Adapter for drinking straw and drinking device

Abstract

An adapter for a drinking straw of the present disclosure extends in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end and comprises an attachment element, a mouthpiece mounted to or integrally formed with the attachment element, and means for attaching at least one fragrance source, the attachment element comprising a receiving volume for receiving a straw, the mouthpiece forms a drinking opening at the second end of the adapter, and the attachment element is provided with at least one air inlet opening formed in a wall surrounding the receiving volume or in the first end of the adapter. At least one air inlet opening is in fluid communication with the fragrance source and is in fluid communication with an air guide structure, the air guide structure being at least partially formed as a recess formed in an inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume. The air guiding structure forms at least one dispensing opening for perfumed air, and the at least one dispensing opening for perfumed air is arranged in the mouthpiece. The utility model further relates to a drinking device comprising the adapter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an adapter for a drinking straw and a related drinking device for sensing aroma substances via retronasal means. Background Technology

[0002] There is a growing demand for drinking liquids, which offer both pleasant flavor profiles and protection against potential health risks from ingesting flavoring substances or stabilizers dissolved in them. Increased calorie intake should also be avoided.

[0003] Therefore, water with a slightly fruity flavor has become popular. However, even in this flavored water, undesirable additives (such as stabilizers and a certain proportion of sugar) are present, which is why these flavored beverages also have a high calorie content that many consumers reject. The first step in solving this problem is to add flavoring agents to the beverage only before it is consumed. The flavoring substances, initially delivered separately, are then added to the drinking liquid and dissolved immediately before or during tasting. While this measure allows for the avoidance of issues such as the stability of the drinking liquid over a longer period, the problem of undesirable additive intake still exists.

[0004] Since the sense of smell plays a crucial role in the perception of taste during food and beverage tasting, systems to date have attempted to influence the perceived odor while drinking. To this end, US 5,635,229 proposes a fragrance element that can be attached near the drinking opening of a drinking container, such that the fragrance element is located near the nose of a user who breathes through their nose while drinking, thereby allowing the fragrance to be inhaled in a prenasal manner.

[0005] A drinking device for perceiving aroma substances via the retronasal route has been proposed, comprising a storage container for a drinking liquid, at least one aroma container through which air can flow, and a delivery channel for the drinking liquid flowing from the storage container to the mouthpiece of the drinking device. Furthermore, an air channel is provided for delivering flavored air, wherein the air channel extends from the aroma container to the delivery channel for the drinking liquid or extends to the mouthpiece. Such a drinking device is known from WO 2019 / 016096A1.

[0006] WO 2021 / 233516A1 describes a fragrance container and drinking device for the same purpose of perceiving fragrances via the retronasal route.

[0007] The key aspect of this drinking system is that the aroma compounds are perceived retronasally. During drinking, the aroma compounds reach the user's mouth along with the liquid, then rise retronasally through the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa (olfactory region), where they are captured by receptors and perceived by the user. The advantage lies in utilizing the close correlation between smell and taste. Therefore, the user gains the impression that he / she is tasting a spice, even though it is actually only smelled retronasally.

[0008] Human taste is primarily determined by retronasal olfaction. While the tongue's receptors can only distinguish sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami, the difference in taste lies in the vapor phase of food and liquid in the pharynx rising via the retronasal pathway to the olfactory mucosa. Sensors there trigger neural processes that create a taste impression in the brain. Therefore, a person whose taste is being delivered to their pharynx during drinking develops the impression that the beverage has been flavored, because the retronasal olfaction process generates the sensation in the brain that the beverage is the source of the flavor, even if the user is ingesting a pure and unadulterated (i.e., unflavored) liquid, such as water.

[0009] If the odor is perceived through inhalation via the nose (known as prenasal perception of the odor), the impression will not be as strong because the sensation is related to the rate of breathing, and thus the user will have the correct impression that he / she is only smelling the odor rather than tasting it as in the case of postnasal perception.

[0010] EP3944792A1 describes a drinking straw to which a flavoring container can be attached to establish a drinking device for retronasal perception of flavoring substances. The drinking straw is particularly suitable for such a drinking device. Utility Model Content

[0011] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an adapter for drinking straws that can be used with any conventional drinking straw, such as those used in existing drinking systems that use straws.

