Flavour cartridge for a drinking device

Abstract

A fragrance container for a drinking device for the perception of aromatic substances in the back of the nose, the fragrance container comprising: an annular fragrance chamber comprising a carrier substance containing a fluid with aromatic substances; a wall enclosing the fragrance chamber, the wall comprising an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface and a top side and a lower side, the inner circumferential surface having a non-circular cross-section and being shaped such that the fragrance container can only be placed on a component which is complementarily shaped to the inner circumferential surface in a single rotational direction and can be displaced relative to the component in an axial direction substantially perpendicular to the top side; at least one first opening for the inflow of air; at least one second opening for the outflow of air; and a step arranged between the inner circumferential surface and the top side, the fragrance container in an operating position resting on a stop arranged in the component by means of the step, whereby the axial movement of the fragrance container is limited by the stop.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 201980083656.5 (corresponding to PCT international application No. PCT / EP2019 / 080708), filed on November 8, 2019, entitled "Drinking Device". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a flavored container for a drinking device. Background Technology

[0003] People increasingly need to consume drinking liquids for their pleasant flavor, while also protecting themselves from potential health risks associated with ingesting aromatic substances or stabilizers dissolved in them. They should also avoid consuming excessive calories.

[0004] Therefore, water with a slightly fruity flavor has become popular in recent years. However, these flavored waters also contain undesirable additives, such as stabilizers and a certain proportion of sugar, which is why these flavored drinks also have a high calorie content that many users reject.

[0005] The first step in addressing this issue is to add flavoring agents to the beverage only just before it is consumed. US2008 / 028353A1, US2015 / 030726A1, and US86,622,904 are examples of metered-feeding systems in which aromatic substances initially provided separately are added to the drinking liquid and dissolved immediately before or during consumption. While this approach allows for the avoidance of problems such as the stability of the drinking liquid over extended periods, the issue of undesirable additive intake remains.

[0006] Because olfaction plays a crucial role in taste perception during food and beverage consumption, various systems have been developed to influence the perceived aroma during drinking. To this end, US5,635,229 proposes a fragrance element that can be attached near the drinking opening on a drinking container, placing the fragrance element close to the user's nose, allowing the user to perceive the aroma by breathing through the nose while drinking.

[0007] The drinking container according to US8,662,339B2 also works on the principle of inhaling aroma through the nose when drinking. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a drinking device that allows users to have an improved taste experience.

[0009] A drinking device for retronasal aroma perception according to the present invention includes a storage container for drinking liquid, a head that can be secured to the storage container and has a mouthpiece; a replaceable aroma container through which air can flow and which can be secured to the head; a drinking straw including a delivery channel for drinking liquid extending from the storage container toward the mouthpiece of the head; and an air channel for delivering scented air extending from the aroma container toward the mouthpiece of the head.

[0010] A fundamental aspect of the drinking device according to the invention is that aromatic substances are perceived retronasally. During drinking, the aromatic substances reach the user's mouth along with the drinking liquid, and then ascend via the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa (olfactory region), where they are detected by receptors located there and perceived by the user. The device according to the invention is equally applicable to cold or hot drinking liquids.

[0011] It leverages the close correlation between the senses of smell and taste. Therefore, users gain the impression that they are tasting an aroma, even if they are actually only smelling it from behind their nose.

[0012] Human taste is primarily determined by retronasal olfaction. While the receptors on the tongue can only distinguish between sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami, the difference lies in the fact that the vapor phase of food and liquid in the pharynx rises via the retronasal pathway to the olfactory mucosa. Sensors located there trigger neural stimulation, thus creating a taste impression in the brain. Therefore, a person who delivers aromas to the pharynx during drinking receives the impression that the beverage is flavored because the retronasal olfaction process generates the sensation in the brain that the beverage is the source of the aroma, even if the user is ingesting a pure, unadulterated, unflavored liquid, such as water. If the odor is perceived through inhalation via the nose—the prenasal perception of known aromatic substances—this impression does not arise to the same degree because this sensation is related to the respiratory rate. Therefore, the user receives the correct impression that they are merely smelling the aromatic substance, rather than tasting it as in the case of retronasal perception.

