Drinking device

Abstract

The invention relates to a drinking device for the transcutaneous perception of aromatic substances.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a drinking device comprising a storage container (12) for drinking liquid, at least one aroma container (20) through which air can flow, a transporting channel (18) for drinking liquid leading from the storage device (12) to a mouth end (28) of the drinking device (10), and an air channel (22) for transporting aromatized air leading from at least one of the at least one aroma container (20) to the transporting channel (18) for drinking liquid or to the mouth end (28).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20b

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drinking device for the transdermal perception of aroma substances. [Background technology]

[0002] There is an increasing need to consume beverages that have a pleasant flavor profile and that prevent the health risks that may be posed by the absorption of aroma substances or stabilizers dissolved in the beverage. Additionally, there is a need to avoid excessive calorie intake. Therefore, in recent years, waters with subtle fruity flavors have become popular, but these flavored drinks also contain undesirable additives such as stabilizers and a certain amount of sugar, and the calorie content of these flavored drinks is such that many users reject them.

[0003] The first step to solving this problem is to add flavorings just before drinking the beverage. Patent documents 1 to 3 are examples of administration systems in which aromatic substances, which were originally provided separately, are added to the beverage liquid just before or during drinking and dissolved. Although this method can avoid problems such as the stabilization of the beverage liquid over a long period of time, the problem of undesirable incorporation of additives still exists.

[0004] Because the sense of smell plays an important role in flavor perception when eating or drinking food or beverages, previous systems have attempted to influence the smell perceived during consumption. To this end, US Patent No. 5,629,999 proposes a fragrance element that can be attached to a beverage container near the spout, so that the fragrance element is in close proximity to the user's nose and the user can inhale the fragrance through their nose as they drink the beverage.

[0005] The drinking vessel disclosed in Patent Document 5 also operates on the principle of inhaling aroma through the nose while drinking. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 028353 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 030726 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 8,662,2904 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 5,635,229 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 8,662,339 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to propose a drinking device that can improve the user's taste experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This object is achieved by a drinking device with the features of the attached claim 1. Preferred embodiments can be taken from the remaining claims and the following description.

[0009] The drinking device of the present invention for percutaneously perceiving an aromatic substance comprises a storage container for a drinking liquid, at least one aroma container through which air can flow, a drinking liquid transport path extending from the storage container to the mouth end of the drinking device, and an air flow path for transporting aromatized air from at least one of the at least one aroma container to the drinking liquid transport path or the mouth end.

[0010] A substantial aspect of the drinking device according to the invention is that the aroma substances are perceived transcutaneously. During drinking, the aroma substances reach the user's mouth with the drinking liquid, then travel via the pharynx up to the olfactory mucosa (regio olfactoria) where they are detected by receptors and perceived by the user. The device according to the invention is equally suitable for drinking cold and hot water.

[0011] This takes advantage of the close correlation between smell and taste, giving the user the impression that they are tasting an aroma when in fact they are only smelling it.

[0012] Human flavor perception is essentially determined by retronasal olfaction. Receptors on the tongue can only distinguish between sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami flavors. Differentiated flavor perception, on the other hand, occurs when the vapor phase of a food or liquid enters the pharynx, ascends through the olfactory pathway, and reaches the olfactory mucosa. Sensors in the pharynx stimulate nerves, leaving a flavor impression in the brain. When aromas reach the pharynx during drinking, a person receives the impression that a beverage is flavored, even though they are ingesting a pure, unadulterated, or unscented, liquid, such as water, because the re-nasal olfactory process creates a sensation in the brain that the beverage is the source of the aroma. When perceiving odors by inhaling through the nose, known as eurhinal perception of aromas, this impression does not occur to the same extent because the sensation is linked to the rate of breathing. Therefore, the user receives the correct impression that they are only smelling the aroma, not the flavor, as occurs with eurhinal perception.

[0013] The reservoir, which is preferably designed to be refillable, can contain pure water or carbonated water, while the aroma is transferred to the air in a transport channel, and the aroma of the beverage liquid is supplied by the user just before ingestion, or the aroma is delivered separately to the user's throat.

[0014] Alternatively, the beverage liquid may have its own inherent flavor. The existing inherent flavor of the beverage liquid may be enhanced by the aroma from the aroma container or supplemented with one or more additional flavor components. For example, if the storage container contains apple juice, an apple aroma may be added to enhance the flavor experience, or an orange aroma may be added to create a flavor blend. In this way, additional aromas may be provided for alcoholic beverages, such as beer, to meet the special tastes of users using an appropriate aroma container in the drinking device according to the present invention. In addition, flavor profiles not commonly found in the food industry, such as the well-known aromas "sandalwood," "spring meadow," and "unicorn," may also be used in the drinking device disclosed herein. The aromas used may be synthetic or natural. Aromas isolated or concentrated from artificial or natural sources may be used with natural substances, such as fresh or processed products, such as lemon peel, dandelion leaf, and licorice.

[0015] The present invention also provides for multiple scent containers, which are replacement scent containers that are used as soon as the current scent container is consumed. Alternatively or additionally, multiple scent containers can be used simultaneously to create a blend of different base scents to suit your taste.

[0016] According to the invention, the drinking liquid transport path leads to a mouth end, and the air flow path either enters the drinking liquid transport path immediately adjacent to the mouth end or leads to the mouth end away from the drinking liquid transport path.

[0017] The advantage of the solution in which the air flow path flows into the liquid transport path very close to the mouth end is that it cannot be accidentally swallowed. When the liquid is ingested, the aroma is automatically detected. However, the disadvantage of this solution is that the liquid contains air bubbles, which results in a noise similar to that caused by sucking both liquid and air through a straw. Furthermore, the user does not get the desired impression that they are drinking pure liquid. Finally, the liquid is in contact with the scented air for a longer period of time, during which a large amount of aroma is transferred from the air to the surrounding liquid. Therefore, the user perceives the drinking water as "contaminated," regardless of whether the aroma is harmless. Therefore, it is preferable for the air flow path to continue to the mouth end, which is separate from the liquid transport path.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mouth end is designed so that the liquid delivery path and the air path for delivering the aromatized air are separated from each other at the mouth end by substantially the same longitudinal distance. Here, "longitudinal direction" is understood to mean the direction along the longitudinal extension of the liquid delivery path and the aromatized air delivery path at the mouth. In other words, when drinking, the liquid delivery path and the air flow path extend essentially equally to the user's mouth.

[0019] In this technical solution, the aromatized air and the drinking water are inhaled separately. The aromatized air not only separates from the surrounding liquid in the form of bubbles, but also, after entering the oral cavity, can rise again via the pharynx toward the olfactory mucosa. A further advantage of delivering the aromatized air and the drinking water separately into the oral cavity is that mass transfer between the air and the drinking water is further reduced. This is due to two reasons. First, the aromatized air is not contained in the liquid in the form of tiny bubbles, and the total surface area available for mass transfer between the liquid and gas phases is significantly reduced. Second, because the aromatized air is already in a separate phase and no prior separation is required, the amount swallowed by the user with the drinking water is much smaller—in fact, negligible. Finally, this technical solution also has the advantage of providing the user with the slight sensation that they are consuming a clear liquid, rather than a gaseous, aerated liquid. The user perceives themselves as consuming a pure liquid, like water.

[0020] A variant of the solution according to the invention is that the mouth end is designed so that when using the drinking device, the conveying path for the drinking liquid and the air flow path conveying the aromatized air extend at different distances into the user's oral cavity. Naturally, two different possibilities are conceivable here. First, the air flow path carrying the aromatized air can extend further into the user's oral cavity than the delivery path for the beverage liquid, or alternatively, the delivery path for the beverage liquid can extend further into the user's oral cavity. What both solutions have in common is that the aromatized air and the drinking water are inhaled from the device separately from each other. What both solutions also have in common is that the mass transfer between the aromatized air and the drinking water is kept as low as possible. This advantage can be achieved in the same way if the delivery path for the beverage liquid and the delivery path for the aromatized air extend equally far into the user's oral cavity, but they can be designed to project into the user's oral cavity as intended. However, the user may find it uncomfortable if they penetrate too deep into the oral cavity.

[0021] The technical problem with all the above solutions is to adjust the geometric shapes of the beverage liquid conveying channel and the air channel to each other depending on the drinking position and, in the case of special drinking liquids, the viscosity of the drinking liquid, so that the aromatized air and the drinking liquid are absorbed into each other in the desired ratio.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking device further comprises a restrictor and / or a sealing device for the delivery channel for the drinking liquid and / or the air channel for the delivery of the aromatized air, wherein said sealing device is preferably provided on a mouthpiece including the mouth end, and the mouthpiece is movable from a sealing position to an unsealing position.

