EP3655341B1 - Drinking device - Google Patents

Description

field of invention

The invention relates to a drinking device for taking up an aromatic substance retronasally.

State of the art

There is an increasing need to drink liquids which, on the one hand, have a pleasant taste and, on the other hand, avoid health risks that can be caused by taking flavoring substances or stabilizing agents dissolved in the liquid. In addition, the intake of an increased amount of calories should be avoided.

Therefore, water flavored with a faint fruit flavor has become popular in recent years. However, there are also undesirable additives in this flavored water, such as stabilizing substances and a certain amount of sugar, which is why these flavored drinks also have a calorie count that many users reject.

A first step in solving the problem consists in supplying the flavor aroma to a beverage only immediately before it is consumed. The U.S. 2008/028353 A1 , U.S. 2015/030726 A1 as well as the U.S. 8,662,2904 are examples of dosing systems in which an originally separately intended flavoring substance is added to the drinking liquid and dissolved in it immediately before the beverage is consumed or also during this time. Although this measure can avoid problems such as the stabilization of the drinking liquid over an extended period of time, the problem of the undesired absorption of additives remains.

Since the olfactory sensory impression makes up a significant part of the gustatory perception when consuming food and drinks, previous systems try to influence the smell perceived when drinking. For this purpose, in the U.S. 5,635,229 proposed an aroma element that can be attached to a drinking container near the drinking opening so that the aroma element is in close proximity to the nose of the user who breathes through the nose while drinking and thus absorbs the scent.

Also the drinking vessel after the U.S. 8,662,339 B2 works on the principle that while drinking, an aroma is inhaled through the nose.

From the U.S. 2015/0302477 A1 as well as the DE 20 2016 004 961 U1 drinking devices for retronasal intake of a flavoring substance are known. The DE 20 2016 004 961 U1 discloses a drinking device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Presentation of the invention

The invention is based on the object of proposing a drinking device that enables the user to have an improved taste experience.

This object is achieved by a drinking device having the feature of claim 1. Preferred embodiments follow from the remaining claims and the following description.

The drinking device according to the invention for the retronasal intake of an aromatic substance comprises a storage container for drinking liquid, at least one aroma container through which air can flow, a transport channel for drinking liquid running from the storage container to a mouth end of the drinking device, and an air channel for transporting flavored air, which runs from at least one of the at least one aroma container to the Transport channel for drinking liquid runs.

The essential aspect of the drinking device according to the invention is that the flavoring substance is taken up retronasally. When drinking, the aromatic substance gets into the mouth of the user together with the drinking liquid and then rises retronasally via the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa (regio olfactoria), where it is detected by the receptors located there and perceived by the user. The device according to the invention is equally suitable for cold or warm drinking liquid.

This takes advantage of the fact that there is a close connection between the sense of smell and the sense of taste. The user therefore gets the impression that he is tasting the aroma, when in fact he is merely smelling it retronasally.

The human sense of taste is essentially shaped by the retronasal sense of smell. The receptors of the tongue can only distinguish between sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami, whereas the differentiated sense of taste arises when the gaseous phase of food and liquids rises in the pharynx via the retronasal route and reaches the olfactory mucosa. The sensors located there trigger neurological stimuli that create a taste impression in the brain. A person who is thus fed an aroma into the pharynx while drinking gets the impression that the drink is aromatized, since retronasal smelling in the brain gives the sensory impression that the drink is the aroma source, although the user has a pure, ie non-aromatized one , pure liquid, like water ingests. When smelling when inhaling through the nose, the so-called orthonasal intake of a aroma substance, this impression does not arise to the same extent, since the sensory impression is linked to the respiratory rate and the user thus gains the correct impression that he only smells the aroma substance, but does not taste it as with the retronasal intake.

The reservoir, which is preferably designed to be refillable, can hold pure water or carbonated water, while the flavoring substance is transferred to the air in the transport channel and added to the drinking liquid immediately before it is taken up by the user or transported separately into the user's throat.

Alternatively, the drinking liquid can also have its own taste. The existing inherent taste of the drinking liquid is either enhanced by the aroma substance from the aroma container or supplemented by one or more additional flavor components. If there is apple juice in the reservoir, for example, then apple flavor can be added to enhance the taste experience, or orange flavor can be added, for example, to produce a flavor mixture. In this way, for example, alcoholic beverages such as beer can also be provided with additional flavoring substances, with the specific preferences of a user being able to be catered for by using a corresponding flavoring container in the drinking device according to the invention. In addition, flavors that are not customary in the food sector can also be used in the drinking device disclosed here, such as the "sandalwood" known from room scenting or "spring meadow" or "unicorn". The aroma used can be artificial or natural. It is possible to use aromas that have been isolated or enriched from an artificial or natural source, as well as natural substances, such as fresh or processed products from, for example, lemon peel, dandelion leaves, licorice or other aromatic substances.

According to the invention, several aroma containers can also be provided. This may be a replacement aroma canister that can be used once the aroma canister in use is exhausted. Alternatively or additionally, however, it is also possible to use a plurality of aroma containers which are in use at the same time in order to be able to produce any desired aroma mixtures from different basic aromas.

According to the invention, the transport channel for drinking liquid runs to the end of the mouth, while the air channel opens into the transport channel for drinking liquid in the immediate vicinity of the end of the mouth.

The advantage of the solution, according to which the air duct opens into the transport duct for drinking liquid in the immediate vicinity of the end of the mouth, is that misuse is not possible. When drinking the liquid, the flavoring substance is automatically included. The disadvantage of this solution, however, is that there are air bubbles in the drinking liquid. Drinking is therefore associated with increased noise development, comparable to drinking from a Straw through which both liquid and air is sucked. Furthermore, the user no longer has the desired impression of drinking pure liquid such as water. Finally, there is a further disadvantage in that the contact between the drinking liquid and the flavored air lasts for an extended period of time, during which a mass transfer of the flavoring substance from the air into the surrounding drinking liquid takes place. The drinking liquid is therefore "contaminated" in the perception of the user, regardless of the harmlessness of the flavoring substance.

According to an embodiment which is not the subject of the invention, the end of the mouth is designed in such a way that the transport channel for drinking liquid and the air channel for transporting flavored air at the end of the mouth run separately from one another and essentially equally far in the longitudinal direction. “Longitudinal direction” is to be understood as meaning the direction in the longitudinal extension of the transport channel for drinking liquid and the air channel for transporting flavored air at the end of the mouth. In other words, when drinking, the transport channel for drinking liquid and the air channel extend essentially equally far into the user's oral cavity.

In this technical solution, which is not according to the invention, the flavored air and the drinking liquid are sucked out of the drinking device separately from one another. The flavored air does not first have to escape from the surrounding drinking liquid in the form of air bubbles, but can rise retronasally via the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa immediately after entering the oral cavity. A further advantage of a separate supply of the flavored air and the drinking liquid into the oral cavity is that there can be even less mass transfer between the air and the drinking liquid. This is for two reasons. The first reason is that the flavored air is not contained in the drinking liquid in the form of small bubbles and therefore a significantly smaller total surface area is available for mass transfer between the liquid phase and the gaseous phase. The second reason is that the user swallows significantly less and in fact a negligible amount of flavored air together with the drinking liquid, since the flavored air is already present as a separate phase and no prior separation is required. Finally, this technical solution also has the advantage that the user has the feeling of drinking clear drinking liquid, but not drinking liquid that has been mixed with gas, even if only to a small extent. The user experiences that he is consuming pure liquid, such as water.

A variant not according to the invention is that the end of the mouth is designed in such a way that when the drinking device is used, the transport channel for drinking liquid and the air channel for transporting flavored air extend to different extents into the user's oral cavity. Naturally, two different possibilities are conceivable here. On the one hand, the air duct for transporting flavored air can extend further into the user's oral cavity than the transport duct for drinking liquid, or else the transport duct for drinking liquid extends further into the oral cavity of the user inside. What both solutions have in common is that the flavored air and the Drinking liquid are sucked separately from the device. What both variants also have in common is that the exchange of substances between the flavored air and the drinking liquid is kept as low as possible. However, this advantage can be achieved in the same way if the transport channel for drinking liquid and the air channel for transporting flavored air extend the same distance into the user's oral cavity, but both are designed in such a way that they enter the user's oral cavity when used as intended protrude. However, an extension too far into the oral cavity is perceived as unpleasant by the user.

The technical challenge of all the solutions described above is to coordinate the geometries of the transport channel for drinking liquid and the air channel in such a way that, depending on the drinking position and in the case of special drinking liquids and also the viscosity of the drinking liquid, the flavored air and the drinking liquid are sucked in in the desired proportion to each other become.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking device further comprises a throttling device and/or sealing device for the transport channel for drinking liquid and/or the air channel for transporting flavored air, the sealing device preferably being provided in a mouthpiece that encompasses the end of the mouth and the mouthpiece being covered by a sealing one Position is movable into a non-sealing position.

A throttle device can be provided as an alternative to a sealing device, but preferably in addition to a sealing device. A throttle device makes it possible to set the ratio between drinking liquid and flavored air, which means, for example, the degree of flavoring or the flow rate of drinking liquid can be set. A simple embodiment of a throttling device, which can, however, be actuated until it is completely sealed, is a squeezing device, with the aid of which a flexible section of the transport duct or air duct can be reduced in terms of its internal cross-section or completely pinched off.

A preferred alternative embodiment of the sealing device is the provision of a pull tab, preferably located on the mouthpiece, which is pulled out by the user to open the flow. After drinking, the pull tab is pushed back towards the mouthpiece to close the air channel and the transport channel.

A further preferred alternative of the drinking device according to the invention comprises a rotary stopper which is opened or closed by the user by turning it. The use of rotary stoppers is well known from chemical engineering, since a rotary stopper is a simple component that closes very tightly. In addition, a rotary plug can also be continuously adjusted, so that a rotary plug combines the functionalities of a throttle device and a shut-off device.

A further preferred alternative of the device according to the invention comprises a sliding valve which, according to a preferred variant, is provided in a lid of the drinking device and can also contain the mouthpiece. The advantage of such a slide valve is that it is immediately apparent whether the valve is in the open or closed state.

A preferred alternative embodiment of the device is the provision of a rotating lid which is either fitted or screwed on and thereby seals the drinking device. A twist cap is well suited to sealing the drinking device even when increased pressure builds up inside the reservoir, as can occur when the drinking liquid is a carbonated beverage. Such a cover can tightly close both the transport channel for drinking liquid and the air channel for flavored air, but in the same way also another air line for supplying air into the interior of the reservoir for the purpose of pressure equalization. Another advantage of a twist cap is that it protects the mouthpiece from contamination and is an element well known to every user and trusted in its ability to seal the drinking device tightly.

A preferred alternative embodiment of the device is the provision of a sports valve, as is known in the case of drinking bottles, for example for carrying along when cycling. Accordingly, the function of a sports valve is known, so that the user intuitively pulls the valve to drink and presses it back into its original position after drinking.

However, the embodiment according to which the mouthpiece of the drinking device is at the same time a shut-off device, with the aid of which all transport paths running in the direction of the mouthpiece can be tightly closed, is particularly preferred. According to a preferred variant of the invention, the mouthpiece is designed in such a way that it can be moved from the sealing position into the non-sealing position via a translational movement. The mouthpiece can be designed in such a way that both the transport channel for drinking liquid and the air channel, but also the air line for the inflow of air into the interior of the reservoir can be sealed and opened. Consequently, the user only has to bring the mouthpiece into an operating position, as a result of which the sealing device is actuated without the user noticing. In this way, the number of components can be kept low, which allows, among other things, a more hygienic design and also cost savings in the context of production and assembly of the drinking system.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one aroma container can be removed and used in the drinking device according to the invention with the aid of a simple sequence of movements. According to a preferred variant, a bayonet lock can be used. A bayonet lock has the advantage that the correct orientation of the aroma container in the drinking device is ensured after insertion. According to a further preferred variant, a spring element can also be provided, which releases the aroma container from its receptacle leak out once the aroma canister has not been properly inserted. With the help of different locking positions, you can also preselect between different aroma intensity settings.

Preferably, one of the at least one aroma container comprises a sealing device, the aroma container being movable from a sealing position to a non-sealing position. A flavor container with a substantially circular cross-section can be used in the same way as the twist stopper described above by rotating the flavor container about its axis of symmetry to bring the drinking liquid transport channel into alignment with the channel through the flavor container. The advantage of this solution is that no additional component is required.

Alternatively, however, it is equally possible to move the aroma container from a sealing position to a non-sealing position by displacing the aroma container in an axial direction. For example, an aroma container with any prismatic or annular geometry could be pushed in the axial direction in order to bring the aroma container into an unsealed position. The aroma container can lock in this position, i.e. remain in this position automatically, or drinking while adding aroma is only possible if the aroma container is kept pressed. In this way, a user could also choose between drinking liquid with and without flavored air.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the at least one aroma container can comprise a plurality of chambers which contain aroma substances of different odor intensity and/or different odor qualities. According to a further alternative of the drinking device according to the invention, several aroma containers can be provided. In other words, one or more aroma containers can be provided and this aroma container or any number of the multiple aroma containers can additionally comprise multiple chambers. Any number of variants can be realized in this way. When a single aroma container is provided, it can contain different aromas, so that a different aroma is supplied depending on the direction of insertion or an orientation of the aroma container that can also be changed by the user while drinking. In addition, when a single aroma container is provided, the type of aroma as well as the aroma strength can be varied. For example, an aroma container could contain two, three or more different aroma intensities of the same aroma substance, or a single aroma container could contain two different aromas, but each of which is provided in two different stages, so that the aroma container would have four separate chambers.

If several aroma containers are provided, different aroma directions, aroma strengths or else by adding one and the same aroma direction can be varied produce any flavor mixtures that can be put together individually by a user.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the at least one aroma containers is located in a mouthpiece of the drinking device, with the mouthpiece preferably being replaceable. This solution has the advantage that the hygiene of the drinking device is improved since the mouthpiece is exchanged with the aroma container and a new mouthpiece is thus attached to the drinking device after the aroma container has been exhausted. However, with this solution it must be taken into account that a tight seal between the mouthpiece and the storage container for drinking liquid must be ensured.

The provision of the aroma container either integrated into the mouthpiece or on a cover of the storage container has the advantage that the user can immediately identify the "flavor". For example, the mouthpiece could be colored according to the selected flavor and, for example, have a yellow color for a lemon flavor or a green color for a green apple flavor.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the storage container for drinking liquid is provided with a lid. If the lid is removed, the user can access both a filling opening for drinking liquid and a receiving opening for an aroma container or several aroma containers. After putting on the lid, you can then vary between different aroma directions by turning the lid. The advantage of this solution is also that no separate locking of the aroma container is required in the drinking device according to the invention, because the aroma container is automatically fixed in the inserted state after the lid has been put on. This solution also makes it easier to seal the aroma container.

According to a preferred variant, an information tab is provided on the aroma container, which protrudes outwards from the drinking vessel after the lid has been put on and informs a user about the aroma direction used. The tab can be easily grasped to remove the aroma container.

According to an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, the aroma container is designed as a ring located near the mouth end of the drinking device. There may be a single chamber in the ring. Several chambers with different flavors can be provided in the ring-shaped aroma container, which are preferably identified by an additional marking and/or coloring for the user. In this way, the user can intuitively change the aroma by actuating the aroma ring, which can also be done during the drinking can take place. Thus, the use of an aroma container in the form of a ring offers many options that can be used in a user-friendly way.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking device according to the invention further comprises a pull valve as a pressure compensation valve which closes an air supply line which leads into the interior of the storage container for drinking liquid. If a negative pressure builds up in the reservoir as a result of drinking, i.e. the withdrawal of drinking liquid, the valve opens and allows air to enter the reservoir for drinking liquid. As soon as the pressure has been equalized, the pressure valve automatically closes again due to its own tension, so that no drinking liquid can escape. This variant is particularly advantageous in those cases in which the shut-off device only closes the transport channel for drinking liquid and the air channel for transporting flavored air, but not the air channel for pressure equalization. An example of such a variation is the provision of a mouthpiece which can be pivoted from a sealing position to an operative position while the air line for pressure equalization is located elsewhere in the container.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking device further comprises a head part, which encompasses the mouth end and is arranged movably relative to the reservoir, the head part being movable from a position sealing the transport channel for drinking liquid and/or the air channel into a non-sealing position.

In the simplest case, the head part of the drinking device can be rotatably attached to the storage container for drinking liquid. The geometry of the head part relative to the reservoir can be selected in such a way that when the head part is turned, when the head part is brought into the drinking position, it tilts, so that an ergonomically comfortable drinking position is possible for the user on the one hand and also for the other it becomes clear to the user that the drinking device is in the ready-to-use state and that the drinking liquid can also leak if handled improperly. In this way, a drinking device can be designed with a futuristic-looking design language that underlines the claim for a new and innovative drinking device.

The drinking device according to the invention can be configured in a wide variety of ways. It can be a mobile drinking bottle that is either single-walled or double-walled as a thermos bottle.

A further alternative design not according to the invention consists in integrating the functional features of the drinking device according to the invention in a straw which contains the end of the mouth and whose end opposite the end of the mouth is located in the reservoir for drinking liquid. In this case, the straw is at the same time the transport channel for the drinking device running from the storage container to the mouth end of the drinking device. The aroma container can be provided in the form of a ring surrounding the straw and can be located above the level for drinking liquid, so that when the straw is used, air is sucked into the aroma container and either guided to the end of the mouth via an air duct running parallel to the transport channel for drinking liquid is, or opens into the transport channel for drinking liquid, so that the aroma supplied is dosed in the form of air bubbles of the drinking liquid.

What all the above ideas and variants have in common is that the flavoring substance is guided through the end of the mouth into the mouth and throat of the user and the taste impression occurs via retronasal absorption of the flavoring substance. Apart from a small amount of unavoidable absorption of the flavoring substance in the pure drinking liquid, or also an incomplete separation of air bubbles with flavoring substance from the drinking liquid, pure drinking liquid is consumed by the user.

A preferred embodiment of the invention for optimizing or simplifying the drinking device provides that the head part of the drinking device can be divided, dismantled or folded up. The head part can consist of one, two or more parts that have to be assembled to use the device. For example, a substantially axisymmetric division of the head part is possible, so that the channels of the drinking device are completely or partially open in the non-assembled position. This offers various advantages. First of all, this makes it easier to clean the drinking device, since cleaning liquid can easily reach the partially narrow channels of the device and the cleaning liquid is not held back by capillary forces that may occur. In addition, a divisible solution for the head part of the drinking device makes it possible to integrate the aroma reservoir of the drinking device into the interior of the head part. In previous systems, the aroma reservoir can only be attached from the outside, which means that it remains visible when in use. Previous systems also require a separate attachment mechanism for the aroma reservoirs, which a divisible solution can be omitted.

The head part is to be understood in each case as that part of the drinking device in which the essential technology and/or the aroma reservoir of the drinking device is/are arranged. It is expediently attached to the head of the drinking device, but it can also be located at a different location on the drinking device or can be integrated into the drinking device.

The use of a substantially elastic material, such as silicone or other elastomers, to manufacture the divisible or non-divisible head part or parts of the head part of the drinking device can, for example, make it possible to seal the system more easily. In addition, a used divisibility of the head part allows an increased number of connection possibilities of the head part with the reservoir for liquid of the drinking device.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention is that the channels have a special shape. It is possible, for example, for the channel for the liquid to be widened or narrowed at one, two or more points, ie the diameter of the channels is larger or smaller than at the other points. A narrowing or widening can be implemented, for example, in or on the mouthpiece of the drinking device. This enables the user to have a different mouthfeel when drinking from the drinking device. The feeling of drinking presents a problem in the previous solutions, since the consumer is not used to drinking liquid together with air bubbles. A widening or narrowing at one or more points in the liquid-carrying channel changes the pressure conditions there, so that the size and/or shape of the air bubbles in the liquid change. This improves the user's drinking experience.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention is a change in the geometry of the liquid channel at the point where the air channel of the drinking device joins. This can have various advantages. For example, the Venturi effect can be used by narrowing the liquid channel at the entry point of the air channel. Due to the narrowing at the point of entry, the dynamic pressure (back pressure) is maximum there and the static pressure is minimum. The speed of the liquid increases in relation to the cross sections when flowing through the constricted part, since the amount of liquid does not change. At the same time, the pressure in the air duct, which is preferably installed at the narrowest point, drops. This creates a pressure difference that increases the intake of the flavored air into the liquid of the drinking device. As a result, the user does not have to suck as hard on the drinking device, for example, which improves the feeling of drinking or results in design advantages.

Another preferred change in the geometry of the channels in the drinking device includes different surfaces on the inside of the channel or obstacles that change the flow conditions in the liquid-carrying channels. Among other things, cavitation can occur. The size of the air bubbles can change as a result of cavitation or mechanical crushing of the air bubbles and/or air bubble geometry can be achieved. This also improves the feeling of drinking by the user. The change in air bubble size can also be achieved, for example, by using an essentially sieve-like geometry or a membrane.

The air duct of the drinking device can also have a special shape. Previous solutions use a consistently uniformly shaped channel. The air duct must have a small diameter, so that problems arise when manufacturing the head part of the drinking device. On the other hand, a narrow channel makes it difficult to clean the drinking device. The solution according to the invention therefore provides, for example, that the air duct is essentially only tapered at a short point. This enables simplified manufacturability and easier cleaning.

A further preferred embodiment of the drinking device according to the invention provides that the aroma unit of the drinking device according to the invention must be activated before use. The aroma can initially be microscopically or macroscopically encapsulated. The activation can take place, for example, by changing the temperature or by a mechanical process. A preferred embodiment provides an air-permeable filter in which a substantially round aroma unit is placed, the interior of which essentially contains a fluid comprising an aromatizing substance. The shell of the flavoring unit is preferably made of a material such as gelatin or agarose so that when inactive, a tight shell keeps the fluid containing the flavored substance in a non-volatile state. Upon activation, for example by rupturing the envelope under pressurization, the fluid is released into the surrounding filter. Such solutions are for example in US20040261807A1 proposed for use in cigarettes. According to the invention, this technology is to be used according to a preferred embodiment in the drinking device according to the invention. This results in several advantages. For example, this can protect the flavoring substances from oxidative processes and, in general, packaging material can be saved and plastic seals avoided.

According to the invention, the air duct comprises a specially shaped chamber. This solves the problem that the fluctuations in the pressure and flow conditions in the transport channel for drinking liquid that occur at the drinking device at the end of the drinking process lead to drinking liquid entering the air channel and/or the aroma container. This ingress of liquid can, for example, lead to the fragrance-emitting substance being undesirably diluted in the aroma container, or to hygiene problems. The air duct can be interrupted by a chamber in such a way that a recess is provided in the head part of the drinking device at the point of contact between the removable transport duct for drinking liquid and the air duct. In a preferred embodiment, the air duct coming from the aroma container opens into the chamber at a substantially overhead position. On the substantially opposite side, the air duct is attached to a substantially underlying side Chamber position continued. The chamber prevents the drinking liquid from bouncing back into the aroma reservoir. Due to the essentially opposite position of the continuation of the air duct, the chamber is ideally used. The differently high positions of the inlet and outlet openings of the air duct into and out of the chamber allow drinking liquid to drain back into the drinking device, among other things. The possible arrangement of the chamber at the point of contact between the head part and the transport channel for drinking liquid enables easier cleaning after the two components have been disassembled.

All preferred embodiments and combinations of the technical features above and below have in common that an average air flow through the air duct when drinking normally from the drinking device according to the invention is expediently between about 250 and 550 ml/min. This air flow is achieved, for example, when using an air duct with a diameter of about 0.5 to 2.5 mm or with a non-circular cross section with a cross-sectional area of the air duct between 0.2 mm ² and 4.9 mm ² . The air flow can also be adjusted in other ways, such as by a substantially short taper of the air duct, a valve, which can also be designed as a check valve, to prevent liquid from entering the air duct and/or the aroma container, or by the use of a membrane. A substantially permeable membrane can be attached, for example, at the point at which the air duct opens into the transport duct for drinking liquid. This not only adjusts the air flow to an appropriate level, but also adjusts the air bubbles entering the liquid flow to a desired size, resulting in a more comfortable drinking experience for the drinker. Another advantage of using a membrane at this point is that the previously described fluctuations in the pressure and flow conditions at the end of the drinking process do not lead to drinking liquid entering the air duct and/or the aroma container at this or any other moment occurs or the amount of which is reduced.

A further problem with the drinking device according to the invention lies in sealing the entire drinking device for transport. It should be noted here that not only the drinking opening and a pressure compensation channel have to be sealed, but also the air channel of the drinking device in order to prevent drinking liquid from penetrating into the aroma container. It would be desirable for the user of the drinking devices to be able to close all three openings in just one operation. A further preferred embodiment therefore provides that the drinking device is sealed with a cover which closes all three openings at the same time. This can preferably be made possible by inserting a pin/mandrel into at least one of the three openings (each) and sealing any remaining openings using conventional systems. For example, a dome/pin can be introduced into the transport channel for drinking liquid so that the opening of the air channel into the Transport channel for drinking liquid is sealed, so that penetration of drinking liquid into the air duct and / or the aroma container is prevented. Another preferred embodiment, which solves the problem of sealing the aroma reservoir described at the beginning of this section, provides that the aroma reservoir is, for example, essentially ring-shaped and that the flow connection between the aroma container, which can be removed, for example, and the air duct is achieved by a movement, such as turning the aroma container upside down. For this purpose, the air outlet opening must be arranged eccentrically on the aroma container, for example, so that an aroma container placed upside down closes the end of the air duct on the aroma container side.

