Abstract: A teat cup assembly for use with a milking machine for milking cows. The teat cup assembly comprises a hollow tubular shell together with an inflation including a hollow tubular barrel disposed within the shell. The inflation is deformable between a relaxed profile and a collapsed massage profile around the teat of a cow. The teat cup assembly includes reinforcing structure for predetermining a desired collapsed massage profile for the barrel of the inflation. The reinforcing structure includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs projecting from the barrel of the inflation, and a corresponding plurality of rib receiving grooves formed in the inner surface of the shell. As a result, the inflation will always collapse in a known and predetermined massage profile, which is preferably triangular in shape, to override any inherent inconsistencies in manufacturing processes or materials of construction.

Abstract: A modular teat cup assembly for use with a milking machine for milking cows. The modular teat cup assembly comprises a hollow tubular shell together with a cartridge assembly slidably received within the shell. The cartridge assembly includes a spool-shaped liner and a framework comprising a pair of opposing sleeve members for supporting the liner. The sleeve members are movable between an open position to permit removal and replacement of the liner, and a closed position for supporting the liner therebetween. A cap removably mounted on the bottom of the shell holds the cartridge assembly within the shell and is used to attach a milking tube in the conventional manner. A head piece includes a mouth for receiving a cow's teat, and is snapped onto the upper end of the shell to complete the modular assembly.