Drinking device

Abstract

The invention relates to a drinking device for the retronasal olfaction of an aroma substance and comprises a fluid reservoir (12) which can be filled with drinking fluid; wherein the fluid reservoir (12) is preferably provided with attachment means (13) for attachment to a user's body or clothing or to a bag to be worn on the body; also comprises a mouthpiece (26) with a mouth end (28); further comprises a transporting line (20) for drinking fluid, the transporting line having a length of at least 15 cm, and preferably of at least 20 cm, and having an inner cavity (22), which provides a flow connection between the fluid reservoir (12) and the mouth end (28) of the mouthpiece (26); and additionally comprises an aroma container (24) for the addition of an aroma substance to an air stream flowing through the aroma container; wherein the aroma container (24) comprises at least one air-outlet opening (42), which is in flow connection either with at least one aroma-inlet opening (44) into the inner cavity (22) of the transporting line (20) for drinking fluid or with an aroma channel (84), which extends as far as the mouth end (28) of the mouthpiece (26).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a hydration pack, a hydration belt or a waist pack with a drinking device for retronasal absorption of an aroma substance. State of the art

[0002] There is a growing need for beverages that, on the one hand, have a pleasant taste, but on the other hand, avoid health risks that can arise from ingesting substances or stabilizers dissolved in the beverage. Furthermore, the intake of an increased number of calories should be avoided.

[0003] Therefore, water with a subtle fruit flavor has become popular in recent years. However, this flavored water also contains undesirable additives, such as stabilizers and a certain amount of sugar, which is why these flavored drinks also have a calorie count that is unacceptable to many consumers.

[0004] A first step towards solving the problem is to add the flavoring to a beverage immediately before consumption. US 2008 / 028 353 A1 and US 2015 / 030 726 A1 are examples of dosing systems in which a flavoring substance, originally intended to be added separately, is added to and dissolved in the beverage immediately before or even during consumption. While this measure can avoid problems such as stabilizing the beverage over an extended period, the issue of unwanted ingestion of additives remains.

[0005] Since the olfactory sensory impression constitutes a significant part of the gustatory perception when consuming food and beverages, existing systems attempt to influence the smell perceived while drinking. For this purpose, US 5,635,229 proposes an aroma element that can be attached to a drinking container near the drinking opening, so that the aroma element is in close proximity to the user's nose, who breathes through their nose while drinking and thus inhales the scent.

[0006] The drinking vessel according to US 8,662,339 B2 also works on this principle, whereby an aromatic substance is inhaled through the nose while drinking.

[0007] WO 2020 / 126210 A1 describes a drinking device for the retronasal ingestion of an aroma substance. This device features an air-permeable, replaceable aroma container that can be attached to the head of the drinking device, and an air channel for transporting aromatized air that runs from the aroma container towards the mouthpiece.

[0008] A drinking device is also known from WO 2019 / 016096 A1, CN 210 643 022 U, CN 110 833 293 A, WO 03 / 013977 A1, DE 20 2018 106851 U1, US 2006086821 A1 and US 2019059562 A1. Description of the invention

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of proposing a drinking device that provides the user with an improved taste experience and can be used in particular during various leisure activities.

[0010] This problem is solved by a hydration pack, a hydration belt, or a waist pack with a drinking device having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments follow from the remaining claims and the following description.

[0011] The drinking device according to the invention for retronasal absorption of an aroma substance comprises a liquid reservoir that can be filled with drinking liquid, wherein the liquid reservoir is preferably provided with attachment means for attachment to the body or clothing of a user.Furthermore, the drinking device comprises a mouthpiece, a transport line for drinking liquid with an inner cavity that forms a flow connection between the liquid reservoir and the mouth end of the mouthpiece, wherein the transport line has a length of at least 15 cm and preferably a length of at least 20 cm, and an aroma container for adding an aroma substance to an airflow through the aroma container, wherein the aroma container comprises at least one air outlet opening that is either in flow communication with at least one aroma inlet opening into the inner cavity of the transport line for drinking liquid or is in flow communication with an aroma channel that is separate from the inner cavity of the transport line and extends to the mouth end of the mouthpiece.

[0012] The drinking device for retronasal ingestion of an aroma substance is thus preferably attachable to the body or clothing of a user or to a bag worn on the body and can, for example, be worn as a backpack or in a commercially available backpack so that the user has both hands free during the drinking process. The drinking device can be designed so that the liquid reservoir can be integrated into a backpack or a carrying bag as part of the user's clothing.

[0013] An aroma container is provided, which is suitable for adding an aroma substance to an airflow passing through the aroma container.

[0014] A key aspect of the drinking device according to the invention is that the flavoring substance is absorbed retronasally. When drinking, the flavoring substance enters the user's mouth along with the liquid and then travels retronasally through the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa (regio olfactoria), where it is detected by the receptors located there and perceived by the user. The device according to the invention is equally suitable for cold or warm liquids.

[0015] Retronasal absorption of the flavoring substance takes advantage of the close connection between the senses of smell and taste. The user therefore gets the impression of tasting the flavor, even though they are actually only smelling it retronasally.

