Nipple

Abstract

The present invention provides a nipple (10) for insertion into a supply pipe, comprising a housing (12) extending along a longitudinal body axis, the housing having a longitudinal through hole (14) forming a water passage between an inlet (15) and an outlet (16). The housing has an upper portion for insertion into the supply pipe for the water inlet. A valve (20) is provided inside the housing (12), designed to block the flow of water through the through hole (14). A flow control element (39) is inserted in the housing above the valve (20), and an external circular sealing and retaining gasket (45) is located on the upper portion of the housing. Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Pacifier technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of livestock farming. More specifically, the present invention relates to a teat for an animal farm. PRIOR ART

[0002] In animal farming, such as chicken farming and more particularly broiler chicken farming, water quality is essential to promote animal growth, reduce bacterial proliferation and limit the use of antibiotics.

[0003] Water is a key element in the composition of the chicken's body, and its quality has an important impact on its health.

[0004] Currently, the water quality systems in place in chicken farms are fairly standard and meet local requirements and specific guidelines given by the farm owner. The water comes mainly from a network of taps or sometimes from waterwheels. This water is conveyed through a system of pipes leading to several drinking systems. The pipe system consists of thermoplastic pipes, and the drinking systems consist of nipples from which the chickens can drink.

[0005] During the animals' growth cycle, the water line of the drinking system is moved from bottom to top according to the growth rate of the chickens to allow them to reach the teats and drink properly.

[0006] During operation, vitamins, nutrients and disinfectants are also added to the water to promote the growth of the chickens and to prevent any contamination.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to propose a teat and a water supply system that reduce the risk of water contamination and ensure a flow of water at each point of use.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to propose an easy-to-install watering system. Summary of the invention

[0009] These objects and others of the present invention are accessed by means of a nipple to be inserted into a supply pipe, comprising a housing extending along a longitudinal body axis, the housing having a longitudinal through hole forming a water passage between an inlet and an outlet, the housing having an upper part to be inserted into the supply pipe for the water inlet, a valve inside the housing designed to block the flow of water through the through hole, and a flow control element. inserted into the housing above the valve, and an external circular sealing and retaining gasket on the upper part of the housing.

[0010] Preferably, the outer circular sealing gasket has a circumferential projection extending radially outwards from the gasket body, in particular the circumferential projection is a retaining element holding the nipple in place when the nipple is inserted into a supply pipe.

[0011] According to one aspect, the external circular sealing gasket has a gasket body extending between an upper end for insertion into a supply pipe and a lower end with a lower edge. The lower edge has an upper external surface provided for resting on the outer surface of a pipe wall and a lower external surface intended to abut against the nipple housing inserted inside the circular sealing gasket. The circumferential projection is located at a distance from the upper external surface of the lower edge corresponding to a thickness of the supply pipe wall into which the nipple is to be inserted.

[0012] According to one aspect, the circumferential projection has a curved profile with a convex internal surface forming an internal groove. Preferably, the internal surface has an internal radius of curvature and the circumferential projection has a curved external surface with an external radius of curvature, the internal radius of curvature being smaller than the external radius of curvature.

[0013] According to yet another aspect, the teat has a positioning element indicating that the seal is correctly assembled on the teat and / or that the teat is correctly inserted into the supply tube, in particular wherein the teat has a lower part designed to protrude from the tube when the teat is mounted to the lower part of the tube, the upper and lower parts being connected by an annular edge or a shoulder extending radially from the teat body.

[0014] According to another aspect, the upper end of the sealing joint is provided with a protective arrangement, the protective arrangement comprising at least one flexible arm partially covering the supply portion, supplied at a vertical distance from the upper end and providing a central passage of diameter less than a cartridge diameter and which can be opened by a force exerted during the insertion or removal of a cartridge.

[0015] The valve may include a ball designed to block the flow of water and a valve stem. In one aspect, the housing includes an insert having internal ends defining a conical valve seat on which the ball rests, a hollow insert body extending between said internal ends and the outlet, and an annular rim extending radially inward toward the water passage at the outlet, in which the valve stem is removably inserted into the insert, the valve stem having an enlarged head and a stem body extending from the enlarged head and protruding outside the insert.

