in Figures 1 to 3, section 4.7 may be integrated with the opening 4.0, and preferably it may be an integrated part. In an alternative embodiment, fixed The part may be separate from the opening, but may be fixed to the opening. In another alternative embodiment, the opening element is attached to the main body. fixed It is not moved, but is simply held in place by the main body wall.

[0055] The main body 2 has an actuation section 8 configured to actuate the release element 4, as will be further described below. The actuation section 8 may be located on the upper portion 2.8, in this case on the central portion of the upper portion 2.8. The sealing line 7 may be formed on or near the actuation section 8.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the main body 2 is configured such that when a predetermined external force F is applied to the operating section 8, the operating section 8 is displaced relative to the internal volume section 6 under the action of the predetermined external force F, so that the operating section 8 operates the opening element 4 until the opening section 4.0 generates an opening 10 (Figures 6-7). In particular, the opening element 4 is fixed via part 4.7 to the main body 2 fixed Therefore, by displacing the operating section 8 toward the internal volume section 6, the opening 4.0 can be directly displaced to the bottom wall 2.6.

[0057] External force F is, A size sufficient to break open an openable section, which may or may not have a weak portion, The opening may be predetermined to be substantially vertical and preferably downward in direction, so that it can be generated in the lower or lowest part of the body, such as the bottom wall 2.6.

[0058] Therefore, the magnitude of a given external force F can vary very widely, for example, depending on the dimensions and material of the main body 2. Similarly, the direction of a given external force F can vary very widely, for example, depending on the design of the main body 2.

[0059] During use, the user can easily determine how to apply a suitable predetermined external force F, for example, by initiating the application of the external force based on tactile and / or auditory feedback. Furthermore, the main body 2 and the opening element 4 can be designed so that the suitable predetermined external force F can be intuitively inferred by the user.

[0060] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the opening 10 extends into the openable section 12 of the body 2 shown in Figures 1 and 4. The openable section 12 may be located on the side of the body 2 opposite to the operating section 8 with respect to the internal volume 6. Preferably, the openable section 12 may extend to the flat surface of the body 2, in this case to the bottom wall 2.6.

[0061] The openable section 12 may have a weak portion, such as a tear line, as shown in the examples in Figures 1 and 4. Preferably, the openable section 12 may extend along the working section 8. The weak portion may consist of through holes, blind holes, through slits, notches, and / or blind slits, especially if it has a tear line. Preferably, the weak portion may consist of blind holes and / or blind slits to improve the airtightness of the internal volume 6 to ambient moisture and fluid products. The weak portion may be fabricated by laser scoring.

[0062] Therefore, package 1 can initially be in a closed state as shown in Figures 1 to 4, and finally, after the opening element 4 is activated, it can be in an open state as shown in Figures 6 to 7. In the open state, the opening 10 allows the fluid product to flow out of the internal volume section 6. When package 1 is coupled to the supply system 201 shown in Figures 15 to 17 and opened, the fluid product can be supplied from package 1 by the supply system 201 and used downstream to prepare food or beverage products.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, the opening portion 4.0 may extend between the operating section 8 and the openable section 12, where it may extend almost from the operating section 8 to the openable section 12, as seen in Figure 3. Thus, a given external force F is transmitted to the openable section 12 over a relatively short distance by the opening element 4, and therefore the opening portion 4.0, thereby facilitating the manual opening of the package 1.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the open element 4 may comprise a core member 4.1 and four wings 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 projecting two at a time from the sides of the core member 4.1. The core member 4.1 may generally have the shape of a rectangular wall. The wings 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 may generally have the same shape, for example, a right triangle. The star-shaped extensions of the wings 4.2 to 4.5 may help to stabilize the open element 4 laterally relative to the body 2, both when the package is empty and when the package is filled with a fluid product.

[0065] Nevertheless, the open element 4 can take on many different shapes. For example, some wings or side walls may be curved or inclined instead of protruding upright from the bottom wall. In a simpler example, the open element may generally have a rectangular shape without wings or side walls.

