EP3693289B1 - Bottle attachment - Google Patents

Bottle attachment Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3693289B1
EP3693289B1 EP19155740.4A EP19155740A EP3693289B1 EP 3693289 B1 EP3693289 B1 EP 3693289B1 EP 19155740 A EP19155740 A EP 19155740A EP 3693289 B1 EP3693289 B1 EP 3693289B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bottle cap
liquid
bottle
dispensing device
drinking
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19155740.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3693289A1 (en
Inventor
Adrian Zakel
Ivan Fürst
Dirk Wurmseder-Hoffmann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Adivex GmbH
Original Assignee
Adivex GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Adivex GmbH filed Critical Adivex GmbH
Priority to EP19155740.4A priority Critical patent/EP3693289B1/en
Priority to US16/776,585 priority patent/US20200247591A1/en
Priority to JP2020018593A priority patent/JP7159234B2/en
Publication of EP3693289A1 publication Critical patent/EP3693289A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3693289B1 publication Critical patent/EP3693289B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/12Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having removable closures
    • B65D47/121Stoppers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00Table service
    • A47G19/22Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
    • A47G19/2205Drinking glasses or vessels
    • A47G19/2266Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/18Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages for discharging drops; Droppers
    • B65D47/185Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages for discharging drops; Droppers with sprinkling devices
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/2018Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/24Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat
    • B65D47/241Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element
    • B65D47/243Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element moving linearly, i.e. without rotational motion
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/24Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat
    • B65D47/245Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a stopper-type element
    • B65D47/247Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a stopper-type element moving linearly, i.e. without rotational motion
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G2400/00Details not otherwise provided for in A47G19/00-A47G23/16
    • A47G2400/04Influencing taste or nutritional properties

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a bottle attachment for attachment to the opening of a bottle.
  • the bottle attachment has a hollow tube which extends into the interior of the bottle.
  • the bottle attachment also has a drinking opening which is connected to the hollow tube.
  • a drinking area is provided, the drinking opening being provided in the drinking area.
  • Such a bottle attachment is from ES 2 560 882 A1 known, in which several small openings are provided on the drinking area, which have a smaller diameter than the drinking opening.
  • a liquid reservoir is provided in the bottle attachment, which is connected to the small openings.
  • a dispensing device is provided which, when activated, can dispense a liquid from the liquid reservoir via the small openings.
  • the well-known bottle attachment is intended in particular for mixing two liquids such as alcohol and soda.
  • the smaller openings can be moved relative to one another in such a way that the outflow quantity of the liquid such as alcohol from the liquid reservoir attached to the bottle can be regulated.
  • the total volume of alcohol, for example, that is mixed with the liquid from the bottle is determined by the person operating this bottle attachment, for example a bartender, over the duration of the mixing process for the two liquids.
  • Bottle tops of a different type with which two liquids or media can be dispensed at the same time or with which two liquids are mixed, are for example made of GB 2,497,781 A , the WO 2019/016096 A1 respectively WO 2004/089771 A1 known.
  • the generic bottle attachment can be screwed onto a drinks bottle, for example.
  • the exact design of the attachment on the bottle depends on how the bottle itself is designed. If this has an external thread, for example, then the bottle attachment is equipped with an internal thread designed to be complementary thereto.
  • the hollow tube which extends into the interior of the bottle, preferably extends into the region of the bottle bottom. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case. It is also sufficient if the hollow tube extends to the end of the bottle attachment so that it is connected to the interior of the bottle.
  • the hollow tube can also be designed in the manner of a channel which extends, for example, from the drinking area to the bottle-side end of the bottle top.
  • the hollow tube ends in a drinking opening which is provided in the drinking area. This makes it possible to drink the liquid from inside the bottle through the bottle attachment.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a bottle attachment which, when used, can reduce the calorie intake.
  • a basic idea of the invention lies in the knowledge that the taste buds are not active all the time while drinking or pass information on to the brain.
  • the invention is based on the observation that, during the drinking process, information is passed on from the taste buds to the brain or is evaluated in the brain essentially only at the beginning and at the end. In other words, there is a taste experience essentially at the start of drinking and at the end of the drinking process.
  • a liquid reservoir is provided in the bottle top, in which, for example, a syrup or a liquid with a flavor is kept can.
  • This liquid can be delivered in a targeted manner by means of the delivery device via the small openings in the drinking area.
  • the several small openings can be designed as desired, whereby they are designed according to the invention for atomizing the liquid.
  • the liquid from the liquid reservoir is distributed particularly well in the mouth of the drinker, whereby the taste experience can be increased even with a small amount of liquid.
  • a closure for the fluid-tight closure of the opening is provided on the drinking area, which closure can be transferred from a closed position to an open position, for example by a vertical and / or rotating movement.
  • Such an embodiment ensures that the bottle with the bottle attachment according to the invention can be tightly closed so that the liquid does not escape from the bottle and the liquid from the reservoir during transport.
  • dispensing device can be activated when the closure is moved from the closed position into the open position. Also the dispensing device can additionally or alternatively also be activated when the closure is moved from the open position into the closed position.
  • the bottle attachment according to the invention can have a pulling system known in particular from sports bottles.
  • the closure is moved vertically upwards, away from the bottle body. This usually happens when the athlete or drinker bites into the cap and gently pushes the bottle away from him. If the dispensing device is coupled to the closure, this has the result that immediately before the liquid from the bottle itself enters the mouth of the athlete, the liquid is dispensed from the liquid reservoir and thus a taste experience is present.
  • a tilt lock can be provided for closing the drinking area with the drinking opening and the small openings.
  • This can preferably be designed to be foldable laterally.
  • the bottle top has a stop for the tilt lock and that the stop is designed to activate the dispensing device when it comes into contact with the tilt lock.
  • Such an embodiment in turn has the purpose that when opening, before the actual drinking process begins, a small amount of the liquid can be injected from the liquid reservoir into the user's mouth via the dispensing device.
  • the bottle attachment can be designed essentially like a cylinder and have an activation device for activating the dispensing device on its outer surface.
  • the activation device is positioned and dimensioned in such a way that it is gripped and thus activated when the bottle is fed to the mouth. This construction again achieves that before the actual drinking process, that is to say taking up the liquid from the bottle, a small amount of the liquid is injected from the liquid reservoir into the mouth of the user.
  • the dispensing device has at least one pressure chamber which is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the liquid reservoir and the small openings and is located on the dispensing path for the liquid between the liquid reservoir and the small openings.
  • the amount of liquid to be dispensed can be temporarily stored in this pressure chamber so that, for example, when the closure of the bottle top is opened, the pressure chamber is emptied and the volume of liquid contained therein is injected into the drinker's mouth.
  • the provision of the pressure chamber enables a simple construction and, under certain circumstances, also serves to define the maximum amount of liquid to be dispensed from the liquid reservoir in a drinking process.
  • the dispensing device is designed in such a way that when the predeterminable amount of the liquid has been dispensed from the pressure chamber and this is refilled via the dispensing device after the dispensing. As a result, the correct amount is automatically held in the pressure chamber for the next drinking process.
  • the amount of liquid is 1 ml to 10 ml, in particular 4 ml to 6 ml, preferably 5 ml.
  • the delivery device can be designed as desired.
  • a particularly simple design is possible if a pump mechanism is provided which is designed to dispense the liquid from the liquid reservoir. If pressure chambers are provided, the pumping mechanism can be used to transfer the liquid from the liquid reservoir into the pressure chambers.
  • the pump mechanism can be designed in various ways, for example it is possible to perform it mechanically, electrically and / or piezoelectrically. How exactly it is carried out depends largely on the area of application.
  • a microcontroller which can have an external communication interface, is also installed in the bottle top, then it is advantageous if the pump mechanism or the dispensing device itself is electrical.
  • communication with the dispensing device can be provided via the microcontroller in order to configure it in more detail or to query log data, for example about the number of drinking processes or the like.
  • more than one liquid reservoir can be provided.
  • the invention also relates to a bottle with a bottle attachment according to the invention.
  • the bottle attachment is then designed and dimensioned accordingly so that it can be attached to the bottle.
  • a first embodiment of a bottle attachment 1 according to the invention is shown. This is fastened with an internal thread 8 on a bottle 40 which has an external thread 41.
  • a hollow tube 3 extends through the bottle top 1 into the interior of the bottle 40. This is connected at the upper end to a drinking opening 4, which is located in a drinking area 6.
  • Two pressure chambers 13, 14 are arranged below the drinking area 6. Again below the two pressure chambers 13, 14 there are two liquid reservoirs 21, 22.
  • a connection between the first pressure chamber 13 and the first liquid reservoir 21 is realized by corresponding valves 15 on the common contact surface or partition.
  • a connection between the second pressure chamber 14 and the second liquid reservoir 22 is also provided by analog valves 15.
  • the two pressure chambers 13, 14 also have a connection to small openings 11, which are used to atomize a fluid.
  • the small openings 11 are provided in the drinking area 6.
  • bottle attachment 1 The functioning of the bottle attachment 1 according to the invention is explained in more detail below. In this context, the dispensing device is also discussed, which is implemented by the large number of components of the bottle attachment 1.
  • the closure 30 If the closure 30 is now open, the user can take the contents of the bottle through the drinking opening 4. As soon as he closes the shutter 30, he pushes it down. As a result, the base or the movable wall in the second pressure chamber 14 is shifted upwards by means of a deflection, as a result of which the liquid is discharged from the second pressure chamber 14 via the small openings 11. In an analogous manner, the partition in the first pressure chamber 13 is moved downwards and, as a result, liquid is in turn transferred from the first liquid reservoir 21 via the valves 15 into the first pressure chamber 14.
  • the bottle attachment 1 With the bottle attachment 1 according to the invention it is thus possible for a certain amount of liquid to be injected into the mouth area of a user before the drinking process is started. This creates a taste experience corresponding to the selected liquid.
  • the actual liquid can then be drunk from the bottle 40.
  • This is preferably water, which, as already stated, hardly contributes to the taste experience during the drinking process.
  • FIG. 2 an alternative embodiment of a bottle attachment 100 according to the invention is shown. This differs essentially from the one in Fig 1 Bottle attachment 1 shown in that the closure is not used to activate the dispensing device.
  • a lever 135 is provided on the lateral surface 132 for this purpose. This presses a pin 133 to activate the dispensing device in the area of the lateral surface 132.
  • a corresponding overpressure can be built up in the reservoir 21 by the lever 135, so that when the lever 135 or the pin 133 is actuated, liquid flows out of the small openings 11 is injected.
  • micropump which, through the impulse triggered by the lever 135 or the pin 133, causes a pressure increase in the reservoir 21 so that part of the liquid is released through the small openings 11. Direct delivery via the pump without increasing the pressure in the reservoir 21 is also conceivable.
  • FIG. 3 a further embodiment of the bottle attachment 200 according to the invention is shown.
  • This has a toggle lock 230.
  • a pin 233 is again provided on the toggle lock 230, which when the toggle lock 230 is opened interacts with a stop 231 which is provided on the lateral surface 232.
  • This stop can activate a pump, for example, which causes a small amount of the liquid provided in the reservoir to be dispensed via the small openings 11.
  • the calorie intake when drinking can be reduced without significantly influencing the taste experience.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pediatric Medicine (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Flaschenaufsatz zum Befestigen auf der Öffnung einer Flasche. Der Flaschenaufsatz weist ein Hohlrohr auf, welches sich in das Innere der Flasche erstreckt. Ferner besitzt der Flaschenaufsatz eine Trinköffnung, welche mit dem Hohlrohr verbunden ist. Zusätzlich ist ein Trinkbereich vorgesehen, wobei die Trinköffnung im Trinkbereich vorgesehen ist.The invention relates to a bottle attachment for attachment to the opening of a bottle. The bottle attachment has a hollow tube which extends into the interior of the bottle. The bottle attachment also has a drinking opening which is connected to the hollow tube. In addition, a drinking area is provided, the drinking opening being provided in the drinking area.