[0016] In a closed position of the valve, the enlarged head of the valve stem can rest on the annular edge and the ball rests on the ball receiving seat, and in which the valve is opened by lifting and / or tilting the valve stem to lift and move at least partially away the enlarged head from the annular edge.

[0017] According to one aspect, at least one of the ball, the insert and the valve stem are made of stainless steel.

[0018] According to yet another aspect, the flow control element is a cartridge which is inserted removably into the housing, and whose diameter can be chosen for adaptation to a chosen flow.

[0019] Advantageously, at least one of the cartridge and the housing body is made of thermoplastic material with an antimicrobial agent, or in which the antimicrobial agent is in the mass of the thermoplastic material.

[0020] The system is efficient in its use. The watering system has a high responsiveness thanks to the vertical alignment of the different elements.

[0021] The system is versatile; it allows certain parts of the teat to be removed and replaced without replacing the entire teat. While known systems require a new teat when a different flow rate is required, the present invention only requires replacing the flow-regulating cartridge with a version of a different diameter.

[0022] This helps to prevent water stagnation.

[0023] The system is easy to install and operate. The design of the rubber seal facilitates the insertion and removal of the teat, while ensuring a strong seal during use. The shape of the anti-removal portion of the seal, comprising a shoulder on the outer side and a groove on the inner side, ensures high elasticity and flexibility. The shape of the shoulder ensures that the teat is securely positioned in the tubing opening, while its flexibility allows for efficient insertion and removal. The rubber seal includes protective means at the upper end that hold the flow-regulating cartridge within the teat body, preventing the flow-regulating cartridge from falling out or being damaged during transport or installation.

[0024] The system also allows safer operation and easier installation, because the geometric elements in contact provide protection against rotation, so that the vertical arrangement will never be compromised.

[0025] The system is effective. For the chickens to drink effectively anywhere around the teats, the teats must provide the same flow rate at every degree of the 360° access circle. These 360° systems are prone to leakage. due to water pressure in the pipes into which the teats are inserted. The present invention proposes a system with a high level of sealing immediately after the chicken has accessed the teat to drink.

[0026] The system has antibacterial qualities. The flow regulating cartridge containing an antibacterial agent has a guaranteed antibacterial effect thanks to its mobility when the valve is activated, which prevents it from expanding. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings 1 to 13, among which

[0028] [Fig-1] is an overview of a water supply network according to the present disclosure,

[0029] [Fig.2] is a pacifier according to the present disclosure,

[0030] [Fig.3] is a detailed view of the pacifier according to the present disclosure,

[0031] [Fig.4] is a detailed view of the pacifier according to the present disclosure,

[0032] [Fig.5] is a detailed view of the pacifier according to the present disclosure,

[0033] [Fig.6] is a detailed view of the pacifier according to the present disclosure,

[0034] [Fig.7] is a detailed view of a seal for the teat of Figures 2 to 6, according to this disclosure,

[0035] [Fig.8] is a view of a water supply assembly according to the present disclosure,

[0036] [Fig.9] is a water supply assembly according to another aspect of this disclosure,

[0037] [Fig. 10] is a detailed view of the water supply assembly of [Fig. 8] according to this disclosure,

[0038] [Fig. 11] is a detailed view of elements of a water supply assembly according to the present disclosure,

[0039] [Fig. 12] is a detailed view of elements of the water supply assembly of [Fig. 9], according to this disclosure,

[0040] [Fig. 13] shows the assembly steps of a water supply assembly according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] [Fig.1] illustrates a water supply network 1 according to this disclosure,

[0042] The water supply network 1 comprises a water supply line 2 comprising a plurality of water supply systems 55 connected by fittings 56. The plurality of water supply systems 55 includes a plurality of nipples 10 enabling the chickens to drink.

[0043] The water supply line 2 is supplied by one or more water sources 3 (not shown). A water panel may be located between the water source and the water supply line 2. For example, the water source is located in a room and the water supply line 2 is located in a growth room where all the animals are present.

[0044] A pressure regulator 4 may be provided downstream of the water source 3 to supply the teats 10 with a pressure within the operating pressure of the teats.

[0045] In the example of [Fig. 1], only one water supply line is shown. Of course, a water supply network can include as many water supply lines as necessary depending on the requirements, connected to a single source or to a plurality of water sources, with one or more pressure regulators at the inlet of the water supply lines.