[0016] A person's sense of taste is significantly influenced by the retronasal sense of smell. The receptors on the tongue can only distinguish between sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami, whereas the more nuanced sense of taste arises when the gaseous phase of foods and liquids rises in the throat via the retronasal route and reaches the olfactory mucosa. The sensors located there trigger neurological stimuli that create a taste sensation in the brain. Thus, a person who is exposed to an aroma in their throat while drinking perceives the beverage as flavored, because the retronasal olfactory process creates the sensory impression in the brain that the beverage is the source of the aroma, even though the user is consuming a pure, unflavored liquid, such as water.When smelling through the nose, the so-called orthonasal intake of an aroma substance, this impression does not arise to the same extent, because the sensory impression is linked to the breathing rate and the user thus gets the correct impression that he is only smelling the aroma substance, but not tasting it as with retronasal intake.

[0017] The preferably refillable liquid reservoir can hold pure or carbonated water, while the flavoring substance is transferred to the airflow passing through the flavor reservoir and is either added to the drinking liquid before ingestion by the user or transported separately to the user's throat. For this purpose, the air outlet of the flavor reservoir is either connected to at least one flavor inlet opening in the inner cavity of the liquid transport tube, or to a separate flavor channel extending from the inner cavity of the transport tube to the mouthpiece.

[0018] The drinking device according to the invention is equally suitable for liquids that have their own inherent flavor. The existing flavor of the liquid can be enhanced by the flavoring substance from the flavoring container or supplemented by one or more additional flavor components. For example, if the liquid reservoir contains apple juice, apple flavoring can be added to enhance the taste, or orange flavoring can be added to create a flavor blend. In this way, alcoholic beverages, such as beer, can also be flavored with additional flavoring substances, allowing for the customization of a user's specific preferences by using a suitable flavoring container in the drinking device according to the invention.Furthermore, the drinking device according to the invention can also be used with flavors not commonly found in the food sector, such as sandalwood, which is known from room fragrances. The added flavoring can be artificial or natural. It is possible to use flavorings that have been isolated or concentrated from an artificial or natural source, as well as natural substances such as fresh or processed products, like lemon peels, dandelion leaves, licorice, or other aromatic substances.

[0019] When the air outlet of the aroma container is connected to at least one aroma inlet opening in the inner cavity of the liquid transport tube, the aromatized air is transported in the liquid in the form of small air bubbles. The user then ingests the liquid infused with aromatized air at the mouthpiece.

[0020] The flavored air escapes from the surrounding liquid in the user's mouth as air bubbles, allowing it to rise retronasally through the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa. If the flavor channel is separate from the internal cavity transport channel and extends to the mouthpiece, the flavored air does not need to be separated from the surrounding liquid first. A further advantage of separate delivery of the flavored air and the liquid to the mouthpiece is that any negligible transfer of substances between the air and the liquid can be avoided.

[0021] All the solutions described above have in common that the geometries of the transport line for drinking liquid and the aroma inlet or aroma channel are coordinated so that, during the drinking process, the aromatized air and the drinking liquid are drawn in in the desired ratio to each other. It is essential, however, that the transport line has a length of at least 15 cm and preferably at least 20 cm, so that the liquid reservoir of the drinking device according to the invention can be positioned at a sufficient distance from the mouthpiece to allow, for example, comfortable wear on the back.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid reservoir comprises flexible outer walls. If the liquid reservoir is thus provided in the form of an elastic bladder, it can collapse during the drinking process, whereas a liquid reservoir with a fixed internal volume requires an air inlet opening to ensure the necessary pressure equalization during drinking.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the internal volume of the liquid reservoir is at least 400 ml, i.e., at least 400 ml of drinking liquid can be poured into the liquid reservoir.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aroma container includes the mouthpiece. This solution offers several advantages. Firstly, the number of parts is reduced by the integral design of the aroma unit with the attached mouthpiece. Furthermore, the air outlet from the aroma container is automatically aligned relative to the aroma inlet opening in the inner cavity of the transport line for the drinking liquid. Another advantage of this solution is that the aromatized air is only introduced in the immediate vicinity of the mouthpiece, thus preventing any undesirable transfer of substances between the air and the drinking liquid.However, the main advantage of this solution is that conventional drinking devices can be easily converted and expanded by replacing the existing mouthpieces with a mouthpiece equipped with the aroma container.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the container, the aroma container is movable between an activated position and a non-activated position, wherein in the activated position an air outlet opening of the aroma container is in flow connection with the transport channel for drinking liquid, and in the non-activated position there is no flow connection between the air outlet opening and the transport channel for drinking liquid.

[0026] An air inlet opening into the aroma container for airflow through the aroma container is preferably arranged in such a way that it is essentially sealed in the non-activated position of the aroma container.

[0027] The ability to move the aroma container between an activated and a non-activated position has the advantage that, with only occasional use of the drinking device, the service life of the aroma container can be significantly extended. Specifically, when there is no airflow connection between the air outlet and the liquid transport channel in the non-activated position, no liquid flows through the aroma container, and the flavoring substance remains inside for a considerably longer period.

[0028] In a drinking device where the drinking container is movable between an activated position and a non-activated position, the drinking device according to the invention further comprises an ergonomically shaped grip area on the side of the aroma container facing away from the mouthpiece. A user can hold the grip area with one hand and move the aroma container between the activated position and the non-activated position with the other hand. Alternatively, the ergonomically shaped grip area could also be designed such that at least one of the two movements of the aroma container between the activated position and the non-activated position is possible by means of one-handed operation.

[0029] Preferably, the drinking device can be sealed against unintentional leakage of the drinking liquid by providing, according to a first preferred alternative, a rotary valve that tightly closes the transport line for the drinking liquid when the rotary valve is actuated. A rotary valve can be conventionally inserted into the transport line for the drinking liquid, which is operated by the user by actuating a stopcock or by actuating a lever.