[0013] Preferably, the refillable storage container can hold pure water or carbonated water, while the aromatic substance is immediately delivered to the air and drinking liquid located in the delivery channel before being ingested by the user, or is delivered separately to the user's pharynx.

[0014] However, as an alternative, the drinking liquid may also have an inherent flavor. The existing inherent flavor of the drinking liquid may be enhanced either by aromatic substances from the flavored container or supplemented by one or more additional flavoring ingredients. For example, if the storage container contains apple juice, an apple aroma may be added to enhance the taste experience, or an orange aroma may be added to create a flavor blend. In this way, alcoholic beverages such as beer can also be provided with additional aromatic substances, thereby satisfying the user's specific preferences by using a suitable flavored container in the drinking device according to the invention. Furthermore, flavors uncommon in the food industry can also be used in the drinking devices disclosed herein, such as "sandalwood," "spring meadow," or "unicorn" known from air fresheners. The flavorings used can be synthetic or natural. Natural substances isolated or enriched from synthetic or natural sources and natural materials, such as fresh or processed products made from lemon peel, dandelion leaves, licorice, or other aromatic substances, can be used.

[0015] Having a flavor container on the head of the drinking device has the added advantage that the user can immediately identify the "flavor". Therefore, for example, the flavor container can be marked according to the selected aroma, or it can be completely colored, for example, yellow for lemon aroma or green for green apple aroma.

[0016] Here, the drinking straw can be fixed to the head in such a way that one end of the drinking straw is positioned a few centimeters, preferably between 2 cm and 5 cm, in front of the mouth, and flavored air is guided through an air channel into the drinking liquid at or immediately adjacent to the end of the drinking straw. The drinking liquid, mixed with the flavored air, is then ingested by the user at the mouth.

[0017] In the user's mouth, flavored air escapes from the surrounding drinking liquid in the form of bubbles and rises through the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa behind the nose. Another advantage of separately delivering flavored air and drinking liquid up to directly in front of the mouthpiece is that negligible mass transfer can occur between the air and drinking liquid.

[0018] The technical challenge of all the above solutions lies in coordinating the geometry of the delivery channel and air channel used for drinking liquids with each other, depending on the drinking location and in the case of a particular drinking liquid, as well as the viscosity of the drinking liquid, to ensure that the flavored air and drinking liquid are inhaled in the desired ratio.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the replaceable fragrance container can be moved axially from a sealed position to an unsealed position relative to the head portion. Through this simple axial movement of the fragrance container, the container can thus be moved from a sealed position to an operating position, in which air can flow through the fragrance container.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the head is arranged at an angle relative to the storage container, preferably at an angle between 20° and 30° relative to the storage container, and particularly preferably at an angle of about 25° relative to the longitudinal axis of the storage container.

[0021] The advantage of this measure is that the drinking device according to the invention has improved ergonomics, and how to hold the drinking device is intuitive and clear to the user. Due to the bend provided in the axial extension of the drinking device, the tilting of the drinking device is significantly reduced during drinking, thereby reducing the risk of accidental spillage. Furthermore, the bend facilitates the filling process of the storage container, especially at water sources where the distance between the faucet and the sink is small.

[0022] The angular arrangement of the head relative to the storage container can also be particularly combined with a further preferred feature, according to which the drinking straw has a cross-sectional curvature in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] If the position of the storage container is defined when drinking, and if the drinking straw also has at least a partial cross-sectional curvature, the end of the drinking straw can be positioned opposite the mouth end in such a way that almost all the contents of the storage container can be consumed.

[0024] A preferred embodiment of the drinking device is provided with a cap that can be placed on or screwed on to seal the device. The rotating cap is well-suited for tightly sealing the drinking device even when the pressure inside the storage container increases, which is especially true if the drinking liquid is a carbonated beverage. This cap can tightly seal both the delivery channel for the drinking liquid and the air channel for flavoring air, but in the same way, it can also seal another air line used to deliver air into the storage container to equalize pressure. Another advantage of the rotating cap is that it protects the mouthpiece from contamination and is therefore a familiar element to every user, relying on its suitability for tightly sealing the drinking device.

