Drinking bottle
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MAGIC WATER GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-10
Smart Images
Figure EP2024072010_13022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] drinking bottle
[0002] The present invention relates to a drinking bottle, comprising a container for drinking liquid, a mouthpiece, a drinking liquid transport channel which extends from a mouth end of the mouthpiece into the container, an aroma chamber for receiving a flavoring substance, and an aroma transport channel for transporting air enriched with the flavoring substance, i.e. flavored air, wherein the aroma transport channel extends from the aroma chamber to the drinking liquid transport channel or to the mouth end of the mouthpiece.
[0003] Such a drinking bottle is suitable for so-called retronasal drinking. The principle of retronasal drinking is explained below.
[0004] In times of growing interest in conscious and healthy eating, as well as for fitness reasons, the beverage industry offers a wide range of low-calorie and calorie-free beverage solutions. Many customers desire low-calorie / calorie-free beverages, but don't want to forgo a taste experience. To meet these demands, the industry offers beverages with reduced sugar or added sugar substitutes or sweeteners. However, these substances can pose other health or taste disadvantages.
[0005] As explained in the introduction to EP 3 944 792 A1, water is therefore often flavored with fruit. However, such flavored beverages may contain undesirable substances (such as the aforementioned sweeteners or colorings) and possibly small amounts of sugar.
[0006] EP 3 944 792 A1 states the following: "Since the olfactory sensory impression forms an essential part of the gustatory perception when consuming food and beverages, previous drinking systems attempt to influence the smell perceived when drinking. For this purpose, aroma elements are proposed that can be attached to a drinking vessel close to the drinking opening so that the aroma element is in the immediate vicinity of the nose of the user, who breathes through the nose while drinking and thus absorbs the scent. WO 2019 / 016096 A1 discloses a drinking device for the retronasal absorption of an aroma substance with an air-permeable aroma container that supplies aromatized air to a transport channel for drinking liquid. In this way, the aroma substance is absorbed retronasally.When drinking, the aroma substance enters the user's mouth along with the liquid and then rises retronasally through the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa, where it is captured by the receptors located there and perceived by the user. This takes advantage of the close connection between the senses of smell and taste. The user therefore has the impression of tasting the aroma, although in fact they are only smelling it retronasally.
[0007] Drinking bottles for so-called retronasal drinking are known from the state of the art, such as EP 3 944 792 A1. However, these drinking bottles are often complex to handle.
[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a drinking bottle that enables retronasal drinking in a more user-friendly, flexible, and alternative way compared to the drinking bottles known from the prior art. Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of using the drinking bottle for more user-friendly drinking.
[0009] This object is achieved with a drinking bottle according to claim 1 and a use of a drinking bottle according to claim 15.
[0010] The present invention relates to a drinking bottle comprising
[0011] - a container for drinking liquid;
[0012] - a mouthpiece,
[0013] - a drinking liquid transport channel extending from one end of the mouthpiece into the container,
[0014] - an aroma chamber for holding a flavoring substance, and
[0015] - an aroma transport channel for transporting air enriched with the aroma substance, i.e. aromatized air, whereby the aroma transport channel extends from the aroma chamber to the drinking liquid transport channel or to the mouth end of the mouthpiece
[0016] - an aroma transport adjusting element, which can assume a blocking position in which the transport of aromatized air through the aroma transport channel is prevented, and which can assume an open position in which the transport of aromatized air through the aroma transport channel is enabled, wherein the aroma transport adjusting element is formed by a channel section of the aroma transport channel, wherein the channel section is movable from a first channel section position, in which the channel section is not fluidically connected to the aroma chamber, to a second channel section position, in which the channel section is fluidly connected to the aroma chamber, and vice versa,
[0017] The drinking bottle is characterized in that the channel section is arranged in a multi-part container lid, namely in an aroma part of the container lid. The aroma part is rotatably mounted, and by rotating the aroma part, the channel section can be moved from the first to the second channel section position and vice versa. Furthermore, the drinking bottle is characterized in that the container lid also has a closing part, wherein the aroma chamber can be closed from the inside and / or outside of the drinking bottle by means of the closing part, in particular by rotating the closing part relative to the aroma part.
[0018] The closing part can be used to ensure that an object located in the aroma chamber, such as an aroma pad or aroma capsule, cannot fall out into the inside and / or outside of the drinking bottle when closed with the closing part, and also does not come into contact with external substances (dirt, water). Closing the aroma chamber with the closing part can be advantageous, for example, when pouring drinking liquid into the container, so that objects located in the aroma chamber do not come into contact with the drinking liquid. Preferably, the aroma part is removed from the bottle when drinking liquid is added. Furthermore, with the aroma part installed and the aroma chamber closed with the closing part, drinking pure drinking liquid (without aroma) is guaranteed, because in this state no aroma can flow to the mouth.
[0019] The aroma transport control element can be adjusted by a user, i.e., moved between the locked position and the open position. It can be provided that the aroma transport control element can be locked, i.e., fixed, in the respective positions, thus preventing the aroma transport control element from being moved out of this position (without user intervention).
[0020] The container for drinking liquid can be made of plastic or metal. The container can be made of several layers of material, each of which can be made of metal or plastic. The container can be rigid, i.e., inflexible. However, the container can be made (at least partially) of a flexible material. The container can have an outer casing, for example, made of a rigid material (a so-called hard case).
[0021] The mouthpiece is designed so that a user can place their mouth or lips against the mouthpiece while drinking. The mouthpiece can be attached to the container. The mouthpiece can be formed integrally with the container. The mouthpiece can be made of the same material as the container or the lid. The mouthpiece can be made of plastic, metal, glass, or glass-ceramic.
