Aroma delivery device, system of an aroma container and an aroma delivery device, cap with such system, and drinking device

Abstract

An aroma delivery device (50) for a cap (20) attachable to a drinking vessel (10) comprises an at least partially elastic member (40) with a first side (54) and a second side (56) opposite to the first side (54), an attachment structure (48) provided at the first side (54) configured to attach the aroma delivery device (50) to the cap (20), and a mounting structure (52) provided at the first side (54) or second side (56) of the elastic member (40) for detachably attaching an aroma container (60) to the elastic member (40).

Description

[0001] 262 234 v5

[0002] Aroma delivery device, system of an aroma container and an aroma delivery device, cap with such system, and drinking device

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to an aroma delivery device, a system of an aroma container and an aroma delivery device, a cap with such system, and a drinking device .

[0005] Background of the Invention

[0006] In a conventional drinking device specifically designed for little children, an elastic disc is attached to a support element so that a liquid dispensing space is formed between the support element and the elastic disc . The elastic disc circumferentially contacts the support element and closes the liquid dispensing space around an outer rim of the elastic disc . If a local sucking pressure is applied in a sucking region along the outer rim, a gap forms in the sucking region between the support element and the elastic disc so that a user can suck in liquid from the liquid dispensing space .

[0007] Since such a drinking device is specifically designed for little children, it might be challenging to motivate them to consume enough liquid a day. While sweetened beverages might motivate little children to consume more liquid, such beverages should be avoided for health reasons .

[0008] Unsweetened beverages, on the other hand, like water, might be refused or, at least, not consumed in a satisfactory amount .A recent trend addresses this issue by providing water with a slightly fruity aroma . However, there is an increasing need to ingest drinking liquids which on the one hand have a pleasant taste profile but on the other hand prevent health risks which could be brought about by the ingestion of aroma substances or stabilizing agents dissolved in the drinking liquid. Even in aromatized water there are undesired additives such as stabilisation agents and a certain proportion of sugar . A first step towards solving this problem consists in only adding the flavouring aroma to the beverage just before it is consumed avoiding additional stabilizing agents . An aroma substance originally provided separately is delivered to the drinking liquid and dissolved in it immediately before or during the consumption of the beverage . Although this measure allows problems such as the stabilisation of the drinking liquid to be avoided over a prolonged period of time, the problem of the undesired ingestion of additives remains .

[0009] Since the olfactory sensation plays a significant part in gustatory perception in the consumption of food and beverages, systems to date have attempted to influence the odour perceived while drinking. To that end US 5, 635, 229 proposes an aroma element which can be attached close to the drinking opening on a drinking container so that the aroma element is situated in the immediate proximity of the nose of the user who breathes through the nose while drinking and thereby takes in the aroma orthonasally .

[0010] Drinking devices have been suggested for the retronasal perception of an aroma substance comprising a storage container for drinking liquid, at least one aroma container through which air can flow, and a transportingchannel for drinking liquid running from the storage container to a mouth end of the drinking device . Further, an air channel is provided for transporting aromatized air, wherein the air channel runs from an aroma container to the transporting channel for drinking liquid or to the mouth end. Such drinking device is known from WO 2019 / 016096 Al .

[0011] WO 2021 / 233516 Al describes an aroma container and drinking device which also serves for the retronasal perception of an aroma .

[0012] The substantial aspect of scent-based taste drinking systems consists in that the aroma substance is perceived retronasally. During drinking the aroma substance reaches the mouth of the user together with the drinking liquid and subsequently rises retronasally via the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa (regio olfactoria) , where it is captured by the receptors situated there and is perceived by the user . Advantage is taken of the fact that there is a close correlation between the sense of smell and the sense of taste . The user therefore gains the impression that he / she is tasting the aroma, even though it is in fact only smelled retronasally.

[0013] A person' s sense of taste is substantially determined by the retronasal sense of smell . The receptors of the tongue can only distinguish between sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami, whereas the differentiated sense of taste arises in that the gaseous phase of food stuffs and liquids in the pharynx ascends via the retronasal route and reaches the olfactory mucosa . The sensors located there trigger neurological processes which cause the tasteimpression to arise in the brain. Thus, a person to whose pharynx an aroma is delivered during drinking gains the impression that the beverage is aromatized, since the retronasal smelling process creates in the brain a sensation that the beverage is the source of the aroma, even though the user is ingesting a pure and unadulterated, i . e . , non-aromatized, liquid such as water . If the odour is perceived by breathing in through the nose, known as the orthonasal perception of an aroma substance, this impression does not arrive to the same extent since the sensation is linked to the rate of breathing and thus the user gains the correct impression that he / she is only smelling the aroma substance, but not tasting it as is the case with retronasal perception.

