EXPANDER DEVICE FOR KEEPING AN OPENING IN FOOD PACKAGING OPEN

Abstract

The invention relates to a package system (200), which comprises a pouch (400) for a food product and an expander device (100) for keeping a pouch opening (411) of the pouch (400) open. The expander device (100) comprises a ring member (110) with a central opening (111) that is surrounded by an outer circumferential fitment section (112), which faces away from the central opening (111). The ring member (110) is convertible between a collapsed constitution for being inserted into the pouch opening (411) and an expanded constitution for securing the pouch opening (411). Therein, an outer circumferential perimeter of the ring member (110) at the fitment section (112) is smaller in its collapsed constitution than in its expanded constitution. The expander device (100) is configured to be inserted in the collapsed constitution with the fitment section (112) into the pouch opening (411) to keep the pouch opening (411) open by fitment of the fitment section (112) against an inner side surface (413) of the pouch opening (411) when the ring member (110) is converted into the expanded constitution. The invention further relates to a method of using said package system (200).

Claims

1. A package system comprising a pouch carrying a food product, and an expander device for keeping a pouch opening of the pouch open, the expander device comprising a ring member, by which a central opening is at least partially surrounded, wherein the ring member comprises an outer circumferential fitment section that at least partially surrounds the central opening and faces away from the central opening, the ring member is convertible between a collapsed constitution and an expanded constitution, wherein an outer circumferential perimeter of the ring member at the fitment section is smaller in its collapsed constitution than in its expanded constitution, and the expander device is configured to be inserted with at least the fitment section into the pouch opening in the collapsed constitution in order to keep the pouch opening open by fitment of the fitment section against an inner side surface of a circumferential rim section of the pouch opening when the ring member is converted into the expanded constitution.

2. The package system according to claim 1, wherein the ring member is biased towards its expanded constitution when being converted from the expanded constitution into the collapsed constitution, and the ring member is elastically deformed when being converted from the expanded constitution into the collapsed constitution.

3. The package system according to claim 1, wherein the ring member extends substantially within a plane, and the ring member is configured such that its conversion between the collapsed constitution and the expanded constitution takes place within the plane.

4. The package system according to claim 1, wherein the ring member is circumferentially closed at least in the collapsed constitution.

5. The package system according to claim 1, wherein the ring member comprises circumferentially overlapping end sections.

6. The package system according to claim 5, wherein the expander device extends between the overlapping end sections, and wherein the expander device is configured such that the end sections are moved relatively to each other under the influence of compressive force onto the fitment section, which preferably is applied onto two sections of the fitment section that are on opposite sides with respect to the end sections.

7. The package system according to claim 1, wherein the expander device comprises gripping sections for receiving fingers of a user for gripping.

8. The package system according to claim 1, wherein the fitment section at least partially comprises an inhibiting feature.

9. The package system according to claim 1, wherein the expander device comprises a circumferential device rim section protruding away from the central opening and parallel to the plane, for supporting the expander device on the rim section of the pouch opening and on a support rim section of a support.

10. The package system according to claim 1, further comprising a lid for closing the central opening at least in the expanded constitution.

11. The package system according to claim 1, further comprising a support having a support opening for receiving the pouch and the expander device.

12. The package system according to claim 11, wherein the support is a storage container having a container opening as the support opening for receiving the pouch and the expander device.

13. The package system according to claim 11, wherein in the expanded constitution, the expander device presses the rim section towards or against a circumferential inner wall section of the support.

14. A method for use of a package system, comprising: providing a package system, opening the pouch to provide a pouch opening, converting a ring member of the pouch from an expanded constitution into a collapsed constitution, inserting an expander device at least with a fitment section into the pouch opening, and converting the ring member from the collapsed constitution into the expanded constitution so that the fitment section fits against an inner side surface of a rim section to keep the pouch opening open.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: providing a support of the package system and receiving the pouch inside the support.

Description

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0066] Further features, advantages and objects of the invention will become apparent for the skilled person when reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention and when taking in conjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings.

[0067] In case numerals have been omitted from a figure, for example for reasons of clarity, the corresponding features may still be present in the figure.

[0068] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a package system according to the invention.

[0069] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a package system according to the invention and steps of an embodiment of a method of use of a package system according to the invention.

[0070] FIG. 3 shows different views of an example of an expander device in an expanded constitution with FIG. 3A showing a perspective view, FIG. 3B showing a top view, and each of FIGS. 3C and 3D showing a side view.

