Artificial TEAT for feeding animals

Abstract

An artificial feeding teat that has a base which defines a peripheral seal that is configured to releasably engage with a seat defined at an opening to a liquid reservoir to allow a sealed ducting of the liquid from the reservoir though the opening and into the feeding teat. The interface of the teat and the reservoir is configured to prevent clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation of the feeding teat about a longitudinal axis of the feeding teat when the base is engaged to the reservoir.

Description

[0001] ARTIFICIAL TEAT FOR FEEDING ANIMALS

[0002] The invention relates to artificial teats for feeding animals, and in particular although not solely to animal feeding teats suitable for feeding young animals that is able to be removably secured to animal feeding equipment such as a feeding bottle or a bar feeder.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] It is common in farming practises where young animals such as calves, goat kids and lambs need to be artificially fed. This may occur from a young age in particular where animals are separated at an early age from their mothers.

[0005] Typically, a feeding teat is made of a soft rubber material and may be secured to a reservoir or other source of stored / contained milk. The young animal is able to latch onto the feeding teat and through an opening at the end of the feeding teat is able to suck or draw milk from the reservoir via the feeding teat.

[0006] When an animal is not drawing milk from the feeding teat it is desirable that the opening at the end of the feeding teat is closed so as to prevent leakage of milk from the teat. Desirably the opening will close to prevent such leakage.

[0007] In some instances, there may be a positive pressure applied by the reservoir containing the milk. This may occur as a result of head pressure in which large feeders can have the top of the reservoir located 1 m above the teat(s) which equates to approximately 0.1 bar or 10Ombar static pressure at the teat. . Such pressure may force milk out through the opening of the feeding teat and cause milk to unintentionally flow through the opening of the feeding teat. A positive pressure may also be applied to the milk in the teat due to a pressure head from a container containing the milk at a level above the teat opening.

[0008] Feeding teats and the reservoir interface to which they are engaged may also be subject to wear due to action by the animal.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a feeding teat that addresses the above-mentioned problems and or will at least provide the public with a useful choice. In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0010] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] In a first aspect there is provided an artificial feeding teat for ducting a liquid from a liquid reservoir to an animal for oral consumption of the liquid by the animal. The feeding teat comprises a shaft with an elongate straight axis, the shaft is hollow to define a duct for said liquid to flow through; a base located at a first distal end of the shaft and defining an inlet opening to the duct; a nipple located at a second distal end opposite the first distal end, the nipple has a nipple wall to define a closure to the duct at the end of the second distal end of the shaft, save for at least one closeable opening through the nipple wall, the base defines a peripheral seal that is configured to releasably engage with a seat defined at an opening to a liquid reservoir to allow a sealed ducting of the liquid from the reservoir though the opening and into the duct, the interface of the teat and liquid reservoir is configured to prevent clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the feeding teat about the axis when the base is engaged to the reservoir. The peripheral seal comprises a peripheral surface which engages with a corresponding peripheral surface of the seat; the peripheral surface comprises a non-circular geometry having one or two lines of symmetry in a cross-sectional plane to which the axis in normal and is adapted to engage with a complementary noncircular geometry of the peripheral surface of the seat; the closable opening comprises an elongate slit extending in another cross-sectional plane to which the axis is normal; and the interface is configured to secure the elongate slit at a predetermined rotational position about the axis when the base is engaged to the reservoir. This configuration of artificial feeding teat helps secure the feeding teat to the reservoir when subject to lateral, longitudinal, rotational, shear and / or other forces from the animal when feeding. By preventing rotation of the feeding teat within the reservoir, wear on the seal and seat are reduced thereby improving the sealing and reducing unintended leakage. This facility may also help prevent the teat becoming disconnected from the reservoir due to rough use by an animal, and which would otherwise result in significant spillage of the liquid from the reservoir. This configuration also allows for simpler and more confident fitting of the feeding teat to the reservoir as a manual operator such as a farmer can be more confident when the feeding teat is properly engaged to the reservoir before filling this with liquid for feeding an animal. This configuration also provides a simple and elegant configuration for a non-rotating teat which is simple and cheap to manufacture and easier for an operator to handle and engage with a reservoir with less likelihood of handling damage or breakages.

[0013] The interface between the teat and the reservoir prevents rotation may be implemented using the interface between the seal and seat. This seal / seat interface comprises a peripheral surface of the seal which engages with a corresponding peripheral surface of the seat. Having a non-circular sectional shape of the seal and seat at these peripheral surfaces prevents rotation.

[0014] The interface is configured to secure the base at a predetermined rotational position about the axis when the base is engaged to the reservoir. This allows asymmetrical features of the feeding teat to be properly aligned. For example, where the closeable opening is a slit, this may be secured to extend vertically to reduce spillage of the liquid from the animal's mouth. Similarly, a shaft which projects at an angle from the base may be properly aligned, for example angled downwardly for ease of feeding smaller animals.

[0015] In some examples, the peripheral surface comprises a longitudinal surface extending substantially parallel to the axis and perimetrically around the teat to engage with a corresponding longitudinal surface of the seat. The use of a longitudinal surface which has the non-circular geometry of the peripheral seal provides a simple non-rotating implementation of the teat which may be installed with a single user action. This simple solution also reduces manufacturing costs and breakages during handling. In some examples, the peripheral surface comprises a radial surface extending radially from an end of the longitudinal surface to engage with a corresponding radial surface of the seat. This further improves the sealing effectiveness of the interface between the teat and reservoir by providing sealing pressure in two orthogonal directions. In some examples, this may be further enhanced by providing the peripheral surface with a second radial surface extending radially from the other end of the longitudinal surface to engage with a corresponding second radial surface of the seat.

[0016] In some examples, the closeable opening through the nipple wall is deformable between i) a natural state where the nipple wall at the opening compressively seals the opening, and ii) a deformed state that creates an opening through the nipple wall via which liquid can pass from the duct to the animal.

[0017] In some examples, the slit may extend in a direction parallel to a plane passing through the axis. The feeding teat may have a second closeable opening comprising a second split which extends in a second direction parallel to a second plane passing through the axis, and wherein a component of the first and second direction perpendicular to the axis are substantially colinear. The interface may be configured to align a directional component of the or each slit perpendicular to the axis such that the component is coextensive with a predetermined radial of the axis when the base is engaged to the reservoir. The predetermined radial may correspond with a vertical alignment of the component of the or each slit perpendicular to the axis.

[0018] In some examples the non-circular geometry of the seal and seat may comprise zero, one or two lines of symmetry. The non-circular geometry may comprise one of the following shapes:; rectangle; rounded or oblong rectangle; semi-circle; ellipse; triangle; trapezoid; parallelogram,^ circle save for at least one straight line edge, a spline or a keyway. The use of complementary non-circular geometry of the seal and seat interface prevents rotation of the feeding teat about its longitudinal axis. In some examples the seal may comprise at least one ridge or groove extending parallel to the axis and adapted to engage with a complementary groove or ridge in the seat. The use of one or more complementary ridges and grooves provides an alternative or additional mechanism for preventing rotation of the feeding teat about its longitudinal axis.

