Closing structure, system of a replaceable aroma container and such closing structure and related drinking device

Abstract

A closing structure (10) attachable at or close to a filling opening of a vessel (40) of a drinking device comprises - a suction port (18) with an interior transport channel (22) for drinking liquid and a drinking end formed as a mouthpiece (24); - a cap (14) movable between a storing position covering the mouthpiece (24) and an operating position allowing access to the mouthpiece (24); - a pressure equalization duct (60) in the closing structure (10), the pressure equalization duct (60) being arranged such that, when the closing structure (10) is attached to the vessel, it extends from an interior chamber (62) of the vessel (40) to the outside atmosphere when the cap (14) is in the operating position; and - a closing element (64) mounted to the cap (14) or being integrally formed with the cap (14), the closing element (64) obstructing the pressure equalization duct (60) when the cap (14) is in the storing position; wherein - the closing element (64) is arranged and dimensioned such that, when the cap (14) is moved from the storing position towards the operating position, the pressure equalization duct (60) is opened before a sealing means closing the transport channel for drinking liquid at the mouthpiece opens the transport channel for drinking liquid.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a closing structure attachable at or close to a filling opening of a vessel of a drinking device, a system of a replaceable aroma container and such closing structure, and a drinking device.Prior Art

[0002] There is an increasing need to ingest drinking liquids which on the one hand have a pleasant taste profile but on the other hand prevent health risks which could be brought about by the ingestion of aroma substances or stabilizing agents dissolved in the drinking liquid. The intake of an increased quantity of calories is also to be avoided.

[0003] Water which has been given a slightly fruity aroma has therefore become popular. However, even in this aromatized water there are undesired additives such as stabilisation agents and a certain proportion of sugar, which is why these aromatized beverages likewise have a quantity of calories which is rejected by many users. A first step towards solving this problem consists in only adding the flavouring aroma to the beverage just before it is consumed. An aroma substance originally provided separately is delivered to the drinking liquid and dissolved in it immediately before or during the consumption of the beverage. Although this measure allows problems such as the stabilisation of the drinking liquid to be avoided over a prolonged period of time, the problem of the undesired ingestion of additives remains.

[0004] Since the olfactory sensation plays a significant part in gustatory perception in the consumption of food and beverages, systems to date have attempted to influence the odour perceived while drinking. To that end US 5,635,229 proposes an aroma element which can be attached close to the drinking opening on a drinking container so that the aroma element is situated in the immediate proximity of the nose of the user who breathes through the nose while drinking and thereby takes in the aroma orthonasally.

[0005] Drinking devices have been suggested for the retronasal perception of an aroma substance comprising a storage container for drinking liquid, at least one aroma container through which air can flow, and a transporting channel for drinking liquid running from the storage container to a mouth end of the drinking device. Further, an air channel is provided for transporting aromatized air, wherein the air channel runs from an aroma container to the transporting channel for drinking liquid or to the mouth end. Such drinking device is known from WO 2019 / 016096 A1.

[0006] WO 2021 / 233516 A1 describes an aroma container and drinking device which also serves for the retronasal perception of an aroma.

[0007] The substantial aspect of such drinking systems consists in that the aroma substance is perceived retronasally. During drinking the aroma substance reaches the mouth of the user together with the drinking liquid and subsequently rises retronasally via the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa (regio olfactoria), where it is captured by the receptors situated there and is perceived by the user. Advantage is taken of the fact that there is a close correlation between the sense of smell and the sense of taste. The user therefore gains the impression that he / she is tasting the aroma, even though it is in fact only smelled retronasally.

[0008] A person's sense of taste is substantially determined by the retronasal sense of smell. The receptors of the tongue can only distinguish between sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami, whereas the differentiated sense of taste arises in that the gaseous phase of food stuffs and liquids in the pharynx ascends via the retronasal route and reaches the olfactory mucosa. The sensors located there trigger neurological processes which cause the taste impression to arise in the brain. Thus, a person to whose pharynx an aroma is delivered during drinking gains the impression that the beverage is aromatized, since the retronasal smelling process creates in the brain a sensation that the beverage is the source of the aroma, even though the user is ingesting a pure and unadulterated, i.e., non-aromatized, liquid such as water.

[0009] If the odour is perceived by breathing in through the nose, known as the orthonasal perception of an aroma substance, this impression does not arrive to the same extent since the sensation is linked to the rate of breathing and thus the user gains the correct impression that he / she is only smelling the aroma substance, but not tasting it as is the case with retronasal perception.

[0010] In the drinking device according to WO 2020 / 126210 A1, an aroma container is described which can be axially shifted relative to a mouthpiece between a position in which air cannot pass through the aroma container, and a position in which the aroma container is operating allowing aromatized air to enter a transport channel for drinking liquid so that the aromatized air can be orally administered and retronasally perceived by a user. In order to bring the drinking device into an operating position, several independent steps need to be carried out. In a first step, the cap has to be opened, e.g., screwed off. In a second step, the aroma container has to be shifted from a storing position to an operating position in which it is activated.

