EP4580468A1

EP4580468A1 - A bulk dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP4580468A1
Application number: EP23761850.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Emmanuel BARRIOL; Fabrice YERLY; Yann Mieville
Original assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA; Nestle SA
Current assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA; Nestle SA
Priority date: 2022-08-31
Filing date: 2023-08-24
Publication date: 2025-07-09
Also published as: CN119677435A; MX2025001425A; WO2024046862A1; US20260060450A1; JP2025527696A

Abstract

The invention relates to a bulk dispenser (1) for dispensing a flowable product such as a food product, in particular coffee beans. The bulk dispenser (1) comprises: a receiving socket (10) with a receiving area (11) for receiving at least a bottom portion (161) of a packaging (160) containing a flowable product, a cutting element (20) having a cutting edge (21) for cutting the bottom portion (161), and a cutting actuator (40, 60) for actuating the cutting element (21) to move the cutting edge (21) along a piercing direction between a retracted position, in which the cutting edge (21) is retracted from the receiving area (11), and an extended position, in which the cutting edge (21) protrudes into the receiving area (11) so as to enter the bottom portion (161) when the packaging (160) is received in the receiving area (11), and along a defined trajectory, with the cutting edge (21) being in or moving towards the extended position, to cut a bottom opening (162) in the bottom portion (161) when being received in the receiving socket (10). The bulk dispenser (1) further comprises a locking element (80) for locking the packaging (161) in the receiving socket (10) at least in a direction parallel to the piercing direction, a dispensing opening (90) for allowing the flowable product to flow, by gravity, out of the packaging (161) through the bottom opening (162) cut into the bottom portion (161), and a dispenser element (91) to control the flow of flowable product, flowing through the dispensing opening (90), out of the dispenser (1).

Description

A BULK DISPENSER

Technical field

The invention relates to a bulk dispenser, in particular to a bulk dispenser for dispensing a bulk material being a food product such as coffee beans.

Background art

A bulk material may be provided in a large quantity, whereas a user may desire to use only a small quantity, or a fraction, of the material for the intended use. The intended use may be, for example, a consumption or a process, such as roasting of coffee beans and/or grinding roast coffee beans. The bulk material may be provided in a device that requires from time to time a refilling. When the user takes the desired quantity of the bulk material, the remainder of the bulk material not yet used may lose quality due to being exposed to environmental factors such as moisture. This may have a negative effect on the shelf life of the bulk material.

Further, taking the desired quantity of bulk material may not be very hygienic, which means that, for example, pathogens (viruses, bacteria, etc.) may contaminate the remainder of the bulk material, thereby negatively affecting the bulk material's quality.

In addition, the handling of the bulk material may not be safe. This may be due to the (high) weight of the overall quantity of the bulk material or the removal of a part of the packaging enclosing the bulk material (e.g., by a scissor or knife) for a subsequent use of a desired quantity of the bulk material.

Accordingly, there is a need to dispense a bulk material in in an easier way, in particular in such a way a way that is more hygienic, safer and cleaner.

These and other objects, which become apparent upon reading the following description, are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claim. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention

Summary of the invention According to the invention, a bulk dispenser is provided and comprises: a receiving socket with a receiving area for receiving at least a bottom portion of a packaging containing a flowable product, a cutting element having a cutting edge for cutting the bottom portion, and a cutting actuator for actuating the cutting element to move the cutting edge a) along a piercing direction between a retracted position, in which the cutting edge is retracted from the receiving area, and an extended position, in which the cutting edge protrudes into the receiving area so as to enter the bottom portion when the packaging is received in the receiving area, and b) along a defined trajectory, with the cutting edge being in or moving towards the extended position, to cut a bottom opening (e.g., a hole) in the bottom portion when being received in the receiving socket. The bulk dispenser further comprises: a locking element for locking the packaging in the receiving socket at least in a direction parallel to the piercing direction, a dispensing opening for allowing the flowable product to flow, by gravity, out of the packaging through the bottom opening cut into the bottom section, and a dispenser element to control the flow of flowable product, flowing through the dispensing opening, out of the bulk dispenser.

Accordingly, the bulk dispenser makes it possible to dispense the desired amount of the bulk material (e.g., a food product such as coffee beans) from the packaging in a very easy way, in particular providing the following advantages.

A user does not need to use a dedicated tool such as a knife or a scissor in order to provide an access to the bulk material contained in the packaging. Instead, the cutting element is integrated in the bulk dispenser and thereby, the exposure of the user to the cutting element is significantly reduced and the dispensing of the bulk material is safer.

The bulk dispenser makes it possible that the packaging containing the bulk material is securely received. This effects, on the one hand, that an access via the bottom opening to an inside of the packaging can be at least reduced by the bulk dispenser, thereby in particular reducing the exposure of the bulk material contained in the packaging to the environment of the bulk dispenser. Accordingly, in particular the input of undesired substances (moisture, pathogens, etc.) into the packaging is reduced. Thus, the bulk dispenser also avoids an accelerated degradation of the bulk material. This means that in particular the shelf life of the product contained in the packaging may be increased. On the other hand, by the packaging being securely locked in the receiving socket, there is a significantly reduced risk that the packaging, which due to a high quantity of the material contained therein may have a high weight, falls accidentally from the bulk dispenser.

The bulk dispenser makes it also possible to avoid any container, into which the bulk material is filled, from the packaging, for subsequent dispensing from the (storage) container. In other words, the bulk dispenser makes it possible that an intermediate container or transfer container can be omitted. The bulk dispenser rather dispenses the bulk material directly from the packaging. Thereby, refilling steps from the packing into a (intermediate or storage) container can be avoided.

The design of the bulk dispenser provides the advantage of an easy and cost-effective design. For example, the bulk dispenser makes it possible that all components required for dispensing the bulk material are mechanical or, in other words, not electric. Thus, the bulk dispenser can be operated in a very reliable manner. Besides, the bulk dispenser interacting with the packaging effects that a reduced number of parts of the bulk dispenser is in direct contact with the bulk material, which means that the bulk dispenser is easy to clean and that the risk of contamination of the bulk material (such as cross-contamination with a previously used bulk material) is reduced. In particular, the mechanical perforation of the (e.g., flexible) packaging effected by the cutting edge may be made to limit contact with the product (e.g., a food product). Further, the configuration of the cutting edge is such that it can easily cut different materials, such as robust flexible materials, especially without using electricity.

The dispensing opening may be surrounded by the cutting element and/or the trajectory of the cutting edge. For example, in a top view of the dispensing opening (e.g. when seen along an axis extending through the dispensing opening), the cutting element and/or the trajectory of the cutting edge may (at least partially) surround(s) the dispensing opening. Accordingly, the size of the bulk dispenser can be made very compact.

The trajectory (e.g. in a top view of the receiving socket, such as when seen along a direction being parallel to an axis that is perpendicular to the receiving area, such as perpendicular to a bottom of the receiving area) may follow a two-dimensional path or a path that is not straight, i.e. a path that deviates from a straight line. In other words, the trajectory of the cutting edge may be such that a flap can be provided in the bottom portion of the packaging. This provides the advantage that a part of the packaging material, which is delimited by the so formed incision in the bottom portion of the packaging, may be moved while being still connected to the remainder of the packaging material (e.g. in the form of a flap), thereby in particular effecting that the bottom opening is large, especially larger than a bottom opening obtained by an incision that is only straight. Further, the trajectory following a two- dimensional path, or a path that is not straight, effects that no packaging piece separates from the remainder of the packaging. In use with the packaging containing the flowable product, the weight force exerted by the flowable product acting on the part of the packaging delimited by the incision, such as the flap, may effect that this part is moved in order to uncover the bottom opening (previously covered by said part or flap). The bulk material can then easily move through the bottom opening to or into the dispensing opening.

The trajectory (e.g. in a top view of the receiving socket) preferably follows a segment of a circle. In other words, the trajectory may cut a flap into the bottom portion of the packaging, which flap has an outline that is in the form of a segment of a circle. In particular, the trajectory may (e.g. in a top view of the receiving socket) follow a segment of a circle with an angle of a < 360°, preferably a < 355°, more preferably between 345° < a < 355°. The angle may be adjustable by an (angle) adjustment element (or mechanism), wherein the adjustment element may be adjustable with respect to a protruding length and/or which may comprise a screw such as a screw.

The bulk dispenser may comprise a stopper mechanism arranged to limit the movement of the cutting edge so that the cutting edge moves only along the defined trajectory (and not further). For example, the stopper mechanism comprises a stopper arranged to stand in a path of a structure (e.g., a moving part) being fixedly connected to, and thus moving together with, the cutting edge.