[0023] Instead of, or preferably in addition to, a sealing device, a throttle device can be provided, which allows the ratio of beverage liquid to aromatized air to be set, thereby adjusting, for example, the degree of aromatization or the flow rate of the beverage liquid. A simple embodiment of a throttle device, which can be operated until it is completely sealed, is a squeeze device, which is a means by which a flexible part of the conveying channel or air channel can be compressed relative to its internal cross-section or completely pinched off from its internal cross-section.

[0024] An alternative preferred embodiment of the closure is the provision of a pull valve, preferably located on the mouthpiece, which is pulled out by the user to release the flow, and after drinking, the pull valve is pushed back into the mouthpiece to close the air flow path and the delivery path.

[0025] A further preferred alternative for the drinking device according to the invention comprises a rotating plug which the user turns to open or close. The use of rotating plugs is well known in chemical engineering, as they constitute a simple yet very tightly sealed component. Furthermore, the rotating plug can also be infinitely adjusted, thus combining the functions of a throttle device and a shut-off device.

[0026] A further preferred alternative to the device according to the invention is a slide valve, which, according to a preferred variant, is provided in the lid of the drinking machine and which at the same time includes a mouthpiece. The advantage of such a slide valve is that it is immediately apparent whether the valve is in the open or closed position.

[0027] A preferred alternative embodiment of the device is to provide a rotating lid, which can be either placed or screwed on, thereby sealing the drinking device. The rotating lid is suitable for tightly sealing the drinking device even when pressure builds up inside the storage container, as may occur when the drinking liquid is a carbonated drink. Such a lid not only tightly seals both the transport path for the drinking liquid and the air path for the aromatized air, but also a separate air path for blowing air into the storage container for pressure equalization purposes. A further advantage of the rotating lid is its secure fit for tightly closing the drinking device, protecting the mouthpiece from contamination and being an element known to all users.

[0028] A preferred alternative embodiment of the device is to provide a sports valve, as is known for example from drinking bottles carried while cycling, whose function is known and intuitive to the user, who pulls the valve to drink and then pushes it back into place after drinking.

[0029] However, particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the mouthpiece of the drinking device is simultaneously a blocking device capable of tightly sealing the transport path leading towards the mouthpiece. In this case, the mouthpiece according to a preferred variant of the invention is designed to be movable from a sealed position to an unsealed position by a translational movement. In this case, the mouthpiece can be designed to seal and open the transport path of the drinking liquid and the air path, as well as the air line for feeding air into the interior of the storage container. Thus, the user only needs to bring the mouthpiece into the operating position, which then activates the sealing device without the user noticing. In this way, the number of structural elements can be reduced, which, among other things, allows a more hygienic design and can reduce the costs of manufacturing and assembling the drinking system.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one fragrance container can be removed and inserted into the drinking device according to the invention by a simple sequence of movements. In this case, according to a preferred variant, a bayonet closure can be used. This has the advantage that the fragrance container in the drinking device is ensured to be correctly oriented after insertion. In a further preferred embodiment, a spring element can also be provided, which allows the fragrance container to be quickly pulled out of the receptacle if it is inserted incorrectly. Different engagement positions allow different fragrance intensities to be set.

[0031] Preferably, one of the at least one fragrance containers is provided with a sealing device, which allows the fragrance container to move from a sealed position to an unsealed position. A fragrance container with a substantially round cross section can be used in the same way as the rotating plug described above, in which case the fragrance container can be rotated about its axis of symmetry to align the transport path of the beverage liquid with the flow path through the fragrance container. The advantage of this solution is that no additional elements are required.

[0032] However, in a similar manner, the fragrance container can be moved from the sealed position to the unsealed position by sliding it axially. For example, any prism-shaped or ring-shaped fragrance container can be pushed axially to place the fragrance container in the unsealed position. The fragrance container may automatically remain in this position, or the fragrance container must be kept depressed in order to enjoy the aroma while drinking. In this way, the user can additionally choose whether to drink the liquid with or without the aroma-laden air.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the at least one fragrance containers can include multiple chambers containing fragrances of different odor intensities and / or different odor qualities. According to a further alternative embodiment of the drinking device of the present invention, many fragrance containers can be provided. According to a further alternative embodiment of the drinking device of the present invention, multiple fragrance containers can be provided. In other words, more than one fragrance container can be provided, and this fragrance container or any number of multiple fragrance containers can further include several chambers. In this way, any desired variation can be realized. If a single fragrance container is provided, it can contain different fragrances, and different fragrances can be provided depending on the insertion direction and the orientation of the fragrance container, which can be changed during drinking. Furthermore, a single fragrance container can vary the type and intensity of the fragrance. For example, a single fragrance container can contain two, three, or more different fragrance intensities of one and the same fragrance substance. Alternatively, a single fragrance container can even contain two different fragrances, each of which is provided at two different stages, resulting in four separate chambers.

[0034] If multiple scent containers are provided, the user can add different scent profiles and scent intensity variations, or one same scent profile to create any individually desired scent blend.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one of the at least one fragrance container is arranged in a mouthpiece of the drinking device, where the mouthpiece is preferably replaceable. This solution has the advantage that the mouthpiece can be replaced with the fragrance container, and a new mouthpiece can be attached to the drinking device after using the fragrance container, improving the hygiene of the drinking device. However, this solution must ensure that the mouthpiece is tightly closed with the storage container for the drinking liquid.

[0036] Providing a fragrance reservoir integrated into the mouthpiece or in the lid of the reservoir has the advantage that the user can directly identify the "flavor profile." For example, the mouthpiece can be colored according to the selected fragrance, e.g., yellow for lemon fragrance and green for green apple fragrance.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the storage container for the potable liquid is provided with a lid. Removal of the lid allows the user to access both the filling opening for the potable liquid and the receiving opening for one or more fragrance containers. After fitting the lid, subsequent rotation of the lid can be used to change the fragrance profile. An advantage of this solution is that no separate means are needed to lock the fragrance container in the drinking device according to the invention, since the fragrance container is automatically locked in the inserted position after the lid is fitted. This solution also makes it easier to seal the fragrance container.

[0038] According to a preferred variant, an information tag is provided which protrudes from the outside of the beverage machine once the lid is fitted and informs the user about the aroma profile that has been inserted, allowing the aroma container to be gripped comfortably for removal.

[0039] In an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fragrance container is designed as a ring located near the mouth end of the drinking device. There may be a single chamber in the ring. The ring-shaped fragrance container may be provided with multiple chambers with different taste profiles, which are preferably identified to the user by additional markings and / or coloring. In this way, the user can intuitively change the scent by activating the fragrance ring, even while drinking. In this way, the use of a ring-shaped fragrance container provides many options for use in a user-friendly manner.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking device according to the invention further comprises a pull valve as a pressure compensation valve that closes the air supply line leading to the interior of the drinking liquid storage container. When a lack of pressure occurs in the storage container due to drinking, i.e., removal, of the drinking liquid, the valve opens, allowing air to enter the drinking liquid storage container. As soon as pressure equalization is established, the pressure valve automatically closes again due to residual stresses, preventing leakage of drinking water. This variant is particularly advantageous if the shut-off device only closes the delivery path for the drinking liquid and the air flow path for delivering the aromatized air, but not the air path for pressure equalization. Such a variant includes providing a mouthpiece that can be pivoted from a sealed position to an activated position while the air flow path for pressure equalization is located elsewhere in the container.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking device also comprises a head portion defining a mouth end and movably arranged relative to the reservoir, whereby the head portion can be moved from a position sealing the conveying path for the drinking liquid and / or the air flow path to a non-sealing position.

[0042] In the simplest case, the head of the drinking device is rotatably attached to a storage container for the drinking liquid. The shape of the head is then angled so that when the head is rotated into the drinking position, it allows an ergonomically comfortable drinking posture for the user. Secondly, it can be chosen so that it is clear to the user that the drinking device is operational and that the drinking liquid will run out if the device is not handled properly. In this way, drinking devices can be designed with a futuristic appearance that emphasizes the claim that the drinking device is a new and innovative drinking device.

[0043] The drinking device according to the invention can be designed in various ways, for example as a portable drinking bottle with a single or double wall, like a thermos flask. However, an open drinking container comparable to a beaker can also be provided, but attention must be paid to the correct drinking posture so that both the drinking liquid and the aroma to be administered during the drink are directed to the pharynx. In this technical solution, the aroma container is a ring surrounding the reservoir for the drinking liquid, from which the aroma is administered into a conveying channel for the drinking liquid or delivered to the user in a separate air channel provided on the container rim of the drinking beaker.

[0044] Alternatively, however, the drinking beaker can be closed at the top and used as a so-called shot glass. This variant is used to modify the flavor of drinking liquids such as spirits, liquors, caffeinated or decaffeinated drinks with specific aromatic substances, to enhance existing flavors or to mask undesirable sensations.