Fig. 1

schematisch eine erste Möglichkeit der Mundstücktechnik einer erfindungsgemäßen Trinkvorrichtung zur retronasalen Aufnahme einer Aromasubstanz zeigt;

Fig. 2

eine alternative Mundstücktechnik einer Trinkvorrichtung zur retronasalen Aufnahme einer Aromasubstanz zeigt, die nicht Gegenstand der Erfindung ist;

Fig. 3a und Fig. 3b

die Verwendung eines schwenkbaren Mundstückes in der Trinkvorrichtung nach Fig. 2 zeigen;

Fig. 4a und Fig. 4b

eine Querschnittsansicht darstellen, die ein Druckausgleichsventil im geöffneten sowie im geschlossenen Zustand zeigen;

Fig. 5

ein Schieberventil schematisch darstellt;

Fig. 6

eine Schnittansicht durch eine nicht erfindungsgemäße Trinkvorrichtung mit einem die Trinkvorrichtung dicht abschließenden Drehdeckel zeigt;

Fig. 7

schematisch eine nicht erfindungsgemäße Trinkvorrichtung mit einer als Zughahn ausgestalteten Dichtung zeigt;

Fig. 8

schematisch die Verwendung eines Drehstopfens durch einen Benutzer darstellt, bei einer Trinkvorrichtung nach Fig. 2;

Fig. 9

schematisch die Funktion eines integrierten Ventils bei getrennt verlaufendem Transportkanal für Trinkflüssigkeit und Luftkanal zum Transport aromatisierter Luft zeigt, bei einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Trinkvorrichtung;

Fig. 10

schematisch die Funktion eines integrierten Ventils bei in Reihe verlaufendem Transportkanal für Trinkflüssigkeit und Luftkanal zum Transport aromatisierter Luft zeigt;

Fig. 11a und Fig. 11b

die Abdichtung des Transportkanals für Trinkflüssigkeit sowie des Luftkanals zum Transport aromatisierter Luft mittels der Position des Aromabehälters bei einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Trinkvorrichtung schematisch darstellen;

Fig. 12a, Fig. 12b, Fig. 12c und Fig. 12d

schematisch Draufsichten auf den Vorratsbehälter der erfindungsgemäßen Trinkvorrichtung darstellen, auf den jeweils ein Kopfteil aufsetzbar ist und in denen unterschiedliche Anordnungen für die Einfüllöffnung für Trinkflüssigkeit sowie die Aufnahme von einem oder mehreren Aromabehältern dargestellt sind;

Fig. 13

schematisch eine Möglichkeit zur Kennzeichnung der eingesetzten Aromabehälter darstellt;

Fig. 14a und Fig. 14b

eine Detailansicht sowie Explosionsansicht eines in die Trinkvorrichtung integrierten Aromamixers darstellen;

Fig. 15

schematisch die Verwendung eines Aromabehälters zur individuellen Zusammenstellung eines aus Einzelaromen bestehenden Gesamtaromas zeigt;

Fig. 16

schematisch einen Aromabehälter darstellt, der zum Einsetzen in eine entsprechend geformte Bajonettaufnahme geeignet ist;

Fig. 17

schematisch das Einsetzen des in Fig. 16 dargestellten Aromabehälters in eine erfindungsgemäße Trinkvorrichtung erläutert;

Fig. 18a und Fig. 18b

ein einzelnes Aromamundstück sowie ein Aromamundstück an einer Trinkvorrichtung darstellen;

Fig. 19

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines an einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Trinkvorrichtung anbringbaren Aromamundstücks darstellt;

Fig. 20a und Fig. 20b

schematisch die Anordnung eines Aromabehälters am Kopfteil einer erfindungsgemäßen Trinkvorrichtung sowie die Verwendung des Kopfteils darstellen;

Fig. 21

eine schematische Schnittansicht durch eine erfindungsgemäße Trinkvorrichtung unter Verwendung eines Aromarings zeigt;

Fig. 22

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Trinkvorrichtung mit einem in einzelne Segmente unterteilten Aromaring darstellt;

Fig. 23a, Fig. 23b sowie Fig. 23c

eine Ausführungsform darstellen einer als offenes Trinkgefäß gestalteten, nicht erfindungsgemäßen Trinkvorrichtung, wobei Fig. 23a eine schematische Außenansicht darstellt; Fig. 23b schematisch die Verwendung der Trinkvorrichtung nach Fig. 23a zeigt und Fig. 23c den mit A gekennzeichneten Ausschnitt in Fig. 23b vergrößert darstellt;

Fig. 24a

schematisch eine als Flaschenaufsatz mit einer herkömmlichen Trinkflasche kombinierte erfindungsgemäße Trinkvorrichtung darstellt;

Fig. 24b

den Flaschenaufsatz schematisch in einer vergrößerten Darstellung wiedergibt;

Fig. 25a und Fig. 25b

eine nicht erfindungsgemäße Trinkvorrichtung unter Verwendung eines Strohhalms sowie eine Schnittdarstellung durch den Strohhalm zur Verdeutlichung des Wirkprinzips zeigen;

Fig. 26a und Fig. 26b

ein Mundstück für eine erfindungsgemäße Trinkvorrichtung darstellen, das das Stürzen der Flasche ermöglicht;

Fig. 27a und Fig. 27b

schematisch erfindungsgemäße Veränderungen der Geometrie des Flüssigkeitskanals im Kopfteil zeigen;

Fig. 28a und Fig. 28b

schematisch und beispielhaft eine erfindungsgemäße Änderung der Geometrie des Flüssigkeitskanals zeigen;

Fig. 29

schematisch eine bevorzugte Ausführung des Luftkanals zeigt;

Fig. 30a und Fig. 30b

schematisch eine bevorzugte Ausführung zeigen, welche schematisch und beispielhaft ein teilbares Kopfteil enthält;

Fig. 31

schematischeine bevorzugte Ausführung des teilbaren Kopfteils mit innenliegendem Aromareservoir zeigt;

Fig. 32a, Fig. 32b und Fig. 32c

schematisch verschiedene bevorzugte Ausführungsformen des Kopfteils der Trinkvorrichtung zeigen, die an der Einmündungsstelle des Duftkanals in den Flüssigkeitskanal geänderte Geometrien aufweisen; und

Fig. 33a und Fig. 33b

schematisch eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform des Kopfteils der Trinkvorrichtung zeigen, die eine Vorrichtung enthält, die den Eintritt von Flüssigkeit in den Luftkanal verhindert.

The invention is described purely by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic figures in which

1

schematically shows a first possibility of the mouthpiece technology of a drinking device according to the invention for retronasal intake of an aromatic substance;

2

shows an alternative mouthpiece technique of a drinking device for retronasal intake of a flavoring substance, which is not the subject of the invention;

Figures 3a and 3b

discloses the use of a pivotable mouthpiece in the drinking device 2 show;

Figures 4a and 4b

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a pressure compensating valve in the open and closed states;

figure 5

schematically illustrates a spool valve;

6

shows a sectional view through a drinking device not according to the invention with a rotating lid sealing the drinking device tightly;

7

schematically shows a drinking device not according to the invention with a seal configured as a pull-tap;

8

Figure 12 schematically illustrates the use of a twist stopper by a user in a drinking device 2 ;

9

schematically shows the function of an integrated valve with a separate transport channel for drinking liquid and air channel for transporting flavored air, in a drinking device not according to the invention;

10

shows schematically the function of an integrated valve with a transport channel for drinking liquid and an air channel for transporting flavored air running in series;

Figures 11a and 11b

schematically show the sealing of the transport channel for drinking liquid and the air channel for transporting flavored air by means of the position of the aroma container in a drinking device not according to the invention;

Figures 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d

schematically represent top views of the reservoir of the drinking device according to the invention, on each of which a head part can be placed and in which different arrangements for the filling opening for drinking liquid and the accommodation of one or more aroma containers are shown;

13

schematically represents a way of labeling the aroma containers used;

Figures 14a and 14b

show a detailed view and an exploded view of an aroma mixer integrated into the drinking device;

15

schematically shows the use of an aroma container for the individual compilation of an overall aroma consisting of individual aromas;

16

schematically illustrates an aroma container suitable for insertion into a correspondingly shaped bayonet mount;

17

schematic of the insertion of the in 16 illustrated aroma container explained in a drinking device according to the invention;

Figures 18a and 18b

show a single aroma mouthpiece and an aroma mouthpiece on a drinking device;

19

shows a schematic sectional view of an aroma mouthpiece which can be attached to a drinking device not according to the invention;

Figures 20a and 20b

schematically represent the arrangement of an aroma container on the head part of a drinking device according to the invention and the use of the head part;

21

shows a schematic sectional view through a drinking device according to the invention using an aroma ring;

22

shows a schematic plan view of a drinking device according to the invention with an aroma ring divided into individual segments;

23a, 23b and 23c

represent an embodiment of a drinking device designed as an open drinking vessel, not according to the invention, wherein Figure 23a represents a schematic external view; Figure 23b schematically shows the use of the drinking device Figure 23a shows and 23c the section marked A in Figure 23b enlarged;

24a

schematically represents a drinking device according to the invention combined as a bottle attachment with a conventional drinking bottle;

Figure 24b

shows the bottle attachment schematically in an enlarged view;

Figures 25a and 25b

show a drinking device not according to the invention using a straw and a sectional view through the straw to clarify the operating principle;

Figures 26a and 26b

represent a mouthpiece for a drinking device according to the invention, allowing the bottle to be overturned;

Figures 27a and 27b

schematically show changes in the geometry of the liquid channel in the head part according to the invention;

Figures 28a and 28b

show schematically and by way of example a change in the geometry of the liquid channel according to the invention;

29

schematically shows a preferred embodiment of the air duct;

Figures 30a and 30b

schematically show a preferred embodiment, which schematically and by way of example contains a divisible head part;

31

shows schematically a preferred embodiment of the divisible head part with an internal aroma reservoir;

Figures 32a, 32b and 32c

schematically show different preferred embodiments of the head part of the drinking device, which have modified geometries at the point at which the fragrance channel joins the liquid channel; and

Figures 33a and 33b

Fig. 12 shows schematically a preferred embodiment of the head part of the drinking device, which includes a device preventing the entry of liquid into the air duct.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

In the following embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In 1 a drinking device 10 is shown schematically, which consists of a storage container 12 filled with pure drinking liquid and a head part 14 in the following exemplary embodiment. Pure drinking liquid is always understood here to mean that drinking liquid which does not contain any aroma added by the drinking system according to the invention. The head part 14 has a mouthpiece 16, which in the present case is integrated in the head part, but can also be provided separately, as will be explained later on the basis of different embodiments. In the head part 14 there is an aroma container 20 which is in a flow connection to the ambient air in a manner not shown and from which an air duct 22 leads away for the transport of aromatized air. Furthermore, a transport channel 18 for drinking liquid is provided, which in the present exemplary embodiment extends like a straw into the pure liquid present in the reservoir 12 .