The cutting actuator may be configured for actuating the cutting element in a combined motion, preferably in a screw motion or in a spiral motion, to move the cutting edge at least partially simultaneously along the piercing direction and along the trajectory. To effect the combined motion, the cutting actuator may comprise, in an embodiment, a thread and a corresponding part screwed on the thread, wherein the corresponding part carries the cutting edge or is in any other way (directly or indirectly) connected to the cutting edge.

Alternatively, the cutting actuator may be configured for actuating the cutting element to move the cutting edge first along the piercing direction and then (i.e. not simultaneously to moving along the piercing direction) along the trajectory.

The trajectory may lie in a plane, wherein the piercing direction extends transversely to (i.e., not parallel, but, for example, perpendicular to) the plane. The cutting actuator may comprise a piercing actuator for actuating the cutting element to move the cutting edge along the piercing direction, and a rotary actuator (or trajectory actuator) for actuating the cutting element to move the cutting edge along the trajectory. This provides the advantage that operating the bulk dispenser is very easy and intuitive. This in particular because the steps of piercing and cutting can be performed by different (e.g., consecutive) steps using different actuators, respectively, in particular the piercing actuator and the rotary actuator. The piercing actuator may comprise a piercing handle for carrying out a translational piercing actuation motion, and a transfer element for transferring the translational piercing actuation motion into a translational piercing motion to allow the cutting edge to be moved along the piercing direction. The translational piercing actuation motion may be parallel to a piercing actuation direction such as a horizontal direction. The translational piercing motion is parallel to the piercing direction which may extend transversely (in particular perpendicularly) to the piercing actuation direction. The piercing direction may be a vertical direction. The piercing actuator may comprise a pin actuator arranged between the piercing handle and the cutting element. The pin actuator may provide a link between the piercing handle and the cutting element. At least part of the pin actuator may stand in the path of a part fixedly connected to the cutting handle, wherein this part is preferably the transfer element.

The transfer element may comprise an inclined portion (e.g., an inclined plane) arranged to transfer the translational piercing actuation motion into the translational piercing motion. The inclined portion may be inclined to a piercing actuation direction to which the translational piercing actuation motion is parallel. The transfer element may comprise a groove that comprises the inclined portion. The pin actuator may be arranged such that at least part of the pin actuator (e.g., a pin) can slide along the inclined portion of the transfer element (e.g., upwards the inclined portion), thereby moving the cutting edge along the piercing direction. The pin actuator may be connected, directly or indirectly, via one end to the transfer element and, directly or indirectly, via another end to the cutting edge or cutting element. The pin actuator may be arranged to lift the cutting edge. In particular, the pin actuator may be arranged to stand in the way of the path of the transfer element, in particular the inclined portioned. For example, when the inclined portion moves along the piercing actuation direction, to which the inclined portion extends obliquely, the pin actuator will come into contact with the slanted portion and, then, move or slide upwardly along the inclined portion and thereby move the cutting edge along the piercing direction.

The rotary actuator may comprise a cutting handle for carrying out a translational cutting actuation motion, and a transfer element for transferring the translational cutting actuation motion into a cutting motion to allow the cutting edge to be moved along the trajectory. The transfer element may comprise a gear arrangement being arranged between the cutting handle and the cutting element. The gear arrangement may comprise one or more gear wheels (pinions) and/or one or more linear elements (such as linear elements that can mesh with the one or more gearwheels) such as one or more gear racks. In an embodiment, the gear arrangement comprises a gear wheel meshing with a gear rack. Thereby, a linear translational cutting actuation motion can be very easily transferred into a cutting motion such as a rotary cutting motion. Further, the gear arrangement provides the advantage that the bottom portion can be cut, by the cutting edge, by using only a small actuation force.

Additionally or alternatively, the transfer element may comprise a rope start mechanism being arranged between the cutting handle and the cutting element. The rope start mechanism may comprise at least a rope (a cable, etc.) and a spring. The spring may be arranged such that when the spring is loaded, the spring biases the cutting edge to move at least partly opposite the trajectory along which the cutting edge moves to cut the bottom opening in the bottom portion. In particular, the spring may be arranged in such a way that, when the spring is loaded, the spring biases the cutting edge into its original or initial position. The spring may be a spiral spring and/or may be arranged on the cutting element, e.g. in a groove of the cutting element. The spring may be connected, directly or indirectly, with the cutting edge and/or may be connected, directly or indirectly, with a part that does not move, i.e. is stationary, as the cutting edge moves along the trajectory.

The bulk dispenser may further comprise a blade protection element covering the cutting edge, preferably at least towards the receiving area in the retracted position. Thus, it can be ensured that a user of the bulk dispenser does not accidentally contact (e.g. with hands or fingers) the sharp cutting edge, in particular during replacement of a packaging, i.e. during removal of a packaging from the receiving socket and placing a new packaging in the receiving socket. During replacement of the packaging, the blade protection element thus at least partially hides the cutting edge. In particular, the blade protection element can house and/or surround at least a part of the cutting edge, such as at least the sharp edges of the cutting edges, such as edges that are sharper than other edges of the cutting edge (i.e., blade).

The blade protection element may be arranged to prevent a user of the bulk dispenser from cutting himself when the piercing actuator is actuated, e.g. during moving of the piercing handle between the retracted position and the extended position or during opening and closing of a drawer comprised by the piercing actuator. In particular, the blade protection element may be arranged such that, when moving the piercing handle into the retracted position or when closing said drawer, the blade protection element moves to allow the cutting edge to cut the packaging.

The blade protection element may be arranged to be actuated with the cutting actuator, preferably the piercing actuator, so as to uncover the blade when being moved from the retracted position to the extended position. Thereby, a very secure way to operate the bulk dispenser is provided. This in particular because the user of the body dispenser does not need to actuate an actuator dedicated for the blade protection element. Further, it is in particular avoided that the cutting edge is accidentally exposed (i.e. not covered) by the blade protection element when the cutting edge is not in use.

The blade protection element may be arranged to be integrally formed with the cutting actuator, preferably the piercing actuator. This in particular simplifies the construction and the production of the blade protection element.

The locking element may comprise structural fixing elements protruding into the receiving area for locking the packaging, when being received in the receiving socket, at least in a direction parallel to the piercing direction. Thus, the packaging can be very securely received in the receiving socket. The structural fixing elements may be arranged such that they can cooperate (plugged into, etc.) with corresponding structures (recesses, protrusions, plates, etc.) of the packaging.

The structural fixing elements may protrude into the receiving area from opposite sides thereof. Thus, the packaging can be very securely received in the receiving socket. Additionally or alternatively, the structural fixing elements may comprise: pins protruding into the receiving area, and/or rails each defining a groove together with the receiving socket. The grooves may be open towards each other to receive a receiving section of the packaging therebetween. The bulk dispenser may further comprise a fixing actuator comprising at least part of the structural fixing elements, wherein the fixing actuator is configured for actuating at least part of the structural fixing elements to selectively enter the receiving area. Preferably, the fixing actuator is configured for actuating or moving at least part of the structural fixing elements between a fixing position, in which the at least part of the structural fixing elements protrude into the receiving area, and a clearing position, in which the at least part of the structural fixing elements clear the receiving area to allow the packaging being received in the receiving socket.

The fixing actuator may be integral with the cutting actuator, preferably integral with the piercing actuator if present. For example, the piercing handle of the piercing actuator may have an actuation side, by which the piercing actuator can be actuated, and a back side (such as a fixing or locking side), which preferably faces away from the actuation side, wherein the back side comprises the at least part of the structural fixing elements.

The cutting element may comprise a ring or cylinder element having a longitudinal axis. The cutting edge is preferably provided at an axial face side of the ring or cylinder element, wherein the cutting element (in particular the ring or cylinder element) is movable about its or the longitudinal axis so as to move the cutting edge along the trajectory, wherein, preferably, the ring or cylinder element at least partially defines the dispensing opening. Accordingly, the bulk dispenser can be made very compact. In particular, the ring or cylinder may comprise a wall that delimits at least part of the dispensing opening, wherein the wall may comprise a recess (a reception, etc.) in which the cutting edge is received. The ring or cylinder element may be designed as a holder that at least holds the cutting edge. Accordingly, the ring or cylinder element may be a blade (or cutting edge) holder. The dispenser element may comprise a flexible dispensing tube (such as a silicone tube) extending from the dispensing opening to allow the flowable product be dispensed from the bulk dispenser, and a pinch valve mechanism to selectively pinch the flexible dispensing tube to control, preferably to stop and/or regulate, the flow of flowable product. Accordingly, the flow of flowable product can be very easily controlled with a simple construction. Further, by the flexibility of the dispensing tube, an advantageous seal can be effected to prevent undesired substances (moisture, etc.) to enter, via the dispensing opening and the bottom opening, the inside of the packaging.

