US3874338A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Milking cup
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-10-05
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Granted: 1975-04-01
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Expires: 1993-10-05
Abstract
Abstract A milking cup comprises a tubular casing and a resiliently deformable sleeve extending through the casing and sealingly secured to each end of the casing. The inner space of the sleeve receives a nipple of an animal to be milked and the sleeve defines with the casing an outer space which can be connected by means of an aperture in the casing to a source of varying pressure, especially alternately applied vacuum and atmospheric pressure. At least one expandible body is provided in the outer space for exerting pressure on the sleeve to massage the nipple and, also in the outer space, an arrangement is provided which, depending on the relative pressures of the inner and outer space, controls the expansion and contraction of the expandible body. Preferably, both the expandible body and the said arrangement comprise fluid-filled cushions, the inner volumes of which are connected, fluid being transferred between the cushions depending on movement of the sleeve relative to the casing.
Inventors
- 👤 Fritz Happel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 21:01
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01J; A01J5/00; A01J5/04; A01J5/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
A milking cup comprising a tubular casing; a resilient deformable sleeve located in said casing to extend therethrough forming an inner space to receive a nipple therein; said sleeve secured to the ends of said tubular casing to form a longitudinally extending outer space between said sleeve and said casing; at least one hollow body variable in volume and extending longitudinally through said outer space; said body comprising an upper massage portion that is variable in volume to exert pressure on said sleeve as it surrounds a nipple held therein and further comprising a lower control portion, said massage portion and said control portion having their inner volumes connected together; an aperture formed in said casing and opening to said outer space for application of varying pressures to said outer space, said varying pressure controlling contraction of the volume of said control portion to effect a corresponding change and expansion of the volume of said massage portion, and further allowing expansion of said control portion with corresponding contraction of said massage portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
A milking cup comprising a tubular casing; a resilient deformable sleeve located in said casing to extend therethrough forming an inner space to receive a nipple therein; said sleeve secured to the ends of said tubular casing to form a longitudinally extending outer space between said sleeve and said casing; at least one hollow body variable in volume and extending longitudinally through said outer space; said body comprising an upper massage portion that is variable in volume to exert pressure on said sleeve as it surrounds a nipple held therein and further comprising a lower control portion, said massage portion and said control portion having their inner volumes connected together; an aperture formed in said casing and opening to said outer space for application of varying pressures to said outer space, said varying pressure controlling contraction of the volume of said control portion to effect a corresponding change and expansion of the volume of said massage portion, and further allowing expansion of said control portion with corresponding contraction of said massage portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A milking cup according to claim 1 wherein control device means is located in said outer space, and said lower portion is located between said control device means and said casing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A milking cup according to claim 2 wherein said control device means comprise two rigid U-shaped elements having legs fitting within each other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A milking cup according to claim 2 wherein a support wall is provided between said sleeve and said control portion, and said control device means comprise a plurality of shell-shaped members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A milking cup according to claim 1 wherein two hollow bodies are provided that are diametrically located in said outer space.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A milking cup according to claim 1 wherein said upper and lower portions are formed of substantially elastic walls.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A milking cup according to claim 1 wherein said massage portion includes an end extending substantially to the end of said outer space.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A milking cup according to claim 1 wherein said sleeve has a thickened strengthened portion adjacent said control portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
A milking cup according to claim 1 wherein said sleeve includes longitudinally extending crimped edges connected by substantially flat walls, and closure of said sleeve is effected by fastening together said crimped edges.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
A milking cup according to claim 1 wherein a capping portion having a central opening for the nipple is provided in the form of a thin-walled flexible stocking fitted over an end of said casing adjacent said massage portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A milking cup according to claim 10 wherein a passage connected to atmosphere is provided between said casing and said capping portion.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-31 | 1978-09-30 | 1979-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-31 | 1982-09-30 | 1983-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-31 | 1986-09-30 | 1987-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |