WO2024132995A1

WO2024132995A1 - Dispensing system

Info

Publication number: WO2024132995A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/086238
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabrice YERLY; Stéphane Hentzel; Joseph Thomas Gar Jun Smith; Gerhard Niederreiter
Original assignee: Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A.
Priority date: 2022-12-21
Filing date: 2023-12-18
Publication date: 2024-06-27

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a dispensing system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for dispensing a bulk material (1), comprising: a flexible or semi- flexible pouch (10) comprising a compartment (11) for storing the bulk material (1), a dispensing section (12), and a hanger portion (13) by which the pouch (10) can be hung up such that the bulk material (1) can flow, by gravity, from the compartment (11) via the dispensing section (12) out of the pouch (10); a dispensing mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) attached to the pouch (10), wherein the dispensing mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) comprises two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512) which are manually moveable relative to one another so as to move between a closed position in which the dispensing section (12) is closed, by the two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512), so as to prevent the bulk material (1) from flowing via the dispensing section (12) out of the pouch (10), and an open position in which the dispensing section (12) is, by the two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512), unfolded or allowed to unfold to form a dispensing channel (12.4) so that the bulk material (1) can flow, by gravity, from the compartment (11) via the dispensing section (12) out of the pouch (10); and an elastic element (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) arranged to force the two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512) towards the closed position.

Description

DISPENSING SYSTEM

Fabrice (NMN) YERLY

Stephane (NMN) HENTZEL Joseph Thomas Gar Jun SMITH Gerhard NIEDERREITER

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a dispensing system for dispensing a bulk material.

Background of the invention

Dispensing systems for dispensing a bulk material include parts that are in direct contact with the bulk material (e.g., food) and that remain in the system. The system may be part of a shop. These parts require frequent cleaning in order to fulfil quality requirements and/or a hygiene regulation. However, many users, such as retailers, are not equipped or trained to manage such a cleaning well. Consequently, special measures (qualified personnel, etc.) are required to clean these parts, which have an impact on costs. Without such measures, the cleaning is not properly done, with a risk on product (food, etc.) quality and safety. Moreover, the dispensing systems are complex, particularly requiring investment from the user.

Having considered the above, there is a need for a dispensing system that can dispense a bulk material in an easier and more cost-effective manner.

This and other objectives, 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

The objective of the present invention is achieved with a dispensing system for dispensing a bulk material, comprising: a flexible or semi-flexible pouch comprising

• a compartment for storing the bulk material,

• a dispensing section, and

• a hanger portion by which the pouch can be hung up such that the bulk material can flow, by gravity, from the compartment via the dispensing section out of the pouch (e.g., through the dispensing section or through an opening of the dispensing section); a dispensing mechanism attached to the pouch, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises two parts which are manually moveable relative to one another so as to move between

• a closed position in which the dispensing section is closed, by the two parts, so as to prevent the bulk material from flowing via the dispensing section out of the pouch, and • an open position in which the dispensing section is, by the two parts, unfolded or allowed to unfold to form a dispensing channel so that the bulk material can flow, by gravity, from the compartment via the dispensing section out of the pouch; and an elastic element arranged to force the two parts towards the closed position.

The pouch and the dispensing mechanism are made of a) a cellulose- based material or material composition with together at least 70 wt% of cellulose fibers, or b) a mono-material.

By "monomaterial", it is generally meant a material that is made out of an assembly of different types of constitutive materials (in separate layers or elements or as a compound or mix), but wherein said constitutive materials are of the same chemical type (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene). Using such constitutive materials of the same chemical type or family in the same material allow to achieve a complex material that can have various functions (e.g. barrier to oxygen, barrier to moisture, barrier to light, etc.), but which can be recycled or generally biodegraded/composted as a whole in a recycling or biodegrading process that is specific to one single chemical type of material. In other terms, in does not request splitting and separating of its constituents prior to being recycled or biodegraded/composted.

The dispensing system makes it possible that in order to dispense a bulk material from the pouch no extra dispensing parts are required. In particular, the dispensing system simplifies the operations, e.g. in a shop. For example, no additional investment in dispensers or dispensing mechanisms is required, because the pouch is provided with its own dispensing mechanism. This saves cost. Also, no cleaning of parts that are in direct contact with the bulk material (e.g., food) is required. Rather, the dispensing system including the pouch and the dispensing mechanism may simply be put in a recycling stream (such as a paper recycling stream) after use (e.g., in a state in which the pouch is empty). Thereby, no cumbersome cleaning of parts that are difficult to access and/or clean is required and thus, costs are saved.

Since the dispensing system includes its own dispensing mechanism (such as a shutter mechanism or a pinching mechanism), a user of the system does not need (e.g., before the initial dispensing of bulk material from the pouch) to attach a dispensing mechanism to regulate a flow, effected by gravity, of the bulk material. This simplifies the dispensing of the bulk material. Accordingly, there is no need for special measures or knowledge in order to dispense the bulk material in a safe and hygienic manner. Moreover, the dispensing system has a simple and a lightweight structure due to its material(s) and/or material composition(s). The dispensing system can be obtained by using a particularly low number of elements. Also, by the dispensing mechanism and the pouch being made of a defined material (composition), the weight of the system and the amount of the used material per product weight can be low, even though the pouch is provided with its own dispensing mechanism.

The provision of the dispensing mechanism and the elastic element being arranged such that the default position is the closed position make it possible to dispense the bulk material in an easy manner, such as with only one human hand and/or with only few (e.g., only two or even only one) human fingers. When no external force acts on the dispensing mechanism, e.g. because a user may simply release its hand or fingers from the two parts, the parts may (automatically) return by the restoring force of the elastic element into the closed position. Thus, there is no need for the user to apply an external force on the dispensing mechanism (such as on one or both of the two parts) in order to move the two parts into the closed position. In particular, the parts may be, by the elastic element, biased towards the closed position.

The material selection for the pouch and the dispensing mechanism makes the whole material of the dispensing system easily disintegrated, dissolved and separated during recycling processes, such as recycling processes designed for cellulosic materials like paper or cardboard or recycling processes for polymer materials. The elastic element may be provided such that it does not negatively influence the recyclability of the dispensing system. For example, the elastic element may be attached by a form and/or frictional fit (such as by one or more protrusions and/or one or more recesses comprised by the two parts and/or by the restoring force of the elastic element). Thereby, the elastic element may be easily removed from the remainder of the dispensing system in order to be put in a recycling stream (e.g., for rubber or metal) different from the recycling stream in which the remainder of the dispensing system can be recycled (e.g., a recycling stream for cellulosic materials such as paper or cardboard, or for a mono-material such as polymers/plastics). Furthermore, the attachment of the dispensing mechanism to the pouch can ensure that the dispensing mechanism does not easily get lost relative to the pouch. Accordingly, it can be effectively ensured that the dispensing mechanism is recycled together with the pouch.

The dispensing section may comprise an upstream section, a foldable section and a downstream section, wherein the two parts are attached to the upstream and downstream sections, wherein in the closed position the foldable section is folded to prevent the bulk material from flowing via the dispensing section out of the pouch, and wherein in the open position the foldable section is unfolded or allowed to unfold to form the dispensing channel. Thereby, the flow of the bulk material can be controlled in a particularly easy manner. The foldable section may extend from the upstream section to the downstream section. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the flow of the bulk material from the compartment via the dispensing section to a position out of the pouch. In other words, when the pouch is positioned (e.g., hung-up) such that the bulk material can flow, by gravity, from the compartment and via the dispensing section out of the pouch, the downstream section is positioned below the upstream section.

The foldable section may comprise two sub-sections, wherein in the closed position the sub-sections are folded so as to be parallel or across to one another, such as folded to form a U- or V-shape, or any other shape, e.g. a W-shape. By the foldable section being folded in such a way, a flow of the bulk material via the dispensing section out of the pouch can be prevented in a particularly effective manner. For example, the folding results in that a cross-section of the foldable section is reduced and/or in that a path defined by the foldable section becomes tortuous, thereby stopping the flow of the bulk material via the dispensing section. For example, the foldable section may be folded so as to form one or more connection sections (e.g., with a curved form), which may comprise a connection section connecting the two subsections with one another. The connection sections may comprise two further connection sections, which may connect the foldable section with the upstream section and the downstream section, respectively.

The sub-sections may extend in an angle to each other, wherein in the closed position the angle is smaller than in the open position, such as comprised in a range from 0° to 45°. Accordingly, a flow of the bulk material via the dispensing section can be controlled in a particularly easy manner. In the open position, the subsections may be arranged such that the dispensing channel extends along a straight line or along a path that (slightly) deviates from a straight line, such as with a slightly curved or arched form that still enables a flow of the bulk material. For example, in the open position, the angle between the sub-sections may be comprised in a range from 90° to 180°, preferably from 130° to 180°, more preferably from 150° to 180°.