In the case of execution 1 the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid and the air channel 22 for transporting flavored air are connected in series, i.e. the air channel 22 opens into the transport channel for drinking liquid, in which section 18a there is consequently both the pure liquid sucked in by the user via the mouthpiece 16, as well as air bubbles with flavored air.

When using the drinking device 10 according to the invention, both the pure liquid and the flavored air are ingested orally. In the oral cavity, the liquid phase and gaseous phase separate and the gaseous aromatized air travels via the retronasal path 24 in the direction of arrow A to the olfactory mucosa 26, where the aroma is captured by the receptors located in the olfactory mucosa and the impression is made by the user via the neuronal processing of the sensory stimuli , as if the pure liquid that the user drinks (arrow direction B) has the flavor added by the aroma.

At the in 1 For the solution shown, it is important that the flavored air opens out as directly as possible at the mouthpiece 16 into the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid, so that the contact between the flavored air and the pure liquid is as short as possible during drinking. In this way, an undesirable mass transfer of flavoring substance between the air and the pure liquid is minimized, although absorption of the flavoring in the liquid cannot be 100% ruled out. The shorter the contact time between the air and the liquid, but also the smaller the total interface between air and liquid, the lower the unwanted mass transfer.

In order to keep the undesired mass transfer as low as possible, the arrangement has changed 2 proven beneficial. In this case, the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid and the air channel 22 for transporting flavored air are arranged parallel to one another, ie no mixing takes place in front of the mouth end 28 . The other components and the principle of action correspond completely to those according to the in 1 Schematically illustrated embodiment.

At the in 2 shown design, which is not the subject of the invention, is also shown that when used as intended, the end of the mouth extends a little way into the mouth of the user. In the representation after 2 however, the extension has been exaggerated for clarity. The advantage of extending the mouth end 28 into the oral cavity is that there is as little mixing as possible between the flavored air and the pure liquid. In the same way, it is of course also possible for the end of the mouth 28 to be in the area of the user's lips when used as intended.

in the in 2 illustrated design, the air channel 22 for transporting flavored air and the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid extend equally far into the oral cavity of the user, ie the transport channel 18 and the air channel 22 both end at the same point at the end of the mouth 28. With the parallel arrangement of the transport channel 18 and the air channel 22, however, this does not necessarily have to be the case and one of the two channels can extend less far into the mouth of the user extend than the other. Accordingly, two variants are conceivable.

According to the first variant, the air channel 22 extends further into the oral cavity than the transport channel 18 for the drinking liquid. In this variant, not shown, the user has the feeling of taking the drinking liquid directly from the mouthpiece of the bottle on the lips. However, the flavored air is guided a little way into the oral cavity and is therefore only in contact with the pure liquid for a very short time, so that a mass transfer between the flavored air and the pure liquid can be almost completely ruled out. In addition, the geometry and the length of the individual channels can also be technically determined in order to be able to achieve the most even possible suction of pure liquid and flavored air during the drinking process.

As an alternative to the variant described above, only the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid can also extend further into the user's oral cavity, while the air channel 22 for transporting flavored air ends in the area of the user's lips when he drinks from the drinking device according to the invention . This measure also serves to keep the contact time between the aromatized air and the drinking liquid as short as possible and has the advantage that the aroma can already unfold in the user's throat.

In order to be able to use the drinking device according to the invention in a meaningful way, it must be ensured that on the one hand the aroma does not leak out in an undesirable manner during storage of the drinking device, but also that a drinking device already filled with pure liquid can leak out. In addition, the drinking device must also have an air duct between the interior of the storage container for drinking liquid and the outside atmosphere, which serves to equalize pressure and introduces a corresponding volume of air into the drinking device in accordance with the volume of drinking liquid removed from the drinking device when drinking. This air duct should also be provided with a suitable shut-off device so that no drinking liquid can escape undesirably.

In the Figures 3a and 3b a design is shown in which the mouthpiece of a drinking device not according to the invention is attached to the drinking device 10 so that it can pivot about an axis of rotation 30 and in the direction of arrow C between the in Figure 3a drinking position shown and the in Figure 3b shown sealed position is movable back and forth. For this purpose, the mouthpiece is provided with a continuation 18b of the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid and a continuation 22b of the air channel 22 for transporting flavored air, which is only in the Figure 3a drinking position shown are aligned with the channels 18 and 22, so that the user can drink liquid and flavored air through the Mouthpiece 16 can suck. When closed, takes place as in Figure 3b is shown, a form fit between the drinking device 10 and the mouthpiece 16 takes place, whereby a high-quality aesthetic impression is created.

Deviating from the in Figure 3b In the design shown schematically, it is also possible to modify the mouthpiece 16 and the receiving geometry provided for the mouthpiece in the closed state in such a way that in the sealed state the continuations 22b and 18b of the transport channels 22, 18 are not open to the outside, so that in the Phases in which the drinking device is not used, no unwanted substances can get into the mouthpiece 16 from the outside.

The Figures 4a and 4b 12 schematically show a possible embodiment for a compensating valve for the air ducts 32 for the inflow of air for the purpose of pressure equalization. A check valve is used for this.

Such a non-return valve can consist of an elastic component 34 which, on the one hand, is firmly fixed in a wall 36 of the drinking device according to the invention and, on the other hand, is provided with an elastic sealing plate 38 which, in the event of negative pressure, as in Figure 4a is shown deformed under the influence of the increased external pressure so that in the direction of arrow D air can flow through the air duct 32 into the interior of the reservoir. is, as in Figure 4b has been shown, the pressure equalization has been established, the sealing plate 38 lies tightly against the wall 36 from the inside of the container and closes the air duct 32, so that, as in Figure 4b is shown, no outside air can flow in direction E into the interior of the reservoir 12 and at the same time no liquid can flow out through the air duct 32 . If for any reason the pressure inside the reservoir is higher than the pressure of the outside atmosphere, the situation is the same as in Figure 4b shown before and it prevents the unwanted escape of liquid or air from the interior of the container.

At the in figure 5 illustrated embodiment is a variant of that in the Figures 3a and 3b shown solution using a rotatable mouthpiece. In the embodiment according to figure 5 the mouthpiece 16 can be moved in the direction of the arrow F and back and stands, as in figure 5 is shown, in the drinking position a short distance from the head part 14 of the drinking device 10 . In order to be able to move the mouthpiece 16 designed as a slide, it can be provided with a gripping aid in the form of corrugations (not shown) on the upper side in a suitable manner. The embodiment after figure 5 is a very elegant solution, because after the drinking process, the mouthpiece 16 is pushed counter to the direction of the arrow F until the end of the mouth 28 can be flush with the surrounding surface of the head part 14, which also shows the user immediately whether the drinking device is in an open or closed position closed state. Technically, the solution can be figure 5 implemented in that the transport channels 18 and 20 initially extend in the axial direction of the drinking device in the direction of the mouthpiece and only in the in figure 5 shown pushed-out position of the mouthpiece 16 with the arranged in the mouthpiece continuations of Transport channels 18 and 22 are aligned. This could be achieved, for example, by using an eccentric so that opening and closing is made possible by a rotary movement.

In the 6 Another embodiment of a drinking device not according to the invention is shown using a rotating lid 40 which is screwed onto the reservoir 12 and thereby tightly seals the mouth end 28 with the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid and the air channel 22 for transporting flavored air to the outside. In addition, the rotating lid 40 can also extend so far over the body of the storage container 12 that, when the lid is screwed on, an in 6 not shown inlet opening to the air duct for pressure equalization is closed with. The advantage of a lid is also that it protects the end of the mouth 28 from contamination and, due to the pressure resistance of a screw connection, is also suitable for securely sealing the drinking device filled with a liquid 42 containing carbon dioxide.

In the 7 The variant shown of a locking device on a drinking device not according to the invention has a pull cock 44 which is arranged in the head part 14 . When the user pulls the pull tab in the direction of arrow G, the drinking device 10 opens for drinking. For tight closure, the pull-cock 44 is again pressed in the opposite direction of the arrow G in the direction of the head part. The position of the mouthpiece designed as a pull-tap 44 shows the user that he does not have to tilt the bottle in order to be able to drink. A coding/marking, for example with different colors, could also give the user a clear indication that the pull-tap is in the pulled-out position and the drinking device is therefore not tightly closed.