[0019] In some examples, the teat may comprise a projection or recess radially spaced from the axis and adapted to engage with a complementary recess or projection of the reservoir. In some examples the projection and recess are configured to engage using a keyed interface. The use of one or more complementary projections and recesses provides another alternative or additional mechanism for preventing rotation of the feeding teat about its longitudinal axis. Various other mechanisms for preventing rotation may alternatively or additionally be

[0020] In some examples, the feeding teat is a push-through or pull-through feeding teat. In other examples the feeding teat is a screw-in teat where the seal comprises a screw thread extending helically about the axis and adapted to engage with a complementary screw thread of the seat.

[0021] In some examples, the base defines a base axis along which the base is translated to engage with the opening of the reservoir, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the shaft extends in a plane passing through the base axis, the plane being angled between 0 and 90 degrees from the base axis. Calves have evolved to bend their necks down and face upwards for feeding on low hanging udders. Angling the teat downwards facilitates this natural feeding attitude. In some examples, where the fixed height of the feeder or reservoir is taller than smaller animals, angling the teat downwards may assist such animals to reach the teat for feeding. Being able to orient and maintain such teats in the right direction assists with this aim.

[0022] In some examples, in a cross-sectional plane to which the axis in normal, the shaft may be of a circular exterior shape. However other shapes are possible. In a second aspect there is provided a reservoir or feeder for feeding an animal, the reservoir is configured for storing a liquid for oral consumption by the animal and comprises a seat defined at an opening to the reservoir, the seat configured to releasably engage with a base defining a peripheral seal of an elongate artificial feeding teat to allow a sealed ducting of the liquid from the reservoir through the opening into the feeding teat for oral consumption by the animal, the interface of the teat and reservoir is configured to prevent clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the feeding teat about a longitudinal axis of the feeding teat when the base of the feeding teat is engaged to the reservoir. The seat comprises a peripheral surface which engages with a corresponding peripheral surface of the seal. The peripheral surface of the seat comprises a non-circular geometry having one or two lines of symmetry in a cross-sectional plane to which the axis is normal when the base is engaged to the reservoir. The peripheral surface of the seat is adapted to engage with a complementary non-circular geometry of the peripheral surface of the seal. The interface is configured to secure the teat at a predetermined rotational position about the axis when the teat is engaged to the reservoir.

[0023] The reservoir may be any suitable arrangement for supplying liquid to the feeding teat, for example a bottle, a large drum or feeder arm which may allow for engaging multiple feeding teats.

[0024] In some examples, the peripheral surface of the seat may comprise one of the following non-circular geometries: rectangle; rounded or oblong rectangle; semi-circle; ellipse; triangle; trapezoid; parallelogram,^ circle save for at least one straight line edge; a spline or a keyway.

[0025] In some examples, the seat may comprise at least one ridge or groove extending in a direction parallel to the axis when the base is engaged to the reservoir, and wherein the seat is adapted to engage with a complementary groove or ridge in the base.

[0026] In some examples, reservoir may comprise a projection or a recess radially spaced from the axis when the base is engaged to the reservoir, and wherein the seat is adapted to engage with a complementary recess or projection of the teat. In some examples the projection and recess are configured to engage using a keyed interface

[0027] In some examples, the seat may comprise a screw thread extending helically within the opening and adapted to engage with a complementary screw thread of the seal.

[0028] In a third aspect there is provided a method of feeding an animal. The method comprises providing a reservoir for storing a liquid for oral consumption by the animal and a reservoir which comprises a peripheral seat defined at an opening to the reservoir; providing an elongate artificial feeding teat having a base defining a peripheral seat at a distal end thereof, and wherein an interface of the teat and reservoir is configured to prevent clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the feeding teat about a longitudinal axis of the feeding teat when the base is engaged to the reservoir; and engaging the seal with the seat to allow a sealed ducting of the liquid from the reservoir through the opening to the feeding teat for oral consumption by the animal. The peripheral seal comprises a peripheral surface of the seal which engages with a corresponding peripheral surface of the seat and the peripheral surface of the seal and the seat each comprise a complementary non-circular geometry having one or two lines of symmetry in a cross-sectional plane to which the axis in normal.

[0029] In some examples the method comprises engaging the teat with the reservoir to secure the base to the reservoir at a predetermined rotational position about the axis. In some examples this may be implemented by engaging the seal with the seat.

[0030] In some examples where the feeding teat comprises a nipple at a distal end opposite the first distal end, the nipple having a closable slit extending in a direction parallel to a plane passing through the axis, the predetermined rotational position corresponds with vertical alignment of the slit.

[0031] In some examples, the base defines a base axis along which the base is translated or rotated along to engage with the opening of the reservoir, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the shaft extends in a plane passing through the base axis, the plane being angled between 0 and 90 degrees from the base axis, and wherein the method comprises engaging the seal with the seat to secure the base within the reservoir such that the predetermined rotational position corresponds with downward orientation of the shaft.

[0032] In the fourth aspect there is provided a system for feeding an animal. The system comprises a liquid reservoir as previously defined for containing a liquid for feeding the animal, and an artificial feeding teat as previously defined for ducting a liquid from the reservoir to the animal for oral consumption of the liquid by the animal.

[0033] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] As used herein the term "and / or" means "and" or "or", or both.

[0035] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0036] The term "comprising" as used in this specification [and claims] means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification [and claims] which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0037] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0038] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any one or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.)

[0039] Some examples will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:

[0040] Figure 1: is a top view of a teat, Figure 2: is a side view of the teat of Figure 1,

[0041] Figure 3: is an end view of the teat of Figure 1,

[0042] Figure 4: is a sectional view through the teat of Figure 1

[0043] Figure 5: is a sectional view through the teat of Figure 1,

[0044] Figure 6: is a sectional view through section BB as shown in Figure 5,

[0045] Figure 7: is a sectional view through section AA of Figure 5,

[0046] Figure 8: is a perspective view of the teat of Figure 1,

[0047] Figure 9: is a close-up view of region C of Figure 8,

[0048] Figure 10: shows a teat according to another example,

[0049] Figure 11: is an end view of the teat of Figure 10,

[0050] Figure 12: is a cut away perspective view of the teat of Figure 10,

[0051] Figure 13: is a sectional view through a part of the teat of Figure 10,

[0052] Figure 14: is an end view of the teat of Figure 1,

[0053] Figure 15: is a perspective view of a feeder,

[0054] Figure 16: is a sectional view through the feeder of Figure 15,

[0055] Figure 17: is a sectional view showing the teat of Figure 1 engaged with the feeder of Figure 15,