[0012] This objective is achieved by an adapter for a drinking straw and a drinking device for sensing aroma substances via retronasal means, according to the present disclosure. Preferred embodiments are derived from other embodiments.

[0013] The present disclosure discloses an adapter for a drinking straw extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, and includes an attachment element, a mouthpiece, and means for attaching at least one flavor source. The attachment element includes a receiving volume for receiving the drinking straw. The mouthpiece is mounted to or integrally formed with the attachment element. The mouthpiece forms a drinking opening at the second end of the adapter. The attachment element is provided with at least one air inlet opening, formed in a wall surrounding the receiving volume or in the first end of the adapter. The at least one air inlet opening is in fluid communication with the flavor source and with an air guiding structure, which is at least partially formed as a recess in the inner wall surface surrounding the receiving volume. The air guiding structure forms at least one distribution opening for flavored air, and the at least one distribution opening for flavored air is arranged in the mouthpiece, preferably in or near the plane of the drinking opening.

[0014] Since the relevant functions of the adapter disclosed herein can be included in the adapter for a drinking straw in a portion along the longitudinal direction of the adapter, wherein a receiving volume is formed for inserting the drinking straw, the adapter can be used with any conventional drinking straw of normal size. In the case of using a drinking straw with a smaller outer diameter than usual, a cylindrical adjusting element having the desired outer diameter for the attachment element and an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the drinking straw used can be used, which can be mounted to the outer wall surface of the straw before the straw is secured in the receiving volume of the adapter.

[0015] The advantageous arrangement of the air guiding structure, extending from the air inlet opening to the dispensing opening arranged in the mouthpiece, reduces the risk of drinking liquid entering the air guiding structure and thus the replaceable flavoring container. This is because drinking liquid entering the dispensing opening for flavoring air must travel a relatively long path to the air inlet opening. However, the dispensing opening can also be positioned such that flavoring air enters the drinking liquid at a distance from the drinking opening.

[0016] An air guiding structure is formed in the inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume. This allows the adapter to be used with any conventional drinking straw. However, recesses can also be provided in the surrounding wall of the drinking straw, or in both the surrounding wall and the inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume. The design of having recesses in both the surrounding wall and the inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume can create a tortuous path for air to travel along the air guiding structure.

[0017] Advantageously, according to a preferred embodiment, at least one air inlet opening is formed near the first end of the adapter. This positioning of the air inlet opening further helps to prevent undesirable water from entering the replaceable fragrance container due to the increased length of the air guiding structure.

[0018] Another advantage of the adapter disclosed herein is that the air guiding structure is at least partially and preferably entirely formed as a recess in the inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume. Therefore, this adapter does not have a closed air guiding structure (i.e., an air guiding structure completely surrounded by the wall). An air passage is formed only after the drinking straw is inserted, between the recess in the inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume and the outer wall surface of the drinking straw. This recessed air guiding structure is easier to manufacture and allows for the provision of air guiding structures with complex shapes.

[0019] The adapter can be easily attached to a drinking straw. Additionally, at least one flavoring source can be attached to the adapter.

[0020] Multiple distribution openings are provided for the flavored air to divide the overall flavored airflow into multiple partial flows, which are less noticeable to the user when drinking.

[0021] Preferably, the at least one fragrance source includes a replaceable fragrance container, and the attachment device is preferably configured to position the replaceable fragrance container.

[0022] In operation, when the user sucks in liquid through the mouthpiece of the adapter, the liquid is transported through the drinking straw and released through the drinking opening at the second end of the adapter. Simultaneously, the negative pressure generated by the user sucking in liquid through the drinking opening causes the delivery of flavored air. The negative pressure at the drinking opening of the liquid creates a negative pressure in the air guiding structure and the air inlet opening, which is in fluid communication with the air outlet opening of the replaceable flavor container. The pressure difference between the external atmosphere and the interior of the replaceable flavor container generates an airflow entering the replaceable flavor container through the air inlet opening. The air becomes flavor-enriched and exits the replaceable flavor container through the air outlet opening, which is in fluid communication with the air inlet opening of the adapter. The flavored air flows through the air guiding structure to the flavoring air distribution opening, which is arranged in the mouthpiece in or near the plane of the drinking opening. Thus, the user inhales the liquid while simultaneously inhaling the flavored air. The flavored air is inhaled separately from the drinking liquid, or mixed to some extent between the drinking liquid and the flavored air, so that the drinking liquid containing small bubbles of flavored air enters the user's mouth. An adapter with a replaceable flavor container can be used with any drinking straw to add a flavor to water or enhance the flavor already contained in a drinking liquid.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the air guiding structure includes at least one concave pressure equalization chamber formed in the inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume. Preferably, the air guiding structure includes a plurality of pressure equalization chambers interconnected by air guiding sections formed as grooves in the inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume.

