Improvements in or relating to milking liners of or for dairy milking equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a milking liner for use with a teat cup assembly that includes a rigid shell member, the milking liner comprising a head region presenting a mouth opening and a skirt about the mouth opening, a barrel comprising a barrel wall defining a chamber to receive the teat of an animal via the mouth opening and extending in an longitudinal direction from the head region to a hackle region that defines a passage for milk from the barrel and comprises of a sealing surface to sealing engage with a sealing seat of the shell member, wherein the sealing surface, when viewed in a cross section to which the longitudinal direction is normal, comprises of at least 3 discrete and adjoining side regions.

Description

[0001] IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO MILKING LINERS OF OR FOR DAIRY MILKING EQUIPMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to dairy milking equipment, particularly to replaceable milking liners for teat attachments.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] When using automated milking equipment to express milk from livestock, milking liners are used to contact and cup the teat of the cow. These milking liners are designed to be compliant so that a vacuum may actuate the liner to thereby facilitate milk expression.

[0006] Milking liners are generally a replaceable part for reasons including to maintain hygiene throughout milking many livestock, and as well as ensuring optimal milking performance as the rubber wears out over time.

[0007] Milking liners may be made of various elastic materials, including synthetic or natural rubbers such as silicone or polyurethane.

[0008] Milking liners commonly comprise a head region, a barrel region, and a hackle. Milking liners generally fit into, and form a seal with, an outer shell. A vacuum is then generated in a space between the shell and the outside of the liner, at the barrel region, actuating the liner to express milk from the teat of the cow.

[0009] The teat of the cow is received by a mount opening of the head region of the liner, and the top of the shell connects a skirt of the head region to the outside of the mouth opening, and the bottom of the shell connects to the hackle, where the hackle is generally grooved to fit into a rim or groove of the shell. This sealing at either end of the shell, sealing at the head and the hackle, provides the space around the barrel in which a pulsating vacuum may be generated.

[0010] The longitudinal length from the top of the shell to the bottom of the shell is generally longer than the corresponding connecting locations of the head and hackle of the liner, such that the liner is generally elastically stretched and fastened to the shell.

[0011] In existing products, milking liners presently comprise various profile shapes for the barrel, such as round, triangular, or square bores. Each of these collapse differently when undergoing the vacuum cycles. The hackle, however, is generally found to be a round profile. NZ Design #422093 'A Milking Liner' of Donaghy's Limited discloses a milking liner comprising a barrel with a square profile that transitions into a hackle with a round profile. NZ Design #413787 'A Teat Cup Liner Head' of DeLAVAL Holding AB which claims a head of a milking liner also discloses a milking liner comprising a barrel with a round profile and a hackle with a round profile. NZ Design #18902 'A Milking Inflation' of Geoffrey Spottiswoode Mills discloses a milking liner comprising a barrel with a round profile and a hackle with a round profile.

[0012] US patent US6, 164,243 describes a milking liner with a generally triangular barrel. The triangular shape assists with ensuring that the barrel collapses in a consistent manner.

[0013] However, above publications each comprise of a generally circular interface between the hackle and the outer shell. As such the barrel, where it is not of a circular cross section, needs to transition in shape to a circular cross section of its hackle. This transitioning can reduce milking efficiency.

[0014] On the other side of the hackle to the barrel, the milking liner presents a short milk tube. This can be subjected to twisting for a variety of reasons. This can lead to barrel to be twisted to some extent as the circular hackle can only resist a limited among of the twist force of the short milk tube. A twisted barrel may compromise the seal with the animal's teat and / or it may reduce milking efficiency. Over time, the material of the liner may experience compression set or creep such that the expressing performance may degrade, and the hackle may loosen at the bottom of the shell. Loosening of the hackle may also result in twist in the liner, further degrading milk expressing performance.

[0015] Due to the replaceable nature of the milk liners, farm operators need to manage numerous milk expressors and swap out the milk liners from time to time which can take time and can be difficult to ensure that the milk liner is seated properly within the shell.

[0016] Therein exists a need for a milk liner that obviates the potential twist of the liner within the shell, as well as a liner that is easy to insert and fasten within the shell.