Ein derartiger Flaschenaufsatz ist aus der ES 2 560 882 A1 bekannt, bei dem mehrere kleine Öffnungen am Trinkbereich vorgesehen sind, welche einen kleineren Durchmesser als die Trinköffnung aufweisen. Zusätzlich ist im Flaschenaufsatz ein Flüssigkeitsreservoir vorgesehen, welches mit den kleinen Öffnungen verbunden ist. Des Weiteren ist eine Abgabeeinrichtung vorgesehen, welche bei ihrem Aktivieren eine Flüssigkeit aus dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir über die kleinen Öffnungen abgeben kann. Der bekannte Flaschenaufsatz ist insbesondere zum Mixen zweier Flüssigkeiten wie zum Beispiel Alkohol und Soda bestimmt.Such a bottle attachment is from ES 2 560 882 A1 known, in which several small openings are provided on the drinking area, which have a smaller diameter than the drinking opening. In addition, a liquid reservoir is provided in the bottle attachment, which is connected to the small openings. Furthermore, a dispensing device is provided which, when activated, can dispense a liquid from the liquid reservoir via the small openings. The well-known bottle attachment is intended in particular for mixing two liquids such as alcohol and soda.

Zwar können die kleineren Öffnungen so gegeneinander verschoben werden, dass die Ausflussmenge der Flüssigkeit wie Alkohol aus dem auf der Flasche aufgebrachten Flüssigkeitsreservoir reguliert werden kann. Das Gesamtvolumen zum Beispiel an Alkohol, das mit der Flüssigkeit aus der Flasche gemixt wird, wird jedoch durch die diesen Flaschenaufsatz betätigende Person, zum Beispiel einem Barkeeper, über die Zeitdauer des Mixvorganges der beiden Flüssigkeiten bestimmt.It is true that the smaller openings can be moved relative to one another in such a way that the outflow quantity of the liquid such as alcohol from the liquid reservoir attached to the bottle can be regulated. The total volume of alcohol, for example, that is mixed with the liquid from the bottle is determined by the person operating this bottle attachment, for example a bartender, over the duration of the mixing process for the two liquids.