[0011] After drinking, the aroma container has to be shifted back into the storing position and the cap has to be closed.Summary of the Invention

[0012] It is the object of the invention to suggest a system of a replaceable aroma container and a closing structure which is more convenient to use and especially avoids the spilling out of drinking liquid.

[0013] This object is solved by a closing structure with the features of claim 1, a system of a replaceable aroma container and a closing structure with the features of claim 6, and a drinking device with the features of claim 16. Preferred embodiments follow from the other claims.

[0014] According to the invention, a closing structure attachable at or close to a filling opening of a vessel comprises a suction port with an interior transport channel for drinking liquid and a drinking end formed as a mouthpiece, a cap movable between a storing position covering the mouthpiece and an operating position allowing access to the mouthpiece. Further, there is a pressure equalization duct in the closing structure, the pressure equalization duct being arranged such that, when the closing structure is attached to the vessel, it extends from an interior chamber of the vessel to the outside atmosphere when the cap is in the operating position; and a closing element mounted to the cap or being integrally formed with the cap, the closing element obstructing the pressure equalization duct when the cap is in the storing position.

[0015] The provision of a pressure equalization duct is important because, when in use of the drinking device, a user sucks in liquid from the interior chamber of the vessel, air has to flow in to avoid the building up of sub-pressure in the interior chamber of the vessel. Therefore, in use, the drinking device has to allow air to flow in from the outside atmosphere into the interior chamber for holding the liquid.

[0016] According to the invention, the system further comprises a closing element mounted to the cap or being integrally formed with the cap, the closing element obstructing the pressure equalization duct when the cap is in the storing position. This feature further contributes to a safety of a related drinking device and its easy use. In the storing position, the pressure equalization duct is obstructed by the closing element so that, even in case that the drinking device is stored in an upside-down position with the top of the cap heading downwards, no liquid can leak out. In the storing position, the cap covers the mouthpiece so that drinking liquid cannot leak out through the suction port, whereas the second potential source of leakage which is the pressure equalization duct is closed by the closing element.

[0017] According to the invention, the closing element is arranged and dimensioned such that, when the cap is moved from the storing position towards the operating position, the pressure equalization duct is opened before a sealing means closing the transport channel for drinking liquid at the mouthpiece opens the transport channel for drinking liquid.

[0018] Such arrangement has the advantage that drinking liquid cannot spill out of the mouthpiece when opening the cap because, in the course of the opening movement of the cap, the closing element first uncovers the pressure equalization duct before the transport channel for drinking liquid is uncovered. In other words, at the point of time at which drinking liquid under overpressure could spill out of the mouthpiece because the mouthpiece is no longer covered, sealed or at least shielded by a portion of the cap, the pressure equalization through the uncovered pressure equalization duct has already taken place.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the closing element is elongate defining a longitudinal extension and seals against the pressure equalization duct in two distinct, longitudinally spaced sealing portions.

[0020] Such arrangement has the advantage that sealing between the closing element and the pressure equalization duct takes place at two positions which improves the sealing effect. Even in case that the sealing properties of one sealing portion are not complete, a second sealing portion exists.

[0021] Preferably, the closing element and the pressure equalization duct are dimensioned and shaped such that a frictional contact between the closing element and the pressure equalization duct generates a predefined retention force holding the cap in its storing position. Such preferred structure establishes a double function of the closing element. On the one hand it serves to seal the pressure equalization duct, and on the other hand it serves to retain with a predetermined force the cap in its storing position so that the cap will not inadvertently open but requires the interaction of the user for opening the cap.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the cap is attached to a fixed part of the closing structure by means of a hinge defining a pivot axis, and the pressure equalization duct and the closing element are shaped and arranged such that a relative movement between the closing element and the pressure equalization duct is essentially prevented except for a movement triggered by a pivoting movement around the pivot axis.

[0023] In other words, the pressure equalization duct and the closing element are shaped and arranged such that essentially only a movement between the cap and the fixed part of the closing structure around the pivot axis is possible. Thus, the closed cap is stabilized by the interaction between the pressure equalization duct and the closing element, because an undesired relative shifting or tilting movement between the cap and the fixed part of the closing structure, except for a pivoting movement around the pivot axis, is prevented or only possible to a negligible extent.

[0024] With the provision of a hinge between a fixed part of the closing structure and the cap, the cap is movable between the storing position covering the mouthpiece and an operating position allowing access of a user to the mouthpiece. The provision of a hinge has the advantage that a user cannot lose the cap or place it in a position where it is difficult to find again.

[0025] The closing structure according to the invention can be attachable to the vessel of any kind of drinking device. However, it is preferably designed such as to be attachable to a vessel of a drinking device for the retronasal perception of an aroma substance. In this case, the closing structure needs to comprise a suitable structure to allow aromatized air to be directed towards the mouthpiece. The aromatized air can either be administered to the drinking liquid and become dispersed therein, or a duct for the aromatized air might run separately from the transport channel for drinking liquid to the mouthpiece where a user might simultaneously suck in drinking liquid and aromatized air which are not mixed together to form a gas-liquid dispersion.