The foldable section may be pre-folded. For example, the foldable section may comprise one or more features (creases, weakened portions, portions more flexible than the remainder of the foldable section, etc.) that are arranged such that the foldable section (in particular its sub-section) can be folded into a defined shape. The foldable section may be pre-folded by creasing. Thereby, one or more joints (e.g., in the form of lines) may be formed that facilitate folding the foldable section into a (pre-) defined shape, such as into a shape with the sub-sections being parallel or across to one another, such as a U- or V-shape.

The two parts may comprise a bar and a through opening, wherein the bar extends through the through opening such that the two parts are linearly guided relative to one another. Thus, the two parts are arranged in a very compact manner and can be moved easily relative to one another. By the bar and the through hole, the two parts may be arranged to slide relative to one another along a direction defined by the bar. The linear guidance of the parts relative to one another also allows a particularly easy operation of the dispensing mechanism. For example, the part attached to the upstream section of the dispensing section comprises the through opening and the part attached to the downstream section of the dispensing section comprises the bar. Thereby, the dispensing mechanism is arranged together with the pouch in a particularly compact manner.

The bar may comprises a handling section, such as a recess or a hole (an opening, a through hole, etc.), wherein the handling section is preferably provided on a distal end of the bar. By the handling section, the bar and thus at least one of the parts can be easily operated or grasped, e.g. by using a human finger that can hold the handling section.

In the closed position the parts may delimit a space, wherein at least one of the parts, such as the part comprising the through opening, comprises a handling region delimiting the space such that by manually operating the handling region the parts can be moved into the open position. Thereby, the parts can be manually moved relative to one another in a particularly easy manner. The handling region may be a recessed portion. In particular, the space can be accessed by a human finger so that, once accessed, the finger can push the handling region and thus the part comprising the handling region away from at least part of the other part, whereby the parts move into the open position. The parts may be arranged such that by moving the handling section of the bar and the handling region towards each other the parts can be moved into the open position. Thus, by grasping the handling section and the handling region by two fingers, respectively, and then moving the fingers towards each other, the parts can be moved into the open position. Another one of the parts, such as the part comprising the bar, may comprise a further handling region (e.g., a recessed portion) delimiting the space. The further handling region may be arranged such that the (first) handling region can be accessed more easily by a human finger.

The elastic element may be coiled, a spring and/or a band. The elastic element may be made of a synthetic material, such as rubber, and/or metal. The elastic element, the pouch and the dispensing mechanism, or the elastic element and the remainder of the dispensing system, may be made of the same material or material composition, or may be made of different materials or different material compositions. The elastic element is preferably made of a recyclable material.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elastic element surrounds, and/or wraps, the parts. By such an arrangement, the elastic element is easily accessible for being removed from the remainder of the system, thereby in particular improving the recyclability of the system. The parts may comprise a recess (such as a groove) in which at least part of the elastic element extends. Thereby, the elastic element is securely received by the parts and at the same time can be easily removed from the parts, e.g. for recycling.

The two parts may comprise a holder and a strap, wherein the strap comprises a deformable (e.g., collapsible) section movable relative to the holder between a retracted state and an extended state, wherein in the closed position the dispensing section is closed by the holder and the deformable section in the retracted state, and wherein in the open position the dispensing section is, by the deformable section in the extended state, unfolded or allowed to unfold to form the dispensing channel. Thus, the flow of the bulk material via the dispensing section can be easily controlled by deforming the strap, such as by squeezing the strap. In the retracted state and/or the extended state, the deformable section may protrude relative to the holder. In the retracted state, the deformable section may be at least partly retracted into the holder (such as into a space of the holder) and/or may arched to a lesser extent than in the extended state. By moving the deformable section into its extended state, the deformable section may collapse. In the open position, the dispensing section may be surrounded by at least part of the strap, such as by the deformable section in the extended state, and the holder.

The strap may comprise two manually operable ends that can be moved towards one another so as to move the deformable section from the retracted state to the extended state. Thus, the operation of the dispensing system is particularly simple and intuitive. For example, each of the ends may be operated by a respective finger in order squeeze or pinch the strap and thus move the deformable section into the extended state for a subsequent dispensing of the bulk material via the dispensing channel.

The strap may be linearly guided by the holder. Thus, the dispensing mechanism can be made compact. The holder may comprise one or more guide rails by which the ends of the strap are linearly guided. The one or more guide rails may delimit and/or face a space of the holder, wherein in this space at least part of the deformable section in the retracted state may be arranged.

The holder may comprise an edge, such as an upstream edge and/or a downstream edge, wherein in the closed position the dispensing section is closed by the deformable section in the retracted state and the edge. By the edge, the dispensing section can be particularly well closed (e.g., collapsed and/or folded) in order to prevent a flow of the bulk material out of the pouch.

In the closed position the holder and the strap may delimit a space, wherein the strap comprises a handling region delimiting the space such that by manually operating the handling region the deformable section can be moved from its retracted state to its extended state. Thus, operation of the dispensing mechanism is particularly easy and intuitive. The handling region may be a recessed portion. In particular, the space can be accessed by a human finger so that, once accessed, the finger can push the handling region and thus deform the strap, whereby the parts move into the open position. One of the ends of the strap may comprise the handling region. Preferably, the strap comprises at least two handling regions, wherein each end of the strap comprises a respective one of the handling regions. Thus, by moving the handling regions towards each other the strap can be deformed such that the deformable section is brought into the extended state, thereby moving the parts into the open position. Thus, by grasping the handling regions by two fingers, respectively, and then moving the fingers towards each other, the parts can be moved into the open position.

The elastic element may be arranged to force the deformable section into its retracted state. Thus, the deformable section can, by the elastic element, (automatically) return into its (default) retracted state once the hand is released from the strap. Consequently, operation of the dispensing mechanism is simplified.

In a preferred embodiment, one end of the elastic element is connected to the strap and another end of the elastic element is connected to the holder. By such an arrangement, the elastic element may be easily accessible for being removed from the remainder of the system, thereby in particular improving the recyclability of the system. The holder and/or the strap may comprise a recess (such as a groove) in which at least part of the elastic element extends and/or a protrusion around which at least part of the elastic element extends. Thereby, the elastic element is securely received by the parts and at the same time can be easily removed from the parts, e.g. for recycling.

In an embodiment, the two parts comprise a wall that at least partly surrounds an upstream section of the dispensing section, and a lever connected to the wall and preferably integrally formed with the wall, wherein in the closed position a downstream section of the dispensing section is pinched between the lever and the wall so as to close the dispensing section. By moving the lever away from the wall, the dispensing section may be unfolded or allowed to unfold to form the dispensing channel.

In an embodiment, the two parts comprise two rods, wherein each rod comprises a respective elevated section, and wherein, in the closed position, the elevated sections pinch upstream and downstream sections of the dispensing section so as to close the dispensing section. For example, the elevated of one of the rods may pinch the upstream section of the dispensing section, and the elevated of the other one of the rods may pinch the downstream section of the dispensing section. Thereby, the dispensing section becomes not only pinched but also, due to the elevated section arranged at the upstream and downstream sections, respectively, tortuous, thereby closing the dispensing section in a particularly effective manner.

The pouch and the dispensing mechanism may be made of a cellulose-based material or material composition with together at least 80 wt% of cellulose fibers, preferably at least 90 wt% of cellulose fibers, more preferably at least 95 wt% of cellulose fibers.

The dispensing mechanism may be made of cardboard and/or paper. Thus, the dispensing mechanism can be made very simple and lightweight. The cardboard may be corrugated and/or may have a grammage of at least 200 g/m2, such as in a range from 250 to 600 g/m2. The dispensing mechanism may be made of a plurality plates and/or sheets. The dispensing mechanism may comprise a sandwich structure. For example, the plates and/or sheets may have different shapes, such as comprising openings with different shapes. The plates and/or sheets may be attached to one another, e.g. by using an adhesive bond (glue, etc.), in particular a reversible adhesive. Once the plates and/or sheets are attached to one another, they may form the sandwich structure.

At least part of the pouch may be made of paper and/or cardboard. The pouch may have an oxygen and/or a moisture barrier function. The pouch may comprise a multilayer with an oxygen and/or a moisture barrier function. For example, at least one layer of this multilayer may be made of paper and/or cardboard.

The multilayer may comprise an outer layer, one or more intermediate layers and an inner layer. The inner layer may be arranged such that it can be in contact with the product to be packed, i.e. the bulk material.

The outer layer may be made of paper and/or cardboard, e.g. having a grammage in the range of 30 to 200 g/m2. Preferably, the outer layer is a paper layer. The intermediate layer may comprise at least one organic barrier layer of a polymer selected within the list of: polyvinylalcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), butenediol vinyl alcohol co-polymer (BVOH), or a combination thereof, preferably in an amount of 0.5 to 20 g/m2, more preferably in an amount of 1 to 10 g/m2, even more preferably in an amount of 2 to 8 g/m2.

The intermediate layer may comprise at least one inorganic barrier layer selected within the list of: metals, metalloids, or a combination thereof, said inorganic layer preferably having a thickness comprised between 1 and 100 nm.