Flaschenaufsätze anderer Art, mit denen gleichzeitig zwei Flüssigkeiten beziehungsweise Medien abgegeben werden können oder mit denen eine Mischung zweier Flüssigkeiten erfolgt, sind zum Beispiel aus GB 2 497 781 A , der WO 2019/016096 A1 beziehungsweise WO 2004/089771 A1 bekannt.Bottle tops of a different type, with which two liquids or media can be dispensed at the same time or with which two liquids are mixed, are for example made of GB 2,497,781 A , the WO 2019/016096 A1 respectively WO 2004/089771 A1 known.

Der gattungsgemäße Flaschenaufsatz kann beispielsweise auf eine Getränkeflasche aufgeschraubt werden. Die exakte Ausführung der Befestigung auf der Flasche hängt jeweils davon ab, wie die Flasche selbst ausgeführt ist. Weist diese beispielsweise ein Außengewinde auf, so ist der Flaschenaufsatz mit einem komplementär hierzu ausgebildeten Innengewinde ausgestattet. Das Hohlrohr, welches sich in das Innere der Flasche erstreckt, reicht bevorzugt bis in die Region des Flaschenbodens. Dies muss aber nicht zwingend der Fall sein. Es reicht auch aus, wenn sich das Hohlrohr bis zum Ende des Flaschenaufsatzes erstreckt, so dass es mit dem Inneren der Flasche verbunden ist. Das Hohlrohr kann auch in der Art eines Kanals ausgebildet sein, welcher sich beispielsweise vom Trinkbereich zum flaschenseitigen Ende des Flaschenaufsatzes erstreckt.The generic bottle attachment can be screwed onto a drinks bottle, for example. The exact design of the attachment on the bottle depends on how the bottle itself is designed. If this has an external thread, for example, then the bottle attachment is equipped with an internal thread designed to be complementary thereto. The hollow tube, which extends into the interior of the bottle, preferably extends into the region of the bottle bottom. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case. It is also sufficient if the hollow tube extends to the end of the bottle attachment so that it is connected to the interior of the bottle. The hollow tube can also be designed in the manner of a channel which extends, for example, from the drinking area to the bottle-side end of the bottle top.

Auf der anderen Seite endet das Hohlrohr in einer Trinköffnung, welche in dem Trinkbereich vorgesehen ist. Hierdurch ist es möglich, durch den Flaschenaufsatz die Flüssigkeit aus dem Inneren der Flasche zu trinken.On the other hand, the hollow tube ends in a drinking opening which is provided in the drinking area. This makes it possible to drink the liquid from inside the bottle through the bottle attachment.

Nach aktuellen Studien der WHO ist beinahe die Hälfte der deutschen Bevölkerung als Übergewichtig zu klassifizieren. In den USA gelten nach denselben Standards bereits 40% der Bevölkerung nicht nur als übergewichtig, sondern als fettleibig.According to current WHO studies, almost half of the German population can be classified as overweight. In the US, by the same standards, 40% of the population is considered not just overweight, but obese.

Ein Grund dafür ist unter anderem der Konsum von stark gesüßten Getränken, die eine sehr hohe Kalorienzufuhr mit sich bringen.One reason for this is, among other things, the consumption of heavily sweetened beverages, which have a very high calorie intake.

Zwar ist es bekannt, dass man auf diese verzichten sollte, beispielsweise indem man auf Wasser umsteigt, jedoch fällt hierbei oft ein Geschmackserlebnis weg, so dass ein Umstieg gerade in der problematischen Zielgruppe oft nicht in Erwägung gezogen wird.Although it is known that you should do without this, for example by switching to water, a taste experience is often lost, so that a switch is often not considered, especially in the problematic target group.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Flaschenaufsatz anzugeben, der bei Verwendung die Kalorienzufuhr verringern kann.The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a bottle attachment which, when used, can reduce the calorie intake.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch einen Flaschenaufsatz mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a bottle attachment with the features of claim 1.

Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen, in der Beschreibung sowie in den Figuren und deren Erläuterung angegeben.Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims, in the description and in the figures and their explanation.

Ein Grundgedanke der Erfindung liegt in der Erkenntnis, dass die Geschmacksnerven beim Trinken nicht die gesamte Zeit aktiv sind beziehungsweise Informationen an das Gehirn weiterleiten. Der Erfindung liegt hierbei die Beobachtung zugrunde, dass während des Trinkvorganges im Wesentlichen nur zu Beginn und am Ende Informationen von den Geschmacksknospen an das Gehirn weitergebeben werden beziehungsweise im Gehirn ausgewertet werden. Mit anderen Worten liegt ein Geschmackserlebnis im Wesentlichen beim Beginn des Trinkens sowie beim Beenden des Trinkvorganges vor.A basic idea of the invention lies in the knowledge that the taste buds are not active all the time while drinking or pass information on to the brain. The invention is based on the observation that, during the drinking process, information is passed on from the taste buds to the brain or is evaluated in the brain essentially only at the beginning and at the end. In other words, there is a taste experience essentially at the start of drinking and at the end of the drinking process.

Diese Erkenntnis möchte sich die Erfindung zunutze machen. Entsprechend der Erfindung ist im Flaschenaufsatz ein Flüssigkeitsreservoir vorgesehen, in welchem beispielsweise ein Sirup oder eine Flüssigkeit mit einem Geschmack vorgehalten werden kann. Über die kleinen Öffnungen im Trinkbereich kann mittels der Abgabeeinrichtung gezielt diese Flüssigkeit abgegeben werden.The invention would like to make use of this knowledge. According to the invention, a liquid reservoir is provided in the bottle top, in which, for example, a syrup or a liquid with a flavor is kept can. This liquid can be delivered in a targeted manner by means of the delivery device via the small openings in the drinking area.

Hierbei ist es bevorzugt, wenn die Abgabe beim Starten und/oder Beenden des Trinkens stattfindet.It is preferred here if the delivery takes place when starting and / or stopping drinking.

Dies hat beispielsweise zur Folge, dass in der Flasche selbst Wasser, welches bekanntermaßen keine Kalorien und kaum Geschmack enthält, vorhanden ist. Beim Beginn des Trinkvorgangs wird über die Abgabeeinrichtung mittels der kleinen Öffnungen eine geringe Menge, welche vorgebbar ist, aus dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir in den Mund des Trinkenden abgegeben. Hierbei stellt sich ein Geschmackserlebnis ein. Anschließend trinkt der Benutzer des Flaschenaufsatzes Wasser, wobei das Geschmackserlebnis weiter vorhanden ist. Beim Beenden des Trinkvorgangs kann erneut eine vorgebbare Menge Flüssigkeit abgegeben werden, so dass das Geschmackserlebnis noch unterstrichen wird.As a result, for example, there is water in the bottle itself, which is known to contain no calories and hardly any taste. At the beginning of the drinking process, a small amount, which can be predetermined, is released from the liquid reservoir into the mouth of the drinker via the dispensing device by means of the small openings. This creates a taste experience. Then the user of the bottle attachment drinks water, whereby the taste experience is still present. When the drinking process is finished, a predeterminable amount of liquid can be dispensed again, so that the taste experience is even more emphasized.