[0022] The drinking liquid can, for example, be a tasteless, drinkable liquid. The drinking liquid can be water, for example. The drinking liquid can contain carbon dioxide, but it can also be non-carbonated. The drinking liquid can have any temperature as long as it is liquid. For example, the drinking liquid can have a temperature above its freezing point. The drinking liquid can be chilled, for example at a temperature of 0°C to 15°C, or at a temperature of > 15°C. The drinking liquid can also be hot, e.g. at a temperature of > 60°C or at a temperature close to the boiling point of the drinking liquid.The drinking bottle can contain an insulating material that can keep the temperature of the drinking liquid constant for a certain period of time, or at least slow down its heating or cooling process. The drinking liquid can contain ice or other cooling agents. The drinking liquid can have a flavor that is enhanced or (deliberately) modified by the aroma entering the oropharynx during retronasal drinking.
[0023] A drinking liquid transport channel can extend at least partially vertically through the interior of the container. "Vertical extension" can mean that the drinking liquid transport channel extends at least partially vertically or essentially vertically to the bottom of the drinking bottle. This can mean that at least a section of the drinking liquid transport channel runs parallel or nearly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drinking bottle. However, the drinking liquid transport channel can also extend through the container interior in a path that deviates from a vertical path, for example, at least partially at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the drinking bottle (i.e., not parallel). The drinking liquid transport channel can also run helically, spirally, or in a zigzag shape. Furthermore, this allows drinking liquid to be transported vertically upwards from the bottom of the container (toward the mouthpiece).The drinking liquid transport channel has two ends (with openings), one end of which is located at the mouth of the mouthpiece and one end in the container interior. The drinking liquid transport channel is defined by a channel wall. The drinking liquid transport channel can have a tubular shape, e.g., with a cylindrical or polygonal cross-section. The channel wall of the drinking liquid transport channel can be made of plastic, metal, or glass.
[0024] The drinking liquid transport channel can be made of plastic, glass, metal, or another suitable material. The drinking liquid transport channel can be designed like a straw.
[0025] The drinking liquid transport channel can be detachably attached to the drinking bottle, but can also be arranged permanently (particularly as a single piece) on the drinking bottle. A detachable attachment can be advantageous for easy cleaning of the drinking liquid transport channel. Furthermore, the drinking liquid transport channel can be foldable in an accordion-like manner or in another way, allowing it to be collapsed in size. This can be particularly advantageous when removing the drinking liquid transport channel for cleaning. The detachable attachment or the accordion-like or other foldability can also apply to only a section of the drinking liquid transport channel.
[0026] An aroma chamber can be understood as a chamber or space in which an aroma substance is arranged. When air flows through the aroma chamber, the aroma substance can be carried along by the air. The aroma substance can be absorbed into a carrier material. The carrier material can be made of a natural material, textile, plastic, metal, ceramic, fleece, pulp, cellulose, paper, cardboard, paper-like or other materials. Carrier materials made of such materials can be considered particularly sustainable. The carrier material can be reusable, i.e. it can be impregnated with the aroma substance several times. The aroma substance can be absorbed into the carrier material as a solid, as a liquid, as a gas or in molecular form. The carrier material can be impregnated with the aroma substance.The flavoring agent or the carrier material containing the flavoring agent can be arranged in an aroma pad, which is accommodated in the aroma chamber. The drinking bottle can have a device with which the aroma pad can be opened by a user.
[0027] If the liquid transport channel and the aroma transport channel both extend to the mouth end of the mouthpiece, this can lead to a particularly intense taste perception, as the aroma and liquid only mix in the oropharynx. This can increase the concentration of the aroma in the aroma-liquid mixture. Furthermore, aroma loss can be minimized by arranging the liquid transport channel and the aroma transport channel in this way.
[0028] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a drinking bottle designed according to the invention for horizontal drinking. Horizontal drinking means that the drinking liquid transport channel and the aroma transport channel are arranged parallel in the area of the mouthpiece of the drinking bottle and run horizontally to the mouth of a drinker. This prevents the drinker, i.e., the user of the drinking bottle, from having to hold the drinking bottle at an uncomfortable angle in order to drink from it.
[0029] Further embodiments and features of the invention are specified in the subclaims. The embodiments and features specified in the subclaims are described below, along with further embodiments and features.
[0030] According to a first embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, it can be provided that in the open position of the aroma transport adjusting element, air can flow from the outside of the drinking bottle into the aroma chamber and, from the aroma chamber, carrying aroma into the aroma transport channel up to the drinking liquid transport channel or up to the mouth end of the mouthpiece.
[0031] If there is an aroma substance in the aroma chamber, air can flow into the aroma chamber when it is open and carry the aroma along with it. As it flows into or through the aroma chamber, the air is aromatized or enriched with the aroma substance. The air enriched with the aroma can then be transported via the aroma transport channel to the drinking liquid transport channel or to the mouth end of the mouthpiece. In order to create a flow of air from the outside of the drinking bottle into the aroma chamber, then from the aroma chamber into the aroma transport channel to the drinking liquid transport channel or to the mouth end of the mouthpiece, the user must create an air suction (or air draft) or a vacuum with their mouth on the mouthpiece. This can be done by sucking on the mouthpiece with their mouth. The air suction or the created air flow distributes molecules orParticles of the flavoring substance are in the air and are carried along by it as a transport medium. If the drinking liquid transport channel is intended to flow into the air enriched with the flavoring substance, a mixture of the drinking liquid, air and flavoring substance enters the user's mouth and throat. There, the drinking liquid (usually water) is associated with a taste corresponding to the flavoring substance due to the retronasal perception principle. If the air enriched with the flavoring substance flows to the end of the mouthpiece, the drinking liquid from the drinking liquid transport channel and the air enriched with the flavoring substance from the aroma transport channel each enter the user's mouth separately. Only then does the drinking liquid and the air enriched with the flavoring substance possibly mix.
[0032] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, the container can have a container base, a container wall, and a container opening opposite the container base, which can be closed with a container lid. The container has an interior space defined by the container base and the container wall. Drinking liquid can be poured into the container through the container opening when the container lid is not in place. The container lid can be detachably placed and secured to the container. The container can, for example, have a cylindrical basic geometry. In this case, the container wall forms a cylindrical shell, with the container base being a cylindrical base. A container with such a shape is particularly easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the container can also have a different basic geometry, e.g., polygonal (square, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.).The basic geometry can be cylindrical with dents / waves / ribs, etc. The container can have a variety of designs. The container can have a rigid housing, such as a hard case. The container can be made of multiple layers.
