Beverage device and beverage container

Abstract

To provide a beverage device and a beverage container.SOLUTION: A beverage device includes a drinking straw 12 having an internal flow channel 32 and a drinking end 18, and an aroma container 20 connected to the drinking straw 12 for adding an aroma substance to a flow of air flowing out of the aroma container 20. The aroma container includes an air outlet opening 40 that is in flow communication either with an aroma inlet opening 42 to the internal flow channel 32 of the drinking straw or with an aroma channel 38 that extends to the drinking end 18 of the drinking straw 12. The aroma container 20 can be coupled to the drinking straw 12 such that when negative pressure is applied with a mouthpiece connected to the drinking end 18 of the drinking straw 12 at the drinking end 18 of the drinking straw 12, a flow of air exits the aroma container through the air outlet opening 40. The aroma container includes an aroma chamber 44 for storing a carrier substance 46 of an aroma substance. The carrier substance 46 has a specific flow resistance of less than 500 Pa s / m.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5c

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drinking machine and a drinking container associated with such a drinking machine. [Background technology]

[0002] There is an increasing need to consume beverages that have a pleasant flavor while avoiding health risks, which may be caused by the ingestion of flavoring substances and stabilizers dissolved in the beverage liquid. Increased calorie intake is also something that should be avoided.

[0003] For this reason, waters with subtle fruity aromas have become popular in recent years. However, these aromatized waters also contain undesirable additives such as stabilizers and a certain amount of sugar. Many users reject such drinks simply because of their calorie content and dental hygiene concerns.

[0004] Because the sense of smell plays a key role in taste perception in food and beverage consumption, previous beverage systems have attempted to influence the odors perceived during drinking. To that end, aroma elements have been proposed that can be attached near the spout of a beverage container so that the aroma elements are in close proximity to the nose of the user, who breathes through their nose while drinking, thereby perceiving the aroma. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A beverage device for retronasal intake of aroma substances includes an aroma container that allows air to flow through and supplies aromatized air to a beverage transport path. This is known from International Publication WO 2019 / 016096. In this way, aroma substances are ingested retronasally. During drinking, the aroma substances reach the user's mouth along with the beverage, then ascend via the pharynx to the retronasal cavity to the olfactory mucosa, where they are detected by receptors and perceived by the user. This takes advantage of the close correlation between smell and taste. Therefore, the user has the impression that they are tasting the aroma, even though in reality they are only smelling the aroma.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of proposing a beverage device for adding aroma substances, which is space-saving and can be used in various ways.

[0007] This object is achieved by a drinking device having the features of claim 1 and a drinking vessel having the features of claim 20.

[0008] Preferred embodiments are evident from the other claims.

[0009] The beverage device according to the present invention comprises a drinking straw and a fragrance container. The drinking straw has an internal flow channel and a drinking end. The fragrance container, which supplies a fragrance substance to the air flow exiting the fragrance container, is fixedly, movably, or detachably connected to the drinking straw. The fragrance container includes at least one air outlet opening, which is flow-connected either with at least one fragrance inlet opening to the internal flow channel of the drinking straw or with a fragrance channel extending to the drinking end of the drinking straw. The fragrance container is adapted to be connectable to the drinking straw so that, when negative pressure is applied to the drinking end of the drinking straw or to a mouthpiece disposed at the drinking end of the drinking straw, an air flow exits the fragrance container through the at least one air outlet opening. The fragrance container includes a fragrance chamber containing a carrier substance for the fragrance substance. The carrier substance preferably has a specific flow resistance of less than 500 Pa·s / m, particularly preferably less than 400 Pa·s / m, and most preferably about 380 Pa·s / m.

[0010] As soon as there is negative pressure during the drinking process, either at the mouthpiece or at the drinking end of the drinking straw, there is also sufficient negative pressure at the end of the aroma channel and at the outlet of the aroma reservoir to allow air to flow into the aroma reservoir.

[0011] Therefore, the drinking device according to the present invention may be configured in various ways. The aroma container may be arranged in the drinking straw such that the aromatized air flow exiting from at least one air outlet opening of the aroma container enters the internal flow channel of the drinking straw through at least one aroma inlet opening. The user may consume the beverage supplied with the aromatized air flow directly at the drinking end of the drinking straw or via an additional mouthpiece attached to the drinking end. Alternatively, the user may consume the beverage through the internal flow channel of the drinking straw and consume the aromatized air flow via an aroma channel provided separately from the internal flow channel. In this regard, the aroma channel may be provided in the drinking straw separately from the internal flow channel or may be connected to the aroma container. In the latter case, the drinking straw may be a regular drinking straw that does not need to have an aroma inlet opening to the internal flow channel. Another alternative is to combine the aroma container with a mouthpiece arranged at the drinking end of the drinking straw. In this case, the aromatized air flow does not flow into or parallel to the internal flow channel of the drinking straw, but is supplied to the drinking liquid downstream in the region of the mouthpiece or flows parallel to the flow chamber for the drinking liquid in the mouthpiece.

[0012] Essentially, the fragrance container comprises a fragrance chamber which contains a carrier material for the fragrance that is released into the air as the air flows through the fragrance container.