Hiermit wird erreicht, dass die Gesamtanzahl der während des Trinkvorgangs aufgenommenen Kalorien, im Vergleich zu einem Trinkvorgang der beispielsweise mit einer gesüßten Flüssigkeit stattfindet, deutlich verringert ist.This means that the total number of calories consumed during the drinking process is significantly reduced compared to a drinking process that takes place, for example, with a sweetened liquid.

Grundsätzlich können die mehreren kleinen Öffnungen beliebig ausgeführt sein, wobei sie erfindungsgemäß zum Zerstäuben der Flüssigkeit ausgebildet sind. Durch das Zerstäuben beim Beginn des Trinkvorgangs wird die Flüssigkeit aus dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir besonders gut im Mund des Trinkenden verteilt, wodurch das Geschmackserlebnis selbst einer kleinen Flüssigkeitsmenge erhöht werden kann.In principle, the several small openings can be designed as desired, whereby they are designed according to the invention for atomizing the liquid. As a result of the atomization at the beginning of the drinking process, the liquid from the liquid reservoir is distributed particularly well in the mouth of the drinker, whereby the taste experience can be increased even with a small amount of liquid.

Bevorzugt ist es, wenn ein Verschluss zum fluiddichten Verschließen der Öffnung am Trinkbereich vorgesehen ist, welcher beispielsweise durch eine vertikale und/oder drehende Bewegung von einer verschlossenen Position in eine geöffnete Position überführbar ist. Mit einer derartigen Ausführung wird sichergestellt, dass die Flasche mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsatz dicht verschlossen werden kann, so dass beim Transport die Flüssigkeit aus der Flasche wie auch die Flüssigkeit aus dem Reservoir nicht austritt.It is preferred if a closure for the fluid-tight closure of the opening is provided on the drinking area, which closure can be transferred from a closed position to an open position, for example by a vertical and / or rotating movement. Such an embodiment ensures that the bottle with the bottle attachment according to the invention can be tightly closed so that the liquid does not escape from the bottle and the liquid from the reservoir during transport.

Vorteilhaft ist es ferner, wenn die Abgabeeinrichtung beim Bewegen des Verschlusses aus der verschlossenen Position in die geöffnete Position aktivierbar ist. Ebenfalls kann die Abgabeeinrichtung zusätzlich oder alternativ auch beim Bewegen des Verschlusses von der geöffneten Position in die verschlossene Position aktivierbar sein.It is also advantageous if the dispensing device can be activated when the closure is moved from the closed position into the open position. Also the dispensing device can additionally or alternatively also be activated when the closure is moved from the open position into the closed position.

Mittels derartiger Ausführungen kann das gewünschte Ergebnis erreicht werden, so dass beim Beginnen des Trinkvorgangs beziehungsweise beim Beenden des Trinkvorgangs ein Geschmackserlebnis beim Trinkenden vorliegt. Hierzu kann der erfindungsgemäße Flaschenaufsatz ein insbesondere von Sportflaschen bekanntes, Zugsystem aufweisen. Hierbei wird zum Trinken der Verschluss vertikal nach oben, weg vom Flaschenkörper, bewegt. Dies geschieht meist indem der Sportler oder Trinkender in den Verschluss hineinbeißt und die Flasche leicht von sich wegschiebt. Ist die Abgabeeinrichtung mit dem Verschluss gekoppelt, so führt dies dazu, dass sofort bevor die Flüssigkeit aus der Flasche selbst im Mund des Sportlers eintritt, die Flüssigkeit aus dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir abgegeben wird und somit ein Geschmackserlebnis vorliegt.The desired result can be achieved by means of such designs, so that when the drinking process is started or when the drinking process is ended, the drinker has a taste experience. For this purpose, the bottle attachment according to the invention can have a pulling system known in particular from sports bottles. To drink, the closure is moved vertically upwards, away from the bottle body. This usually happens when the athlete or drinker bites into the cap and gently pushes the bottle away from him. If the dispensing device is coupled to the closure, this has the result that immediately before the liquid from the bottle itself enters the mouth of the athlete, the liquid is dispensed from the liquid reservoir and thus a taste experience is present.

In ähnlicher Weise führt das Verschließen dazu, dass erneut ein Geschmackserlebnis beim Sportler vorliegt. Dies täuscht dem Sportler insgesamt vor, dass er nicht Wasser, sondern im Wesentlichen die Flüssigkeit getrunken hat, welche sich in dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir befindet.In a similar way, the closing leads to another taste experience in the athlete. Overall, this simulates to the athlete that he has not drunk water, but essentially the liquid that is in the liquid reservoir.

In einer alternativen Ausführungsform kann ein Kippverschluss zum Verschließen des Trinkbereiches mit der Trinköffnung und den kleinen Öffnungen vorgesehen sein. Dieser kann bevorzugt seitlich abklappbar ausgebildet sein. Bei einer derartigen Konstruktion ist es möglich, dass der Flaschenaufsatz einen Anschlag für den Kippverschluss aufweist und dass der Anschlag bei Kontakt mit dem Kippverschluss zum Aktivieren der Abgabeeinrichtung ausgebildet ist. Eine derartige Ausführung hat wiederum den Zweck, dass beim Öffnen bevor der eigentliche Trinkvorgang beginnt über die Abgabeeinrichtung eine kleine Menge der Flüssigkeit aus dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir in den Mund des Benutzers gespritzt werden kann.In an alternative embodiment, a tilt lock can be provided for closing the drinking area with the drinking opening and the small openings. This can preferably be designed to be foldable laterally. With such a construction, it is possible that the bottle top has a stop for the tilt lock and that the stop is designed to activate the dispensing device when it comes into contact with the tilt lock. Such an embodiment in turn has the purpose that when opening, before the actual drinking process begins, a small amount of the liquid can be injected from the liquid reservoir into the user's mouth via the dispensing device.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann der Flaschenaufsatz im Wesentlichen zylinderähnlich ausgebildet sein und an seiner Mantelfläche eine Aktiviereinrichtung zum Aktivieren der Abgabeeinrichtung aufweisen. Idealerweise ist die Aktiviereinrichtung so positioniert und dimensioniert, dass sie beim Zuführen der Flasche zum Mund gegriffen und damit aktiviert wird. Auch durch diese Konstruktion wird wiederum erreicht, dass vor dem eigentlichen Trinkvorgang, das heißt der Aufnahme der Flüssigkeit aus der Flasche, eine geringe Menge der Flüssigkeit aus dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir in den Mund des Benutzers gespritzt wird.In a further embodiment, the bottle attachment can be designed essentially like a cylinder and have an activation device for activating the dispensing device on its outer surface. Ideally, the activation device is positioned and dimensioned in such a way that it is gripped and thus activated when the bottle is fed to the mouth. This construction again achieves that before the actual drinking process, that is to say taking up the liquid from the bottle, a small amount of the liquid is injected from the liquid reservoir into the mouth of the user.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform weist die Abgabeeinrichtung mindestens eine Drucckammer auf, welche fluiddicht mit dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir und den kleinen Öffnungen verbunden ist und sich auf dem Abgabeweg der Flüssigkeit zwischen dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir und den kleinen Öffnungen befindet. In dieser Druckkammer kann die abzugebende Menge an Flüssigkeit zwischengespeichert werden, so dass beispielsweise beim Öffnen des Verschlusses des Flaschenaufsatzes die Druckkammer geleert wird und das darin befindliche Volumen der Flüssigkeit in den Mund des Trinkenden gespritzt wird. Das Vorsehen der Druckkammer ermöglicht eine einfache Konstruktion und dient unter Umständen auch zum Definieren der in einem Trinkvorgang maximal abzugebenden Menge der Flüssigkeit aus dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir.In a further embodiment, the dispensing device has at least one pressure chamber which is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the liquid reservoir and the small openings and is located on the dispensing path for the liquid between the liquid reservoir and the small openings. The amount of liquid to be dispensed can be temporarily stored in this pressure chamber so that, for example, when the closure of the bottle top is opened, the pressure chamber is emptied and the volume of liquid contained therein is injected into the drinker's mouth. The provision of the pressure chamber enables a simple construction and, under certain circumstances, also serves to define the maximum amount of liquid to be dispensed from the liquid reservoir in a drinking process.