[0046] The teat 10 will now be described in detail with reference to [Fig.2] to 7.

[0047] The teat 10 comprises a housing 12 extending along a longitudinal body axis AA, having a longitudinal through hole 14 forming a water passage between an inlet 15 and an outlet 16.

[0048] A valve 20, comprising a valve stem 22 and a ball 32, is provided inside the housing 12, designed to block the flow of water through the through hole 14.

[0049] The housing 12 includes a power supply part 17 A extending from the inlet, followed by a valve receiving part 17B to house the valve 20 consisting of a ball 32 and a valve stem 22.

[0050] The valve receiving portion 17B includes a ball receiving portion 18 followed by an insert receiving portion 19 extending to the outlet 16.

[0051] The through hole 14 has a first diameter 14A in the feed portion 17A, a second diameter 14B in the ball receiving portion 18, and a third diameter 14C in the insert receiving portion 19. The first diameter 14A is the smallest and the third diameter 14C is the largest. It could be assumed that the first diameter 14A of the feed portion 17A and the second diameter 14B of the ball receiving portion 17B are equal.

[0052] An insert 25 is provided in the insert receiving part 19. The insert 25 has internal ends defining a conical valve seat 26, a hollow insert body 27 extending between the internal ends 26 and the outlet 16, and an annular edge 28 at the outlet 16. The edge 28 extends radially inwards, towards the water passage.

[0053] The insert 25 is shown as a separate part from the valve housing. However, this is not limiting and the insert can also be made in one piece with the valve housing.

[0054] The valve stem 22 is movably inserted into the insert body 27. The valve stem 22 has an enlarged head 23 and a stem body 24 extending from the enlarged head 23 and projecting out of the insert 25. The enlarged head 22 rests on the annular edge 28 of the insert.

[0055] The stem body 24 has a stem diameter smaller than the inner edge diameter 28A so as to provide a free flow passage. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment and according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the free space is dimensioned so that the stem can be sufficiently inclined within the free space to allow the valve to open; that is, the ball can be lifted from its seat by any movement applied to the valve stem. This allows the animal, regardless of its growth stage and position, to easily actuate the teat without it being necessary to push the stem directly vertically.

[0056] The valve stem 22 forms, together with the ball 32, a valve 20 which can be opened by lifting the valve stem 22 to lift and detach the enlarged head 23 from the valve stem 22 of said annular edge 28 or by tilting the valve stem 22 to lift and detach a part of the stem head 23 of said annular edge.

[0057] The ball 32 is placed in the ball receiving part 18. The ball 32 rests in the closed position on the conical valve seat 26 and is lifted and detached from the valve seat 26 by the valve stem 22 when the valve stem 22 is lifted and / or inclined to detach from the annular edge 28.

[0058] In other words, the ball 32 is normally placed on the valve seat 26 and presses the enlarged head 23 of the valve stem 22 towards the annular edge 28, to block the flow of water through the insert 25 and the outlet 16 of the housing 12. However, when the stem 22 is tilted or lifted by a chicken, the enlarged head 23 displaces the ball 32 from the valve seat 26, and thus allows the flow of water through the free space 28 of the teat assembly towards and through the outlet 16.

[0059] The ball, insert and rod assembly is designed to prevent leaks, as well as to achieve good hydraulic performance.

[0060] As seen in [Fig.6], ribs 33 are provided on the upper part of the ball receiving part 18, to allow the flow of water when the ball is lifted in the ball receiving part 18. In other words, the ribs 33 prevent the ball from resting and blocking the passage of water from the feeding part.

[0061] A flow control element 39 is inserted inside the feed portion 17A of the teat to regulate the water flow. The flow control element is a cartridge 39 that is removably inserted into the feed portion 17A of the teat.

[0062] The cartridge 39 is provided to restrict the flow of water from the water supply pipe 2 to the valve seat 23 of the teat. Furthermore, the cartridge may be made of a thermoplastic material, for example PVC, with an antibacterial or antimicrobial agent, as an anti-contamination agent.