[0013] The carrier material preferably has a specific flow resistance of less than 500 Pa·s / m, particularly preferably less than 400 Pa·s / m, and most preferably about 380 Pa·s / m. In this case, the specific flow resistance is conventionally defined as the ratio of the pressure difference across the material layer to the velocity of the flowing air. The flow resistance is measured on test strips of the carrier material in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9053-1. The air flow rate is determined as a function of the pressure difference across the test strip. Numerous tests have shown that a favorable flow resistance is particularly suitable for achieving good airflow through the carrier material in the aroma chamber of the aroma container. Furthermore, this simultaneously enhances the airflow through the aroma container, improving aroma development when the aroma container is used with a drinking straw.

[0014] All the above variants have in common that the aromatized air stream is not released into the ambient air but is rather ingested by the user through the mouth during drinking in order to act orthonasally on the user, so that the aromatized air is perceived as an oral aroma and can create a sensory impression of the taste perception of the beverage.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aroma container is movable relative to the drinking straw, preferably along the longitudinal direction of the drinking straw, between an activated position and an inactivated position, only in the activated position the at least one air outlet opening is in flow connection with the at least one aroma inlet opening and the aroma channel.

[0016] The movement of the aroma container between the inactive and active positions extends the useful life of the aroma container since there is no unintended evaporation when not in operation. As the movement of the aroma container between the inactive and active positions can be performed by the user himself, the beverage device according to the present invention may further be used to hold non-aromatized beverage liquid.

[0017] In the simplest case, the movement of the aroma container is preferably in the longitudinal direction of the drinking straw and can establish or interrupt a flow connection between the air outlet opening of the aroma container and the aroma inlet opening of the drinking straw or the inlet opening to the aroma channel of the drinking straw.

[0018] Preferably, the aroma container includes a mouthpiece, in which case the aroma container is attached to the drinking end of the drinking straw and includes a mouthpiece for the user, so that the user can ingest the beverage liquid accompanied by the aromatized air stream via the mouth, or the pure beverage liquid and the aromatized air may be ingested simultaneously via the mouth by two separate transport channels terminating at the mouth end of the mouthpiece.

[0019] Providing a mouthpiece on the aroma container has the advantage that when the aroma container is replaced, the user can intuitively reassemble the drinking device correctly. Furthermore, if separate flow channels are provided for the beverage liquid and aromatized air flows, the drinking device may also use a conventional drinking straw.

[0020] According to a first alternative preferred embodiment, the drinking straw includes an aroma channel, which is separate from the flow channel and terminates at the drinking end of the drinking straw. Alternatively, however, the aroma container may further include an aroma channel. However, in the case of separate flow channels for the beverage liquid and for the aromatized air, it is particularly preferred to configure the aroma channel between a first boundary wall surrounding the internal flow channel of the drinking straw and a second boundary wall formed by the aroma container. In this way, the configuration of a drinking machine with separate flow channels can be realized with minimal material usage.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beverage machine further comprises a sealing member, which extends around the drinking straw and is adapted to be attachable to beverage containers of different diameters.

[0022] The configuration of the beverage machine with the sealing member is particularly suitable for transferring the beverage liquid in the beverage container without splashing. Providing a sealing member suitable for fitting to beverage containers of different diameters increases the versatility of the beverage machine, as it can be used by the user with different beverage containers.

[0023] In this respect, it has proven particularly suitable to configure the sealing element as a rotationally symmetrical element, such as a continuous cone or a stepped cone. In this way, the sealing element can be sealed to the beverage container, regardless of the opening diameter of the upper end of the beverage container, as long as the beverage container has a circular opening and the diameter of the circular opening is within the range of the diameter of the rotationally symmetrical element of the sealing element. The continuous cone element can be placed on any opening diameter, but in the case of a stepped cone element, the ring-shaped step in the area of ​​the stepped cone element is placed at the upper end of the beverage container.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the sealing element may be an elastic sealing grommet. Such sealing grommets are made, for example, of a silicone material and are known for tightly sealing containers of various sizes. The elastic sealing grommet is stretched over the upper end of the beverage container and lies elastically against the side wall or walls of the beverage container in the region of the upper end. The provision of the above-mentioned rotationally symmetrical element in the form of a continuous cone or stepped cone is only suitable for beverage containers with a circular opening cross-section. However, if the sealing element is provided in the form of an elastic sealing grommet, beverage containers with other cross-sections, for example, square cross-sections, can also be closed at the top in the same way.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drinking straw is longitudinally separable, which has the advantage that the drinking straw can be easily cleaned by dividing it into two U-shaped parts that can be cleaned separately, for example under running water.

[0026] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the drinking straw has a longitudinally extending film hinge and is longitudinally openable, this measure also serves to simplify cleaning of the drinking straw by making the inner wall of the drinking straw easily accessible, allowing the drinking straw to be opened.

[0027] Preferably, the drinking straw has a plurality of predetermined bending points. In this way, drinking straws of standardized lengths can be used regardless of the shape of the drinking container. Another advantage is that the drinking device according to the invention can be transported more safely, since unintentional squeezing of the drinking straw in a bag during transport, for example, does not damage the drinking straw. This is because the bending points allow the drinking straw to avoid the action of forces and to adapt to uneven contact surfaces. Furthermore, drinking straws with predetermined bending points can be transported in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0028] Alternatively, according to a further preferred embodiment, the drinking straw can be configured to be elastically deformable. In this way, although the predetermined bending point is not provided at a fixed position, the drinking straw as a whole has sufficient elastic deformability, so that the risk of unintended damage such as tangling of the drinking straw can be minimized.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beverage machine further comprises a weight provided at the end of the drinking straw opposite the drinking end in the longitudinal direction, the weight having a support surface that rests on the inside bottom of the beverage container.