[0025] Preferably, the lid has a receiving device for attaching a carrying strap. The receiving device can be designed, for example, as a tongue and groove system. This allows different carrying straps to be comfortably secured to the lid, and the drinking device can be personalized according to the user's wishes, for example, by selecting the color of the carrying strap. The drinking device can also be personalized with straps of different shapes.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the head has an air chamber connected to an air channel. The air chamber acts as a safety buffer, cushioning overpressure or negative pressure during or after drinking to prevent the drinking liquid from flowing into the flavor container. This specifically addresses the problem of drinking liquid entering the air channel and / or flavor container due to fluctuations in pressure and flow conditions in the drinking liquid delivery channel and air channel at the end of the drinking process. Such entry into the flavor container can lead to undesirable dilution of aromatic substances or hygiene problems. By providing a recess in the head of the drinking device, the air channel can be interrupted by the air chamber, where the drinking liquid delivery channel and the air channel contact each other.

[0027] The invention also includes a fragrance container for a drinking device for retronasal sensing of aromatic substances. The fragrance container includes a substantially annular fragrance chamber comprising a carrier material containing a fluid having an aromatic substance, wherein the fragrance chamber is enclosed by a wall including an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface, and a top and bottom side, wherein the inner circumferential surface has a non-circular cross-section and is shaped such that the fragrance container can be placed on a component complementary to the inner circumferential surface only in a single rotational direction and can be displaced axially relative to the component, with at least one first opening for air inflow and at least one second opening for air outflow.

[0028] According to the invention, the fragrance container can be securely attached to the head of a drinking device, the fragrance container surrounding the head of the drinking device via an inner circumferential surface. Because the inner circumferential surface is shaped such that the fragrance container can only be placed on a component complementary to the inner circumferential surface in a single rotational direction, in this specific case on the head complementary to the inner circumferential surface, the inflow opening on the head can be aligned with the fragrance container, allowing the user to inhale scented air that has already flowed through the fragrance container while drinking through a straw. Since the fragrance container is axially movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom sides, it can move between a locked position and an operating state. In the locked position, there is no flow connection between the second opening of the fragrance container and the air passage of the drinking straw. On the other hand, in the operating state, the user inhales air through the drinking straw, which is flowably connected to the second opening of the fragrance container, causing ambient air to be drawn into the first opening of the fragrance container, flowing through the aroma chamber along with the aromatic substance, exiting the fragrance container as scented air through the second opening, and flowing into the air passage of the drinking straw.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one first opening for air inflow is arranged in the lower side of the wall. For example, the first opening or multiple first openings for air inflow are substantially arranged on the outer side of the substantially annular flavor container, while the second opening or multiple second openings for air outflow are substantially arranged on the inner side of the flavor container. The advantage of providing multiple second openings is that the flavor container can not only be positioned relative to the head portion of the drinking device in a single alignment, but can also have multiple positions in which one of the second openings is flowably connected to one or more air passages in the head portion. Therefore, it is easy for the user to operate, and since a defined relative positioning is no longer required, flavor containers of other shapes are also possible.

[0030] The positioning of the first opening, combined with the possibility of axially moving the flavor container, allows the flavor container to be moved axially to a locked position in which not only is there no flow connection between the second opening and the air passage of the drinking straw, but also the first opening can contact a suitable part of the head, thereby sealing the first opening in the locked position.

[0031] Therefore, for example, a fragrance container having any desired prismatic geometry can be squeezed along the axial direction to bring it into a non-sealed position. The fragrance container can either engage in this position, i.e., automatically remain in this position, or allow the flavored beverage to be consumed only when the fragrance container is pulled out. In this way, the user can additionally choose between a beverage with and without flavored air.

[0032] Using a generally elastic material, such as silicone or other elastomers, to manufacture the head or multiple parts of the drinking device can, for example, make the sealing system easier to use.