[0014] Disclosure of the Invention

[0015] It is the obj ect of the invention to propose an aroma delivery device which can be used to add an orthonasal and / or retronasal perception of an aroma substance to a drinking system for little children.

[0016] This obj ect is solved by an aroma delivery device according to claim 1 or 2, a system of an aroma container and an aroma delivery device with the features of claim 13, a cap for the attachment to a filling opening of a drinking vessel with the features of claim 16 and a drinking device with the features of claim 18.

[0017] The aroma delivery device for a cap attachable to a drinking vessel according to the invention comprises an at least partially elastic member with a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, an attachmentstructure provided at the first side configured to attach the aroma delivery device to the cap, and a mounting structure provided at the first side or second side of the elastic member for detachably attaching an aroma container to the elastic member .

[0018] The aroma delivery device is configured to be attachable to the cap of a conventional drinking system and comprises a mounting structure for attaching an aroma container . Such aroma container is configured to release an aroma, preferably as a dispersion with fine droplets of an aromatizing substance as a dispersed phase in air as the continuous phase . The aroma container can either be attachable to the at least partially elastic member at the first side, i . e . , that side which, when mounted to a cap, faces the cap, or to the second, opposite side which faces away from the cap if the aroma delivery device is mounted to the cap .

[0019] The aroma delivery device is configured to be attachable to a conventional drinking device with a surrounding rim from which, when a sucking pressure is applied to any specific region along the surrounding rim, liquid is dispensed at this specific region. When attached to such drinking device, the aroma delivery device adds aromatized air to the liquid dispensed.

[0020] Preferably, the elastic member is essentially bowl-shaped with a circular outer rim. A bowl shape has the advantage that an aroma container attached to the second side of the elastic member is embedded in a bowl-shaped depression so that, in case that the aroma delivery device drops onto a hard surface, the aroma container is protected againstimpacts which might loosen the attachment of the aroma container to the elastic member . Further, such shape corresponds to the shape of the cap of conventional drinking devices so that an aroma space can be formed between the cap and the at least partially elastic member .

[0021] The at least partially elastic member can be integrally formed from an elastic material, like silicone . However, for the intended use of the aroma delivery device it is sufficient that the at least partially elastic member has elastic properties in a region of the circular outer rim. The associated advantage of the elastic behaviour in such region is that the elastic member might be configured to abut against the cap in such region with an elastic abutting force which is configured such that, when a user drinks from a drinking device with cap at a specific region along the surrounding rim, the abutting force of the elastic member is overcome by a sufficiently high sucking force and the aroma space opens at the specific region so that both drinking liquid and aromatized air are dispensed at this region. Elastic properties in the region of the attachment structure should not compromise a safe attachment of an aroma container .

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, the aroma delivery device for a cap attachable to a drinking vessel comprises an at least partially elastic member with a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; an attachment structure provided at the first side configured to attach the aroma delivery device to the cap, the cap being shaped such the drinking liquid can be dispensed at any drinking position all around the circumference of the cap; a mounting structure for detachably attaching an aroma container to the elasticmember; wherein an aroma dispensing space is formed on the second side, which aroma dispensing space is shaped such that an aroma is dispensed at any drinking position.

[0023] Such aroma dispensing device can be used with a drinking device from which drinking liquid can be dispensed from any drinking position all around a circumferential rim of the drinking device . In other words, an attachment of the aroma delivery device to a circumferential rim of the cap is not possible to the rim of the cap because the function of the cap being shaped such the drinking liquid can be dispensed at any drinking position all around the circumference of the cap must not be compromised. The relative position of the aroma delivery device is independent from the drinking position because the dispensing space is shaped such that an aroma is dispensed at any position of the essentially ring-shaped aroma dispensing space .

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the aroma container comprises at least one air inlet opening in communication with an outside atmosphere and at least one air outlet opening .

[0025] Such design serves to allow ambient air to enter an interior aroma chamber of the aroma container, to become enriched with aroma substance contained in the interior aroma chamber, and to leave the aroma container through the at least one air outlet opening.

[0026] Preferably, the aroma delivery device is attachable to the drinking device such that the air outlet opening is influid communication with a liquid dispensing space of the drinking device .