[0030] The provision of a weight has the advantage that the drinking straw is always held at the bottom of the drinking container and, in the case of a rigid drinking straw, this can also prevent the drinking device from tipping over inside the drinking container.

[0031] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drinking straw has a receptacle for the fragrance container, and the fragrance container can be inserted into the receptacle. That is, the adapter is already fixed to the drinking straw, and the fragrance container can be inserted into the adapter. In this way, firstly, the fragrance container can be activated by exposing the air outlet opening only when the fragrance container is placed in the receptacle. Furthermore, secondly, the shape of the receptacle and the complementary shape of the fragrance container can ensure that the fragrance container is connected to the drinking straw in the correct functional arrangement.

[0032] Preferably, the drinking straw includes a first vertical portion and a second vertical portion. The fragrance reservoir is attachable between the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion of the drinking straw. Thus, the fragrance reservoir forms a connecting member between the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion of the drinking straw. This configuration is easy for users to understand, allowing them to easily replace the fragrance reservoir when it is empty or when a different flavor is desired. The connecting shape between the drinking straw and the fragrance reservoir can also be used to activate the fragrance reservoir.

[0033] In this respect, it is advantageous in constructing the fragrance container to configure the receiving area of ​​the drinking straw in a conical shape so that drinking straws of different outer diameters can be used in combination with the fragrance container.

[0034] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fragrance container is attached to the drinking straw, preferably by clipping. The fragrance container includes a piercing member, which is adapted to pierce the drinking straw and form the fragrance inlet opening when the fragrance container is attached to the drinking straw. In this way, the fragrance container can be used in conjunction with a conventional drinking straw, since it is not yet necessary to provide the drinking straw with a prefabricated fragrance inlet opening before attaching the fragrance container. Another advantage is that precise alignment of the fragrance container is not required, since the fragrance inlet opening is formed when the fragrance container is attached. The piercing member has the additional function of fixing the position of the fragrance container on the drinking straw.

[0035] Preferably, the internal flow channel of the drinking straw in a region has a reduced cross section in the region of the aroma inlet opening. The reduced cross section of the flow channel of the drinking straw creates a Venturi effect. In the region of narrowing, dynamic pressure is maximized, while hydrostatic pressure is minimized. Furthermore, the flow velocity of the beverage liquid during drinking increases in the narrowed region. This narrowing reduces the pressure in the internal flow channel in the region of reduced cross section, creating a suction effect that helps to expel aromatized air from the aroma container.

[0036] In addition to the beverage device according to the invention, the invention also relates to a beverage container comprising a base and at least one side wall extending upward from the base and limiting the volume for receiving the beverage liquid.

[0037] Preferably, the beverage container is configured such that the drinking straw of the beverage device is fixedly connected to a side wall of the beverage container, which preferably directly limits the internal flow channel, so that the beverage device of the present invention can be fixedly integrated into the beverage container.

[0038] Depending on the situation of use, the aroma chamber may also be provided with at least one air inlet opening in addition to the air outlet opening. This arrangement is avoided only if the aroma container is immersed in the beverage liquid during the intended use of the beverage device in the beverage container. However, if the aroma container is in the drinking end area of ​​the beverage device or if the aroma container is provided with a mouthpiece, the air inlet opening can facilitate the air flow inside the aroma container and further enrich the air flow with the aroma substance.

[0039] In these embodiments without an air inlet opening to the aroma container, as soon as the air outlet opening is not closed by the surrounding liquid, the surrounding air flows back into the aroma container through the air outlet opening, thereby equalizing the pressure. When the aroma container is placed on the drinking straw so that it is positioned in the beverage liquid in the beverage container, the drinking straw is also filled with beverage liquid up to at least the level of the liquid in the beverage container. This prevents aromatized air from escaping, allowing the air outlet opening of the aroma container to be closed, while at the same time preventing liquid from entering the aroma container due to the small size of the air outlet opening and the resulting capillary action. In this way, aromatized air only exits the air outlet opening of the aroma container during drinking, allowing the beverage device to remain in a beverage container filled with liquid during use without undesirable loss of aroma substance.

[0040] Preferably, a headspace is provided in the aroma chamber, separate from the carrier material, between the carrier material and the wall of the aroma chamber that closes the aroma chamber. The provision of the headspace improves the mixing of the aromatized air in the aroma chamber. The aroma substance may be composed of multiple chemical compounds, and the mass transfer behavior of the substance into the headspace of the aroma chamber is different from that of the carrier material. Two different transport rates of different chemicals may occur. Different aromatized compositions that can be homogenized in the headspace may be present in the aroma chamber.