[0033] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, it can be provided that the aroma chamber is formed in the container wall. The aroma chamber can therefore be formed directly in the wall material. This allows the aroma chamber to be cleaned immediately when the container is cleaned, e.g. in the dishwasher. In terms of manufacturing technology, the aroma chamber can be formed relatively easily in the container. For example, it can be formed directly during manufacture of the container, e.g. during injection molding, or after manufacture of the container, e.g. by mechanical post-processing (e.g. milling, drilling or punching). The aroma chamber can, for example, have the shape of a cylinder, but can also have a polygonal contour. Preferably, the aroma chamber is stationary, i.e. arranged in a fixed position.
[0034] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, the drinking bottle can have multiple aroma chambers, wherein the multiple aroma chambers are formed in the container wall. The multiple aroma chambers can be formed directly in the wall material. The provision of multiple aroma chambers enables the arrangement of aroma substances, e.g., aroma substances with different odors / tastes, in the aroma chambers. Aroma pads can be arranged in the aroma chambers, wherein the aroma pads can relate to different odors / tastes. It can be provided to provide a storage compartment for aroma pads on the container, e.g., below the container base or in the container lid. It can also be provided that - if multiple aroma chambers are provided - aroma substances from different manufacturers or brands are arranged.According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, it can be provided that the aroma chamber or the plurality of aroma chambers is / are formed in particular in a wall section of the container wall adjacent to the container opening. In this case, the plurality of aroma chambers can be arranged at a common (same) vertical level with respect to a vertical axis of the drinking bottle, i.e. the aroma chambers are arranged at the same height. If the container wall is designed, for example, in the form of a cylindrical shell, the plurality of aroma chambers can be arranged at said common (same vertical level) - i.e. at the same height - circumferentially in the wall designed as a cylindrical shell. In this case, the plurality of aroma chambers can be arranged at a regular, i.e. equal, distance from an adjacent aroma chamber. This can mean that the distance between adjacent aroma chambers is constant.The aroma chambers can be arranged at a distance from an upper edge of the container.
[0035] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, it can be provided that the aroma transport adjusting element is formed by a channel section of the aroma transport channel, wherein the channel section is movable from a first channel section position, in which the channel section does not form part of the aroma transport channel or is not fluidically connected to the aroma chamber (the flow connection between the aroma chamber and the channel section is interrupted), into a second channel section position, in which the channel section forms part of the aroma transport channel or is fluidly connected to the aroma chamber (the flow connection between the aroma chamber and the channel section is not interrupted), and vice versa.In this case, the channel section in the first channel section position can form the blocking position of the aroma transport actuating element, and the channel section in the second channel section position can form the open position of the aroma transport actuating element. The fact that the channel section does not form part of the aroma transport channel in the first channel section position means that no aromatized air can flow through the aroma transport channel. This is because the channel section (and thus the aroma transport channel) is not connected to the aroma chamber. The channel section in the second channel section position can form part of the aroma transport channel. This means that aromatized air can flow through the aroma transport channel because the channel section (and thus the aroma transport channel) is connected to the aroma chamber in this position. In this position, aromatized air can flow through the channel section and the aroma transport channel.In this position, the channel section, provided it is adjacent to the aroma chamber, can provide a flow connection between the aroma chamber and the remaining aroma transport channel. In the first channel section position, the channel section is in a position where the channel section is not in flow connection with the aroma chamber and the remaining aroma transport channel. For example, the channel section can be rotated toward the aroma transport channel.
[0036] With regard to the direction of air flow, the channel section can be formed between the aroma chamber and the mouth end or between the aroma chamber and the drinking liquid transport channel, but in particular directly adjacent to the aroma chamber. The channel section can run radially from the outside of the lid towards the center of the lid. In this direction, the channel section can taper conically to provide improved aroma conduction. The channel section therefore preferably runs perpendicular to a central lid vertical axis (an imaginary axis that is aligned with a container vertical axis, with both axes forming a drinking bottle vertical axis, with the drinking bottle vertical axis running centered along the longest dimension of the drinking bottle). By rotating the aroma part, a radially outer opening of the channel section can be brought into alignment with an aroma chamber or fluidically connected to it.If multiple aroma chambers are provided, the radially outer opening of the channel section can be brought into alignment with the respective aroma chambers or fluidically connected to them by turning the lid. The radially outer opening of the channel section can also be brought into a non-aligned position with the aroma chambers by turning the aroma part, e.g. by placing the radially outer opening of the channel section between the aroma chambers. This would correspond to the first channel section position. In the area of the central vertical axis of the lid, the channel section can bend vertically downwards (i.e. towards the container base) and open into a further channel section that is fixed in position (non-rotatable), e.g. essentially horizontally running. The further channel section runs to the mouth end of the mouthpiece or opens into the liquid transport channel.The aroma part can be locked in the first channel section position, as well as in the second channel section position. The aroma part can be rotatably mounted on the container or on one or more other parts belonging to the multi-part lid.
[0037] The rotatable mounting of the aroma part (as well as other rotatably mounted parts of the multi-part container lid) can be designed in the form of a plain bearing or roller bearing, in particular in the form of a ball bearing. With such a pivot bearing, a simple change in the position of the aroma part and thus of the channel section with respect to the first and second channel section positions can be achieved. This can be achieved by rotating the aroma part. For this purpose, the surface of the lid or the inner lid part can have one or more profiled surface sections, thus enabling easier handling for a user and preventing slipping.
[0038] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, the closure part can have a disc-shaped closure part body, wherein the closure part body has a central, preferably circular, recess, wherein the aroma part can be received in the recess. The closure part and aroma part are preferably made of plastic. The rotatable mounting of the aroma part can be arranged on a crosspiece between the container wall, in which a further (horizontally running) channel section of the aroma transport channel is also formed. The further channel section is in flow connection with the channel section. For this purpose, the aroma part can have a bearing receptacle on its underside, which receives a bearing flange of the crosspiece. Furthermore, the aroma part can be rotatably mounted relative to the closure part when the multi-part lid is assembled.