[0026] An inventive system of a movable aroma container and the closing structure as detailed above comprises an attaching structure for holding and positioning the movable aroma container, wherein the attaching structure is configured to allow displacement of the aroma container relative to the suction port in a longitudinal direction defined by a longitudinal extension of the transport channel for drinking liquid. The system further comprises an air duct in the suction port, wherein the movable aroma container is configured such that an interior volume can be brought in fluid communication with the air duct.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the aroma container at least partially surrounds the suction port and has an interior volume comprising an aromatizing substance, an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening.

[0028] Preferably, the cap is provided with means for engaging an outer circumferential rim of the aroma container or an outer circumferential side wall of the aroma container, the means for engaging being configured to displace the aroma container in the longitudinal direction in a closing operation when moving the cap from the operating position to the storing position.

[0029] In order to make the operation of the aroma container more convenient, prior art products were provided with a pushing ring inside the cap. When screwing on the cap onto the drinking device, such pushing ring comes in contact with the upper surface of the aroma container and moves it from the operating position into the storing position. Although being more convenient, this technical solution suffers from the disadvantage that the label attached to the topside of the aroma container and indicating the specific flavour note might become damaged, especially when in the course of screwing on of the cap, a relative movement of the pushing ring and the top surface of the aroma container takes place.

[0030] When the cap is moved from the operating position to the storing position, the means for engaging contact the aroma container either at its outer circumferential rim or at an outer circumferential sidewall. In such a way, a label attached to a top wall of the aroma container does not come into contact with the means for engaging and, therefore, cannot be damaged. Further, it is no longer required to displace the aroma container after drinking such that the air outlet opening of the aroma container is no longer in communication with the air duct. Such a longitudinal displacement of the aroma container is automatically performed by the means for engaging once the cap is closed when bringing it from the operating position into the storing position.

[0031] Preferably, the means for engaging is positioned such as to frictionally engage the aroma container in the course of the closing operation. As an alternative, the means for engaging can be positioned such as to bear against the aroma container in the course of the closing operation. The frictional engagement is advantageous in case that the means for engaging comes in contact with the outer circumferential sidewall of the aroma container, whereas a bearing against the aroma container is advantageous in case that the contact of the means for engaging and the aroma container is at an outer circumferential rim of the aroma container.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the closing element is arranged and dimensioned such that, when the cap is moved from the storing position into the operating position, the pressure equalization duct is opened before the aroma container has reached the operating position.

[0033] Such arrangement is advantageous in that, before the drinking device is ready for use, a possible overpressure within the interior chamber of the vessel is released. Such overpressure is a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure and can build up when the drinking device is stored in an environment with increased temperature or is filled in an environment with reduced ambient pressure like in an airplane. Since, when the cap is moved from the storing position into the operating position, the pressure equalization channel is first opened before the aroma container has been manually or automatically moved into the operating position, drinking liquid cannot spill out through the mouthpiece or enter the interior aroma chamber of the aroma container. Therefore, the sequence of first opening the pressure equalization chamber before the aroma container has been brought into its operating position further contributes to the easy and safe operation of the drinking device.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises cooperating first and second locking elements, positioned at the fixed part and the cap, respectively, wherein one of the first and second locking element is a release actuator which is adapted to be operated by a user to unlock the first and second locking elements. The release actuator can be embodied to release the hook of a hook and catch connector. Upon operation of a release actuator, like a release bottom, the engagement of the hook with the catch is released and the cap can be opened. Such provision of cooperating first and second locking elements prevents an inadvertent opening of the cap. Further, the opening of the cap can be simplified, if, according to a preferred embodiment, the hinge is pre-tensioned towards the operating position and configured to elastically move the cap from the storing position towards the operating position upon actuation of the release actuator. Therefore, once a user actuates the release actuator, the cap automatically swings open such that the use of the drinking device can be further simplified.

[0035] Preferably, the means for engaging comprises at least one elastic element mounted to a top wall of the cap or formed integrally with the top wall of the cap. Such at least one elastic element can be formed integrally with the cap so that the manufacturing of the closing structure can be simplified and made less expensive. Further, the provision of at least one elastic element also contributes to reducing the danger that the means for engaging could damage a label attached to the top wall of the aroma container.

[0036] Preferably, the aroma container in the operating position is closer to the mouthpiece than in the storing position. Like the cap, the aroma container is displaceable relative to the suction port and can also be moved between a storing position when the cap is closed onto the fixed part of the closing structure, and the operating position allowing access of the user to the mouthpiece. Since the means for engaging is configured to displace the aroma container in a closing operation when moving the cap from the operating position to the storing position, the aroma container is positioned in the storing position further remote from the mouthpiece than in the operating position in which the aroma container is closer to the mouthpiece.

