CROSS-REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to Turkish Patent Application Serial No. 2022/010368, filed June 22, 2022, and entitled “A Feeding Device,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Feeding devices may be used for supplying breastmilk, formula, or supplemental products (e.g. medicine and additional nutrients etc.) to babies or infants. People, such as mothers with low breastmilk supply, same-sex couples, adoptive parents, fathers, or women who have breast surgery with or without breastmilk production, sometimes use these feeding devices. Additionally, a mother’s breastmilk supply may be low or reduced over time due to many reasons, such as C-section birth, premature babies with limited muscles or oral development, latching difficulties, stress and anxiety, stressful life events, illness or hormonal imbalances.

[0003] Mothers who want to breastfeed their baby but have difficulties successfully doing so, often experience mental health issues, such as having feelings of inadequacy, sadness, devastation, grief, and lowered confidence. It has been also found that babies suckling from the mother's breast can impact mood and stress reactivity in mothers. Furthermore, breast feeding can stimulate milk production, which can positively impact a mother’s mental health.

[0004] One problem associated with conventional feeding devices often is that the feeding device leaks when it is not in use and can also cause a high flow rate when too much pressure is applied, which might create a risk for recipient safety. Another problem associated with conventional feeding devices is that if a newborn baby is fed with a feeding device that has an easy flow rate, the conditions for oral development of the newborn may be lost. Conventional feeding devices are often formed of a large number of parts. Thus, these conventional feeding devices have sterilization problems and are used as single-use devices, which creates a waste of material. SUMMARY

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] Embodiments described herein are directed to a feeding device for providing a liquid to a recipient. The feeding device may comprise a housing for storing the liquid and a body configured to fit over a portion of a breast of a caregiver. The body may comprise a dispensing unit forming an aperture configured to receive a nipple and at least a portion of an areola of the breast when the body is placed on the breast. The feeding device may further comprise a liquid channel coupled to the body. The liquid channel may be configured to receive the liquid from the housing at a first end of the liquid channel and dispense the liquid at a second end of the liquid channel. The second end of the liquid channel may be positioned to extend past an edge of the aperture into the aperture such that the second end of the liquid channel inserts into a mouth of the recipient when the recipient latches onto the breast of the caregiver for breastfeeding. The feeding device may further comprise liquid channel bases configured to secure the liquid channel on either side the aperture of the body.

[0007] Further features and advantages of this disclosure, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein only for illustrative purposes. Additional embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 1 generally illustrates a front-side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a feeding device according to the principles of the present disclosure. [0010] FIG. 2 generally illustrates a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the feeding device in FIG. 1 according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIGS. 3-4 generally illustrates a close-up view of an exemplary embodiment of a flow controller according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 5-6 generally illustrates a close-up view of another exemplary embodiment of a flow controller according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 generally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a feeding device having more than one liquid channel according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 generally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a feeding device fitting into a brassiere according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 generally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a feeding device including at least one pocket according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 generally illustrates a front-side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a feeding device according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 11 generally illustrates an exploded front-side perspective view an exemplary embodiment of the feeding device in FIG. 9 according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 12A-12D generally illustrate different perspective views of components of the feeding device in FIGS. 9 and 10 assembled according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 13 generally illustrates use of the feeding device depicted in FIGS. 10- 12D according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 14A-14C generally illustrate different perspective views of components of another exemplary embodiment of a feeding device according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 15A-15B generally illustrate exploded perspective views of the feeding device in FIGS. 14A-14C according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 16 generally illustrates a flow of liquid through components of the feeding device in FIGS. 14A-15B according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 17-19 generally illustrate use of the feeding device depicted in FIGS. 14A-16 according to the principles of the present disclosure. [0024] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present specification and accompanying drawings disclose one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments merely exemplify the present disclosure, and modified versions of the disclosed embodiments are also encompassed by the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure are defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0026] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0027] In the discussion, unless otherwise stated, adjectives such as “substantially,” “approximately,” and “about” modifying a condition or relationship characteristic of a feature or features of an embodiment of the disclosure, are understood to mean that the condition or characteristic is defined to be within tolerances that are acceptable for operation of the embodiment for an application for which it is intended.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be understood that spatial descriptions (e.g., “above,” “below,” “up,” “left,” “right,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” etc.) used herein are for purposes of illustration only, and that practical implementations of the structures described herein can be spatially arranged in any orientation or manner.