[0066] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the opening 4.0 may include an actuation part 14 that can face the openable section 12 at a short distance, preferably, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 5 mm. Such a short distance can help prevent the actuation part 14 from accidentally opening the openable section 12 due to shocks or vibrations during, for example, transport, handling, or storage of the package 1. Alternatively, the actuation part may face the openable section while stationary in contact with the bottom wall.

[0067] The actuation unit 14 may be configured to interact with the openable section 12 when the opening element 4 is actuated until the actuation unit 14 generates the opening 10. In an alternative embodiment, the actuation unit is separated from the opening, but is connected to the opening. fixed It's fine if it is done.

[0068] As best shown in Figure 2, the opening element 4, and preferably its actuarial portion 14 as well, may extend substantially into the range of the internal volume 6, at least near the bottom wall 2.6, when viewed across the openable section 12, i.e., perpendicular to the direction of a given external force F. Thus, the opening element 4 may extend over most or all of the openable section 12, thereby ensuring the creation of a large opening 10 and thus the formation of a large flow rate of fluid product from the package 1. In particular, the actuarial portion 14 may press against the bottom wall 2.6 over a long line, thereby ensuring that the openable section 12 is opened with a large opening 10, increasing the large flow rate of fluid product from the package 1.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5, the actuator 14 may include a cutting edge 16 which may have teeth for cutting open the openable section 12. Preferably, if present, the actuator 14 may press against or tear a weak portion or tear line of the openable section 12.

[0070] The main body 2, or at least its operating section 8, may be made from a flexible material. The opening element 4 may preferably be more rigid than the main body 2, at least in the direction of a given external force F. Therefore, displacing the operating section 8 mainly bends the side walls 2.1-2.4 and does not (too much) bend the opening element 4, so that the opening element 4, and thus the opening 4.0, can transmit most of the given external force to the openable section 12. If the opening element 4 is made from the same material as the main body 2, for example, a paper-based material such as cardboard, the opening element 4 may be selected to be thicker than the walls of the main body 2 so that the opening element 4 may be more rigid than the main body 2.

[0071] As shown in Figures 2 and 8, package 1 may further comprise a coating film 18 positioned to cover the outside of the bottom wall 2.6. The coating film 18 may generally have a rectangular shape. The coating film 18 can enhance airtightness to ambient moisture and fluid products, particularly when the openable section 12 includes tear lines consisting of through holes and / or through slots. The coating film 18 may be made from a waterproofing material, such as a polymer.

[0072] The coating film 18 can be peelably attached to the bottom wall 2.6. Therefore, the user can remove the coating film 18 immediately before opening package 1. Figures 8 and 9 show package 1 with the coating film 18 and package 1 without the coating film 18, respectively, i.e., package 1 before and after the coating film 18 is removed.

[0073] Package 1 may be transported and stored empty before being filled with the fluid product, and may be sealed before being sold. When Package 1 is filled with the fluid product, the weight of the fluid product may rest on the bottom wall 2.6 and side walls 2.1-2.4, as well as the opening element 4.

[0074] Therefore, the fluid product can help stabilize the opening element 4 during the filling and storage of package 1 and during the creation of the opening 10. Preferably, the side walls 2.1 to 2.4 may extend substantially vertically during the creation of the opening 10 to enhance this stabilizing effect and allow guidance of the opening element 4.

[0075] Furthermore, package 1 may be provided with a handle 19 to allow the user to hold package 1. The handle 19 may be attached to a side wall 2.2.

[0076] As best shown in Figures 4 and 7, the body 2 may include a rim 20. The rim 20 may extend laterally from the internal volume 6, here away from the side walls 2.1 to 2.4. Preferably, the rim 20 may extend in the operating direction to which a predetermined external force F is applied. Preferably, the rim 20 may surround the openable section 12.

[0077] As will be further explained in relation to Figures 10 to 14, the rim 20 may have a plurality of through holes 22 for receiving holder elements 110 configured to support the openable section 12 when the opening 10 is generated. The through holes 22 may generally have the shape of elongated slits.

[0078] Figures 10 to 14 show a support 101 for supporting package 1 and connecting it to the supply system 201 shown in Figures 15 to 17. The support 101 comprises a frame 102 and clamping elements 104.