[0024] In a pressure equalization chamber, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow used for flavoring increases, causing the air velocity to decrease. Therefore, the flavored air flowing through the pressure equalization chamber has a longer residence time, resulting in more thorough mixing of the flavoring air and thus a more stable flavor profile. The pressure equalization chamber can be shaped to promote the mixing of the flavoring air, for example, by providing a geometry that facilitates the formation of vortices in the flavored air flowing within the pressure equalization chamber.

[0025] However, the primary function of the pressure equalization chamber is to provide a buffer volume that reduces pressure spikes that occur when a user inhales liquid through the mouthpiece.

[0026] The arrangement of multiple pressure equalization chambers, interconnected by air-guiding sections formed as grooves in the inner wall surface surrounding the receiving volume, further improves the mixing of flavored air, resulting in a more stable flavoring level. Furthermore, the arrangement of multiple pressure equalization chambers with large cross-sectional areas (interconnected by narrow connecting sections formed as grooves) further reduces the risk of undesirable contamination of drinking liquids into the replaceable flavor container.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, in the longitudinal extension of the adapter, at least one concave pressure equalization chamber extends further toward the first end of the adapter than the location of the air inlet opening.

[0028] This geometry further helps to trap liquid entering the air-guiding structure at the dispensing opening. If the adapter is attached to a substantially upright drinking straw (with the mouthpiece forming the uppermost part of the adapter), liquid entering the air-guiding structure and ultimately the pressure equalization chamber may be trapped at the lowest point of the pressure equalization chamber, below the location of the air inlet opening. In this way, unwanted entry of drinking liquid into the replaceable flavor container can be more effectively prevented.

[0029] Preferably, the air inlet opening extends between the outer and inner wall surfaces of the wall surrounding the receiving volume and is formed within a concave pressure equalization chamber. In other words, preferably, the air inlet opening leads to the pressure equalization chamber.

[0030] This measure further reduces the risk of drinking liquids entering the replaceable flavor container because, unlike tubular geometry, drinking liquids entering the pressure equalization chamber do not necessarily travel to the air inlet opening leading to the air outlet opening of the replaceable flavor container.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the air guiding structure is provided with means for guiding water away from the air inlet opening. This means is preferably a protrusion surrounding the wall of the receiving volume, positioned adjacent to the air inlet opening. This protrusion surrounds the air inlet opening, such that water spreading along the wall surrounding the air inlet opening is guided around and away from it. Alternatively, a protrusion can be positioned adjacent to the air inlet opening at a location between the air inlet opening and the dispensing opening, and when the adapter is attached to the drinking straw and the mouthpiece forms the uppermost vertical part of the adapter, this protrusion is positioned vertically above the air inlet opening. Therefore, the drinking liquid flowing downwards is guided away from the air inlet opening.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the adapter further includes a fixing structure for attaching a drinking straw, the fixing structure including a stop device for limiting the maximum longitudinal insertion of the drinking straw into the receiving volume of the adapter.

[0033] This fixing structure serves two purposes. First, it secures the drinking straw and prevents it from accidentally slipping out of the adapter's receiving volume. Second, it provides a stop that limits the maximum longitudinal insertion of the drinking straw into the adapter's receiving volume. By providing this stop, when the adapter is attached to the drinking straw, the adapter and drinking straw move relative to each other until the drinking straw abuts the stop. This gives the user a clear indication that the adapter and drinking straw are in the correct relative position. Because the air guiding structure is formed only as a recess in the inner wall surface surrounding the receiving volume, the drinking straw needs to be fully inserted into the receiving volume, creating an air passage between the recess in the inner wall surface surrounding the receiving volume and the outer wall surface of the drinking straw. If the drinking straw does not extend to the stop, the drinking system may have degraded functionality.