[0033] Preferably, the opening for air outflow is arranged in the inner circumferential surface. In this way, a flow connection can be easily established between the fragrance container and the head adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the fragrance container.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a replaceable flavor container can be inserted into the drinking device according to the invention via a simple movement sequence. This can be achieved through an inner circumferential surface with a characteristic shape that can be immediately recognized by the user to ensure the flavor container is correctly positioned at the head of the drinking device.

[0035] However, a particularly preferred embodiment is one in which the flavor container of the drinking device also functions as a locking device, through which the air passage and the first and second openings of the flavor container can be securely locked. Here, the flavor container according to a preferred variation of the invention is designed to move from a sealed position to an unsealed position by means of translational movement. Therefore, the user simply brings the flavor container to the operating position, thereby actuating the sealing device without the user's notice. In this way, the number of construction elements can be kept small, enabling a more hygienic design and also achieving cost savings in the production and assembly of the drinking device. Furthermore, almost every user is familiar with the function of the movement valve, allowing the user to intuitively pull out the flavor container, which is a movable part, for drinking, and after drinking, to press the flavor container back to its original position or screw on the cap, wherein the flavor container can move back to its locked position.

[0036] The drinking device according to the invention can be designed in a variety of ways. It can be a movable beverage bottle configured as a thermos with one or two walls.

[0037] Another preferred embodiment of the invention involves a specific shape for the delivery channel and / or air channel for the drinking liquid. For example, the delivery channel for the drinking liquid can be widened or narrowed at one, two, or more locations, such that the diameter of the delivery channel is greater there than or smaller than at other locations. The drinking straw of the drinking device can be designed to be narrowed or widened. This allows the user to experience different tastes when drinking from the drinking device.

[0038] Further preferred modifications to the geometry of the channels in the drinking device include different surfaces or barriers on the inner side of the channels, which can alter the flow conditions in the delivery channels for drinking liquids or in the air channels.

[0039] The air channels of a drinking device can also have a specific shape. Previous solutions used channels with a uniform shape. Therefore, the air channels had to have a small diameter, which caused problems when manufacturing the head of the drinking device. Furthermore, the narrow channels made the drinking device more difficult to clean. However, the air channels can also narrow only at short intervals. This simplifies production and makes cleaning easier.

[0040] Another preferred embodiment of the drinking device according to the invention provides a flavoring unit that must be activated before use. Initially, the flavoring can be encapsulated under a microscope or with the naked eye. Activation can occur, for example, by temperature change or a mechanical process. A preferred embodiment provides a filter through which air can flow, through which a generally circular flavoring unit is disposed, the interior of which contains a fluid comprising aromatic substances. The shell of the flavoring unit is preferably made of a material such as gelatin or agarose, such that in an inactive state, the tight shell keeps the fluid containing aromatic substances in a non-volatile state. By activation, for example, by breaking the shell under pressure, the fluid is released into the surrounding filter. Such a solution for cigarettes is proposed, for example, in US20040261807A1. According to the invention, in a preferred embodiment, this technology will be used in the drinking device according to the invention. This results in many advantages. For example, it can protect aromatic substances from oxidation processes and can generally save packaging materials and avoid the use of plastic seals.

[0041] The common feature of all preferred embodiments and combinations of the technical features set forth above and below is that, during normal drinking, the intermediate airflow through the air channel in the drinking device according to the invention is suitably between approximately 250 ml / min and 550 ml / min. For example, this is achieved when using an air channel with a diameter of approximately 0.5 to 2.5 mm or a cross-sectional area of ​​0.2 mm². 2 and 4.9mm 2 The airflow is achieved when the cross-section between the air passages is non-circular. The airflow can also be regulated in other ways, for example, through a substantially short constriction in the air passage, through a valve that can also be configured as a backflow preventer to prevent liquid from entering the air passage and / or flavor container, or through a membrane. For example, a substantially permeable membrane can be attached at the point where the air passage enters the delivery channel for the drinking liquid. Another advantage of using a membrane at this point is that, when the drinking process ends, the aforementioned fluctuations in pressure and flow conditions will not cause the drinking liquid to enter the air passage and / or flavor container, or its volume to decrease at this or any other moment. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The invention is described below by way of example only, based on the accompanying schematic diagrams, wherein...