[0079] The frame 102 is configured to house the package 1. The frame 102 may be configured to define a housing space having a shape generally complementary to the external shape of the package 1. In Figure 10, the action of inserting the package 1 into the frame 102 is represented by arrow I.

[0080] Frame 102 may include at least two side walls 102.1 and 102.3 designed such that the containment space may generally have a parallelepiped shape with a triangular prism of similar dimensions to that of package 1 on top.

[0081] Furthermore, the frame 102 may have a top portion 103 designed to accommodate the sealing line 7 of the package 1. As shown in Figures 10, 11, and 13, the frame 102 may have a window 103.1 cut out in the top portion 103. When the package 1 is housed in the frame 102, the operating section 8 may be exposed through the window 103.1 so that a user can apply a predetermined external force F as described above.

[0082] The frame 102 may be configured to limit or minimize deformation of the main body 2 caused by a predetermined external force F, so that the opening element 4 can reliably and quickly reach the openable section 12. Specifically, by clamping the rim 20 between the frame 102 and the clamping element 104, the bottom wall 2.6 can be kept sufficiently flat to facilitate the creation of the opening 10 by the opening section 4.0. Note that, for convenience, the deformation of the main body 2 is not shown in the figure showing the state when a predetermined external force F is applied.

[0083] Therefore, the support 101 can keep the fluid product clean and sealed within package 1, while allowing the user to conveniently refill the fluid product into the supply system 201.

[0084] The clamp element 104 includes a holder element 110 configured to be received in a through hole 22 of the rim 20. The holder element 110 is positioned on the annular portion of the clamp element 104 so as to project toward the frame 102. The holder element 110 may be formed by corresponding shapes and preferably a number of protrusions so as to be received in the through hole 22 of the rim 20. In the illustrated example, there are five holder elements 110 and five through holes 22 on each side of the bottom wall 2.6.

[0085] The clamp element 104 is The holder element 110 is separated from the frame 102 and the frame hole 116 (Figures 10 and 12) to allow insertion of the package 1 into the frame 102 along arrow I in Figure 10, and therefore has a disengaged position (Figures 10 to 12) where it is disengaged. The holder element 110 is received into the through hole 22 and slidably connected to the frame 102 so as to be movable between a locking position (Figures 13-17) where it protrudes through the through hole and engages with the frame hole 116 (Figures 10, 12) and the clamping element 104, thereby clamping the rim 20 between the frame 102 and the clamping element 104.

[0086] In Figures 11 and 12, the sliding or translation of the clamp element 104 relative to the frame 102 is represented by arrow T. In the locked position (Figures 13 to 17), the package 1 cannot move relative to the frame 102, and the user can hold the package 1 together with the support 101 by the handle 19.

[0087] The clamp element 104 may have three clips 112 on each side. The clips 112 may be elastically deformable to hold the clamp element 104 and the frame 102 together. Specifically, the clips 112 are An assembly configuration (not shown) in which the clamp elements 104 and the frame 102 can be elastically deformed outward, They may be elastically deformable between a holding configuration that is stationary and in contact with the annular shoulder portion of the frame 102 (Figure 12), and thus can hold the clamp element 104 together with the frame 102.

[0088] The support 101 may further comprise a coupling section 114 configured to tightly couple a clamp element 104 to a receiving section 202 of the supply system 201 shown in Figures 15-17. The clamp element 104 and the receiving section 202 may have complementary shapes, such as male and female shapes or vice versa, so that the clamp element 104 can be easily fitted or inserted into the supply system 201 tightly with respect to the fluid product along arrow C in Figure 15.

[0089] In the examples shown in Figures 11 to 17, the connecting section 114 may generally have an annular rectangular male shape. The connecting section 114 is located in the same annular portion as the holder element 110, and therefore the compactness of the clamp element 104 can be improved.

[0090] Therefore, the support 101 can be coupled to the supply system 201 in Figures 15-17 while keeping the bottom wall 2.6 sufficiently flat to facilitate the creation of the opening 10 by the opening 4.0.