In diesem Zusammenhang ist es bevorzugt, wenn die Abgabeeinrichtung derart ausgebildet ist, dass wenn die vorgebbare Menge der Flüssigkeit aus der Druckkammer abgegeben ist und diese über die Abgabeeinrichtung nach der Abgabe wieder aufgefüllt wird. Dies hat zur Folge, dass automatisch in der Druckkammer für den nächsten Trinkvorgang bereits die richtige Menge vorgehalten wird.In this context, it is preferred if the dispensing device is designed in such a way that when the predeterminable amount of the liquid has been dispensed from the pressure chamber and this is refilled via the dispensing device after the dispensing. As a result, the correct amount is automatically held in the pressure chamber for the next drinking process.

Es hat sich gezeigt, dass für die vorgebbare Menge der Flüssigkeit, welche durch die Abgabeeinrichtung auf einmal ausgegeben wird, bereits äußerst kleine Menge ausreichend sind, um ein Geschmackserlebnis, welches vom Trinkenden als ausreichend empfunden wird, zu erzeugen. Bevorzugt ist es hierbei, wenn es sich bei der Flüssigkeitsmenge um 1 ml bis 10 ml, insbesondere 4 ml bis 6 ml, bevorzugt 5 ml, handelt.It has been shown that for the predeterminable amount of liquid that is dispensed all at once by the dispensing device, even extremely small amounts are sufficient to produce a taste experience that is perceived as sufficient by the drinker. It is preferred here if the amount of liquid is 1 ml to 10 ml, in particular 4 ml to 6 ml, preferably 5 ml.

Grundsätzlich kann die Abgabeeinrichtung beliebig ausgeführt sein. Eine besonders einfache Ausführung ist möglich, wenn ein Pumpmechanismus vorgesehen ist, welcher zur Abgabe der Flüssigkeit aus dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir ausgebildet ist. Sind Druckkammern vorgesehen, so kann über den Pumpmechanismus ein Überführen der Flüssigkeit aus dem Flüssigkeitsreservoir in die Druckkammern vorgesehen sein. Der Pumpmechanismus kann auf verschiedene Art und Weisen ausgeführt sein, beispielsweise ist es möglich ihn mechanisch, elektrisch und/oder piezoelektrisch ausführen. Wie er exakt ausgeführt ist, kommt maßgeblich auf den Einsatzbereich an.In principle, the delivery device can be designed as desired. A particularly simple design is possible if a pump mechanism is provided which is designed to dispense the liquid from the liquid reservoir. If pressure chambers are provided, the pumping mechanism can be used to transfer the liquid from the liquid reservoir into the pressure chambers. The pump mechanism can be designed in various ways, for example it is possible to perform it mechanically, electrically and / or piezoelectrically. How exactly it is carried out depends largely on the area of application.

Ist beispielsweise vorgesehen, dass zusätzlich ein Microcontroller im Flaschenaufsatz eingebaut ist, welcher eine externe Kommunikationsschnittstelle aufweisen kann, so ist vorteilhaft, wenn der Pumpmechanismus beziehungsweise die Abgabeeinrichtung selbst, elektrisch ausgeführt ist. So kann über den Microcontroller eine Kommunikation mit der Abgabeeinrichtung vorgesehen sein, um diese detaillierter zu konfigurieren beziehungsweise Logdaten beispielsweise über die Anzahl der Trinkvorgänge oder dergleichen abzufragen.If, for example, it is provided that a microcontroller, which can have an external communication interface, is also installed in the bottle top, then it is advantageous if the pump mechanism or the dispensing device itself is electrical. For example, communication with the dispensing device can be provided via the microcontroller in order to configure it in more detail or to query log data, for example about the number of drinking processes or the like.

Um das Geschmackserlebnis weiter zu verbessern, kann mehr als ein Flüssigkeitsreservoir vorgesehen sein. Beispielsweise ist es möglich, zwei Flüssigkeitsreservoire vorzusehen, von denen beim Beginn des Trinkvorgangs aus einem und beim Beenden des Trinkvorgangs aus dem anderen eine Flüssigkeit abgegeben wird. Auch hierdurch ist es möglich, das Geschmackserlebnis des Benutzers zu beeinflussen.In order to further improve the taste experience, more than one liquid reservoir can be provided. For example, it is possible to provide two liquid reservoirs, of which a liquid is dispensed from one at the beginning of the drinking process and from the other at the end of the drinking process. This also makes it possible to influence the user's taste experience.

Ferner betrifft die Erfindung eine Flasche mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsatz. Wie bereits ausgeführt, ist der Flaschenaufsatz dann entsprechend ausgebildet und dimensioniert, so dass er auf die Flasche aufgebracht werden kann. Beispielsweise ist es möglich, den Flaschenaufsatz derart zu dimensionieren, dass er auf standardmäßige PET-Flaschen, wie sie im Handel erhältlich sind, anbringbar ist.The invention also relates to a bottle with a bottle attachment according to the invention. As already stated, the bottle attachment is then designed and dimensioned accordingly so that it can be attached to the bottle. For example, it is possible to dimension the bottle attachment in such a way that it can be attached to standard PET bottles such as are commercially available.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand von schematischen Ausführungsbeispielen unter Bezugnahme auf die beiliegenden Figuren näher erläutert. Hierbei zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsatzes nach einer ersten Ausführungsform;
Fig. 2
eine schematische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsatzes nach einer zweiten Ausführungsform; und
Fig. 3
eine schematische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsatzes nach einer weiteren Ausführung.
The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of schematic exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Here show:
Fig. 1
a schematic view of a bottle attachment according to the invention according to a first embodiment;
Fig. 2
a schematic view of a bottle attachment according to the invention according to a second embodiment; and
Fig. 3
a schematic view of a bottle attachment according to the invention according to a further embodiment.

