| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention relates to a teat cup liner for milking domestic animals such as cows and goats. The liner (1) comprises: an opening (8) into which an animal's teat (70) may be inserted; an outlet (6) for discharging milk from the animal; a teat engaging portion (10) with annular walls (7, 107) and a collapsible portion having relatively thinner inner walls (13, 113); and sealing means (60, 66) for a teat cup shell (32) between which lies all of the collapsible portion (12) so a vacuum pressure may be applied to a teat cup assembly (30) to milk the animal. The distance from the opening (8) to a point (76) at which the collapsible portion (12) collapses is sufficient so that the collapsible portion (12) collapses substantially completely away from the animal's teat (70). The collapsible portion (12) has an elongate cross section, there being a tapering section (17) between the teat engaging portion (10) and the collapsible portion (12). The tapering portion has outer and inner walls (11, 111) the thickness of which tapers more gradually along a minor cross-sectional axis than along a major cross-sectional axis, so that the tapering section (17) may collapse gently on the teat (70) as the collapsible portion (12) collapses.</p> |