[0037] When using an aroma container as described in WO 2021 / 233516 A1, such aroma container has its air inlet opening in the bottom wall. Depending on the geometry of the attaching structure for holding and positioning the replaceable aroma container, which attaching structure can be well-shaped with a bottom portion and side portions for embedding the aroma container in its storing position, the displacement of the aroma container into the storing position can be performed such that, in the storing position, it rests on the attaching structure. This makes it possible to obstruct the air inlet opening in the bottom wall of the aroma container whereas, in the operating position when the aroma container is closer to the mouthpiece than in the storing position, the air inlet opening is no longer obstructed so that air can freely flow into the aroma container to become loaded with aroma substance.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises elastic means for generating a biasing force which is adapted to elastically move the aroma container into the operating position in absence of a counter force exerted by the means for engaging.

[0039] The elastic means for generating a biasing force has the function to cooperate with an aroma container such that an aroma container will automatically be moved from its storing position into an operating position if there is no more counterforce acting on the aroma container by the means for engaging. In other words, once there is no longer a counterforce exerted by the means for engaging onto the aroma container, the elastic means for generating a biasing force will no longer be elastically deformed. Therefore, once the counterforce exerted by the means for engaging will be released, the elastic means for generating a biasing force will shift the aroma container in a longitudinal direction into its operating position. In the operating position, the air outlet opening of the aroma container is in communication with the air duct in the suction port. Preferably, the elastic means bears against the bottom wall of the aroma container.

[0040] The provision of an elastic means for generating a biasing force to elastically move the aroma container further simplifies the use of the related drinking device because, in order to bring the air duct of the suction port into alignment with the air outlet opening of the aroma container, no further action needs to be taken besides opening the cap to bring a drinking device in its operating position in which it is ready for drinking.

[0041] For the operation of the aroma container, the elastic force acting on the aroma container is decisive because the aroma container has to be longitudinally moved in a distal direction from the storing position towards the mouthpiece so that it comes to rest in the operative position in which the air outlet opening of the aroma container is in fluid communication with the air duct. In order to ensure an exact positioning, a motion stopper structure can be provided which prevents the displacement of the aroma container in a distal direction beyond its operating position. The motion stopper structure can be one or more elements projecting from an outer circumferential surface of the suction port and being positioned such that, in the operating position, the aroma container abuts against such stop element and a further movement in a distal, longitudinal direction towards the mouthpiece is prevented.

[0042] According to the invention, a drinking device for the retronasal perception of an aroma substance comprises a vessel with an interior chamber for holding a liquid, which interior chamber is open at a filling opening, and a mounting structure close to the filling opening for mounting the inventive system of a replaceable aroma container and a closing structure as detailed above.

[0043] The mounting structure can be attached to the vessel, for example, by means of a thread connection. When a user wants to refill the interior chamber of the vessel with liquid, the mounting structure can easily be screwed off and liquid can be filled into the interior chamber of the vessel via its filling opening.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044] In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings in which: Fig. 1is a view of a closing structure with the cap in the operating position; Fig. 2is a cross-sectional view of the closing structure with the cap closed in its storing position; Fig. 3is a cross-sectional view of the closing structure with the cap in the operating position; Fig. 4is a view of the closing structure with a view of the interior structure of the cap; Fig. 5is a view detailing the pressure equalization duct; Fig. 6is a cross-sectional side view of the system of an aroma container in a closing structure according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7shows in detail an intermediate step in the course of the opening of the cap; and Fig. 8shows an exemplary aroma container to be used in the system according to the invention. Description of preferred Embodiments

[0045] Throughout the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0046] Fig. 1 is a three-dimensional view of the closing structure 10 of a drinking device from which only a part of a vessel 40 can be seen. The closing structure 10 comprises two main parts, a fixed part 12 which is removably attached to a vessel 40 of a drinking device, and a cap 14 which is attached by means of one or more hinges to the fixed part 12 by means of a hinge 16. The hinge 16 can be embodied in any suitable form. For example, the fixed part 12 and the cap 14 can be separately manufactured and cooperating protrusions of the fixed part 12 and the cap 14 can be mounted together to form the hinge 16. Likewise, it is possible to use a film hinge and the fixed part 12 and the cap 14 are integrally formed and manufactured in a single step, e.g., in a single shot when made from plastic material and manufactured in an injection moulding machine.

[0047] Preferably, the fixed part 12 and the cap 14 are made of plastic material, like silicon or EPDM rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber). Preferably food grade plastic material is used.

[0048] The cap 14 can be provided with a carrying strap 82 attachable to the cap 14.

[0049] The closing structure 10 is provided with suitable means like a thread to be easily attachable and detachable from a vessel 40 of a drinking device retronasal perception of an aroma substance. The vessel 40 has an interior chamber 62 for holding a drinking liquid and is formed with a bottom wall, at least one sidewall and a filling opening at the end of the sidewall which is distal to the bottom wall. At the filling opening, a suitable attachment structure like a thread is provided so that the closing structure 10 can be easily attached and detached from the vessel 40. This is important because the drinking device for retronasal perception of an aroma substance is for repeated use and the vessel 40 should be easily accessible for repeated refilling with liquid.