The inner layer may comprise at least one organic heat seal layer, preferably being applied in an amount comprised between 2 and 20 g/m2, preferably in an amount comprised between 4 and 9 g/m2.

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

Preferably, the inorganic layer comprises metals or metalloids selected within the list of: aluminium, aluminium oxide (AIOx), or silicon oxide (SiOx), said metals and/or metalloids may be deposited either by vacuum deposition or by transfer metallization.

The two parts may be more rigid than the pouch. In other words, the two parts may be less flexible than the pouch.

The dispensing system may comprise a tamper-evident element arranged to indicate an initial and/or unauthorized manipulation of the parts, such as an initial and/or unauthorized movement of the parts into the open position. Thus, by the tamper-evident element the dispensing system may be tamper proof. For example, the tamper-evident element may be arranged such that the tamper-evident element (e.g., a cover) is at least partly destroyed (removed, cut, etc.) once the parts are moved into the open position. In the destroyed state, a part of the tamper-evident element may be detached from another part, such as from another part comprised by the tamper-evident element. The tamper-evident element may comprise a weakened portion (such as tear line) that may be arranged such that as the dispensing mechanism is manipulated (in particular operated to move into the open position) the tamper- evident element is destroyed in the weakened portion, which may mean that the tamper-evident element is torn along the tear line.

As used in this specification, the words "comprises", "comprising", and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to".

Brief description of the drawings

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the description of the presently preferred embodiments which are set out below with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a dispensing system according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the dispensing mechanism of the system shown in figure 1;

Figures 3A and 3B show schematic sectional views of the dispensing mechanism with parts of the mechanism in the closed position and the open position, respectively;

Figures 4A to 4G schematically show a method including the dispensing system shown in figure 1;

Figures 5A and 5B show schematic perspective views of a dispensing mechanism of a dispensing system according to the first embodiment in a disassembled state and an assembled state, respectively; Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of parts for providing a dispensing mechanism of a dispensing system according to the first embodiment;

Figure 7 shows an example of a pouch;

Figure 8 shows a schematic front view of a dispensing system according to a second embodiment;

Figures 9A and 9B show a schematic perspective view and a schematic front view, respectively, of the dispensing mechanism of the system shown in figure 8, wherein the parts of the dispensing mechanism are in the open position;

Figures 10A and 10B show schematic sectional views of the dispensing mechanism shown in figure 8 with the parts of the mechanism in the closed position and the open position, respectively;

Figures 11A to 11C schematically show a method including the dispensing system shown in figure 8;

Figure 12 shows a schematic front view of a dispensing system according to a third embodiment;

Figure 13 shows a schematic perspective view of the dispensing mechanism of the system shown in figure 12, wherein the parts of the dispensing mechanism are in the open position;

Figures 14A and 14B show schematic sectional views of the dispensing mechanism shown in figure 13 with the parts of the mechanism in the closed position and the open position, respectively;

Figure 15 shows a schematic front view of a dispensing system according to a fourth embodiment;

Figure 16 shows a schematic perspective view of the dispensing mechanism of the system shown in figure 15, wherein the parts of the dispensing mechanism are in the open position;

Figures 17A and 17B show schematic sectional views of the dispensing mechanism shown in figure 16 with the parts of the mechanism in the closed position and the open position, respectively; and Figure 18 shows a schematic perspective view of a dispensing system according to a fifth embodiment;

Detailed description of the invention

Generally, in the present specification, by "fibre" (or "fiber"), it is meant a cellulosic fibre, which is generally extracted from plants, seeds or trees; such fibres contain not only cellulose molecules, but also hemi-cellulose as well as lignin.

The figures show different embodiments of a dispensing (or delivery) system of the invention. The dispensing system may be a so-called "Alternative Delivery System" (ADS). In the shown embodiments, the dispensing system is adapted to dispense a bulk material 1. The bulk material 1 may be a food product. The bulk material 1 may comprise a dry and/or solid material. The bulk material 1 may comprise, or may be, a loose material. The bulk material 1 may be a bulk flowable product and/or may comprise powders and/or kibbles and/or any other solid format which can be dispensed when flowing by gravity. For example, the bulk material 1 comprises coffee beans or a cereal.

In figure 1 is illustrated a dispensing system 100 according to a first embodiment.

The dispensing system 100 comprises a flexible or semi-flexible pouch (or bag) 10 comprising a compartment 11 for storing the bulk material 1, and a dispensing section 12. The dispensing section 12 may be (fluidly) connected to the compartment 11. The pouch 10 further comprises a hanger portion 13 by which the pouch 10 can be hung up such that the bulk material 1 can flow, by gravity, from the compartment 11 via (e.g., through) the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10. By the hanger portion 13, the pouch 10 may be hanged upside down. The hanger portion 13 may comprise an (through) opening and/or a hook. Additionally or alternatively, the hanger portion 13 may comprise a section that can be clamped by a clamp. Thus, by the clamp clamping the section of the hanger portion 13, the pouch 10 can be hung up. The section may be flat and/or may be part of a seam, such as a welding seam, and/or a fin seal. The section may be arranged such that clamping the section does not affect (reduce, etc.) the volume defined by the compartment 11.

The dispensing section 12 may comprise an opening 12a via which the bulk material 1 can flow out of the pouch 10. Thus, when the bulk material 1 flows via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10, the bulk material 1 may flow through the opening 12a. The opening 12a may be (initially) closed by a closure. The closure may be integrally form with the pouch 10 and/or an integral part of the pouch 10. For example, the closure or a part of the pouch 10 may be removed, e.g. by cutting and/or tearing, in order to expose the opening 12a.

The dispensing section 12 may be formed different from the compartment 11. For example, the cross-section of the dispensing section 12 is narrower or smaller than the cross-section of the compartment 11. The dispensing section 12 may be, or may be formable to, a spout and/or a tube. The pouch 10 may comprise a tapering section 14 that connects the compartment 11 with the dispensing section 13. By the tapering section 14, it can be ensured that the compartment 11 can be completely emptied by gravity, i.e. that no bulk material 1 remains in the compartment 11 that cannot be dispensed by gravity alone.

The pouch 10 may include one or more sidewalls 15, 16 that may comprise a front wall 15 and a rear wall 16 (figures 3A and 3B). The pouch 10 may include an upper end 17 and a lower end 18. The upper end 17 may comprise the hanger portion 13. The lower end 18 may comprise the dispensing section 12. The one or more sidewalls 15, 16 may each have an inner surface that defines the compartment 11, i.e. a receiving space of the compartment 11. The compartment 11 may extend substantially between the upper end 18 and the lower end 20. The upper end 18 may have an opening that provides access to the compartment 11, i.e. to the receiving space of the compartment 11.

The pouch 10 may comprise one or more edges along which the sidewall 15, 16 are connected to one another to form the compartment 11 and the dispensing section 12. The edges may comprise a first side edge 19.1, a second side edge 19.2, an upper edge 19.3, and a lower edge; in the state shown in figure 1, the lower edge, and thus the so provided part of the connection between the walls 15, 16, has been removed in order to expose the opening 12a so that the bulk material 1 can flow, by gravity, via the opening 12a out of the pouch 10. The sidewalls 15, 16 may be connected to one another and peripherally sealed substantially along their perimeters, respectively, e.g. to form one or more fin seals. The one or more fin seals may comprise an upper fin seal that comprises the hanger portion 13.

The pouch 10 may be made of a cellulose-based material or of a cellulose-based material composition. For example, at least part of the pouch 10 may be made of paper and/or cardboard. The pouch 10 may comprise a multilayer with an oxygen barrier function and/or a moisture barrier function, wherein at least one layer of this multilayer (such as at least the outer or outermost layer) is made of paper and/or cardboard; the grammage of the paper or cardboard may be in a range from 30 to 200 g/m2. The one or more other layers of the multilayer then provide the oxygen and/or moisture barrier function.

Alternatively, the pouch 10 may be made of a mono-material. By "mono-material", it is meant a material that is composed of a single type of material. For example, a mono-material is a material composed of a class of the same chemical family of polymers, such as polyethylenes (PE). Different polymers of the same chemical family of polymers are, for example, high density polyethylene and low density polyethylene, which may be sorted for recycling in the same recycling stream because they are composed of the same monomer. In other words, the layers of a mono-material are not made of different types of materials, but made of the same type of material (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene).

The dispensing section 12 may comprise an upstream section 12.1 and a downstream section 12.2. The downstream section 12.2 may comprise the opening 12a or may be arranged closer to the opening 12a than the upstream section 12.1.