[0039] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, it can be provided that an inner peripheral collar and an outer peripheral collar radially spaced therefrom adjoin the closure part body, wherein the inner peripheral collar and the outer peripheral collar form an annular groove. The closure part with the annular groove can be placed on an upper edge of the wall section of the container wall, namely in such a way that the closure part is mounted on the container wall like a rotating rail. The closure part is thus rotatably mounted relative to the container wall.According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, it can be provided that an inner passage opening is formed on the inner circumferential collar, and that an outer passage opening is formed on the outer circumferential collar, wherein the passage openings are arranged in radial alignment with one another, and wherein the passage openings can be positioned by rotating the closing part relative to the aroma part in such a way that they are arranged in register with the aroma chamber or offset from the aroma chamber.
[0040] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, a hook can be arranged on the upper edge of the wall section of the container wall, wherein the hook protrudes through an opening, in particular a slotted hole, in the closure body when the closure part is placed on the upper edge of the wall section of the container wall. Several hooks and openings, in particular two or three each, can also be provided.
[0041] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, an ejector is arranged in the aroma part, which is optionally spring-loaded and can be arranged in alignment with the aroma chamber by rotating the aroma part. Upon pressing a button operatively coupled to the ejector, the ejector springs toward the aroma chamber (i.e., is moved), engages at least partially in the aroma chamber, and pushes an aroma container located in the aroma chamber toward the outside of the drinking bottle. The button can be designed like a push button.
[0042] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, it can be provided that the container lid comprises a safety closure part, wherein the safety closure part can be arranged such that the aroma part and the closure part are arranged between the upper edge of the wall section of the container wall and the safety closure part and are axially secured by the safety closure part, wherein the axial securing is ensured by the engagement of the hook in an engagement opening formed in the safety closure part, in particular a bayonet opening. According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, it can be provided that a check valve is arranged in the aroma transport channel. Such a check valve opens when drinking, so that flavored air can flow through the aroma transport channel towards the mouth end of the mouthpiece or towards the drinking liquid transport channel.Once the drinking process is complete, the check valve snaps back into a closed position, preventing, for example, the desired entry of liquid (e.g., saliva) into the aroma transport channel. The check valve can, for example, have a movably mounted ball as the valve body. During drinking, the suction force acting on the ball moves the ball into a position where air can flow past it. Once the drinking process is complete, the ball blocks the airflow in the aroma transport channel. Such a check valve can be arranged additionally or alternatively in the drinking liquid transport channel.
[0043] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, a pressure equalization device can be provided for equalizing the pressure in the container interior during drinking. When drinking, a negative pressure is created in the container due to the suction of the drinking liquid. The pressure equalization device can counteract the negative pressure during drinking or prevent / reduce the formation of a vacuum. This can make drinking more pleasant for the user, as they need to exert less suction force when sucking in the drinking liquid and air and do not have to "fight" against the negative pressure created in the container.
[0044] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, the pressure equalization device can be a pressure equalization line running from the outside of the drinking bottle into the interior of the container. The pressure equalization line can be a channel (e.g., an air channel). The pressure equalization line can be formed in the container wall, preferably in the upper region of the container wall. The pressure equalization line can be formed in the lid. The pressure equalization line can be formed in the region of the mouthpiece (particularly when forming a mouthpiece formed integrally with the container wall or a mouthpiece that can be attached to the container wall), and can run through the container wall and the mouthpiece. The pressure equalization line can be designed in a siphon-like, labyrinth-like, or zigzag-like manner in order to prevent or minimize the escape of drinking liquid through the pressure equalization line.The pressure equalization line can be a capillary.
[0045] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, the pressure equalization line can be provided with a pressure equalization valve. The pressure equalization valve can open when drinking, while remaining closed when not drinking. The pressure equalization valve can be designed such that it opens due to the negative pressure created in the container when drinking and closes when no negative pressure is present.
[0046] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, it can be provided that the pressure equalization device is formed by a component or by several components delimiting the container interior, which is or are made of a reversibly deformable material. A reversibly deformable material can be brought from an initial position into a deformed position and from this deformed position back to the initial position. In the present case, this means that when drinking, i.e. when negative pressure arises in the container, the component or components delimiting the container interior is / are deformed, preferably in the direction of the container interior.When drinking, the volume of the container's interior is reduced by the deformation of the component or components defining the container's interior. After drinking is complete, the component or components defining the container's interior move back to its original position, thereby increasing the volume of the container's interior. The deformable material is reversible, meaning it can be deformed multiple times (without damage). The reversibly deformable material can be an elastic material. The reversibly deformable material can be, in particular, plastic, a textile material, a rubber or rubber-like material, silicone, or another suitable material. The reversibly deformable material can be, in particular, a compressible and expandable material.According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, the component defining the container interior can be the container base, the container wall, a section of the container base, and / or a section of the container wall. As expressed by the "and / or" connection, only one of the mentioned components (e.g., only the container base, only the container wall, only a section of the container base, or only a section of the container wall) can form the component defining the container interior (made of a reversibly deformable material). However, several of the mentioned components can also provide the several components defining the container interior. For example, it can be provided that several sections of the container wall and / or the container base are made of a reversibly deformable material.The container lid can also be made of a reversibly deformable material or have a section made of a reversibly deformable material. Thus, the container lid can also additionally or alternatively provide a component made of a reversibly deformable material that defines the container interior.