[0045] A further alternative design is to integrate the functional features of the drinking device according to the invention into a straw that includes a mouth end and whose opposite end is located in a reservoir for the drinking liquid. In this case, the straw simultaneously serves as a transport path for the drinking liquid from the reservoir to the mouth end of the drinking device. The aroma container can be arranged in the shape of a ring surrounding the straw and located above the level of the drinking liquid, so that when the straw is used, air is drawn into the aroma container and flows parallel to the transport path for the drinking liquid, leading to the mouth end via the air channel, or the supplied aroma flows into the transport path for the drinking liquid and is thus dispensed into the drinking liquid in the form of air bubbles.

[0046] What all the above ideas and variants have in common is that the aroma substances are introduced into the user's mouth and pharynx via the mouth end, and the flavor impression arises from the nasal perception of the aroma substances. The user perceives pure drinking water, except for some unavoidable absorption of the aroma substances in the pure liquid and incomplete separation of the aroma-carrying air bubbles from the drinking water.

[0047] A preferred embodiment of the present invention for optimizing or simplifying a drinking device is to make the head of the device separable, detachable, or hinged. In this case, the head is composed of one, two, or more parts that must be assembled in order to use the device. In this case, the head can be separated, for example, along an axis of symmetry, and in the unassembled state, the flow paths of the drinking device are fully or partially open. This has several advantages. First of all, it makes the drinking device easier to clean, since cleaning fluid can easily reach the partially narrow flow paths of the drinking device and is not hindered by possible capillary forces. Furthermore, a separable solution for the drinking device's head allows the aroma container of the drinking device to be integrated inside the head. In conventional systems, the aroma container can only be attached from the outside, so it remains visible during use. Furthermore, a separable solution eliminates the need for a separate mechanism for attaching the aroma container, which is required in conventional systems.

[0048] The head part is to be understood as that part of the drinking device in which the essential technology of the drinking device and / or the fragrance container are located. Preferably, it is conveniently attached to the head part of the drinking device, but it can also be located elsewhere in the drinking device or integrated into the drinking device.

[0049] The use of inherently elastic materials such as silicone or other elastomers for the manufacture of the separable or inseparable head or head portions of the drinking device simplifies, for example, the sealing of the system. In addition, the separability of the head allows more options for connecting the head with the liquid reservoir of the drinking device.

[0050] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow path has a special shape. For example, the liquid flow path can be widened or narrowed in one, two, or more locations, so that the diameter of the flow path is larger or smaller in some locations than in others. The narrowing or widening can be performed, for example, in or on the mouthpiece of the drinking device. This can change the mouthfeel for the user when drinking a beverage from the drinking device. Previous solutions have caused drinking comfort issues, as consumers are not accustomed to drinking liquid with air bubbles. Widening or narrowing at one or more points in the liquid-carrying flow path can change the pressure conditions there, thereby changing the size and shape of the air bubbles contained in the liquid. This improves the drinking experience for the user.

[0051] A further preferred embodiment of the present invention is a change in the shape of the liquid flow path at the point where the air flow path enters the drinking device. This has several advantages. For example, by narrowing the liquid flow path at the entrance to the air flow path, the Venturi effect can be utilized. The narrowing of the entrance means that the dynamic pressure (impact pressure) is at a maximum and the static pressure is at a minimum. Since the volume of the liquid remains the same, the velocity of the liquid flowing through the constricted section increases in proportion to the cross-sectional area. At the same time, the pressure in the air flow path, which is preferably located at its narrowest point, decreases. This creates a pressure difference that promotes the absorption of aromatized air into the liquid in the drinking device. This can result in, for example, an improved drinking experience and design advantages, as the user does not have to suck harder on the drinking device.

[0052] Further preferred modifications of the flow path geometry of the drinking device include different surfaces inside the flow path or obstacles that change the flow conditions within the flow path containing the liquid. For example, cavitation can occur. Cavitation or mechanical breakup of bubbles can change the bubble size and / or bubble shape, thereby improving the drinking experience for the user. Bubble size changes can also be achieved, for example, using essentially sieve-like shapes or membranes.

[0053] The air channels of the drinking device can likewise be specially shaped. Existing solutions use channels with a consistent, uniform shape. This creates problems in manufacturing the head of the drinking device, since the air channels then have to be small in diameter. On the other hand, narrow channels make cleaning the drinking device difficult. Therefore, the solution according to the invention allows the air channels to be narrowed essentially by a short distance. This simplifies manufacturing and makes cleaning easier.

[0054] A further preferred embodiment of the drinking device according to the present invention contemplates that the aroma unit of the drinking device according to the present invention must be activated before use. The aroma can be initially encapsulated microscopically or macroscopically. Activation can be achieved, for example, by changing the temperature or a mechanical process. A preferred embodiment includes a substantially circular aroma unit disposed within an air-permeable filter, the interior of which contains a substantially aromatic fluid. The aroma unit's shell, preferably made of a material such as gelatin or agarose, retains the aromatic fluid in a non-volatile state in its inactive state. Upon activation, for example, by breaking the shell under pressure, the fluid is released into the surrounding filter. Solutions of this type have been proposed, for example, for cigarettes, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0261807. According to the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, this technology is used in the drinking device according to the present invention. This offers several advantages: For example, fragrances can be protected from oxidation processes and packaging materials can generally be saved, avoiding plastic seals.

[0055] In a further preferred embodiment of the drinking device according to the invention, the air flow path includes a specially shaped chamber. This solves the problem of drinking liquid entering the air flow path and / or the fragrance container due to fluctuations in pressure and flow conditions in the drinking liquid transport path, which occur at the end of the drinking process from the drinking device. Such liquid intrusion into the fragrance container can, for example, lead to unwanted dilution of the fragrance-releasing substance and cause hygiene problems. The blocking of the air flow path by the chamber can be achieved by providing a recess in the head of the drinking device at the point of contact between the removable drinking liquid transport path and the air flow path. In a preferred embodiment, the air flow path emerging from the fragrance container flows into the chamber at a substantially upper position. On a substantially opposite side, the air flow path continues at a position of the chamber that is substantially at the bottom. The chamber prevents drinking water from flowing back into the fragrance container. The continuation of the air flow path at a substantially opposite position makes the chamber ideal for use. The different heights of the inlet and outlet of the air flow path allow, inter alia, the return of drinking water to the drinking device. Furthermore, the chamber can be located at the contact point between the head portion and the beverage liquid transport path, making it easier to clean the two components after they are separated.

[0056] Common to all preferred embodiments and combinations of the above and below mentioned technical features is that the mediated air flow through the air channel during normal drinking from the drinking device according to the invention is about 250-550 mL / min. This air flow is, for example, suitable for an air channel with a diameter of about 0.5-2.5 mm, or a cross-sectional area of ​​the air channel of 0.2 mm. 2 ~4.9mm 2This can be achieved when a non-circular cross section of the aroma container is used. Other methods for controlling the air flow include, for example, using a valve or membrane that also functions as a check valve to substantially shorten the air flow or prevent the air flow and liquid from entering the aroma container. A substantially permeable membrane can be attached at the position where the air flow path enters the beverage liquid transport flow path. This not only regulates the air flow to a useful extent, but also regulates the size of air bubbles entering the liquid flow to a desired extent, thereby providing a more comfortable drinking experience. An additional advantage of using a membrane at this point is that fluctuations in pressure and flow conditions at the end of the drinking process do not cause the drinking liquid to enter the air flow path and / or the aroma container, thereby preventing a decrease in their volume at that moment or any other moment.