[0056] Figure 18: is a side view of a teat according to another example,

[0057] Figure 19: is an end view of a teat of Figure 18,

[0058] Figure 20: is another end view of the teat of Figure 18,

[0059] Figure 21: is a perspective view of a feeder according to another example,

[0060] Figure 22: is a sectional view showing the teat of Figure 18 engaged with the feeder of Figure 21,

[0061] Figure 23: is a side view of a teat according to another example,

[0062] Figure 24: is an end view of a teat of Figure 23,

[0063] Figure 25: is another end view of the teat of Figure 23,

[0064] Figure 26: is a perspective view of a feeder according to another example,

[0065] Figure 27: is a sectional view showing the teat of Figure 23 engaged with the feeder of Figure 26,

[0066] Figure 28: is a rear perspective view showing a teat according to another example,

[0067] Figure 29: is a perspective view of a feeder according to another example,

[0068] Figure 30: is a sectional view of the feeder of Figure 29, Figure 31: is a side view of the teat of Figure 28 engaged with the feeder of Figure 29,

[0069] Figure 32: is a side view of a teat according to another example,

[0070] Figure 33: is a rear view of the teat of Figure 32,

[0071] Figure 34: is a front view of the teat of Figure 32,

[0072] Figure 35: is a perspective view of a reservoir according to another example,

[0073] Figure 36: is a side view of the teat of Figure 32 engaged with the reservoir of Figure 35,

[0074] Figure 37: is a sectional side view of a feeder according to another example,

[0075] Figure 38: is a sectional side view of teat according to another example engaged with the feeder of figure 37,

[0076] Figure 39: is a perspective view of a feeder according to another example,

[0077] Figure 40: is a perspective view of a teat according to another example

[0078] Figure 41: is a sectional side view of a portion of the feeder of figure 39

[0079] Figure 42: is a sectional view showing the teat of figure 40 engaged with the feeder of figure 39,

[0080] Figure 43: is a sectional front view of the teat of figure 40.

[0081] Figure 44: is a perspective view of a feeder according to another example,

[0082] Figure 45: is a perspective view of a teat according to another example

[0083] Figure 46: is a sectional view showing the teat of figure 45 engaged with the feeder of figure 44. Figure 47: is a perspective view of a feeder according to another example,

[0084] Figure 48: is a perspective view of a teat according to another example

[0085] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] With reference to the accompanying drawings there is shown an artificial feeding teat 1. In a preferred form the feeding teat 1 is made as a unitary item. In some examples the teat may be made from more than one part wherein the parts are assembled or constructed together. In a preferred form the artificial feeding teat is at least in part and preferably entirely made from an elastomeric material such as a rubber material. In some examples the material may be selected from a range of nonsynthetic, synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer. The teat or parts of it may also be made from thermoplastic or a thermoset rubber or a silicone rubber. The use of a preferred material will make the teat resiliently flexible. Deformation forces that the teat is subjected to will result in the teat returning to its natural state after the deformation forces are removed.

[0087] As seen in the figures, the artificial feeding teat 1 comprises of a hollow shaft 2 that has an elongate axis XX. The elongate axis XX is preferably straight. In a preferred form the feeding teat is fully symmetric about the elongate axis XX.

[0088] The teat is preferably made by injection moulding. The mould preferably has a part line that passes through the axis XX. This may create a part line in the finished teat that lies on a plane parallel to and passing through the axis XX.

[0089] The hollow shaft has a shaft wall 56 that is located about a duct 3 that is defined by the hollow shaft 2. The duct 3 allows for a liquid to flow through the hollow shaft. In a preferred form, a liquid (that may be or contain milk) is able to flow into the duct from a reservoir such as a bottle or container with which the feeding teat 1 is able to engage through an inlet opening 9.

[0090] In a preferred form the feeding teat is able to engage with the reservoir in a releasable manner. The feeding teat preferably comprises of a base 6 that is located at a first distal end 7 of the hollow shaft 2. The base 6 defines an inlet opening 9 to the duct for liquid to flow through and into the duct. The base is preferably adapted and configured for being able to releasably secure to the reservoir. In the example shown in the accompanying drawings, the base has a male threaded profile to allow the base to threadingly engage with a complimentary female threaded profile of the reservoir.

[0091] In one form of the teat there may be a one way valve 50 located at the inlet opening. This valve can allow milk into the duct 3 and helps prevent milk in the duct from flowing out of the inlet opening.

[0092] The feeding teat also includes a nipple 10 that is located at a second distal end 11 opposite the first distal end. The nipple 10 has a nipple wall 13 that defines a closure to the duct at the second distal end 11 of the shaft.

[0093] The nipple wall 13 includes at least one slit 14 through the nipple wall 13. The slit 14 allows for an outlet opening to be created to the duct where liquid in the duct 3 can pass from the duct 3 through the slit 14 to the animal. In some forms of the teat there may be just one slit. In some forms there may be two slits. In some forms there may be 3 or 4 slits. Where there are a plurality of slits they are each preferably equispaced and located about the elongate axis XX.

[0094] The, or each slit, is preferably a straight slit. The, or each, slit 14 is located at a region of the nipple wall that presents radially outwardly. This helps ensure the flow of liquid through the opening at the slit will not jet purely axially and has component of flow direction out of the teat that is radial. The slit is preferably straight and it lies in a plane that is parallel to within which the elongate axis XX lies. Furthermore, or alternatively, the slit preferably lies in a plane along a substantially vertical direction. A vertically oriented slit is more prone to opening under compression load from an animal feeding on the teat. The jaw and / or tongue and / or teeth of an animal is generally positioned above and below the teat during feeding resulting in compression along a vertical direction. A horizontally slit may be less prone to opening and instead may be constricted and reduce flow of liquid. Furthermore, a vertically oriented slit reduces spillage of milk from an animal's mouth when feeding. This reduces milk wastage and the ingestion of air during feeding, and also reduces the cleaning required about the floor below the feeding teat. A horizontal slit is more liable to increase spillage of milk from an animal's mouth when feeding.

[0095] The slit may be of a length that is at least 20% of the length (in the XX direction) of the nipple.

[0096] The slit may be of a length that is at least 50% of the length (in the XX direction) of the nipple.

[0097] The slit may be of a length that is at least 75% of the length (in the XX direction) of the nipple.

[0098] In one example of use of the teat a reservoir is a container that is located above the teat outlet opening and hence applies a positive pressure head to the liquid in the teat. In another example where the animal is to be bottle fed, the reservoir may for example be a flexible bottle. Such allow for a person to squeeze the bottle to thereby increase the pressure inside the duct 3 of the feeding teat 1. The duct 3 may be full of the liquid or may also include a gas such as air. A squeezing of the bottle to which the feeding teat is connected, will increase the pressure inside the duct 3. The slit is located at a region of the nipple that will become more compressed when pressure in the duct 3 is increased. By being located at a region of the nipple wall 13 that will compress when the pressure inside the duct is increased, will result in the facing surfaces 16 and 17 of the wall at the slit to press together. This will enhance the seal between the facing surfaces 16 and 17 of the wall 13 at the slit 14 and will reduce the prospect of liquid passing through the slit due to the enhanced seal.