[0027] Such design has the advantage that the aroma delivery device attached to the device provides a retronasal perception of the aroma substance because the aromatized air is mixed with drinking liquid in a liquid dispensing space, preferably in form of air bubbles dispersed in the surrounding liquid phase of the drinking liquid. Thus, when the drinking liquid is consumed, the air bubbles rise retronasally via the pharynx to the olfactory mucosa where a perception of taste is created.

[0028] Preferably, the elastic member is provided with at least one opening connecting the first side and the second side, which at least one opening is preferably positioned close to the mounting structure .

[0029] Such specific design is especially advantageous in those cases in which the aroma container is attached to the second side of the elastic member . The aromatized air leaving the aroma container can pass through the at least one opening which provides an air communication path between the second side and the first side of the elastic member . Once attached to a cap with the first side of the elastic member facing the cap, a fluid communication is established between the aroma container attached to the second side and an aroma space between the first side of the elastic member and the cap .

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the elastic member comprises a plurality of protrusions on the first side . Such protrusions, which preferably run essentially in aradial direction, act as a spacer and establish a defined distance between the elastic member and the cap, which defines the aroma space .

[0031] Preferably, the mounting structure for detachably attaching the aroma container is integrally formed with the elastic member .

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the attachment structure comprises a force-fit attachment . Preferably, the force-fit attachment uses a suction force to attach the aroma delivery device to the cap . Such suction force can be created by one or more suction cups which could be positioned at the first side of the elastic member .

[0033] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the attachment structure comprises a form-fit attachment .

[0034] Form-fit attachments can be a coupling, e . g. , of a bayonet type or a snap-in connection or velcro strips comprising a plurality of hooks and loops which interact to firmly attach the elastic member to the cap . When using velcro strips, at least one velcro strip is attached to the aroma delivery device and preferably to the first side of the elastic member while the corresponding Velcro strip is attached to the cap .

[0035] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the attachment structure comprises a bonding between the elastic member and the cap . Such bonding can comprise means for adhesively bonding the aroma delivery device to the cap of a drinking device .According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the attachment structure comprises a friction-fit attachment . Such friction-fit attachment could, according to a preferred embodiment, comprise a plurality of second protrusions arranged at the first side of the elastic member . Such second protrusions are positioned and dimensioned such that they frictionally fit into correspondingly positioned and arranged depressions in the cap of a drinking device .

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the mounting structure comprises a seating surface integrally formed with the second side of the elastic member, and at least one biasing element configured to elastically bear against an aroma container . Such structure allows an easy attachment of an aroma container which is pressed against the seating surface, elastically deforms the biasing element, and is locked by a specific movement . Such specific movement can be a rotational movement or a movement in an axial insertion direction beyond a certain distance at which a clamping mechanism snaps in to hold the aroma container in place . The provision of a biasing element bearing against the aroma container establishes a defined relative position of the aroma container relative to the at least partially elastic member .

[0037] The invention further relates to a system of an aroma container and an aroma delivery device, wherein the aroma delivery device comprises an at least partially elastic member with a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, an attachment structure provided at the first side configured to attach the aroma delivery device to a cap of a drinking device, and wherein the aroma containeris either attached to a mounting structure of the aroma delivery device or integrally formed with the aroma delivery device, and is positioned such that at least one air outlet opening of the aroma container is in gas communication with the first side of the elastic member .

[0038] In such system, the aroma container might be detachably attached to the mounting structure, or is integrally formed with the aroma delivery device . In case that the aroma container is integrally formed with the aroma delivery device, it is preferably integrally formed with the at least partially elastic member . In such a case, an integral structure including an aroma chamber is surrounded by a portion of the elastic member . Such portion of the elastic member together with the aroma chamber forms an aroma container . Such structure has the advantage that the aroma container cannot fall off the elastic member in case of an impact . Especially in such embodiments in which the elastic member is fully elastic, no attachment structure needs to be provided which takes into account the elasticity of the elastic member . Instead of an exchange of the aroma container, the system of the aroma delivery device and aroma container is exchanged in case that the aroma is exhausted or another aroma substance should be desired.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the aroma container further comprises at least one air inlet opening.

[0040] The provision of an air inlet opening allows ambient air to enter the interior aroma chamber of the aroma container to become enriched with aroma substance . Aromatized air leaving the aroma container can be orally administeredwhen sucking in liquid from a corresponding drinking device so a retronasal perception of the aroma substance becomes possible . However, in addition to this, the aroma container can also release a pleasant smell which is perceived orthonasally . Such smell can further motivate little children to use the drinking device in expectation of the perceived taste of the drinking liquid.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the aroma container is essentially ring-shaped with an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, and the at least one air inlet opening is preferably arranged in the inner sidewall . Such geometry makes it possible to generate an air stream through the aroma container which travels a long way around the ringshaped interior aroma chamber so that the air takes up a high load of aroma substance . An air outlet opening can be positioned in a region which at an opposite side of the ring-shaped geometry. Further, the air outlet opening can be positioned in a bottom wall which, when mounted to the elastic member, faces the elastic member . Once the elastic member is attached to the cap, aromatized air leaving the interior chamber of the aroma container flows towards the elastic member, passes through an opening in the elastic member and enters the aroma space between the elastic member and the cap .