[0057] A further problem with the drinking device according to the present invention is the sealing of the entire drinking device for transport. It should be noted that, to prevent the beverage liquid from penetrating into the fragrance container, it is necessary to seal not only the drinking opening and the pressure equalization channel, but also the air channel of the drinking device. It would be desirable for the user of the drinking device to be able to close all three openings in one operation. Therefore, in a further preferred embodiment, the drinking device is sealed with a lid that simultaneously closes all three openings. This is preferably achieved by inserting a pin into at least one of the three openings, while the remaining openings are sealed using a conventional system. For example, the mandrel / pin can be inserted as far as the beverage liquid transport channel. Thus, the opening of the air channel into the beverage liquid transport channel is sealed, thereby preventing the beverage liquid from penetrating into the air channel and / or the fragrance container. Another preferred embodiment that solves the problem of sealing the fragrance container described at the beginning of this section is to make the fragrance container, for example, essentially ring-shaped, so that the fluid connection between the removable fragrance container and the air channel can be interrupted by a movement, such as a rotation of the fragrance container. To achieve this, for example, it is necessary to displace the center of the air outlet of the fragrance container so that the fragrance container mounted upside down closes the end of the air flow path on the fragrance container side. The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0058] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a first possibility of a mouthpiece technology of a drinking device according to the invention for the re-perceptual post-nasal absorption of aroma substances. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative mouthpiece technology of a drinking device according to the present invention for re-sensory post-nasal absorption of aroma substances. [Figure 3a] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate the use of a swivellable mouthpiece in a drinking device according to the present invention. [Figure 3b] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate the use of a swivellable mouthpiece in a drinking device according to the present invention. [Figure 4a] 4a and 4b are cross-sectional views showing the pressure compensating valve in the open and closed states. [Figure 4b] 4a and 4b are cross-sectional views showing the pressure compensating valve in the open and closed states. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a slide valve. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a beverage machine according to the invention with a rotating lid that closes the beverage machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows diagrammatically a drinking device according to the invention with a seal designed as a pull valve. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a user using the rotating plug. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the function of an integrated valve with separate delivery paths for the beverage liquid and air flow path for delivering the aromatized air. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of the function of an integrated valve with a delivery channel for the potable liquid and an air channel for the delivery of aromatized air in series. [Figure 11a]11a and 11b show a schematic illustration of the sealing of the delivery path for the drinking liquid and the air flow path for the delivery of the aromatized air, depending on the position of the aroma container. [Figure 11b] 11a and 11b show a schematic illustration of the sealing of the delivery path for the drinking liquid and the air flow path for the delivery of the aromatized air, depending on the position of the aroma container. [Figure 12a] Figures 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d are schematic top views of a storage container of a beverage device according to the present invention, to which a head portion can be attached and which present different arrangements for the filling port for the beverage liquid and the receptacle for one or more aroma containers. [Figure 12b] Figures 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d are schematic top views of a storage container of a beverage device according to the present invention, to which a head portion can be attached and which present different arrangements for the filling port for the beverage liquid and the receptacle for one or more aroma containers. [Figure 12c] Figures 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d are schematic top views of a storage container of a beverage device according to the present invention, to which a head portion can be attached and which present different arrangements for the filling port for the beverage liquid and the receptacle for one or more aroma containers. [Figure 12d] Figures 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d are schematic top views of a storage container of a beverage device according to the present invention, to which a head portion can be attached and which present different arrangements for the filling port for the beverage liquid and the receptacle for one or more aroma containers. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of the fragrance container labeling method used. [Figure 14a] Figures 14a and 14b show detailed and exploded views of an aroma mixer integrated into a drinking device. [Figure 14b] Figures 14a and 14b show detailed and exploded views of an aroma mixer integrated into a drinking device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of a scent container to individually edit an overall scent made up of individual scents. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 shows a schematic view of a fragrance container suitable for insertion into a correspondingly shaped insert holder. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view showing the insertion of the fragrance container shown in FIG. 16 into a drinking apparatus according to the invention. [Figure 18a] Figures 18a and 18b show a single fragrance mouthpiece and one fragrance mouthpiece on a drinking device according to the present invention. [Figure 18b] Figures 18a and 18b show a single fragrance mouthpiece and one fragrance mouthpiece on a drinking device according to the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aromatic mouthpiece that can be attached to a drinking implement. [Figure 20a] Figures 20a and 20b show the placement of the fragrance container on the head of a drinking device according to the invention and the use of the head. [Figure 20b] Figures 20a and 20b show the placement of the fragrance container on the head of a drinking device according to the invention and the use of the head. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a drinking device according to the present invention that uses a fragrance ring. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows a schematic top view of a drinking device according to the invention in which the aroma ring is divided into individual segments. [Figure 23a] Figures 23a, 23b and 23c show an embodiment of a drinking device according to the invention designed as an open drinking vessel, where Figure 23a is a schematic external view, Figure 23b shows a schematic use of the drinking device according to Figure 23a and Figure 23c shows an enlarged view of the part marked A in Figure 23b. [Figure 23b] Figures 23a, 23b and 23c show an embodiment of a drinking device according to the invention designed as an open drinking vessel, where Figure 23a is a schematic external view, Figure 23b shows a schematic use of the drinking device according to Figure 23a and Figure 23c shows an enlarged view of the part marked A in Figure 23b. [Figure 23c]Figures 23a, 23b and 23c show an embodiment of a drinking device according to the invention designed as an open drinking vessel, where Figure 23a is a schematic external view, Figure 23b shows a schematic use of the drinking device according to Figure 23a and Figure 23c shows an enlarged view of the part marked A in Figure 23b. [Figure 24a] FIG. 24a is a schematic diagram of a drinking device according to the present invention combined with a conventional drinking bottle as a bottle cap. [Figure 24b] FIG. 24b is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of a bottle cap. [Figure 25a] Figures 25a and 25b show a drinking device according to the invention using a straw and a cross section of the straw to illustrate the principle of operation. [Figure 25b] Figures 25a and 25b show a drinking device according to the invention using a straw and a cross section of the straw to illustrate the principle of operation. [Figure 26a] Figures 26a and 26b show a mouthpiece of a drinking device according to the invention into which a bottle can be dropped. [Figure 26b] Figures 26a and 26b show a mouthpiece of a drinking device according to the invention into which a bottle can be dropped. [Figure 27a] Figures 27a and 27b show diagrammatically the inventive change in the shape of the liquid flow passages in the head. [Figure 27b] Figures 27a and 27b show diagrammatically the inventive change in the shape of the liquid flow passages in the head. [Figure 28a] Figures 28a and 28b show diagrammatically and by way of example variations in the geometry of liquid flow paths according to the present invention. [Figure 28b] Figures 28a and 28b show diagrammatically and by way of example variations in the geometry of liquid flow paths according to the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 shows a schematic of a preferred embodiment of the air flow path. [Figure 30a] Figures 30a and 30b show a preferred embodiment, which includes, both diagrammatically and by way of example, a splittable head. [Figure 30b]Figures 30a and 30b show a preferred embodiment, which includes, both diagrammatically and by way of example, a splittable head. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 shows a preferred embodiment of a splittable head with an internal fragrance reservoir. [Figure 32a] Figures 32a, 32b and 32c show different preferred embodiments of the head part of the drinking device, where the shape changes at the point where the fragrance channel opens into the liquid channel. [Figure 32b] Figures 32a, 32b and 32c show different preferred embodiments of the head part of the drinking device, where the shape changes at the point where the fragrance channel opens into the liquid channel. [Figure 32c] Figures 32a, 32b and 32c show different preferred embodiments of the head part of the drinking device, where the shape changes at the point where the fragrance channel opens into the liquid channel. [Figure 33a] Figures 33a and 33b show a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the head part of the drinking device which includes a device for preventing the ingress of liquid into the air flow path. [Figure 33b] Figures 33a and 33b show a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the head part of the drinking device which includes a device for preventing the ingress of liquid into the air flow path. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] In the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0060] 1 is a schematic diagram of a drinking device 10 comprising, in the following embodiments, a reservoir 12 filled with pure drinking liquid and a head 14. Here, pure (drinking) liquid is always understood to mean an aroma-free drinking liquid that is added via the drinking system according to the invention. The head 14 has a mouthpiece 16 which in this case is integrated into the head but which can also be provided separately, as will be explained later on based on different embodiments.

[0061] The head portion 14 is provided with a fragrance reservoir 20 in fluid communication with the ambient air (not shown) and leading from there to an air passage 22 for the delivery of fragranced air. Also provided is a drinkable liquid delivery channel 18, which in this exemplary embodiment extends like a straw into the pure liquid present in the reservoir 12.

[0062] In the embodiment according to Figure 1, the delivery channel for the drinkable liquid 18 and the air channel 22 for delivery of aromatized air are connected in series, i.e. the air channel 22 leads into the delivery channel for the drinkable liquid, and section 18a consequently contains both the pure liquid inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece 16 and the bubbles containing the aromatized air.

[0063] When using the drinking device 10 according to the present invention, both pure liquid and aromatic air are orally ingested. In the oral cavity, the liquid and gas phases separate. The gaseous aromatic air then travels in the direction of arrow A via the post-nasal pathway 24 to the olfactory mucosa 26. Here, the aroma is detected via receptors in the olfactory mucosa, and neural processing of the sensory stimuli gives the user the impression that the pure liquid (direction of arrow B) is being flavored with an aromatic aroma.

[0064] In the solution shown in Figure 1, it is important that the aromatized air flows into the conveying channel 18 for the drinking liquid as directly as possible at the mouthpiece 16, so that the contact between the aromatized air and the pure liquid in the beverage is as short as possible. In this way, the undesired mass transfer of aroma substances between the air and the pure liquid is minimized, but the absorption of aromas in the liquid cannot be eliminated 100%. The shorter the contact time between air and liquid and the smaller the total interface between air and liquid, the less undesired mass transfer will occur.

[0065] The arrangement according to Fig. 2 has proven advantageous in that unwanted mass transfer is kept as low as possible. Here, the conveying channel 18 for the drinking liquid and the air channel 22 for conveying the aromatized air are arranged parallel to one another, i.e., no mixing occurs before the mouth end 28. The remaining components and operating principle correspond entirely to those according to the embodiment shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1.