[0099] The region of the nipple wall 13 at where the slit 14 is located is of a concave exterior surface profile. The region of the nipple wall 13 at where the slit 14 is located is of a continuous or smooth concave exterior surface profile. In a preferred form the slit does not extend or cross into any region of the nipple and / or the duct that has a non-concave exterior surface profile. In a preferred form the slit does not extend or cross into any region of the nipple and / or the duct that has a concave exterior surface profile. In a preferred form the slit does not extend or cross into any region of the nipple and / or the duct that has a sharp bend or corner surface profile.

[0100] When pressure inside the duct 3 is increased the exterior concave surface profile will become less concaved. It will be appreciated that as a result of this the material of the nipple wall 13 at this concave region will start to be subjected to compressive stress forces that as a result will force the two surfaces 16 and 17 of the nipple wall 13 at the slit 14 to compress together thereby improving sealing of the outlet opening when internal pressure in the duct increases.

[0101] In a preferred form the slit extends in a direction that is parallel to a plane that passes through the axis XX and in which plane the XX axis lies. Preferably there are two slits. Preferably the two slits are diametrically opposed and are of the same shape and size. The slit(s) preferably are not co-incident the injection moulded part line of the teat.

[0102] The nipple wall, at where the slit(s) is / are defined, is of a constant wall thickness. As a result, the depth of the slit D is of a constant depth along the slit length L.

[0103] As seen in the drawings the slit 14 is preferably of a length that is less than the height of the nipple when the height is taken in the direction XX. The slit has a first end that starts proximate the distal end of the nipple and extends to an opposite end that is more proximate the shaft. The shaft of the feeding nipple is preferably of a cylindrical perimeter shape. In some configurations the shaft may taper, being wider at its first distal end proximate the base and narrower at the second distal end proximate the nipple. In a preferred form the shaft has a wall that is a constant thickness and hence the duct is preferably also of a circular cross section where the cross section is taken in at cross sectional plane to which the axis XX is normal to.

[0104] The nipple's external surface at a cross sectional plane to which the axis is normal is also circular at any given distance along the axis XX. More proximate the shaft, the nipple has a larger cross sectional perimeter shape than more proximate to the distal end of the nipple. As seen in the figures the cross sectional shape of the nipple when taken parallel to the axis XX, is preferably of a concave external shape. The concave external shape is preferably arcuate and the arc defines a surface of revolution of the axis XX. In other examples the curved outline of the exterior of the nipple, may be elliptical or parabolical or some other asymmetric generally concave form.

[0105] In figures 10-13 there is show a variation where the slit is located at a dimple 55 of the nipple wall. The rest of the nipple wall surrounding the nipple may have a concave or convex exterior shape. By being located at a dimple 55, the slit is still at a concave region of the nipple wall that will become less concave when there is an increase in internal pressure to help enhance the sealing effect of the nipple wall's two surfaces 16 and 17 at the slit.

[0106] Referring again to figures 3 and 4, and also to figures 14 - 17, the base 6 of the teat 1 defines a peripheral seal 8 that is configured to releasably engage with a seat 27 defined at an opening 26 to a reservoir 20 to allow a sealed ducting of the liquid from the reservoir 20 through the opening 9 into the duct 3. In this example, a male thread is helically arranged on the periphery of the base 6 and is threadingly engageable with a female thread helically arranged about the inner surface of the opening 26. One or both of these threads may include a rubberised surface to enhance sealing and / or one or both of the opening and the base may include a seal ring about the opening or base to seal when in contact with the other part. Various other mechanisms for implementing the seal and seat to allow sealed ducting are possible, including those described in more detail below. In alternative examples, it may be preferable that the periphery of the base is threadingly engageable with a female thread on the inner surface of the opening 26, but where said corresponding threads are parallel threads rather than helical. Such a configuration would provide a push-fit configuration for engaging the base of the teat with the opening to provide a seal, as opposed to a rotational engagement of a helical thread. Furthermore, such parallel threads may be arranged to be on a peripheral seal of the base that is non-round to prevent rotation of the teat. Non-round bases of the teat will be discussed in more detail further below.

[0107] The interface of the teat 1 and reservoir 20 is configured to prevent clockwise C or anticlockwise AC rotation of the teat 1 about the longitudinal axis XX when the base 6 is engaged to the reservoir 20. In this example, a projection 58 is radially spaced from the longitudinal axis XX and when the base 6 is fully screwed into the opening 26 the projection engages with a recess 29 to secure the teat rotationally to the reservoir 20. The projection may be "L" shaped and extend from a peripheral region of the base. The projection 58 may be of a pliable but resilient material such as a plastics material to allow for some bending of the projection when screwing the base 6 into the opening 26 of the reservoir whilst allowing the projection to spring back into the recess 29 when the projection 58 and recess 29 are aligned. In an alternative example, the seat may include a projection and the seal may include a complimentary recess. Various other mechanisms for implementing the seal and seat to prevent clockwise and anticlockwise rotation are possible, including those described in more detail below.

[0108] Preventing rotation of the teat when engaged in the reservoir reduces wear on the seal 8 and seat 27 improving the sealed ducting and thereby enhancing the robustness and lifetime of the teat and reservoir. This facility also prevents the teat from becoming disconnected from the reservoir due to rough use by an animal, which would result in significant spillage of the liquid from the reservoir. In some examples, where a particular alignment of the teat and reservoir is desired, the seal and seat may be configured to secure the base 6 at a predetermined rotational position about the axis XX when the base is engaged to the reservoir. In this example, the projection 58 is positioned above the teat when engaged with the reservoir, and this may be helpful in some situations where certain features of the teat require a particular alignment. For example, in examples where the closable orifice 14 in the nipple 10 is a straight slit, it may be desirable to align this vertically to reduce spillage of the liquid from an animal's mouth, and / or result in easier opening of the slit to dispense liquid as discussed above.

[0109] In the example illustrated in figures 2-7, the slits 14 extend radially along an axis YY normal to the longitudinal axis XX. The slits may also extend longitudinally. In the example illustrated in figure 15, a vertical axis ZZ is shown extending through one of the openings 26 of the reservoir 20. The projection 58 extends along the YY axis of the teat and the recess 29 is located along the ZZ axis of the reservoir. When the projection 58 is located within the recess 29 this ensures that the YY axis is aligned with the ZZ axis such that the slits 14 are vertically aligned.

[0110] The reservoir 20 may be a flexible bottle with a single opening 26, a large drum with multiple openings 26 as shown in Figure 15 for engaging with multiple teats 1. In other examples the reservoir may be in the form of a feeding bar comprising a laterally extending hollow member with spaced apart openings and a central conduit to a liquid reservoir for receiving, storing and delivering the liquid.