Durchgehend durch die drei Figuren werden gleiche Bauteile mit gleichen Bezugszeichen bezeichnet.Throughout the three figures, the same components are denoted by the same reference symbols.

In Fig. 1 ist eine erste Ausführungsform eins erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsatzes 1 dargestellt. Dieser ist mit einem Innengewinde 8 auf einer Flasche 40, welche ein Außengewinde 41 aufweist, befestigt.In Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a bottle attachment 1 according to the invention is shown. This is fastened with an internal thread 8 on a bottle 40 which has an external thread 41.

Durch den Flaschenaufsatz 1 erstreckt sich ein Hohlrohr 3 in das Innere der Flasche 40. Dieses ist am oberen Ende mit einer Trinköffnung 4 verbunden, welche sich in einem Trinkbereich 6 befindet. Unterhalb des Trinkbereiches 6 sind zwei Druckkammern 13, 14 angeordnet. Wiederum unterhalb der beiden Druckkammern 13, 14 befinden sich zwei Flüssigkeitsreservoire 21, 22. Eine Verbindung zwischen der ersten Druckkammer 13 und dem ersten Flüssigkeitsreservoir 21 wird durch entsprechende Ventile 15 an der gemeinsamen Kontaktfläche oder Trennwand realisiert. Durch analoge Ventile 15 ist auch eine Verbindung zwischen der zweiten Druckkammer 14 und dem zweiten Flüssigkeitsreservoir 22 vorgesehen. Die beiden Druckkammern 13, 14 haben ferner eine Verbindung zu kleinen Öffnungen 11, welche zum Zerstäuben eines Fluides dienen. Die kleinen Öffnungen 11 sind im Trinkbereich 6 vorgesehen.A hollow tube 3 extends through the bottle top 1 into the interior of the bottle 40. This is connected at the upper end to a drinking opening 4, which is located in a drinking area 6. Two pressure chambers 13, 14 are arranged below the drinking area 6. Again below the two pressure chambers 13, 14 there are two liquid reservoirs 21, 22. A connection between the first pressure chamber 13 and the first liquid reservoir 21 is realized by corresponding valves 15 on the common contact surface or partition. A connection between the second pressure chamber 14 and the second liquid reservoir 22 is also provided by analog valves 15. The two pressure chambers 13, 14 also have a connection to small openings 11, which are used to atomize a fluid. The small openings 11 are provided in the drinking area 6.

Am oberen Ende des Flaschenaufsatzes ist ein Verschluss 30 ausgebildet, der in Form eines Nippels realisiert ist. Dieser hat grundsätzlich eine bekannte Konstruktion, so dass er beim Herausziehen die Trinköffnung 4 freigibt, so dass Flüssigkeit vom Inneren der Flasche 40 über die Trinköffnung 4 getrunken werden kann.A closure 30, which is implemented in the form of a nipple, is formed at the upper end of the bottle attachment. This basically has a known construction, so that when it is pulled out it releases the drinking opening 4 so that liquid can be drunk from inside the bottle 40 via the drinking opening 4.

Im Folgenden wird die Funktionsweise des erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsatzes 1 näher erläutert. In diesem Zusammenhang wird auch auf die Abgabeeinrichtung eingegangen, welche durch die Vielzahl der Bauteile des Flaschenaufsatzes 1 realisiert ist.The functioning of the bottle attachment 1 according to the invention is explained in more detail below. In this context, the dispensing device is also discussed, which is implemented by the large number of components of the bottle attachment 1.

Im Ausgangszustand befindet sich eine vorgebbare Menge an Flüssigkeit in der ersten Druckkammer 13, wohingegen die zweite Druckkammer 14 leer ist. Wird der Verschluss 30 nach oben gezogen, so bewegt sich ein Boden der ersten Druckkammer 13 ebenfalls nach oben. Dies führt dazu, dass aus den kleinen Öffnungen 11 die Flüssigkeit, welche sich in der ersten Druckkammer 13 befindet, herausgepresst wird.In the initial state there is a predeterminable amount of liquid in the first pressure chamber 13, whereas the second pressure chamber 14 is empty. If the closure 30 is pulled up, a bottom of the first pressure chamber 13 also moves upwards. This leads to the fact that the liquid which is located in the first pressure chamber 13 is pressed out of the small openings 11.

Beim nach oben Ziehen des Verschlusses 30 wird auch eine Zwischenwand in der zweiten Druckkammer 14 nach unten geschoben, wodurch durch das Prinzip der kommunizierenden Röhren und entsprechende Ventile ein Teil der Flüssigkeit, welche sich in dem zweiten Flüssigkeitsreservoir 22 befindet, in die zweite Druckkammer 14 überführt wird.When the closure 30 is pulled upwards, an intermediate wall in the second pressure chamber 14 is also pushed downwards, as a result of which, through the principle of the communicating tubes and corresponding valves, part of the liquid is released is located in the second liquid reservoir 22, is transferred into the second pressure chamber 14.

Ist nun der Verschluss 30 offen, so kann der Benutzer über die Trinköffnung 4 den Inhalt der Flasche zu sich nehmen. Sobald er den Verschluss 30 schließt, schiebt er ihn nach unten. Dies hat zur Folge, dass mittels einer Umlenkung der Boden beziehungsweise die bewegliche Wand in der zweiten Druckkammer 14 nach oben verschoben wird, wodurch die Flüssigkeit aus der zweiten Druckkammer 14 über die kleinen Öffnungen 11 abgegeben wird. In analoger Weise wird die Zwischenwand in der ersten Druckkammer 13 nach unten verfahren und hierdurch wiederum Flüssigkeit aus dem ersten Flüssigkeitsreservoir 21 über die Ventile 15 in die erste Druckkammer 14 überführt.If the closure 30 is now open, the user can take the contents of the bottle through the drinking opening 4. As soon as he closes the shutter 30, he pushes it down. As a result, the base or the movable wall in the second pressure chamber 14 is shifted upwards by means of a deflection, as a result of which the liquid is discharged from the second pressure chamber 14 via the small openings 11. In an analogous manner, the partition in the first pressure chamber 13 is moved downwards and, as a result, liquid is in turn transferred from the first liquid reservoir 21 via the valves 15 into the first pressure chamber 14.

Grundsätzlich sind natürlich auch andere Abgabemechanismen möglich, die mechanisch, elektrisch sowie piezoelektrisch in ähnlicher Weise realisiert sein können.In principle, of course, other delivery mechanisms are also possible, which can be implemented in a similar way mechanically, electrically and piezoelectrically.

Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsatz 1 ist es somit möglich, dass bevor der Trinkvorgang gestartet wird, zuerst eine bestimmte Menge an Flüssigkeit in den Mundbereich eines Benutzers gespritzt wird. Hierdurch entsteht ein Geschmackserlebnis entsprechend der gewählten Flüssigkeit. Anschließend kann die eigentliche Flüssigkeit aus der Flasche 40 getrunken werden. Bevorzugt handelt es sich hierbei um Wasser, welches wie bereits ausgeführt während des Trinkvorganges kaum zum Geschmackserlebnis beiträgt.With the bottle attachment 1 according to the invention it is thus possible for a certain amount of liquid to be injected into the mouth area of a user before the drinking process is started. This creates a taste experience corresponding to the selected liquid. The actual liquid can then be drunk from the bottle 40. This is preferably water, which, as already stated, hardly contributes to the taste experience during the drinking process.

Beim Schließen des Flaschenaufsatzes 1 wird erneut aus dem zweiten Reservoir 22 beziehungsweise der zweiten Druckkammer 14 eine Flüssigkeit in den Mund des Benutzers gespritzt. Dies wiederum erhöht das Geschmackserlebnis, so dass dem Benutzer vorgegaukelt wird, er hätte die ganze Zeit eine Flüssigkeit mit dem Geschmack getrunken.When the bottle top 1 is closed, a liquid is again injected from the second reservoir 22 or the second pressure chamber 14 into the mouth of the user. This in turn increases the taste experience, so that the user is led to believe that he has been drinking a liquid with the taste all the time.

Grundsätzlich ist natürlich auch möglich nur bei Öffnen oder nur beim Schließen eine Abgabe vorzusehen. In ähnlicher Weise ist es nicht zwingend notwendig, dass zwei verschiedene Flüssigkeitsreservoire 21, 22 vorgesehen sind.In principle, it is of course also possible to provide a delivery only when opening or only when closing. Similarly, it is not absolutely necessary for two different liquid reservoirs 21, 22 to be provided.

In Fig. 2 ist eine alternative Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsatzes 100 dargestellt. Dieser unterscheidet sich im Wesentlichen zu dem in Fig 1 gezeigten Flaschenaufsatz 1 dadurch, dass der Verschluss nicht zum Aktvieren der Abgabeeinrichtung verwendet wird. Hierfür ist an der Mantelfläche 132 ein Hebel 135 vorgesehen. Dieser drückt einen Stift 133 zum Aktivieren der Abgabeeinrichtung im Bereich der Mantelfläche 132. Im einfachsten Fall kann durch den Hebel 135 ein entsprechender Überdruck in dem Reservoir 21 aufgebaut werden, so dass bei Betätigung des Hebels 135 beziehungsweise des Stiftes 133 Flüssigkeit aus den kleinen Öffnungen 11 gespritzt wird. Ebenfalls ist es jedoch möglich, hier eine Mikropumpe vorzusehen, die durch den Impuls, welcher durch den Hebel 135 beziehungsweise den Stift 133 ausgelöst wird, eine Druckerhöhung im Reservoir 21 veranlasst, so dass ein Teil der Flüssigkeit über die kleinen Öffnungen 11 abgegeben wird. Auch ein direktes Abgeben über die Pumpe ohne eine Druckerhöhung im Reservoir 21 ist denkbar.In Fig. 2 an alternative embodiment of a bottle attachment 100 according to the invention is shown. This differs essentially from the one in Fig 1 Bottle attachment 1 shown in that the closure is not used to activate the dispensing device. A lever 135 is provided on the lateral surface 132 for this purpose. This presses a pin 133 to activate the dispensing device in the area of the lateral surface 132. In the simplest case, a corresponding overpressure can be built up in the reservoir 21 by the lever 135, so that when the lever 135 or the pin 133 is actuated, liquid flows out of the small openings 11 is injected. However, it is also possible here to provide a micropump which, through the impulse triggered by the lever 135 or the pin 133, causes a pressure increase in the reservoir 21 so that part of the liquid is released through the small openings 11. Direct delivery via the pump without increasing the pressure in the reservoir 21 is also conceivable.

In Fig. 3 ist eine weitere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsatzes 200 dargestellt. Dieser weist einen Kippverschluss 230 auf. Am Kippschluss 230 ist wiederum ein Stift 233 vorgesehen, welcher beim Öffnen des Kippverschlusses 230 mit einem Anschlag 231, welcher an der Mantelfläche 232 vorgesehen ist, zusammenwirkt. Dieser Anschlag kann beispielsweise eine Pumpe aktivieren, die eine Abgabe einer kleinen Menge der im Reservoir vorgesehenen Flüssigkeit über die kleinen Öffnungen 11 veranlasst.In Fig. 3 a further embodiment of the bottle attachment 200 according to the invention is shown. This has a toggle lock 230. A pin 233 is again provided on the toggle lock 230, which when the toggle lock 230 is opened interacts with a stop 231 which is provided on the lateral surface 232. This stop can activate a pump, for example, which causes a small amount of the liquid provided in the reservoir to be dispensed via the small openings 11.

Grundsätzlich sind verschiedene für den Fachmann in bekannter Weise realisierbare Einrichtungen zur Abgabe der Flüssigkeit aus dem Reservoir denkbar. Ob ein aktives Pumpen mittels einer mechanischen oder elektrischen Pumpe oder durch Aufbringen eines externen Druckes vorgesehen ist, liegt jeweils in der gewünschten Ausführungsform.In principle, various devices for dispensing the liquid from the reservoir that can be implemented in a known manner by the person skilled in the art are conceivable. Whether active pumping is provided by means of a mechanical or electrical pump or by applying an external pressure depends in each case on the desired embodiment.

Wesentlich für die Erfindung ist jedoch die Erkenntnis, dass durch die Abgabe eines kleinen Teils einer Flüssigkeit vor und/oder nach dem Trinken dem Benutzer vorgespielt wird, er würde eine andere Flüssigkeit als Wasser trinken.However, what is essential for the invention is the knowledge that by dispensing a small portion of a liquid before and / or after drinking, the user is pretending that he is drinking a liquid other than water.

Somit kann mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsatz die Kalorienaufnahme beim Trinken verringert werden ohne das Geschmackserlebnis maßgeblich zu beeinflussen.Thus, with the bottle attachment according to the invention, the calorie intake when drinking can be reduced without significantly influencing the taste experience.