[0043] Figure 1 The functional principle of a drinking device for retronasal sensing of aromatic substances according to the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0044] Figure 2 A side view of a drinking device with a screw-in cap according to the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 2 A side view of a drinking device according to the present invention, wherein the drinking device has no lid;

[0046] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The carrying strap and the geometry for securing the carrying strap to the cover are shown;

[0047] Figure 6 It is a 3D diagram of the fragrance container;

[0048] Figure 7 It shows according to Figure 6 A plan view of the fragrance container;

[0049] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The head of a drinking device according to the invention is shown, the head having an insertable drinking straw;

[0050] Figure 10 It is a plan view of the head;

[0051] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view of section line AA in the diagram;

[0052] Figure 12 and Figure 13 Two operating states of the drinking device according to the present invention are shown;

[0053] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of a drinking straw is shown; and

[0054] Figure 15 The inside of the lid is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0055] In the following embodiments, the same construction elements will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0056] Figure 1 The drinking device 10 is shown schematically, with the various components shown in an easily visible manner rather than strictly following the more detailed description below. The drinking device includes a storage container 12 containing pure drinking liquid and a head 14, where pure drinking liquid is always understood to mean drinking liquid without any added aroma by the drinking system according to the invention. The head 14 includes a mouthpiece, which in this case is integrated with the head, but can also be provided separately. A flavor container 20 is provided in the head 14, the flavor container being... Figure 1It is connected to the ambient airflow in a manner not shown, and an air channel 22 for delivering scented air is led out from the fragrance container. A delivery channel 18 for drinking liquid is also provided, which in this embodiment extends like a straw into the pure liquid contained in the storage container 12.

[0057] When using the drinking device 10 according to the invention, both the pure liquid and the scented air are ingested orally, and the scented air travels via the postnasal pathway 24 in the direction of arrow A to the olfactory mucosa 26, where the aroma is detected by receptors located in the olfactory mucosa, and the user obtains the impression that the pure liquid (in the direction of arrow B) being consumed by the user has a flavor added by the aroma through the processing of neurons of sensory stimulation.

[0058] It is advantageous to minimize the contact time between the scented air and the pure liquid. This minimizes the unwanted mass transfer of aromatic substances between the air and the pure liquid; however, it does not completely eliminate the absorption of aroma from the liquid. The shorter the contact time between the air and the liquid, and the smaller the total interface between them, the less unwanted mass transfer occurs.

[0059] In order to enable convenient use of the drinking device according to the invention, it is first necessary to ensure that aromas do not escape undesirably during storage of the drinking device, and also to ensure that the drinking device, once filled with pure drinking liquid, does not leak. Furthermore, the drinking device must have an air passage between the interior of the storage container for the drinking liquid and the surrounding atmosphere, said air passage serving to balance pressure and introduce a volume of air corresponding to the volume of drinking liquid removed from the drinking device during drinking into the drinking device. The air passage should also be equipped with a suitable locking device to prevent undesirable leakage of the drinking liquid.

[0060] exist Figure 2 and 3 The basic components of the drinking device 10 according to the invention are shown. The head 14 is fastened to the storage container 12 for containing pure liquid. The head 14 is clamped in the top opening of the storage container 12, but it can also be fastened to the storage container 12 for pure liquid by, for example, an internal thread not shown here, or by other fastening techniques. Figure 2 and 3 As can be clearly seen in the diagram, the head 14 is set at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis A of the storage container 12. For ergonomic reasons, the angle of approximately α = 25° between the longitudinal axis A of the storage container and the longitudinal axis B of the drinking attachment terminating at the mouthpiece 28 has proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0061] like Figure 2As shown, the lid 40 can be screwed onto the head via the thread 32 to close the drinking device 10.