[0111] Figures 18 - 22 illustrate a teat 31 and reservoir 40 according to another example. Many features of the teat will be similar to those already described with differences as noted in the following. The teat 31 of this example has a nipple 32 with a more rounded profile and with a circular closeable opening 34. In this example, the teat 31 is a push-in (or pull;- through) teat in which the base 36 does not have a thread but has at least a portion with larger cross-sectional dimensions than an opening 46 in the reservoir 40 so that when the teat is pulled through the opening 46 the base 36 is secured against the inside wall of the reservoir 40. The teat may be released from the reservoir by reversing this movement and pulling the base back inside the reservoir.

[0112] The teat 31 may alternatively or additionally be used in a push-through manner in which the lower edge of the base (right-angled corner in Figure 18) is inserted inside the opening 32 and then the upper edge of the base (rounded cornier in the figure) is rotated in through the opening 32. As the material of the base is compliant, the base will deform to allow this manipulation until the reduced circumference region proximate the shaft is reached when the base material will then reform to have larger sectional dimensions that the opening and thereby be retained and sealed within the reservoir.

[0113] The base 36 defines a peripheral seal 38 which may include a flexible and / or resilient surface feature such as a rubberised surface or a sealing ring to help ensure a sealed ducting of liquid from the reservoir through a duct opening 30 in the base into a duct of the teat. A seat 47 is defined at the opening 46 of the reservoir and may include a flexible and / or resilient surface feature such as a rubberised surface or a sealing ring to help ensure a sealed ducting of liquid from the reservoir through the opening. These additional sealing features of the seat 47 may be provided at the interior surface of the opening 46 and / or on the interior wall of the reservoir about the opening 46 in order to contact with the seal 38. Similarly, additional sealing features of the seal 38 may be provided along a longitudinally extending peripheral surface of the base 36 and / or along a laterally extending surface of the base in order to contact with the seat 37.

[0114] In some examples, as shown figure 22, the peripheral seal 38 of the teat presents a longitudinal sealing surface 38a extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the teat and parametrically around the teat. The longitudinal surface 38a of the peripheral seal 38 comprises a non-circular geometry in a cross-sectional plane to which the axis is normal and is adapted to engage with a corresponding longitudinal surface 47a of the seat 47. The noncircular geometry may have one or two lines of symmetry in order to limit the rotational positions in which the base of the teat can be engaged with the reservoir. This may be employed to ensure that a slit in the nipple is aligned vertically. Examples of such non-circular geometries with one or two lines of symmetry include: rectangles, rounded rectangles, ellipses, triangles.

[0115] In some examples, as also shown in figure 22, the peripheral seal 38 may also comprise a radial sealing surface 38r extending radially from an end of the longitudinal surface 38a, and which is adapted to engage with a corresponding radial surface 47r of the seat. The radial surface 38r may be provided at either end of the longitudinal surface 38a, for example depending on whether the teat has a push-through or pull-through configuration. The combination of the above described longitudinal surface 38a and the radial surface 38r provides improved sealing and reduces leakage of milk about the interface of the teat and reservoir. In some examples, as also shown in figure 22, the peripheral seal 38 may also comprise a second radial surface 38r2 extending radially from the other end of the longitudinal surface 38a, and which is adapted to engage with a corresponding second radial surface 47r2 of the seat 47. The multiple radial sealing surfaces are positioned either side of the longitudinal sealing surface along the axial direction of the teat. This presents a groove which can then receive wall of the reservoir, and seal against the wall to prevent leakage. Accordingly, it is preferable that the dimensions of, or between, said radial sealing surfaces and axial sealing surface are configured to provide an interference fit or similar arrangement to ensure a tight seal once engaged. Furthermore, it is preferable that the radial sealing surface(s) are substantially normal to the axial direction of the teat, however in some examples they may be inclined or tapered away from said normal arrangement. This may be combined with a wall of the reservoir or seat having a complimentary tapering to ensure a tight fit once engaged.

[0116] Such an arrangement of having a longitudinal sealing surface and one or more radial sealing surfaces provides discrete sealing surfaces that seal independently from the other, such that there is not a single surface and / or plane in which liquid may leak if the peripheral seal partially fails, such as due to wear or debris.

[0117] The interface of the teat 31 and reservoir 40 is configured to prevent clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the teat about its longitudinal axis XX. In this example this is achieved using the interface of the seal 38 and seat 37 in which an longitudinal surface 38a of the peripheral surface of the seal engages with a corresponding longitudinal surface 47a of the peripheral surface of the seat. Rotation is prevented by employing a non-circular geometry of the peripheral surface of the seal 38 in a cross-sectional plane to which the axis XX is normal. The illustrated geometry is square, however other non-circular shapes could alternatively be used such as an oblong rectangle, a semi-circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a trapezoid, a parallelogram, a polygon, or a circle save for one or more straight line edges or radial protrusions. In some examples, the non-circular geometry comprises zero, one or two lines of symmetry and / or orders of rotational symmetry. These shapes may be employed to restrict the number of rotational orientations of the teat when engaged in the reservoir to one or two - this may be used to ensure that the or each slit is vertically aligned The peripheral surface of the seat 47 has a complementary shape, in this example a square, such that when the base is engaged with the reservoir, rotational movement about the longitudinal axis XX of the teat is prevented.

[0118] In a preferable example, the peripheral surface of the seal 38 and the seat 47 has either zero lines of symmetry resulting only one possible rotational orientation when engaged, or one line of symmetry resulting in two opposing possible rotational orientations, in order to ensure an optimal orientation of the slit 14 of the teat, such as along a vertical plane as previously discussed.

[0119] Figures 23 - 27 illustrate a teat and reservoir according to another example. Many features of the teat will be similar to those already described with differences as noted in the following. The teat 61 of this example has a nipple 62 with a conical profile and with a single straight slit 64 providing a closeable opening at a distal end of the teat 61. In this example, the teat 61 is a pull-through teat in which the base 66 does not have a thread but has longitudinally extending ridges 67 forming part of a peripheral seal 68 which interfaces with a seat 75 defined by an opening 76 in a reservoir 70 which includes longitudinally extending grooves 77 complementary to the ridges 66. The base also has at least a portion with larger cross-sectional dimensions than the opening 76 in the reservoir 70 so that when the teat is pulled through the opening the base is secured against the inside wall of the reservoir. The teat may be released from the reservoir by reversing this movement and pulling the base back inside the reservoir.

[0120] The peripheral seal 68 is defined by the base 66 and may include a flexible and / or resilient surface feature such as a rubberised surface or a sealing ring to help ensure a sealed ducting of liquid from the reservoir through an opening 65 into a duct of the teat. The seat 75 defined by the opening 76 of the reservoir may include a flexible and / or resilient surface feature such as a rubberised surface or a sealing ring to help ensure a sealed ducting of liquid from the reservoir through the opening. These additional sealing features of the seat 75 may be provided at the interior surface of the opening 76 and / or on the interior wall of the reservoir 70 about the opening 76 in order to contact with the seal 68. Similarly, additional sealing features of the seal 68 may be provided along a longitudinally extending peripheral surface of the base 66 and / or along a laterally extending surface of the base in order to contact with the seat 75.