[0063] The cartridge 39 can be easily replaced to adapt the water flow to the needs of the chicken during its growth cycle, or to suit the needs of other animals (hens, etc.), or to change the cartridge to refresh the action of the anti-contamination agent. Whenever the chicken needs a change, the current cartridge can be removed and a new cartridge with a different diameter, adapted to the flow requirements, can be selected.

[0064] To facilitate cartridge removal, the cartridge is designed to be longer than the length of the 17A power supply part, so that the cartridge protrudes from the 17A power supply part.

[0065] In addition, the cartridge 39 prevents stagnant water when the chicken stops drinking. The cartridge 39 is cylindrical in shape with a diameter chosen to provide a free space allowing water to flow into the teat 10. This free space must be adjusted by changing the cartridge 39 to one with a smaller diameter. Preferably, the free space has a radial length in the range of 1% to 20%, and more preferably 2% to 5% of the diameter of the feed portion 17A.

[0066] As seen in [Fig. 5], the cartridge may have one end portion 39A, preferably two end portions 39A, with a reduced diameter. This reduced diameter is used to compensate for defects that may appear during the molding of the teat housing 12, particularly at the upper end of the housing. When the cartridge has a reduced diameter at both ends, there is no specific insertion direction for inserting the cartridge into the teat.

[0067] It should be noted that the end part with a reduced diameter is long enough so that, when the ball has been lifted into the highest possible position against the grooves 33, the end part with a reduced diameter is still partly inserted into the housing, the cartridge being in this high position.

[0068] The teat 10 is configured to be inserted into the water line 2, in particular into a hole in the water pipe.

[0069] An external circular sealing gasket 45 is provided to ensure the sealing of the drinking valve mounted on the drinking line, as well as its attachment by providing sufficient engagement with the pipe once inserted, so as to be locked in place and to withstand the water pressure in the pipe, without risk of inadvertently becoming loose. On the other hand, the sealing gasket is configured to allow the nipple to be held removably within the pipe. In other words, When a pacifier needs to be replaced, the pacifier can be mechanically pulled to remove / take it out of the receiving hole.

[0070] The circular sealing gasket can be supplied as a single piece mounted on the housing body 12 or can be supplied as a separate element.

[0071] The external circular sealing joint 45 has a sealing body to be inserted into a pipe, extending between an upper end 46 to be inserted into the pipe and a lower end 47 with a lower edge 48.

[0072] The lower edge 48 has an upper external surface 48A intended to rest against the external surface of the pipe wall, indicating the correct insertion of the seal into the pipe.

[0073] The nipple has an upper portion 41 on which the external circular sealing ring 45 is mounted, which has an external diameter allowing it to be inserted into the tube by snapping. The nipple has a lower portion 42 designed to protrude from the tube when the nipple is mounted to the tube. The upper portion 41 and the lower portion 42 are connected by an annular edge or shoulder 43 extending radially from the nipple body.

[0074] The teat housing 12 is inserted inside the circular sealing gasket 45 until the annular shoulder 43 butts up against a lower external surface 48B of the sealing gasket 45.

[0075] The annular edge or shoulder 43 is a positioning element, to indicate both that the seal is correctly assembled on the nipple, and / or that the nipple with the seal is correctly inserted into the supply pipe.

[0076] The external circular sealing ring 45 has a circumferential projection 49 extending radially outwards from the body of the ring. The circumferential projection 49 is located at a distance from the upper outer surface 48A to the lower edge 48 that corresponds to the thickness of the pipe wall into which the drinking valve and the ring are to be inserted. Thus, when the ring is inserted into the pipe, the circumferential projection 49 is inside the pipe, just above the pipe wall. Under pressure, when water flows, the circumferential projection 49 is pressed against the pipe wall. This ensures both the sealing and the retention of the ring and the nipple in place.

[0077] In other words, the circumferential protrusion 49 of the sealing gasket 45 is a retaining element of the nipple in place when the nipple is inserted into the supply pipe.

[0078] The circumferential projection 49 preferably has a curved profile designed to increase the compression of the circumferential projection 49 against the pipe wall under the water load.

[0079] The internal surface 49A of the circumferential projection 49 is convex. This convexity of the internal surface contributes to the flattening of the projection under the water load. The The convexity of the internal surface provides space for the protrusion during insertion into the pipe or removal of the joint from the pipe, thus preventing tearing of the joint.