The dispenser element may comprise a dispenser handle. By pulling the dispenser handle, the pinch valve mechanism may allow the tube to open, whereby the product flows through the tube to an outside of the bulk dispenser. The dispenser element may comprise one or more springs arranged to prevent the tube to stay opened if the dispenser handle is not operated, e.g. because the dispenser handle

(or trigger) is dropped. In other words, the one or more springs may be arranged to bias the tube into a closed position in which the tube preferably forms a seal.

The cutting actuator may be configured for manually actuating the cutting element. The piercing actuator, if present, may be configured for manually actuating the cutting element. The rotary actuator, if present, may be configured for manually actuating the cutting element. The fixing actuator, if present, may be configured for manually actuating the at least part of the structural fixing elements. In an embodiment, the bulk dispenser may be void of any electrical elements and/or electrical components. In an embodiment, the bulk dispenser may use only mechanical components for the steps of moving the cutting element along the piercing direction, moving the cutting element along the defined trajectory, locking, by the locking element, the packaging in the receiving socket, and dispensing a controlled flow of flowable product, by the dispenser element, through the dispensing opening out of the dispenser. In an embodiment, the bulk dispenser consists of mechanical components. The cutting actuator, preferably the piercing actuator and the rotary actuator if present, and the dispenser element may be arranged such that they are actuable, preferably manually actuable, from the same side of the bulk dispenser and/or such that they can protrude or enter a same area, such as user area from which the user operates the bulk dispenser. In this way, a very easily operable bulk dispenser is provided. In particular, each of the piercing actuator, rotary actuator and dispenser element may be arranged to be actuable along (or around) a direction, wherein these directions are parallel to one another.

The bulk dispenser may be based on a three steps mechanism. In a first step, a vertical movement actuated by a trigger (which may be part of the piercing actuator) effects, or aims, to pierce the bottom portion (e.g., a membrane) of the packaging. When the packaging is pierced, in a second step, a second trigger (which may be part of the rotary actuator) is actuated (e.g., by a user such as a store employee) in order to cut the packing, such as the bottom portion of the packaging, in a desired length, i.e. along the defined trajectory. In a third step, a third trigger (which may be part of the dispenser element), is actuated (e.g., by the user or a further user, such as a consumer) to dispense the product from the bulk dispenser, e.g. in a container such as a container placed below the bulk dispenser. For example, a pinch is opened to let the product flow.

The cutting element may comprise a holder (such as a bladeholder) that at least holds the cutting edge, wherein the cutting edge is preferably fixedly connected to the holder. The holder may be arranged to be moveable so that by moving the holder (e.g., along and/or about an axis of the holder) the cutting edge can move along the piercing direction (in particular going up and down) and/or the defined trajectory. The holder may be the ring or cylinder element.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features, details and advantages of the present invention are described hereinafter, in particular in relation to the embodiments illustrated in the appended figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the bulk dispenser according to the invention;

Figure 2A shows a schematic perspective view of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in figure 1;

Figure 2B shows a schematic perspective view of the cutting edge of the bulk dispenser shown in figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in figure 1;

Figures 4A and 4B show schematic perspective views of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the bulk dispenser shown in figure 1, wherein a lower part of the bulk dispenser has been partially omitted, and wherein the cutting edge is retracted from the receiving area;

Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the bulk dispenser shown in figure 5, wherein the cutting edge is in the extended position, in which the cutting edge protrudes into the receiving area; Figure ? shows a schematic perspective view of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in figure 1;

Figure 8 shows a schematic top view of the features shown in figure Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a dispenser element of an embodiment of the bulk dispenser according to the invention;

Figure 10 shows a schematic top view of the dispenser element shown in figure 9, wherein the dispenser element is in a closed position; Figure 11 shows a further schematic top view of the dispenser element shown in figure 9, wherein the dispenser element is in a pinched position;

Figure 12 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the bulk dispenser according to the invention;

Figure 13 shows a schematic perspective view of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in figure 12, wherein the cutting handle is in a disassembled (unplugged) state;

Figure 14 shows a schematic perspective view of some features of the bulk dispenser shown in figure 12, wherein the cutting handle is in an assembled (plugged) state; Figure 15 shows a schematic perspective view of a rotary actuator of an embodiment of the bulk dispenser according to the invention;

Figure 16 shows a schematic top view of the rotary actuator shown in figure 15;

Figure 17 shows a schematic perspective view of the rotary actuator shown in figure 16;

Figure 18 shows a further schematic perspective view of the rotary actuator shown in figures 16 and 17, respectively; and

Figure 19 shows a schematic side view of a system comprising a bulk dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention, and a packaging received in the receiving socket of the bulk dispenser.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments Figure 1 depicts a bulk dispenser 1 comprising a receiving socket 10 with a receiving area 11 for receiving at least a bottom portion of a package containing a flowable product. The receiving socket 10 may comprise a bottom 12 on which the bottom portion of the packaging may be placed. The bottom 12 may delimit the receiving area 11. The receiving socket 10 may comprise one or more side walls 13 which may extend from the bottom 12. The bottom 12 and the one or more side walls 13 may delimit the receiving area 11.

The bulk dispenser 1 may be a household device and/or a consumer device. The bulk dispenser 1 may be designed such that it can be placed on a table top and/or fastened to a wall.

The packaging may have a bottom, which comprises the bottom portion, that corresponds at least in part to the receiving socket 10 or the receiving area 11. The flowable product contained in the packaging may be a bulk material and/or a raw material. The flowable product may be a food product, in particular a moisture sensitive food product. For example, the flowable product may be granulated. In an embodiment, the flowable product comprises coffee beans. The packaging may be a box, a pouch, a bag or any other packaging or container suitable for containing a large amount of the flowable product. For example, the packaging is suitable to contain at least 1 kg of the flowable product. The packaging, in particular at least the bottom portion, may be made of paper (bulk paper, etc.) and/or cardboard and/or one or more layers that, for example, provide an oxygen and/or moisture barrier. The packaging may be tight and/or stiff and/or may have a structure suitable for standing in an upright manner.

As shown in figure 2A and in figure 2B in more detail, the bulk dispenser 1 further comprises a cutting element 20 having a cutting edge 21 (a blade, etc.) for cutting the bottom portion of the packaging. The cutting edge 21 may have a (blade) point 22 and/or a sharp edge 23, wherein the sharp edge 23 may be slanted to form the point 22. In particular, the cutting edge 21 may comprise lateral side edges 24, wherein the sharp edge 23 is preferably equally sharp or sharper than each of the edges 24. The edge 23 may extent from the one lateral edge 24 to the other lateral edge 24.

The cutting element 20 may comprise a ring or cylinder element 25 having a longitudinal axis. The cutting edge 21 may be provided at an axial face side of the ring or cylinder element 25 and/or may protrude out of a distal end of the ring or cylinder element 25. The ring or cylinder element 25 may be hollow and/or may comprise a wall 26, wherein the wall 26 preferably delimits a (empty) space 27 of the hollow ring or cylinder element 25. The wall 26 may comprise a distal end 28, which is preferably in the form of a ring and/or comprises a ring-shaped surface. The ring or cylinder element 25, e.g. the wall 26, may comprise a recessed portion 29 in which the cutting edge 21 is provided or arranged, preferably in a fixed manner. The recessed portion 29 may be in the form of a slot. The recessed portion 29 may extent parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ring or cylinder element 25 and/or along a direction that corresponds to at least part of the ring-shape of the ring or cylinder element 25. When the cutting edge 21 is received by, or arranged in, the recessed portion 29, the cutting edge 21 may protrude out of the recessed portion 29. Preferably, the cutting edge 21 protrudes from the distal end 28 of the wall 26.

The cutting element 20, in particularthe ring or cylinder element 25 that may carry the cutting edge 21, may be movable or rotatable about and/or parallel to its longitudinal axis, in particular such that the cutting edge 21 can move along the defined trajectory and/or the piercing direction further described below.

The bulk dispenser 1 further comprises a cutting actuator 40, 60 for actuating the cutting element 20 in order to move the cutting edge 21 along a piercing direction and a defined trajectory. The cutting actuator 40, 60 may comprise a piercing actuator 40 for actuating the cutting element 20 to move the cutting edge 21 along a piercing direction between a retracted position and an extended position. The is exemplarily shown in, the extended position of the cutting edge 21 is exemplarily shown in figure 5.

