Patent EA-000915-B1 (EA)
Title: A teatcup liner and method of manufacturing a teatcup liner
Inventor: PETTERSON TORBJOERN KARL INGEM
IPC: A01J5/08
Filed: 1997-11-04
Abstract: 1. A teatcup liner intended for being mounted in a teatcup shell (2), comprising a tubular head portion (4), which forms a passage arranged to receive a teat and extending between a first and a second axial end (7) of the tubular head portion (4), and which comprises an annular lip (8), extending radially inwardly from the tubular head portion (4) in a mounted as well as a non-mounted state of the teatcup liner (1), a tubular shaft portion (5), extending from the second axial end (7) of the head portion (4), and a member (14) arranged to provide a radially outwardly directed pretension in the lip (8) in the mounted as well as the nonmounted state of the teatcup liner (1), characterized in that said pretensioning member (14) is located outside said passage. 2. A teatcup liner according to claim 1, characterized in that the pretensioning member (14) is located in essentially the same axial position as the lip (8). 3. A teatcup liner according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the head portion (4) in its second end forms an annular recess (9) which is shaped in such a manner that it, in the mounted state of the teatcup liner (1), engages the teatcup (2) in which the teatcup liner (1) is mounted. 4. A teatcup liner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pretensioning member (14) is provided in a recess (15) of the first end (6) of the head portion (4). 5. A teatcup liner according to claim 4, characterized in that the recess (15) of the first end (6) of the head portion (4) is open at least in a direction away from the shaft portion (5). 6. A teatcup liner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pretensioning member (14), by means of attachment means (16), is fixedly connected to the teatcup liner (1).  7. A teatcup liner according to claim 6, characterized in that the attachment means comprise portions of the pretensioning member (14) and the teatcup liner (1), which form a melted connection. 8. A teatcup liner according to claim 6, characterized in that the attachment means comprise hooks (16) projecting from the pretensioning member and arranged to engage the head portion (4). 9. A teatcup liner according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the pretensioning member (14) is enclosed by a collar-like projection (18) foldable around the pretensioning member. 10. A teatcup liner according to claim 9, characterized in that the collar-like projection (18) in its outer end comprises an annular, thickened portion (19). 11. A teatcup liner according to any one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the pretensioning member (14) is enclosed in a cavity (15) provided in the head portion (4) and defined by said collar-like projection (18). 12. A teatcup liner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pretensioning member (14) comprises a ring device. 13. A teatcup liner according to claim 12, characterized in that the ring device comprises a closed ring (14). 14. A teatcup liner according to claim 12, characterized in that the ring device (14) comprises a plurality of portions (14A, 14B, 14C, 14D) provided in a ring configuration and separated from each other. 15. A teatcup liner according to claim 12, characterized in that the ring device is formed by a rib (14) extending around the head portion (4) and being an integrated part of the head portion (4). 16. A teatcup liner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pretensioning member (14) is elastic. 17. A method of manufacturing a teatcup liner comprising the steps: - moulding a teatcup liner with a tubular head portion, which forms a passage arranged to receive a teat and extending between a first and a second axial end of the tubular head portion and which comprises an annular lip extending radially inwardly from the tubular head portion and, with a tubular shaft portion extending from the second axial end of the head portion, and with a recess in the first end of the head portion, - expanding the head portion, and - providing a ring device in the expanded recess. 18. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that after said moulding the teatcup liner is at least partly vulcanized. 19. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that the ring device is connected to the teatcup liner by being melted together therewith. 20. A method according to any one of claims 17 and 18, characterized in that the ring device is manufactured separately and provided by being introduced into the expanded recess. 21. A method according to any one of claims 17 and 18, characterized in that the ring device is provided by injection of a material in the expanded recess and by melting together said material with the head portion. 22. A method according to any one of claims 17-21, characterized in that the head portion is expanded about 1-20%, preferably 5-15%.