As shown in figures 3A and 3B, the dispensing section 12 may comprise in addition to the sections 12.1 and 12.2 a foldable section 12.3 that may extend from the upstream section 12.1 to the downstream section 12.2. The foldable section 12.3 may be designed such that by moving the sections 12.1 and 12.2 towards each otherthe foldable section 12.3 can fold into a defined (folded) shape. The foldable section 12.3 may comprise at least two sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 that can be folded into a defined shape such as a shape in which the sections 12.31, 12.32 extend parallel to one another, as shown in figure 3A, or at least across to one another. If the subsections 12.31, 12.32 extend across to one another, they may extend in an angle to each otherthat is preferably smallerthan 45°. Preferably, the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 form, once folded, a U-shape or a V-shape. In the folded state, the sub-section 12.31 may extend across, preferably perpendicularly, to the upstream section 12.1, and/or the sub-section 12.32 may extend across, preferably perpendicularly, to the downstream section 12.2.

The foldable section 12.3 may comprise one or more joints that assist in folding the foldable section 12.3 into the defined shape. For example, the one or more joints may comprise a joint 12.33 connecting the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 with each other. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more joints may comprise a joint 12.34 connecting the sub-section 12.31 with the upstream section 12.1 and/or a joint 12.35 connecting the sub-section 12.32 with the downstream section 12.2. The one or more joints 12.33-12.35 may be provided by creasing the dispensing section 12. The one or more joints 12.33-12.35 may comprise one or more creases and/or folds and/or any other joint that can assist in folding the section 12.3 into the defined shape, such as a weakened region and/or a region more flexible, or less rigid, than the subsections 12.31, 12.32 and/or upstream section 12.1 and/or downstream section 12.2. The distance between the joints 12.33 and 12.34 may be identical to the distance between the joints 12.33 and 12.35. By the joints 12.33-12.35 three folds (or folded sections) may be provided: a middle fold and two border or lateral folds. The middle fold may be made in one sense while the two border folds may be made in the other sense.

The dispensing system 100 according to the first embodiment comprises a dispensing mechanism 110 comprising two parts 111 and 112. As shown in figures 3A and 3B in more detail, the first part 111 is attached to the upstream section 12.1 of the dispensing section 12 and the second part 112 is attached to the downstream section 12.2 of the dispensing section 12. The parts 111, 112 may be attached to the sections 12.1, 12.2 by an adhesive bond (e.g., by using a glue). The part 112 may be arranged closer to the opening 12a than the part 111. The parts 111, 112 may be arranged on the same side with respect to the pouch 10, such as on the front side of the pouch 10, e.g. on the front wall 15.

As shown in figures 3A and 3B, the two parts 111, 112 are manually moveable relative to one another so as to move between a closed position (figure 3A) and an open position (figure 3B).

As shown in figure 3A, in the closed position the dispensing section 12 is closed, by the two parts 111, 112, so as to prevent the bulk material l from flowing via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 12. In the closed position, the parts 111, 112 and thus the upstream and downstream sections 12.1, 12.2, to which the parts 111, 112 are attached, are in such an arrangement with one another that the foldable section 12.3 is folded to prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10, in particular from flowing from the compartment 11 beyond the folded section 12.3. In this folded state of the section 12.3, the section 12.3 may be folded such that the sub-sections 12.31 and 12.32 are folded into the defined shape, such as a shape in which the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 are parallel or across to one another, in particularforming a U- orV-shape. Thereby, at least the section 12.3 follows a tortuous path that can prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the pouch 10 and/or into the downstream section 12.2. Additionally or alternatively, the foldable section 12.3 may be folded such that a crosssection of at least the section 12.3 (and preferably of the section 12.1 and/or of the section 12.2) is reduced in such a way that the bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing through the so reduced cross-section, thereby preventing the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the pouch 10 and/or into the downstream section 12.2. In the closed position, the section 12.3 may be folded to protrude and/or bulge away from the dispensing mechanism 110, such as towards a backside of the pouch 10 and/or away from the front wall 15.

As shown in figure 3B, in the open position, the dispensing section 12 is, by the two parts 111, 112, unfolded or allowed to unfold to form a dispensing channel 12.4 (a tube, etc.) so that the bulk material 1 can flow, by gravity, from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch. Thus, the bulk material 1 can flow from the compartment 11 and via at least the dispensing channel 12.4 out of the pouch 10. In the open position, the parts 111, 112 and thus the upstream and downstream sections 12.1, 12.2, to which the parts 111, 112 are attached, are in such an arrangement relative to one another that the foldable section 12.3 is unfolded and/or allowed to unfold to form the dispensing channel 12.4 and thus to dispense the bulk material 1 out of the pouch 10. For example, the section 12.3 is at least allowed, by the parts 111, 112, to unfold, wherein the gravitational force of the bulk material 1 acts on the section 12.3 such that this gravitational force unfolds the section 12.3, whereby the dispensing channel 12.4 is formed. As the section 12.3 unfolds, a crosssection of the section 12.3 may be increased such that the unfolded section 12.3 with the increased cross-section forms at least part of the dispensing channel 12.4. The section 12.3 may be unfolded such that its cross-section is increased in such a way that the bulk material 1 can flow through the so increased cross-section, thereby enabling the bulk material 1 to flow, by gravity, from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12, such as via at least the dispensing channel 12.4, out of the pouch 10 and/or into the downstream section 12.2.

In the unfolded state of the section 12.3, the section 12.3 may be unfolded such that the sub-sections 12.31 and 12.32 extend along a straight line or along a path (slightly) deviating from a straight line, such as along a (slightly) curved or arched shape. For example, the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 extend, in the open position, in an angle to each other that is greater than a corresponding angle between the subsections 12.31, 12.32 in the closed state, e.g. in an angle comprised in the range from 90° to 180°. The unfolded section 12.3 may follow a path that is less tortuous than the path of the folded section 12.3, or even non-tortuous, such that the bulk material 1 can flow, by gravity and via the path, which the unfolded section 12.3 follows, out of the pouch 10 and/or into the downstream section 12.2.

Thus, by the two parts 111, 112 being moveable relative to one another and being attached to the sections 12.1, 12.2, the foldable section 12.3 can be selectively folded, thereby preventing the bulk material 1 from flowing via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10, or unfolded or allowed to unfold (such as by a stretching along the dispensing direction defined by the dispensing section 12), thereby allowing the bulk material 1 to flow, by gravity, from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10. For example, by moving the part 111 away from at least part of the part 112, the upstream section 12.1 likewise moves away from the downstream section 12.2, whereby the section 12.3 unfolds; subsequently, the dispensing channel 12.4 is formed, wherein the gravitational force of the bulk material 1 may act on the so formed dispensing channel 12.4 so as to increase a crosssection of the dispensing channel 12.4 via which cross-section the bulk material 1 can flow beyond the section 12.3, such as into the downstream section 12.2 and/or out of the pouch 10.

As shown in figure 2, the parts 111, 112, may be moveable relative to one another along a linear direction by the parts 111, 112 comprising a bar 113 and a through hole 114. The bar 113 extends through the through hole 114 such that the two parts 111, 112 are linearly guided relative to one another. The part 111 may comprise the through hole 114, wherein the part 112 may comprise the bar 113. The through hole 114 may comprise a shape that corresponds to a cross-section of the bar 113. The through hole 114 may have a slit-like shape. The bar 113 may have a platelike form. The part 112 may comprise an attachment section 112.1 by which the part 112 is attached to the downstream section 12.2 of the dispensing section 12, wherein the bar 113 may extend from the attachment section 112.1 Thus, the part 111 may be moveable along the bar 113 and away from the attachment section 112.1 into a position in which the section 12.3 is unfolded or allowed to unfold to form the dispensing channel 12.4. In the closed position, the part 111 may be supported on the attachment section 112.1.

The manual operation of the dispensing mechanism 110 such that the parts 111, 112 move relative to one another between the closed position and the open position may be provided in different ways. For example, in the closed position, the parts 111, 112 may delimit a space 115 that is easily accessible for a human finger. The part 111 may comprise a handling region 111.1 that delimits the space 115. The handling region 111.1 may be a surface delimiting a recess provided in the part 111. The handling region 111.1 is arranged such that by being manually operated, e.g. (pushed) along a direction away from the attachment section 112.1, the parts 111, 112 move into the open position. Thus, a user of the dispensing system 100 may first access, by his or her finger, the space 115 and then push the handling region 111.1 away from the attachment section 112.1, thereby moving the parts 111, 112 into the open position. Additionally or alternatively, the part 112 may comprise a (further) handling region 112.2 that delimits the space 115. The handling region 112.2 may be a surface delimiting a recess provided in the part 112, such as in the attachment section 112.1. By the handling region 112.2, the space 115 may be accessible more easily for a user's finger for a subsequent operation of the part 111. The bar 113 may comprise a handling section 113.1 that is preferably provided on a distal end of the bar 113. The handling section 113.1 may be a recess or a through hole. The handling section 113.1 may be arranged such that the part 111 can be manually moved, e.g. by operating the handling region 111.1, towards the handling section 113.1 in order to move the parts 111, 112 into the open position. Thus, a user may grasp the handling region 111.1 by a first finger and the handling section 113.1 by a second finger and move the first and second fingers towards each other in order to move the parts 111, 112 into the open position and thereby dispense bulk material 1 out of the pouch 10. In particular, the first and second fingers may be of the same hand such that, for example, the parts 111, 112 may be moved into the open position by a squeezing or pinching motion of the fingers. Thus, a very easy and intuitive design of the dispensing mechanism 100 to dispense bulk material 1 is provided.