[0121] The interface of the teat 61 and reservoir 70 is configured to prevent clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the teat about its longitudinal axis XX. In this example this is achieved using two different approaches, which may be used together or as alternatives. A first approach to preventing rotational movement is the use of the longitudinal ridges 67 of the seal 68 on the teat 61 being engaged within corresponding grooves 77 of the seat 75 on the reservoir 70. Once the teat 61 is engaged to the reservoir the ridges 67 are rotationally secured within the grooves 77 preventing rotational movement of the teat about the reservoir. The recesses and grooves may be in the form of a spline fitting. This approach may be used with the other teat examples as well as a base and reservoir opening having a circular sectional shape.

[0122] In a second approach, a non-circular geometry of the peripheral surface of the seal 68 is employed in a cross-sectional plane to which the axis XX is normal. The illustrated geometry is elliptical or oval although other non-circular shapes comprising zero or one line of symmetry may alternatively be used, for example non-square rectangles, non-isosceles triangles, a half-circle or a non-symmetrical keyed shape. The peripheral surface of the seat 75 has a complementary shape, in this example an ellipse or oval, such that when the base 66 is engaged with the 70 reservoir, rotational movement about the longitudinal axis XX of the teat is prevented.

[0123] The use of a non-circular shape having only one line of symmetry ensures that the teat is aligned in one of two rotational positions about the longitudinal axis XX and which are 180 degrees apart. This can be used for example to ensure that the slit 64 is vertically aligned along axis ZZ when the teat is engaged to the reservoir. Having the slit vertically aligned reduces horizontal jetting of the liquid from the slit which tends to spill from an animal's mouth. Having the slit vertically oriented reduces spillage of liquid from the animal's mouth. In this example, the slit 64 is at a distal end of the teat 61. In other examples similar to those of figures 1 - 13 where there are two slits which include a longitudinally extending component, the radial components of the slits are vertically aligned.

[0124] Figures 28 - 31 illustrate a teat and reservoir according to another example. Many features of the teat will be similar to those already described with differences as noted in the following. The teat 81 of this example is threaded and includes a locking member 82 extending laterally from a periphery of the base 86, the locking member including a keyed recess 83. The reservoir 90 includes a threaded opening 96 and a keyed projection 99 which is complimentary to the keyed recess 83 of the base. The keyed recess 83 and keyed projection 99 form a keyed interface of the teat and reservoir when the teat is oriented in a predetermined rotational position.

[0125] The shaft of the teat extends at an angle to a base axis WW along which the base is translated or rotated to engaged with the opening of the reservoir. In this example, the angle 0 between the base axis WW and the longitudinal axis of the shaft XX is approximately 20 degrees, but may extend between 0 and 90 degrees. The keyed interface provided by the recess 83 and projection 99 correspond to a single rotational position in which the shaft of the teat is sloping downwards, towards the ground. This may be useful for helping smaller animals to reach the teat. In some other examples, the shaft of the teat may slope upwards to assist with feeding taller animals, given a fixed height of the reservoir.

[0126] Figures 32 - 36 illustrate a teat and reservoir according to another example. Many features of the teat will be similar to those already described with differences as noted in the following. The teat 101 of this example is push-through or pull-through teat which includes a keyed projection 102 extending lateral from the base 106. When engaged with the reservoir 110, the keyed projection interfaces with a keyed recess 118 in the external wall of the reservoir. This keyed interface provides for a single rotational position of the teat when engaged wit the reservoir. This is useful for preventing rotation of the teat within the reservoir, as well as aligning certain features of the teat in a desired manner, such as orienting a slit vertically and / or oriented an angled shaft downwardly or upwardly as previously described. The base of the teat has a square cross-sectional shape which corresponds with a square sectional shaped orifice 116 which together with the keyed projection 102 and key recess 118 help to secure the teat in the desired rotational position. In this example, the opening 116 includes a square recessed region 117 which doesn't extend fully through to the interior of the reservoir 110. The base 106 has a corresponding profile where at 117 the cross-sectional width of the base narrows to allow that part of the base to pass fully through the opening 116 so that a resilient retaining wall of the base may be retained within the opening 116 by the peripheral seal of the teat interfacing with the seat 108 of the opening 116.

[0127] Figures 37 - 38 illustrate a teat and a portion of a reservoir according to another example. Many features of the teat will be similar to those already described with differences as noted in the following. For instance, the reservoir is similar to that shown in figure 15, such that the reservoir has a circular opening 26 that defines a seat 27 in which the peripheral seal 8 of the teat 201 can sea ling ly engage. In this example, however, the seat 27 and peripheral seal 8 are each shown to threadingly engage to form a seal via corresponding parallel threads, rather than the helical threads as shown in figures 15-17. This provides a connection in which the teat can be push-fit into the opening, rather than rotationally threaded. The parallel threads of the seat and peripheral seal each preferably are of a material type / hardness and / or size that provides sufficient ease of insertion / removal, and / or sealing performance, wherein said threads may be sized to have an interference fit along one or more dimensions. The peripheral seal of the teat is shown to be achieved by the parallel threads, however in other examples it may be preferable that such a teat further includes a flange to provide a sealing surface on the inside surface of the reservoir, such as shown in the teats of figures 22, 27 or 36 above, or figure 42 below. The parallel threads are shown as tapered threads, however a in alternative examples the threads may be rectilinear in profile.

[0128] Figures 39 - 43 illustrate a teat a reservoir according to another example. Many features of the teat will be similar to those already described with differences as noted in the following. The reservoir 310 includes oblong rectangular openings 306 in which a corresponding teat may sea lingly engage with. The teat 301 has a shaped peripheral seal 308 which includes an oblong rectangular groove 302 that provides a sealing surface 302a (extending parallel to an axial direction XX may be referred to as a "longitudinal seal") to seal, in a substantially radial direction outward from the x-axis, against the seat 307 of the opening 306. The peripheral seal further includes an inner flange 303 that provides a sealing surface 303a (extending in a radial direction parallel to the YY axis and which may be referred to as an "radial seal") to seal, in a substantially axial direction along the x-axis toward the tip of the teat, against an inside surface of the reservoir near the opening. The peripheral seal further includes an outer flange 304 that provides a sealing surface 304a (extending in a radial direction and may be referred to as a "second radial seal") to seal, in a substantially axial direction along the x-axis away from the tip of the teat, against an outside surface of the reservoir near the opening.

[0129] The teat as 301 may engage with the opening in a push-through or pull-through manner. The oblong rectangular peripheral seal of the teat 301 ensures that the teat may only be engaged with the opening in one of two possible orientations, where both orientations are rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees from the other. By orienting the slit to be vertical relative to these positions, the oblong rectangular peripheral seal ensures that the slit is in an optimal orientation, for the benefits previously discussed.