[0080] It should be noted that the radius of curvature RA of the internal surface 49A is preferably less than the radius of curvature RB of the external surface of the projection 49, in order to withstand the water pressure in operation.

[0081] In addition, the lower outer surface 49C of the circumferential projection 49 has a radius of curvature RC allowing the insertion of the seal into the pipe and preventing the projection from being damaged or even cut during the insertion of the seal into the pipe.

[0082] The external diameter of the circumferential projection 49 of the seal is preferably % to 15% greater than the external diameter of the seal body, to ensure that the seal is held in place during operation.

[0083] The upper end 46 of the sealing gasket 45 is provided with a protective arrangement 46A to prevent unintentional removal of the cartridge from the teat 10. The protective arrangement keeps the cartridge in place during transport and assembly. The protective arrangement comprises two flexible arms partially covering the feeding portion, provided at a vertical distance from the upper end 46 greater than the maximum protrusion distance of the cartridge, to allow the cartridge 39 to move up and down during normal valve operation, but stopping the movement of the cartridge whenever the cartridge could slip out of the feeding portion, for example if the teat is upside down or during teat rotation.

[0084] It should be noted that the two arms 46A do not cover the entire diameter of the feeding portion, but still leave a central passage 46B with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the smallest cartridge. Thus, even the smallest cartridge envisaged, with the smallest envisaged diameter, can be blocked and prevented from being accidentally withdrawn once inserted into the nipple. On the other hand, the flexibility of the two arms allows the passage to be opened and the cartridge to be forced into or out during insertion and / or removal, respectively.

[0085] Returning to [Fig.1], the plurality of teats 10 is connected to the water supply line 2 by a plurality of water supply assemblies 55. The water supply assembly 55 is detailed with reference to [Fig.9] to 13.

[0086] The water supply assembly 55 includes a pipe support collar 70 and an alignment retaining device or otherwise called alignment support 90.

[0087] The pipe support collar 70 comprises a collar body 74 with a first clamping element 71 and a second clamping element 72 spaced from the first clamping element 71. Therefore, the support collar is a double clamping collar, which can hold a first pipe 61 and a second pipe 62.

[0088] The first clamping element 71 and the second clamping element 72 have a clamping ring 73, 73B, for clamping the first and second pipes respectively. The first and second clamping elements 71, 72 have sufficient width to ensure that the pipes are kept parallel.

[0089] In the example illustrated in the figures, the collar body 74 consists of two collar body halves 74a, 74b which are hinged at one end of the collar body 74, to open or close the collar body. In the closed position, the two halves 74a, 74b are joined to close the first and second clamping elements 71, 72.

[0090] For this purpose, cooperative closing elements 75A, 75B are provided on the collar body to maintain the collar body 74 in the closed position.

[0091] A user may receive a pipe support collar 74 supplied in the open position or may open the pipe support collar 74, place the first and second pipes on one half of the pipe collar, and close the pipe support collar 74, so that the first and second pipes are encircled by the first and second clamping element respectively.

[0092] During operation, the collar body 74 extends vertically, and the first and second clamping elements are aligned vertically. Thus, the two pipes 61 and 62 are aligned in a vertical plane. The first pipe is the water supply pipe. The second pipe is the upper pipe and can be used to prevent chickens from settling on the lower pipe.

[0093] One or more fixing holes 78 are provided at the upper end of the collar body 74, for fixing the system to the ceiling and for allowing adjustment of the position of the drinking system and therefore of the teat to the size of the chicken during its growth. The height adjustment can be done manually.

[0094] The water supply assembly 55 also includes an alignment retainer 90 to assist in assembling and aligning the pipe support collar 70, the water supply pipe or first pipe 61, the nipple 10, and, when necessary, the second pipe 62 and a cup 99 to collect water that falls from the nipple when the chicken drinks. Aligning the various components ensures that, once the system is fixed to the ceiling during operation, the pipe support collar 70 and the nipple 10 inserted into the water supply pipe, as well as the cup if present, are vertically aligned, with the first and second parallel pipes also aligned in the vertical plane.

[0095] The alignment retaining device 90 comprises an alignment retaining device body 91 in the form of an extended annular collar or a cylinder, and which, in operation, is provided to encircle the first pipe 61.