[0091] Figures 15 to 17 show, Package 1 and Preferably, a support 101 for holding package 1, Acceptance Section 202, Supply unit 204 and, The diagram shows a supply system 201 comprising a delivery unit 206.

[0092] The receiving section 202 is configured to receive at least the openable section 12 of the package 1. The receiving section 202 may define a passage for the fluid product to flow after the opening 10 is created. As previously stated, the receiving section 202 and the coupling section 114 of the support 101 can be tightly coupled due to their complementary shapes. Thus, the support 101, preferably its clamping element 104, can easily fit or insert tightly into the supply system 201 with respect to the fluid product.

[0093] The supply unit 204 is configured to selectively supply fluid products. 204 It has a supply outlet 208 which can form the downstream end of the supply system 201, through which multiple supply portions of the fluid product can be supplied. The supply unit 204 may be equipped with a valve which can be selectively opened to supply a supply portion of the fluid product.

[0094] The dispensing unit 206 fluidly connects the receiving section 202 to the supply unit 204. The dispensing unit 206 is configured to dispense the fluid product to the supply unit 204. The dispensing unit 206 may be equipped with a conveyor suitable for transporting the fluid product. In the examples of Figures 15-17, the conveyor may include a well-known worm screw for transporting the fluid product in powder form.

[0095] In this way, a closed discharge channel can be formed between the package 1 and its opening 10, the receiving section 202, the discharge unit 206, the supply unit 204, and its supply outlet 208.

[0096] The supply system 201 may further include a user interface (not shown) configured to receive requests from the user to selectively operate the dispensing unit 206 and the supply unit 204 to open valves and obtain the supply amount of fluid product supplied through the supply outlet 208.

[0097] During use, the package 1, support 101, and supply system 201 can be used as follows: the film can first be removed manually, for example, by the user. Then, the package 1 can be inserted into the support 101 along arrow I in Figure 10, for example, by the user holding the handle 19 and pressing the side wall 2.2.

[0098] When package 1 is inserted into support 101, clamp portion 104 can slide toward frame 102 along arrow T in Figures 11-12. As shown in Figures 13-14, in particular when holder element 110 is received in through hole 22 and rim 20 is clamped between clamp portion 104 and frame 102, clamp portion 104 and frame 102 can be tightly coupled to each other and bottom wall 2.6 can be held relatively flat and rigid.

[0099] On the one hand, when coupled to the support 101, the package 1 can be coupled to the supply system 201 by fitting or inserting the coupling section 114 into the receiving section 202 along arrow C, as shown in Figure 15. As shown in Figure 16, when the coupling section 114 and the receiving section 202 are coupled, the support 101 ensures the precise positioning of the package 1 with respect to the supply system 201, in particular because the clamping portion 104 and the coupling section 114 cooperate with the package 1 and the receiving section 202, respectively.

[0100] In this stage, as shown in Figure 16, package 1 is placed within a support 101 which is itself coupled to the supply system 201, and package 1 can still be sealed with the fluid product filled therein.

[0101] Preferably, if the support 101 supports the package 1 and is coupled to the supply system 201, the package 1 can be opened. Because the operating section 8 and optionally further parts of the body 2 are deformed, a user can apply a predetermined operating force F to the operating section 8 to move the opening element 4, in particular the opening 4.0, until it reaches the bottom wall 2.6.

[0102] Next, the actuation unit 14 may reach and interact with the openable section 12. Specifically, the cutting edge 16, which may include teeth, may cut through a fragile portion, which may include a tear line, to create an opening 10. Once the opening 10 is created, the fluid product can flow down through the opening 10 into the dispensing unit 206 under the action of gravity.

[0103] The fluid product can be transported to a downstream supply unit 204 through a dispensing unit 206 and then through a supply outlet 208, for example, when a valve is activated by a user controlling the user interface. The fluid product can then be used to prepare food or beverage products, such as coffee products.

[0104] When package 1 is empty, the assembly can be disassembled to replace the empty, open package 1 with a fully closed package. Disassembly is carried out in almost the reverse order (from Figure 16 back to Figure 10) and in the reverse operation of assembly as described below.