[0041] Preferably, a nonwoven fabric is provided as a carrier material, and 200 l / (m 2 At the same time, the nonwoven fabric preferably has a high air permeability of 500 l / (m s) at a differential pressure of 100 Pa. 2The air permeability should be less than 1 / s. The reason is that too much air permeability poses the risk that favorable flow channels will be formed in the nonwoven fabric, resulting in an airflow leaving the aroma container with a too low aromatization level long before the aroma is actually consumed. Furthermore, the optimal shape of the carrier material and the size of the headspace may differ depending on the individual aroma. Different aromas have different chemical structures that affect their behavior with regard to mass transfer and flow properties. Therefore, a separate optimization process may be carried out for each individual flavor to achieve an optimal taste experience.

[0042] Preferably, the thickness of the carrier material relative to the height of the fragrance container is at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, of the height between the lower and upper walls of the fragrance container.

[0043] Preferably, the fragrance reservoir is essentially ring-shaped, allowing it to be positioned around the drinking straw, resulting in a weight distribution that the user finds particularly comfortable. In this respect, the shape of the fragrance reservoir can deviate from an exact circular shape, but can interact with a complementary shaped drinking straw to define an exact radial position of the fragrance reservoir relative to the drinking straw, such that only a single radial orientation of the fragrance reservoir relative to the drinking straw is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] In the following figures the invention is illustrated by way of example only, by way of different embodiments.

[0045] [Figure 1a] 1 shows a beverage machine according to the invention in an activated and inactivated state; [Figure 1b] 1 shows a beverage machine according to the invention in an activated and inactivated state; [Figure 2] The beverage machine is unable to deactivate the aroma container. [Figure 3a]10 shows possible configurations of receiving areas for a drinking straw in a fragrance container in an exploded view and in partial cross section. [Figure 3b] Use of the drinking device according to FIG. 3a with drinking straws of different diameters. [Figure 3c] Use of the drinking device according to FIG. 3a with drinking straws of different diameters. [Figure 4a] 10 shows an exploded and assembled view of a further embodiment of a beverage machine according to the invention; [Figure 4b] 10 shows an exploded and assembled view of a further embodiment of a beverage machine according to the invention; [Figure 5a] 4A and 4B show a further embodiment of the beverage machine according to the invention in exploded and assembled view; [Figure 5b] 4A and 4B show a further embodiment of the beverage machine according to the invention in exploded and assembled view; [Figure 5c] 5b is a cross-sectional view of the beverage machine according to FIG. 5b; [Figure 6] 10A and 10B show further embodiments and details of the beverage machine according to the invention; [Figure 6a] 10A and 10B show further embodiments and details of the beverage machine according to the invention; [Figure 7a] 1 shows an external view and a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a beverage machine according to the invention; [Figure 7b] 1 shows an external view and a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a beverage machine according to the invention; [Figure 8] 2 shows an external view and a cross-sectional view taken on section AA of a further embodiment of a beverage machine according to the invention; [Figure 8a] 2 shows an external view and a cross-sectional view taken on section AA of a further embodiment of a beverage machine according to the invention; [Figure 9a] 4 is a further embodiment of the beverage device according to the invention together with a beverage container. [Figure 9b] 4 is a further embodiment of the beverage device according to the invention together with a beverage container. [Figure 10a] 4 is a further embodiment of the beverage device according to the invention together with a beverage container. [Figure 10b] 4 is a further embodiment of the beverage device according to the invention together with a beverage container. [Figure 11a] 4 is a further embodiment of the beverage device according to the invention together with a beverage container. [Figure 11b] 4 is a further embodiment of the beverage device according to the invention together with a beverage container. [Figure 11c] 4 is a further embodiment of the beverage device according to the invention together with a beverage container. [Figure 12a] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of possible constructions of drinking straws in two different configurations. [Figure 12b] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of possible constructions of drinking straws in two different configurations. [Figure 12c] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of possible constructions of drinking straws in two different configurations. [Figure 13a] 4 is a further embodiment of the beverage device according to the invention together with a beverage container. [Figure 13b] 4 is a further embodiment of the beverage device according to the invention together with a beverage container. [Figure 14a] 4 is a further embodiment of the beverage device according to the invention together with a beverage container. [Figure 14b] 4 is a further embodiment of the beverage device according to the invention together with a beverage container. [Figure 15a] Additional possible configurations of the drinking straw in a closed state (Fig. 15a), a partially open state (Fig. 15b), and a detailed view (Fig. 15c). [Figure 15b] Additional possible configurations of the drinking straw in a closed state (Fig. 15a), a partially open state (Fig. 15b), and a detailed view (Fig. 15c). [Figure 15c] Additional possible configurations of the drinking straw in a closed state (Fig. 15a), a partially open state (Fig. 15b), and a detailed view (Fig. 15c). [Figure 16a] Additional possible configurations of the drinking straw in a closed state (Fig. 16a), a partially open state (Fig. 16b), and a detailed view (Fig. 16c). [Figure 16b] Additional possible configurations of the drinking straw in a closed state (Fig. 16a), a partially open state (Fig. 16b), and a detailed view (Fig. 16c). [Figure 16c] Additional possible configurations of the drinking straw in a closed state (Fig. 16a), a partially open state (Fig. 16b), and a detailed view (Fig. 16c). [Figure 17] 4A and 4B show additional possible configurations of the beverage device in the beverage container according to the invention. [Figure 18] A beverage container with an integrated beverage device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] In the following exemplary embodiments, identical elements are designated by identical reference numerals.