[0042] The aroma container can have any shape, like cylindrical or with a sidewall not perpendicularly arranged relative to a bottom wall . Even any irregular shape, e . g. , with the outer contour of a fruit, can be selected as long as the mounting structure has a complementary shape .Preferably, wall elements can be provided inside the aroma chamber to provide a tortuous path of the air flowing through the aroma chamber . This extends the travel distance of the air and further contributes to a high and homogeneous enrichment with aroma substance .

[0043] The invention further relates to a cap for the attachment to a filling opening of a drinking vessel comprising a support element with an attachment portion for detachably attaching the cap to the drinking vessel, an elastic element which is attached to the support element and contacts the support element in a first contact region circumferentially arranged in a liquid dispensing space between the elastic element and the support element, and an aroma delivery device according to the invention, wherein an aroma space is formed between the at least partially elastic member of the aroma delivery device and the elastic element, the support element, elastic member and elastic element form a ring-shaped dispensing region circumferentially arranged around an upper edge of the cap, and the support element, elastic member and elastic element are configured such that a local sucking pressure in a sucking region of the dispensing region leads to the forming in the sucking region of a first gap between the support element and elastic element, and a second gap between the elastic member and the elastic element .

[0044] Such cap can be used by a little child without caring for the correct circumferential orientation of the cap relative to the mouth.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the cap, the elastic element is provided with attachment elementsprovided in a region facing the elastic member, wherein the attachment elements are configured to provide an attachment with the attachment structure of the elastic member of the aroma delivery device . In such a way, the aroma delivery device according to the invention can be conveniently attached to the cap .

[0046] Preferably, the support element and the elastic element are bowl-shaped.

[0047] Preferably, the support element and / or the elastic element are provided with protrusions in a surface, respectively, facing each other so that a predetermined distance is generated between the opposing faces of the support element and the elastic element . Such protrusions are positioned such that the liquid dispensing space is formed between the elastic element and the support element .

[0048] Thus, two distinct dispensing regions are provided: a liquid dispensing space is formed between the elastic element and the support element, and an aroma dispensing space is formed between the elastic element and the elastic member .

[0049] Preferably, the liquid dispensing space and the aroma dispensing space extend up to the ring-shaped dispensing region circumferentially arranged around an upper edge of the cap . When a sucking pressure is applied at any position along the ring-shaped dispensing region, drinking liquid is sucked in from the liquid dispensing region and aromatized air is sucked in from the aroma dispensing region. In order to provide for a desired ratio between liquid and aromatized air sucked in, the abutting force of the elastic member pressing against the elastic elementcan be designed such that, under a sucking pressure when drinking, the first gap formed between the elastic member and the elastic element is considerably smaller than the second gap between the support element and the elastic element . Preferably, under a sucking pressure when drinking, the first gap has a first maximum height which is between 10% and 50% of the second maximum height of the second gap .

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the elastic element is provided with at least one through-hole establishing a communication between the aroma dispensing space and the liquid dispensing space . In such a case, there are two basic alternatives . According to the first alternative, when drinking, all aromatized air in the aroma dispensing space enters the liquid dispensing space and becomes dispersed therein. According to the second alternative, when drinking, only part of the aromatized air sucked in flows through the at least one through-hole into the liquid dispensing space to become dispersed within the liquid, while the rest of the aromatized air sucked in is dispensed through the first gap .

[0051] Preferably, the elastic member is attached to the elastic element .

[0052] According to a preferred variant, the elastic element is provided with a plurality of depressions receiving correspondingly dimensioned and positioned protrusions of the elastic member such that the elastic member is frictionally attached to the elastic element .Preferably, the elastic element comprises a plurality of openings providing a liquid path between the liquid dispensing space and an interior of the drinking vessel if the cap is attached to a drinking vessel .

[0053] The invention further relates to a drinking device, comprising a drinking vessel, and the cap according to the invention .