[0130] Preferably the dimension(s) of the sealing surface 302a are sized to provide an interference fit with the seat of the opening and / or the distance between the sealing surface 303a and sealing surface 304a is configured to provide an interference fit with the corresponding wall thickness of the reservoir. In some examples the longitudinal seal 302, when shaped non-round, may comprise polygonal corners, however it is preferable that the longitudinal seal 302, when shaped non-round, as illustrated, comprises corners 302b along its sealing surface that are filleted or rounded. This is preferable to help prevent small errors in fit between the seat of the opening and the peripheral surface that may otherwise result in functional failure of the radial seal that may affect adjacent seals (such as the radial seal(s)) and / or leakage.

[0131] In some alternative examples, one or both of the radial surfaces 303a, 304a may be omitted with the peripheral seal comprising only the longitudinal surface 302a. Whilst the cross-sectional shape of the peripheral seal has been described as oblong rectangular, other shapes having one or two lines of symmetry may alternatively be used such as triangles, parallelograms or a semi-circle.

[0132] The sectional shape of the shaft of the teat may differ from the sectional shape of the peripheral seal, for example the shaft may be circular whilst the peripheral seal is rectangular.

[0133] Figures 44 - 46 illustrate a teat and a reservoir according to another example. Many features of the teat will be similar to those already described with differences as noted in the following. The reservoir 410 includes oval openings 406 that each present an oval seat 407. The teat 401 has a peripheral seal 408 that presents an oval sealing surface 402a ("longitudinal seal") configured to sealingly engage with the seat 407, and an inner flange 403 ("radial seal") with a sealing surface 403a configured to seal (in an axial direction) against an inner surface of the reservoir near the opening 406. The oval shape of the longitudinal seal, similar to the oblong rectangular seal of the teat 301, ensures that the teat may only be engaged with the opening in one of two possible orientations, where both orientations are rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees from the other. The slit 14 is shown to be oriented relative to the radial seal accordingly to ensure its optimal orientation.

[0134] Figures 47 and 48 illustrate a teat a reservoir according to another example. Many features of the teat will be similar to those already described with differences as noted in the following. This example provides a variation on the example described with respect to figures 39 - 43. The reservoir 510 includes oblong rectangular openings 506 in which a corresponding teat may sealingly engage with. The teat 501 has a shaped peripheral seal 508 which includes an oblong rectangular groove 502 that provides a sealing surface 502a (extending parallel to an axial direction XX may be referred to as a "longitudinal seal") to seal, in a substantially radial direction outward from the x-axis, against the seat 507 of the opening 506. The peripheral seal further includes an inner flange 503 that provides a sealing surface 303a (extending in a radial direction parallel to the YY axis and which may be referred to as an "radial seal") to seal, in a substantially axial direction along the x-axis toward the tip of the teat, against an inside surface of the reservoir near the opening. The peripheral seal further includes an outer flange 504 that provides a sealing surface 504a (extending in a radial direction and may be referred to as a "second radial seal") to seal, in a substantially axial direction along the x-axis away from the tip of the teat, against an outside.

[0135] The reservoir 510 additionally includes a lug or projection 520 adjacent the seat 507 and which projects forward of the wall of the reservoir and downwardly from the reservoir wall in the Z direction so that adjacent the opening 506 a part of the projection is slightly below the seat 507. The teat 501 includes a recess 504b which is correspondingly shaped to receive the part of the projection 520 below the seat 507. In this example the part of the projection and the recess have square sectional shapes however other shapes may alternatively be used. The recess may be in the outer flange 504, another part of the base of the teat or the shaft of the teat. In other alternatives, the projection may be provided on the other side of the reservoir wall adjacent the opening with the corresponding recess on the teat being in the inner flange 503 or another part of the base of the teat.

[0136] In alternative examples, the recess may be provided on the teat with a corresponding recess on the reservoir. The projection and recess provide further protection against rotation and robustness against wear and rough treatment of the teat by animals. The projection and recess also help to ensure that the teat is properly oriented in the reservoir, for example to ensure that the teat may be positions in only one or two rotational orientations. This may assist with vertically aligning a slit in the tip of the teat.

[0137] In some examples, the slit extends in a direction parallel to a plane passing through the axis. Where a second slit is employed, this may extend in a second direction parallel to a second plane passing through the axis, and where a component of the first and second direction perpendicular to the axis are substantially colinear. The interface of the teat and reservoir may be configured to align a component of the or each slit perpendicular to the axis such that the component is coextensive with a predetermined radial of the axis when the base is engaged to the reservoir. The predetermined radial may correspond with a vertical alignment of the component of the or each slit perpendicular to the axis. In some examples, a sectional shape having no lines of symmetry may be used so that the teat can engage with the reservoir in only one predetermined orientation. In an example the seal may include a key and the seat a corresponding keyway. This may be useful to ensure desired alignment of other asymmetric features, such as angling of the shaft from the base, for example to provide for a teat projecting downwardly from the reservoir whilst maintaining vertical alignment of one or more slits.

[0138] Various features described in one of the examples may be varied as described in the other examples. For example, the closeable openings may be readily exchanged between examples as may the ridge / groove arrangements, the threaded base and openings as well as the non-circular section shapes of the seals and seats.

[0139] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

[0140] Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and / or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0141] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An artificial feeding teat for ducting a liquid from a liquid reservoir to an animal for oral consumption of the liquid by the animal, the feeding teat comprising: a shaft with an elongate straight axis, the shaft is hollow to define a duct for said liquid to flow through; a base located at a first distal end of the shaft and defining an inlet opening to the duct; a nipple located at a second distal end opposite the first distal end, the nipple has a nipple wall to define a closure to the duct at the end of the second distal end of the shaft, save for at least one closeable opening through the nipple wall; wherein the base defines a peripheral seal that is configured to releasably engage with a seat defined at an opening to a liquid reservoir to allow a sealed ducting of the liquid from the reservoir though the opening and into the duct; and wherein the interface of the teat and reservoir is configured to prevent clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation of the feeding teat about the axis when the base is engaged to the reservoir; wherein the peripheral seal comprises a peripheral surface which engages with a corresponding peripheral surface of the seat; wherein the peripheral surface comprises a non-circular geometry having one or two lines of symmetry in a cross-sectional plane to which the axis in normal and is adapted to engage with a complementary non-circular geometry of the peripheral surface of the seat; wherein the closable opening comprises an elongate slit extending in another cross- sectional plane to which the axis is normal; and wherein the interface is configured to secure the elongate slit at a predetermined rotational position about the axis when the base is engaged to the reservoir.

2. A feeding teat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the peripheral surface comprises a longitudinal surface extending substantially parallel to the axis and perimetrically around the teat to engage with a corresponding longitudinal surface of the seat.