Figures 1-5 show the retracted position of the cutting edge 21. In the retracted position of the cutting edge 21, the cutting edge 21 is retracted from the receiving area 11, which means that the cutting edge 21 does not extend into the receiving area 11. Preferably, in the retracted position, the cutting edge 21 does not protrude from the bottom 12 and/or may be arranged such that the cutting edge 21 does not intersect with a plane in which the bottom 21 or a surface of the bottom 21 (e.g., a surface on which the packaging or the bottom portion of the packaging can be placed) extends. In the retracted position of the cutting edge 21, the bottom portion of the packaging can be received in the receiving socket 10 in such a way that the cutting edge 21 is distanced from the bottom portion. Thereby, the cutting edge 21 does not enter the bottom portion, i.e. the bottom portion of the packaging remains intact so that the packaging as such can still carry the flowable product contained in the packaging. Accordingly, in the retracted position, the receiving area 11 can receive the bottom portion of the packaging, wherein subsequently the packaging can be removed from the receiving socket 10 in such a way that the flowable product can still be carried by the packaging, in particular in a sealed manner.

Figure 6 shows the extended position of the cutting edge 21. In the extended position of the cutting edge 21, the cutting edge 21 protrudes into the receiving area 11 so as to enter the bottom portion of the packaging when the packaging is received in the receiving area 11. In other words, as the cutting edge 21 moves from the retracted position into the extended position, the cutting edge 21 cuts or enters (e.g., pierces or perforates) the bottom portion, e.g. first with the point 22 and then with the sharp edge 23. In the extended position, the cutting edge 21 preferably protrudes from the bottom 12. The direction, along which the cutting edge 21 moves between the retracted position and the extended position, may be transverse (such as perpendicular) to the bottom 12 and/or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ring or cylinder element 25.

The piercing actuator 40 may comprise a piercing handle 41 for carrying out a translational piercing actuation motion. The piercing handle 41 is not limited to a particular design. Preferably, the piercing handle 41 is configured for manually actuating the cutting element 20 and/or comprises a surface that can be pushed by a user's hand in order to carry out the translational piercing actuation motion. The piercing handle 41 may be arranged to move between a retracted position and an extended position. For example, the piercing handle 41 is arranged to move by pulling and pushing, e.g. corresponding to a drawer. At least part of the piercing actuator 40 may be designed as a drawer, wherein the piercing handle 41 may be a front side or an end face of the drawer. The piercing handle 41 may comprise a wall, wherein the wall is preferably designed as a cover, e.g. a cover that can be arranged such that it appears as a housing part of the bulk dispenser 1 and/or to cover an opening via which, when not covered by the wall of the piercing handle 41, an inside of the bulk dispenser 1 may be visible. The piercing actuator 40 may be arranged such that at least part of the piercing actuator 40, such as the piercing handle 41 or an (outer) surface of the piercing handle 41, is flush with a housing part of the bulk dispenser 1, such as a front wall of the housing and/or one or more side walls of the housing (see figure 6). Thereby, the bulk dispenser 1 has a very good appearance when the piercing handle 41 is in its retracted position, in particular such an appearance that the use of the bulk dispenser 1 is simplified. For example, a user of the bulk dispenser 1 will not, or at least hardly, recognize the piercing handle 41 and thus will not be confused due to a plurality of actuable handles. As shown in figures 1 and 4, in the extended position of the piercing handle 41 (e.g., when the drawer is opened), the cutting edge 21 may be in its retracted position. As shown in figure 5, in the retracted position of the piercing handle 41 (e.g., when the drawer is closed), the cutting edge 21 may be in its extended position. In the extended and retracted positions of the piercing handle 41, the piercing handle 41 may be distanced from the cutting edge 21 at different distances, respectively. For example, in the extended position, the piercing handle 41 may be further distanced from the cutting edge 21 than in the retracted position of the piercing handle 41.

As shown in figures 2A and 3, the piercing actuator 40 may further comprise a transfer element 42 for transferring the translational piercing actuation motion of the piercing handle 41 into a translational piercing motion to allow the cutting edge 21 to be moved along the piercing direction. The transfer element 42 may comprise an inclined portion 421 (such as an inclined plane) arranged to transfer the translational piercing actuation motion into the translational piercing motion. The inclined portion 421 may be inclined relative to a piercing actuation direction to which the translational piercing actuation motion is parallel. The inclined portion 421 is arranged to move the cutting edge 21 along the piercing direction, in particular from the retracted position to the extended position of the cutting edge 21. In other words, the inclined portion 421 may be arranged to lift the cutting edge 21 at least from its retracted position to its extended position. For example, the cutting edge 21 can slide, directly or indirectly, up the (sloped) surface of the inclined portion 421, wherein the sliding motion moves the cutting edge 21 from the retracted position and along the piercing direction (e.g., in an upward vertical direction) to the extended position.

The transfer element 42 may comprise a further inclined portion

422 (such as an inclined plane), which may be parallel to and/or face the inclined portion of 421 and/or which may be inclined relative to the piercing actuation direction. The inclined portion 422 may be arranged to move the cutting edge 21 along the piercing direction, in particular from the extended position to the retracted position of the cutting edge 21. In other words, the inclined portion 422 may be arranged to be moved in order to lower the cutting edge 21 at least from its extended position to its retracted position. The inclined portion 422 may be arranged to move the cutting edge 21 opposite the direction along which the cutting edge 21 moves in order to pierce the bottom portion of the packaging. For example, the cutting edge 21 can slide, directly or indirectly, down the (sloped) surface of the inclined portion 422, wherein the sliding motion drives (or moves) the cutting edge 21 from the extended position and along the piercing direction to the retracted position.

The transfer element 42 may be fixed relative to the piercing handle 41. A beam 43 may be provided, which comprises the transfer element 42. The beam 43 may be fixedly connected to, preferably integrally formed with, the piercing handle 41. The beam 43 may extend transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the piercing handle 41. In particular, the beam 43 may extend parallel to the piercing actuation direction. The transfer element 42 may comprise a groove 423 that comprises the inclined portion 421 and/or the (further) inclined portion 422. The groove 423 may extend in the beam 43, e.g. in the form of a through opening.

In an embodiment, the transfer element 42 may be connected to the cutting edge 21. For example, an inclined portion, such as in the form of the inclined portion 422, may be connected to the cutting edge 21, wherein a beam fixedly connected to the piercing handle 41 may be arranged to be moved against and thus slide along the (sloped) surface of this inclined portion in order to lift the inclined portion and thus the cutting edge 21 from the retracted position to the extended position. As shown in figures 2A, 3, 4A and 4B, the piercing actuator 40 may comprise a pin actuator 44 arranged between the piercing handle 41 and the cutting element 20. The pin actuator 44 may have one end 442 connected, directly or indirectly, to the cutting element 20 and another end 443 connected, directly or indirectly, to the transfer element 42. The pin actuator 44 may be arranged to move along a direction that is parallel to the piercing direction. The pin actuator 44 may be arranged such that the inclined portion 421 may be moved relative to a part of the pin actuator 44, such as a pin 441 of the actuator 44, such that the pin actuator 44 and thus the cutting element 20 is moved or lifted, thereby lifting the cutting edge 21 to move from the retracted position into the extended position. For example, the inclined portion 421 may be arranged to move or slide under (and/or against) the pin 441 so that the pin 441 slides up the (sloped) surface of the inclined portion 421, thereby lifting the cutting edge 21 into the extended position. The pin actuator 44 may be arranged such that the inclined portion 422 may be moved relative to a part of the pin actuator 44, such as the pin 441, in order to retract the pin actuator 44, thereby moving the cutting edge 21 from the extended position to the retracted position. For example, the inclined portion 422 may be arranged to move or slide over the pin 441 so that the pin slides down the (sloped) surface of the inclined portion 122, thereby retracting the cutting edge 21 into its retracted position.

The pin 441 may be received in the groove 423. In particular, the pin 441 may extend through the groove 423, e.g. from one side (back side) of the beam 43 to another side that faces away from the one side (front side) of the beam 43. A protrusion 441 may be provided at the distal end of the pin 441 in order to hold or secure the pin 441 in the groove 423. The protrusion 444 may extend transversely (in particular perpendicularly) to the protrusion 441.