[0054] Preferably, the elastic element comprises a pressureequalization opening, preferably provided with a valve structure, which pressure equalization opening provides an air path between the outside atmosphere and an interior of a drinking vessel if the cap is attached to the drinking vessel . Such opening provides for a pressure equalization so that drinking liquid which is consumed from the vessel when drinking is replaced by air through the pressureequalization opening.

[0055] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0056] In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which :

[0057] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a drinking device ;

[0058] Fig. 2 is an enlarged portion of the drinking device as shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0059] Fig. 3 is a three-dimensional view of the enlarged portion according to Fig. 2 ;Fig. 4 is a top view of the elastic element;

[0060] Fig. 5 is a three-dimensional bottom view of a first embodiment of the elastic member forming part of the aroma delivery device;

[0061] Fig. 6 is a three-dimensional bottom view of a second embodiment of the elastic member forming part of the aroma delivery device; and Figs . 7a - 7d

[0062] Schematically show different embodiments of the attachment structure .Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0063] In the following description of preferred embodiments, the construction elements will be designated with the same reference numbers .

[0064] When, in the following, reference is made to an "upper side", "above", "lower side" or "below", such geometrical relationships are based on a drinking device as shown in Fig. 1 with a bottom wall of a drinking vessel standing on a horizontal surface .

[0065] In Fig. 1, a drinking device is shown in cross-sectional view. The drinking device comprises a vessel 10 of any shape . The shape as shown in Fig. 1 is only exemplary. The vessel 10 comprises an outer wall structure around a liquid reservoir 24. In the example as shown in Fig. 1, the outer wall structure comprises a cylindrical sidewall 12, a bottom wall 14 integrally formed with the sidewall, and a neck portion 16 at a position of the sidewall opposite to the bottom wall 14. The neck portion 16 is provided with a suitable coupling structure for attaching a cap 20. In the example according to Fig. 1, the neck portion 16 is provided with an external thread 18. The cap 20 has a mounting sleeve 26 with an internal thread 22 which is dimensioned so that the cap can be screwed onto the mounting sleeve 26 of the vessel .

[0066] The cap essentially consists of a support element 28 integrally formed with the mounting sleeve 26, and an elastic element 30 mounted to the support element . Such mounting between the support element 28 and the elastic element 30 can be achieved by any suitable means . In thespecific example as shown in Figs . 1 and 2, a form-fit connection is used with one, or a plurality of intermittently arranged fixing protrusion 32 extending into a circumferential groove 34 in the elastic element 30 .

[0067] The elastic element 30 is essentially bowl-shaped with a pressure equalization hole 36 at the center of the bowlshape . The pressure equalization hole 36 is preferably closed with a valve which opens and allows ambient air to flow into the liquid reservoir 24 if a predetermined pressure difference exists between the ambient air and the air inside the liquid reservoir 24. In such a way, liquid dispensed is replaced with air, and liquid cannot leak out if the drinking device should be positioned in an upsidedown position.

[0068] The elastic element 30 is made of an elastic material like silicone . In the specific embodiment according to Figs . 1 to 3, the elastic element is made as an integral part but it is also possible only to provide a portion close to a first contact region flexible as will be described below.

[0069] Fig. 4 shows a top view of the elastic element 30 with the pressure equalization hole 36 at its center portion and a circumferential rim 38.

[0070] As can best be seen in Fig. 2, the circumferential rim 38 abuts against a circumferential edge 42 of the support element 28. Radially inwards of the circumferential rim 38 and circumferential edge 42, the support element 28 and elastic element 30 are spaced from each other forming a liquid dispensing space 44. The liquid dispensing space 44is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 24 by means of a plurality of openings 46 distributed along the support element 28. Therefore, once the drinking device is tilted, liquid inside the liquid reservoir 24 flows into the liquid dispensing space 44. However, the liquid cannot leak from the liquid dispensing space 44 because the elastic element 20 is shaped such that its circumferential rim 38 presses with a predetermined abutting force against the circumferential edge 42 of the support element 28 forming a seal .

[0071] The aroma delivering device 50 comprises the at least partially elastic member 40, an attachment structure 48 which is configured to attach the aroma delivery device to the cap 20, and a mounting structure 52 configured to attach an aroma container 60 to the aroma delivering device 50.

[0072] In the embodiment according to Figs . 1 to 3, the aroma container 60 is provided as a separate part which can be detachably coupled to the aroma delivering device 50.

[0073] However, the system of an aroma delivering device 50 and aroma container 60 can also be embodied as an integral structure .