Claims (14)

  1. A bottle cap (1, 100, 200) for attaching to the opening of a bottle (40),
    having a hollow tube (3), which extends into the interior of the bottle (40),
    having a drinking opening (4), which is connected to the hollow tube (3),
    having a drinking area (6), wherein the drinking opening (4) is provided in the drinking area (6), comprising
    multiple small openings (11) in the drinking area (6), which have a smaller diameter than the drinking opening (4),
    a liquid reservoir (21, 22) in the bottle cap (1, 100, 200), which is connected in a fluid-tight manner with the small openings (11),
    a dispensing device,
    characterized in that
    a) when activated the dispensing device dispenses a predefinable quantity of the liquid from the liquid reservoir (21, 22) via the small openings (11) and
    b) the multiple small openings (11) are configured for atomizing the liquid.
  2. The bottle cap (1) according to claim 1,
    characterized in that
    a stopper (30) is provided for closing the drinking opening (4) and the small openings (11) in the drinking area (6) in a fluid-tight manner, which stopper can be transferred from a closed position to an open position by means of a vertical and/or rotating movement.
  3. The bottle cap (1) according to claim 2,
    characterized in that
    the dispensing device can be activated on moving the stopper (30) from the closed position to the open position.
  4. The bottle cap (1) according to claim 2 or 3,
    characterized in that
    the dispensing device can be activated on moving the stopper (30) from the open position to the closed position.
  5. The bottle cap (200) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4,
    characterized in that
    for closing the drinking area (6), a flip closure (230) is provided which is laterally hinged,
    in that a stop (231) for the flip closure (230) is configured on the bottle cap (200) and
    in that the stop (231) is configured for activating the dispensing device on contact with the flip closure (230).
  6. The bottle cap (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5,
    characterized in that
    the bottle cap (100) is configured cylindrically and
    in that on a circumferential surface (132) of the bottle cap (230) an activating device for activating the dispensing device is configured.
  7. The bottle cap (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6,
    characterized in that
    the dispensing device has at least one pressure chamber (13, 14), which is provided such that it is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the liquid reservoir (21, 22) and the small openings (11) in the dispensing path of the liquid.
  8. The bottle cap (1) according to claim 7,
    characterized in that
    the dispensing device is configured to dispense the predefinable quantity of the liquid from the pressure chamber (13, 14) and to fill up said pressure chamber (13, 14) again after dispensing.
  9. The bottle cap (1, 100, 200) according to any one of the claims 1 to 8,
    characterized in that
    the predefinable quantity of the liquid is 1 ml to 10 ml, in particular 4 ml to 6 ml.
  10. The bottle cap (1, 100, 200) according to any one of the claims 1 to 9,
    characterized in that
    the dispensing device has a pump mechanism.
  11. The bottle cap (1, 100, 200) according to claim 10,
    characterized in that
    the pump mechanism is configured mechanically, electrically and/or piezoelectrically.
  12. The bottle cap (1, 100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
    characterized in that
    a microcontroller having an external communication interface is provided and in that the dispensing device is configured for communication with the microcontroller.
  13. The bottle cap (1, 100, 200) according to any one of the claims 1 to 12,
    characterized in that
    at least two liquid reservoirs (21, 22) are provided.
  14. Bottle (40)
    characterized in that
    the bottle is provided with a bottle cap (1, 100,200) according to any one of the claims 1 to 13.
EP19155740.4A 2019-02-06 2019-02-06 Bottle attachment Active EP3693289B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19155740.4A EP3693289B1 (en) 2019-02-06 2019-02-06 Bottle attachment
US16/776,585 US20200247591A1 (en) 2019-02-06 2020-01-30 Bottle cap
JP2020018593A JP7159234B2 (en) 2019-02-06 2020-02-06 bottle cap

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19155740.4A EP3693289B1 (en) 2019-02-06 2019-02-06 Bottle attachment

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3693289A1 EP3693289A1 (en) 2020-08-12
EP3693289B1 true EP3693289B1 (en) 2021-01-06

Family

ID=65363067

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19155740.4A Active EP3693289B1 (en) 2019-02-06 2019-02-06 Bottle attachment

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20200247591A1 (en)
EP (1) EP3693289B1 (en)
JP (1) JP7159234B2 (en)

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2804666B1 (en) 2000-02-04 2002-06-14 Oreal DISPENSER FOR STORING AT LEAST TWO COMPONENTS AND SELECTIVE DISPENSING EITHER OF A SINGLE CONSTITUENT, EITHER OF THEIR MIXTURE, AND METHOD FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF
AU2003203687B1 (en) * 2003-04-14 2003-08-14 Glen Roderick Jacobs A Container closure
GB2497781B (en) * 2011-12-20 2014-02-12 Ben Tagoe Liquid pourer
ES2560882B1 (en) * 2014-08-20 2016-11-30 Domingo PANEDA MEDINA Bottle coupled to a second for the regulated mixing of both liquids when pouring
US9694953B2 (en) 2015-01-08 2017-07-04 Runway Blue, Llc Liquid dispensing container with multi-position valve and straw
JP6538468B2 (en) 2015-07-31 2019-07-03 株式会社ダイゾー Two-component discharge type aerosol product
CA3015532A1 (en) 2016-03-04 2017-09-08 Cirkul, Inc. Adjustable additive delivery systems and methods
DE102018003669A1 (en) * 2017-07-20 2019-01-24 Ten-Ace Gmbh drinking device

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2020128259A (en) 2020-08-27
US20200247591A1 (en) 2020-08-06
JP7159234B2 (en) 2022-10-24
EP3693289A1 (en) 2020-08-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE69720504T2 (en) DISPENSER FOR A TWO-COMPONENT FLUID
DE69117050T2 (en) VALVE ARRANGEMENT IN A SIRUP DISPENSER
DE60311866T2 (en) MECHANICAL AND HYDRODYNAMIC OPERATING BREAKING UNIT
EP1888423B1 (en) Dispensing closure with a plug-through sleeve for fixing it to a container
WO2015188893A1 (en) Closure cap for attachment to a liquid container
DE3204118A1 (en) BOTTLE WITH DOSING DEVICE
CH703028B1 (en) Push button dispenser for bottles with carbonated beverages.
WO2016030073A1 (en) Metering device made of plastics material
DE60316987T2 (en) DISPENSER FOR LIQUID SUBSTANCES
DE60208925T2 (en) DISTRIBUTION DEVICE FOR MEDIA
DE60309695T2 (en) BEVERAGE CONTAINER PROVIDED WITH A DISTRIBUTION VALVE WITH IMPROVED ACTUATOR AND MEANS TO PREVENT DROPS
WO2015039702A1 (en) Closure cap for attaching to a liquid container
EP3693289B1 (en) Bottle attachment
EP1795169A1 (en) Enteral nutrition administration device
DE602005005719T2 (en) DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A LIQUID OR PASTAL PRODUCT
EP4078106B1 (en) Dosing device and method for dispensing a flowable substance
DE19754558B4 (en) bottle top
DE60209000T2 (en) LIQUID INJECTION DEVICE
CH652497A5 (en) DISPENSER FOR FLOWABLE GOOD.
EP3046850B1 (en) Closure cap for mounting on a liquid container
EP2625994A2 (en) Dispenser bottle and dispensing device
DE19609487C1 (en) Plastics cork for bottle
DE68923620T2 (en) ARRANGEMENT FOR SELECTIVE DONATION AND MIXING OF SEVERAL BEVERAGES.
DE2404315C2 (en) Raisable and lowerable filling head for devices for automatic filling at high filling speed of cans or bottles or the like. Containers with a carbonated drink
EP1582474B1 (en) Container for flowable materials such as liquids

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20191017

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200922

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1352111

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210115

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502019000623

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502019000623

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: WUNDERLICH & HEIM PATENTANWAELTE PARTNERSCHAFT, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: FP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210407

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210406

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210506

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210406

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210506

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502019000623

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210206

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20211007

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210506

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220228

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220228

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20230221

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230216

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230217

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230222

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20230216

Year of fee payment: 5

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230427

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20190206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210106

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20240301