[0071] FIG. 4 shows a further perspective view of the expander device of FIG. 3 in the expanded constitution.

[0072] FIG. 5 shows a further perspective view of the expander device of FIG. 3 in the expanded constitution.

[0073] FIG. 6 shows steps of a further embodiment of a method for use of a package system according to the invention with the package system of FIG. 1.

[0074] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the expander device of FIG. 3 in the expanded constitution.

[0075] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the expander device of FIG. 3 in the collapsed constitution.

[0076] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a further example of an expander device in an expanded constitution in a view from above.

[0077] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the expander device of FIG. 9 in an expanded constitution in a view from below.

[0078] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the expander device of FIG. 9 in an expanded constitution with a dosing device inside in a view from above.

[0079] FIG. 12 shows the arrangement of FIG. 11 in a top perspective view.

[0080] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a package system according to the invention.

[0081] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the package system of FIG. 13 with the pouch be inserted in the support (here: support frame).

[0082] FIG. 15 shows steps of a further embodiment of a method for use of a package system according to the invention with the package system of FIG. 13.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] The Figures show different views and aspects of embodiments of the invention.

[0084] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a package system 200. FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 13 to 15 show exemplarily different embodiments and aspects of the package system 200.

[0085] The package system 200 comprises a pouch 400 for carrying a food product. An example for the pouch 400 is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 13 to 15. The pouch 400 may be suitable to carry food products and/or it may carry food products, for example. Preferably, the pouch 400 may carry granular or powdery food products, such as milk powder or coffee beans. However, it is also conceivable that the pouch 400 may carry different food products or non-food products, such as washing powder. The pouch 400 may be provided, for example, as stand-up packaging, sachet, or bag, such as a gusseted bag. Preferably, the pouch 400 may be made of a paper, cardboard, metallic, metallized and/or plastic material. Preferably, the pouch 400 may be made of a material that comprises at least sufficient rigidity to stand upright on its own. Preferably, the pouch 400 may be made of a stretchable material. The pouch 400 may be circumferentially sealed by heat sealing and/or may comprise tearing lines for opening the pouch 400 along one of its edges to provide an opening therein. Preferably, the pouch 400 may comprise a volume between 200 ml and 10 litres. More preferred, the pouch 400 may comprise a volume between 200 ml and 3.5 litres. However, this is not a complete enumeration and other configurations of the pouch 400 are conceivable.

[0086] The pouch 400 may comprise an opening, such as the pouch opening 411, preferably on an upper end or an upper side portion of the pouch 400. FIGS. 2, 6, 14 and 15 show this exemplarily. For example, the pouch opening 411 may be provided by cutting an opening in the pouch 400 or by opening the pouch 400 along one of its edges, seams or sealing lines. Preferably, the pouch opening 411 may comprise a circumferential rim section 412. The circumferential rim section 412 may define the pouch opening 411. The pouch opening 411 may be formed by an inner side surface 413. The inner side surface 413 may comprise the rim section 412. FIGS. 2, 6, 14 and 15 show this exemplarily. The pouch opening 411 may have any shape or form. For example, the pouch opening 411 may be round or rectangular.

[0087] The package system 200 further comprises an expander device 100 for keeping the pouch opening 411 of the pouch 400 open. FIGS. 1 to 15 show exemplarily different views and aspects of different embodiments of the expander device 100. The expander device 100 may also form an independent part of the invention.

[0088] The expander device 100 may have a preferred operational orientation with respect to the pouch 400. Therein, for example, the expander device 100 may be preferably configured such that in operation, it is arrangeable on the pouch 400 such that one of the expander device's 100 two opposite ends (sides) faces upwards (away) from the pouch opening 411 (thus, being an upper end of the expander device 100) while the respective other end (side) faces towards the pouch opening 411 (thus, being a lower end of the expander device 100). FIGS. 2, 6, 9, 11, 12, 14 and 15 show such an operational orientation exemplarily. However, the Figures are only examples and the expander device 100 may take other orientations in operation or may be used independently from its orientation.

[0089] Preferably, the expander device 100 may have a shape, layout or form that may correspond with the shape of the pouch opening 411. The size of the expander device 100 may correspond with and/or may exceed the size of the pouch 400 or pouch opening 411. The expander device 100 may be designed such that it can be handled by an operator with one or two hands. FIGS. 2 and 6 to 8 as well as FIG. 15 show this exemplarily. A maximum size (diameter or width) of the expander device 100 may be delimited by the average hand span width of a human.