The pin actuator 44 may be connected to the cutting element 20 and thus the cutting edge 21 at least via a protrusion 30 such as a flange. The cutting element 20 may comprise the protrusion 30. For example, the cutting element 20 comprises a ring or cylinder element 31, which may be a further ring or cylinder element in which the ring or cylinder element 25 is received, wherein the protrusion 30 is connected to, and/or integrally formed with, the ring or cylinder element 31. The pin actuator 44 may comprise a lifting section 445 that can connect to a lower side of the protrusion 30 in order to lift the protrusion 30 and thus the cutting edge 21 from the retracted position into the extended position. The lifting section 445 may connect to the protrusion 30 to allow a relative movement between the protrusion 30 (which may rotate in order to move the cutting edge 21 along the defined trajectory) and the lifting section 445. The lifting section 445 may have a shape that is at least partly complementarily formed to a circumference of the ring or cylinder element 31. Thereby, the lifting section 445 can advantageously connect to the cutting element 20. The pin actuator 44 may comprise a further section 446 that can connect to an upper side of the protrusion 30. In particular, the sections 445 and 446 can delimit a groove 447 in which the protrusion 30 can be received, preferably with a play. The protrusion

30 may be arranged to be moveable within the groove 447. The sections 445, 446 may be arranged to support the (vertical) movement of the cutting edge 21 along the piercing direction and/or to allow the (horizontal) movement of the cutting edge 21 along the defined trajectory, which may be triggered after the movement of the cutting edge 21 along the piercing direction.

At least part of the pin actuator 44 may be arranged between the crossbeam 43 and the cutting element 20. The piercing actuator 40 may comprise one or more transfer elements 42. As shown, the piercing actuator 40 may comprise a plurality of transfer elements 42, such as two transfer elements 42. The transfer elements 42 may be arranged on lateral sides of the cutting element 20, respectively, and/or at least part of the cutting element 20 may be arranged between the transfer elements 42, e.g. when seen along the longitudinal axis of the ring or cylinder element 25. The piercing actuator 40 may comprise one or more beams 43, such as two beams 43. Each of the beams 43 may comprise a respective transfer element 42. The piercing actuator 40 may comprise one or more pin actuators 44, in particular in a number that corresponds to the number of transfer elements 42. For example, each of the transfer elements 42 may be connected to a respective pin actuator 44. The pin actuators 44 may be arranged on lateral sides of the cutting element 20, respectively, and/or at least part of the cutting element 20 may be arranged between the pin actuators 44, e.g. when seen along the longitudinal axis of the ring or cylinder element 25.

As shown in figures 5-8, the bulk dispenser 1 further comprises a rotary (or trajectory) actuator 60 for actuating the cutting element 20 to move the cutting edge 21 along a defined trajectory. As the cutting edge 21 is moved, by the rotary actuator 60 along the trajectory, the cutting edge 21 is preferably in its extended position. Thus, when the bottom portion of the packaging is received in the receiving socket 10, the cutting edge 21 cuts a bottom opening in the bottom portion of the packaging, which bottom opening preferably has an outline corresponding to the defined trajectory or to the incision obtained by the cutting edge 21 moving along the defined trajectory. In the embodiment shown in figures 5-8, the defined trajectory corresponds, or follows, a segment of a circle, in particular a segment of a circle with an angle smaller than 360°, such as smaller than 355°. In an embodiment, the angle lies between 345° and 355°. Thereby, the cutting edge 21 cuts the bottom portion in such a way that a removal of a part of the packaging (and thus a possible contamination of the flowable product by this part) is avoided. Instead, the part of the packaging delimited by the incision effected by the cutting edge 21 moving along the defined trajectory corresponds to a flap that can be moved into a position in which the flap exposes the bottom opening, in particular in such a way that the bottom opening is enlarged compared to a bottom opening that is obtained by a straight incision only; thus, the flowable product can flow through the bottom opening in a very advantageous manner, while the flap is still connected to the packaging.

The defined trajectory may lie in a plane, wherein the plane may be parallel to the bottom 12 or a surface of the bottom 12. The piercing direction of the cutting edge 21 may extend transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the plane in which the trajectory lies.

The rotary actuator 60 may comprise a cutting handle 61 for carrying out a translational cutting actuation motion. The cutting handle 61 may be designed, or shaped, differently from the piercing handle 41. This improves the usability of the bulk dispenser 1, because the user can thus easily identify the handle for carrying out the respective or intended motion, such as the translational cutting actuation motion instead of the translation piercing actuation motion. For example, the cutting handle 61 has a width smallerthan the width of the bulk dispenser 1, when seen parallel to the direction to which the translational cutting actuation motion is parallel. Preferably, the width of the cutting handle 61 is smaller than half of the width of the dispenser 1. In particular, the cutting handle 61 may comprise one or more protrusions that can be actuated, in particular grasped by the hand or fingers of the user of the bulk dispenser 1.

As shown in figures 7 and 8, the rotary actuator 60 may comprise a transfer element 62 for transferring the translational cutting actuation motion, carried out by the cutting handle 61, into a cutting motion to allow the cutting edge 21 to be moved along the trajectory. The transfer element 62 may comprise a gear arrangement 63 that may be arranged between the cutting handle 61 and the cutting element 20. The gear arrangement 63 may comprise a gear wheel (a pinion) 631 and/or a gear rack 632. The gear wheel 631 may comprise a plurality of gear wheels 631.1-631.4, which gear wheels may have different numbers of teeth, respectively, and/or different diameters, respectively. The gear wheel 631 may comprises four gear wheels 631.1-631.4. In other embodiments, the gear wheel 631 may have a different number of gear wheels, such as two, three, or more than four gear wheels. The gear wheel 631 or one of the gear wheels 631.1-631.4, such as the gear wheel 631.4, may be coaxially arranged with at least part of the cutting element 20, such as the ring or cylinder element 25 and/or the ring or cylinder element 31, and/or may be connected to the cutting element 20 by a fastening means (e.g., a shaft-hub connection) or by being integrally formed with a part of the cutting element 20, such as the ring or cylinder element 31 and/or the ring or cylinder element 25.

The gear rack 632 may be fixedly connected to the cutting handle 61. For example, a beam 64 is fixedly connected to the cutting handle 61, wherein the gear rack 632 is fixedly connected to the beam 64 and/or integrally formed with the beam 64. The beam 64 may extend parallel to the cutting actuation direction to which the translational cutting actuation motion is parallel. The beam 64 may be connected to the cutting handle 61 via a further beam 65. The beam 65 may extend parallel to, and/or out of alignment with, the beam 64 in order to delimit a space in which at least part of the gear arrangement 63, such as at least part of the gear wheel 63 or at least part of the gear wheel 631.1, can be arranged.

The gear rack 632 preferably meshes with the gear wheel 631, such as the gear wheel 631.1. Thereby, a translational or linear motion of the gear rack 632, which corresponds to the translational cutting actuation motion carried out by the cutting handle 61, effects that the gear wheel 631 (such as the gear wheel 631.1) and thus the cutting edge 21 rotate, wherein the latter rotates to move along the defined trajectory. Depending on the diameter of the gear wheel 631 or on the diameters of the gear wheels 631.1-631.4, respectively, the rotational speed of the cutting edge 21 may be effected. For example, the cutting handle 61 may be pulled by a velocity, wherein the gear arrangement 63 effects that a velocity of the cutting edge 24 along the defined trajectory is smaller than the velocity of the pulled handle 61. The configuration of the gear wheels 631.1-631.4 may be as follows: the gear wheel 631.1 may mesh with the gear wheel 631.2; the gear wheel 631.2 may be fixedly connected to (e.g., by being integrally formed with, and/or coaxially arranged with) the gear wheel 631.3 (the gear wheels 631.2 and 631.3 may be printed in one piece); the gear wheel 631.3 may mesh with the gear wheel 631.4. The axes of all gear wheels 631.1- 631.4 are preferably parallel to one another.

The gear arrangement 63 may comprise a course that is 70mm for 15 teeth. For example, the gear rack 632 has a course that is 70mm and/or 15 teeth. These 15 teeth may actuate the gear wheel 631.1 being a 20-teeth gear wheel. The gear wheel 631.1 may actuate the gear wheel 631.2 being a gear of 20 teeth. The gear wheel 631.2 may be fixedly connected to the gear wheel 631.3 being a 60-teeth gear. The gear wheel 631.3 may be arranged to rotate the gear wheel 631.4, which may comprise 30 teeth, and thus the cutting edge 21, such as the ring or cylinder element 25 (or any other holder) holding the cutting edge 21.

By the transfer element 62 comprising the gear arrangement 63, a convenient way of cutting the bottom portion of the packaging in order to obtain the bottom opening can be achieved. In particular, the cutting handle 61 may be moved along a first distance in such a way that the cutting edge 21 moves a second distance along the defined trajectory, wherein the second distance may be smaller than the first distance. Accordingly, the cutting edge 21 can be moved in a very precise manner along the defined trajectory, e.g. such that the defined trajectory of the cutting edge 21 does not follow a complete circle, which would result in that a piece of the bottom portion of the packaging would be removed and contaminate the flowable product. By the gear arrangement 63, also a small actuation force can be applied to the cutting handle 61 (e.g. in order to pull the cutting handle 61 to an extended position) in such a way that a cutting force at the cutting edge 21 is increased, due to the gear ratio of the gear arrangement 63.