[0062] A carrying strap 45 is designed to be replaceable and can be fastened to a cover 40. For this purpose, a connection is provided between the cover 40 and the carrying strap 45, which can be easily disassembled by the user and can be designed as a mortise and tenon system, such as... Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the carrying strap 42 has one or more tenons 44, and the cover 40 has a corresponding groove 46 that tapers to increase friction, thus preventing the carrying strap 45 from unintentionally separating from the cover. Of course, Figure 4 and 5 The connection shown is only one example and can be replaced by any other connection that can be easily installed and removed. The carrying strip 45 is preferably made of silicone and has a circular loop to prevent tearing when pulled. The two ends join downwards to cover the shape-fit connection with their technical appearance.

[0063] exist Figure 3 In the illustration, the drinking device 10 is shown without a lid, making the head 14, attached to the top opening at the curved end of the drinking device 10, visible. The head 14 is clamped into the top opening of the storage container. Preferably, the head is made of silicone or other elastomers with sufficient elasticity to clamp into the top opening of the storage container and seal it tightly. The head has an elliptical mouth tip 28 for better ergonomics on the lips. Furthermore, the elliptical shape of the mouth tip 28 also allows the head 14 to be positioned more precisely on the storage container 12, as the non-circular shape of the mouthpiece provides visual and tactile feedback.

[0064] A replaceable fragrance container 20 is attached to the head 14. Figure 6 and 7 The fragrance container 20 shown has an annular interior 48, which is closed outward by an annular outer wall 50 and radially inward by an inner wall 52, closed at the top by a top side 54 and at the bottom by a bottom side 56. Inside the interior 48, a carrier material containing an aromatic substance is present. The aromatic substance is preferably provided in liquid form.

[0065] A first opening 58 is provided on the lower side 56, located in an operating position described below, through which ambient air can flow into the interior 48 of the fragrance container 20. A second opening 60 is provided in the inner wall 52, through which, in the operating position, the scented air in the fragrance container flows out. The first opening 58 and the second opening 60 are spaced as far apart as possible, such that the air flowing in through the first opening 58 absorbs as much fragrance as possible as possible while flowing through the interior 48 and before flowing out through the second opening 60.

[0066] In particular, such as Figure 7 As shown, the space surrounded by the inner wall 52 has a teardrop-shaped cross-section. This cross-sectional shape is chosen merely as an example. However, it is crucial that there is only one possible location relative to the radial direction R where the fragrance container 20 can be attached to the mouthpiece.

[0067] The top side 54 is designed to be as flat as possible so that a sticker can be attached there to provide information about the flavor of the fragrance container 20.

[0068] Furthermore, a step 62 is provided between the inner wall 52 and the top side 54, and the fragrance container 20, in the operating position, rests against the stop 64 at the head via the step, for example... Figure 8 and 11 As shown.

[0069] Additional measures can be installed at 50 on the outer wall so that the user can safely and well grasp the fragrance container, allowing the fragrance container to move between the stationary and operating positions, and also enabling the replacement of the fragrance container.

[0070] exist Figure 8 and 9 The image shows the head 14, in which a drinking straw 66 is fixed. When liquid is refilled into the container, the head 14 and drinking straw 66 can be removed together. The head 14 is integrally formed with the mouthpiece 28, the oval shape of which... Figure 10 The most obvious feature is that the drinking straw 66 can be separated from the head 14 to make cleaning easier.

[0071] The nozzle 68 of the head 14 is also teardrop-shaped; however, its exact shape is preferably not entirely complementary to the shape of the fragrance container. In order to facilitate the movement of the fragrance container 20 relative to the nozzle 68 of the head 14, the fragrance container should fit tightly onto the nozzle 68 primarily at the top and in the area opposite to its diameter, so that there are no gaps in the opening area, but at the same time the frictional surface is not too large.

[0072] With the fragrance container 20 inserted into the nozzle 68 of the head 14, the fragrance container is closed, and because the lower side 56 is against the area 70 of the head 14, no air can flow into the first opening of the fragrance container.

[0073] When the fragrance container is pushed upward into the operating position, the stop 64 restricts the axial movement of the fragrance container. The stop 64 has an inward flexible structure through the circumferential cavity 72 to facilitate easy replacement of the fragrance container, for which the fragrance container must be pulled upward past the stop 64.

[0074] like Figure 9 As shown, a balance channel 74 is provided at the head 14, through which air can escape from the storage container and also flow in when drinking.