[0074] The aroma delivering device 50 comprises the at least partially elastic member 40 which is also shown in different possible embodiments in Figs . 5 and 6. The elastic member 40 in the embodiments shown is generally bowl-shaped with a first side 54 and a second side 56. When mounted onto a cap 20, the first side 54 faces the cap 20, and the second side 56 is the opposite side of the elastic member 40.On the second side 56 of the elastic member 40, the mounting structure 52 is provided which can be designed in any suitable way such that an aroma container 60 can be coupled to the elastic member 40. In the specific example as shown, e . g. , in Figs . 2 and 3, the mounting structure 52 consists of a seating surface 52b and a surrounding clamping structure 52a which surrounds an aroma container 60 and fixes it in place . To this end, the aroma container might be provided with a surrounding groove 58 to allow a locking coupling between the aroma container 60 and the surrounding clamping structure 52b .

[0075] The aroma container 60, in the embodiment as shown, has an essentially ring-shaped geometry. However, any geometry is possible which includes an interior chamber 62 which contains an aroma substance . In the embodiment as shown in Figs . 1 to 4, the aroma container 60 has a bottom wall 64, a top wall 66, an inner sidewall 68 and an outer sidewall 70. In the inner sidewall 68, an air inlet opening 72 is provided, and in the bottom wall 64, an air outlet opening 74 is formed. The air outlet opening 74 is in fluid communication with an air opening 76 in the elastic member 40. In the embodiment according to Figs . 1 to 4, the aroma container 60 is attached to the second side 56 of the elastic member 40, and aromatized air leaving the interior chamber 62 of the aroma container 60 through the air outlet opening 74 can pass through the air opening 76 connecting the second side 56 with the first side 54 of the elastic member 40 so that the aromatized air is directed to a space formed between the first side 54 of the elastic member 40 and the elastic element 30 of theThe space formed between the first side 54 of the elastic member 40 and the elastic element 30 of the cap 20 is an aroma dispensing space 78. Suitable means 90 for forming a distance are provided to form a distance between the elastic member 40 and the elastic element 30.

[0076] Figs . 5 and 6 show two different possible shapes of protrusions 80 as specific examples of means 90 for forming a distance . In the embodiment according to Fig. 5, a plurality of rounded humps 80a are equidistantly arranged starting from the first side 54 and close to a circumferential end 82 of the elastic member 40. Such humps 80a keep the elastic member 40 at a distance from the elastic element 30 except at the region at which the circumferential end 82 of the elastic member 40 abuts with a predetermined abutting force against the circumferential rim 38 of the elastic element 30 so as to form a seal .

[0077] In the embodiment according to Fig. 6, the protrusions are formed as longitudinal ribs 86 which run in a radial direction of the bowl-shaped elastic member 40 and are equidistantly arranged relative to each other . These longitudinal ribs 86 form aroma dispensing channels 84 with an extension in a radial direction. The aroma dispensing channels 84 are part of the aroma dispensing space 78.

[0078] Air flowing through the air opening 76 which is in communication with the air outlet opening 74 of the aroma container 60 can distribute in a circumferential direction in an aroma distribution region 88 of the aroma dispensing space 78.In the embodiments of Figs 5 and 6, a plurality of air openings 76 is provided. This makes it possible to arrange a ring-shaped aroma container 60 in any angular orientation relative to the elastic member 40.

[0079] Irrespective of the angular orientation of the aroma container 60, the aromatized air leaving the air outlet opening 74 in the bottom wall 64 of the aroma container 60 can flow through a neighbouring air opening 76, whereas the other air openings 76 provided in the elastic member 40 are obstructed by the bottom wall 64 of the aroma container 60.

[0080] In Figs . 7a to 7d different embodiments of the attachment structure 48 are shown. In the embodiment according to Fig. 7a, the elastic element 30 and the elastic member 40 are spaced from each other by means of circumferentially arranged humps 80a as shown in Fig. 5. The elastic member is attached to the elastic element by means of a form-fit attachment which is embodied by means of Velcro strips 92 which are adhesively mounted to the elastic element 30 of the cap 20 and the first side 54 of the elastic member 40. The aroma delivery device can be conveniently attached to and detached from the cap by fastening the elastic member 40 to the elastic element 30 by means of the Velcro strips 92. A plurality of Velcro strips is circumferentially arranged and mutually spaced apart so as not to obstruct the aroma dispensing space 78.

[0081] In another embodiment not shown, the elastic member 40 does not have a means for forming a distance, like ribs 86 or humps 80a . The Velcro fastener strips have a double function. They act as spacers forming a distance betweenthe elastic element and elastic member and, additionally, proving an attachment means .