[0090] Preferably, the expander device 100 may be made of metal or plastic material, such as PP, PE, PPE or resin. Alternatively or additionally, combinations of these materials may be used. Preferably, sustainable, recyclable and/or biodegradable materials may be used. For example, the expander device 100 may be made from pulp or natural resin. More preferred, the expander device 100 may be made from a combination of such materials, such as a combination of PE and fibre (molded) based materials, or of PE and silicon, or of PE and a thermoplastic. However, these are only examples and not a complete enumeration.

[0091] The expander device 100 comprises a ring member 110, which surrounds at least partially a central opening 111. This is exemplarily illustrated in all Figures.

[0092] The ring member 110 (and/or the expander device 100) may have any shape or form. For example, the ring member 110 (and/or the expander device 100) may have a round, circular or oval shape such as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 15. Alternatively, the ring member 100 (and/or the expander device 100) may have a square, rectangular, or polygonal shape such as exemplarily shown in FIG. 2. The ring member 110 may be circumferentially closed. Preferably, the ring member 110 (and/or the expander device 100) may extend substantially within a plane. This is shown in all Figures. Preferably, the ring member 110 (and/or the expander device 100) may be a hollow volume or body, such as a hollow cylinder (e.g. FIGS. 1 and 3 to 15) or hollow block (e.g. FIG. 2).

[0093] Preferably, the central opening 111 may be centred with respect to the ring member 110. Further, the central opening 111 may be surrounded completely by the ring member 110 as illustrated in all Figures. However, this is not to be considered delimiting. For example, the ring member 110 may be slotted. The central opening 111 may completely penetrate the ring member 110 and/or the expander device 100. For example, the central opening 111 may form a passage between opposite ends (e.g. the upper end and the lower end) or sides of the expander device 100. The central opening 111 may have any shape and form. The central opening 111 may have dimensions, such as width or diameter, that may be sufficient for accessing the inside of the pouch 400 with a dosing device, like a spoon or cup. For example, the central opening 111 may have a diameter within the range of 1 cm to 30 cm.

[0094] The ring member 110 comprises an outer circumferential fitment section 112 for being fitted against the inner side surface 413 of the circumferential rim section 412 of the pouch opening 411. Therein, the outer circumferential fitment section 112 surrounds at least partially the central opening 111 and faces away from the central opening 111. For example, the circumferential fitment section 112 may be (at least a section of) a (external) mantle surface of the ring member 110. All Figures show this exemplarily.

[0095] The outer fitment section 112 may taper with increased distance from one (the upper) side of the central opening 111 to the other (the lower) side of the central opening 111. While shown in all Figures, it appears that FIGS. 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12 and 13 are particularly suitable for exemplarily illustrating this configuration. Preferably, the operational orientation may be determined by the different diameters on the different sides. Preferably, the upper side of the central opening 111 may have a larger diameter than the lower side.

[0096] Preferably, the outer fitment section 112 may at least partially comprise an inhibiting feature (not illustrated). The inhibiting feature may be a structured surface or an outer layer for inhibiting relative movement between the outer fitment section 112 and the inner side surface 413, for example. Therein, the inhibiting structure may be a rib structure or a dot structure. Alternatively or additionally, the inhibiting structure may be a coating, a laminate or a sticker. The inhibiting structure may be made of an anti-skid material like rubber.

[0097] The ring member 110 is convertible between at least two constitutions, namely a collapsed constitution, where the expander device 100 is to be inserted with at least the fitment section 112 into the pouch 400 via the pouch opening 411, and an expanded constitution, where the central opening 111 provides an access opening to the pouch 400 by being fitted with the fitment section 112 (circumferentially) against the rim section 412 to keep the pouch opening 411 open. An outer circumferential perimeter of the ring member 110 at the fitment section 112 is smaller in its collapsed constitution than in its expanded constitution. FIGS. 6, 8 and 15 show the ring member 110 exemplarily in its (a) collapsed constitution. FIGS. 1 to 7, 9 to 12, 14 and 15 show the ring member 110 exemplarily in its (a) expanded constitution, respectively.

[0098] The expander device 100 is configured for being inserted into the pouch opening 411 in the collapsed constitution. Preferably, at least the fitment section 112 is to be inserted.

[0099] This is done to allow for the expander device 100 to keep the pouch opening 411 open by fitment of the fitment section 112 against the inner side surface 413 of the pouch opening 411 when the ring member 110 is converted into the expanded constitution. This is exemplarily illustrated in all Figures but particularly illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6 and 15.