[0047] According to a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, the component delimiting the container interior is formed by a material layer made of the reversibly deformable material that borders the container bottom and / or the container wall in the container interior. The material layer can be attached to the container wall, e.g., injection-molded or vulcanized thereto. The component delimiting the container interior can also be an inner chamber or inner container. If an inner chamber or inner container is formed, the drinking liquid transport channel preferably extends into the inner chamber or the inner container. The inner chamber or the inner container made of reversibly deformable material can be firmly connected to the container, i.e., materially bonded (e.g., injection-molded or vulcanized), but can also be detachably connected to it (e.g.,by form-fitting, frictional locking, or suitable fastening means). A detachable connection can have advantages, as the inner chamber or inner container can then be cleaned or replaced independently of the container. As already mentioned, an inner container can be arranged in the interior of the container. The inner container can be designed to hold the drinking liquid. The inner container can be a bag made of a reversibly deformable material, meaning it can be compressed and then expanded again. The inner container or bag can be attached by an upper end to a wall, e.g., an inner casing of the container. The attachment can be detachable or non-detachable.
[0048] In a further embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, it can be provided that a section of the aroma transport channel adjacent to the aroma chamber, which can in particular be a section of the channel section, is designed to taper conically from the aroma chamber, e.g. in the manner of a funnel. This can be advantageous for the most efficient possible flow of aroma flowing from the aroma chamber into the aroma transport channel. Adjacent to the aroma chamber, the section can have the same or approximately the same diameter as the aroma chamber. Starting from the aroma chamber, the diameter of the section decreases due to its conically tapered shape.
[0049] Further embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures and the following description. The figures show:
[0050] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a drinking bottle according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0051] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the drinking bottle according to Fig. 1;
[0052] Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the drinking bottle according to Fig. 1;
[0053] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a position change of a
[0054] Channel section of an aroma transport channel in relation to an aroma chamber;
[0055] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a pressure equalization line in a drinking bottle according to the first embodiment of the invention;
[0056] Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view of an inner lid part of a container lid of the drinking bottle according to Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of an alternative pressure equalization line in a drinking bottle according to the first embodiment of the invention;
[0057] Fig. 8-10 representations of pressure equalization devices in a drinking bottle according to the first embodiment of the invention;
[0058] Fig. 11 is a view of a storage compartment for aroma pads formed in the inner lid part of a container lid of the drinking bottle according to the first embodiment in a closed position;
[0059] Fig. 12 is a view of the storage compartment of Fig. 11 in an open position;
[0060] Fig. 13 is a detailed illustration of an alternative embodiment of an aroma transport channel for a drinking bottle according to the first embodiment of the invention;
[0061] Fig. 14 is a frog view of the components of the drinking bottle according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0062] Fig. 15 is a bird's eye view of the components of the drinking bottle according to the second embodiment of the invention;
[0063] Fig. 16-21 Detailed views of the multi-part container lid; and
[0064] Fig. 22 a detailed view of a spring-loaded ejector and button as components of the aroma part.
[0065] All figures refer to a drinking bottle 1 according to the invention or embodiments thereof. It should be expressly noted that the features described in the figures and in the description of the figures may be further developments of the features and combinations of features specified in the claims.
[0066] According to the invention, the drinking bottle 1 comprises a container 2 for drinking liquid, a mouthpiece 3, a drinking liquid transport channel 4, which extends from a mouth end 5 of the mouthpiece 3 into the container 2, an aroma chamber 6 for receiving a flavoring substance, and an aroma transport channel 7 for transporting air enriched with the flavoring substance, i.e. flavored air, wherein the aroma transport channel 7 extends from the aroma chamber 6 to the drinking liquid transport channel 4 (cf. the exemplary embodiment according to Figs. 13 to 17) or to the mouth end 5 of the mouthpiece 3 (cf. the exemplary embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 12). The drinking bottle 1 has an aroma transport adjusting element, which can assume a blocking position in which the transport of flavored air through the aroma transport channel 7 is prevented, and which can assume an open position in which the transport of flavored air through the aroma transport channel 7 is enabled.
[0067] In the open position of the aroma transport actuator, air can flow from the outside 8 of the drinking bottle (i.e., from the external environment of the drinking bottle 1) into the aroma chamber 6 and, from the aroma chamber 6, into the aroma transport channel 7, carrying aroma along with it, to the drinking liquid transport channel 4 or to the mouth end 5 of the mouthpiece 3. For this purpose, the aroma chamber 6 has an air inlet opening facing the outside 8 of the drinking bottle. Furthermore, the aroma chamber 6 has an air outlet opening facing the aroma transport channel 7.
[0068] In all illustrated embodiments, the container 2 has a container base 9, a container wall 10, and a container opening 12 opposite the container base 9, which can be closed with a container lid 11. The container 2 has a container interior 13 defined by the container base 9 and the container wall 10. The illustrated embodiments show a drinking bottle 1 with a cylindrical container 2. The container wall 10 is thus a container shell. A drinking liquid is poured into or emptied from the container interior 13 via the container opening 12.
[0069] Figures 1 to 12 relate to a construction or an embodiment of a drinking bottle 1 in which several aroma chambers 6 are formed directly in a container wall 10. In this embodiment, the aroma chambers 6 are fixed in position, i.e., cannot be moved. The aroma chambers 6 are distributed around the perimeter of the container wall 10 (cf. Figs. 1 and 2). The aroma chambers 6 are formed in a wall section 14 of the container wall 10 adjacent to the container opening 12. In this embodiment, the aforementioned aroma transport adjusting element is formed by a channel section 15 of the aroma transport channel 7, wherein the channel section 15 can be moved from a first channel section position A (Fig. 4 top), in which the channel section 15 does not form part of the aroma transport channel 7 (there is no aroma transport channel 7 because the connection to the aroma chamber 6 is interrupted), to a second channel section position B (Fig.4 below), in which the channel section 15 forms part of the aroma transport channel 7 (the aroma chamber 6 is connected to the aroma transport channel 7), and vice versa, wherein the channel section 15 in the first channel section position A forms the blocking position of the aroma transport actuating element, and wherein the channel section 15 in the second channel section position B forms the opening position of the aroma transport actuating element.
