Gravity feed dispenser

Abstract

A gravity feed dispenser for dispensing bulk products from an exchangeable container with a tearable bottom portion. The gravity feed dispenser comprises a stationary holder comprising a seat portion arranged to receive at least a lower portion of the exchangeable container, an outlet opening for dispensing the bulk product and a valve arrangement which is arranged operatively between the seat portion and the outlet opening, for selectively allowing and preventing outward flow of the bulk product from the exchangeable container through the outlet opening. The seat portion comprises essentially vertically arranged opposed side wall portions, a rear wall portion and a front wall portion arranged to receive at least a lower portion of the exchangeable container when inserted from above. The front wall portion of the seat portion exhibits a slit configured to allow removal of said tearable bottom portion of the exchangeable container through the slit.

1 . A gravity feed dispenser for dispensing bulk products from an exchangeable container with a tearable bottom portion, which gravity feed dispenser comprises a stationary holder comprising a seat portion arranged to receive at least a lower portion of the exchangeable container, an outlet opening for dispensing the bulk product and a valve arrangement which is arranged operatively between the seat portion and the outlet opening, for selectively allowing and preventing outward flow of the bulk product from the exchangeable container through the outlet opening characterized in that the seat portion comprises essentially vertically arranged opposed side wall portions, a rear wall portion and a front wall portion arranged to receive at least a lower portion of the exchangeable container when inserted from above and in that the front wall portion of the seat portion exhibits a slit configured to allow removal of said tearable bottom portion of the exchangeable container through the slit. 
     
     
         2 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein the stationary holder comprises a removable lid which, when mounted to the holder, closes the slit. 
     
     
         3 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 2 , wherein the lid is formed as a label holder. 
     
     
         4 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 2 , wherein the lid and/or holder portion is/are provided with sealing means for sealing the slit when the lid is mounted. 
     
     
         5 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 2 , wherein the lid and the stationary holder are provided with cooperating snap-fit means for snap-fit mounting of the lid to the stationary holder. 
     
     
         6 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein the stationary holder comprises a lower chute portion for conducting the outflow of the bulk product. 
     
     
         7 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein the holder comprises a body member and a front piece, which body member is formed in one single piece and comprises two opposing side walls, a rear wall and a forwardly sloping bottom wall and which front piece is removably attached to the body member and comprises a front wall. 
     
     
         8 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 1  wherein the valve arrangement comprises a pivotal valve member and a maneuvering handle. 
     
     
         9 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 7 , wherein the valve arrangement comprises a pivotal valve member and a maneuvering handle, and wherein the handle is connected to the valve member by two axles which are pivotally received in semi circular openings formed in the body member and the front piece. 
     
     
         10 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 1 , further comprising an exchangeable container with a tearable bottom portion for storing a bulk product. 
     
     
         11 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 10 , wherein the tearable portion is arranged at a bottom wall of the container when the container is held by the stationary holder. 
     
     
         12 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 10 , wherein the holder and the container are arranged for allowing the tearable portion to be removed from the box when it is held by the holder. 
     
     
         13 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 10 , wherein the tearable portion extends onto a front wall of the container. 
     
     
         14 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 10 , wherein the tearable portion is delimited by a first tear line in the container. 
     
     
         15 . A gravity feed dispenser according to  claim 10 , wherein the exchangeable container comprises a cardboard box.