The bar 113 may comprise a hole 113.2, which may be an oblong hole. The hole 113.2 may extend parallel to the trajectory of the part 111 (in particular of the handling region 111.1) moving along the bar 113. The hole 113.2 may be arranged to be accessible, e.g. via the recess comprising the handling region 111.1, both in the open position and the closed position. The hole 113.2 can thus ensure that a user's finger can securely grasp (e.g., not only with a fingertip) the handling region 111.1 for being subsequently operated. For example, a user's finger may extend, in the closed position, through the space 115 into the hole 113.2, whereby the user can securely grasp the handling region 111.1, such as a particularly large surface area of the handling region 111.1. Then, the user's finger may move the handling region 111.1 and thus the part 111 relative to the part 112 (e.g., away from the attachment section 112.1), wherein the finger simultaneously moves in the hole 113.2 and along the direction of extension of the hole 113.2. Accordingly, the user's finger can securely grasp the handling region 111.1 throughout the relative movement between the parts 111, 112 for effecting the open position.

The dispensing system 100 further comprises an elastic element 120 arranged to force the two parts 111, 112 towards the closed position. Thus, by the arrangement of the elastic element 120 the default position is the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 120 is tensioned to effect a restoring force that acts on the parts 111, 112. The restoring force acts such that it can drive or move (i.e. return) the parts 111, 112 into the closed position, such as the parts 111, 112 towards one another. Thus, when an external force, which acts on the parts 111, 112 to remain them in the open position, is removed, the restoring force of the elastic element 120 drives the parts 111, 112 towards each other and thus into the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 120 may be tensioned or not tensioned. The elastic element 120 may be made of a synthetic material, such as rubber, or another material such as metal. The elastic element 120 may surround and/or wrap the parts 111, 112. The elastic element 120 may be provided in the form of a ring and/or band. To hold the elastic element 120 on the parts 111, 112 at least in the closed position, the part 111 may comprise a recess 111.2 and/or the part 112 may comprise a recess 112.3. At least part of the elastic element 120 may extend in each of the recesses 111.2 and 112.3. Additionally or alternatively, the part 111 may comprise a protrusions and/or the part 112 may comprise a protrusion to prevent the elastic element 120 from being released from the parts 111, 112. In the closed position, the elastic element 120 may be tensioned such that the so effected restoring force of the elastic element 120 acts on parts 111, 112 to avoid the elastic element 120 from detaching.

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

Figures 4A-4G show a method that comprises steps using the dispensing system 100.

As shown in figure 4A, the method may include a first step in which the pouch 10 is provided. In this step, the pouch 10 may be creased to provide the foldable section 12.3 in a pre-creased state (for the subsequent steps). In the first step, the pouch 10 is closed at its dispensing section 12 by a closure 21. The closure 21 may be integral with the dispensing section 12, such as formed by connecting the sidewalls 15, 16 with one another. The closure 21 is arranged to cover the opening 12a and/or to prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing, by gravity, via the dispensing section 12 beyond the closure 21, i.e. downstream of the closure 21. The closure 21 may be connected to the dispensing section 12 by a weakened portion. Thus, the closure 21 may be torn off from the dispensing section 12 by using the weakened portion.

As shown in figure 4B, the method may include a second step in which the dispensing mechanism 100 is attached (e.g. by using an adhesive bond such as a glue) to the pouch 10, wherein the dispensing section 12 is in a state in which the foldable section 12.3 is folded, such as to form the defined shape as described above (U-shape, V-shape, etc.). The remainder of the pouch 10 may be in a flat state. In other words, the pouch 10 may be, in the second step, in a flat state except for the foldable section 12.3 that is folded to protrude from the remainder of the pouch 10 being in the flat state.

As shown in figure 4C, the method may include a third step in which the bulk material 1 is filled into the compartment 11 of the pouch 10, e.g. via an opening provided at the upper end 17 of the pouch 10. Then, this opening may be closed, e.g. by sealing such as heat sealing.

As shown in figure 4D, the method may include a fourth step in which the closure 21 is removed from the dispensing section 12. Thus, the opening 12a is exposed. However, since the dispensing mechanism 100 is in its (default) closed position, the bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10, i.e. prevented from flowing through the opening 12a.

As shown in figure 4E, the method may include a fifth step in which the pouch 10 is hung-up by using the hanger portion 13 such that the bulk material 1 can flow, by gravity, from the compartment 11 and via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10, i.e. through the opening 12a (if the dispensing mechanism 100 is in the open position).

As shown in figure 4F, the method may include a sixth step in which the dispensing mechanism 100 is manually operated to move the parts 111, 112 into the open position and thus dispense the bulk material 1 from the compartment 11 and a so formed dispensing channel 12.4 out of the pouch 10.

The sixth step may be repeated several times until the compartment 11 does not contain any bulk material 1 anymore, i.e. until the compartment 11 is empty. In such a state, the dispensing system 100 may be recycled, as shown in figure 4G. For example, the dispensing system 100 may be recycled by removing the elastic element 120 from the dispensing mechanism 110 and by then putting the pouch 10 and the dispensing mechanism 100 in a first recycling stream and the elastic element 120 in a second recycling stream.

Figure 5A shows the dispensing mechanism 110 in a disassembled state. In the disassembled state, the part 112 may be disassembled from the part 111. For example, in a first step the elastic element 120 may be removed, thereby allowing the part 112 to move away from the part 111 into a position in which the parts 111, 112 are detached from one another, which may mean that the part 112 is not guided by the bar 113 anymore. Figure 5B shows the dispensing mechanism 110 in an assembled state. In the assembled state, the part 112 may be linearly guided by the part 111, e.g. by using the bar 113 extending through the through hole 114.

The dispensing mechanism 100 may be made by using plates. The plates may have different shapes. As shown in figures 3A and 3B, the part 111 may comprise a plurality of plates 111.3-111.5 and/or the part 112 may comprise a plurality of plates 112.4-112.6. The part 111 may comprise plates 111.3, 111.5 that are distanced from one another by one or more distance plates 111.4, whereby the through opening 114 may be provided. The bar 113 may be made of a plate sandwiched between plates 112.4 and 112.6, wherein the attachment section 112.1 may comprise at least the plates 112.3 and 112.6 and preferably one or more distance plates 112.5 sandwiched between the plates 112.3 and 112.6.

Figure 6 shows different plates for forming a dispensing mechanism similar to the dispensing mechanism 100. The plates may comprise plates 111.3', 111.5' in order to form at least part of a part 111' similar to the part 111, wherein the plates 111.3' and 111.5' may be distanced from one another by one or more distance plates 111.4', whereby the through opening 114' of the part 111' may be provided. A bar 113', which is similar to the bar 113, may be made of a plate 112.5' sandwiched between plates 112.4' and 112.6', wherein an attachment section 112.1' similar to the attachment section 112.1 may be provided by plates 112.4'-112.6'.

The dispensing system 100 may comprise a tamper-evident element arranged to indicate an initial and/or unauthorized manipulation of the dispensing mechanism 110, such as a movement of the parts 111, 112 into the open position. For example, the tamper-evident element may comprise a cover wrapped around at least part of the parts 111, 112 and that is arranged such that the cover is at least partly destroyed once the parts 111, 112 are moved into the open position. In the destroyed state, a part of the cover may be detached from another part, such as from another part comprised by the cover. Figure 6 shows an example of a tamper-evident element 116' that can be wrapped around the parts 111', 112'.

Figure 7 shows an example of the pouch 10 that may be combined with one or more reinforcement elements 22, 23. The reinforcement element 22 may be arranged to reinforce a lower part of the pouch 10, such as the tapering section 14. For example, the shape of the reinforcement element 22 may at least partly conform to the shape of the tapering section 14. The reinforcement element 23 may be arranged to reinforce the hanger portion 13 and/or may comprise a through opening that can be made aligned with an opening comprised by the hanger portion 13. The element 22 and/or the element 23 may be made of cardboard with a grammage in a range from 300 to 500 g/m2, such as 400 g/m2.

In figure 8 is illustrated a dispensing system 200 according to a second embodiment.

The dispensing system 200 comprises the pouch 10 described above and a dispensing mechanism 210 comprising two parts 211, 212 that comprise a holder 211 and a strap 212. The holder 211 may be a frame. The holder 211 may be attached to the dispensing section 12, such as to the upstream section 12.1 and/or the downstream section 12.2 of the dispensing section 12. The holder 211 may be attached to the section 12.1 and/or the section 12.2 by an adhesive bond (e.g., by using a glue). The strap 212 may be attached to the dispensing section 12, such as on a side of the dispensing section 12 facing away from the holder 211, such as on the front side of the pouch 10, e.g. to the front wall 15, while the holder 211 is attached to the back wall 16. The strap 212 may be attached to a section that extends between the sections 12.1 and 12.2, such as a section extending from the section 12.1 to the section 12.2. The section, to which the strap 212 is attached, may be the optional foldable section 12.3.