[0047] 1a, 1b and 2, the basic structure of a drinking machine 10 according to the invention will be described. The drinking machine 10 comprises a drinking straw 12, a fragrance container 20 and an optional mouthpiece 14, which may also be present in the following embodiments wherever this is convenient. The mouthpiece 14 defines the drinking end for the user. The drinking straw 12 is inserted into the drinking liquid in the usual way, and by drawing on the mouthpiece 14, the liquid is drawn upwards through the drinking straw 12, towards the mouthpiece 14 and through the internal flow channels.

[0048] The drinking machine further comprises an aroma container 20, which has an aroma chamber containing an aroma carrier substance or a mixture of different aroma substances, as will be explained below in Fig. 5c. During the drinking process, the aroma container 20 releases air aromatized with aroma substances, which is introduced into the internal flow channel of the drinking straw 12 or conveyed in a separate aroma channel in the direction towards the mouthpiece 14, as will be explained in some examples below. At the mouthpiece 14, the aromatized air can either return to the flow channel to obtain the liquid or be directed into another flow channel up to the drinking end 28 of the mouthpiece 14.

[0049] However, if there are separate flow channels for the beverage liquid and the aromatized air, it is important that the mouthpiece 14 is configured so that both the beverage liquid and the aromatized air are ingested through the mouth during the drinking process.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 2, the aroma container is fixedly connected to the beverage machine 10 and is always in an activated state allowing aromatized air to be released from the aroma container.

[0051] To increase the service life of the beverage machine 10 according to the invention, it is advantageous to configure the beverage machine so that the aroma container 20 can be moved between an activated position and an inactivated position. For this purpose, in the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 1 and 1b, the aroma container 20, which extends substantially in the shape of a ring around the drinking straw 12, can be moved by a rotational movement between the activated and inactivated positions. Alternatively, the aroma container 20 can be longitudinally displaced by longitudinally displacing the drinking straw 12 between the inactivated position shown in Figure 1a and the activated position shown in Figure 1b, as shown in the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 1a and 1b. Only in the activated position does the air outlet opening provided in the aroma container coincide with the aroma inlet opening of either the internal flow channel of the drinking straw 12 or a separate aroma channel. In the inactivated position, the air outlet opening from the aroma container is closed.

[0052] In order to provide the user with tactile feedback regarding the displacement between the activated and inactivated positions, a stop 16 is fixedly provided on the drinking straw 12, against which the fragrance container is displaced when brought into the inactivated position. The mouthpiece is further provided with a stop 30 that limits the displacement to the activated position. In this way, the user can activate the fragrance container simply by displacing it between the two stop positions. Compared to the embodiment of the beverage machine with a fragrance container that is always activated, as shown in Figure 2, the option of activating the fragrance container not only has the advantage of extending the lifespan, but also provides the option of using the beverage machine in an inactivated state, for example when a pure beverage liquid is desired.

[0053] In Figures 3a, 3b and 3c an alternative embodiment of a drinking device 10 is shown, which here comprises a fragrance reservoir 20 with an integrated mouthpiece 14 into which a conventional drinking straw 12 can be inserted.

[0054] Furthermore, it is preferred to provide a conical receiving area 22 (socket 22) in the aroma container, which serves to receive the drinking end 18 of the drinking straw 12. Due to the conical receiving area 22, the aroma container according to Figure 3a can be used with drinking straws 12a, 12b of different diameters, as shown in Figures 3b and 3c.

[0055] In the configuration of the drinking device 10 shown in Figure 3a, a conventional drinking straw 12 can be used because aromatized air from the aroma container 20 is supplied to the area of ​​the mouthpiece 14. It is therefore not necessary to use a drinking straw 12 with a clearly and specifically located aroma inlet opening into the internal flow channel of the drinking straw.

[0056] 4a and 4b show another alternative embodiment of the drinking machine 10 according to the invention. In this regard, the aroma container 20 is located between the drinking straw sections 12-1 and 12-2. The embodiment according to FIGS. 4a and 4b is advantageous because replacing the aroma container 20 is very simple and intuitive for the user. For this purpose, the aroma container 20 preferably deviates from a circular ring-like shape. At least the inner opening of the aroma container does not have a circular shape, so that the two drinking straw sections 12-1 and 12-2, each provided with a connecting element 24, can only be inserted in a defined orientation relative to the aroma container 20. The two connecting elements 24 may not only pass through the inner openings in the ring-shaped aroma container 20, but may also be configured to be insertable into each other in a fluid-tight manner so as to provide a flow-tight connection between the drinking straw sections 12-1 and 12-2. At the same time, it provides the correct orientation for the fragrance container 20 so that the air outlet opening from the fragrance container is precisely aligned with the fragrance inlet opening to either coupling element 24 .

[0057] The embodiment according to Figures 4a and 4b has the advantage that it is easy to replace the fragrance container 20 with another fragrance container, as well as to clean the drinking straw. Of course, the embodiment according to Figures 4a and 4b also makes it possible to couple the drinking end of the drinking straw 12-1 to a mouthpiece.

[0058] In the embodiment according to Figures 5a, 5b and 5c, the aroma container 20 does not extend around the drinking straw 12, but is inserted into a receptacle 26 (socket 26) in the drinking straw 12 to activate the drinking machine 10. Thus, by inserting the aroma container 20 shown in Figure A (Figure 5a) in the direction of arrow A into the receptacle 26, a ready-to-use drinking machine is obtained as shown in Figure 5b.