[0030] Since it is important that it is as intuitive as possible for a user to understand whether the transport line is shut off or not, according to a preferred variant the entire mouthpiece can be pivoted relative to the transport line, making it clearly visible that the drinking device is not in the operating position.

[0031] An alternative method for sealing the drinking device according to the invention is to provide a bite valve at the mouthpiece. Bite valves are known in the art. By simply biting down on the mouthpiece, the valve opens, allowing drinking from the device. Providing a bite valve has the advantage that no additional step is required for the user. Once the user has become accustomed to operating the bite valve during drinking, no further action is necessary, and in particular, it is impossible to forget to operate a separately provided sealing element after drinking.

[0032] Another preferred variant involves combining the desired sealing of the transport line for drinking liquid with the sealing of the aroma container. This not only prevents unwanted leakage of drinking liquid from the drinking device but also prevents air from passing through the aroma container. To achieve this, a preferred embodiment provides a sealing element in the form of a compression seal, the actuation of which is coupled to the movement of the aroma container between the activated and inactive positions. A compression seal is advantageous because these are typically actuated by one or more compression elements being actuated by wedge-shaped contact geometries during a linear displacement movement.

[0033] According to an alternative embodiment of the drinking device according to the invention, it comprises a sealing element in the form of a sealing plunger. The sealing plunger can be arranged such that it not only partially closes the inner cavity of the transport line, but also simultaneously closes the aroma inlet opening into the inner cavity of the transport line. In this way, without the aroma container needing to be movable between an activated and a non-activated position, the flow through the aroma container can be prevented at the same time as the transport line is sealed.

[0034] Another alternative for a sealing element of the drinking device according to the invention is that the sealing element comprises at least one one-way valve. A one-way valve can be provided in a very simple form, such as a duckbill valve, which interrupts the flow of liquid towards the mouth and prevents water from entering the flavor container. For this purpose, the one-way valve is preferably positioned upstream of the flavor inlet opening in the inner cavity of the transport line. Alternatively, another duckbill valve can also be provided downstream. The advantage of providing at least one one-way valve is that it does not need to be actuated by the user in a separate step, but opens automatically when suction pressure is applied during the drinking process and returns automatically to the sealing position after the drinking process is complete.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking device according to the invention further comprises a hand pump for building up pressure in the inner cavity of the transport tube. The hand pump can be used to deliver drinking liquid to the mouthpiece even when, using a long transport tube, the mouthpiece is significantly higher than the level of the liquid reservoir. Alternatively, a hand pump can be used to pressurize a rigid liquid reservoir when, during dispensing, the internal pressure in the reservoir has dropped and the user can only drink through the mouthpiece with increased suction.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid line is attached to the liquid reservoir in such a way that it can be pulled out of and pushed back into the liquid reservoir a predetermined distance along its length. In this way, the distance between the liquid reservoir and the mouthpiece of the drinking device can be adjusted to the user's wishes or specific applications.

[0037] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the transport line has a plurality of predetermined bending points. In this way, too, the distance between an outlet from the liquid reservoir and into the inner cavity of the transport line and the mouthpiece can be adjusted according to the needs and preferences of a user.

[0038] A further advantage of predetermined bends is that the drinking device can be transported more safely, since unintentional pressure on the supply line, for example in a bag during transport, does not lead to damage to the supply line because the supply line can deflect from the force or adapt to an uneven surface due to the bends. Furthermore, the drinking device according to the invention can be transported or stored in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transport line is divisible along its length. This provides access to the inner cavity of the transport line, which can be easily cleaned.

[0040] It has proven particularly suitable if the transport line has a longitudinally extending film hinge and can be opened longitudinally. In this way, the two individual elements of the transport line can be opened but remain permanently connected. The two ring-shaped sections can be cleaned, for example, under running water, after opening. If the transport line is made of a sufficiently elastic material such as silicone, the longitudinally slit transport line along a seam can be opened elastically and, after cleaning, automatically returns elastically to its original position. In this position, despite the seam running longitudinally along the transport channel, any liquid transported in the inner cavity will not unintentionally leak from the seam during normal use.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the drinking device according to the invention further comprises a receiving device for the flavor container, into which the flavor container can be inserted and which can be attached to the transport line. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the flavor container can be attached to the transport line, preferably designed to be clipped on, wherein the flavor container comprises a penetration element suitable for penetrating the transport line and creating the flavor inlet opening when the flavor container is attached to the transport line. In this way, the flavor container can be used in a conventional drinking device, since the transport line does not need to have a pre-made flavor inlet opening before the flavor container is attached.Another advantage is that, because the aroma inlet opening is created when attaching the aroma container, precise positioning of the container is not required. The penetration element can also serve to fix the position of the aroma container on the transport line.

[0042] Preferably, the drinking device according to the invention comprises a receiving device for the flavor container, into which the flavor container can be inserted and which can be attached to the transport line. The receiving device thus acts as a receiving adapter for the flavor container, into which the flavor container can be easily inserted and also removed, so that a user is easily able to exchange flavor containers with different flavors.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking device according to the invention further comprises a water filter in flow connection with the transport line for drinking liquid. The provision of a water filter has the advantage that, for example, when using the drinking device according to the invention on a hike, the liquid reservoir can be refilled with water from a suitable flowing body of water, and any unwanted bacteria, particles, and suspended particles can be filtered out so that the user does not ingest them during the drinking process.