The cutting handle 61 may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position of the cutting handle 61, the cutting handle 61 may protrude into a user area (an area in which the user of the bulk dispenser 1 is located in order to operate the bulk dispenser 1), in particular further than in the retracted position. In particular, in the extended position of the cutting handle 61, the cutting handle 61 may be further distanced from the cutting edge 21 than in the retracted position. By moving the cutting handle 61 from the retracted position to the extended position, the cutting edge 21 may move along the defined trajectory in order to cut the bottom opening in the bottom portion of the packaging.

As shown in figures 4A and 4B, the bulk dispenser 1 may comprise a stopper mechanism 450 configured to define the trajectory along which the cutting edge 21 moves to cut the bottom opening in the bottom portion of the packaging. In particular, the stopper mechanism 450 may be configured to prevent the cutting edge 21 from moving along a trajectory that follows a closed circle and/or from moving further than the defined trajectory. Preferably, the stopper mechanism 450 is configured to allow a movement of the cutting edge 21 only along the defined trajectory, such as the two-dimensional path or the segment of a circle. The stopper mechanism 450 may comprise a stopper 451 (such as a protrusion) arranged to remain stationary as the cutting edge 21 moves along the defined trajectory. The stopper mechanism 450 may comprise a moving part 452 (such as a protrusion) arranged to move together with the cutting edge 21, as the cutting edge 21 moves along the defined trajectory, and arranged to come into contact with the stopper 451. When the moving part 452 contacts, directly or indirectly, the stopper 451, the cutting edge 21 has been moved along the defined trajectory. The stopper 451 may be attached to the pin actuator 44. The moving part 452 may be (fixedly) connected, directly or indirectly, to the cutting edge 21, e.g. via the ring or cylinder element 25 and/or the ring or cylinder element 31. The moving part 452 may be attached to the ring or cylinder element 31, e.g. in such a way that the position of the moving part 452 relative to the ring or cylinder element 31 can be adjusted.

By the stopper mechanism 450, the risk to overcut the packaging, i.e. to cut a piece out of the bottom portion of the packaging, which piece may contaminate the flowable product dispensed by the bulk dispenser 1, can be effectively prevented. For example, in a situation with no stopper mechanism, by actuating the cutting handle 61, the user may pull back the handle 61 by 7cm making moving 15 teeth. The gear wheel 631.2 related of 20 teeth will make a three quarter (%) of a rotation. So, the 60 teeth gear wheel 631.3 will also make three quarter (%) of a rotation and actuate the cutting edge 21 or a blade holder holding the cutting edge 21 by: % * 60T/30T = 1.5 turn. On the one hand, this 1.5 turn ensures to fully open the packaging. On the other hand, however, cutting the packaging by making a 360° * 1.5 turn is too much. The risk is that, by fully cutting it, or even slightly to close to 360°, the cutting part can go in the consumer recipient which is forbidden. To effectively prevent this to happen, the stopper mechanism 450 may be provided. The stopper mechanism 450 may comprise an adjustment element

453 arranged to adjust the defined trajectory, in particular the angle of the segment of a circle, which the trajectory follows. The adjustment element 453 may be arranged to come into contact with the stopper 451. The adjustment element 453 may be connected, such as fixedly connected, to the moving part 452, in particular such that the moving part 452 can contact the stopper 451 via the adjustment element 453. The adjustment element 453 may protrude from the moving part 452, wherein the protruding part of the adjustment element 453 is preferably arranged between the stopper 451 and the moving part 452, when the stopper 451 and the moving part 452 (indirectly) contact each other. The adjustment element 453 may be adjustable such that the (protruding) length of the adjustment element 452, which length protrudes from the stopper 451, can be varied. For example, by varying the protruding length to be increased the angle of the segment of a circle can be reduced. The adjustment element 453 may be screwed into the moving part 452. By the adjustment element 453, the cutting angle (i.e. the segment of a circle) can be fine-tuned, thereby in particular making it easier to ensure a good flow of the product and to cut the packaging with an advantageous ("good") shape, and not to trap some remaining product at the end of the packaging. By the adjustment element 453, the best balance between these factors can be easily found.

As shown in figures 1, 5 and 6, the bulk dispenser 1 further comprises one or more locking elements 80. The one or more locking elements 80 are arranged to lock (e.g., fix and/or secure) the packaging in the receiving socket 10 at least in a direction parallel to the piercing direction. The one or more locking elements 80 may be arranged such that the bottom portion of the packaging remains in a defined position relative to the receiving socket 10 and/or such that at least part of the bottom portion of the packaging does not move away from the receiving socket 10 (i.e. does not lift from the receiving socket 10 or the bottom 12) as the cutting edge 21 moves in the extended position in order to enter this at least part of the bottom portion. Accordingly, the one or more locking elements 80 can effect that the cutting edge 21 can easily pierce the bottom portion of the packaging and that the cutting edge 21 does not move along the defined trajectory without cutting the bottom opening in the bottom portion of the packaging. Further, the one or more locking elements 80 are arranged to keep the packaging relative to the bulk dispenser 1 in such a way that the packaging does not tip when being received in the receiving socket 10.

The one or more locking elements 80 may comprise structural fixing elements 81, 82 protruding into the receiving area 11 for locking the packaging, when being received in the receiving socket 10, at least in the direction parallel to the piercing direction. The structural fixing elements 81, 82 may protrude into the receiving area 11 from opposite sides thereof. For example, one or more structural fixing elements 81 may be arranged on the receiving socket 10, such as on a wall 14 that delimits the receiving area 11. The wall 14 may extend from a side wall 13 and/or may connect the side walls 13 with one another. Each of the one or more structural fixing elements 81 may comprise a pin protruding into the receiving area 11. Each of the pins may be adapted to enter a corresponding socket or reception comprised by the packaging, such as by the bottom portion of the packaging. The pins may comprise, or may be, inserts.

The one or more locking elements 80 may comprise one or more further structural fixing elements 82 that may be arranged to selectively enter the receiving area 11. In other words, the one or more further structural fixing elements 82 are not arranged to permanently protrude into the receiving area 11, but are arranged to protrude into the receiving area 11 if desired, e.g. when the packaging shall be removed from the socket 10 or received in the socket 10. The piercing actuator 40 may comprise the one or more structural fixing elements 82. In other embodiments, a (dedicated) fixing actuator may be provided that comprises the one or more structural fixing elements 82, wherein the fixing actuator is then configured for actuating the structural fixing elements 82 to selectively enter the receiving area 11. By the piercing actuator 40 comprising the structural fixing elements 82, the structural fixing elements 82 may be moved, by the piercing actuator 40 or piercing handle 41, between a fixing position, which is exemplarily shown in figure 6, in which the structural fixing elements 82 protrude into the receiving area 11, and a clearing position, which is exemplarily shown in figures 1 and 5, in which the structural fixing elements 82 clear the receiving area 11 to allow the packaging to be received in the receiving socket 10 or removed from the receiving socket 10. In the clearing position, the structural fixing elements 82 are preferably arranged such that they do not enter, or protrude into, the receiving area 11 in order to clear the receiving area 11 in a particularly advantageous manner.

The structural fixing elements 82 may be fixedly connected to, and/or integrally formed with, a part of the piercing actuator 40, such as the piercing handle 41. For example, the piercing handle 41 comprises an actuation side that can be manually actuated (e.g., in order to move, or push, the piercing handle 41 from the extended position into the retracted position in which the cutting edge 21 pierces the bottom portion) and a back side that is opposite to the actuation side, wherein the one or more structural fixing elements 82 extend from the back side. Each of the structural fixing elements 82 may comprise a pin that can (e.g. in the retracted position of the cutting handle 41) protrude into the receiving area 11. The structural fixing elements 82 may be arranged to face the wall 14 on which the structural fixing elements 81 may be arranged. Each of the structural fixing elements 82 may be adapted to enter a corresponding socket or reception comprised by the packaging, such as by the bottom portion of the packaging.

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

The receiving socket 10 may comprise a recessed portion 15 that is arranged to aid in grasping the piercing handle 41. Recessed portion 15 may be provided in the bottom 12 and/or may be inclined relative to the surface of the bottom 12. The recessed portion 15 may extent to the back side of the handle 41.

The bulk dispenser 1 further comprises a dispensing opening 90 for allowing the flowable product to flow, by gravity, out of the packaging through the bottom opening cut in the bottom section. The dispensing opening 90 may be arranged such that it is surrounded by the cutting element 20 and/or the trajectory of the cutting edge 21. In particular, the ring or cylinder element 25 may at least partially define the dispensing opening 90. For example, the space 27 delimited by the ring or cylinder element 25 at least partly defines the dispensing opening 90. The bottom portion 12 of the socket 10 may comprise at least part of the dispensing opening 90.