[0096] The alignment retaining device body 91 comprises two articulated body parts 91A, 91B, which can be opened or connected to each other to form a pipe clamp tightening the first pipe 61.

[0097] The alignment retainer body 91 includes an alignment retainer hole 98, for the passage of the teat inserted in the first tube 61. The alignment retainer body 91 is wider than the teat 10 and serves as protection for the teat 10.

[0098] The alignment retaining device 90 also serves as a cup support, to fix the cup 99.

[0099] A shape-matching positioning arrangement is provided to aid in the assembly of the water supply system 55.

[0100] The shape-matching positioning arrangement includes one or more recesses and projections on the pipe support collar 70 and the alignment retaining device 90.

[0101] In the illustrated example, a first positioning projection 83 extends from the clamp 73 of the first pipe element 71. The first positioning projection 83 extends laterally, orthogonally from the clamp 73. Thus, the first positioning projection 83 extends parallel to the first pipe when the first pipe is inserted into the clamp 73.

[0102] The first positioning projection 83 is provided to cooperate with a positioning recess 92 in the alignment retaining device 90 designed to mate by form correspondence with the positioning projection 82. Of course, this does not limit the invention and the positioning ring can be provided on the support body and the corresponding hole on the clamping element.

[0103] The positioning elements and arrangement of the pipe support collar ensure that, in operation, the pipe support collar 70 with the first and second clamping elements 71, 72 are vertically aligned, as well as the nipple inserted in the second pipe and, if a cup is provided, the cup 99.

[0104] Preferably, the water supply system 55 can have a maximum length of 5 meters. A length of a few meters, for example from 2 to 4 meters, allows for maintaining good rigidity and robustness of the entire supply line.

[0105] The water supply systems 55 are connected to each other by fittings 56, preferably push-fit fittings. A second positioning projection 84 extending from the clamping element 72 and / or a third positioning projection 85 extending from the first clamping element 71 are provided. The second positioning projection 84 and the third positioning projection 85 extend in a lateral direction opposite to the first positioning projection 83 and are provided to indicate that the hose system 60 is correctly inserted into the fitting 56.

[0106] In other words, the positioning projection 83 and / or the third positioning projection 84 allow verification of correct hose insertion during the insertion of the hose into the fitting (of the push-fit / socket type). It is advantageous to know that the hoses are properly inserted, i.e., until the projection is in contact with the fitting.

[0107] The assembly of the water supply system 55 is illustrated in [Fig. 13] as follows

[0108] First, the teat 10 is inserted into the first pipe 61, as shown in steps 1 to 3. In the figure, the sealing ring 45 is inserted first, then the teat 10, but it is also possible to have the teat with its external sealing ring 45 and to insert directly both the sealing ring and the teat.

[0109] In a subsequent step, the alignment retainer 90 is mounted on the first pipe 61. To do this, the alignment retainer 90 is opened to allow the nipple to pass through the hole in the retainer 98 and the alignment retainer 90 to slide around the nipple 10 towards the first pipe 61, as seen in steps 5 and 6. At this stage, the alignment retainer 90 rests against the first pipe 61 and it is possible to close the alignment retainer 90 around the pipe 61 (step 7).

[0110] Next, the user can mount the pipe support collar 70 onto the first pipe 61. To do this, the user positions the first pipe 61 onto the clamping element 71 and, if necessary, the second pipe onto the second clamping element 72, in steps 8 and 9, and closes the collar body 74 in step 10.

[0111] Finally, the user aligns the pipe support collar 70 with the alignment retainer 90. To this end, the user can slide the alignment retainer 90 or the pipe support collar 70 until the protrusion and the positioning recess in the double clamp and the retainer fit together, like puzzle pieces, in steps 11 and 12. If necessary, the user can rotate the first pipe 61 to a position allowing the pipe support collar and the alignment retainer to engage by form matching.

[0112] It should be noted that this is only possible if the pipe support collar 70 and the alignment retaining device 90 fit together when the nipple 10 is positioned vertically, extending vertically down the first pipe 61 when the system is fixed to the ceiling.

[0113] Thus, a person skilled in the art understands that the arrangement of the pipe support collar 70 and the alignment retainer 90 provides the vertical alignment of the system. The form-matching snap-fit ​​positioning system ensures vertical alignment of both the pipe support collar 70 and the nipple 10 inserted into the water supply pipe 61, as well as the cup 99, if present.