[0044] Preferably, the liquid reservoir of the drinking device according to the invention comprises a heat-insulating casing. This serves to keep cold drinking liquid cool for longer in a warm environment, but also makes it possible to fill the liquid reservoir with warm drinking liquid, which stays warm longer, since the heat-insulating casing significantly slows down heat transfer between the interior of the liquid reservoir and the outside atmosphere. Similarly, the transport line can also have a heat-insulating casing, which either surrounds the inner cavity or is provided as an additional element around the wall surrounding the inner cavity. A separately provided heat-insulating casing can be permanently attached to the transport channel for drinking liquid or be removable from it.

[0045] Inside the aroma container is an aroma chamber. Preferably, in addition to a carrier substance, the aroma chamber also contains a headspace between the carrier substance and a wall of the aroma container that closes off the aroma chamber. Providing a headspace improves the mixing of the aromatized air within the aroma container. The aroma substance can consist of numerous chemical compounds whose mass transfer behavior from the carrier substance to the headspace of the aroma container varies. Different transport rates of different chemical substances can occur, as well as different aromatization compositions within the aroma chamber, which can be homogenized within the headspace.

[0046] A nonwoven material with high air permeability, ideally not less than 200 l / (m²·s), is preferably used as the carrier material. Simultaneously, the air permeability of the nonwoven material at a differential pressure of 100 Pa should not exceed 500 l / (m²·s). If the air permeability is too high, there is a risk of preferential flow paths forming within the nonwoven material, resulting in the airflow exiting the aroma container having an insufficient degree of aromatization long before the aroma substance is actually exhausted. Furthermore, the most suitable geometry of the carrier material and the size of the headspace may vary depending on the specific aroma substance.Different flavoring substances have different chemical structures that influence their behavior in terms of mass transfer and flow properties, so a separate optimization process can be carried out for each individual flavor to achieve an optimal taste experience.

[0047] Preferably, the thickness of the carrier substance is at least 50% and preferably at least 80% of the height between a lower wall of the aroma container and an upper wall.

[0048] Preferably, the aroma container has a substantially ring-shaped geometry, allowing it to be arranged around the transport line, resulting in a weight distribution that is perceived as particularly pleasant by the user. The outer cross-section of the transport line can deviate from a perfect circle, and the geometry of the aroma container can also deviate from a perfect circle to interact with a complementarily shaped transport line in such a way that only a single radial orientation of the aroma container relative to the transport line is possible, thus defining the exact radial position of the aroma container relative to the transport line. In this way, it can be ensured that, with respect to the exact radial position, the air outlet of the aroma container coincides with the aroma inlet opening into the inner cavity of the transport line for drinking liquid.If the aroma container is movable between an activated position and a non-activated position, the aroma container can be moved longitudinally along the transport line, but not radially relative to the transport line, thus allowing the flow connection between the air outlet opening and the transport line for drinking liquid to be interrupted and restored by a simple sliding movement. Brief description of the drawings

[0049] Further features and advantages of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings show: Fig. 1 schematically the essential components of the drinking device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a drinking device after Fig. 1 with additional components; Figs. 3a and 3ba further variant of the drinking device according to the invention with a rigid liquid reservoir; Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c an embodiment with a divisible transport line, wherein Fig. 4a presents an overall view Fig. 4b the divisibility of the transport line represents and Fig. 4c an enlarged view of the in Fig. 4b represents the marked area; Fig. 5 a first design alternative for a bendable transport line; Figures 6a, 6b and 6c another alternative of a bendable transport cable, whereby Fig. 6a an overall view, Fig. 6b the transport line in cross-sectional view and Fig. 6c an external view of the transport line in a bent state; Figs. 7a and 7b another embodiment of a transport line that is expandable in the longitudinal direction; Figs. 8a and 8b a further design of an expandable transport pipeline; Figures 9a and 9b a possible attachment of an aroma container to the transport line, whereby Fig. 9a a partial cut through the transport line and the attached aroma container and Fig. 9b an exploded view of the adapter used here; Figs. 10a and 10b a first alternative of a shut-off device, whereby Fig. 10a the unactivated state and Fig. 10b to show the activated state in a partial section; Fig. 11 In sectional view, a second alternative shut-off device; Fig. 12 in sectional view a third alternative shut-off device; Fig. 13a , 3b and 3c a fourth alternative shut-off device, wherein Fig. 13a a schematic exterior view, Fig. 13b a partial sectional view in the unlocked state and Fig. 13c Show the locked-down state in a partial sectional view; Figs. 14a and 14b a fifth alternative design of a sealing device; Figs. 15a and 15b a component for retrofitting existing drinking devices; Figs. 16a, 16b and 16can alternative way of attaching the aroma container to a transport line, whereby Fig. 15a schematically the unassembled state and Fig. 15b and 15c show the operation of the aroma container in the assembled state; and Figs. 17a and 17b An external view and a sectional view show an alternative embodiment of the drinking device according to the invention with an aroma channel extending to the mouth end. Description of preferred embodiments

[0050] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a schematic external view of the essential components of the drinking device 10 according to the invention. The drinking device consists of a liquid reservoir 12, which can be attached to the body or clothing of a user by means of optionally provided attachment elements 13, and a transport line 20 with an inner cavity 22, through which the liquid stored inside the liquid reservoir 12 can be transported towards a mouthpiece 26 with a mouth end 28.