As shown in figures 5 and 6 and in figures 9 to 11 in more detail, the bulk dispenser 1 further comprises a dispenser element 91. The dispenser element 91 is configured to control the flow of flowable product, flowing through the dispensing opening 90, out of the dispenser 1, such as to an outside of the bulk dispenser 1, e.g. into a cup (not shown) provided outside the bulk dispenser 1. By the dispenser element 91, a defined quantity of the product contained in the packaging may be dispensed from the bulk dispenser 1. The dispenser element 91 may be a portion dosing mechanism (a portion doser).

As shown in figures 9 to 11, the dispenser element 91 may comprise a flexible dispensing tube 92, preferably made of silicone, extending from the dispensing opening 90 to allow the flowable product be dispensed from the bulk dispenser 1. The dispenser element 91 may further comprise a pinch valve mechanism 93 to selectively pinch the flexible dispensing tube to control, preferably to stop and/or regulate, the flow of flowable product. The pinch valve mechanism 93 may comprise a (moveable) device 931 that is arranged to directly contact the tube 92 in order to reduce an outlet opening of the tube 92 and thereby restrict or reduce the flow of flowable product through the dispensing opening 90. In particular, the device 931 may be arranged to force the tube 92 together in order to create a seal. The seal is then equivalent to the tubes permeability. By the seal, it may be effected that the input of substances (moisture, etc.) via the dispensing opening 90 into the inside of the packaging can be significantly reduced.

The pinch valve mechanism 93 may comprise a beam (crossbeam) 932, wherein the tube 92 is arranged between the device 931 and the beam 932, in particular such that the tube 92 can be clamped or pressed between the device 931 and the beam 932. The device 931 may be moved relative to the beam 932 in a direction away from the beam 932 (to thereby enlarge an opening of the tube 92 and thus regulate the flow of flowable product through the dispensing opening 90 to be increased) and in a direction towards the beam 92 (to thereby reduce the opening of the tube 92 and thus regulate the flow of flowable product through the dispensing opening 90 to be lowered or even stopped).

The dispenser element 91 may comprise a dispensing handle 94 (e.g., comprising one or more protrusions that can be grasped by a user's hand or fingers) for carrying out a translational dispensing actuation motion, and a transfer element 95 for transferring the translational dispensing actuation motion into a translational dispensing motion to allow the pinch valve mechanism 93 to selectively pinch the flexible tube 92. As shown, the transfer element 95 may comprise a gear arrangement 96. The gear arrangement 96 may comprise a gear wheel (pinion) 961 and/or one or more gear racks 962, 963. The dispenser element 91 may comprise a beam 97 that is fixedly connected to the dispensing handle 94. A gear rack 962 may be connected to, and/or may be integral with, the beam 97. A further gear rack 963 may be connected to, and/or may be integral with, the device 931. The gear wheel 961 may be arranged between the beam 97 and the device 931. The gear wheel 961 may mesh with both the gear rack 962 and the gear rack 963. As illustrated in figure 10, the arrangement 96 may be arranged such that moving the handle 94 away from the tube 92 effects that the device 931 is moved away from the tube 92, thereby allowing the opening of the tube 92 to enlarge or widen, thereby increasing the flow of flowable product.

By moving the handle 94 towards the tube 92, the gear arrangement 96 may effect that the device 931 is moved towards the tube 92 in order to pinch the tube 92 to reduce or stop the flow of flowable product. The state, in which the pinch valve mechanism 93 pinches the tube 92 in such a way that the flow of flowable product through and out of the tube 92 is stopped, is shown in figure 10. As shown, the device 931 presses at least part of the tube 92 against the beam 932, thereby effecting a seal to stop the flow of the flowable product through the tube 92. The state, in which the pinch valve mechanism 93 pinches the tube 92 in such a way that a regulated flow of flowable product is dispensed out of the tube 92, is shown in figure 11.

The piercing actuator 40, the rotary actuator 60 and the dispenser element 91 are not limited to a specific arrangement relative to one another. The piercing actuator 40, the rotary actuator 60 and the dispenser element 91 may be operable from a same side (such as a user side) of the bulk dispenser 1 and/or may be arranged to protrude into a user area and/or through a common plane. For example, the piercing actuator 40 may be arranged at least in part in an upper part of the bulk dispenser 1, wherein both the rotary actuator 60 and the dispenser element 91 may be arranged at least in part in a lower part of the bulk dispenser 1. The bulk dispenser 1 may comprise a housing 100 in which at least the piercing actuator 40, the rotary actuator 60 and the dispenser element 91 are arranged. The housing 100 may comprise first and second housing parts, e.g. stacked on one another. The first housing part 101 may comprise at least part of the piercing actuator 40, wherein the second housing part 102 may comprise at least part of each of the rotary actuator 60 and dispenser element 91. An axis extending defined by the dispensing opening 91 and/or the tube 92 may traverse the housing parts 101, 102. The housing 100 may have the shape in the form of a parallelepiped. As shown in figures 12 to 14, the cutting handle 61 may be detachable. The cutting handle 61 may be provided as a physical key. The rotary actuator 60 may comprise a connection part 66 to which the cutting handle 61 may be detachably connected and/or in which the cutting handle 61 may be plugged. The cutting handle 61 may comprise one or more protrusions 61.1 which may engage with one or more corresponding openings 66.1 provided in the connection part 66. When the cutting handle 61 is detached from the connection part 66, as shown in figure 12, the rotary actuator 60 may not be operable, or may at least be difficult to be operable. Accordingly, the user and shop experience can be improved. This in particular because when the handle 61 is detached and thus not visible to a user, the user (or consumer) is not confused with too many parts to deal with. In other words, the risk that the user accidentally actuates the rotary actuator 60 is reduced because, due to the omitted handle 61, the rotary actuator 60 at least appears to be not actuable. When the cutting handle 61 is attached to the connection part 66, e.g. by the one or more protrusions 61.1 engaging with the one or more corresponding openings 66.1, respectively, the cutting actuator 60 is actuable (e.g. by a user such as an employee) by using the cutting handle 61. By the detachable cutting handle 61, it can be ensured, in particular, that the manipulation to cut the bottom opening in the bottom portion of the packaging is done only once per packaging. The connection part 66 may be provided at a distal end of the beam 65.

Additionally or alternatively, the cutting handle (trigger) 61 may be secured with other security mechanisms, such as one or more complex shapes, and/or one or more mechanisms used in car wheels protection. As shown in figures 15 to 18, the transfer element 62 may comprise, in addition or as an alternative to the gear arrangement 63, a rope start mechanism 120. By the rope start mechanism 120, the transfer element 62 may be made void or rid of any gears. The rope start mechanism 120 may be adapted to move the cutting edge 21 along the defined trajectory following a segment of a circle with an angle of around 350° or less. The stopper mechanism 450 may be provided to effect or control such a defined trajectory. The rope start mechanism 120 may comprise a cable 121 (or rope) which is connected (e.g. with one end) to the cutting element 20, such as the ring or cylinder element 25 and/or the ring or cylinder element 31, and which can be operated by being pulled (e.g. via another end of the cable 121). The cable 121 is arranged such that moving or pulling the cable 121 puts the cutting edge 21 (and/or a holder holding the cutting edge 21, such as the ring or cylinder element 25) into rotation in order to be moved along the defined trajectory. The translational cutting actuation motion is thus a motion to pull the cable 121. The cutting handle 61 (e.g. in the form of a ring) may be connected to the cable 121, e.g. to the other end of the cable 121. The cable 121 may be at least in part coiled (or wound), e.g. around the ring or cylinder element 25 and/or the ring or cylinder element 31. Accordingly, when the cable 121 is pulled, by the cutting handle 61, the cable 121 uncoils, thereby moving the cutting edge 21 along the defined trajectory.

The rope start mechanism 120 may comprise a spring 122 that is arranged to be tensioned, or loaded, as the cable 121 is pulled in order to move the cutting edge 21 along the defined trajectory. When the spring 122 is tensioned or loaded, the spring 122 biases the cutting edge 21, and preferably the ring or cylinder element 25 carrying the cutting edge 21, towards an initial position, which may be a position in which the cable 121 is not tensioned by a pulling force exerted by the handle 61, and/or in which the spring 122 is in the steady state. The spring 122 may be a spiral spring, e.g. coiled around a part of the cutting element 20 such as the ring or cylinder element 25 and/or the ring or cylinder element 31. The spring 122 may be connected (e.g. via one end) to a part of the bulk dispenser 1 that does not move together with the cutting edge 21 moving along the defined trajectory. For example, the spring 122 may be fixed to the pin actuator 44. For example, the pin actuator 44 comprises a section 448 to which the spring 122 is fixedly connected. The section 448 may comprise a groove in which at least part of the spring 122 extends and/or a protrusion that is at least partly encompassed by at least part of the spring 122. The spring 122 may be connected, e.g. via another end, to the cutting element 20, in particular to the ring or cylinder element 25 and/or the ring or cylinder element 31. The cutting element 20, in particular the ring or cylinder element 31, may comprise a recessed portion 32 (such as in the form of a groove) in which at least part of the spring 122 is arranged or received.