[0034] Preferably, the stop is a stepped element formed in the wall surrounding the receiving volume near the second end of the adapter. Once the straw abuts the stop, the user receives tactile feedback that the adapter has been correctly positioned relative to the drinking straw.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the adapter further includes at least one groove in the stepped element, the at least one groove forming part of the air guiding structure.

[0036] This groove in the stepped element places the distribution opening for flavoring air directly above the end of the drinking straw closest to the mouthpiece. Therefore, during use, flavoring air is added to the drinking liquid just before it leaves the drinking opening on the mouthpiece. When multiple distribution openings for flavoring air are provided, multiple grooves are preferable.

[0037] Preferably, the means for attaching and positioning the replaceable flavor container is an annular protrusion surrounding the wall of the receiving volume. This structure has several advantages. First, the annular protrusion provided around the wall of the receiving volume is easy to manufacture. Second, this annular protrusion can be used with flavor containers that are substantially annular and extend around the attachment element of the adapter. An annular flavor container has a good, even weight distribution, which is advantageous for the adapter of this disclosure for use on drinking straws.

[0038] Preferably, in the region where the replaceable fragrance container is attached to the adapter, the cross-sectional area defined by the outer wall surface surrounding the receiving opening deviates from a circular shape. In other words, the outer wall around which the annular fragrance container is attached is non-circular. Therefore, the replaceable fragrance container with a correspondingly shaped inner wall can only be positioned at a single angular location relative to rotation about the longitudinal axis of the receiving volume. Thus, this preferred feature facilitates accurate positioning of the replaceable fragrance container.

[0039] The fragrance container can have any suitable shape, which allows the user to attach the fragrance container to the adapter in the correct orientation.

[0040] The cross-sectional area defined by the outer wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving opening may also have a circular shape, and the fragrance container may be provided with a surrounding groove formed in its inner sidewall, the surrounding groove establishing fluid communication between the scented air exiting the air outlet opening of the fragrance container and the air inlet opening.

[0041] The drinking device of this disclosure for sensing aroma substances via retronasal means includes, as described above, an adapter for a drinking straw, a drinking straw having a surrounding wall that is frictionally held in a receiving volume of the adapter, and an aroma source, wherein an air guiding structure is formed by a recess in the inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume and the outer wall surface of the drinking straw.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, when the fragrance source is a replaceable fragrance container correctly attached to the adapter, the air inlet opening of the attachment element is in fluid communication with the air outlet of the fragrance container. Attached Figure Description

[0043] In the following figures, this disclosure will be described by way of example only, with the aid of specific embodiments. The figures illustrate the following:

[0044] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional view of the adapter according to this disclosure, in which a waterdropper is inserted;

[0045] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The adapter shown, but with a replaceable fragrance container attached to the adapter;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an adapter with an attached, replaceable fragrance container;

[0047] Figure 4 It is based on Figure 3 A cross-sectional top view of an adapter with an attached, replaceable fragrance container; and

[0048] Figure 5 It is an adapter with an attached replaceable fragrance container and an insertable straw, positioned perpendicular to the [specific orientation]. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the cross section. Detailed Implementation

[0049] In the following exemplary embodiments, the same elements will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0050] exist Figure 1 The image shows an adapter 10 mounted on a drinking straw 12. The adapter 10 has a generally longitudinally extending portion between a first end 14 and a second end 16, and includes an attachment element 18 and a mouthpiece 20 integrally formed with the attachment element 18. The mouthpiece 20 forms a drinking opening 22. Figure 1 The diagram also shows a distribution opening 32 for adding fragrance to the air, which will be described in detail below.

[0051] Attachment element 18 is provided with attachment and positioning features Figure 1 The device for a replaceable fragrance container is not shown. This attachment device is a generally annular protrusion 24 extending outward from the outer wall surface 26 of the attachment element 18 and integrally formed with the attachment element 18. Furthermore, a positioning protrusion 28 extends radially outward from the outer wall 26 of the attachment element 18 and is integrally formed with the attachment element 18. The positioning protrusion 28 has an outer peripheral wall 30 whose shape deviates from a circle. Figure 2 The specific fragrance containers 34 shown interact, and these specific positioning protrusions 28 are used to position the replaceable fragrance containers 34 and to define the surrounding area of ​​the fragrance containers as follows: Figure 5 The longitudinal axis O shown is in a single rotational position.