[0051] The liquid reservoir 12 can suitably have an insulating layer 14 that slows down the heat transfer between the inner cavity of the liquid reservoir and the outside atmosphere, so that cold or hot beverages poured into the liquid reservoir retain the desired temperature difference to the outside atmosphere for a longer period. The transport line can also be insulated in the same way.

[0052] To allow a user to conveniently fill the liquid reservoir 12 with drinking liquid, a screw cap 16 is provided, which closes a filling opening in the liquid reservoir 12.

[0053] The transport line 20 is either attached directly to an outlet opening 18 of the liquid reservoir, or the transport line 20 extends through the outlet opening 18 and into the interior of the liquid reservoir 12. If the transport line extends into the interior of the liquid reservoir, the length of the transport line between the liquid reservoir and the mouth end 26 can be adjusted to the needs of a user.

[0054] All embodiments of the invention have in common that the length of the transport line 20 between the outlet opening 18 and the mouthpiece 26 is preferably over 35 cm long, since otherwise the drinking device is unwieldy for a user.

[0055] The transport line 20 can be permanently attached to the liquid reservoir 12. Alternatively, the transport line 20 can also be detachably attached to the liquid reservoir 12. If the transport line 20 is detachably attached to the liquid reservoir, the fixing can be achieved via a screw thread, a bayonet connection, the use of clamps or hose clamps, or even by an interference fit and press-fitting.

[0056] The core element of the drinking device according to the invention is an aroma container 24, which in the present embodiment is provided close to the mouthpiece 26, but can equally well be provided at or near the outlet opening 18 of the liquid reservoir 12 or along the course of the transport line 20, which is at least 15 cm long. The aroma container serves to add an aroma substance to an airflow passing through the aroma container. For this purpose, the aroma container has at least one air outlet opening, which is either in flow communication with an aroma inlet opening in the inner cavity 22 of the transport line 20 for drinking liquid, or is in flow communication with an aroma channel that extends separately from the inner cavity 22 of the transport line to the mouth end 28 of the mouthpiece.In this way, the flavoring substance is absorbed retronasally and, when drinking, enters the user's mouth along with the drinking liquid. From there, the flavoring substance travels retronasally through the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa, where it is detected by the receptors located there and perceived by the user as a flavor. The preferred design of the flavoring container will be explained in more detail in the description of further embodiments.

[0057] The embodiment of the drinking device 10 according to Fig. 2 differs from the one after only a few aspects. Fig. 1 , so only the specific differences will be discussed here.

[0058] Regarding the drinking device after Fig. 2 A schematic representation shows an attachment element 13 that enables the attachment of the liquid reservoir 12 to the belt of a user.

[0059] Additionally, the drinking device is after Fig. 2 An ergonomic handle 30 is provided, which is easy for a user to grip and is particularly useful when the aroma container 24 can be moved between an activated and a non-activated position in the direction of arrow A. A user can thus grip the ergonomic handle 30 with one hand and move the aroma container 24 between the active and non-active positions with the other hand by sliding it in the direction of arrow A. Only in the active position can aromatized air escape through the air outlet of the aroma container, while the air outlet is closed in the non-activated position. This ensures that the aroma substance in the aroma container is retained even during extended periods when the drinking device is not in use.

[0060] Another aspect of the in Fig. 2The drinking device shown consists of providing a hand pump 32 which can be operated by a user to either pressurize the liquid reservoir 12 or to deliver the drinking liquid towards the mouth end 28.

[0061] In the Figures 3a and 3b Each of the fluid reservoirs 12 is shown, which are not flexible but represent rigid vessels. By providing a flexible transport line 20, this can be pulled out of the fluid reservoir through the outlet opening 18 and reinserted, as in the Figs. 3a and 3b is shown. For the sake of simplicity, a relatively short transport line 20 is depicted. The design of the aroma container 24 and mouthpiece 26 can be identical to that in the embodiments according to Fig. 1 and 2 be.

[0062] In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and 2The liquid reservoir 12 does not have a separate filling opening for drinking liquid. The screw cap 16, which is intended for filling with drinking liquid, is provided with the outlet opening 18 for the transport line 20. Various alternative ways in which the transport line can be designed so that the transport line, whose length according to the invention is preferably over 35 cm, can be accommodated essentially inside the liquid reservoir 12, will be described later with reference to different embodiments.

[0063] The combined provision of a screw cap for the filling opening and the provision of an outlet opening for the transport line in the screw cap can, however, also be used in the same way for a flexible liquid reservoir.

[0064] In the Figs. 4a to 4cOne possible design for the transport line 20 to facilitate cleaning is shown. The drinking device according to the invention is primarily intended for users who wish to drink pure water but want to flavor it. However, the drinking device according to the invention is also suitable for other cold and hot beverages that require cleaning of the liquid reservoir and the inner cavity 22 of the transport line after use. For this purpose, the transport line 20 can be divided into two parts 20a and 20b. The two trough-shaped elements 20a and 20b are inserted into one another via suitable tongue-and-groove connections and slid longitudinally relative to each other. The divisible transport line 20 according to Figs. 4a to 4c It can therefore be easily cleaned.

[0065] Alternatively to the one in Figs. 4a to 4cIn the illustrated embodiment of the transport line 20, it can also have a film hinge and a tongue-and-groove joint in the longitudinal direction, so that the transport line 20 can be opened and the wall of the transport line bounding the inner cavity 22 can be easily cleaned. This film hinge can also be designed such that the transport line 20 is made of a flexible material such as silicone, so that it can be opened.