[0105] First, the support 101, together with the package 1 including the main body 2 and the open element 4, can be separated from the receiving section 202 of the supply system 201. When the coupling between the coupling sections 114 within the receiving section 202 is operated by fitting or inserting, it may be sufficient to pull the support 101 out of the receiving section 202 and thus separate it by pulling it in the opposite direction to arrow C (Figure 15).

[0106] After the support 101 is separated from the receiving section 202, the clamp element 104 can be partially disengaged from the frame 102, that is, the holder element 110 can be released from the frame hole 116 (Figures 10 and 12) and the through hole 22. Thus, the rim 20 is no longer clamped between the clamp portion 104 and the frame 102.

[0107] At this point, package 1 can be removed from the support 101 by sliding package 1 from frame 102 in the direction opposite to arrow I in Figure 10. Package 1 may then be disposed of in a recycling stream.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and models described above, insofar as they are encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Package (1), A main body (2) that defines an internal volume (6) for holding a fluid product, The system includes an opening element (4) having an opening (4.0) positioned inside the internal volume portion (6), The main body (2) is configured such that when a predetermined external force (F) is applied to the operating section (8) of the main body (2), the operating section (8) is displaced relative to the internal volume section (6), and the opening (4.0) generates an opening (10) in the openable section (12) of the main body (2) that allows the fluid product to flow out of the internal volume section (6), thereby activating the opening element (4). The main body (2) is a sealed bag or sealed pouch, the main body (2) has at least one sealing line (7), the opening element (4) further comprises a fixing portion (4.7), the fixing portion (4.7) is sealed within the at least one sealing line (7), and the displacement of the operating section (8) directly displaces the fixing portion (4.7). Package (1).

2. The package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating section (8) is displaced toward the internal volume (6) to operate the opening element (4) until the opening (4.0) generates the opening (10).

3. The package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the opening (4.0) extends between the operating section (8) and the openable section (12).

4. The package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the openable section (12) is located on the side of the main body (2) opposite to the operating section (8) with respect to the internal volume (6).

5. Package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the opening (4.0) comprises an actuating part (14) facing the openable section (12), the actuating part (14) is configured to interact with the openable section (12) when the opening element (4) is actuated until the actuating part (14) generates the opening (10).

6. The operating portion (14) is formed by the edge of the opening element (4), and / or the operating portion (14) is composed of the cutting edge (16), and / or When viewed across the openable section (12), the opening (4.0) extends to the extent of the internal volume section (6). Package (1) according to claim 5.

7. The package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the openable section (12) comprises a fragile portion such as a tear line or cut.

8. The package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the body (2) has at least one flat surface (2.6), and the openable section (12) extends to the at least one flat surface (2.6).

9. The main body (2) or at least the operating section (8) is made of a flexible material, and / or The main body (2) and / or the opening element (4) are made from a recyclable material such as a paper-based material. Package (1) according to claim 1.

10. The main body (2) is provided with a rim (20) that extends laterally away from the internal volume portion (6). Package (1) according to claim 1.

11. The package (1) according to claim 10, wherein the rim (20) comprises a through hole (22) for receiving a holder element (110) configured to support the openable section (12) when the opening (10) is being generated.

12. A support (101) for supporting a package (1) according to claim 10, comprising a frame (102) for housing the package (1), and a clamp element (104) having a holder element (110) projecting toward the frame (102), wherein the clamp element (104) The holder element (110) is in a disengaged position, away from the frame (102), so as to allow insertion of the package (1), A support (101) is slidably connected to the frame (102) such that the holder element (110) is movable between a locked position in which it is received in the through hole (22) and the clamp element (104), with the holder element (110) protruding through the through hole (22) of the rim (20), and clamping the rim (20) between the frame (102) and the clamp element (104).

13. A supply system (201), Package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The package (1) comprises at least the openable section (12) and a receiving section (202) configured to receive the fluid product supplied through the opening (10), A supply unit (204) configured to selectively supply the aforementioned fluid product and having a supply outlet (208), A discharge unit (206) that fluidly connects the receiving section (202) to the supply unit (204), wherein the discharge unit (206) is configured to deliver the fluid product to the supply unit (204), A supply system (201) equipped with the above.