[0050] The fixed part 12 comprises a suction port 18 with an interior transport channel 22 for drinking liquid which defines the longitudinal extension of the suction port 18. The transport channel 22 for drinking liquid is in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel 40 if the closing structure 10 is attached to the vessel 40 of a drinking device. At the distal end of the suction port 18, a mouthpiece 24 is formed which is shaped in a way so that when drinking a user can conveniently enclose the mouthpiece 24 with the lips.

[0051] In Fig. 1, the closing structure is embodied as a closing structure for a drinking device for the retronasal perception of an aroma substance. In that specific case, an aroma reservoir needs to be provided. In the specific example as shown in Fig. 1, around the suction port 18 a moveable aroma container 20 can be attached. In order to hold and position the aroma container 20, an attaching structure is provided which, in case that the aroma container 20 extends around the suction port 18, is at least in part provided by the cross-sectional shape of the suction port 18 which can have a cross-sectional shape deviating from a circular shape and being selected such that a correspondingly shaped aroma container 20 can only be positioned in a defined rotational orientation relative to the suction port 18.

[0052] In the example as shown in Fig. 1, the aroma container 20 is essentially ring shaped with a circular outer shape formed by an outer sidewall 26 and a non-circular cross-sectional shape provided by an inner sidewall 28. The outer sidewall 26, inner sidewall 28, top wall 30 and bottom wall 32 (best seen in Fig. 8) define an interior aroma chamber at least partly filled with a carrier substance impregnated with an aroma substance.

[0053] An exemplary view of an aroma container 20 is shown in Fig. 8. When referring to terms such as upper, lower and lateral side, these terms are used as though the aroma container according to Fig. 8 were located having its low wall 30 lying on a horizontal flat surface.

[0054] The top wall 30 is preferably flat, at least in regions, on order that a label 38 can be affixed to the outside of the top wall 30.

[0055] The aroma container 20 according to Fig. 8 is substantially annular, comprising a circular ring-shaped outer sidewall 26, and an inner sidewall 28 which deviates from a circular shape. In other words, the space surrounded by the inner sidewall 28 has a cross-sectional area which is not circular.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 8, the inner sidewall 28 is approximately drop shaped having an end 64 substantially tapering to an edge. The illustrated geometry of the inner sidewall 28 of the aroma container as shown in Fig. 8 allows for a defined positioning of the aroma container 20 on a correspondingly shaped suction port 18 of the closing structure 10. Therefore, the aroma container 20 can only be placed in one single angular position, i.e., with respect to rotation in the plane of the top wall 30.

[0057] Further, the aroma container as shown in Fig. 8 is provided with a shadow gap 42 between an upper shell 42 and a lower shell 46 of the aroma container. The shadow gap 42 has the function to prevent material, escaping during welding of an upper shell 44 to a lower shell 46 of the aroma container 20, from optically impairing the appearance of the aroma container 20. Further, the shadow gap 42 might be used to give visual feedback to the user in which operating position the aroma container 20 is located. The contour of the inner sidewall 28 is vertical at least in a portion of the inner sidewall 28 which surrounds a space with minimum dimensions. This vertical portion of the inner sidewall 28 allows for a vertical displacement of the aroma container 20 relative to the suction port 18 which extends through the space surrounded by the inner sidewall 28 and rests on the inner sidewall 28.

[0058] The air outlet opening 48 is located in the inner sidewall 28, and the air inlet opening 36 in the bottom wall 32 is preferably arranged at a position of the bottom wall 32 which, in the essentially ring-shaped aroma container 20, is diametrically opposed to the air outlet opening 46 so that the air flow flowing through the aroma container 20 has to travel as wide a travel distance as possible, and can thus be enridged with aroma substance in a particularly effective manner.

[0059] The suction port 18 is provided with an air duct (not shown) connecting the outer circumference of the suction port 18 with the transport channel 22 for drinking liquid.

[0060] When the aroma container 20 is in its operating position, as will be detailed below, and a user sucks in liquid through the mouthpiece 24, ambient air flows through the air inlet opening 36 into the interior volume 34 of the aroma container 20, gets loaded with aromatizing substance and leaves the aroma container through the air outlet opening 48 in fluid communication with the air duct in the suction port 18. In order to identify the aroma taste of an aroma container 20, a label 38 identifying the specific aroma is attached to the top wall 30 of the aroma container. The label 38, here without any specific information content, can identify or give a pointer to the aroma by a specific colour and / or a suitable text message and / or one or more pictures showing, e.g., a specific fruit. Thus, the label 38 not detailed in the drawing does not only serve for informative purposes but also contributes to the overall aesthetic appearance of the closing structure 10 and the drinking device for retronasal perception of an aroma substance.

[0061] The aroma container 20 can be longitudinally shifted in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the transport channel 22 for drinking liquid. In a first position, which is a storing position of the aroma container 20, the air outlet opening of the aroma container is not in fluid communication with the air duct leading into the transport channel 22 for drinking liquid. Preferably, in the first position of the aroma container, the air inlet opening 36 is obstructed by a part of the closing structure 10 such that air cannot enter the interior volume of the aroma container through the air inlet opening 36, and air cannot leave the aroma container 20 through the air outlet opening 48.