[0066] In the embodiment according to Fig. 5 The transport tube has 20 accordion-like flex points 34, similar to those found in plastic drinking straws. Unlike plastic drinking straws, however, a large number of such flex points 34 are provided, allowing the transport tube to be folded in any way inside and / or outside a liquid reservoir without being damaged. The in Fig. 5 The solution shown is of interest when the sections of the transport line located between the kinks 34 are not sufficiently flexible to allow the transport line to assume a strongly curved or even folded shape. The kinks serve to individually adapt the transport line both with regard to the desired length and with regard to the position of the liquid reservoir relative to the user's mouth.

[0067] In the Figs. 6a to 6c An alternative design of the transport line 20 is shown, which has a multitude of constrictions 36 that act as controlled bends, as shown in the illustration according to Fig. 6cThis is evident. By providing the transport line with a corresponding number of predetermined bends, it can be adapted to different liquid reservoirs with varying internal geometries, and also, depending on how the liquid reservoir is attached to the user's body or clothing, it can take a route outside the liquid reservoir to conveniently reach the user's mouth. If, as in Fig. 6b As shown schematically, the constrictions 36 do not reduce the volume of the inner cavity 22 to an excessive degree, resulting in only a slight additional pressure loss for the transport of the drinking liquid through the inner cavity of the transport line.

[0068] Another possible configuration of the transport line 20 is that it is designed in such a way that its length can decrease and increase. The in Figs. 7a and 7bThe depicted design of the transport line as an expandable hose 38 can be provided only partially, or over the entire length of the transport line 20.

[0069] Another alternative design option for the entire transport line 20, or even just parts of it, is to design it as a flexible, spiral-shaped hose 50, as shown in Figs. 8a and 8b This is shown, which also allows the distance between the mouthpiece 26 and the liquid reservoir to be adjusted as desired to the needs of a user.

[0070] In the embodiment according to the Figs. 9a and 9b The aroma container 24 does not extend around the transport line 20, but is inserted into an adapter 40. For this purpose, an aroma container is inserted into section 40b of the adapter in the direction of arrow C, whereby the in Fig. 9a The connection shown is made between the adapter and the aroma container.

[0071] As shown in the sectional view in Fig. 9a As shown, the aroma container 24 has an air outlet opening 42, which passes via an aroma line 46 to the aroma inlet opening 44, which leads into the inner cavity 22 of the transport line 20.

[0072] The adapter 40 is designed in multiple parts and can consist of parts 40a and 40b, which are attached around the transport line 20. The aroma line 46 can include a penetration element which, when the two parts 40a and 40b of the adapter are attached around the transport line 20, penetrates the wall of the transport line and thus creates the aroma inlet opening 44.

[0073] The advantage of the design according Figs. 9a and 9bThe advantage lies in the fact that the adapter allows for any attachment position along the length of the transport line. Furthermore, existing systems with a drinking tube as the transport line can be easily retrofitted, as these systems do not have an aroma inlet opening 44, which is automatically created when the adapter is attached to the transport line.

[0074] In Fig. 9b Additionally, a fastening attachment 48 is shown, which, when using a non-ring-shaped aroma container, can have a cross-sectional shape that deviates from the ring shape, whereby the aroma container 24 can only be inserted in a defined rotational position relative to the adapter, in which the air outlet opening 42 from the aroma container 24 is aligned with the aroma line 46 in the adapter.

[0075] In the embodiment according to the Figures 10a and 10bA shut-off device is provided which is coupled to a displacement of the aroma container 24 in the direction of arrow A. The aroma container is located after Fig. 10a in the plane of the figure above, and thus in the activated position, in which a flow connection exists between the air outlet opening from the aroma container and an air inlet opening either into the inner cavity of the transport line or into a separately provided aroma line. The shut-off device comprises at least one pinch element 52, which is / are moved towards each other when the aroma container 24 is moved downwards from the activated position to the non-activated position and, as shown in Fig. 10bAs shown, the flexible outer wall of the transport line 22 is compressed, so that the inner cavity 22 is partially closed. A user therefore does not need to operate a separate shut-off device; this operates automatically as soon as the aroma container is moved between the activated and the non-activated position. The compression elements can be elastically deformed, so that they automatically return to their original position. Fig. 10a The open position returns as soon as the aroma container is moved back into the activated position. Alternatively, a suitable elastic element can be provided that creates a preload with which the two clamping elements are forced apart.

[0076] An alternative design of a shut-off device is shown schematically in the sectional view in Fig. 11The diagram shows a schematic representation of an aroma container 24, whose air outlet opening 42 is connected via an aroma line 46 to the air inlet opening 44 in the inner cavity 22 of the transport line 20. The shut-off device functions such that, in the direction of arrow B, a pinch piston 54 is prevented from engaging with the outer wall of the transport line 20 from a first position. Fig. 11 The second position shown is moved, in which the transport line is compressed section by section so that the aroma line 46 is tightly closed in the area of ​​the aroma inlet opening 44.

[0077] In contrast to the embodiment according to the Figs. 10a and 10b , in which the shut-off device only prevents the transport of liquid through the inner cavity of the transport pipe, the shut-off device according to Fig. 11the dual function that both the liquid transport through the inner cavity 22 is interrupted and the unwanted escape of aroma substance from the aroma container 24 is prevented, which in the embodiment according to Figures 10a and 10b This is achieved by moving the aroma container between the activated position and the inactive position.