[0100] Preferably, the ring member 110 may be configured such that its conversion between the collapsed constitution and the expanded constitution takes place within a plane or within the same plane, in which the ring member 110 may substantially extend. The ring member 110 may be circumferentially closed at least in the collapsed constitution and preferably also in the expanded constitution. This is exemplarily illustrated in all Figures. Preferably, in the expanded constitution, the ring member 110 may have a lateral extension (e.g. diameter, length and/or width) in one extension direction (within the plane) of 3 cm to 90 cm, more preferred of 3 cm to 35 cm.

[0101] Generally, it is to be noted that while the Figures may show only individual examples for the respective constitutions of the ring member 110, it may be still possible to arrange the ring member 110 in different constitutions that may still fall within the specifics of a collapsed constitution or of an expanded constitution as defined above. Thus, if, for instance, the pouch material cannot be compressed or expanded by the ring member 110 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6 and 15, the ring member 110 may take a constitution different from the illustrated constitution, which, however, can still be compliant with the definition of the expanded constitution.

[0102] For reducing the outer circumferential perimeter of the ring member 110 at the fitment section 112 in its collapsed constitution when compared to its expanded constitution, a circumference reduction mechanism may be provided on the expander device 100. For example, the circumference reduction mechanism may comprise elements that may be compressible, shrinkable, relatively pivotable or linearly movable with respect to each other. However, these are only examples and other ways of reducing the circumference of the outer circumferential perimeter of the ring member 110 are conceivable.

[0103] For example, the ring member 110 may comprise circumferentially overlapping end sections 115, 116, 117, 118 (in the following referred to as 115-118), which may be configured to move or slide relative to each other (preferably in a guided manner). This is exemplarily illustrated in all Figures. The ring member 110 (or the expander device 100) may preferably extend between the overlapping end sections 115-118. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the ring member 110 may comprise end sections that overlap at least in the collapsed constitution (but may or may not overlap in the expanded constitution). The respective end sections may be separated from each other by a gap provided in the ring member 110. The end sections may comprise a corresponding clip structure 130, respectively, to slidably connect the free ends and keep the ring member 110 in a pre-tensioned state in the expanded configuration, as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15. Therefore, one of the end sections may comprise a circumferential insertion opening (such as a slit, e.g. in a wall portion of the ring member) as a first part 131 of the clip structure 130, and the respective other end section may comprise a clipable tip (e.g. a snap lug) as a second part 132 of the clip structure 130 to be snapped into the insertion opening 131 for slidably securing these free end sections. From this pre-tensioned state, the ring member 110 can then be transferred into the collapsed constitution as described, i.e. by sliding the end sections relatively to each other (in circumferential direction). Thereby, the end section comprising the clipable tip 132 may slide and thus be guided within the insertion opening 131. For example, the expander device 100 may be configured as a clip collar. This example is illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15.

[0104] Preferably, at least one of the end sections 115-118 may be (radially) biased (preloaded) towards the respective other end section 115-118. In the Figures, for example, first end section 115 may be biased against second end section 116 so that a rigid structure is formed by the two end sections 115, 116. Similar can be found for third end section 117 and fourth end section 118.

[0105] The ring member 110 (or the expander device 100) may be configured such that the end sections 115-118 may be moved relatively to each other under the influence of a compressive force being applied onto two (different) sections of the fitment section 112 opposite to each other with respect to end sections 115-118. The ring member 110 may be elastically deformed (bent) when being converted from the expanded constitution into the collapsed constitution. This is exemplarily shown by FIGS. 7 and 8, where the ring member 110 may be bent slightly inwards in the collapsed constitution.

[0106] The two sections of the fitment section 112 for applying a compressive force may be provided as dedicated structures of the expander device 100. For example, the expander device 100 may comprise gripping sections 160 for receiving fingers 700 of a user for gripping the expander device 100. The gripping sections 160 may be provided by dents in the ring member 110 (or the expander device 100). The dents may project towards the central opening 111. The gripping sections 160 may be provided on opposite sides with respect to the overlapping end sections 115-118. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8. Naturally, the examples illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 15 may also be provided with gripping sections 160. The gripping sections 160 may be provided along the circumference of the ring member 110. Preferably, the gripping sections 160 may be provided equally spaced from the end sections 115-116 and/or may be provided such that a connecting line of two gripping sections 160 intersects with the centre of the ring member 110. However, these are only examples and the gripping sections 160 may be arranged freely on the ring member 110.