[0070] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mouthpiece 3 is arranged on the container wall 10. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the aroma transport channel 7 and the drinking liquid transport channel 4 end at the mouth end 5 of the mouthpiece 3. In the mouthpiece 3, the aroma transport channel 7 thus runs at least partially parallel to the drinking liquid transport channel 4. This course enables horizontal drinking.
[0071] Figure 3 shows the internal structure of the drinking bottle. The channel section 15 is arranged in the container lid 11, wherein the container lid 11 is rotatably mounted, and wherein by rotating the container lid 11, the channel section 15 can be moved from the first channel section position A to the second channel section position B and vice versa. The rotatable mounting of the container lid is realized in a ball bearing 22. The container lid 11 is constructed in two parts, with an outer lid part 23 designed in the manner of an annular perforated disc with a central opening 24, wherein the outer lid part 23 can be arranged in a fixed position on an upper edge 25 of the container wall 10 surrounding the container opening 12 (cf. Fig. 7). An inner lid part 26 is positioned in the central opening 24 of the outer lid part 23 and is rotatably mounted on the outer lid part 23. The channel section 15 is arranged in the inner cover part 26 orformed. The course of the channel section 15 is shown in Fig. 3. The radially outer opening 27 of the channel section 15 is arranged at the level of the aroma chamber 6. Relative to a flow direction of air running from the aroma chamber 6 in the direction of the mouth end 5 of the mouthpiece 3, the channel section 15 is formed between the aroma chamber 6 and the mouth end 5. The channel section 15 runs radially from the outside of the lid towards the center of the lid. The channel section 15 runs perpendicular to a central lid vertical axis DA (an imaginary axis that is aligned with a container vertical axis TA, whereby both axes DA and TA form a drinking bottle vertical axis, whereby the drinking bottle vertical axis runs centered along the longest extent of the drinking bottle 1). By rotating the inner cover part 26, the radially outer opening 27 of the channel section 15 is brought into alignment with the aroma chamber 6 or is fluidically connected to it.If multiple aroma chambers 6 are provided, the radially outer opening 27 of the channel section 15 can be brought into alignment with the respective aroma chambers 6 or fluidically connected to them by rotating the inner lid part 26. The radially outer opening 27 of the channel section 15 can also be brought into a non-aligned position with the aroma chambers 6 by rotating the inner lid part 26, e.g., by positioning the radially outer opening 27 of the channel section 15 between two aroma chambers 6. This would correspond to the first channel section position A. In the area of the central lid vertical axis DA, the channel section 15 can bend vertically downwards (i.e., in the direction of the container base 9) and open into a fixed-position (non-rotatable), e.g., essentially horizontally extending, further channel section 28. The opening area is indicated in Fig. 3 by a dashed line 29.The further channel section 28 extends to the mouth end 5 of the mouthpiece 3. The further channel section 28 is arranged in a transverse web 30 between the container wall 10.
[0072] The drinking bottle 1 also has a pressure equalization device designed to equalize the pressure in the container interior 13 during drinking. Variants of such a pressure equalization device are illustrated in Figures 5 to 12 using the first embodiment of a drinking bottle. These pressure equalization devices can also be applied to a drinking bottle according to the second embodiment (Figures 13 to 17).
[0073] The pressure equalization device can be a pressure equalization line 18 running from the outside 8 of the drinking bottle into the container interior 13. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pressure equalization line 18 can be formed in the inner lid part 26. Figure 7 shows a variant in which the pressure equalization line 18 is formed in the container wall 10 (below the mouthpiece 3). The mouthpiece 3 can be closed with a cap 31, wherein the cap 31 has a mouth opening 32 for covering the pressure equalization line 18.
[0074] Figures 8 to 10 refer to embodiments in which the pressure compensation device is formed by a component that defines the container interior 13 and is made of a reversibly deformable material. The functionality of such a component was explained in detail above. Its core function is to yield to the negative pressure created in the container interior 13 during drinking and to deform (reduce the volume of the container interior 13), and to return to its original position after drinking is complete.
[0075] In the example according to Fig. 9, the component made of the reversibly deformable material that delimits the container interior 13 is a section 20 of the container wall 10, and in the example according to Fig. 10, a section 19 of the container bottom 9.
[0076] Figure 8 shows an example in which the component made of the reversibly deformable material delimiting the container interior 13 is formed by a material layer 21 made of the reversibly deformable material adjacent to the container wall 10 in the container interior 13.
[0077] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, a storage compartment 33 for aroma pads can be provided in the container lid 11, namely in the inner lid part 26, which can be closed with a flap 34. The flap 34 can be pivotally mounted.
[0078] In an alternative embodiment, in a drinking bottle 1 according to the first embodiment, a partial section 40 of the aroma transport channel 7 adjacent to the aroma chamber 6, which is in particular a partial section 40 of the channel section 15, is designed to taper conically from the aroma chamber 6, e.g., in the manner of a funnel. This is illustrated in Fig. 13.
[0079] Figures 14 to 22 refer to a second embodiment of a drinking bottle according to the invention, the structure of the multi-part container lid 11 being explained in more detail with reference to this embodiment. The channel section 15 is arranged in the multi-part container lid 11, namely in an aroma part 101 of the container lid 11, wherein the aroma part 101 is rotatably mounted, and wherein by rotating the aroma part 101 the channel section 15 can be moved from the first A to the second channel section position B and vice versa, and the container lid 11 also has a closing part 102, wherein the aroma chamber 6 can be closed towards the inside and / or outside of the drinking bottle by means of the closing part 102, in particular by rotating the closing part 102 relative to the aroma part 101.
[0080] The closing part 102 has a disc-shaped closing part body 103, wherein the closing part body 103 has a central, preferably circular, recess 104, wherein the aroma part 101 can be received in the recess 104.
[0081] Adjacent to the closing part body 103 are an inner circumferential collar 105 and an outer circumferential collar 106 radially spaced therefrom, wherein the inner circumferential collar 105 and the outer circumferential collar 106 form an annular groove 107, wherein the closing part 102 with the annular groove 107 can be placed onto an upper edge 108 of the wall section 14 of the container wall 10, namely in such a way that the closing part 102 is mounted on the container wall 10 in the manner of a rotating rail.