[0078] In the Fig. 12 Another possible embodiment of a shut-off device is shown. In the embodiment according to the Fig. 12 The inner cavity 22 of the transport line 20 contains at least one one-way valve 56, which opens only when suction pressure is applied to the mouthpiece 26 and allows liquid to pass towards the mouthpiece. The provision of the Fig. 12The one-way valve, designed as a duckbill valve, has the effect of not only preventing unwanted substances from entering the transport line through the mouthpiece, but also interrupting the flow of liquid towards the mouth end.

[0079] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 12 Two duckbill valves are provided, located upstream and downstream relative to the aroma inlet opening 44 in the inner cavity 22. Therefore, the two one-way valves also have the additional effect of preventing unwanted aroma leakage and / or the entry of drinking liquid into the aroma container 24 when the drinking device is not in use.

[0080] In Fig. 12The aroma container is shown in partial section and can extend essentially in a ring shape around the transport line 20. The aroma container 24 has a hollow chamber 82 containing a carrier material 58 impregnated with the aroma substance. The carrier material 58 can be a nonwoven fabric. Above the carrier material 58 is a headspace 60, which is filled only with air and serves to homogenize the aromatized air. The aroma container can be easily operated by means of a circumferential grip rim 64 and, for example, as described in some of the preceding embodiments, moved in the direction of arrow A between an activated and a non-activated position. Fig. 12The activated position is shown in which the air outlet opening 42 of the aroma container 24 is in flow connection with the aroma inlet opening 44 in the inner cavity 22 of the transport line 20.

[0081] The aroma container consists of the housing halves 62a and 62b, which are closed after the carrier material has been inserted and the carrier material has been impregnated with aroma substance.

[0082] In the Figs. 13a to 13c Another alternative for a shut-off device is shown. A shut-off valve 66 is used, which is located between the in Figs. 13b and 13c The positions shown are swivelable. In the Fig. 13b In the position shown, there is an alignment between the passage 70 by a rotatable element 68 of the shut-off valve 66 and the inner cavity 22, so that the liquid can flow through the inner cavity 22 from the liquid reservoir to the mouthpiece 26. In the Fig. 13cIn the position shown, the assembly consisting of aroma container 24 and mouthpiece 26 is pivoted by 90° relative to the adjacent course of the liquid line 20. As a result, the passage 70 through the rotatable element 68 is no longer in flow connection with the inner cavity 22 of the transport line, and thus the liquid supply to the mouthpiece 26 is interrupted. As shown in the Fig. 13b and 13d, the two operating states are very easy for the user to understand, so there is no uncertainty as to whether the shut-off device is open or closed.

[0083] An alternative design of a shut-off valve 66 with a rotatable element 68 and a passage 70 is described in the Figs. 14a and 14b depicted. This shows Fig. 14athe state in which liquid can flow through the inner cavity 22 of the transport line 20. In this operating state, the shut-off valve 66 has been opened by means of a lever 71. This not only establishes the flow connection for drinking liquid within the inner cavity 22 through the passage 70, but also connects the aroma line 46 to a connecting line 47 that opens into the passage 70, so that in the Fig. 14a In the illustrated, open state of the sealing device, not only is the flow of liquid simultaneously permitted, but also the entry of aromatized air into the liquid flow passing through the inner cavity is enabled.

[0084] Will be, as in Fig. 14bAs shown, when the actuating lever 71 is pivoted into the closed position, both the flow connection in the inner cavity 22 through the rotatable element 68 and the flow connection between the aroma line 46 and the connecting line 47 in the passage 70 are interrupted. Thus, the user can simultaneously prevent unwanted liquid passage and aroma leakage by actuating the lever.

[0085] In the Figs. 15a and 15bFigure 1 shows an embodiment that allows for the convenient conversion of existing drinking devices, for example, in the form of an existing hydration pack. This embodiment comprises a unit 72 consisting of the mouthpiece 26, the flavor container 24, and a connecting element 74, which has a geometry similar to a pipe section and is suitable for being inserted into or slipped over the transport line, where it is held in place by friction. Furthermore, a retaining tab 76 is provided, which establishes a firm connection between the transport line 20 and the unit 72, thus securely attaching the unit 72 to the transport line. The advantage of this design is that the unit 72 can be easily cleaned. In addition, the user can individually decide whether to consume their beverage with or without the attachment, and thus with or without flavoring.

[0086] In the embodiment according to the Figs. 16a to 16cThe aroma container is attached at any point along the route between the liquid reservoir and the mouthpiece. For this purpose, an insert 78a, 78b is provided on both sides of the aroma container 20, allowing the aroma container to be inserted either into two sections of the transport line 20 or attached to the outlet opening of the liquid reservoir and mounted on the opposite side of the transport line. The inserts 78a, 78b form the ends of an element that penetrates the annular aroma container and contains the aroma inlet opening 44. An upper stop 80a and a lower stop 80b are also provided.The upper and lower stops serve both as stops when sliding the transport line sections 20 onto the inserts and as stops when moving the aroma container 24 in the direction of arrow A between an activated and a non-activated position. In the... Figs. 16b and 16c The activated position and the non-activated position are shown, in which the aroma container 24 either touches the lower stop 80b or the upper stop 80b, thus making it easier for the user to move it in the direction of arrow A between the activated position and the non-activated position.