[0017] Accordingly the present invention provides a milking liner that addresses the above mentioned disadvantages and / or that will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a milking liner for use with a teat cup assembly that includes a rigid shell member, the milking liner comprising: a head region presenting a mouth opening and a skirt about the mouth opening, a barrel comprising a barrel wall defining a chamber to receive the teat of an animal via the mouth opening and extending in an longitudinal direction from the head region to a hackle region that defines a passage for milk from the barrel and comprises of a sealing surface to sealing engage with a sealing seat of the shell member, wherein the sealing surface, when viewed in a cross section to which the longitudinal direction is normal, comprises of at least 3 discrete and adjoining side regions.

[0019] Preferably the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of identical profile to each other.

[0020] Preferably the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of a linear profile.

[0021] Preferably the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of a linear profile and adjoin each other at their ends at respective apex points.

[0022] Preferably the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of a linear profile and adjoin each other at their ends at respective corners.

[0023] Preferably the corners are radii or chamfered corners.

[0024] Preferably the at least 3 discrete side regions are co-extensive with respective sides of a notional polygon.

[0025] Preferably the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of an arcuate profile.

[0026] Preferably the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of arcuate profile and adjoin each other at their ends at respective apex points.

[0027] Preferably the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of an arcuate profile and adjoin each other at their ends at respective corners.

[0028] Preferably the corners are radii or chamfered corners.

[0029] Preferably there are 3 discrete side regions.

[0030] Preferably there are 4 discrete side regions.

[0031] Preferably the sealing surface of the hackle is of a triangular profile.

[0032] Preferably the sealing surface of the hackle is of a square profile. Preferably the barrel wall comprises of at least 3 discrete and adjoining sides that when viewed along the elongate direction are complimentary with the at least 3 discrete and adjoining sides of the sealing surfaces of the hackle.

[0033] Preferably the barrel wall comprises of at least 3 discrete and adjoining sides that when viewed along the elongate direction are a translated or dilated transformation of the at least 3 discrete and adjoining sides of the sealing surfaces of the hackle.

[0034] Preferably the interior wall at the end of the barrel proximate the hackle is of a cross sectional shape that is the same or is a dialated transformation of the cross sectional shape of the passage through the hackle.

[0035] Preferably no shape changing transition region exist between the end of the barrel proximate the hackle and the hackle.

[0036] Preferably the passage through the hackle is of a polygonal cross sectional area.. Preferably the passage through the hackle is of a triangular cross sectional area..

[0037] Preferably the passage through the hackle is of a square cross sectional area..

[0038] Preferably the chamber of the barrel is of a polygonal cross sectional area Preferably the passage the chamber of the barrel is of a triangular cross sectional area..

[0039] Preferably the chamber of the barrel is of a square cross sectional area..

[0040] In a second aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a milking liner for use with a teat cup assembly that includes a rigid shell member, the milking liner comprising: a head region presenting a mouth opening and a skirt about the mouth opening, a barrel comprising a barrel wall defining a chamber to receive the teat of an animal via the mouth opening and extending in an longitudinal direction from the head region to a hackle region, wherein barrel wall defines of at least 3 discrete and adjoining wall regions and the interior of the barrel wall at the end of the barrel proximate the hackle is of a cross sectional shape that is identical to or a dilated transformation of the cross sectional shape of the passage through the hackle.

[0041] Preferably the hackle comprises of a sealing surface to sealing engage with a sealing seat of the shell member, wherein the sealing surface, when viewed in a cross section to which the longitudinal direction is normal is a dilated transformation of the cross sectional shape of the passage through the hackle. In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a teat cup assembly comprising: a. a milking liner herein described b. a shell member within which the barrel of the milling liner in located and comprising a sealing seat that in cross section is of a complementary shape to the cross sectional shape of the sealing surface of the hackle.

[0042] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a milking liner as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0043] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a milking liner as here described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realised and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended figures.

