Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes a container, a flexible mouthpiece, and a partition. The container includes an open end and defines a main chamber. The flexible mouthpiece defines a secondary chamber in the container and includes a teat. The partition separates the main and secondary chambers and is part of a resiliently biased cartridge. When the flexible mouthpiece and partition are brought together, a flow restrictor is formed. A moveable part of the cartridge is configured to be biased towards a first position by a biasing element, and is moveable against the bias from the first position to a second position. The cartridge at least substantially closes a path for a flow of liquid feed through the flow restrictor and between the main and secondary chambers when the moveable part is in the first position, and opens the path when the moveable part is in the second position.

Abstract: Colic can be a particular problem for babies feeding on liquid feed from a feeder bottle. The colic can be formed by air from various sources in the liquid feed. Typically, there is less air in the liquid feed towards the bottom of the liquid feed container in the feeding position than towards the top of the liquid feed. The present invention provides apparatus for drawing milk from the bottom of the feeding apparatus chamber when the feeder is held in the operating position. This is achieved by positioning a flow restrictor for allowing the passage of liquid feed from a main chamber into a flexible feeding teat at a suitable location. The present invention also provides a resiliently-biased cartridge to assist in priming and/or draining of the flexible feeding teat. The present invention also provides a construction in which the flow restrictor is always provided in the correct position regardless of the relative angular orientation of the elements of the feeder.

Abstract: Colic can be a particular problem for babies feeding on liquid feed from a feeder bottle. The colic can be formed by air from various sources in the liquid feed. Typically, there is less air in the liquid feed towards the bottom of the liquid feed container in the feeding position than towards the top of the liquid feed. The present invention provides apparatus for drawing milk from the bottom of the feeding apparatus chamber when the feeder is held in the operating position. This is achieved by positioning a flow restrictor for allowing the passage of liquid feed from a main chamber into a flexible feeding teat at a suitable location. The present invention also provides a resiliently-biased cartridge to assist in priming and/or draining of the flexible feeding teat. The present invention also provides a construction in which the flow restrictor is always provided in the correct position regardless of the relative angular orientation of the elements of the feeder.