In 8 a further solution using a rotary stopper in a drinking device not according to the invention is shown schematically. The rotary stopper 46 can be used both as a sealing device and as a throttling device for throttling the volume flow of drinking liquid conducted through the transport channel 18 and the volume flow of flavored air conducted through the air channel 22 . The schematic in 8 The rotating stopper 46 shown is rotatably arranged in the head part of the drinking device and can be moved in the direction of rotation H by the user by actuating the hand wheel 50 . Part of the rotary plug 46 is a shaft 52, which is rotatably guided in the housing and in which there are through openings 48a and 48b, which are located in the 8 shown orientation are not aligned with the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid and the transport channel 20 for flavored air. However, if the shaft 52 is rotated by approximately 90° in the direction of arrow H with the openings 48a and 48b by actuating the rotary plug 46, the openings 48a and 48b are aligned with the channels 22 and 18, so that the flow connections are opened. However, the openings 48a and 48b can also be brought into a position by actuating the rotary stopper in which only part of the opening cross section of the openings 48a and 48b is available for air and liquid to flow through. In this way, the rotary plug can also be used for throttling.

With the alternative use of a rotary stopper 46 with channels arranged in an X-shape, the ratio of drinking liquid and flavored air can be varied. For this purpose, the openings 48b in the rotary stopper and the channels arranged in an x-shape for transporting drinking liquid each have the same flow cross-section, while the channels arranged in an x-shape for transporting flavored air have different flow cross-sections. As shown schematically in the detailed views in 8 As shown, the opening 48a and the adjoining channel have a larger flow area than the opening 48c and the adjoining channel. As a result, by selecting the rotary position of the rotary plug, a user can on the one hand close the transport duct 18 and the air duct 22, and on the other hand set different flow cross-sections for the air duct 22 when the transport duct 18 for the drinking liquid is open and thus throttle the amount of flavored air.

The advantage of the rotary stopper is that the flow can be infinitely adjusted and the actuation of the locking device is intuitively recorded for each user.

According to a further embodiment, not shown, a sports valve can be provided in which similar to the embodiment 7 , the mouthpiece is displaced in an axial direction between the closed and the open position. In addition to the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid and the air channel 22 for transporting flavored air, the actuation of the mouthpiece can also simultaneously open and close the air channel 32 for pressure equalization. As with the sports valves known in the prior art and in the trade, the mouthpiece is pulled out when the drinking device is to be put into the drinking state and pushed back in the direction of the reservoir accordingly when the drinking device is to be sealed. In contrast to the known drinking vessels with a sports valve, however, the drinking device does not have to fall when drinking, since the drinking liquid and the flavored air are sucked in by the user.

The use of an integrated valve is in the Figures 9 and 10 shown. In the 9 the integrated valve is shown in a drinking device not according to the invention with a separately running air duct 22 for transporting flavored air and transport duct 18 for drinking liquid, while in 10 the transport channels 18 and 20 are connected in series, as is shown schematically on the basis of 1 was presented.

If you turn to 9 too, it becomes clear that the mouthpiece 16 of the drinking device can be pulled out in the direction of the arrow J relative to the head part 14 and pushed back in again. in the in 9 In the pulled-out state shown, the transport channel 18 and the air channel 22 are open, so that the drinking device can be drunk from. At the same time, the air duct 32 is also open to equalize the pressure. If the mouthpiece 16 is now pushed towards the head part 14 until the Mouthpiece 16 rests firmly on the head part 14, the opening of the air duct 32 is sealed with the projection 54 on the mouthpiece 16. The offset of the mouthpiece 16 relative to the head part also interrupts the flow connection from the head part to the mouthpiece at the entry point of the air duct 22 into the mouthpiece 16, so that the air duct 22 is closed. Furthermore, the movement in the direction of the arrow K also closes the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid, so that with the aid of the in 9 illustrated integrated valve of the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid, the air channel 22 for transporting flavored air and the air channel 32 for pressure equalization can be opened and closed simultaneously. The ones in the Figures 9 and 10 The shape of the mouthpiece shown in the region of the end of the mouth is shown only schematically and can of course have any shape that is ergonomic for the user.

Locking of the mouthpiece 16 in the closed position can be implemented via form-fitting elements in the form of, for example, locking nipples 15a, 17a and corresponding depressions 15b and 17b, which 10 are shown.

The design according to 10 differs from the one after 9 only in that in the mouthpiece 16 the air channel 22 for transporting flavored air is not routed to the end of the mouth 28, but according to the invention in the area of the mouthpiece opens into the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid. Otherwise, however, the embodiment differs 10 not from the one after 9 , So that in terms of the principle of action of the sealing device fully on the statements 9 can be referred.

The embodiment after Figures 11a and 11b integrate the sealing device into the aroma container 20 in the case of a drinking device not according to the invention. The aroma container is pressed with the aid of a finger in the direction of the arrow L against the compressive force of a spring 56 in order to move the continuation 18b of the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid provided in the aroma container 20 into the in Figure 11b to bring shown flush connection with the sections 18a and 18c of the transport channel for drinking liquid. It is conceivable that the liquid connection through the transport channel 18 only lasts as long as a user actually presses on the aroma container 20 from the outside with a finger. In the same way, however, it is also possible to provide a locking position, comparable to the locking function of a ballpoint pen, so that, as in Figure 11b is indicated by the double arrow L, pressing the aroma container back into the in Figure 11a shown starting position returns.

According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, it is also possible instead of in the Figures 11a and 11b illustrated translational movement L to use the aroma container rotatably, so that it is comparable to that in FIG 8 shown solution can be rotated using a twist plug between a locked position and at least one drinking position. About different angles of rotation could each have a different opening of the aroma container with different Cross-sectional size are fluidly connected to the air duct 22. In this way, the amount of flavored air and thus the intensity of the flavor can be controlled. For example, the positions "off", "medium", "strong" would be conceivable, in which case an aroma container with two holes of different sizes would be necessary. In the third position in the example, the air channel 22 would be closed and it would thus be possible to drink the liquid without air being supplied and without added aroma. The advantage of this solution is also that the aroma container is also the seal and therefore fewer components are required.

According to a further embodiment that is not shown, a shut-off device can also be designed using a squeezing device. For this purpose, a section of the channel to be sealed, for example the transport channel for drinking liquid, must be provided with a flexible hose which is squeezed together, for example, by a wheel arranged so as to be rotatable in a groove, whereby the flow connection is throttled or interrupted. The technical solution meets the hygienic requirements because there is no direct contact between the shut-off wheel and the substance in the transport channel. This solution is therefore also used, for example, in the medical field to set the transport volume for infusion liquids. If the operating wheel is sunk as far as possible in the head part of the drinking device, a low construction can be realized with this technical solution.

In the embodiments presented above, only a single aroma container was provided in each case for the sake of simplicity, which was arranged in the top part of the container.

What all embodiments have in common is that the drinking device can be designed in such a way that, for example, in the bottom of the drinking device there is a further receiving geometry for at least one further aroma container, which can be exchanged for the existing aroma container as soon as the aroma container in operation is exhausted or the consumer want to change the flavor. In the Figures 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d are each shown embodiments, which schematically show a top view of the reservoir 12, which is rotatable via a centrally located rotary joint 58 with a in the Figures 12a to 12d headboard, not shown, can be connected. In a plan view it can be seen that there is a filling opening 60 for drinking liquid in each of the reservoirs 12 . In the configurations according to Figures 12b and 12c only a single aroma container 20 is provided, while in the embodiments according to Figures 12a and 12d three flavor containers 20 are used, with a different number of flavor containers is possible.

The corresponding receptacles 66 for the aroma containers 20 are in 13 apparent. As also in 13 As can be seen, the aroma containers 20 can be provided with a marking tab 62 which allows the aroma containers 20 to be removed after the flush insertion of the aroma containers 20 into the corresponding receptacle 66 in the storage container 12 . In addition, they can Marker tabs 62 can be arranged so that they extend outside of the reservoir 12 and can thus provide the user with information about the aroma direction used.

If several aroma containers are provided, turning the in Figures 12a to 12d as well as 13 Head part, not shown, can be selected relative to the body of the reservoir 12 between the individual aroma directions. For this purpose, the head part is provided with corresponding markings or a snap-in mechanism, not shown, with the aid of which a user can establish the flow connection of the air duct 22 starting from one of the several aroma containers to the mouthpiece of the drinking device. In this way, the flavor can be changed even while drinking. Likewise, by specifically arranging the head part in a position in which there is no continuous connection of any of the air ducts 22, pure drinking liquid can also be consumed.

At the in the Figures 14a and 14b illustrated embodiment may deviate from the embodiment according to the Figures 12a to 12d as well as 13 a mixture between individual flavors can be made. For this purpose, a mixing device 64 is arranged between the reservoir 12 and the head part 14 with the mouthpiece 16, which in the exemplary embodiment according to 14a comprises three different receptacles for aroma containers 20, which are each used in the mixing device 64 designed as an intermediate plate. In this way, a mixed flavor can be produced from different flavoring substances, which is sucked off via the mixing ring 68 and fed to the mouthpiece via the air duct 22 in the head part 14 adjoining it.