As shown in figures 8, 9A and 9B, 10A and 10B, the two parts 211, 212, i.e. the holder 211 and the strap 212, are manually moveable relative to one another so as to move between a closed position (figures 8 and 10A) and an open position (figures 9A, 9B, 10B).

As shown in figures 8 and 10A, in the closed position, the dispensing section 12 is closed, by the two parts 211, 212, so as to prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10. More specifically, the strap 212 comprises a deformable (such as collapsible) section 212.1 that is moveable relative to the holder 211 between a retracted state and an extended state. In the closed position, the retracted state of the deformable section 212.1 is relative to the holder 211 such that the dispensing section 12 is closed by the deformable section 212.1 and the holder 211, thereby preventing the bulk material 1 from flowing from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10, in particular from flowing from the compartment 11 beyond the section 12.3. Preferably, at least the section 12.3 is closed by the holder 211 and the deformable section 212.1 in the retracted state. In this closed state of the section 12.3, the section 12.3 may be closed (collapsed, folded, pinched, etc.) such that the sub-sections 12.31 and 12.32 are formed (such as folded) into a shape in which the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 are parallel or across to one another, in particular forming a U- or V-shape. By the section 12.3 closed by the holder 211 and the deformable section 212.1 in the retracted state, the section 12.3 may follow a tortuous path that can prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the pouch 10 and/or into the downstream section 12.2. Additionally or alternatively, the section 12.3 may be closed by the holder 211 and the deformable section 212.1 in the retracted state such that a cross-section of the section 12.3 is reduced in such a way that the bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing through the so reduced cross-section, thereby preventing the bulk material 1 from flowing out of the pouch 10 and/or into the downstream section 12.2. In the closed position, at least part of the section 12.3 may be arranged in, and/or may protrude or bulge into, a space

211.1 delimited by the holder 211.

The holder 211 may comprise one or more edges 211.2, 211.3, such as an upstream edge 211.2 and a downstream edge 211.3. In the closed position, the dispensing section 12 is closed by the deformable section 12.2 in the retracted state and one or more of the edges 211.2, 211.3. For example, an upstream region of the section 12.3 may be clamped between the deformable section 12.2 (retracted) and the upstream edge 211.2 and/or a downstream region of the section 12.3 may be clamped between the deformable section 12.2 (retracted) and the downstream edge 211.2. The one or more edges 211.2, 211.3 may be arranged to delimit the space 211.1.

As shown in figure 10B, in the open position the dispensing section 12 is, by the two parts 211, 212, unfolded or allowed to unfold to form a dispensing channel 12.4 so that the bulk material 1 can flow, by gravity, from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch. Thus, the bulk material 1 can flow from the compartment 11 and via at least the dispensing channel 12.4 out of the pouch 10. In the open position, the dispensing section 12, in particular the section 12.3, is unfolded and/or allowed to unfold by the deformable section 212.1 in the extended state, thereby forming the dispensing channel 12.4; thus, the bulk material 1 can be dispensed, by gravity, out of the pouch 10. For example, by the deformable section

212.1 in the extended state, the dispensing section 12 is allowed to unfold, wherein the gravitational force of the bulk material 1 acts on the dispensing section 12 (such as on the section 12.3) to unfold the dispensing section 12, whereby the dispensing channel 12.4 is formed. In other words, the deformable section 212.1 in the extended state may be arranged such that the deformable section 212.1 does not prevent the dispensing section 23 from unfolding or expanding due to the gravitational force of the bulk material 1 acting on the dispensing section 23.

As the section 12.3 unfolds, a cross-section of the section 12.3 may be increased such that the unfolded section 12.3 with the increased cross-section forms at least part of the dispensing channel 12.4. The section 12.3 may be unfolded such that its cross-section is increased in such a way that the bulk material 1 can flow through the so increased cross-section, thereby enabling the bulk material 1 to flow, by gravity, from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12, such as via at least the dispensing channel 12.4, out of the pouch 10 and/or into the downstream section 12.2.

The deformable section 212.1 may be attached (e.g., permanently, such as by using an adhesive bond, in particular a glue) to the dispensing section 12 such that as the deformable section 212.1 moves from the retracted state to the extended state, e.g. in a direction away from the dispensing section 12, the deformable section 212.1 unfolds the dispensing section 12 such that the bulk material 1 can flow, by gravity, from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10. Thereby, a cross-section of the dispensing section may be increased such that the unfolded section 12.3 with the increased cross-section forms at least part of the dispensing channel 12.4. The section 12.3 may be unfolded such that its cross-section is increased in such a way that the bulk material 1 can flow through the so increased cross-section.

In the unfolded state of the section 12.3, the section 12.3 may be unfolded such that the sub-sections 12.31 and 12.32 extend along a straight line or along a path (slightly) deviating from a straight line, such as along a (slightly) arched shape. For example, the sub-sections 12.31, 12.32 extend, in the open position, in an angle to each other that is greater than a corresponding angle between the subsections 12.31, 12.32 in the closed state, such in an angle comprised in the range from 90° to 180°. The unfolded section 12.3 may follow a path that is less tortuous than the path of the section 12.3 closed by the holder 211 and the deformable section 212.1 in the retracted state, or even non-tortuous, such that the bulk material 1 can flow, by gravity and via the path, which the unfolded section 12.3 follows, out of the pouch 10 and/or into the downstream section 12.2.

Thus, by the two parts 211, 212 being moveable relative to one another, the dispensing section 12 can be selectively closed (collapsed, folded, etc.), thereby preventing the bulk material 1 from flowing via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10, or unfolded or allowed to unfold, thereby allowing the bulk material 1 to flow, by gravity, from the compartment 11 via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10. By transferring the deformable section 212.1 from the retracted state into the extended stated, the deformable section 212.1 unfolds the dispensing section 12 or the deformable section 212.1 moves into a position in which the dispensing section 12.3 can unfold, e.g. by the gravitational force of the bulk material 1 acting on the dispensing section 12.

As shown in figures 9A and 9B as well as in figures 11A-11C, the parts 211, 212 may be moveable relative to one another, e.g. along a linear direction. The strap 212 may comprise two manually operable ends 213L, 213R that may be arranged opposite to one another. The ends 213L, 213R are arranged such that they can be moved towards each other. As the ends 213L, 213R move towards each other, the deformable section 212.1 moves from the retracted state (figures 8, 10A, 11A, 11B) into the extended state (figures 9A, 9B, 10B, 11C). Each of the ends 213L, 213R may have a plate-like form and/or a thickness equal to the thickness of the deformable section 212.1. Each of the ends 213L, 213R may be connected to the deformable section 212.1 by a respective hinge 213.1. A first lateral part 212. IL of the deformable section 212.1 may tilt, by a first hinge 213.1 relative to the end 213L, and a second lateral part 212.1R of the deformable section 212.1 may tilt, by a second hinge 213.1, relative to the end 213R. The first and second lateral parts 212. IL, 212. R of the deformable section 212.1 may extend, in the extended state, across (such as oblique) relative to one another, and/or may extend, in the retracted state, parallel or (slightly) across (such as with an angle greater than a corresponding angle in the extended state) relative to one another. Each of the hinges 213.1 may be an integral connection between the respective end 213L, 213R and the deformable section 212.1. Each of the hinges 213.1 may be provided by creasing the strap 212 and/or may be a crease. The two parts 212. IL, 212.1R may be connected to one another by a hinge 212.2, which may be provided by creasing the strap 212 and/or may be a crease.

The strap 212 may be linearly guided by the holder 211. The holder

211 may comprise a guide rail 214. Each of the ends 213L, 213R may be guided by, and/or received in, a respective guide rail 214 such that the two parts 211, 212 are linearly guided relative to one another. The guide rail 214 may comprise a recess with a width that is equal to or greater than the thickness of the respective end 213L, 213R. The guide rail 214 may have a slit-like shape. The guide rail 214 may comprise a first part guiding a first section of the respective end 213L, 213R and a second part guiding a second section of the respective end 213L, 213R. The first and second parts of the guide rail 214 may be arranged opposite to one another. Thus, the ends 213L, 213R may be moveable along the one or more guide rails 214 into a position in which the deformable section 212.1 is in the extended state, whereby the dispensing section 12 is unfolded or allowed to unfold to form the dispensing channel 12.4. In the closed position, the deformable section 212.1 is in the retracted state in which the deformable section 212.1 may protrude from the holder to a lesser extent than in the open position.