[0114] If the teat is aligned first, all the other elements will also be vertical, and the teats will work better. In other words, once the teat is aligned, all the other elements are also aligned.

[0115] Verticality has a positive effect on the responsiveness of the teat 10. In particular, good vertical alignment is good for water pressure control.

[0116] It should be noted that the pressure regulator 4 is also preferably designed to allow centering of the pressure regulator 4 in the vertical direction and to improve the verticality of the waterline with the pressure regulator.

[0117] The pressure regulator 4 is preferably supplied with the solenoid valve centered on top of the pressure regulator.

[0118] In other words, instead of having pressure regulating elements with different weight purge elements located outside the vertical plane and thus stressing the system towards an unbalanced position, the pressure regulator is self-centered to be vertically aligned or at least have its center of gravity aligned in the vertical plane.

[0119] The nipple 10 is protected by the alignment retainer 90, but the nipple 10 is held in the pipe by means of its external sealing ring 45. It is therefore possible to remove the alignment retainer 90 once everything has been correctly fixed and aligned. The cup 99 can be removed if necessary; the water supply system 50 remains in place.

[0120] The water supply system 55 is easy to install. The nipple can simply be inserted into the pipe. The alignment retainer 90 and the pipe support collar 70 ensure both the correct assembly and positioning of the various components, as well as the protection of the nipple 10.

[0121] An anti-perching device may be fixed above, at a distance from the pipes, but this is optional. The anti-perching device may be a metal bar, but other anti-perching devices are conceivable, such as a rotating system enabling the chickens not to sit or perch on the water pipe and, preferably, on the second pipe as well, when present.

[0122] The various elements of the system are chosen from materials selected to reduce the risk of contamination.

[0123] An antibacterial material is provided for the parts in contact with drinking water.

[0124] The tubes 61, 62 may be made of thermoplastic material, for example PVC or c-PVC with an antibacterial material. The tube support collar and retaining device, as well as the nipple housing, may be made of thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene (PP) with an antibacterial material. The cartridge may be made of thermoplastic material, for example PVC with an antibacterial material.

[0125] The antibacterial element is not supplied as a coating only, but is supplied as part of the mass. The antibacterial element is preferably added homogeneously to the thermoplastic material, for example PP or PVC.

[0126] Having the antibacterial element in the mass provides a significant advantage over having a coating only, since this excludes the risk of having a deteriorated coating and the risk of dissolution in water.

[0127] A non-limiting example of an antibacterial element is silver.

[0128] The ball, the valve stem and the insert are preferably made of stainless steel, which is in itself a hygienic material.

[0129] The seal is preferably made of rubber / EPDM for the seal, to fix the nipple in the pipe.

[0130] Overall, this disclosure relates to a system that reduces water contamination. The presence of stagnant water is avoided, and the material of the various components reduces biofilm formation in the pipes and decreases the number of bacteria. This improvement, in turn, reduces the use of antibiotics, the need to flush the system, and the need for chemical disinfection products. The result is less disease or mortality in chickens, as well as a more environmentally friendly system that uses less water and fewer chemical / antibiotic treatments.

[0131] The above description of preferred embodiments of the invention has been given for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above or may be acquired through practice of the invention. The embodiment has been chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable a person skilled in the art to use the invention in various embodiments suitable for the particular intended use. List of reference numbers:

[0132] Waterline 2

[0133] Water source 3

[0134] Nipple 10

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[0163] Housing 12 Longitudinal body axis AA, Through hole 14, First diameter 14A, Second diameter 14B, Third diameter 14C Inlet 15 Outlet 16 Feeding part 17A Valve receiving part 17B Ball receiving part 18 Part 19 valve insert receiving 20 valve stem 22 enlarged head 23 stem body 24 insert 25 internal ends defining a conical valve seat 26 hollow insert body 27 annular edge of insert 28 ball 32 cage 33 cartridge 39 housing insertion part 41 lower housing part 42 housing body edge / shoulder 43 external circular sealing gasket 45 upper end 46 protective / anti-retraction arm 46A,cartridge passage 46B lower end 47 lower edge 48 with a lower external surface 48B and an upper surface 48A