[0082] The embodiment according to Fig. 7b provides a bond 94 between the elastic element 30 and the elastic member 40 which can be a strip with adhesive properties on both main sides . Such strip also acts as a spacer between the elastic element 30 and the elastic member 40 so that an additional means for forming a distance might no longer be required depending on the position and thickness of the bond 94. Such bond provides a force-fit connection which, however, might attach the elastic member 40 to the cap 20 in a way so that the aroma delivery device can no longer be easily detached.

[0083] The embodiment according to Fig. 7c shown a friction-fit attachment between the elastic element 30 and the elastic member 40. The elastic member 40 is provided with a series of depressions 96 which are circumferentially arranged around the elastic element 40. Fixing blocks 98 extend into the depressions and are dimensioned to be frictionally held withing the depressions 96. The fixing blocks are provided with an adhesive layer 100.

[0084] Another possible embodiment is shown in Fig. 7d in which a plurality of suction cups 102 are mounted to the first side 54 of the elastic member 40. The suction cups are pressed onto the elastic element 30 and hold the aroma delivery device in place on the cap 20 of the drinking device . The suction cups establish a force-fit attachment in which a suction force created by the suction cups hold the elastic member 40 on the elastic element 30 of the cap 20 .In use, a sucking pressure is applied at any arbitrarily chosen sucking region around the dispensing region. The dispensing region 104 is the surrounding edge of the cap with the aroma delivery device attached to the cap . Thus, the dispensing region is formed by the circumferential edge 42 of the support element 28, the circumferential rim 38 of the elastic element 30 and the circumferential end 82 of the elastic member 40. When no sucking pressure is locally applied, the circumferential end 82 of the elastic member 40 presses against the circumferential rim 38 of the elastic element 30, and the circumferential rim 38 of the elastic element 30 presses against the circumferential edge 42 of the support element 28. When a sucking pressure under normal conditions of drinking is applied to the sucking region, the seals are broken and a first gap forms between the support element 28 and elastic element 30, and a second gap forms between the elastic member 40 and the elastic element 30. Through the first gap, drinking liquid is dispensed and through the second gap, aromatized air is dispensed. In the oral cavity, the aromatized air rises to the pharynx and is perceived as a taste although the user only consumes the drinking liquid.Reference List

[0085] 10 drinking device

[0086] 12 sidewall

[0087] 14 bottom wall

[0088] 16 neck portion

[0089] 18 external thread

[0090] 20 cap

[0091] 22 internal thread

[0092] 24 liquid reservoir

[0093] 26 mounting sleeve

[0094] 28 support element

[0095] 30 elastic element

[0096] 32 fixing protrusion

[0097] 34 circumferential groove

[0098] 36 pressure equalization hole

[0099] 38 circumferential rim

[0100] 40 elastic member

[0101] 42 circumferential edge

[0102] 44 liquid dispensing space

[0103] 46 opening

[0104] 48 attachment structure

[0105] 50 aroma delivering device

[0106] 52 mounting structure

[0107] 52a seating surface

[0108] 52b surrounding clamping structure 54 first side

[0109] 56 second side

[0110] 58 surrounding groove

[0111] 60 aroma container

[0112] 62 interior chamber

[0113] 64 bottom wall

[0114] 66 top wallinner sidewall

[0115] outer sidewall

[0116] air inlet opening

[0117] air outlet opening

[0118] air opening

[0119] aroma dispensing space

[0120] protrusion

[0121] a hump

[0122] circumferential end

[0123] aroma dispensing channel rib

[0124] aroma distribution region means for forming a distance Velcro strip

[0125] bond

[0126] depression

[0127] fixing block

[0128] 0 adhesive layer

[0129] 2 suction cup

[0130] 4 dispensing region

Claims

28Claims1. Aroma delivery device (50) for a cap (20) attachable to a drinking vessel ( 10) , the aroma delivery device (50) comprising:an at least partially elastic member (40) with a first side (54 ) and a second side (56) opposite to the first side (54 ) ;an attachment structure (48 ) provided at the first side configured to attach the aroma delivery device to the cap (20) ;a mounting structure (52 ) provided at the first side (54 ) or second side (56) of the elastic member (40) for detachably attaching an aroma container ( 60) to the elastic member (40) .