14. The discharge unit (206) is equipped with a conveyor for distributing the fluid product to the supply outlet (208), and / or The supply unit (204) includes a valve that can be selectively opened to selectively supply the fluid product. The supply system (201) according to claim 13.

15. The package (1) further comprises a support for holding the package (1), The supply system (201) according to claim 13.

16. A supply system (201), Package (1), A main body (2) that defines an internal volume (6) for holding a fluid product, The system includes an opening element (4) having an opening (4.0) positioned inside the internal volume portion (6), The package (1) is configured such that when a predetermined external force (F) is applied to the operating section (8) of the main body (2), the operating section (8) is displaced relative to the internal volume section (6), thereby activating the opening element (4) until the opening (4.0) creates an opening (10) in the openable section (12) of the main body (2) that allows the fluid product to flow out of the internal volume section (6). The package (1) comprises at least the openable section (12) and a receiving section (202) for receiving the fluid product supplied through the opening (10), A supply unit (204) having a supply outlet (208) for selectively supplying the aforementioned fluid product, A discharge unit (206) that fluidly connects the receiving section (202) to the supply unit (204), wherein the discharge unit (206) is configured to deliver the fluid product to the supply unit (204), Equipped with, The main body (2) comprises a rim (20) extending laterally away from the internal volume (6), the rim (20) comprising a through hole (22) for receiving a holder element (110) configured to support the openable section (12) when the opening (10) is being generated, the supply system (201).

17. The dispensing unit (206) comprises a conveyor for dispensing the fluid product to the supply outlet (208), and / or The supply unit (204) includes a valve that can be selectively opened to selectively supply the fluid product. The supply system (201) according to claim 16.

18. The supply system (201) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the operating section (8) is displaced toward the internal volume section (6) to operate the opening element (4) until the opening section (4.0) generates the opening (10).

19. The supply system (201) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the opening (4.0) extends between the operating section (8) and the openable section (12).

20. The supply system (201) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the openable section (12) is located on the side of the main body (2) opposite to the operating section (8) with respect to the internal volume section (6).

21. The supply system (201) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the opening (4.0) comprises an actuating part (14) facing the openable section (12), and the actuating part (14) is configured to interact with the openable section (12) when the opening element (4) is actuated until the actuating part (14) generates the opening (10).

22. The actuation portion (14) is formed by the edge of the opening element (4), and / or the actuation portion (14) is composed of a cutting edge (16), and / or When viewed across the openable section (12), the opening (4.0) extends to the extent of the internal volume section (6). The supply system (201) according to claim 21.

23. The supply system (201) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the openable section (12) comprises a fragile portion such as a tear line or cut.

24. The supply system (201) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the body (2) is a sealed bag or sealed pouch, the body (2) has at least one sealing line (7), and the opening element (4) further comprises a fixing portion (4.7), the fixing portion (4.7) is sealed within the at least one sealing line (7).

25. The supply system (201) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the body (2) has at least one flat surface (2.6), and the openable section (12) extends to the at least one flat surface (2.6).

26. The body (2) or at least the operating section (8) is made of a flexible material, and / or The main body (2) and / or the opening element (4) are made from a recyclable material such as a paper-based material. The supply system (201) according to claim 16 or 17.

27. ​​A support (101) for supporting a package (1), the support (101) further comprising a frame (102) for housing the package (1), and a clamp element (104) having a holder element (110) projecting toward the frame (102), wherein the clamp element (104) The holder element (110) is in a disengaged position, away from the frame (102), so as to allow insertion of the package (1), The feeding system (201) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the holder element (110) is slidably connected to the frame (102) so as to be movable between a locked position in which it is received in the through hole (22) and the clamp element (104) with the holder element (110) protruding through the through hole (22) to clamp the rim (20) between the frame (102) and the clamp element (104).

28. The supply system (201) according to claim 27, wherein the support (101) comprises a coupling section (114) configured to engage tightly with the receiving section (202).

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