[0062] As can be best seen in Fig. 6, elastic biasing means 84 are provided which preferably are generally dome-shaped structures which have a convex shape and extend in a distal direction from the fixed part 12. The elastic biasing means 84 can be provided as a separate element but preferably the elastic biasing means are integrally formed from the material of the fixed part 12. The elastic biasing means has the function to automatically lift up by means of its elastic retention force the aroma container 20 such that it will come into its operating position, in which the air outlet opening 48 of the aroma container 20 will be in accurate alignment with the air duct leading into the interior of the suction port 18.

[0063] A plurality of dome-shaped elastic biasing elements 84 can be provided around the suction port 84.

[0064] When the cap 12 is in its storing position closed onto the fixed part 12, the elastic biasing elements 84 are elastically deformed because the aroma container is pressed in a proximal direction by the means for engaging 72 which will be described below. When opening the cap 14, the force generated by the means for engaging 72 will be removed so that the elastic biasing elements 84 will spring back towards their unbiased position, bear against the bottom wall 32 of the aroma container 20 and move it from the storing position into the operating position.

[0065] The biasing elements 84 are integrally formed from the material of the mouthpiece and extend upwards from the portion of the fixed part 12 opposed to the bottom wall 32 of the aroma container 20.

[0066] In Fig. 1, as well as Fig. 2, a locking mechanism 56 is shown comprising a first locking element 50 and a second locking element 52. The first locking element 50 is positioned at the cap 14, and the second locking element 52 is positioned at the fixed part 12 of the closing structure 10. The second locking element 52 comprises a release actuator which, in the example according to Fig. 1, is embodied as a release button, which, when pressed by a user, releases the first locking element 50 to open the cap 14. The first locking element 50 and the second locking element 52 form the locking mechanism 56, the structure of which as shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 2 is only an example of a form-fit locking mechanism, but a friction-fit locking mechanism can also be provided.

[0067] The hinge 16 can be formed such that the cap 14 is biased into the operating position as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. This can be achieved by using a biasing element like an elastic spring member or by providing a flip-top cap with a film hinge. This further simplifies the use of the closing structure and associated drinking device because a user only needs to activate the release actuator 54 and the cap 14 automatically swings open from its storing position into the operating position.

[0068] In Fig. 1, a pressure equalization device 58 is arranged in the fixed part 12. The pressure equalization device 58 comprises a pressure equalization duct 60 which allows air to flow between the interior volume of the vessel 40 and the outside atmosphere. Specifically, during operation when a user sucks in liquid through the mouthpiece 24, the level of drinking liquid within the vessel drops, and the volume of liquid removed from the vessel needs to be replaced by air to avoid sub-pressure to build up. Likewise, the pressure equalization device 58 also serves to release air if the pressure within the vessel becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure. This can happen, e.g., when the drinking device heats up so that the air in the vessel expands under elevated temperature. If the expanding air cannot be released to the outside atmosphere, pressure will build up and drinking liquid might undesirably spurt out of the mouthpiece 24 or enter the interior volume 34 of the aroma container 20.

[0069] A further safety feature is the provision of a timely sequence according to which pressure equalization is performed before the aroma container has reached its operational position. Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the closing structure 10 with the cap 14 in its storing position closed onto the fixed part 12 and locked in the storing position by means of the locking mechanism 56.

[0070] As can be seen from Fig. 2, the cap 14 is provided with an integrally formed closing element 64 with extends from the top surface of the cap 14 and is dimensioned and positioned such that it covers the end of the pressure equalization duct 60 of the pressure equalization device. In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, the closing element 64 extends into the pressure equalization duct 60. The closing element 64 obstructs the end 66 of the pressure equalization duct 60 opening to the outside atmosphere so that in the storing position as shown in Fig. 2 with the closing element 64 extending into the end 66 of the pressure equalization duct 60, air cannot enter or escape from the pressure equalization duct 60. To ensure safe sealing properties, there are two distinct sealing portions between the pressure equalization duct 60 and the closing element 64. The first sealing portion 86 is at the end 66 of the pressure equalization duct 60, and the second sealing portion 88 is at a distance to the first sealing portion 86 in the longitudinal direction of the elongate closing element 64. Both sealing portions 86 and 88 run around the closing element 64. The provision of two separate sealing portions improves the overall sealing properties.

[0071] When the cap 14 is in its operational position as shown in Fig. 3, the closing element 64 either attached to the cap 14 or integrally formed with the cap 14 is removed from the end 66 of the pressure equalization duct 60 so that air can pass through the pressure equalization duct 60.

[0072] According to the invention the closing element 64 cooperates with the end 66 of the pressure equalization duct 60 such that in the course of the movement of the cap 14 from its storing position towards its operational position, the closing element 64 releases the end 66 of the pressure equalization duct 60 and allows the exchange of air between the interior of the vessel 40 and the outside atmosphere before the cap 14 has reached its operational position. Likewise, the pressure equalization should preferably start before the aroma container 20 has been brought into its operational position, be it manually by the user or automatically by means of an elastic element as described above. The advantage of such timely sequence is that the pressure equalization takes place before the cap 14 has swung open and the cap still either closes or at least shields the mouthpiece 24 in case that overpressure inside the vessel might lead to a potential release of liquid through the mouthpiece 24. In the initial phase of the movement of the cap 14 between the storing position and the operational position as shown in Fig. 7, the end 66 of the pressure equalization duct 60 is already released by the closing element 64 and air exchange through the pressure equalization duct takes place. At the same time, the mouthpiece 24 of the suction port 18 is still closed by the cap 14.

[0073] The exact mutual positioning of the closing element 64 and the pressure equalization duct 60 and their shapes and dimensions have further advantages. Firstly, in the storing position, the cap 14 can be kept in such position because the frictional contact between the closing element 64 and the pressure equalization duct 60 generates a retention force preventing the undesired opening of the cap 14. Secondly, the contact between the closing element 64 and the pressure equalization duct 60 prevents an inadvertent relative dislocation of the cap in case that, e.g., a force action in a lateral direction acts on the cap 14 during storage or transport. This reduces the danger of a damage to the closing structure.

[0074] In all embodiments of the invention, the top wall 68 of the cap 14 can be provided with a protrusion 70 (see also Fig. 4) either integrally formed with the top wall 68 of the cap 14 or provided as a separate, elastic element attached to the top wall 68 of the cap 14. This protrusion 70 abuts against the mouthpiece 24 and seals the transport channel 22 for drinking liquid. As can be seen in Fig. 7, such sealing contact between the protrusion 70 and the mouthpiece 24 still exists while the pressure equalization duct 60 has already been opened by the removal of the closing element 64 from the end 66 of the pressure equalization duct 60.

[0075] The aroma container as shown in Fig. 7 is still in its storing position or close to its storing position with means for engaging 72 as detailed below still holding down the aroma container 20.

[0076] As long as the aroma container 20 has not been brought into its operational position, there is no fluid communication between the air duct and the air outlet opening 48 of the aroma container 20 so that there is no potential danger that liquid might enter the air outlet opening 48 and enter into the interior volume 34 of the aroma container 20.

[0077] In Fig. 7, a drinking straw 74 is shown fixed in the suction port 18 and abutting with an end against a surrounding edge 76 in the suction port 18.

[0078] Turning now to Figs. 3, 4 and 6, and especially Fig. 4, a means for engaging 72 is shown which serves to cooperate with the aroma container 20 in the closing operation of the cap 14 when a user moves the cap 14 from its operational position towards its closing position. The cap 14 and preferably its top wall 68 is provided with at least one means for engaging 72 which is either attached to the cap 14 or integrally formed with the cap 14. In the specific embodiment of the closing structure 10, two means for engaging 72 are provided which are arranged such that they come into contact with the aroma container at two positions which are essentially diametrically arranged relative to the suction port 18. This serves to prevent an undesired tilting of the aroma container during its longitudinal motion. The means for engaging 72 are shaped as curved bars extending from the top wall 68 of the cap 14. The curved bars are positioned such that, in the closing operation of the cap 14, they contact the aroma container 20 in its operational position either at or close to its surrounding rim 80 or at its outer side wall 26.

[0079] After use, when the aroma container is still in its operational position longitudinally shifted towards the mouthpiece 24, and the cap is opened and in its operational position, the cap is closed. In the course of the closing movement of the cap, the curved bars constituting the means for engaging 72 contact the rim 80 or outer sidewall 26 of the aroma container 20 and shift it in the longitudinal direction away from the mouthpiece 24 into the storing position in which the air outlet opening 48 of the aroma container is no longer in fluid communication with the air duct, and the air inlet opening 36 preferably is obstructed by abutting against the engagement structure of the fixed part 12 of the closing structure 10.

[0080] According to the embodiment as described herein, the drinking device is convenient to use. The cap can automatically swing open upon pressing a release button, and a closing element can open the pressure equalization duct before the cap and aroma container are in their operational positions. An elastic biasing element can automatically shift the aroma container into its operational position so that, without further interaction of the user, the drinking device is ready for use. After drinking, the user only has to close the cap again. Even repeated use with a high number of closing operations of the cap will not damage a label attached to the top side of the aroma container maintaining the desired aesthetically pleasing optical appearance of the drinking device. The most important aspect, however, contributing to the convenient and safe use of the drinking device is the provision of the closing element cooperating with the pressure equalization duct such that an undesired spilling out of drinking liquid is prevented.Reference List

[0081] 10closing structure 12fixed part 14cap 16hinge 18suction port 20aroma container 22transport channel for drinking liquid 24mouthpiece 26outer sidewall 28inner sidewall 30top wall 32bottom wall 34interior volume of aroma container 36air inlet opening 38label 40vessel 42shadow gap 44upper shell of aroma container 46lower shell of aroma container 48air outlet opening 50first locking element 52second locking element 54release actuator / release bottom 56locking mechanism 58pressure equalization device 60pressure equalization duct 62interior chamber of vessel 64closing element 66end of pressure equalization duct 68top wall of container 70protrusion 72means for engaging 74drinking straw 76surrounding edge 80rim of aroma container 82carrying strap 84elastic biasing element 861 st< sealing portion 882 nd< sealing portion