[0066] The embodiment shown in Figure 2 also illustrates that the mouth end extends a distance that will be within the user's oral cavity when the device is in its intended use. However, in the depiction of Figure 2, the extension is shown at an exaggerated length for clarity. An advantage of extending the mouth end 28 into the oral cavity is that mixing between the flavored air and the pure liquid is minimized. Similarly, it is of course possible for the mouth end 28 to be in the region of the user's lips when the device is in its intended use.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the air flow path 22 for the delivery of the aromatized air as well as the delivery path for the potable liquid extend equally far into the user's mouth. That is, both the delivery path 18 and the air flow path 22 terminate at the same location at the mouth end 28. However, given that the delivery path 18 and the air flow path 22 are arranged in parallel, this does not necessarily have to be the case, and one of the two flow paths can extend deeper into the user's oral cavity than the other. Two variants are therefore possible:

[0068] According to a first variant, the air channels 22 extend further into the oral cavity than the conveying channels 18 for the drinking liquid. In this variant, not shown, the user feels as if he or she is ingesting the drinking liquid directly with the lips through the mouthpiece of the bottle. However, the aromatized air is not introduced into the oral cavity to a great extent and therefore only comes into contact with the pure liquid for a very short time. Therefore, mass transfer between the aromatized air and the pure liquid is almost eliminated. Furthermore, the shape and length of the individual channels can be technically adjusted to ensure that the pure liquid and the aromatized air are inhaled as evenly as possible during the drinking process.

[0069] However, instead of the above variant, when a user drinks from the drinking device according to the invention, only the conveying channel 18 for the drinking liquid may be extended further into the user's oral cavity, while the air channel 22 for conveying the aromatized air may end in the area of ​​the user's lips. By this measure, the contact time between the aromatized air and the drinking liquid can be kept as short as possible, with the advantage that the aromas can already reach the user's throat.

[0070] In order for the drinking device according to the invention to be usable in a meaningful way, it must first be ensured that aromas do not undesirably escape while the drinking device is stored, and that the liquid in the drinking device, which is already filled with pure drinking liquid, does not leak out. Furthermore, the drinking device must still have an air flow path that serves to equalize the pressure between the inside of the storage container for the drinking liquid and the outside atmosphere, and that introduces into the drinking device an amount of air corresponding to the amount of drinking liquid drawn from the drinking device during drinking. This air flow path must be provided with an appropriate blocking device to prevent unnecessary leakage of drinking liquid.

[0071] Figures 3a and 3b show an embodiment in which the mouthpiece is arranged to pivot about an axis of rotation 30 on the drinking device 10 and to move back and forth in the direction of arrow C between the drinking position shown in Figure 3a and the closed position shown in Figure 3b. To this end, the mouthpiece is provided with a continuation 18b of the transport channel 18 for the drinking liquid and a continuation 22b of the air channel 22 for the transport of aromatized air, which are only flush with the transport channels 18 and 22 for the drinking liquid shown in Figure 3a, so that the user can take in the drinking liquid and the aromatized air through the mouthpiece 16. As shown in Figure 3b, in the closed state, a positive fit is created between the drinking device 10 and the mouthpiece 16, which creates a refined aesthetic impression.

[0072] 3b, it is also possible to modify the closed mouthpiece 16 and the shape of the receptacle provided in the mouthpiece so that, in the sealed state, the continuations 22b and 18b of the transport channels 22, 18 are not open to the outside, thereby preventing unwanted substances from entering the mouthpiece 16 from the outside when the drinking device is not in use.

[0073] 4a and 4b show diagrammatically possible embodiments of equalization valves for the air flow path 32 for supplying air for pressure equalization purposes, where a check valve is used.

[0074] Such a check valve may consist of an elastic structural element 34, which is on the one hand firmly fixed to the wall 36 of the drinking apparatus according to the invention, and on the other hand is provided with a sealing plate 38, which, as shown in Fig. 4a, in the event of a pressure deficit, deforms under the influence of increased external pressure, allowing air to flow into the interior of the storage container through the air channel 32 in the direction of arrow D. As shown in Fig. 4b, when the pressure is equalized, the sealing plate 38 then moves closer from the inner surface of the container to the wall 36, closing the air channel 32, so that outside air cannot flow into the interior of the storage container 12 along direction E, and at the same time, liquid cannot escape through the air channel 32. If, for any reason, the internal pressure of the storage container is greater than the pressure of the external atmosphere, the same situation as shown in Fig. 4b occurs, and undesired leakage of liquid or air from the interior of the container is prevented.

[0075] The embodiment shown in Fig. 5 is a variant of the solution shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, which uses a rotatable mouthpiece. In the embodiment according to Fig. 5, the mouthpiece 16 can move in the direction of arrow F and return again, protruding a certain distance from the head 14 of the drinking device 10 when the drinking device is in the drinking position, as shown in Fig. 5. To allow the mouthpiece 16, designed as a slide, to be moved, gripping aids in the form of flutes (not shown) can be provided on the upper surface in an appropriate manner. The embodiment according to Fig. 5 is a very elegant solution: after the drinking process, the mouthpiece 16 moves in the direction of arrow F until the mouth end 28 can be closed flush with the circumferential surface of the head 14, thereby directly indicating to the user whether the drinking device is in the open or closed state. The solution according to Fig. 5 can be technically realized by extending the conveying channels 18 and 20 in the axial direction of the drinking device towards the mouthpiece and flush with the continuation of the conveying channels 18 and 22 only when the mouthpiece is in the pushing-out position shown in Fig. 5. This can be achieved, for example, by using a cam, which allows opening and closing by a rotary motion.

[0076] 6 shows another embodiment of the invention using a rotating lid 40 which is screwed onto the storage container 12, thereby tightly closing the mouth end 28 with the conveying channel 18 for the drinking liquid and the air channel 22 for the conveyance of aromatized air. The rotating lid 40 can also extend sufficiently over the storage container 12 so that when the lid is screwed on, the inlet opening to the pressure-equalizing air channel, not shown in FIG. 6, is simultaneously closed. The advantage of the lid is that it protects the mouth end 28 from contamination and, due to the pressure-resistant nature of the threaded connection, is also suitable for reliably sealing the beverage device filled with carbonated liquid 42.

[0077] The variant of the locking device shown in Figure 7 includes a pull valve 44 arranged in the head 14. When the user pulls out the pull valve in the direction of arrow G, the drinking device 10 opens for drinking. To tightly seal, the pull valve 44 is again pushed in the direction opposite to the arrow G towards the head. The position of the spout designed as the pull valve 44 allows the user to identify that the bottle does not need to be tilted to drink. It can be clearly indicated to the user that the pull valve is in the pulled position and therefore the drinking device is not tightly closed, possibly by coding / marking it in a different color.

[0078] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a further solution using a rotatable plug. The rotatable plug 46 can be used both as a sealing device and as a throttle device for throttling the volumetric flow rate of the beverage liquid through the conveying channel 18 and the volumetric flow rate of the aromatized air through the air channel 22. The rotatable plug 46, shown diagrammatically in Fig. 8, is rotatably arranged in the head of the drinking device and can be moved in a rotational direction H by a user by actuating a hand wheel 50. Part of the rotatable plug 46 is a shaft 52, which is rotatably guided in a housing and has through-openings 48a and 48b arranged therein. The shaft includes through-openings 48a and 48b in the orientation shown in Fig. 8 that are not aligned with the conveying channel 18 for the beverage liquid and the conveying channel 20 for the aromatized air. However, by actuating the rotary plug 46 with the openings 48a and 48b in the rotation direction H, when the shaft 52 is rotated approximately 90°, the openings 48a and 48b become flush with the flow paths 22 and 18, thereby opening the flow connection. However, by manipulating the rotary plug, it is also possible to position the openings 48a and 48b so that only a portion of the cross-section of the openings 48a and 48b is available for the flow of air or liquid. In this way, the rotary plug can also be used as a throttle.

[0079] Alternatively, a rotating plug 46 with channels arranged in an X-shape can be used to vary the ratio of beverage liquid to aromatized air. Therefore, the cross section of the opening 48b of the rotating plug is the same as the cross section of the X-shaped channel for conveying the beverage liquid, but the cross section of the X-shaped channel for conveying the aromatized air is different. As shown schematically in the detailed view of FIG. 8, the cross section of the opening 48a and the adjacent channels is larger than the cross section of the opening 48c and the adjacent channels. Consequently, by selecting the rotation position of the rotating plug, the user can, on the one hand, close the conveying channel 18 and the air channel 22, and, on the other hand, set a different flow cross section for the air channel 22 when the conveying channel 18 for the beverage liquid is open, thereby restricting the amount of aromatized air.

[0080] The advantages of a rotating plug are that the flow can be continuously adjusted and the operation of the locking device is intuitive for all users.