[0107] Preferably, the ring member 110 may be biased towards its expanded constitution when being converted from the expanded constitution into the collapsed constitution. This may be achieved, for example, by providing the ring member 110 from a material, which may have a shape memory. Alternatively or additionally, the ring member 110 may be a (bendable) spring.

[0108] The end sections 115-118 may be free ends 115-118 of the ring member 110, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the end section 115-118 may be formed as guiding fingers 114 and corresponding guiding tracks 119. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7 to 12.

[0109] The guiding fingers 114 may be formed as recesses from the fitment section 112. The guiding tracks 119 may be formed as recesses from an inner surface 113 of the ring member 110 delimiting the central opening 111. Preferably, the guiding tracks 119 and the guiding fingers 114 are configured such that the ring member 110 has a constant ring thickness at the overlapping end sections 115-118. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7 to 12. This configuration can be advantageous since, in the connected state of the expander device 100 and the pouch 400, there is uniformity along the edges of the pouch opening 411 as the ring member 110 has a uniform thickness along its circumference. Accordingly, the fitment section 112 pushes uniformly against the pouch material so that steps or bulges on the outside of the rim section 412 can be avoided. Thereby, the aesthetics of the packaging system 200 can be improved. Moreover, the risk of the pouch 400 being torn, cut or burst on sharp edges of such steps or bulges can be reduced.

[0110] Preferably, the guiding fingers 114 may be guided on the inside of the ring member 110 along the guiding tracks 119. Therein, preferably, the guiding tracks 119 may be provided on the inner surface 113 of the ring member 110. Preferably, the guiding fingers 114 may contact the guiding tracks 119 to overlap with a surface facing away from the central opening 111. Thereby, it can be avoided that the ring member 110 becomes tangled inside the pouch 400 when being inserted into the pouch opening 411.

[0111] Preferably, the guiding fingers 114 and/or the guiding tracks 119 may be arranged one below the other as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7 to 8. Depending on the orientation of the guiding fingers 114 with respect to their free ends 116, 117, the free ends 115, 118 of the guiding tracks 119 may be provided on the same side or on opposite sides with respect to the center of the central opening 111. In the expanded constitution, the guiding fingers 114 may overlap with the guiding tracks 119 at least with their respective free ends 115-118.

[0112] The expander device 100 may be manufactured by injection molding.

[0113] The expander device 100 may comprise a lid for closing the central opening 111 at least in the expanded constitution (not illustrated). The lid may be provided separately or it may be integrally formed with the expander device 100 or the ring member 110. For example, the lid may be connected to the expander device 100 via a hinge.

[0114] Preferably, the package system 200 may further comprise a support 500 with a support opening 511, which may be suitable for receiving the pouch 400 and the expander device 100.

[0115] Preferably, the support 500 may be a storage container with a container opening as the support opening 511, which may be suitable for receiving the pouch 400 and the expander device 100. The storage container 500 is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6.

[0116] Alternatively, the support 500 may be a support frame. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15. The support frame 500 comprises a base 501 for a stable stand of the support 500. Moreover, the support frame 500 comprises an upper ring 502 defining the support opening 511; i.e. the frame opening 511. The support frame 500 further comprises a frame structure 503 connecting the base 501 and the upper ring 502 so as to surround a receiving space 505 for receiving the pouch 400. The frame structure 503 may comprise vertical bars 504. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 13, the vertical bars 504 are evenly distributed over the circumference of the support 500. While the support frame 500 as shown comprises three vertical bars 504, the invention is not limited to a number or layout of the frame structure 503.

[0117] The support (e.g. the storage container or support frame) 500 may have any shape or form. The support (e.g. the storage container or support frame) 500 may be suitable for receiving the pouch 400 and the expander device 100. Preferably, the support (e.g. the storage container or the support frame) 500 may have a volume between 200 ml and 10 l. The support (e.g. the storage container or the support frame) 500 may be made of a glass, metal, plastic and/or paper material. Preferably, the support (e.g. the storage container or the support frame) 500 may have an opening, such as the support opening (e.g. the container opening or the frame opening) 511, on one (an upper) end. The support opening 511 may comprise a support rim section 513. In case of a storage container as support 500, the container opening 511 may comprise or be defined by a container rim section 513. In case of a support frame as the support 500, the support opening 511 may comprise or be defined by the frame rim section 513 (e.g. of the upper ring 502) Preferably, the support opening (e.g. the container opening or the frame opening) 511 may be defined (on the inside) by the support rim section (e.g. the container rim section or frame rim section) 513. In case of a storage container as the support 500, a circumferential inner wall of the storage container 500 may define the inside of the storage container 500. A circumferential inner wall section 512 may be adjacent to the container opening 511. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6.