[0059] Properly complementary shapes of the receptacle 26 and the fragrance container 20 ensure that the fragrance container is positioned correctly to allow the aromatized air to be released.

[0060] The fragrance container 20 may be attached to the receptacle 26 in any other manner, such as by clamping, using a suction cup within the receptacle, etc. For example, the fragrance container may be pinned, fastened with a quick screw, or attached with a bayonet lock. Additionally, other attachment devices may be used, such as magnets, Velcro® strips, or rubber bands.

[0061] In Figure 5c, a possible configuration of the drinking device 10 according to Figure 5b is shown. In this respect, the drinking straw 12 has an internal flow channel 32 through which the drinking liquid is drawn by the user in the direction towards the drinking end 18 of the drinking straw 12, just like in a normal drinking straw. In addition to the bowl-shaped outer wall 34 shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the container 26 of the aroma container 20 also has an internal wall 36 in which an aroma channel 38 is located, which is in flow connection with an air outlet opening 40 in the aroma container and further in flow connection with an aroma inlet opening 42 in the drinking straw 12. The aroma inlet opening 42 opens into the internal flow channel 32 of the drinking straw 12.

[0062] 5c, a fragrance chamber 44 is located within the fragrance container and contains a carrier material 46 that does not completely fill the fragrance chamber 44. In this regard, in the illustrated ring-shaped configuration of the fragrance container 20, the carrier material 46 cannot extend completely around the ring-shaped fragrance chamber 44, but could be configured in a U-shape, for example, to facilitate automatic insertion of the carrier material into the fragrance chamber during formation of the fragrance chamber. Because the carrier material 46 does not completely fill the fragrance chamber 44, an air-filled headspace 48 is formed within the fragrance chamber 44, in which the fragrance materials, consisting of various compounds, can be mixed and homogenized.

[0063] 5c is not a circular ring, the fragrance container can only be inserted at a specific position relative to the receptacle 26. The receptacle 26 provides a flow connection between the fragrance container and the internal flow channel 32 of the drinking straw 12.

[0064] The carrier material has a specific flow resistance of less than 500 Pa·s / m, preferably less than 400 Pa·s / m, and most preferably about 380 Pa·s / m, so as to provide a sufficient amount of aromatized air to the interior flow channels 32 of the drinking straw 12 during conventional use of the drinking straw 12 by a user.

[0065] Figure 6a, which shows an enlarged view of the drinking end region of the drinking straw of Figure 6, and the embodiment according to Figure 6, is an alternative configuration of the drinking device according to the invention. In contrast to what is shown in the cross-section of Figure 5c, the aroma channel 38 does not open via an aroma inlet opening into the internal flow channel 32 of the drinking straw, but is instead led parallel to it to the drinking end 18 of the drinking straw 12. For this purpose, parallel to the internal flow channel 32, an aroma channel 38 is provided, through which the aromatized air is drawn in during the drinking process and taken in via the mouth.

[0066] 6a also shows an air inlet opening 50, through which air enters the fragrance canister 20. In the typical ring-shaped configuration of the fragrance canister 20, the air inlet opening 50 is located opposite the air outlet opening 40, so that the air flowing through the fragrance canister travels a sufficient distance before leaving the fragrance canister again through the air outlet opening 40 in a fully aromatized state.

[0067] The embodiment according to Figures 7a and 7b is essentially identical to the embodiment according to Figures 6 and 6a, except that in the configuration according to Figures 7a and 7b the aroma channel 38 is part of the aroma reservoir 20 which is slid into the drinking straw 12 until it contacts a stop 52 fixedly provided on the drinking straw. This ensures that the aroma channel 38 of the aroma reservoir ends at the drinking end 18 of the drinking straw 12.

[0068] The configuration according to Fig. 7b results in a double wall in the region between the internal flow channel 32 and the aroma channel 38. However, this double wall can also be eliminated, as shown in the embodiment according to Figs. 8 and 8a. In the embodiment of Fig. 8, the aroma reservoir 20 is also slid onto the drinking straw 12. In this embodiment, the aroma channel 38 is formed between a wall 54 (first boundary wall) surrounding the internal flow channel 32 of the drinking straw 12 and a wall 56 (second boundary wall) of the aroma reservoir 20.

[0069] In the configuration according to Figure 8, the fragrance container may be made very small and lightweight, which not only improves the overall aesthetic impression but also prevents, or at least makes it more difficult for, the drinking straw to tip over inside the drinking container.

[0070] In order to illustrate here further the properties of the drinking machine according to the invention, in the embodiments according to figures 9a to 16c no aroma container or a possible mouthpiece is shown, nevertheless it is clear that in all these embodiments an aroma container and optionally a mouthpiece are further provided.

[0071] In the embodiment according to Figures 9a and 9b, a beverage machine 10 according to the invention is shown in a beverage container 100. The beverage machine 10 has a sealing element 58 fixedly connected to the drinking straw 12 and, in the configuration according to Figures 9a and 9b, consists of a rotationally symmetrical body with several steps 59 around its periphery. As shown by the example of Figures 9a and 9b, due to the fact that the stepped sealing element 58 is automatically centered on the spout of the beverage container 100, the sealing element 58 can be fitted snugly to beverage containers with different opening sizes.