3. A feeding teat as claimed in claim 2, wherein the peripheral surface comprises a radial surface extending radially from an end of the longitudinal surface to engage with a corresponding radial surface of the seat.

4. A feeding teat as claimed in claim 3, wherein the peripheral surface comprises a second radial surface extending radially from the other end of the longitudinal surface to engage with a corresponding second radial surface of the seat.

5. A feeding teat as claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein the interface is configured to secure the elongate slit substantially vertically when the base is engaged to the reservoir.

6. A feeding teat as claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein the non-circular geometry comprises one of the following shapes: rectangle; rounded rectangle; semi-circle; ellipse; triangle; trapezoid; parallelogram; a circle save for at least one straight line edge; a spline; a keyway.

7. A feeding teat according to any one preceding claim, wherein the interface of the seal and seat is a keyed interface.

8. A feeding teat as claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein the seal comprises at least one ridge or groove extending parallel to the axis and adapted to engage with a complementary groove or ridge in the seat.

9. A feeding teat as claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein the teat comprises a projection or recess adjacent the seal and radially spaced from the axis and adapted to engage with a complementary recess or projection of the reservoir.

10. A feeding teat as claimed in claim 9, wherein the projection and recess are configured to engage using a keyed interface.

11. A feeding teat as claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein the closeable opening through the nipple wall is deformable between i. a natural state where the nipple wall at the opening compressively seals the opening, and ii. a deformed state that creates an opening through the nipple wall via which liquid can pass from the duct to the animal.

14. A feeding teat as claimed in any one preceding claim, having a second closeable opening comprising a second slit which extends in a second direction parallel to a second plane passing through the axis, and wherein a component of the first and second direction perpendicular to the axis are substantially colinear.

15. A feeding teat as claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein the interface is configured to align a component of the or each slit perpendicular to the axis such that the component is coextensive with a predetermined radial of the axis when the base is engaged to the reservoir.

16. A feeding teat as claimed in claim 14, wherein the predetermined radial corresponds with a vertical alignment of the component of the or each slit perpendicular to the axis.

17. A feeding teat as claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein the feeding teat is a push-through or a pull-through feeding teat.

18. A feeding teat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the seal comprises a screw thread extending helically about the axis and adapted to engage with a complementary screw thread of the seat.

19. A feeding teat as claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein, in a cross-sectional plane to which the axis in normal, the shaft is of a circular exterior shape.

20. A feeding teat as claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein the base defines a base axis along which the base is translated to engage with the opening of the reservoir, andwherein the longitudinal axis of the shaft extends in a plane passing through the base axis, the plane being angled between 0 and 90 degrees from the base axis.

21. A reservoir for feeding an animal; wherein the reservoir is configured for storing a liquid for oral consumption by the animal; the reservoir comprises a seat defined at an opening to the reservoir and configured to releasably engage with a base defining a peripheral seal of an elongate artificial feeding teat to allow a sealed ducting of the liquid from the reservoir through the opening into the feeding teat for oral consumption by the animal; wherein the interface of the reservoir and the teat is configured to prevent clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the feeding teat about a longitudinal axis of the feeding teat when the base of the feeding teat is engaged to the reservoir; wherein the seat comprises a peripheral surface which engages with a corresponding peripheral surface of the seal; wherein the peripheral surface of the seat comprises a non-circular geometry having one or two lines of symmetry in a cross-sectional plane to which the axis is normal when the base is engaged to the reservoir, and wherein the peripheral surface of the seat is adapted to engage with a complementary non-circular geometry of the peripheral surface of the seal; and wherein the interface is configured to secure the teat at a predetermined rotational position about the axis when the teat is engaged to the reservoir.

22. A reservoir as claimed in claim 21, wherein the peripheral surface of the seat comprises a longitudinal surface extending substantially parallel to the axis and parametrically around the seat to engage with a corresponding longitudinal surface of the seal.

23. A feeding teat as claimed in claim 22, wherein the peripheral surface comprises a radial surface extending radially from an end of the longitudinal surface to engage with a corresponding radial surface of the seal.

24. A feeding teat as claimed in claim 23, wherein the peripheral surface comprises a second radial surface extending radially from the other end of the longitudinal surface to engage with a corresponding second radial surface of the seal.

25. A feeding teat according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the interface of the seal and seat is a keyed interface.

26. A reservoir as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the non-circular geometry comprises one of the following: rectangle; rounded rectangle; semi-circle; ellipse; triangle; trapezoid; parallelogram; a circle save for at least one straight line edge; spline; keyway.

27. A reservoir as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the seat comprises at least one ridge or groove extending in a direction parallel to the axis when the base is engaged to the reservoir, and wherein the seat is adapted to engage with a complementary groove or ridge in the base.

28. A reservoir as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the reservoir comprises a projection or a recess adjacent the seat and radially spaced from the axis when the base is engaged to the reservoir, and wherein the reservoir is adapted to engage with a complementary recess or projection of the teat.

29. A reservoir as claimed in claim 28, wherein the projection and recess are configured to engage using a keyed interface.

30. A reservoir as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 29 wherein the seat comprises a screw thread extending helically within the opening and adapted to engage with a complementary screw thread of the seal.

31. A method of feeding an animal, the method comprising: providing a reservoir for storing a liquid for oral consumption by the animal and a reservoir having a peripheral seat defined at an opening to the reservoir;providing an elongate artificial feeding teat having a base defining a peripheral seal at a distal end thereof, and wherein an interface of the teat and reservoir is configured to prevent clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the feeding teat about a longitudinal axis of the feeding teat when the base is engaged to the reservoir; engaging the seal with the seat to allow a sealed ducting of the liquid from the reservoir through the opening to the feeding teat for oral consumption by the animal. wherein the peripheral seal comprises a peripheral surface of the seal which engages with a corresponding peripheral surface of the seat; wherein the peripheral surface of the seal and the seat each comprise a complementary non-circular geometry having one or two lines of symmetry in a cross-sectional plane to which the axis in normal.

32. A method according to claim 31, comprising engaging the seal with the seat to secure the base within the reservoir at a predetermined rotational position about the axis.

33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the feeding teat comprises a nipple at a distal end opposite the first distal end, the nipple having a closable slit extending in a direction parallel to a plane passing through the axis, and wherein the predetermined rotational position corresponds with vertical alignment of the slit.

34. A method according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the base defines a base axis along which the base is translated to engage with the opening of the reservoir, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the shaft extends in a plane passing through the base axis, the plane being angled between 0 and 90 degrees from the base axis, and wherein the method comprises engaging the seal with the seat to secure the base within the reservoir such that the predetermined rotational position corresponds with downward orientation of the shaft.

35. A system for feeding an animal, comprising: a liquid reservoir as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 30 for containing a liquid for feeding the animal; an artificial feeding teat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 for ducting a liquid from the reservoir to the animal for oral consumption of the liquid by the animal.

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