[0087] In the Fig. 17a und 17b Another embodiment is shown in which the transport line 20 has a separately provided aroma channel 84 in which the aromatized air is transported to the mouthpiece 28. The aroma container in the embodiment according to Fig. 17a The transport line does not have a perfectly circular shape, but rather an inner free cross-section that is teardrop-shaped and thus deviates from a circular annular shape. In the area of ​​a support flange 90, which serves as a seat for the aroma container, the transport line is also teardrop-shaped, so that the aroma container can only be inserted into the drinking device at the correct angle relative to the transport line 20. The mouthpiece 28, however, can again be circular in shape. Furthermore, a lid 88 is provided with which the drinking device can be closed at the mouthpiece 28 when it is not in use.

[0088] In Fig. 17b The figure shows how, after the aroma container is correctly inserted, the air outlet opening 42 leads into the aroma channel 84, which extends parallel to the inner cavity 22 to the mouth end 28 of the drinking device. In the embodiment according to Fig. 17a und 17b , which can also be realized in all those previously described embodiments in which the aroma container is located in the immediate vicinity of the mouthpiece, the aromatized air and the drinking liquid enter the user's mouth separately, so that no separation of the liquid and the aromatized air has to take place in the oral cavity.

[0089] The design of an aroma container that is ring-shaped but deviates from a complete ring shape in order to define the correct angular position can also be implemented in all of the preceding embodiments.

[0090] The one associated with the Fig. 1 The described insulation of the liquid reservoir can be achieved using elements such as bubble wrap or a neoprene sleeve. Similarly, the transport line 20 can also be insulated so that, for example, when hiking, the drinking liquid is not heated by sunlight or at least is heated more slowly.

[0091] In addition to the special designs for shut-off devices described above, a bite valve could also be provided, in which pressure is applied to the valve with the teeth during the drinking process, causing the inner cavity to open and the drinking liquid to be drawn in.

[0092] Based on the Fig. 1 and 2 The illustrated attachment element 13 can be used to design the drinking device according to the invention in the form of a drinking backpack, a drinking belt or a waist bag.

[0093] To allow users to have different flavors available during their leisure activities, a further embodiment of the invention, not shown, allows for the secure attachment of an additional flavor container, which is not currently in use, to the liquid reservoir. Preferably, the air outlet is closed simultaneously to prevent any unwanted flavor leakage.

[0094] A water filter can also be installed in the area of ​​transport line 20, allowing impure water to be purified of bacteria and suspended solids, for example. Similarly, limescale or other unwanted water components can be selectively removed. The water filter can use activated carbon or a conventional membrane for water filtration.

Claims

1. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device for the retronasal perception of an aroma substance, comprising: - a liquid reservoir that can be filled with drinking liquid (12); wherein - the liquid reservoir (12) is preferably provided with attachment means (13) for attachment to the body or clothing of a user or to a bag to be worn on the body; - a mouthpiece (26) with a mouth end (28); - a transport tube (20) for drinking liquid having an inner cavity (22) representing a flow connection between the liquid reservoir (12) and the mouth end (28) of the mouthpiece (26); and - an aroma container (24) for adding an aroma substance to an air flow flowing through the aroma container, wherein - the aroma container (24) comprises at least one air outlet opening (42) which is either in flow connection with at least one aroma inlet opening (44) into the inner cavity (22) of the transport tube (20) for drinking liquid, or in flow connection with an aroma channel (84) extending to the mouth end (28) of the mouthpiece (26); wherein - the transport tube has a length of at least 15 cm and preferably at least 20 cm.

2. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to claim 1, characterised in that the liquid reservoir (12) comprises flexible outer walls.

3. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the aroma container (24) comprises the mouthpiece (26).

4. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the aroma container (24) can be moved between an activated position and a non-activated position; wherein - in the activated position, the air outlet opening (42) of the aroma container (24) is in flow connection with the transport tube (20) for drinking liquid; and - in the non-activated position, there is no flow connection between the air outlet opening (42) and the transport tube (20) for drinking liquid.

5. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to claim 4, further comprising an ergonomically shaped grip area (30) on the side of the aroma container (24) facing away from the mouthpiece (26).

6. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a bite valve at the mouth end (28).

7. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the claims 1 to 5, further comprising a sealing element comprising a rotary valve (66) which can preferably by actuated by swivelling the transport tube (20) in the region of the rotary valve (66) or by swivelling a lever (71).

8. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a sealing element comprising a pinch seal (52), the actuation of which is coupled with the movement of the aroma container (24) between the activated position and the non-activated position.

9. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the claims 1 to 5, further 10 comprising a sealing element comprising a sealing plunger (54).

10. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the claims 1 to 5, further comprising a sealing element comprising at least one one-way valve (56).

11. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a hand pump (32) for building up pressure in the inner cavity (22) of the transport tube (20).

12. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transport tube (20) is attached to the liquid reservoir (12) in such a way that the transport tube (20) can be pulled out of the liquid reservoir and inserted into the liquid reservoir for a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the transport tube.

13. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transport tube (20) has a plurality of predetermined kink points (34; 36).

14. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transport tube (20) is dividable in the longitudinal direction of the transport tube.

15. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to claim 14, characterised in that the transport tube (20) has a longitudinal film hinge and can be opened longitudinally.

16. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a receiving device (40) for the aroma container (24) into which the aroma container (24) can be inserted and which can be attached to the transport tube (20).

17. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a water filter in flow connection with the transport tube (20) for drinking liquid.

18. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the liquid reservoir (12) comprises a heat-insulating jacket (14).

19. Hydration backpack, hydration belt or belt bag with a drinking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fastening means (13) comprise means for attachment to a belt or means for hanging over a user's shoulder or means for carrying as a backpack.

Images