In the closed position, the parts 211, 212 may delimit a space 215 that is easily accessible for a human finger. The strap 212 may comprise a handling region 213.2 that delimits the space 215. The handling region 213.2 may be part of one of the ends 213L, 213R and/or may be a surface defined by the thickness of the strap

212 or of the respective end 213L, 213R. The handling region 213.2 is arranged such that by being manually operated, e.g. (pushed) along a direction parallel to the guide rail 214 and/or away from a (opposite) part of the holder 211, the parts 211, 212 move into the open position. Thus, a user of the dispensing system 200 may first access, by his or her finger, the space 215 and then push the handling region 213.2, thereby moving the parts 211, 212 into the open position. Additionally or alternatively, the holder 211 may comprise a region 211.4 that delimits the space 215. By the region 211.4, the space 215 may be accessible more easily for a user's finger for a subsequent operation of the strap 212.

The parts 211, 212 may delimit at least two spaces 215. Each of the ends 213L, 213R may comprise a respective handling region 213.2 that delimits one of the spaces 215. The so provided handling regions 213.2 may be arranged such that by each being manually operated, e.g. (pushed) along a direction parallel to the guide rail 214 and/or towards the respective other handling region 213.2, the parts 211, 212 move into the open position in which the deformable section 212.1 is in the extended state, and in which the user can dispense bulk material 1 from the pouch 10. Thus, a user of the dispensing system 200 may first access, by a respective finger (e.g., of the same hand), each of the spaces 215 and then push the handling regions 213.2 towards one another (e.g., by squeezing or pinching), thereby moving the parts 211, 212 into the open position. Thus, a very easy and intuitive design of the dispensing mechanism 200 to dispense bulk material 1 is provided.

The holder 211 may comprise a hole 211.5, which may be an oblong hole. The hole 211.5 may extend parallel to the trajectory of at least parts of the strap 212, in particular of the ends 213L, 213R, moving linearly relative to the holder 211, such as along the guide rail 214. The hole 211.5 may be arranged to be accessible both in the open position and the closed position. The hole 211.5 can thus ensure that a user's finger can securely grasp the respective handling region 213.2 for being subsequently operated. For example, a user's finger may extend, in the closed position, through one of the space 215 into the hole 211.5, whereby the user can securely grasp the respective handling region 213.2, such as a particularly large surface area of the handling region 213.2. Then, the user's finger may move the handling regions 213.2 towards each other and thus move the deformable section 212.1 into the extended state, wherein the fingers simultaneously move in the hole 211.5 and along the direction of extension of the hole 211.5. Accordingly, the user's finger can securely grasp the handling regions 213.2 throughout the relative movement between the parts

211, 212 for effecting the open position.

The dispensing system 200 further comprises an elastic element 220 arranged to force the two parts 211, 212 towards the closed position and thus the deformable section 212.1 into its retracted state. Thus, by the arrangement of the elastic element 220 the default position is the closed position. In the open position, the elastic element 220 is tensioned to effect a restoring force that acts on the parts 211,

212. The restoring force acts such that it can drive or move (i.e. return) the parts 211, 212 into the closed position, such as the ends 213L, 213R away from one another and/or each of the ends 213L, 213R towards a respective part of the holder 211. Thus, when an external force, which acts on the part 212 to remain in the open position (i.e. to remain the deformable section 212.1 in the extended state), is removed the restoring force of the elastic element 220 drives the deformable section 212.1 into its retracted state and thus into the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 220 may be tensioned or not tensioned. The elastic element 220 may be made of a synthetic material, such as rubber, or another material such as metal. The elastic element 220 may surround and/or wrap sections of the parts 211, 212. The elastic element 220 may be provided in the form of a ring and/or band. To connect the elastic element 220 with the parts 211, 212, the holder 211 may comprise a recess 211.6 and/or the strap 212 may comprise a protrusion 212.3. At least part of the elastic element 220 may extend in the recess 211.6 and/or may embrace and/or wrap the protrusion 212.3. The protrusion 212.3 may be part of one of the ends 213L, 213R. At least part of the elastic element 220 may extend parallel to the guide rail 214 and/or not inside of the space 215 and/or hole 211.5. By at least the protrusion 212.3, the respective end 213L, 213R may be guided in the guide rail 214. For example, at least part of the protrusion 212.3 extends inside of the guide rail 214, such as in a recess of the guide rail 214. The elastic element 220 may comprise at least two elastic elements 220L, 220R, which may be arranged on lateral sides of the strap 212. For example, the first elastic element 220L may be connected with one end to the strap 212, such as to the end 213L, and with another end to the holder 211, such as to a first lateral side of the holder 211, and/or the second elastic element 220R may be connected with one end to the strap 212, such as to the end 213R, and with another end to the holder 211, such as to a second lateral side of the holder 211. The first and second lateral sides of the holder 211 may be arranged on opposite sides of the holder 211.

Figures 11A-11C show a method that comprises steps using the dispensing system 200.

As shown in figures 11A and 11B, the method may include a first step in which the dispensing system 200 is provided. In this step, the dispensing mechanism 210 is in the closed position in which the bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing via the dispensing section 12 and the opening 12a out of the pouch 10.

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

The second step may be repeated several times until the compartment 11 of the pouch 10 does not contain any bulk material 1 anymore, i.e. until the compartment 11 is empty. In such a state, the dispensing system 200 may be recycled. For example, the dispensing system 200 may be recycled by removing the elastic element 220 from the dispensing mechanism 210 and by then putting the pouch 10 and the dispensing mechanism 200 in a first recycling stream and the elastic element 220 in a second recycling stream.

The dispensing mechanism 200 may be made by using plates. The plates may have different shapes. As shown in figures 10A and 10B, the holder 211 may comprise a plurality of plates 211.7-211.9 and/or the strap 212 may comprise, or may consists of, a (single) plate 212.4. The holder 211 may comprise plates 211.7, 211.9 that are distanced from one another by one or more distance plates 211.8, whereby the one or more guide rails 214 may be provided. At least some of the plates 211.7- 211.9 may comprise a through opening so that, in a state in which the plates 211.7- 211.9 are attached to one another, the through openings form at least part of the space 211.1 and/or of the space 215 and/or of the hole 211.5.

In figure 12 is illustrated a dispensing system 300 according to a third embodiment.

The dispensing system 300 comprises the pouch 10 described above and a dispensing mechanism 310 comprising two parts 311, 312 that comprise a wall 311 and a lever 312. The wall 311 surrounds at least partly the upstream section 12.1 of the dispensing section 12. For example, the wall 311 has a cross-section with a ringshape, wherein the ring may have a closed form, such as a ring form, an oval form, or a rectangular form. The lever 312 is connected to the wall 311 and is preferably integrally formed with the wall 311. The lever 312 may have the form of a gate or a flap. The lever 312 is movable relative to the wall 311 such that lever 312 can be moved into a closed position (see figure 14A) in which the downstream section 12.2 of the dispensing section 12 is pinched between the lever 312 and the wall 311 so as to close the dispensing section 12 and thus prevent the bulk material 1 from flowing via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10.

The lever 312 is also movable relative to the wall 311 such that the lever 312 can be moved into an open position (see figures 12, 13 and 14B) in which the downstream section 12.2 of the dispensing section 12 is unfolded or allowed to unfold so that the bulk material 1 can flow, by gravity, from the compartment 10 via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10. The lever 312 may be attached to the downstream section 12.2 (e.g. by an adhesive bond such as a glue) such that as the lever 312 moves into the open position the dispensing section 12 unfolds. Alternatively, the lever 312 may simply support the downstream section 12.2 (e.g. from below) such that as the lever 312 moves into the open position the dispensing section 12 is allowed to unfold, e.g. by the gravitational force of the bulk material 1 acting on the dispensing section 12.

The wall 311 may be attached to the dispensing section 12, e.g. by using an adhesive bond, such as a glue.

An operation part 313 may extend from the lever 312, e.g. from a distal end of the lever 312. The operation part 313 is arranged such that it can be pushed (e.g. by a container such as a cup) in order to move the lever 312 into the open position. The operation part 313, e.g. in the form of a lever, may extend across such as perpendicularly relative to the lever 312. The operation part 313 may comprise a through opening that allows for an easy handling of the operation part 313 by a user's hand and/or by a container.

The dispensing system 300 further comprises an elastic element 320 arranged to force the two parts 311, 312 towards the closed position and thus the lever 312 against the wall 311. Thus, by the arrangement of the elastic element 320 the default position is the closed position. In the open position, the elastic element 320 is tensioned to effect a restoring force that acts on the parts 311, 312. The restoring force acts such that it can drive or move (i.e. return) the parts 311, 312 into the closed position, e.g. the lever 312 towards at least part of the wall 311. Thus, when an external force, which acts on the lever 312 to remain in the open position (e.g. to remain the lever 312 in a flipped open state), is removed the restoring force of the elastic element 320 drives the lever 312 into its closed state (e.g. a flipped closed state) and thus into the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 320 may be tensioned or not tensioned. The elastic element 320 may be made of a synthetic material, such as rubber, or another material such as metal. The elastic element 320 may surround and/or wrap sections of the parts 311, 312. The elastic element 320 may be provided in the form of a ring and/or band. For example, the dispensing section 12 may be guided through an opening delimited by the elastic element 320. The elastic element 320 may be attached with a first part (such as a first end) to the wall 311 and with a second part (such as a second end) to the lever 312, such as to the distal end of the lever 312. The part 313 may be arranged to prevent the second part of the elastic element 320 from detaching from the lever 312.