The in the Figures 14a and 14b The technical solution presented offers the advantage that a user can produce his own flavor combinations.

In the 15 An alternative design is shown in which the aroma container 20 is divided into individual segments 20a, 20b and 20c and is closed by means of a cover 70 at the top. A user can make a free compilation of the individual aromas that are used in the individual segments 20a, 20b and 20c and from which a mixture is produced.

If different aromas were mentioned in the above description, this term also includes individual aromas which contain the same flavor but have a different flavor intensity.

The embodiment after 16 outlines an attachment option for an aroma container 20, which is provided with a spring 56 on the lower side. The peripheral wall of the essentially circular-cylindrical aroma container 20 has, in addition to the scent hole 72 shown here, a guide 74 which is a groove which has two sections arranged at an angle to one another. The first section 74a runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the circular-cylindrical aroma container, whereas the second portion 74b follows the first portion 74a and extends circumferentially to an end surface 74c. A possible associated reservoir 12 is in 17 shown and shows similarities to the in Figure 12c shown geometry with a filling opening 60 shaped essentially in the form of a semicircular segment and a receptacle 66 for the in 16 1, wherein there is a projection 76 on the peripheral wall of the receiving space 66 which is arranged and configured to be moved within the guide 74 during insertion. The reservoir after 17 but could also be designed in such a way that no bayonet connection is required between the receiving space 66 and the aroma container 20, since the placement of an in 17 illustrated head part of the aroma container is fixed.

When the aroma container is inserted, it is initially inserted in the correct angular position relative to the projection 76 in the axial direction L, with the projection 76 running through the first section 74a of the guide 74 and then being rotated relative to the receiving space 66 in the direction of the arrow M, so that the projection 76 extends in the second section 74b and up to the abutment surface 74c within the guide 74. As soon as the projection 76 rests against the abutment surface 74c, the scent hole 72 is in fluid communication with the air duct.

In the embodiment according to 18a, 18b as well as 19 a separate mouthpiece 16 is shown, in which, as is best in 19 is shown using a drinking device not according to the invention, an aroma container 20 can be used directly. The aroma container in this solution does not have to be exchangeable, since instead of exchanging the aroma container, the mouthpiece itself is exchanged. By replacing the mouthpiece together with the aroma container, hygiene is improved and the number of individual parts is also reduced and the use of the drinking device according to the invention is simplified. As for the attachment of the mouthpiece to the head of the drinking device, any solution can be used here as long as there is the required seal between the mouthpiece and the head of the drinking device.

The schematic embodiment after Figures 20a and 20b Figure 12 shows a drinking device according to the invention, shown as if the housing were transparent. The drinking device 10 again consists of a reservoir 12 and a head part 14. The head part 14 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow P relative to the reservoir by means of a rotatable connection 58, which is shown in the present example as a threaded bolt with a lock nut. The aroma container 20 is inserted in the head part and the air duct 22 for transporting flavored air opens into the transport duct 18b for drinking liquid, which is completely irrelevant for understanding this embodiment, since the air duct 22 runs parallel to the transport duct 18b to the end of the mouth 28 in the same way could become.

When the head part 14 is rotated relative to the reservoir 12, as in Figure 20b is shown, the sections 18a and 18b of the transport channel for drinking liquid, but also in the head part Located air duct 32 are brought into flow connection with the air duct section 32b, so that in the in Figure 20b shown configuration, the drinking device is in an operational state. Since the parting plane 78 between the reservoir 12 and the head part 14 does not run perpendicularly to the cylindrical outer wall of the reservoir 12, but is arranged at an angle to it, changes as shown in FIG Figure 20b in comparison to Figure 20a Illustrated is the location of the head portion 14 between the sealed storage position and the drinking position. In this way, the user can not only be signaled whether the drinking device is in the drinking position, but also a position that is as ergonomic as possible for drinking can be established.

At the in the 21 and 22 In the illustrated embodiments of the drinking device according to the invention, an aroma container 20 is used, which is designed as an aroma ring that is placed on the head part 14 in the immediate vicinity of the mouthpiece 28 . In the embodiment after 21 and 22 there is only a single opening at the end of the mouth 28, namely the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid, since, as in 21 it can be seen that the air duct 22 opens into this shortly before the end of the mouth. In the same way, however, it is also possible when using an aroma ring to run the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid and the air channel 22 for transporting flavored air in parallel up to the end 28 of the mouth.

The ring-shaped aroma container 20 is divided into different segments 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d, which can contain different aroma strengths or aroma directions. The marking 78 on the head part 14 of the container shows the user which aroma chamber is being used. If the marking 78 is not aligned with the respective marking 80 on the individual chambers, the embodiment according to FIG 21 and 22 but also the connection between the aroma container and the transport channel 18 can be blocked, so that a user cannot drink aromatized liquid via the system according to the invention. The aroma container could only be inserted in a corresponding recess in the head part 14 with a friction fit, which allows the user to handle it particularly easily and conveniently.

Deviating from that in the 21 and 22 illustrated embodiment, it is of course also possible to provide an undivided aroma ring and consequently provide only a single flavor for the consumer. Regardless of the number of chambers, the advantage is that the user can easily replace and handle them, who can change the aroma during drinking if there are several different types of aroma, but can also move the ring to a position in which no aroma is dosed and also the air duct 22 for transporting flavored air is closed, so that no air bubbles get into the water, whereby a different mouthfeel can be achieved for the user.

At the in the Figure 23a , 23b and 23c illustrated embodiment is a non-inventive drinking device 10, which is a drinking cup open at the top. The aroma container 20 is shown in this embodiment as a ring which surrounds the reservoir 12 on the outer circumference thereof and either, as in 23c shown, is connected via a short air duct 22 for transporting flavored air to the transport duct 18 for drinking liquid, or, as in 23c is not shown, has an air duct which is guided parallel to the transport duct for drinking liquid and up to the end 28 of the mouth. When using the drinking cup, as in Figure 23b is shown, the drinking liquid from the mouth end 28 (see Figure 23a ) aspirated, thereby, as in 1 was shown, the drinking liquid mixed with air bubbles flavored air is sucked. A parallel routing of the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid and the air channel 22 for transporting flavored air is also conceivable here.

A variant of the in Figure 23a The open drinking vessel shown could be a shot glass that works according to the same principle as the open drinking vessel and can also be used for spirits that are to be provided with additional flavors, for example.

In the Figures 24a and 24b another embodiment of the invention is shown. The special feature of this embodiment is that the head part 14 can be screwed onto any bottle serving as a storage container 12 . An aroma container is permanently installed in the head part 14, which transports the aromatized air via an air duct 22 (not shown) either parallel to the transport duct 18 for drinking liquid to the end of the mouth 28 or, according to the schematic representation in 1 opens into the transport channel 18 just before the mouth end 28 . In the embodiment according to Figures 24a and 24b a conventional bottle with pure drinking liquid can be used, which can be reconfigured as desired by replacing the head part 14 with the suction hose 80 connected thereto. Above all, this embodiment is also advantageous in regions where the tap water is not drinkable due to insufficient quality, so that the consumers buy pure water as drinking liquid, which can be modified to any desired flavors via the bottle attachment.

Another embodiment of a drinking device not according to the invention is shown schematically in FIGS Figures 25a and 25b shown. In this embodiment, the drinking device 10 according to the invention consists of the storage container 12 designed as an open glass and a drinking straw 82 to be arranged in the storage container, which contains the components and functionality of the suction hose 80, the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid and, due to the aroma container arranged in a ring around the drinking straw 20 also of the air duct 22 for transporting flavored air combined. Similar to the previous exemplary embodiment using a bottle attachment, the drinking straw 82 can be combined with any storage containers 12, with the aroma container 20 preferably not being interchangeable but firmly connected to the drinking straw.

In the Figures 26a and 26b Finally, an embodiment is shown in which the shown head part 12 of the drinking device 10 (not shown) has fallen into a position upside down during drinking can be, as consumers know this, for example, with drinking devices using a sports valve. The specificity of the embodiment after Figures 26a and 26b is that neither a suction hose 80 nor a drinking straw 82 is required. Without these elements, the drinking system according to the invention becomes easier to handle hygienically. In addition, this embodiment reduces the number of individual components, which simplifies manufacture and shortens assembly of the system. In addition, the consumer is used to tipping his drinking bottle from conventional systems. through the in Figures 26a and 26b system shown, no liquid from the reservoir 12 is unintentionally spilled in the usual handling, in contrast to the previously listed embodiments. This in Figures 26a and 26b The head part 14 illustrated can be connected to a storage vessel 12 via the illustrated thread 84 or another fastening option, care being taken to ensure that the connection prevents liquid from escaping. A non-return valve 85 can be fitted to equalize the pressure between the inner and outer areas of the drinking device 10, as is shown, for example, in Figures 4a and 4b is shown.

in the in Figure 26a listed embodiment, the aroma container is shown as an example as a wide ring 83, the functional principle of which corresponds to the aroma container 20. The aroma depot is connected in terms of flow via the air duct 22 . A displaceable mouthpiece, not shown here, must be pushed into the opening 86, which corresponds to a conventional mouthpiece of sports drinking bottles and must be made of a substantially flexible material. By moving it in direction K, the mouthpiece (not shown) opens and closes the drinking device 10.