[0075] When the lid 40 is in place, the balancing channel 74 presses from above between the edge of the storage container and the lid, thus providing a seal. When opened, the balancing channel 74 releases excess pressure outwards. Simultaneously, the balancing channel 74 is designed so that no water remains in the balancing channel, so that no water can spray out from the opening when opened.

[0076] The drinking straw opening is also teardrop-shaped, ensuring precise positioning of the straw in the head. When the drinking straw is pushed in, it rests against the stop at the head. Due to the stop and its cross-sectional shape, such as Figure 14 As shown, the position of the air passage 78 in the drinking straw 66 is fixed in both the axial and radial directions, and is therefore positioned relative to the head.

[0077] Formed in head 14 Figure 11 The inlet opening 80 shown communicates with a balancing chamber 82 in the head, which acts as a buffer and balances overpressure and negative pressure generated during and after drinking, thereby preventing water from flowing into the flavor container. When assembled, the balancing chamber 82 forms a space between the head 14 and the drinking straw 66. Figure 11 As not shown, appropriate stabilizing fins are provided in the balance chamber 82 to ensure sufficient stability of the head in the area of ​​the inlet opening 80, thereby providing the required seal between the fragrance container and the head.

[0078] Finally, a sealing lip 84 is provided in the nozzle of the head 14, which defines different areas in the opening and prevents dirt from entering the functional position.

[0079] like Figure 10 As shown, a mark in the form of a facade 75 is provided on the head 14, indicating where the user should place their thumb to easily remove the head from the storage container.

[0080] exist Figure 12 and 13 In the image, the fragrance container 20 is shown in the operating position. By comparison, Figure 13 The locked position of the fragrance container 20 is shown. In the operating position, the top side of the fragrance container 20 abuts against the stop 64, making the stop clearly identifiable to the user when the fragrance container is in the operating position. Figure 12 As shown, air can only flow in through the first opening when in the operating position, and flavored air flows out through the second opening, enters the head 14 through the opening 80 aligned with the second opening, and enters the opening 76 in the drinking straw from the balance chamber 82 behind the opening 80.

[0081] exist Figure 14 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a drinking straw 66, in which a liquid delivery channel 18 and an air channel 78 are located. The drinking straw also has a teardrop-shaped cross-section. Similarly, as... Figure 3 As shown, the drinking straw 66 is curved so that when the storage container is held at a slight tilt during drinking, the drinking straw terminates near the lowest point of the storage container, allowing almost complete drinking of the liquid in the storage container.

[0082] exist Figure 15 The cap 40 is shown in the diagram. The cap has an internal thread 86, which allows it to be screwed onto the thread 32 on the head. When screwed on, the cap performs several functions. First, an integrally molded sealing plug 88 seals the mouthpiece. Furthermore, multiple fins 90 are provided on the inner circumference of the cap 40; when closed, the fins flatly press against the outer edge of the mouthpiece area 70, thus sealing the balance channel. This seal can also be provided by different protrusions, not shown, at the horizontal level at the ends of the fins. Finally, an annular flange 92 is provided, through which the fragrance container 20 moves when the cap 40 is screwed onto the head 14. Figure 13 The locking position is shown, so the user no longer needs to remove the flavor container 20 after drinking. Figure 12 The indicated operation position is moved to Figure 13 The locking position is shown, and you only need to screw the cap on 40.

[0083] Using the drinking device according to the invention, the aroma is perceived solely through the mouth, thus eliminating the direct nasal sensation of odor. Due to the oral perception of the aroma, the user experiences a taste impression only through retronasal perception of the aromatic substances, and the consumer can only perceive negligible amounts, if any, via the enteric route. Complex aromas and aroma mixtures can even be produced, which do not need to be stable in the drinking liquid for extended periods and are not swallowed by the user.