In figure 15 is illustrated a dispensing system 400 according to a fourth embodiment.

The dispensing system 400 comprises the pouch 10 described above and a dispensing mechanism 410 comprising two parts 411, 412 that comprise a first rod 411 and a second rod 412. The dispensing section 12 is arranged between the rods 411, 412. The rod 412 is connected to the rod 411. The rods 411, 412 are movable relative to one another such that they can be moved into a closed position (see figure 17A) in which the dispensing section 12 is pinched between the rods 411, 412. More specifically, each of the rods 411, 412 comprises a respective elevated section 411.1, 412.1, wherein, in the closed position, the elevated section 411.1 pinches the downstream section 12.2 of the dispensing section 12 and the elevated section 412.1 pinches the upstream section 12.1 of the dispensing section 12. Thereby, the dispensing section 12 extends along a tortuous path and/or comprises a reduced crosssection, whereby the dispensing section 12 is closed. Thus, the bulk material 1 is prevented from flowing via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch 10.

The rods 411, 412 are also moveable relative to one another such that they can be moved into an open position (see figures 15, 16 and 17B) in which the dispensing section 12 is unfolded or allowed to unfold so that the bulk material 1 can flow, by gravity, from the compartment 10 via the dispensing section 12 out of the pouch. The rod 411 and/or the rod 412 may be attached to the dispensing section 12 (e.g. by an adhesive bond such as a glue) such that as the rods 411, 412 move into the open position the dispensing section 12 unfolds. The rods 411 and/or the rod 412 may comprise a chamfered portion 411.2, 412.2 that allows for the rods 411, 412 to tilt relative to one another in order to move between the closed position and the open position.

The rods 411, 412 may be operable via an end of the rods 411, 412. For example, by pushing (pinching, etc.) the one ends of the rods 411, 412 towards one another the other ends of the rods 411, 412 may move away from one another, thereby moving the rods 411, 412 into the open position. The one end may comprise the chamfered portions 411.2, 412.2.

The dispensing system 400 further comprises an elastic element 420 arranged to force the two parts 411, 412 towards the closed position and thus the rods 411, 412 towards one another. Thus, by the arrangement of the elastic element 420 the default position is the closed position. In the open position, the elastic element 420 is tensioned to effect a restoring force that acts on the parts 411, 412. The restoring force acts such that it can drive or move (i.e. return) the parts 411, 412 into the closed position, such as at least part of the rod 412 towards at least part of the rod 411, and/or vice versa. Thus, when an external force, which acts on the rod 411 and/or the rod 412 to remain the rods 411, 412 in the open position, is removed the restoring force of the elastic element 420 drives at least parts of the rods 411, 412, respectively, towards one another so as to move the rods 411, 412 into the closed position. In the closed position, the elastic element 420 may be tensioned or not tensioned. The elastic element 420 may be made of a synthetic material, such as rubber, or another material such as metal. The elastic element 420 may surround and/or wrap the rods 411, 412. The elastic element 420 may be provided in the form of a ring and/or band. For example, the rods 411, 412 may be operable by one end (which may be on a first lateral side of the dispensing section 12), wherein the elastic element is arranged on the other end of the rods 411, 412 (which may be on a second lateral side of the dispensing section 12).

In figure 18 is illustrated a dispensing system 500 according to a fifth embodiment. The dispensing system 500 comprises the pouch 10 described above and a dispensing mechanism 510. The dispensing mechanism 510 may substantially correspond to the dispensing mechanism 210 described above with the difference that the dispensing mechanism 510 moves between the closed position and the open position by a rotatable or twistable operating element 511 instead of the deformable section 212.1. Thus, the operating element 511 may be rotated into an open position in which the dispensing section 12 is unfolded or allowed to unfold by the operating element 511, or by a part connected to the operating element 511. An elastic element (not shown) is arranged to force the operating element 511 towards a closed position in which the dispensing section 12 is closed by at least the operating element 511, or by the part connected to the operating element 511, and preferably by a part (such as a stationary part); for example, the dispensing section 12 is then clamped between this part and the operating element 511 or the part connected to the operating element 511.

The dispensing mechanism 510 may comprise a housing 512 that may contain the elastic element and/or that may comprise the part (such as the stationary part) that can interact with the operating element 511 or the part connected thereto. The housing 512 may comprise at least two parts 512.1, 512.2 that may be detached from one another in order to provide access to the inside of the housing 512, such as to the elastic element and/or said part, and/or in order to detach the dispensing mechanism 510 from the dispensing section 12. For example, part of the dispensing section 12 (such as one or more seal fins and/or one or more welding seams) may be clamped between the parts 512.1, 512.2. The housing 512 may contain and/or cover (hide, etc.) mechanics (the elastic element, guide rails, etc.) used to move the dispensing mechanism 510 between the closed position and the open position. The housing (or casing) 512 may be molded. The dispensing mechanism 510 may be designed such that the dispensing system 500 can be attached to a wall by the dispensing mechanism 510. If the pouch 10 is, according to a first alternative, made of a cellulose-based material or cellulose-based material composition, each of the respective dispensing mechanisms 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 is made of a cellulose-based material or cellulose-based material composition (such as paper and/or cardboard) such that the pouch 10 and the dispensing mechanism 100 together have an overall content of cellulose fibers of at least 70 wt%, preferably at least 80 wt%, more preferably at least 90 wt%, even more preferably at least 95 wt%, most preferably 100 wt%. Thereby, the dispensing systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 achieve a very high grade of recyclability because in particular the pouch 10 and the respective dispensing mechanism 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 can be put in the same recycling stream.

If the pouch 10 is, according to a second alternative, made of a mono-material (such as a mono-material being a polymer, e.g. PE or PP), the respective dispensing mechanism 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 is made of the same mono-material, thereby also enabling a recycling of the respective dispensing mechanism 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 together with the pouch 10. The elastic element may be simply removed manually from the remainder of the respective dispensing system so that the elastic element does not have a negative impact on the recyclability of the respective dispensing system. For example, the elastic element may be put in a first recycling stream, while the pouch and the respective dispensing mechanism may together be put in a second recycling stream.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. Although the invention has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

1. A dispensing system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for dispensing a bulk material (1), comprising: a flexible or semi-flexible pouch (10) comprising

• a compartment (11) for storing the bulk material (1),

• a dispensing section (12), and

• a hanger portion (13) by which the pouch (10) can be hung up such that the bulk material (1) can flow, by gravity, from the compartment

(11) via the dispensing section (12) out of the pouch (10); a dispensing mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) attached to the pouch (10), wherein the dispensing mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) comprises two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512) which are manually moveable relative to one another so as to move between

• a closed position in which the dispensing section (12) is closed, by the two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512), so as to prevent the bulk material (1) from flowing via the dispensing section

(12) out of the pouch (10), and

• an open position in which the dispensing section (12) is, by the two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512), unfolded or allowed to unfold to form a dispensing channel (12.4) so that the bulk material (1) can flow, by gravity, from the compartment (11) via the dispensing section (12) out of the pouch (10); and an elastic element (120, 220, 320, 420, 520) arranged to force the two parts (111, 112; 211, 212; 311, 312; 411, 412; 511, 512) towards the closed position.

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

3. The dispensing system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the foldable section (12.3) comprises two sub-sections (12.31, 12.32), and wherein in the closed position the sub-sections (12.31, 12.32) are folded so as to be parallel or across to one another, such as folded to form a U- or V-shape, and/or wherein the sub-sections (12.31, 12.32) extend in an angle to each other, wherein in the closed position the angle is smaller than in the open position, such as comprised in a range from 0° to 45°.

4. The dispensing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two parts (111, 112) comprise a bar (113) and a through opening (114), wherein the bar (113) extends through the through opening (114) such that the two parts (111, 112) are linearly guided relative to one another.

5. The dispensing system (100) according to claim 4, wherein the bar (113) comprises a handling section (113.1), such as a recess or a hole, wherein the handling section (113.1) is preferably provided on a distal end of the bar (113).

6. The dispensing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the closed position the two parts (111, 112) delimit a space (115), wherein at least one of the two parts (111, 112), such as the part (111) comprising the through opening (114), comprises a handling region (111.1) delimiting the space (115) such that by manually operating the handling region (111.1) the two parts (111, 112) can be moved into the open position.

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

8. The dispensing system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch (10) and the dispensing mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) are made of a cellulose-based material or material composition with together at least 80 wt% of cellulose fibers, preferably at least 90 wt% of cellulose fibers, more preferably at least 95 wt% of cellulose fibers.

9. The dispensing system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing mechanism (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) is made of cardboard and/or paper, and/or wherein at least part of the pouch (10), such as one or more layers of a multilayer with an oxygen and/or a moisture barrier function, is made of paper and/or cardboard.