In the Figures 27a and 27b a preferred embodiment of the drinking device according to the invention is shown with a change in the liquid channel 18 on the mouthpiece 16 in the head part 14 of the drinking device. It is made possible by the in Figure 27a shown taper 19 or in Figure 27b shown expansion 23 of the channel at the mouthpiece 16 a change in the pressure conditions in the liquid-air mixture. This changes the shape and size of the air bubbles and makes drinking more pleasant.

Another preferred embodiment of the improvement to the drinking device 10 is shown in FIGS Figures 28a and 28b shown. The preferred embodiment of the improvement according to the invention provides that the liquid channel 18 in the reservoir 12 of the drinking device 10 tapers ( 28a - Section 21) or extended ( Figure 28b - Clause 25). This enables a constant or changed suction pressure at different fill levels of the reservoir 12. The required suction pressure is essentially due to the hydrostatic gravity pressure of the liquid and the frictional loss of the fluid on the wall of the liquid channel 18. According to Pascal's law, the hydrostatic gravitational pressure is invariably directly proportional to the fill level in the reservoir 12 and noticeably influences the suction pressure to be applied by the person drinking. By changing the geometry of the liquid channel 18, this negative change can be compensated for in part or in its entirety and thus improving the drinking experience. In addition, the pressure differences can be reduced by using a substantially wide and therefore flat reservoir, which is not shown here.

Another, in 29 The preferred embodiment of the drinking device 10 shown in the drawing provides that the air duct 22 in the head part 14 is only tapered at one point 27 and the air duct otherwise has a wider cross-section. This has the advantage that, despite the required small cross section, in particular diameter, of the air duct 14 , it is easier to produce and clean. For example, in the in 29 Illustratively shown embodiment, liquid that occurs from the liquid channel 18 into the air channel 22, run back into the liquid channel 18 without any problems, resulting in hygienic advantages.

Another preferred embodiment is in Figures 30a and 30b shown schematically. A solution is shown here by way of example, in which the head part 14 can be divided into two parts 14a and 14b essentially axisymmetrically. Both parts 14a, 14b each contain part of the air channel 22 and the liquid channel 18 on the inside, which form the channels required for the drinking device when the two halves 14a, 14b are joined together in the direction of the arrow C. A fastening device 29, which is in the in the Figures 30a and 30b preferred embodiment is shown as a ring, for example, can be reversibly held together by shifting the two parts 14a and 14b in the direction of arrow D. In Figure 30b the divisible head part 14 is shown in the drinking position. Here, the recess 66 for the aroma reservoir 20 (not shown) is also cylindrical. A seal can be achieved by manufacturing the head part 14 from a substantially flexible material.

Another preferred embodiment of the divisible head part 14 is shown in 31 shown. The recess 66 for the aroma reservoir 20 is also possible in the head part. The integration into the interior of the head part offers the advantage that the aroma reservoir 20 is not visible from the outside when the head part is closed and the aroma reservoir thus has to be designed less complex and volatilization of the aroma substance from the aroma reservoir during storage is slowed down. The aroma reservoir is inserted by joining the two parts 14a and 14b in the direction of the arrow E. The two parts of the head part 14 are held together by a mechanism that is not shown here.

A further embodiment for optimizing a drinking device according to the invention is exemplified in FIG Figures 32a, 32b and 32c shown. A preferred embodiment is in 32a the head part 14 of a drinking device is shown, which contains a liquid channel 18 and an air channel 22 . In 32a a liquid channel shaped in the same way over the entire length is shown.

On the other hand is in Figure 32b a preferred embodiment of a head part 14 of a drinking device is shown, in which the liquid channel 18 has a smaller diameter at the connection point of the liquid channel 18 with the air channel 22 than at the other points. This changes the flow conditions of the liquid in the liquid channel 18 when the drinking device is used. Due to the narrowing, the dynamic pressure (back pressure) is maximum at the entry point and the static pressure of the liquid is minimum. The speed of the liquid increases in relation to the cross sections when flowing through the constricted part, since the amount of liquid does not change. At the same time, the pressure in the air duct 22, which is installed at the narrowest point, drops. This creates a pressure difference that increases the intake of the flavored air into the liquid of the drinking device. As a result, the user does not have to suck as hard on the drinking device, for example, which improves the feeling of drinking. This effect, known as the Venturi effect, improves the drinking device significantly.

Another preferred embodiment is in 32c as an example and provides that a liquid channel 18 and an air channel 22 are arranged in the head part 14 of the drinking device, with at least one of the two channels being expanded at the connection point of the two channels compared to the cross section of the other areas of the respective channels. This also makes it possible for the user of the drinking device to have a different feeling when drinking.

Another preferred embodiment of the head part 14 is in Figures 33a and 33b shown as an example and provides that the air channel 22 is interrupted by a chamber 87 designed essentially as a recess on the outer wall of the liquid channel 18 . The air duct is interrupted by a chamber 87 in such a way that a recess is provided in the head part 14 of the drinking device at the point of contact between the removable riser 18 for the drinking liquid (liquid duct) and the air duct 22 . In the embodiment shown as an example, the air duct 22 from the aroma container 20 opens into the chamber 87 at a position at the top. The chamber designed in this way prevents the drinking liquid from bouncing back into the aroma reservoir 20 . Due to the opposite position of the continuation of the air duct 22, the chamber 87 is used in the best possible way. Due to the different height positions of the inlet and outlet openings of the air channel 22 in and out of the chamber 87 , among other things, it is possible for drinking liquid to flow back into the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid. The arrangement of the chamber 87 at the point of contact between the head part 14, which can be made of a substantially elastic material, for example, and the transport channel 18 for drinking liquid enables easier cleaning after the components have been disassembled. In addition, Figures 33a and 33b the air supply line 32 is shown through the head part 14 into the reservoir 12, not shown, for drinking liquid. The Figure 33b Fig. 12 shows the embodiment of the head part 14 of the drinking device 33a on average, making the Positions of the chamber 87 and the entry point of the air duct 22 and the exit point from the chamber 87 in the continuation of the air duct 22b is made clear.

What all the embodiments have in common is that the aroma is only taken up orally and there is therefore no orthonasal olfactory impression. Through the oral intake of the aroma, the taste impression on the user arises exclusively through retronasal perception of the aroma substance and, if at all, the consumer absorbs it only in negligible amounts via the enteral route. Complex aromas and aroma mixtures can also be produced that do not require long-term stabilization in the drinking liquid and are also not swallowed by the user.

Claims (11)

1. A drinking device for retronasal reception of an aroma substance, comprising:

   - a storage container (12) for drinking liquid;

   - at least one aroma container (20) through which air can flow; and

   - a transport channel (18) for drinking liquid running from the storage container (12) to a mouth end (28) of the drinking device (10); and

   - an air channel (22) for transport of aromatised air running from at least one of the at least one aroma container (20) to the transport channel (18) for drinking liquid;

   characterised in that
   the air channel (22) comprises a chamber (87) which is arranged between a dismountable head part (14) of the drinking device (10) and the transport channel (18) for drinking liquid and which is preferably annular.
2. The drinking device according to claim 1,
   further comprising a throttling device and/or sealing device, preferably in a mouthpiece (16) comprising the mouth end (28), wherein preferably the mouthpiece (16) is movable from a sealing position to a non-sealing position.
3. The drinking device according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the head part (14) is divisible.
4. The drinking device according to claim 2 or claim 3,
   characterised in that
   one of the at least one, preferably removable, aroma container (20) comprises the sealing device, wherein the aroma container (20) is movable from a sealing position to a non-sealing position.
5. The drinking device according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   at least one of the at least one aroma container (20) comprises multiple chambers (20a, 20b,...) containing aroma substances of different odour intensity and/or different aromas.
6. The drinking device according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   one of the at least one aroma container (20) is located in a mouthpiece (16) of the drinking device (10), wherein the mouthpiece (16) is preferably replaceable.
7. The drinking device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pressure compensation valve (34, 38) closing an air supply conduit (32) leading into the inner space of the storage container (12) for drinking liquid.
8. The drinking device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a head part (14) of the drinking device (10), which comprises the mouth end (28) and is movably arranged relative to the storage container (12), wherein the head part (14) is movable from a position sealing the transport channel (18) for drinking liquid and/or the air channel (22) for transport of aromatised air to a non-sealing position.
9. The drinking device according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the at least one aroma container (20) comprises a filter substance and a user-activatable aroma unit containing a fluid with an aromatising substance, wherein the fluid is releasable into the filter substance upon activation of the aroma unit.
10. The drinking device according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the air channel (22) has a minimum cross-sectional area between 0.2 mm² and 4.9 mm².
11. The drinking device according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising a permeable membrane in the air channel (22), preferably at the confluence of the air channel with the transport channel (18) for drinking liquid.

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