[0052] Similarly, other shapes of the replaceable fragrance container are also possible, which require a corresponding fit between the geometry of the positioning protrusion 28 and the annular protrusion 24 used as the seating surface.

[0053] The adapter is preferably made of food-grade plastic material. Preferably, such as... Figure 1 The adapter 10 shown is integrally formed from plastic material.

[0054] exist Figure 2 In China, according to Figure 1 The adapter 10 is shown mounted on the drinking straw 12 and has a replaceable flavor container 34.

[0055] The replaceable fragrance container 34 of this particular embodiment is shaped to surround the attachment element 18, particularly the positioning protrusion 28. The replaceable fragrance container 34 is substantially annular, comprising an annular outer wall and an inner wall that deviates from a circle. In other words, the space enclosed by the inner wall has a non-circular cross-sectional area. The inner wall of the replaceable fragrance container... Figure 2 The exemplary geometry shown allows the replaceable fragrance container to be positioned within the defined area of ​​the annular protrusion 24 and the positioning protrusion 28 surrounding the attachment element 18. Thus, the replaceable fragrance container 34 can only be positioned in a single annular position relative to rotation about the longitudinal axis O. The air outlet opening 64 of the replaceable fragrance container 34 is located in the inner wall, and the air inlet opening 66 is located in the bottom wall of the replaceable fragrance container 34, preferably arranged diametrically opposite to the air outlet opening 64, such that the airflow through the replaceable fragrance container 34 must travel the widest possible distance, and thus concentrate fragrance substances in a particularly efficient manner.

[0056] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the replaceable fragrance container 34 is merely one example described in detail in WO 2021 / 233516A1, the document concerning the external geometry of the replaceable fragrance container being incorporated herein by reference. However, replaceable fragrance containers of any suitable shape may be provided.

[0057] exist Figure 3 The image shows a cross-sectional view of an adapter with an attached replaceable fragrance container 34.

[0058] The attachment element 18 has a wall 36, the inner wall surface 38 of which is provided with an air guiding structure 40, the air guiding structure being formed as a complex-shaped recess in the inner wall surface 38 of the wall 36. The wall 36 of the attachment element 12 is closed to retain the drinking straw. Figure 3 The receiving volume 42 (not shown) is provided. Additionally, a stop member 46 may be provided near the second end 16 of the adapter. The stop member 46 restricts the insertion movement of the drinking straw 12 and provides tactile feedback to the user when the adapter 10 has been properly installed on the drinking straw 12.

[0059] The air guiding structure 40 comprises multiple individual sections, and specifically includes a first pressure equalization chamber 48 and a second pressure equalization chamber 50. The first pressure equalization chamber 48 and the second pressure equalization chamber 50 are interconnected by a first recess 52, and the second pressure equalization chamber 50 is in fluid communication with a second recess 54, which connects the second pressure equalization chamber 50 to the dispensing opening 32. Another part of the air guiding structure 40 is a third recess 56 formed in the stop member 46, which establishes fluid communication between the second recess 54 and the dispensing opening 32 for flavoring air.

[0060] Furthermore, an air inlet opening 58 is provided on the inner peripheral side wall of the replaceable fragrance container 34, connecting the air guiding structure 40 to the air outlet opening 64. Therefore, in Figure 3 In the specific embodiment shown, the air guiding structure 40 is formed by an air inlet opening 58, a first pressure equalization chamber 48, a first groove 52, a second pressure equalization chamber 50, a second groove 54, a third groove 56, and a distribution opening 32.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the first pressure equalization chamber 48 extends longitudinally between the first end 14 and the second end 16 of the adapter, and is further toward the first end 14 of the adapter 10 than the air inlet opening 58. This has the effect that, in operation, when the drinking liquid should enter the dispensing opening 32 but travels toward the first end 14 of the adapter under the influence of gravity, the drinking liquid will be trapped in the lowermost part of the first pressure equalization chamber 48, which is closer to the first end 14 of the adapter 10 than the location of the air inlet opening 58.