[0081] In a further embodiment not shown, a sports valve can be provided in which the mouthpiece is pushed axially between a closed position and an open position, similar to the embodiment according to Fig. 7. In addition to the drinking liquid conveying channel 18 and the air channel 22 for conveying the aromatized air, the air channel 32 for pressure equalization can also be opened and closed simultaneously by operating the mouthpiece. As with prior art and known sports valves in the industry, the mouthpiece is pulled out when the drinking device is put into the drinking state and correspondingly pushed out again towards the container when the drinking device is tightly closed. However, in contrast to known drinking containers with sports valves, the drinking liquid and the aromatized air are inhaled by the user, so that the drinking device does not have to be turned upside down when drinking.

[0082] The use of an integrated valve is illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. In Figure 9, the integrated valve is shown with an air channel 22 for the transport of traveling aromatized air separate from the potable liquid transport channel 18, whereas in Figure 10 the transport channels 18 and 20 are connected in series, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 1.

[0083] 9, it can be seen that the mouthpiece 16 of the drinking device can be pulled out and pushed in again in the direction of the arrow J relative to the head part 14. In the pulled-out position shown in FIG. 9, the delivery channel 18 and the air channel 22 are open, so that drinking can be done from the drinking device. The air channel 32 for pressure equalization is also open. When the mouthpiece 16 is pressed against the head part 14 until it firmly contacts the head part 14, the opening 54 of the air channel 32 is sealed by the lip 54 of the mouthpiece 16. Since the mouthpiece 16 is offset relative to the head part, the flow connection from the head part to the mouthpiece is also interrupted at the entry point of the air channel 22 into the mouthpiece 16, so that the air channel 22 is closed. Furthermore, the delivery channel 18 for the drinking liquid is also closed by a movement in the direction of the arrow K. As a result, the delivery channel 18 for the drinking liquid, the air channel 22 for the delivery of aromatized air, and the air channel 32 for pressure equalization can be opened and closed simultaneously using the integrated valve shown in FIG. 9. The shape of the mouthpiece shown in Figures 9 and 10 in the region of the corners of the mouth is only represented diagrammatically and can of course have any shape that is ergonomic for the user.

[0084] Locking the mouthpiece 16 in the closed position can be achieved, for example, by form-fitting elements in the form of locking nipples 15a and 17a and corresponding recesses 15b and 17b, as shown in FIG.

[0085] The embodiment according to Figure 10 differs from the embodiment according to Figure 9 only in that the air channel 22 of the mouthpiece 16 for conveying the aromatized air is not led all the way to the mouth end 28, but instead flows into the conveying channel 18 for the drinking liquid in the region of the mouthpiece. However, in other respects the embodiment according to Figure 10 is identical to the embodiment according to Figure 9, so that with regard to the operating principle of the sealing device, full reference can be made to the explanation given in relation to Figure 9.

[0086] The embodiment according to Figures 11a and 11b integrates a sealing device into the fragrance container 20, which is pressed with a finger in the direction of arrow L against the compressive force of the spring 56 in order to bring the continuation 18b of the transport channel for the drinkable liquid 18 provided in the fragrance container 20 into a flush connection with the sections 18a and 18c of the transport channel for the drinkable liquid shown in Figure 11b. The liquid connection via the transport channel 18 is then considered to exist only if the user actually presses the fragrance container 20 from the outside with his finger. However, it is equally possible to provide an engagement position comparable to the locking function of a ballpoint pen, so that pressing the fragrance container again, as indicated by the double arrow L in Figure 11b, will return the fragrance container to its initial position shown in Figure 11a.

[0087] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), however, instead of the translational movement L shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b, the aroma container can be inserted rotatably, allowing the container to be rotated between a locked position and at least one drinking position, as compared to the solution shown in FIG. 8 using a rotating plug. By varying the angle of rotation, different openings of the aroma container, each with a different cross-sectional size, can be fluidly connected to the air flow channel 22. In this way, the amount of aroma-laden air and therefore the intensity of the aroma can be controlled. For example, "off," "medium," and "strong" positions are conceivable, which would require an aroma container with two holes of different sizes. In the third position of the example, the air flow channel 22 is closed, so the liquid can be drunk without air supply or added aroma. The advantage of this solution is that the aroma container is simultaneously sealed, reducing the number of components required.

[0088] In a further embodiment not shown, the cut-off device can also be configured as a throttle device. To do this, a part of the flow path to be sealed, such as a drinking liquid conveyance path, must be provided with a flexible tube that is throttled, for example, by a wheel rotatably arranged in a groove, to throttle or cut off the flow connection. This technical solution satisfies hygienic requirements, since there is no direct contact between the cut-off wheel and the substance guided into the conveyance path. Therefore, this solution is also used in the medical field, for example, to regulate the amount of delivered infusion liquid. This technical solution allows for a low construction, as a large part of the actuating wheel is submerged in the head of the drinking device.

[0089] The embodiments shown above provide only a single scent reservoir located in the head of the reservoir for ease of description.

[0090] Common to all embodiments is that the drinking device can be designed, for example, with a bottom portion thereof for at least one additional fragrance container, which can be used to replace an existing fragrance container as soon as the active fragrance container is used up or the consumer wishes to change the flavor profile. Figures 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d each show an embodiment that schematically illustrates a top view of a reservoir 12 that can be rotatably connected to a head portion (not shown in Figures 12a to 12d) via a centrally located rotary connection 58. The top view shows that each reservoir 12 includes a filler opening 60 for drinking liquid. While only a single fragrance container 20 is provided in each of the embodiments according to Figures 12b and 12c, three fragrance containers 20 are inserted in each of the embodiments according to Figures 12a and 12d, thereby allowing for different amounts of fragrance containers.

[0091] A receptacle 66 corresponding to the fragrance canister 20 can be seen in Figure 13. As can be seen in Figure 13, the fragrance canister 20 can be provided with a marking tab 62 that allows the fragrance canister 20 to be removed after it has been snugly inserted into the corresponding receptacle 66 in the storage container 12. Additionally, the marking tab 62 can be positioned to extend outside the storage container 12, thus providing the user with information regarding the fragrance profile to be used.

[0092] If several aroma receptacles are provided, the individual aroma profiles can be selected between by rotating the head (not shown in Figures 12a to 12d and 13) relative to the body of the storage container 12. For this purpose, the head is provided with corresponding markings or engagement mechanisms (not shown) by means of which the user can establish a flow connection of the air flow paths 22 from one of the several aroma receptacles to the mouthpiece of the beverage device. In this way, the taste profile can be changed even while drinking. Similarly, however, a pure beverage can be drunk by targeting the head to a position where none of the air flow paths 22 are continuously connected.

[0093] In the embodiment shown in Figures 14a and 14b, in contrast to the embodiments according to Figures 12a to 12d and 13, a mixture of individual aromas can be produced. To this end, a mixing device 64 is arranged between the reservoir 12 and the head 14 with the mouthpiece 16. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 14a, the mixing device 64 contains three different receptacles for the aroma containers 20. Each of the three different receptacles is inserted into the mixing device 64, which is designed as an intermediate plate. A mixed aroma can thus be produced from various aroma substances. The mixed aroma is drawn through a mixing ring 68 and supplied to the mouthpiece via the adjacent air channel 22 of the head 14.

[0094] The technical solution shown in Figures 14a and 14b has the advantage that it allows the user to create their own combination of scent profiles.

[0095] 15 shows an alternative design in which the fragrance container 20 is divided into individual segments 20a, 20b, 20c and closed upward by a lid 70. The individual fragrances can be freely edited by the user. The individual fragrances are inserted into the individual segments 20a, 20b, 20c from which mixtures can be dispensed. The user can freely combine and compose the individual fragrances to create mixtures.

[0096] When different aromas are mentioned in the above description, it also applies to individual aromas that contain the same flavor profile but differ in flavor intensity.

[0097] The embodiment according to FIG. 16 outlines a possible way of mounting an aroma container 20 with a spring 56 on its underside. In addition to the aroma hole 72 shown here, the peripheral wall of the essentially cylindrical aroma container 20 has a guide 74, which is a groove with two parts arranged at an angle to each other. The first section 74a is arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the cylindrical aroma container, while the second section 74b is arranged circumferentially adjacent to the first section 74a and extends to the end face 74c. A possible related storage container 12 is shown in FIG. 17 and has a shape similar to that shown in FIG. 12c, a filler opening 60 formed in the shape of a substantially semicircular segment, and a receptacle 66 for the aroma container shown in FIG. 16. A protrusion 76 is arranged on the peripheral wall of the receptacle 66, which is arranged and designed to move into the guide 74 upon insertion. However, since the fragrance container is fixed by positioning the head shown in Figure 17, the storage container according to Figure 17 can also be designed so that a bayonet connection between the receiving space 66 and the fragrance container 20 is not required.