[0118] The expander device 100 may be configured to sit on or be fitted onto the support (e.g. the storage container or support frame) 500. Preferably, the shape of the expander device 100 may correspond with the shape of the support opening (e.g. the container opening or the frame opening) 511. For example, the expander device 100 may be fitted with the ring member 110 into the support opening (e.g. the container opening or the frame opening) 511. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6, 14 and 15.

[0119] For supporting the expander device 100 on the support rim section (e.g. the container rim section or the frame rim section) 513, the expander device 100 may comprise a circumferential device rim section 180 protruding away from the central opening 111. The device rim section 180 may extend parallel to the plane (including extending within that plane), in which the ring member 110 may substantially extend. This is exemplarily shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 and 13 to 15 but FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5 and 13 appear to be particularly suitable for exemplarily illustrating this configuration. Naturally, the example illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12 may also comprise the device rim section 180. The device rim section 180 may be and/or function, for example, as a collar or flange, by which relative movement of the expander device 100 with respect to the support (e.g. the storage container or support frame) 500 and/or the pouch 400 may be restricted in at least one, preferably at least two directions. It is also conceivable that the expander device 100 comprises the circumferential device rim section 180 for providing additional support for the expander device 100 on the rim section 412 of the pouch opening 411.

[0120] Further, in the expanded constitution, the expander device 100 (the ring member 110) may be configured to press the rim section 412 of the pouch opening 411 towards or against the circumferential inner wall section 512, which may preferably at or adjacent to the support opening (e.g. the container opening or the frame opening) 511. For example, the inner wall section 512 may be at a distance of up to 5 cm from the support opening (e.g. the container opening or the frame opening) 511, more preferred within 0.2 cm to 5 cm from the support opening (e.g. the container opening or the frame opening) 511. This is exemplarily shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. Alternatively or additionally, in the expanded constitution, the rim section 412 of the pouch 400 may be squeezed or clamped between the ring member 110 and the device rim section 180 of the expander device 100.

[0121] Preferably, the expander device 100 may comprise at least one support element 131, 132 for receiving a dosing device (such as the below described dosing device 300) within (and/or inside) the ring member 110. Preferably, two or more support elements 131, 132 may be provided. The support elements 131, 132 may have any configuration (shape, size, and/or their respective arrangement within the ring member 110) that is suitable for blocking a dosing device from falling through the central opening 111. The support elements 131, 132 may be configured such that a dosing device is storable inside the ring member 110. For example, the support element 131, 132 may be a platform or a ledge protruding laterally inward from the inner surface 113 of the ring member 110. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12 and 14. By providing the support elements 131, 132 in this manner, a dosing device can be stored securely within the expander device 100. Thereby, the risk of contaminating the interior of the pouch 400 can be reduced since the operator can place a dosing device immediately after its usage inside the expander device 100 and thus, any contact with external surfaces or substances can be avoided.

[0122] At least one of the support elements 131, 132 may protrude laterally inward from the ring member 110 (into the central opening 111). Thereby, the support elements 131, 132 may (at least) partially cover the central opening 111. Preferably, the support elements 131, 132 may be arranged opposite to each other with respect to (the center of) the central opening 111. Preferably, the support elements 131, 132 may be arranged at one of the two opposite ends between which the ring member 110 extends (longitudinally). The support element 131, 132 may at least partially extend between the two opposite ends of the ring member 110. The support elements 131, 132 may be provided integral with the ring member 110. Preferably, the support elements 131, 132 may extend within the same plane (mentioned above) as the ring member 110. This is exemplarily shown in FIGS. 9 to 12. However, the support elements 131, 132 can be arranged also at any other position between the two opposite ends of the ring member 110. For example, the support elements 131, 132 may be arranged halfway between the two opposite ends of the ring member 110. The support elements 131, 132 may have the same shape and size, or they may be configured to be different to each other. For example, the support elements 131, 132 may have a (hollow) semicircle, arc or bow shape. This is exemplarily shown in FIGS. 9 to 12. Therein, a first support element 131 is exemplarily shown with a semicircle shape. In this illustrated example, a second support element 132 has the shape of a segment of a semicircle. However, these are only examples and other shapes are conceivable.