[0062] As another measure to prevent drinking liquid from entering the opening 58 and the replaceable flavor container 34 through air, both pressure equalization chambers 48 and 50 are provided with protrusions. A second protrusion 62 is provided in the second pressure equalization chamber 50, while a first protrusion 60 is provided in the first pressure equalization chamber 48. The term "protrusion" as used herein may not be entirely appropriate because, as mentioned above, the air guiding structure 40 is formed as a recess in the inner wall surface 38, such that the first protrusion 60 and the second protrusion are actually areas in which there is no recess or the depth of the recess is less than the surrounding area.

[0063] The second protrusion 62 in the second pressure equalization chamber 50 separates the flavored airflow flowing upward toward the distribution opening 32 into two partial flows flowing along the protrusion 62 on both sides. This separation of the flavored airflow occurs because, as Figure 5 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the protrusion 62 has a height that causes it to abut against the wall of the drinking straw 12, thereby forcing the flavored air to take a path along both sides of the protrusion 62.

[0064] Similarly, the first protrusion 60 also has a height that abuts against the wall of the drinking straw 12, which causes the airflow flowing upward toward the dispensing opening 32 to be divided into two parts flowing along both sides of the first protrusion 60. The first protrusion 60 has another effect, as well as... Figure 5 As shown, the drinking liquid for flavoring air entering the dispensing opening 32 is forced to flow downward along both sides of the first protrusion 60 and is forced to collect in the lower part of the pressure equalization chamber 48, where the drinking liquid is held by gravity and cannot enter the air entry opening 58 if the adapter 10 is held in the position where the second end 16 is in the uppermost position or is held at least significantly above the first end 14 of the adapter.

[0065] During use, refer to Figure 5 The user drinks from the drinking opening 22 as if using a traditional drinking straw. By applying suction pressure, the liquid is transported in the direction of arrow B through the internal volume of the drinking straw, which serves as a fluid delivery conduit. Simultaneously, the sub-pressure at the drinking opening 22 and the flow of liquid create a negative pressure within the air guiding structure, which also acts via fluid communication between the air outlet opening 64 and the air inlet opening 58 of the replaceable flavor container 34. This causes ambient air to enter through the air inlet opening 66 in the bottom wall of the replaceable flavor container 34 and into the internal volume of the flavor container. The air entering the replaceable flavor container 34 becomes enriched with flavoring substances and exits as flavored air through the air outlet opening 64, which communicates with the air inlet opening 58. The air inlet opening 58 leads to the air guiding structure 40 and specifically to the first pressure equalization chamber 48 having a first protrusion 60, where the airflow is divided into partial flows flowing along both sides of the first protrusion 60. The partial flows converge again downstream of the first protrusion 60 and enter the first groove 52 leading to the second pressure equalization chamber 50. The flavored airflow is again split into two partial flows flowing along both sides of the second protrusion 62. Downstream of the second pressure equalization chamber 50, the flavored airflow passes through the second groove 54, the third groove 56 arranged in the stop member 46, and exits the air guide structure 40 through the distribution opening 32 in the direction of arrow A.

[0066] The adapter according to this disclosure is easy to manufacture. It is a one-piece, integral structure, and the air guiding structure 40 is formed by a recess in the inner wall surface of the attachment element 18. The air duct system is formed as a closed path only when combined with a conventional drinking straw 12 attached to the adapter. This closed path guides flavored air along the straw 12 away from the replaceable flavor container 34 and to the drinking opening 22. The adapter 10 can be used with conventional drinking straws that do not require insertion with a specific rotational orientation relative to the adapter, nor do they require openings for guiding flavored air into the internal volume of the drinking straw. Therefore, the adapter according to this disclosure can be used with conventional drinking straws, or it can be attached to existing drinking systems that include drinking straws.

[0067] List of reference numerals

[0068] 10 adapters

[0069] 12 drinking straws

[0070] 14 The first end of the adapter

[0071] The second end of the 16 adapter

[0072] 18 Attachment Components

[0073] 20 mouthpieces

[0074] 22 Drinking opening

[0075] 24 ring-shaped protrusions

[0076] 26. Outer wall surface of the attachment element

[0077] 28 positioning protrusions

[0078] 30 peripheral wall

[0079] 32 distribution openings

[0080] 34 Replaceable fragrance containers

[0081] 36 Attachment element wall

[0082] 38 inner wall surface

[0083] 40 air guiding structure

[0084] 42 receiving volume

[0085] 46 Stopping components

[0086] 48 First Pressure Equalization Chamber

[0087] 50 Second Pressure Equalization Chamber

[0088] 52 First Groove

[0089] 54 Second Groove

[0090] 56 Third Groove

[0091] 58 Air inlet opening

[0092] 60 First protrusion

[0093] 62 Second protrusion

[0094] 64 air outlet openings

[0095] 66. Air inlet opening.

Claims

1. An adapter for a drinking straw, the adapter extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, and comprising: An attachment element, the attachment element including a receiving volume for receiving a drinking straw; A mouthpiece, which is mounted to or integrally formed with the attachment element, wherein the mouthpiece forms a drinking opening at a second end of the adapter; as well as Device for attaching at least one fragrance source; in The attachment element is provided with at least one air inlet opening, the air inlet opening being formed in a wall surrounding the receiving volume or in the first end of the adapter; characterized in that The air inlet opening is in fluid communication with the following components: -The at least one fragrance source, and - An air guiding structure, which is at least partially formed as a recess in the inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume; The air guiding structure forms at least one distribution opening for the fragranced air; as well as The dispensing opening for scented air is arranged in the mouthpiece.

2. An adapter for a drinking straw according to claim 1, characterized in that The air distribution opening for flavoring is arranged in or near the plane of the drinking opening.

3. An adapter for a drinking straw according to claim 1, characterized in that The air guiding structure includes at least one pressure equalization chamber formed in a concave shape on the inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume.

4. An adapter for a drinking straw according to claim 3, characterized in that The air guiding structure includes a plurality of pressure equalization chambers interconnected by air guiding sections, the air guiding sections being formed as grooves in the inner wall surface surrounding the wall of the receiving volume.

5. An adapter for a drinking straw according to claim 3, wherein, In the longitudinal extension of the adapter, at least one concave pressure equalization chamber extends further toward the first end of the adapter than the location of the air inlet opening.

6. The adapter for a drinking straw according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that... At least one of the at least one air inlet openings extends between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume; as well as The at least one air inlet is formed in a concave pressure equalization chamber.

7. An adapter for a drinking straw according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The air guiding structure is provided with a device for guiding water away from the air inlet opening.

8. An adapter for a drinking straw according to claim 7, characterized in that The means for directing water away from the air inlet opening is a protrusion in the wall surrounding the receiving volume, the protrusion being positioned adjacent to the air inlet opening.

9. The adapter for a drinking straw according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It also includes a fixing structure for attaching a drinking straw, the fixing structure including a stop device for limiting the maximum longitudinal insertion of the drinking straw into the receiving volume of the adapter.

10. An adapter for a drinking straw according to claim 9, characterized in that The stop device is a stepped element formed in the wall surrounding the receiving volume near the second end of the adapter.

11. An adapter for a drinking straw according to claim 10, characterized in that It also includes at least one groove in the stepped element, the at least one groove forming part of the air guiding structure.

12. The adapter for a drinking straw according to claim 1, characterized in that... The at least one fragrance source includes a replaceable fragrance container; as well as The attachment device is configured to position the replaceable fragrance container.

13. An adapter for a drinking straw according to claim 12, characterized in that The means for attaching and positioning the replaceable fragrance container is an annular protrusion that surrounds the wall of the receiving volume.

14. An adapter for a drinking straw according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that In the area where the replaceable fragrance container is attached to the adapter, the cross-sectional area defined by the outer wall surface surrounding the receiving opening deviates from a circular shape.

15. A drinking device for perceiving aroma substances in a retronasal way, characterized in that The drinking device includes: An adapter for a drinking straw according to any one of the preceding claims; A drinking straw having a surrounding wall, the drinking straw being frictionally held within the receiving volume of the adapter; and Fragrance source; among which The air guiding structure is formed by a recess in the inner wall surface of the wall surrounding the receiving volume and the outer wall surface of the drinking straw.

16. The drinking device according to claim 15, characterized in that... The at least one fragrance source includes a replaceable fragrance container; as well as The attachment device is configured to position the replaceable fragrance container.

17. The drinking device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The air inlet of the attachment element is in fluid communication with the fragrance source.

18. The drinking device according to claim 17, characterized in that The air inlet opening of the attachment element is in fluid communication with at least one air outlet opening of the replaceable fragrance container.

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