Claims

1. A flavored container for a drinking device, the flavored container comprising: An annular aroma chamber (48), the aroma chamber comprising an aromatic substance; A wall, enclosing the fragrance chamber (48), the wall comprising an inner circumferential surface (52), an outer circumferential surface (50), a top side (54), and a bottom side (56), wherein the inner circumferential surface (52) has a non-circular cross-section for restricting circumferential movement of the fragrance container (20); and a step (62) for restricting axial movement of the fragrance container (20). At least one first opening (58) is provided for air inflow; At least one second opening (60) is provided for air to flow out. The fragrance container (20) is movable in the axial direction between a sealed position and an operating position. When the fragrance container (20) is in the operating position, air flows into the fragrance container from the at least one first opening (58) and flows out of the fragrance container from the at least one second opening (60).

2. The fragrance container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drinking device is used to detect aromatic substances behind the nose.

3. The fragrance container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aroma chamber includes a carrier material containing a fluid with aromatic substances.

4. The fragrance container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner circumferential surface (52) is shaped such that the fragrance container (20) can be placed on a component that is complementary to the inner circumferential surface (52) only in a single rotational direction and can be displaced relative to the component in an axial direction substantially perpendicular to the top side (54).

5. The fragrance container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step (62) is disposed between the inner circumferential surface (52) and the top side (54). In the operating position, the fragrance container (20) abuts against a stop (64) provided in a component that is complementary to the inner circumferential surface (52) via the step (62), thereby restricting the axial movement of the fragrance container by the stop.

6. The fragrance container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one first opening (58) for air inflow is arranged in the lower side (56) of the wall.

7. The fragrance container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one second opening (60) for air outflow is arranged in the inner circumferential surface (52).

8. The fragrance container according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the fragrance container (20) is in the sealed position, no air flows into the fragrance container from the at least one first opening (58), nor does air flow out of the fragrance container from the at least one second opening (60).

9. The fragrance container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The at least one first opening (58) is spaced as far apart as possible from the at least one second opening (60).

10. The fragrance container according to claim 3, characterized in that, The carrier material comprises a liquid containing aromatic substances.

11. The fragrance container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface (52) has a teardrop-shaped cross-section.

12. The fragrance container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The top side (54) and / or the bottom side (56) are provided with markings for indicating the fragrance type.

13. A flavoring container for a drinking device, capable of being securely attached to the drinking device, the flavoring container comprising: A fragrance chamber (48) comprising an aromatic substance, wherein the fragrance chamber (48) is enclosed by a wall comprising an inner circumferential surface (52), an outer circumferential surface (50), a top side (54), and a bottom side (56), wherein the inner circumferential surface (52) has a non-circular cross-section; At least one first opening (58) is provided for air inflow; At least one second opening (60) is provided for air to flow out. The fragrance container is movable in the axial direction between a sealed position and an operating position. When the fragrance container is in the operating position, air flows into the fragrance container from the at least one first opening (58) and flows out of the fragrance container from the at least one second opening (60).

14. The fragrance container according to claim 13, characterized in that, The aroma chamber is annular.

15. The fragrance container according to claim 13, characterized in that, The inner circumferential surface (52) is shaped such that the fragrance container can be placed on a component that is complementary to the inner circumferential surface (52) only in a single rotational direction and can be displaced relative to the component in an axial direction substantially perpendicular to the top side (54).

16. The fragrance container according to claim 13, characterized in that, The fragrance container also includes a step (62) disposed between the inner circumferential surface (52) and the top side (54). In the operating position, the fragrance container abuts against a stop (64) disposed in a component that is complementary to the inner circumferential surface (52) via the step (62), thereby restricting the axial movement of the fragrance container by the stop.

17. The fragrance container according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The at least one first opening (58) for air inflow is arranged in the lower side (56) of the wall.

18. The fragrance container according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The at least one second opening (60) for air outflow is arranged in the inner circumferential surface (52).

19. The fragrance container according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the fragrance container (20) is in the sealed position, no air flows into the fragrance container from the at least one first opening (58), nor does air flow out of the fragrance container from the at least one second opening (60).

20. The fragrance container according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The at least one first opening (58) is spaced as far apart as possible from the at least one second opening (60).

21. The fragrance container according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface (52) has a teardrop-shaped cross-section.

22. The fragrance container according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The top side (54) and / or the bottom side (56) are provided with markings for indicating the fragrance type.

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