Claims

1. A closing structure (10) attachable at or close to a filling opening of a vessel (40) of a drinking device, comprising: - a suction port (18) with an interior transport channel (22) for drinking liquid and a drinking end formed as a mouthpiece (24); - a cap (14) movable between a storing position covering the mouthpiece (24) and an operating position allowing access to the mouthpiece (24); - a pressure equalization duct (60) in the closing structure (10), the pressure equalization duct (60) being arranged such that, when the closing structure (10) is attached to the vessel, it extends from an interior chamber (62) of the vessel (40) to the outside atmosphere when the cap (14) is in the operating position; and - a closing element (64) mounted to the cap (14) or being integrally formed with the cap (14), the closing element (64) obstructing the pressure equalization duct (60) when the cap (14) is in the storing position; wherein - the closing element (64) is arranged and dimensioned such that, when the cap (14) is moved from the storing position towards the operating position, the pressure equalization duct (60) is opened before a sealing means closing the transport channel (22) for drinking liquid at the mouthpiece (24) opens the transport channel (22) for drinking liquid.

2. Closing structure (10) according to claim 1, wherein the closing element (64) is elongate defining a longitudinal extension and seals against the pressure equalization duct (60) in two distinct, longitudinally spaced sealing portions (86, 88).

3. Closing structure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing element (64) and the pressure equalization duct (60) are dimensioned and shaped such that a frictional contact between the closing element (64) and the pressure equalization duct (60) generates a predefined retention force holding the cap in its storing position.

4. Closing structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap (14) is attached to a fixed part (12) of the closing structure by means of a hinge (16) defining a pivot axis, and the pressure equalization duct (60) and the closing element (64) are shaped and arranged such that a relative movement between the closing element (64) and the pressure equalization duct (60) is essentially prevented except for a pivoting movement around the pivot axis.

5. Closing structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closing structure is for a drinking device for the retronasal perception of an aroma substance.

6. A system of a movable aroma container (20) and the closing structure (10) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising - an attaching structure for holding and positioning the movable aroma container (20); the attaching structure being configured to allow a displacement of the aroma container (20) relative to the suction port (18) in a longitudinal direction defined by a longitudinal extension of the transport channel (22) for drinking liquid; and - an air duct in the suction port (18); wherein - the movable aroma container (20) is configured such that an interior volume (34) can be brought in fluid communication with the air duct.

7. System of a movable aroma container (20) and a closing structure (10) according to claim 6, wherein the aroma container (20) at least partially surrounds the suction port (18), the interior volume (34) of the aroma container comprising an aromatizing substance, an air inlet opening (36) and an air outlet opening (48).

8. System of a movable aroma container (20) and a closing structure (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the cap (14) is provided with means (72) for engaging an outer circumferential rim (80)of the aroma container (20) or an outer circumferential side wall (26) of the aroma container (20), the means (72) for engaging being configured to displace the aroma container (20) in the longitudinal direction in a closing operation when moving the cap (14) from the operating position to the storing position.

9. System according to claim 8, wherein the means (72) for engaging is positioned such as to frictionally engage the aroma container (20) in the course of the closing operation.

10. System according to claim 8, wherein the means (72) for engaging is positioned such as to bear against the aroma container (20) in the course of the closing operation.

11. System of a movable aroma container (20) and a closing structure (10) according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the closing element (64) is arranged and dimensioned such that, when the cap (14) is moved from the storing position towards the operating position, the pressure equalization duct (60) is opened before the aroma container (20) has reached the operating position.

12. System of a movable aroma container (20) and a closing structure (10) according to any of claims 6 to 11, wherein the aroma container (20) in the operating position is closer to the mouthpiece (24) than in the storing position.

13. System of a movable aroma container (20) and a closing structure (10) according to claim 12, further comprising elastic biasing means (84) for generating a biasing force which is adapted to elastically move the aroma container (20) into the operating position in absence of a counterforce exerted by the means (72) for engaging.

14. System of a movable aroma container (20) and a closing structure (10) according to claim 13, wherein the elastic biasing means (84) is integrally formed with the closing structure (10).

15. System of a movable aroma container (20) and a closing structure (10) according to any of claims 6 to 14, wherein the air inlet opening (36) of the aroma container (20) is positioned such that, in the storing position, the air inlet opening (36) abuts against the closing structure (10) so that the air inlet opening (36) is at least partially obstructed.

16. Drinking device for the retronasal perception of an aroma substance comprising: - a vessel (40) with an interior chamber (62) for holding a liquid; which interior chamber (62) is open at a filling opening; - a mounting structure close to the filling opening for mounting the system of a movable aroma container (20) and a closing structure (10) according to any of claims 1 to 5.

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