[0082] An inner passage opening 109 is formed on the inner circumferential collar 105, and an outer passage opening 110 is formed on the outer circumferential collar 106, wherein the passage openings 109, 110 are arranged in radial alignment with one another, and wherein the passage openings 109, 110 can be positioned by rotating the closing part 102 relative to the aroma part 101 such that they are arranged in register with the aroma chamber 6 or offset from the aroma chamber 6.
[0083] A hook 111 is arranged on the upper edge 108 of the wall section 14 of the container wall 10, wherein the hook 111 projects through an opening 112, in particular an elongated hole opening in the closing part body 103, when the closing part 102 is placed on the upper edge 108 of the wall section 14 of the container wall 10.
[0084] An ejector 113 is arranged in the aroma part 101, which is optionally spring-loaded and which can be arranged in alignment with the aroma chamber 6 by rotating the aroma part 101, wherein upon actuation of a button 114 operatively coupled to the ejector 113, the ejector 113 shoots in the direction of the aroma chamber 6, engages at least partially in the aroma chamber 6 and presses an aroma container located in the aroma chamber 6 towards the outside of the drinking bottle.
[0085] The container lid 11 comprises a securing end part 115, wherein the securing end part 115 can be arranged such that the aroma part 101 and the closing part 102 are arranged between the upper edge 108 of the wall section 14 of the container wall 10 and the securing end part 115 and are axially secured by the securing end part 115, wherein the axial securing is ensured by engagement of the hook 111 in an engagement opening 116 formed in the securing end part 115, in particular a bayonet opening.
[0086] As illustrated in Figure 22 using a view of the aroma part 101 from below, the ejector 113 is supported by two spring-elastic brackets 117 against a wall 119 of the aroma part 101. The button 114 is also spring-loaded and can be pressed downward against the pressure of the spring 118.
[0087] Figure 14 shows the components of the drinking bottle according to the second embodiment in a frog's eye view. Figure 15 shows the components in a bird's eye view. Shown are the parts of the multi-part container lid 11. The container lid 11 is formed from the closing part 102, the aroma part 101, and the safety closure part 115. Furthermore, it is shown that the container 2 has an inner container 100 in the form of a bag. The inner container 100 is surrounded by an outer container 120, for example a hard-shelled housing. In Figures 14 and 15, the outer container is shown in two parts, which are, however, firmly connected to one another during production, e.g., by gluing or plastic welding. The container part 121 on which the mouthpiece 3 is formed is also firmly connected to the outer container 120.The wall section 14 is also a component of the container 2 and is also firmly connected thereto, preferably to the container part 121.
[0088] Figure 16 shows a view in which the aroma part 101 is not inserted. The closing part 102 is in a position in which the aroma chamber 6 is not closed. The passage openings 109, 110 are arranged in register with the aroma chamber 6, so that, for example, an aroma pad can be easily inserted into the aroma chamber 6. Figure 17 shows the same position of the closing part 102, but in this view, the aroma part 101 is inserted. The channel section 15 is in flow connection with the aroma chamber 6. The aroma chamber 6 can therefore also be filled when the aroma part 101 is inserted.
[0089] In Figure 18, the closure part 102 is in a closed position, i.e., the aroma chamber 6 is sealed off from the outside and inside of the drinking bottle. In this position, the aroma chamber 6 cannot be filled. The through-openings 109, 110 are offset from the aroma chamber 6. The aroma part 101 is not inserted, so that the container 2 can be filled with drinking liquid from above, thereby avoiding the risk of objects in the aroma chamber 6, such as aroma pads, coming into contact with water.
[0090] In Figure 19, the position of the closure part 102 is analogous to Figure 19, except that the aroma part 101 is inserted. This position can be considered a transport position, meaning that while flavored drinking liquid cannot be consumed, the bottle can be transported without any problem without any drinking liquid entering the aroma chamber 6. In this position, drinking liquid without flavor can also be consumed.
[0091] Figures 20 and 21 illustrate the ejection of an aroma pad from the aroma chamber 6. For this purpose, an ejector 113 is arranged in the aroma part 101, which can be arranged in alignment with the aroma chamber 6 by rotating the aroma part 101 (Figs. 20, 21). Upon actuation of a pushbutton 114 operatively coupled to the ejector 113, the ejector 113 is moved toward the aroma chamber 6, at least partially engages the aroma chamber 6 (Fig. 21), and pushes an aroma container 123 (e.g., an aroma pad) located in the aroma chamber 6 toward the outside of the drinking bottle. The pushbutton 114 slides over an inclined surface 122 (running surface) of the ejector 113. List of Reference Symbols
[0092] 1 drinking bottle
[0093] 2 containers
[0094] 3 Mouthpiece
[0095] 4 Drinking liquid transport channel
[0096] 5 mouth end
[0097] 6 aroma chamber
[0098] 7 Aroma transport channel
[0099] 8 drinking bottles outside
[0100] 9 Container bottom
[0101] 10 Container wall
[0102] 11 Container lid
[0103] 12 Container opening
[0104] 13 Container interior
[0105] 14 wall section
[0106] 15 canal section
[0107] 16 Check valve
[0108] 17 balls
[0109] 18 Pressure equalization line
[0110] 19 Section (container bottom)
[0111] 20 Section (container wall)
[0112] 21 Section (material layer) 22 Ball bearing
[0113] 23 outer cover part
[0114] 24 central opening
[0115] 25 Rand
[0116] 26 inner lid part
[0117] 27 radial outer opening
[0118] 28 further canal section
[0119] 29 dashed line
[0120] 30 crossbar
[0121] 31 cap
[0122] 32 Mouth opening
[0123] 33 storage compartment
[0124] 34 flap
[0125] 40 subsection
[0126] 100 inner containers
[0127] 101 Aroma Part
[0128] 102 Locking part
[0129] 103 Locking part body
[0130] 104 recess
[0131] 105 inner collar
[0132] 106 outer collar
[0133] 107 Ring groove TI
[0134] 108 upper edge
[0135] 109 inner passage opening
[0136] 110 outer passage opening
[0137] 111 hooks
[0138] 112 Opening
[0139] 113 ejectors
[0140] 114 buttons
[0141] 115 Fuse termination part
[0142] 116 Access opening
[0143] 117 spring-elastic temples
[0144] 118 spring
[0145] 119 Wall
[0146] 120 outer container
[0147] 121 Container part
[0148] 122 Inclined surface
[0149] 123 Aroma container
[0150] A first channel section position
[0151] B second channel section position
[0152] AA first wall section position when does this happen?