As depicted in, for example, figures 2 and 3, the bulk dispenser 1 may comprise a blade protection element 140 that covers the cutting edge 21, preferably at least towards the receiving area 11 in the retracted position. The blade protection element 140 may be arranged above the cutting edge 21, when the cutting edge 21 is in the retracted position. The blade protection element 140 may be designed such that the blade protection element 140 houses at least part of the cutting edge 21, when the cutting edge 21 is in the retracted position. The blade protection element 140 may be integrally formed with the piercing actuator 40, e.g. with a (cross) beam 45 of the piercing actuator 40, which beam 45 may extend from, or transversely to, the bar 43 and/or may connect the bars 43 with one another. By actuating the piercing actuator 40 (such as by moving the piercing handle 41 into the retracted position), the blade protection element 140 can thus be moved into a position (e.g. away from the cutting edge 21), in which the blade protection element 140 uncovers the cutting edge 21, in particular when the cutting edge 21 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. When seen parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the ring or cylinder element 25, the blade protection element 140 preferably covers the cutting edge 21, when the cutting edge 21 is in the retracted position. Figure 19 represents a system 150 that comprises a bulk dispenser 1, e.g. as described above, and a packaging 160 containing a flowable product. The packaging 160 comprises a bottom portion 161 that is received in the receiving socket 10 of the bulk dispenser 1. A method to dispense, by the bulk dispenser 1, the flowable product contained in the packaging 160 may be as follows: A) locking, by the locking element 80, the packaging 160 in the receiving socket 10 at least in a direction parallel to the piercing direction; B) moving the cutting edge 21, by the cutting actuator or a piercing actuator 40 which the cutting actuator comprises, from the retracted position along the piercing direction (P) into the extended position, whereby the cutting edge 24 protrudes into the receiving area 11 and, thus, bottom portion 161; C) moving the cutting edge 21 being in the extended position, by the cutting actuator or a rotary actuator 60 which the cutting actuator comprises, along the defined trajectory (T), whereby the cutting edge 21 cuts the bottom opening 162 in the bottom portion 161; D) controlling, by the dispenser element 91, the flow of flowable product flowing, by gravity, out of the packaging 160 through the bottom opening 162 and then through the dispensing opening 90.

It should be clear to a skilled person that the embodiments shown in the figures are only preferred embodiments, but that, however, also other designs of the bulk dispenser can be used.

Claims

CLAIMS A bulk dispenser (1) comprising:

• a receiving socket (10) with a receiving area (11) for receiving at least a bottom portion (161) of a packaging (160) containing a flowable product,

• a cutting element (20) having a cutting edge (21) for cutting the bottom portion (161),

• a cutting actuator (40, 60) for actuating the cutting element (21) to move the cutting edge (21) o along a piercing direction between a retracted position, in which the cutting edge (21) is retracted from the receiving area (11), and an extended position, in which the cutting edge (21) protrudes into the receiving area (11) so as to enter the bottom portion (161) when the packaging (160) is received in the receiving area (11), and o along a defined trajectory, with the cutting edge (21) being in or moving towards the extended position, to cut a bottom opening (162) in the bottom portion (161) when being received in the receiving socket (10),

• a locking element (80) for locking the packaging (161) in the receiving socket (10) at least in a direction parallel to the piercing direction,

• a dispensing opening (90) for allowing the flowable product to flow, by gravity, out of the packaging (161) through the bottom opening (162) cut into the bottom portion (161), and

• a dispenser element (91) to control the flow of flowable product, flowing through the dispensing opening (90), out of the dispenser (1).

2. The bulk dispenser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing opening (90) is surrounded by the cutting element (20) and/or the trajectory of the cutting edge (21). 3. The bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trajectory, in a top view of the receiving socket (10), follows a two- dimensional path, preferably a segment of a circle, and more preferred a segment of a circle with an angle a < 360°, even more preferred a < 355°, most preferred between 345° < a < 355°.

4. The bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting actuator is configured for actuating the cutting element (21) in a combined motion, preferably in a screw motion or in a spiral motion, to move the cutting edge (21) at least partially simultaneously along the piercing direction and along the trajectory.

5. The bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting actuator comprises

• a piercing actuator (40) for actuating the cutting element (20) to move the cutting edge (21) along the piercing direction, and

• a rotary actuator (60) for actuating the cutting element (20) to move the cutting edge (21) along the trajectory,

• wherein the piercing direction preferably extends transversely to a plane in which the trajectory lies.

6. The bulk dispenser (1) according to claim 5, wherein the piercing actuator (40) comprises: • a piercing handle (41) for carrying out a translational piercing actuation motion, and

• a transfer element (42) for transferring the translational piercing actuation motion into a translational piercing motion to allow the cutting edge (21) to be moved along the piercing direction, wherein the piercing actuator (40) preferably comprises a pin actuator (44) arranged between the piercing handle (41) and the cutting element (20). The bulk dispenser (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the rotary actuator (60) comprises

• a cutting handle (61) for carrying out a translational cutting actuation motion, and

• a transfer element (62) for transferring the translational cutting actuation motion into a cutting motion to allow the cutting edge (21) to be moved along the trajectory, wherein the transfer element (62) preferably comprises: o a gear arrangement (63), and/or o a rope start mechanism (120), being arranged between the cutting handle (61) and the cutting element (20). The bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a blade protection element (140) covering the cutting edge (21), preferably at least towards the receiving area (11) in the retracted position, wherein preferably the blade protection element (140) is arranged to be actuated with and more preferred integrally formed with the cutting actuator (40, 60), preferably the piercing actuator (40), so as to uncover the cutting edge (21) when being moved from the retracted position to the extended position. 9. The bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (80) comprises structural fixing elements (81, 82) protruding into the receiving area (11) for locking the packaging (160), when being received in the receiving socket (10), at least in a direction parallel to the piercing direction.

10. The bulk dispenser (1) according to claim 9, wherein the structural fixing elements (81, 82) protrude into the receiving area (11) from opposite sides thereof, and/or wherein the structural fixing elements (81, 82) comprise: • pins protruding into the receiving area (11), and/or

• rails each defining a groove together with the receiving socket (10), the grooves preferably being open towards each other to receive a receiving section of the packaging (160) therebetween. 11. The bulk dispenser (1) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a fixing actuator comprising at least part of the structural fixing elements (81, 82), wherein the fixing actuator is configured for actuating at least part of the structural fixing elements (81, 82) to selectively enter the receiving area (11), and preferably between a fixing position, in which the at least part of the structural fixing elements (81, 82) protrude into the receiving area (11), and a clearing position, in which the at least part of the structural fixing elements (81, 82) clear the receiving area (11) to allow the packaging (160) being received in the receiving socket (10), wherein the fixing actuator is preferably integral with the cutting actuator (20, 40), more preferably integral with the piercing actuator (40) if present. The bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting element (20) comprises a ring or cylinder element (25) having a longitudinal axis, wherein the cutting edge (21) is preferably provided at an axial face side of the ring or cylinder element (25), wherein the cutting element (20) is moveable about its longitudinal axis so as to move the cutting edge (21) along the trajectory, wherein, preferably, the ring or cylinder element (25) at least partially defines the dispensing opening (90). The bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser element (91) comprises:

• a flexible dispensing tube (92), preferably a silicone tube, extending from the dispensing opening (90) to allow the flowable product be dispensed from the bulk dispenser (1), and

• a pinch valve mechanism (93) to selectively pinch the flexible dispensing tube (92) to control, preferably to stop and/or regulate, the flow of flowable product. The bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

• the cutting actuator (40, 60) is configured for manually actuating the cutting element (20),

• the piercing actuator (40), if present, is configured for manually actuating the cutting element (20), the rotary actuator (60), if present, is configured for manually actuating the cutting element (20), and/or • the fixing actuator, if present, is configured for manually actuating the at least part of the structural fixing elements (81, 82). The bulk dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting actuator (40, 60), preferably the piercing actuator (40) and the rotary actuator (60) if present, and the dispenser element (91) are arranged such that they are actuable, preferably manually actuable, from the same side of the bulk dispenser (1).