[0045] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

[0046] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the invention are incorporated and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0048] In the drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a milking liner,

[0050] Figure 2 is a front view of a milking liner,

[0051] Figure 3 is a sectional view through section AA of the milking liner in figure 2 with background detail shown in phantom,

[0052] Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view thro9ugh the milking liner, Figure 5 is a close up view of the hackle region of the milking liner,

[0053] Figure 6 is a close up view of the hackle region of the milking liner seen from a different region,

[0054] Figure 7 is a sectional view through section JJ,

[0055] Figure 8 is a sectional view through section GG,

[0056] Figure 9 is a sectional view through section HH,

[0057] Figure 10 shows detail E of figure 6,

[0058] Figure 11 shows detail C of figure 5,

[0059] Figure 12 shows detail F of figure 6,

[0060] Figure 13 shows detail D of figure 5,

[0061] Figure 14 shows a milking liner indicating section BB

[0062] Figure 15 is a view from section BB

[0063] Figure 16 shows a cut-away perspective at section BB of the lower part of the milking liner, and

[0064] Figure 17 shows a cut-away perspective at section BB of the upper part of the milking liner.

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0066] The present invention relates to a milking liner 1 as seen by way of example in figure 1. The milking liner is able to be used as part of a teat cup assembly wherein a rigid shell member is located about part of the milking liner 1. A cavity is formed between the rigid shell member and the milking liner at where a pulsating vacuum is able to be applied to cause the milking liner to pulsate and thereby draw milk from the teat of a milking animal such as a cow.

[0067] The milking liner 1 generally comprises of a head region 3 that presents a mouth opening 4 and a skirt 5 about the mouth opening. The mouth opening is sufficiently large for a teat of a milking animal to pass there through. The milking liner further comprises of a barrel 6 that has a barrel wall 7 that defines a chamber 8 to receive the teat of an animal via the mouth opening. The barrel generally extends in a longitudinal direction LL from the head region 3 to a hackle region 9. The hackle region includes a passage 10 for milk from the barrel to pass through. The passage leads to a short milking tube 11. The milking liner is preferably made as a one piece item. Its preferably made of a elastomeric material. It may be made using Silicone. The milking liner is preferably made of a silicone rubber.

[0068] The hackle region further comprises of a sealing surface 12 to sealingly engage with a sealing seat of the rigid shell member. The sealing surface 12 as seen in figure 3 as a cross sectional view of section AA of figure 2, comprises at least 4 discrete interjoining side regions. In the example shown in figure 3 there are three discrete side regions 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d. There are preferably at least 3 discrete side regions. In alternative embodiments there may for example be 3 side regions or five side regions.

[0069] The sealing seat of the rigid shell member is of a complementary shape to the shape of the sealing surface of the hackle. As a result, the sealing seat may also be of a three sided configuration so that the three discrete sides of the sealing surface of the hackle can snuggly engage and seat with the sealing seat of the shell member. Or the shell member may have a 4 sided configuration at its sealing seat.

[0070] In a preferred form the at least three discrete side regions are each of an identical profile. In a preferred form there are three discrete side regions that are generally of an equilateral triangular shape. Alternatively and as seen in the figures there are 4 sides of the sealing surface the sides being generally of a square profile.

[0071] In a preferred form each discrete side region is preferably of a linear profile although in some embodiments it is envisaged that the side regions may have an arcuate shape.

[0072] The 4 adjoining side regions adjoin each other at apex points. The side regions may instead adjoin at a radii or chamfered corner.

[0073] By being non-circular, the sealing surface of the milking liner when seated with the sealing seat of the rigid shell member 2 is not able to rotate about the longitudinal axis LL relative to the shell member. By being of a triangular or square form as examples, the form itself resist the rotation of the milking liner relative to the shell member 2 at the hackle region.

[0074] The skirt and the hackle are positioned relative to each other to allow the barrel to be stretched by the shell. This provides a pre-tension for the barrel. In a preferred form the barrel at least at or proximate the hackle and preferably along its entire length is of a complimentary shape to the sealing surface of the hackle.

[0075] It is preferably complimentary in the sense that it is the same shape or a dilation (an enlargement or a reduction) in the shape. This can be seen with reference to figures 5- 9.

[0076] As a result of being identical or a dilated variation of the shape of the sealing surface of the hackle, there is no need for there to be a shape transitional region between the barrel and the hackle. Were for example the barrel to be circular and the hackle to be triangular, a shape changing transition region would need to exist between the barrel and the hackle. Milk flowing through the barrel to the passage 10 would flow through such a shape changing transition region and would encounter some flow resistance due to the changing cross-sectional geometry of the flow path for the milk. In addition, without there being a shape changing transition region, the functional volume of the vacuum cavity and / or the chamber 8 is improved which improves milking performance.