[0153] BB second wall section position
[0154] DA central cover vertical axis
[0155] TA container vertical axis
Claims
Patent claims 1. Drinking bottle (1), comprising - a container (2) for drinking liquid; - a mouthpiece (3), - a drinking liquid transport channel (4) extending from a mouth end (5) of the mouthpiece (3) into the container (2), - an aroma chamber (6) for receiving an aroma substance, and - an aroma transport channel (7) for transporting air enriched with the aroma substance, i.e. aromatized air, wherein the aroma transport channel (7) extends from the aroma chamber (6) to the drinking liquid transport channel (4) or to the mouth end (5) of the mouthpiece (3) - an aroma transport adjusting element, which can assume a blocking position in which the transport of aromatized air through the aroma transport channel (7) is prevented, and which can assume an open position in which the transport of aromatized air through the aroma transport channel (7) is enabled, wherein the aroma transport adjusting element is formed by a channel section (15) of the aroma transport channel (7), wherein the channel section (15) is movable from a first channel section position (A), in which the channel section (15) is not fluidically connected to the aroma chamber (6), to a second channel section position (B), in which the channel section (15) is fluidically connected to the aroma chamber (6), and vice versa, characterized in that the channel section (15) is arranged in a multi-part container lid (11), namely in an aroma part (101) of the container lid (11), wherein the aroma part (101) is rotatably mounted,and wherein by rotating the aroma part (101) the channel section (15) is movable from the first (A) to the second channel section position (B) and vice versa, and that the container lid (11) also has a closing part (102), wherein the aroma chamber (6) is closable towards the inside and / or outside of the drinking bottle by means of the closing part (102), in particular by rotating the closing part (102) relative to the aroma part (101).
2. Drinking bottle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the open position of the aroma transport adjusting element, air can flow from the outside of the drinking bottle (8) into the aroma chamber (6) and, starting from the aroma chamber (6), carrying aroma into the aroma transport channel (7) up to the drinking liquid transport channel (4) or up to the mouth end (5) of the mouthpiece (3).
3. Drinking bottle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container (2) has a container base (9), a container wall (10) and a container opening (12) opposite the container base (9) and closable with a container lid (11), wherein the container (2) has a container interior (13) which is delimited by the container base (9) and the container wall (10).
4. Drinking bottle (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the Aroma chamber (6) is formed in the container wall (10).
5. Drinking bottle (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the Drinking bottle (1) has a plurality of aroma chambers (6), wherein the plurality of aroma chambers (6) are formed in the container wall (10).
6. Drinking bottle (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the aroma chamber (6) or the plurality of aroma chambers (6) is / are formed in particular in a wall section (14) of the container wall (10) adjacent to the container opening (12).
7. Drinking bottle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing part (102) has a disc-shaped closing part body (103), wherein the closing part body (103) has a central, preferably circular, recess (104) wherein the aroma part (101) can be accommodated in the recess (104).
8. Drinking bottle according to claim 7, characterized in that an inner circumferential collar (105) and an outer circumferential collar (106) radially spaced therefrom adjoin the closing part body (103), wherein the inner circumferential collar (105) and the outer circumferential collar (106) form an annular groove (107), wherein the closing part (102) with the annular groove (107) can be placed on an upper edge (108) of the wall section (14) of the container wall (10), namely in such a way that the closing part (102) is mounted on the container wall (10) in the manner of a rotating rail.
9. Drinking bottle (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that an inner passage opening (109) is formed on the inner circumferential collar (105), and that an outer passage opening (110) is formed on the outer circumferential collar (106), wherein the passage openings (109, 110) are arranged in radial alignment with one another, and wherein the passage openings (109, 110) can be positioned by rotating the closing part (102) relative to the aroma part (101) such that they are arranged in register with the aroma chamber (6) or offset from the aroma chamber (6).
10. Drinking bottle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a hook (111) is arranged on the upper edge (108) of the wall section (14) of the container wall (10), wherein the hook (111) projects through an opening (112), in particular an elongated hole opening in the closing part body (103), when the closing part (102) is placed on the upper edge (108) of the wall section (14) of the container wall (10).
11. Drinking bottle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an ejector (113) is arranged in the aroma part (101), which is optionally spring-biased and which can be arranged in alignment with the aroma chamber (6) by rotating the aroma part (101), wherein upon actuation of a button operatively coupled to the ejector (113) (114) the ejector (113) shoots towards the aroma chamber (6), engages at least partially in the aroma chamber (6) and pushes an aroma container (123) located in the aroma chamber (6) towards the outside of the drinking bottle.
12. Drinking bottle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container lid (11) has a safety closure part (115), wherein the securing end part (115) can be arranged such that the aroma part (101) and the closing part (102) are arranged between the upper edge (108) of the wall section (14) of the container wall (10) and the securing end part (115) and are axially secured by the securing end part (115), wherein the axial securing is ensured by engagement of the hook (111) in an engagement opening (116) formed in the securing end part (115), in particular a bayonet opening.
13. Drinking bottle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an inner container (100) provided for receiving the drinking liquid is arranged in the container interior (13), wherein the inner container (100) is formed from a reversibly deformable material.
14. Drinking bottle according to claim 13, characterized in that the inner container (100) is a bag.
15. Use of a drinking bottle according to one or more of claims 1 to 14 for horizontal drinking.