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[0171] circumferential projection 49 internal surface 49A external surface 49B lower external surface 49C radius of curvature RA, RB, RC water supply system 55 pipe system 60, first pipe 61 second pipe 62 anti-perching system 65,

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[0185] Pipe support collar 70 First clamping element 71 Second clamping element 72 Clamp 73 Clamp body 74 Mounting holes 78 Positioning projection 83 Positioning projection 84 Positioning projection 85 Alignment retainer 90 Alignment retainer body 91 Positioning hole 92 Retainer hole 98 Cup 99

Claims

Demands

1. A nipple (10) for insertion into a supply pipe, comprising a housing (12) extending along a longitudinal body axis, the housing having a longitudinal through hole (14) forming a water passage between an inlet (15) and an outlet (16), the housing having an upper portion for insertion into the supply pipe for the water inlet, a valve (20) inside the housing (12) designed to block the flow of water through the through hole (14), a flow control element (39) inserted in the housing above the valve (20), the flow control element (39) being a cartridge, and an external circular sealing and retaining gasket (45) on the upper portion of the housing, wherein the external circular sealing gasket (45) has a gasket body extending between an upper end (46) for insertion into a supply pipe and a lower end (47) with a lower edge (48),the lower edge (48) having an upper external surface (48A) intended to rest against the outer surface of a pipe wall and a lower external surface (48B) intended to abut against the nipple housing (12) inserted inside the circular seal, wherein the upper end (46) of the seal (45) is provided with a protective arrangement (46A), the protective arrangement comprising at least one flexible arm (46A) partially covering the supply portion, provided at a vertical distance from the upper end and providing a central passage with a diameter smaller than a cartridge diameter and which can be opened by a force exerted during the insertion or removal of the cartridge.

2. Nipple according to claim 1, wherein the outer circular sealing gasket (45) has a circumferential projection (49) extending radially outwards from the body of the gasket, in particular the circumferential projection is a retaining element holding the nipple in place when the nipple is inserted into a supply pipe.

3. Nipple according to claim 2, the circumferential projection (49) is located at a distance from the upper external surface (48A) of the lower edge (48) corresponding to a thickness of the wall of the supply pipe into which the nipple is to be inserted.

4. Nipple according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the circumferential projection (49) has a curved profile with a convex internal surface (49A) forming an internal groove.

5. Nipple according to claim 4, wherein the internal surface (49A) has an internal radius of curvature and the circumferential projection (49) has a curved external surface (49B) with an external radius of curvature, the internal radius of curvature being less than the external radius of curvature (RB).

6. Nipple according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the nipple has a positioning element (43) indicating that the seal is correctly assembled on the nipple and / or that the nipple is correctly inserted into the supply tube, in particular wherein the nipple has a lower part (42) designed to protrude from the tube when the nipple is mounted to the lower part of the tube, the upper part (41) and the lower part (42) being connected by an annular edge or a shoulder (43) extending radially from a nipple body.

7. A teat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (20) comprises a ball (32) designed to block the flow of water and a valve stem (22), the housing comprises an insert (25) having internal ends defining a conical valve seat (26) on which the ball rests, a hollow insert body (27) extending between said internal ends (26) and the outlet (16), and an annular rim (28) extending radially inwards in the direction of the water passage at the outlet (16), wherein the valve stem (22) is removably inserted into the insert (27), the valve stem having an enlarged head (23) and a stem body (24) extending from the enlarged head (23) and protruding outside the insert (25).

8. Nipple according to claim 7, wherein in a closed position of the valve, the enlarged head (23) of the valve stem rests on the annular edge (28) and the ball rests on the ball receiving seat (26), and wherein the valve (20) is opened by lifting and / or tilting the valve stem (22) to lift and at least partially move the enlarged head (23) away from the annular edge.

9. Nipple according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein at least one of the ball, the insert and the valve stem are made of stainless steel.

10. Nipple according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge is removably inserted into the housing, and the diameter of the cartridge can be chosen for adaptation to a chosen flow.

11. Nipple according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the cartridge and one housing body is made of thermoplastic material with an antimicrobial agent, or wherein the antimicrobial agent is in the mass of the thermoplastic material.

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