[0098] Thus, when the fragrance container is inserted, it is inserted in the correct angular position relative to the protrusion 76, initially in the axial direction L so that the protrusion 76 passes through the first portion 74a of the guide 74, and then rotates and moves relative to the receptacle 66 in the direction of arrow M so that the protrusion 76 passes through the second portion 74b within the guide 74 and reaches the end face 74c. As soon as the protrusion 76 abuts the stop face 74c, the fragrance hole 72 is in flow communication with the air flow path.

[0099] In the embodiment according to Figures 18a, 18b and 19, a separate mouthpiece 16 is shown into which the fragrance container 20 can be directly inserted, as best seen in Figure 19. The fragrance container in this solution does not need to be replaced, because instead of replacing the fragrance container, the mouthpiece itself is replaced. Replacing the mouthpiece with the fragrance container improves hygiene and also reduces the number of individual parts, simplifying the use of the drinking device according to the invention. With regard to the attachment of the mouthpiece to the head of the drinking device, any desired solution can be used, as long as the required sealing between the mouthpiece and the head of the drinking device is achieved.

[0100] The schematic embodiment according to Figures 20a and 20b shows a drinking device according to the invention, in which the housing is presented as if it were transparent. The drinking device 10 again consists of a reservoir 12 and a head 14. The head 14 can be rotated relative to the reservoir in the direction of the arrow P by means of a rotatable connection 58, which in this example is represented as a threaded bolt with a locking nut. A fragrance container 20 is inserted in the head, and an air channel 22 for the transport of fragranced air flows into the transport channel 18b for the drinking liquid, although this is not at all important for the understanding of this embodiment, as the air channel 22 can also be led parallel to the transport channel 18b up to the mouth end 28.

[0101] When the head 14 is rotated relative to the storage container 12, as shown in Fig. 20b, not only the portions 18a and 18b of the conveying path for the beverage liquid but also the air channel 32 with the air channel portion 32b arranged in the head can be connected, so that in the configuration shown in Fig. 20b the drinking device is in an operational state. Since the separation plane 78 between the storage container 12 and the head 14 does not extend perpendicularly to the cylindrical outer wall of the storage container 12 but is arranged obliquely, the position of the head 14 changes between the sealed storage position and the drinking position, as illustrated in Fig. 20b in comparison with Fig. 20a. In this way, not only can the user be informed whether the drinking device is in the drinking position, but also the most ergonomic position possible for drinking is established.

[0102] The embodiment of the drinking device according to the invention shown in Figures 21 and 22 uses a fragrance container 20 designed as a fragrance ring that is placed on the head part 14 close to the mouthpiece 28. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 21 and 22, the mouth end 28 only has a single opening, namely the conveying channel for the drinking liquid 18, because, as can be seen in Figure 21, the air flow channel 22 opens just before the mouth end. However, in the same way, when using a fragrance ring, the conveying channel for the drinking liquid 18 and the air flow channel for conveying the fragranced air 22 can also be led in parallel to the mouth end 28.

[0103] The ring-shaped aroma container 20 is divided into various segments 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d that can contain different aroma intensities or aroma profiles. Markings 78 on the head 14 of the container indicate to the user which aroma chamber is being used. If the markings 78 are not aligned with the respective markings 80 on the individual chambers, the connection between the aroma container and the drinking liquid conveying channel 18 can be interrupted in the embodiment according to Figures 21 and 22, so that the user cannot drink the flavored beverage via the system according to the present invention. The aroma container can simply be frictionally inserted into the corresponding recess in the head 14, making it particularly easy for the user to use.

[0104] Unlike the embodiments shown in Figures 21 and 22, it is of course possible to provide an undivided aroma ring, thereby providing the consumer with a single flavor profile. The advantage of this is that it can be easily replaced and handled by the user, regardless of the number of chambers. In the case of several different types of aroma, the user can change the aroma during drinking, but can also bring the ring to a position where no aroma is added and the air flow path 22 for carrying aroma-laden air is also closed. As a result, air bubbles are prevented from entering the water, allowing the user to experience different mouthfeels.

[0105] The embodiment shown in Figures 23a, 23b and 23c shows a drinking device 10 that is a drinking beaker with an open top. In this embodiment, the aroma container 20 is shown as a ring surrounding the outer periphery of the storage container 12. The ring is then connected to the drinking liquid conveying channel 18 via a short air channel 22 for conveying the aromatized air, as shown in Figure 23c, or has an air channel that is parallel to the conveying duct for the drinking liquid and leads to the mouth end 28, as not shown in Figure 23c. When using a drinking cup, the drinking liquid is sucked out from the mouth end 28 (see Figure 23a), as shown in Figure 23b, whereby the drinking liquid mixed with the aromatized air is sucked in by the air bubbles, as shown in Figure 1. Here too, parallel guidance of the drinking liquid conveying channel 18 and the air channel 22 for conveying the aromatized air is also conceivable.

[0106] A variant of the open beverage container shown in Figure 23a may be a shot glass that functions according to the same active principle as an open beverage container and may, for example, also be used for spirituose, for which additional flavoring needs to be provided.

[0107] Figures 24a and 24b show another embodiment of the invention. A special feature of this embodiment is that the head 14 can be screwed onto any bottle that serves as the reservoir 12. A fragrance container is permanently attached to the head 14. This fragrance container either transports fragranced air for the beverage parallel to the transport path 18 via an air channel 22 (not shown) up to the mouth end 28, or, as shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 1, opens into the transport path 18 slightly before the mouth end 28. In the embodiment according to Figures 24a and 24b, this fragrance container can be a conventional bottle (not shown), which can be reconfigured as desired by replacing the head 14 and the suction tube 80 connected to it. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in areas where tap water is not potable due to insufficient quality, allowing consumers to purchase pure water as a beverage, which can be modified to any desired taste profile using a bottle top.

[0108] A further embodiment of the present invention is shown diagrammatically in Figures 25a and 25b. In this embodiment, a drinking device 10 according to the invention consists of a storage container 12 designed as an open glass and a drinking straw 82 arranged in the storage container, and combines the components and functions of a suction tube 80, a transport channel 18 for the drinking liquid, and an air channel 22 for the transport of aromatized air by means of a fragrance container 20 arranged in a ring around the drinking straw. This drinking straw, like the above exemplary embodiment using a bottle top, can be combined with any desired storage container 12, whereby the fragrance container 20 is preferably not replaceable but instead permanently connected to the drinking straw.

[0109] Finally, an embodiment is shown in Figures 26a and 26b, in which the illustrated head part 12 of the drinking device 10 (not shown) presents an embodiment in which consumers are accustomed to tilting the drinking bottle, for example in drinking devices using sports valves. A special feature of the embodiment according to Figures 26a and 26b is that neither a suction tube 80 nor a drinking straw 82 is required. The absence of these elements makes the drinking system according to the invention easier to handle hygienically. Furthermore, this embodiment also allows for a reduction in the number of individual components, simplifying production and shortening the time required to assemble the system.

[0110] Furthermore, consumers of conventional systems are accustomed to tipping their partially consumed bottles. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment described above, the system shown in Figures 26a and 26b does not accidentally spill liquid from the reservoir 12 during normal handling. The head 14 shown in Figures 26a and 26b can be connected to the reservoir 12 via the illustrated threads 84 or other attachment means. Care must then be taken to ensure that the connection prevents liquid leakage. For pressure equalization between the inner and outer regions of the drinking device 10, a check valve 85 can be installed, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b, for example. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 26a, the fragrance container is shown by way of example as a wide ring 83, the functional principle of which corresponds to that of the fragrance container 20. The fragrance container is fluidly connected via the air channel 22. A displaceable mouthpiece (not shown) must be pressed into the opening 86, which corresponds to a conventional mouthpiece of a sports drinking bottle and must be made of a substantially flexible material. The displaceable mouthpiece (not shown) opens and closes the beverage device 10 by being displaced in the direction K.

[0111] In Figures 27a and 27b, preferred embodiments of the drinking device according to the invention are shown with variations in the liquid flow path 18 on the mouthpiece 16 in the head 14 of the drinking device. The pressure conditions of the liquid / air mixture can be changed by a taper 19 as shown in Figure 27a or an expansion 23 in the flow path of the mouthpiece 16 as shown in Figure 27b, which changes the shape and size of the air bubbles, resulting in a more comfortable drinking experience.

[0112] A further preferred embodiment of the improvement of the drinking device 10 is shown in Figures 28a and 28b. In a preferred embodiment of the improvement according to the invention, the liquid channels 18 in the reservoir 12 of the drinking device 10 are tapered (Figure 28a - item 21) or widened (Figure 28b - item 25). This allows for a constant or modified suction pressure at different filling levels of the reservoir 12. The required suction pressure is essentially determined by the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid and the friction losses of the fluid at the walls of the liquid channels 18. According to Pascal's law, the hydrostatic pressure is then always directly proportional to the filling level of the reservoir 12 and significantly influences the suction pressure used by the drinker. By modifying the geometry of the liquid channels 18, this negative change can be partially or completely compensated, thereby improving the drinking experience. Furthermore, although not shown here, the pressure difference can be reduced by using a substantially wide yet flat reservoir.