[0072] The embodiment according to Figures 10a and 10b differs from the embodiment according to Figures 9a and 9b only in that the sealing member 58 is conical in shape and therefore can be placed securely on the drinking spout 60 regardless of the size of the circular drinking spout of the beverage container 100.

[0073] The embodiment according to Figures 9a, 9b, 10a, and 10b is particularly suitable for beverage containers with a circular spout 60. The embodiment shown in Figures 11a, 11b, and 11c is even more versatile in this respect and may be used both with beverage containers with a circular spout and with various spout shapes. For this purpose, the elastic sealing element 62 is fixedly connected to the drinking straw 12 and consists, for example, of an elastic latex material that can be stretched over the spouts of beverage containers of various shapes and tightly seal them at the top. If the elastic sealing element 62 has a corresponding elasticity, it can be wrapped around the upper end of the beverage container 100 with a correspondingly high elastic tension, preventing liquid from splashing out of the beverage container 100 even in the event of strong movements.

[0074] Figures 12a, 12b and 12c show a drinking straw 12 that is bendable, preferably with a plurality of regularly spaced, predetermined bending points 64. As shown in Figure 12c, the drinking straw may be bent at the predetermined bending points 64 to accommodate different shaped drinking containers.

[0075] The embodiment according to Figures 13a and 13b does not have a predetermined bending point like the embodiment according to Figure 12a, but shows yet another possible configuration of the drinking straw 12 which is flexible and can be adjusted to any shape. Alternatively, the drinking straw may be configured such that it can be adjusted to any shape towards the drinking container 100. To do this, the user simply applies pressure to the drinking straw 12 in the direction of arrow B, as shown in the example of Figure 13b, so that the drinking straw bends and is held in that position.

[0076] 13a and 13b with a flexible drinking straw, the drinking straw may be provided with a weight 66. This may also be present in all other embodiments. The weight has a support surface 68 so that the weight lies flat on the bottom 70 of the drinking device 100. The weight serves to hold the drinking straw deep in the liquid in the drinking container 100 and may also be used to rigidly receive the end of the drinking straw facing away from the drinking end. As a result, the drinking straw does not hit the side wall 72 of the drinking container 100 but stands upright in the drinking container, so to speak.

[0077] The use of a weight 66 with a rigid drinking straw is shown by way of example in Figures 14a and 14b, which holds the rigid drinking straw 12 in place in the beverage container without tipping over.

[0078] Figures 15a, 15b and 15c show a drinking straw 12 that can be split into two parts 12a and 12b. For this purpose, the two U-shaped elements 12a, 12b are inserted into each other via suitable tongue and groove connection points and are moved longitudinally relative to each other. According to Figures 15a to 15c, a splittable drinking straw has the advantage that it can be cleaned more easily.

[0079] As an alternative to the two-piece drinking straw embodiment, as shown in Figures 16a, 16b and 16c, the drinking straw may have a film hinge (living hinge) 74 and a longitudinal tongue and groove connection point 76. As a result, the drinking straw can be opened and the walls restricting the internal flow channel can be easily cleaned.

[0080] In the embodiment according to Fig. 17, the drinking straw 12 is shown with a tapered section 78 in which the aroma receptacle 20 is located. The tapered section 78 fixes the position of the aroma receptacle 20 in the longitudinal direction of the drinking straw 12. Furthermore, during the drinking process, a Venturi effect is created in the tapered section 78, which, as explained earlier, serves to draw aromatized air from the air outlet opening 40, through the aroma inlet opening 42, and from the aroma receptacle 20 into the internal flow channel 32 of the drinking straw 12.

[0081] An essentially ring-shaped aroma reservoir surrounding the drinking straw can be opened via a film hinge and attached around the narrowed portion 78 of the drinking straw 12. Alternatively, the narrowed portion can be located only in the area of ​​the internal flow channel, so as not to narrow the outer profile there. As a result, an aroma reservoir with a circular ring-shaped cross section can be slid longitudinally onto the drinking straw.

[0082] The embodiment of Figure 18 differs from the embodiment of Figure 17 in that the beverage container 100 of the present invention is integrally formed with the beverage machine 10. An internal flow channel 32 is formed between the side wall 72 of the beverage machine and the wall 54 of the drinking straw such that the beverage machine 10 is a fixed component of the beverage container 100.

[0083] If the beverage container is also tightly sealed with a lid (not shown), the beverage container can be tilted without the beverage leaking out of the drinking straw.

[0084] The embodiment according to Fig. 18 with an integrated drinking straw and drinking container is based, by way of example, on the configuration of the drinking machine 10 according to Fig. 17. However, it is clear that the drinking machine 10 with an integrated drinking container 100 can also be realized with many of the previous embodiments of the drinking machine 10. Furthermore, all embodiments are similar in the provision of a mouthpiece which can also be provided.