[0123] Further, the support elements 131, 132 may comprise surface features for securing (attaching/holding) a dosing device to (inside) the ring member 110. For example, the surface features may be fasteners, protruding structures, clips, latches or spring locks, and/or a surface layer for increasing friction and/or adhesive forces between the ring member 110 and a dosing device. Thereby, it can be achieved that a dosing device is not only kept from falling through the central opening 111 but also secured (fixed) in a defined position within the expander device 100.

[0124] The package system 200 may further comprise a dosing device 300 for measuring and dispensing a suitable amount of product contained inside the pouch 400. For example, the dosing device 300 may be a scoop, spoon or measuring cup. FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 11 to 15 show the dosing device 300 exemplarily.

[0125] The dosing device 300 may comprise a handle 310 for being gripped and a bowl 320 for retrieving a defined amount of product from the pouch 400. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate certain aspects of the dosing device 300 exemplarily.

[0126] Preferably, the bowl 320 may have a defined volume that may be open towards one side in a filling direction. The bowl 320 may comprise a defined surface structure. For example, slits penetrating a portion of the bowl 320 or ribs protruding therefrom may be provided as such surface structure. For example, the ribs may be used to indicate a certain filling level. Preferably, the bowl 320 may have a similar height as the ring member 110 so that the dosing device 300 can fit inside (within) the expander device 100. Thereby, the dosing device 300 can be stored inside the expander device 100.

[0127] The handle 310 may extend along a longitudinal direction. Preferably, the filling direction of the bowl 320 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle 310. Preferably, the handle 310 may comprise structures, such as ribs, for improving the bending stiffness and/or rigidity of the dosing device 300 in order to reduce the risk of the dosing device 300 breaking during scooping. The handle 310 may be adjustable in length. For example, the handle 310 may comprise a telescopic mechanism. Preferably, the handle 310 may be extendable in size through a spring mechanism (biased towards maximum length) or by attaching extension elements. Such configurations may be advantageous if the package system 200 is used with pouches 400 of different sizes. Preferably, the handle 310 may be attached to the bowl 320. The handle 310 may be integral with the bowl 320. The handle 310 may extend laterally away from the bowl 320 with respect to its opening. Preferably, the dosing device 300 (preferably the handle 310 and the bowl 320) may extend within a single plane.

[0128] The dosing device 300 may be made from any (food safe) material, such as plastic (e.g. PE), metal, and/or a fiber-based material, such as cardboard or pulp. The dosing device 300 may extend longitudinally with a length that corresponds with the diameter of the central opening 111. Preferably, the dosing device 300 may have a length that is smaller than the central opening 111 (at the lower end, for example).

[0129] It is also conceivable that, for example, the handle 310 and/or the bowl 320 may be provided with locking structures that may be configured to correspond with the surface features provided on the support elements 131, 132. The dosing device 300 may have a length that is larger than the distance (gap) between the two opposite support elements 131, 132. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0130] Preferably, the expander device 100 may be arranged inside the pouch opening 411 such thatin the connected state of the pouch 400 and the expander device 100the support elements 131, 132 are at the lower end of the expander device 100. FIGS. 9, 11 and 12 illustrate this orientation of the expander device 100 exemplarily. Thereby, it can be achieved that the dosing device 300 can be stored within the expander device 100 while not contacting any part of the substance contained inside the pouch 400. Accordingly, the risk of a user touching the substance when retrieving the dosing device 300 from the pouch 400 can be reduced.

[0131] Preferably, the dosing device 300 and the expander device 100 may be configured such that the dosing device 300 may be placeable onto the support elements 131, 132 such that the opening of the volume of the bowl 320 faces towards the lower end of the expander device 100 (and thus, towards the substance contained inside the pouch 400). Thereby, substances from a previous dosing process can fall back into the pouch 400 so that an accumulation and waste of substance can be reduced. The dosing device 300 may be placed and/or stored inside the expander device 100 in the collapsed constitution and/or in the expanded constitution.