[0113] A further preferred embodiment of the drinking device 10 shown in Figure 29 is where the air flow passage 22 in the head part 14 is narrowed only at one point 27, with the rest of the air flow passage being wider in cross section. This has the advantage of facilitating manufacture and cleaning, despite the necessarily smaller cross section, particularly the diameter, of the air flow passage 14. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 29, liquid flowing from the liquid flow passage 18 to the air flow passage 22 can easily return unimpeded to the liquid flow passage 18, which has the advantage of hygiene.

[0114] A further preferred embodiment is shown diagrammatically in Figures 30a and 30b. Here, a solution is shown by way of example in which the head 14 can be split essentially axisymmetrically into two parts 14a and 14b. Both parts 14a, 14b each contain an air duct 22 and a portion of the liquid duct 18 inside. The air channel 22 and the liquid channel 18 form the necessary flow paths for the drinking device when the two halves 14a, 14b are joined in the direction of arrow C. In the preferred embodiment of Figures 30a and 30b, a fastening device 29, shown by way of example as a ring, can be reversibly held together on the two parts 14a and 14b by displacement in the direction of arrow D. In Figure 30b, the separable head 14 is shown in the drinking position. Here, the recess 66 of the fragrance container 20, not shown, is also cylindrical. By manufacturing the head 14 from an essentially flexible material, a tight seal is achieved.

[0115] A further preferred embodiment of the separable head 14 is shown in Figure 31. In that case, a recess 66 for the fragrance container 20 is also possible in the head. Integration into the head has the advantages that when the head is closed, the fragrance container 20 is not visible from the outside, reducing design costs, and that the fragrance container, among other things, needs to be designed less complex, and that the evaporation of fragrance from the fragrance container is slower during storage. The fragrance container is inserted by joining the two parts 14a and 14b along the direction of the arrow E. The two parts of the head 14 are held together by a mechanism not shown here.

[0116] A further embodiment for optimizing the drinking device according to the invention is shown by way of example in Figures 32a, 32b and 32c, where a preferred embodiment of the head part 14 of the drinking device is shown in Figure 32a, comprising a liquid flow path 18 and an air flow path 22. Figure 32a shows a liquid flow path that is of uniform shape over its entire length.

[0117] In contrast, Figure 32b shows a preferred embodiment of the head portion 14 of the drinking device, in which the diameter of the liquid flow channel 18 at the connection point between the liquid flow channel 18 and the air flow channel 22 is smaller than at other points. This changes the flow pattern of the liquid in the liquid flow channel 18 when the drinking device is in use. Due to the narrowing at the inlet, the dynamic pressure (impact pressure) is maximized at the inlet, while the static pressure of the liquid is minimized. Since the volume of liquid remains the same, the velocity of the liquid increases in proportion to the cross-sectional area as it flows through the constricted portion. At the same time, the pressure in the air flow channel 22, which is attached to the narrowest point, decreases. This creates a pressure difference that prevents the absorption of the aroma-laden air in the liquid. As a result, the user does not have to suck as hard on the drinking device, improving the drinking experience. This effect, known as the Venturi effect, significantly improves the drinking device.

[0118] In a further preferred embodiment, shown by way of example in Figure 32c, the liquid flow path 18 and the air flow path 22 are arranged in the head part 14 of the drinking device, where at the connection point of the two flow paths the cross section of at least one of the two flow paths is wider compared to the cross section of the other areas of each flow path, and this allows the user of the drinking device to have different drinking sensations.

[0119] In a further preferred embodiment of the head part 14, shown by way of example in Figures 33a and 33b, the air flow path 22 is interrupted by a chamber 87, which is essentially designed as a recess on the outer wall of the liquid flow path 18. The interruption of the air channel by the chamber 87 is then designed so that a recess is provided in the head part 14 of the beverage machine at the contact point of the removable riser 18 for the beverage liquid (liquid flow path) and the air flow path 22. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the air flow path 22 opens from the aroma receptacle 20 into the chamber 87 in an upper position. On the opposite side, the air flow path continues as a flow path 22b through the conveying path 18 at a lower position of the chamber 87. This designed chamber prevents the beverage liquid from flowing back into the aroma receptacle 20. The successive opposite positions of the air flow path 22 allow the chamber 87 to be used in the best possible way. The different height positions of the inlet and outlet openings of the air flow path 22 inside and outside the chamber 87 allow, among other things, the beverage liquid to be returned to the conveying path 18 for the beverage liquid. The arrangement of the chamber 87 at the contact point between the head part 14, which can for example be made of an essentially elastic material, and the conveying channel 18 for the drinking liquid facilitates cleaning after the components have been disassembled. Additionally, in Figures 33a and 33b, the air supply line 32 is shown passing through the head part 14 to the storage container 12 for the drinking liquid, which is not shown. Figure 33b shows an embodiment of the head part 14 of the drinking device according to Figure 33a in cross section, which clarifies the position of the chamber 87 and the entry points of and exit points from the air flow channel 22 in the continuity of the air flow channel 22b.

[0120] Common to all embodiments is the fact that the aroma is perceived only in the oral cavity, so no direct olfactory impression is produced. Due to oral absorption of the aroma, the user's flavor impression is generated exclusively by retronasal perception of the aroma substances, and only in negligible amounts, if any, are perceived via the enteral route. Complex aromas and aroma mixtures can also be produced. Complex scents and aroma mixtures can be created that do not require long-term stabilization in the drinking liquid and that cannot be swallowed by the user.

Claims

1. 1. A drinking device for postnasal absorption of aromatic substances, comprising: a storage container for potable liquids; at least one fragrance container through which air can flow; a conveying channel for the drinking liquid extending from the reservoir to the mouth end of the drinking device; an air flow path for carrying scented air, the air flow path extending from at least one of the at least one scent container to the drinking liquid carrying path or the mouth end; Including, the at least one fragrance container includes at least one air inlet opening and at least one air outlet opening; A drinking apparatus wherein said at least one air inlet opening is in fluid communication with the ambient air, preferably in direct fluid communication with said ambient air.

2. 2. The drinking device according to claim 1, wherein the mouth end is designed so that the conveying path for the drinking liquid and the air flow path for conveying the aromatized air extend separately from each other at the mouth end and extend over substantially the same length in the longitudinal direction.

3. 3. A drinking apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pressure compensation valve sealing an air supply line leading to the interior of the reservoir for the drinking liquid.

4. 4. A drinking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of said at least one aroma receptacle is located in a mouthpiece of said drinking apparatus, said mouthpiece being preferably replaceable.

5. 5. A drinking apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the air flow path comprises a chamber.

6. The air flow path is 0.2 mm ２ ~4.9mm ２ 6. A drinking apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, having a minimum cross-sectional area of

7. 1. A fragrance container attached to a drinking device for perceiving a fragrance substance, comprising: The fragrance container allows air to flow through it, and the fragrance container has: at least one air inlet opening in fluid communication with ambient air; at least one air outlet opening; Including, The at least one air inlet opening is preferably in fluid communication with the ambient air.

8. 8. The fragrance container according to claim 7, wherein the fragrance container comprises a plurality of chambers containing fragrance materials with different odor intensities and / or fragrances.

9. 9. A fragrance container according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a microscopically or macroscopically encapsulated aromatizing substance, the activation of which is preferably carried out by a change in temperature or by a mechanical process.

10. 10. The fragrance container of claim 9, wherein the shell of the microscopically or macroscopically encapsulated aromatizing substance is made of gelatin or agarose.

11. 10. The fragrance container of claim 9, wherein the fragrance container comprises a filter material and an aroma unit that is activatable by a user and contains a fluid having an aromatizing substance, the fluid being released into the filter material when the aroma unit is activated.

12. 9. The fragrance container according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising an air-permeable filter, in which a substantially circular aroma unit containing a fluid containing an aromatic substance is disposed.

13. 13. The fragrance container of any one of claims 7 to 12, further comprising a sealing device, the fragrance container being movable from a sealed position to an unsealed position.

14. 14. The fragrance container of claim 13, wherein the fragrance container has an axis of symmetry and is movable from the sealed position to the unsealed position by rotational movement about the axis of symmetry.

15. 14. The fragrance container of claim 13, wherein the fragrance container is movable from the sealed position to the unsealed position by axial movement.

16. 16. A fragrance container according to any one of claims 7 to 15, wherein the fragrance container is configured as a ring, preferably located near the mouth end of the drinking device.

17. 16. The fragrance container according to claim 7, wherein the fragrance container has a ring shape and the inner peripheral surface of the fragrance container has a non-circular cross section.

18. 16. The fragrance container according to any one of claims 7 to 15, wherein the fragrance container has a prismatic shape.

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