[0085] An essentially ring-shaped aroma container is provided in a configuration not shown, which can be opened into two half shells by a film hinge, has a pointed cannula-like portion in the area of ​​the air outlet opening, and can be closed around the drinking straw. This allows the cannula-like protrusion to penetrate the wall of the drinking straw 12, creating a flow connection between the aroma chamber and the internal flow channel of the drinking straw. This embodiment has the advantage that the aroma container can be used with conventional drinking straws up to an adjustable outer diameter. Closing the aroma container and penetrating the outer wall of the drinking straw not only creates a flow connection between the aroma chamber and the internal flow channel of the drinking straw, but also fixes the aroma container in its position relative to the drinking straw. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10 Beverage equipment 12 drinking straws 14 Mouthpiece 16 Recess 18 Drinking straw drinking end 20 Fragrance container 22 Conical receiving area 24 Connecting member 26 Receptacle 28 drinking end of mouthpiece 30 Mouthpiece Stops 32 internal flow channels 34 Receptacle exterior wall 36 Receptacle inner wall 38 Fragrance Channel 40 Air outlet opening 42 Fragrance inlet opening 44 Fragrance room 46 Carrier Substances 48 Headspace 50 Air inlet opening 52 stops 54 Drinking Straw Wall 56 Fragrance container wall 58 Conical sealing member 60 mouthpiece 62 Elastic sealing member 64 Predetermined bending point 66 Weight 68 Support surface 70 bottom 72 Side wall 74 Film Hinge 76 Tongue / groove connection point 78 Narrowed part 100 beverage containers

Claims

1. a drinking straw having an internal flow channel and a drinking end; a fragrance container fixedly or removably connected to the drinking straw, for adding a fragrance substance to the air flow exiting the fragrance container; the fragrance reservoir includes at least one air outlet opening, the at least one air outlet opening being flow-connected with either at least one fragrance inlet opening to the interior flow channel of the drinking straw or a fragrance channel extending to the drinking end of the drinking straw; the fragrance container is adapted to be coupled with the drinking straw, such that when negative pressure is applied to the drinking end of the drinking straw or to a mouthpiece connected to the drinking end of the drinking straw, the flow of air exits the fragrance container through the at least one air outlet opening; The beverage machine, wherein the aroma container comprises an aroma chamber containing a carrier substance for the aroma substance.

2. the fragrance container is movable relative to the drinking straw between an activated position and an inactivated position; 2. The beverage machine according to claim 1, wherein only in said active position is at least one said air outlet opening in flow connection with at least one said aroma inlet opening or said aroma channel.

3. 3. A beverage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aroma container comprises the mouthpiece.

4. 4. The beverage machine of claim 3, wherein the aroma container has a conical receiving area for receiving the drinking straw.

5. 5. The beverage machine of claim 1, wherein the drinking straw includes the aroma channel, the aroma channel being separate from the internal flow channel and terminating at the drinking end of the drinking straw.

6. A beverage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aroma container comprises the aroma channel.

7. 5. A beverage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aroma container is formed between a first boundary wall surrounding the internal flow channel of the drinking straw and a second boundary wall formed by the aroma container.

8. 8. The beverage machine of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member on the drinking straw, the sealing member extending around the drinking straw and adapted to be attachable to beverage containers of different diameters.

9. 9. A beverage machine according to claim 8, wherein the sealing member is a rotationally symmetrical member that is continuously conical or stepped conical.

10. 9. The beverage machine of claim 8, wherein the sealing member is a resilient sealing grommet.

11. 11. The beverage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the drinking straw is separable in its longitudinal direction.

12. 12. A beverage machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drinking straw comprises a film hinge, the film hinge extending in a longitudinal direction and adapted to be opened in the longitudinal direction.

13. 13. A beverage machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the drinking straw has a plurality of predetermined bending points.

14. 13. A beverage machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drinking straw is elastically deformable.

15. and a weight disposed at an end of the drinking straw opposite the drinking end in a longitudinal direction thereof; 15. A beverage machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight has a support surface that rests on the inside bottom of the beverage container.

16. 16. A beverage machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drinking straw comprises a receptacle for the aroma container, the aroma container being insertable into the receptacle.

17. 17. The beverage machine of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the drinking straw comprises a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion, and the aroma container is attachable to the drinking straw between the first and second longitudinal portions.

18. the fragrance container is attached to the drinking straw; 17. The beverage machine of claim 1, wherein the aroma container includes a piercing member configured to pierce the drinking straw when the aroma container is attached to the drinking straw to form the aroma inlet opening.

19. 19. A beverage machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal flow channel of the drinking straw in a region has a narrowed section in cross section in the region of the aroma inlet opening.

20. 19. The beverage device of claim 18, wherein the fragrance container is clipped onto the drinking straw.

21. 2. The beverage machine of claim 1, wherein the carrier material has a specific flow resistance of less than 500 Pa.s / m.

22. 22. The beverage machine of claim 21, wherein the carrier material has a specific flow resistance of less than 400 Pa.s / m.

23. 23. The beverage machine of claim 22, wherein the carrier material has a specific flow resistance of about 380 Pa.s / m.

24. 3. The beverage machine of claim 2, wherein the aroma container is movable relative to the drinking straw along the length of the drinking straw between an activated position and an inactivated position.

25. The bottom and at least one side wall extending upward from the bottom and defining a volume for receiving the beverage; A beverage container comprising a beverage device according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. 26. The beverage container of claim 25, wherein the drinking straw of the beverage device is fixedly connected to the side wall of the beverage container.

27. 27. The beverage container of claim 26, wherein the sidewall of the beverage container directly restricts the interior flow channel in an area.

Images