2. Aroma delivery device (50) for a cap (20) attachable to a drinking vessel ( 10) , the aroma delivery device (50) comprising:an at least partially elastic member (40) with a first side (54 ) and a second side (56) opposite to the first side (54 ) ;an attachment structure (48 ) provided at the first side (54 ) configured to attach the aroma delivery device to the cap (20) , the cap being shaped such the drinking liquid can be dispensed at any drinking position all around the circumference of the cap; a mounting structure (52 ) for detachably attaching an aroma container ( 60) to the elastic member (40) ; whereinan aroma dispensing space (78 ) is formed on the second side (54 ) , which aroma dispensing space (78 )is shaped such that an aroma is dispensed at any drinking position.

3. Aroma delivery device according to claim 1 or 2, whereinthe aroma container ( 60) comprises at least one air inlet opening (72 ) in communication with an outside atmosphere and at least one air outlet opening (74 ) .

4. Aroma delivery device according to claim 3, wherein the aroma delivery device is attachable to the drinking device such that the air outlet opening is in fluid communication with a liquid dispensing space of the drinking device .

5. Aroma delivery device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic member (40) is provided with at least one opening (76) connecting the first side (54 ) and the second side ( 65) , which at least one opening (76) is preferably positioned close to the mounting structure (52 ) .

6. Aroma delivery device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic member (40) comprises a plurality of protrusions ( 90; 80a, 86) on the first side .

7. Aroma delivery device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting structure (52 ) for detachably attaching the aroma container ( 60) is integrally formed with the elastic member (40) .

8. Aroma delivery device according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the attachment structure (48 ) comprises a force-fit attachment .

9. Aroma delivery device according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the attachment structure (48 ) comprises a form-fit attachment, and preferably at least one velcro fastener ( 92 ) attached to the first side (54 ) of the elastic member (40) .

10. Aroma delivery device according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the attachment structure (48 ) comprises a bonding ( 94 ) between the elastic member (40) and the cap (20) .

11. Aroma delivery device according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the attachment structure (48 ) comprises a friction-fit attachment, which friction-fit attachment preferably comprises a plurality of second protrusions ( 98 ) arranged at the first side ( 54 ) .

12. Aroma delivery device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting structure (52 ) comprises :- a seating surface (52a) integrally formed with the second side (56) , and- at least one biasing element configured to elastically bear against an aroma container ( 60) .

13. System of an aroma container ( 60) and an aroma delivery device (50) , whereinthe aroma delivery device (50) comprises :an at least partially elastic member (40) with a first side (54 ) , a second side (56) opposite to the first side (54 ) ;an attachment structure (48 ) provided at the first side (54 ) configured to attach the aroma delivery device (50) to a cap (20) of a drinking device; and whereinthe aroma container ( 60) is either attached to a mounting structure (52 ) of the aroma delivery device (50) or integrally formed with the aroma delivery device (50) , and is positioned such that the at least one air outlet opening (74 ) of the aroma container ( 60) is in communication with the first side (54 ) of the elastic member (40) .

14. System according to claim 10, wherein the aroma container ( 60) further comprises at least one air inlet opening (72 ) .

15. System according to claim 13 or 14, whereinthe aroma container ( 60) is essentially ringshaped with an inner sidewall ( 68 ) and an outer sidewall (70) ; andthe at least one air inlet opening (72 ) is preferably arranged in the inner sidewall ( 68 ) .

16. Cap for the attachment to a filling opening of a drinking vessel comprising a support element (28 ) with an attachment portion ( 18 ) for detachably attaching the cap (20) to the drinking vessel;32an elastic element (30) which is attached to the support element (28 ) and contacts the support element (28 ) in a first contact region circumferentially arranged in a liquid dispensing space (44 ) between the elastic element (30) and the support element (28 ) ; andan aroma delivery device (50) according to any of the claims 1 to 15; whereinan aroma dispensing space (78 ) is formed between the at least partially elastic member (40) of the aroma delivery device (50) and the elastic element (30) ; whereinthe support element (28 ) , elastic member (40) and elastic element (30) form a ring-shaped dispensing region circumferentially arranged around an edge of the cap (20) ; andthe support element (28 ) , elastic member (40) and elastic element (30) are configured such that a local sucking pressure in a sucking region of the dispensing region leads to the forming in the sucking region of a first gap between the support element (28 ) and elastic element (30) , and a second gap between the elastic member (40) and the elastic element (30) .

17. Cap according to claim 16, characterized in that the elastic element (30) is provided with attachment elements ( 92 ; 96) provided in a region facing the elastic member (40) , wherein the attachment elementsare configured to provide an attachment with the attachment structure (48 ) of the elastic member (40) of the aroma delivery device (50) .

18. Drinking device comprising- a drinking vessel ( 10) ; and- the cap (20) according to claim 16 or 17.

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