[0132] The package system 200 may also comprise a support lid (e.g. a container lid or a frame lid) 550 for closing the support (e.g. the storage container or the support frame) 500, or at least the supporting opening (e.g. the container opening or the frame opening) 511. The support lid (e.g. the container lid or the frame lid) 550 may be a snap on lid, for example. Preferably, the support lid (e.g. the container lid or the frame lid) 550 may be a twist-off lid. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6. Alternatively or additionally, the support lid (e.g. the container lid or the frame lid) 550 may be connected to the support (e.g. the storage container or support frame) 500 via a hinge 551, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0133] The lid 550 may comprise the support elements 131, 132, preferably at an inner surface facing towards the pouch 400 when closing the support 500 or its support opening 511. The dosing device 300 can thus be securely stored inside the package system 200.

[0134] Moreover, the package system 200 may also comprise an opening device 600 for opening the pouch 400. For example, the opening device 600 may be scissors. FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 15 show this exemplarily.

[0135] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for use of the package system 200. FIGS. 2, 6 and 15 show exemplarily various steps of different embodiments of a method for use of the package system 200.

[0136] The method comprises the step of providing the package system 200 as described above. Preferably, the package system 200 may be provided with the a support (e.g. the storage container or the support frame) 500. The pouch 400 may be placed inside the support (e.g. the storage container or support frame) 500. Alternatively or additionally, the support (e.g. the storage container or the support frame) 500 may receive the pouch 400 inside. Preferably, the pouch 400 may be opened to provide the pouch with an opening, such as the pouch opening 411. For example, the pouch opening 411 may be provided by manually tearing a tearing line of the pouch 400 with hand 700 or by using the opening device 600. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6 and 15.

[0137] The package system 200 is provided such that the ring member 110 is already in the collapsed constitution. Alternatively, the expander device 100 is provided in the expanded constitution and the ring member 110 is converted into the collapsed constitution. For example, the hand 700 may be used to squeeze the ring member 110 in application directions AD, which are exemplarily indicated by arrows in FIG. 6.

[0138] The expander device 100 is inserted with at least the fitment section 112 into the pouch opening 411. The ring member 110 is converted from the collapsed constitution to the expanded constitution so that the fitment section 112 fits against the inner side surface 413 of the rim section 412 to keep the pouch opening 411 open.

[0139] For example, the compressive force applied via the gripping sections 160 in the application directions AD may be released so that the ring member 110 strives to return to its original shape in the expanded constitution. Thereby, the ring member 110 may engage with the inner side surface 413 as it may obstruct a full recovery of the ring member 110 into the ring member's 110 shape at equilibrium. Accordingly, the fitment section 112 may apply contact pressure onto the inner side surface 413 of the pouch 400. This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6 and 15.

[0140] Optionally, when converting the ring member 110 from the collapsed constitution into the expanded constitution, the rim section 412 of the pouch 400 may be pressed (also) at least with the ring member 110 towards or against the circumferential inner wall section 512 of the support (e.g. the storage container or the support frame) 500 (preferably at or adjacent to the support opening 511, e.g. the container opening or the frame opening). This is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6.

[0141] Thereby, for example, the pouch opening 411 may be converted from a folded configuration that is less accessible to an unfolded configuration that allows easy access to the product inside the pouch 400. This is exemplarily indicated in FIGS. 6 and 15, where at first gussets block the available space in the pouch opening 411, and subsequently the expander device 100 provides the central opening 111 as an access opening to the pouch 400.

[0142] The support (e.g. the storage container or the support frame) 500 or at least its support opening (e.g. the container opening or the frame opening) 511 may be closed with the lid 550. It is also conceivable that the expander device 100 being already connected to the pouch 400 may be attached to (e.g. hung into) the support (e.g. the storage container or the support frame) 500 preferably at the support opening (e.g. the container opening or the frame opening) 511; this preferably such that the device rim section 180 is supported on the support rim section 513, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 14. The pouch opening 411 may then be closed by the lid 550 and/or the lid, which may be attached to the expander device 100.

[0143] Preferably, the dosing device 300 may be placed and stored on the support elements 131, 132 inside the expander device 100, preferably in the expanded constitution, or at the lid 550. The dosing device 300 may be placed into the expander device 100 with the opening of the bowl 320 facing towards the inside of the pouch 400. Preferably, the dosing device 300 may be fastened to the support elements 131, 132 inside the ring member 110 or at the lid 550 by interlocking structures provided on the support elements 131, 132 and the dosing device 300.

[0144] The invention is not limited by the embodiments as described hereinabove, as long as being covered by the appended claims. All the features of the embodiments described hereinabove can be combined in any possible way and be provided interchangeably.

[0145] In particular, as mentioned above, it is also conceivable that the above described expander device 100 may form an independent part of this invention.