[0077] As can be seen in the figures the barrel wall 7 has a cross sectional shape that is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the sealing surface of the hackle. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the barrel is the same or a dilation of the cross- sectional area of the passage 10 through the hackle. The barrel in the examples shown in the figures in hence also 4 sided. A substantially prismatic flow-path through the passage 10 and chamber 8 is hence able to be defined. A substantially smooth flow-path is provided for through the chamber and through the passage by the configuration of the present invention. The cross sectional area and / or shape of the flow path through the hackle and the barrel at and / or adjacent the hackle is smooth and / or the same.

[0078] The invention has been described with examples relevant to its current form, however, potential embodiments will include any form that is within the scope of the appended claims. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A milking liner for use with a teat cup assembly that includes a rigid shell member, the milking liner comprising: a head region presenting a mouth opening and a skirt about the mouth opening, a barrel comprising a barrel wall defining a chamber to receive the teat of an animal via the mouth opening and extending in an longitudinal direction from the head region to a hackle region that defines a passage for milk from the barrel and comprises of a sealing surface to sealing engage with a sealing seat of the shell member, wherein the sealing surface, when viewed in a cross section to which the longitudinal direction is normal, comprises of at least 3 discrete and adjoining side regions.

2. A milking liner as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of identical profile to each other.

3. A milking liner as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of or include a linear profile.

4. A milking liner as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3 wherein the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of or include a linear profile and adjoin each other at their ends at respective apex points.

5. A milking liner as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3 wherein the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of or include a linear profile and adjoin each other at their ends at or by respective corners.

6. A milking liner as claimed claim 5 wherein the corners are radii or chamfered corners.

7. A milking liner as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4 wherein the at least 3 discrete side regions are co-extensive with respective sides of a notional polygon.

8. A milking liner as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of an arcuate profile.

9. A milking liner as claimed in anyone of claims 1 or 2 wherein the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of arcuate profile and adjoin each other at their ends at respective apex points.

10. A milking liner as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 2 wherein the at least 3 discrete side regions are each of an arcuate profile and adjoin each other at their ends at respective corners.

11. A milking liner as claimed claim 10 wherein the corners are radii or chamfered corners.

12. A milking liner as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 11 wherein there are 3 discrete side regions.

13. A milking liner as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 11 wherein there are 4 discrete side regions.

14. A milking liner as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sealing surface of the hackle is of a triangular profile.

15. A milking liner as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sealing surface of the hackle is of a square profile.

16. A milking liner as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 15 wherein the barrel wall comprises of at least 3 discrete and adjoining sides that when viewed along the elongate direction are complimentary with the at least 3 discrete and adjoining sides of the sealing surfaces of the hackle.

17. A milking liner as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 15 wherein the barrel wall comprises of at least 3 discrete and adjoining sides that when viewed along the elongate direction are a translated or dilated transformation of the at least 3 discrete and adjoining sides of the sealing surfaces of the hackle.

18. A milking liner as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein the interior wall at the end of the barrel proximate the hackle is of a cross sectional shape that is the same or is a dialated transformation of the cross sectional shape of the passage through the hackle.

19. A milking liner as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 18 wherein no shape changing transition region exist between the end of the barrel proximate the hackle and the hackle.

20. A milking liner for use with a teat cup assembly that includes a rigid shell member, the milking liner comprising: a head region presenting a mouth opening and a skirt about the mouth opening, a barrel comprising a barrel wall defining a chamber to receive theteat of an animal via the mouth opening and extending in an longitudinal direction from the head region to a hackle region, wherein barrel wall defines of at least 3 discrete and adjoining wall regions and the interior of the barrel wall at the end of the barrel proximate the hackle is of a cross sectional shape that is identical to or a dilated transformation of the cross sectional shape of the passage through the hackle.

21. A milking liner as claimed in claim 20 wherein the hackle comprises of a sealing surface to sealing engage with a sealing seat of the shell member, wherein the sealing surface, when viewed in a cross section to which the longitudinal direction is normal is a dilated transformation of the cross sectional shape of the passage through the hackle.

22. A teat cup assembly comprising: a. a milking liner as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 21 b. a shell member within which the barrel of the milling liner in located and comprising a sealing seat that in cross section is of a complementary shape to the cross sectional shape of the sealing surface of the hackle.

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