[0029] Still further, it should be noted that the drawings/figures are not drawn to scale unless otherwise noted herein. [0030] Numerous exemplary embodiments are described as follows. It is noted that any section/subsection headings provided herein are not intended to be limiting. Embodiments are described throughout this document, and any type of embodiment may be included under any section/subsection. Furthermore, embodiments disclosed in any section/subsection may be combined with any other embodiments described in the same section/subsection and/or a different section/subsection in any manner.

[0031] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate different perspective views of an embodiment of a feeding device for assisting a caregiver in breastfeeding of a recipient. FIG. 1 provides a frontside perspective view of the feeding device, and FIG. 2 provides a front perspective view of the feeding device. In particular, this embodiment, visually represented by a feeding device 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2, is shaped to fit a curvature of a breast of a caregiver and is configured to accommodate different sized breasts. For example, slits 40 enable the feeding device 1 to accommodate different sized breasts. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the feeding device 1 comprises: a body 2 for providing a liquid to a recipient; a housing 3 for storing the liquid and located on the body 2; a dispensing unit 4 for dispensing the liquid to the recipient; a liquid channel 5 interposed between the housing 3 and the dispensing unit 4; and a passageway 6 interposed between the housing 3 and the liquid channel 5.

[0032] When using the feeding device 1 to assist in breastfeeding, a caregiver may place or wear the feeding device 1 on his or her breast. For example, when placed on the breast of the caregiver, assuming the breast is divided in half by a line running right to left through the nipple, the housing 3 is located on the half of the breast closest to the clavicle and a nipple and/or at least a portion of an areola of the caregiver is framed within an aperture of the dispensing unit 4. The liquid may comprise formula, milk, medicine, additional nutrients, breast milk, or any other type of liquid. In one instance, the feeding device 1 may allow a caregiver to supplement (e.g., with formula) her breastmilk when breastfeeding. Moreover, by means of the feeding device 1 the liquid flows when the recipient starts to suck. The feeding device 1 also provides the conditions for milk production by offering parts that allow for saliva transfer, physical connection, and a thin material to feel the pressure and suckling behavior. These are the conditions that can increase milk production for the caregiver.

[0033] Further, and with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 2 may comprise at least one opening or aperture, such as a hole 10 in the vicinity of the dispensing unit 4. The at least one hole 10 allows saliva to transfer from the recipient to the areola of the caregiver. When breastfeeding, a baby's saliva sends signals to the breast of the nursing mother for production of antibodies. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body may comprise several holes, which may increase saliva transfer from the baby to the nursing mother’s areola.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the dispensing unit 4 forms a mouth 11 (also referred to interchangeably as aperture herein) configured to receive and expose through the aperture at least a portion of an areola and a nipple, an entire areola and a nipple, or an areola, a nipple, and a portion of a breast surrounding the areola, while the remaining portion of the breast is covered by the body 2. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mouth 11 assumes a circular shape. In other embodiments, the mouth 11 may assume other shapes, such as a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, a decagon, a semi-hexagon, a semi-octagon, a semidecagon, or any other desired shape. As further shown in FIG. 2, the mouth 11 may have at least one slit 12. By means of the slit 12, the dispensing unit 4 may adapt to different sizes of nipples and areolas.

[0035] In some embodiments, a diameter of the dispensing unit 4 may be approximately the size of a nipple. In other embodiments, the diameter of the dispensing unit 4 may be sized to accommodate at least a portion of an areola and a nipple, an entire areola and a nipple, or an areola, a nipple, and a portion of a breast surrounding the areola. The aperture being correctly sized allows a baby to appropriately latch to the caregiver’s breast, where the latch includes the nipple and areola.

[0036] In some embodiments, the mouth 11 may form a straight edge and be made of a thin structured material so that the recipient may still latch to the caregiver’s breast. Milk production occurs with a suckling movement; therefore, a mother with low breastmilk supply might increase her supply with this suckling movement. When suckling is applied, a material that is too thick may unfortunately reduce the strength of pressure that is applied to the caregiver’s breast. Still yet, in other embodiments, by means of a large curved mouth 11, maximum physical contact between the recipient’s mouth and the caregiver’s breast may be achieved, thereby enhancing the breastfeeding experience and allowing conditions for breastmilk production.

[0037] Additionally, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the feeding device 1 may also comprise a flow controller 7. The flow controller 7 may be configured to prevent leakage of the liquid when the feeding device 1 is not in use and allow flow only when pressure is applied to the flow controller 7. Additionally, in some embodiments, the flow controller 7 may be configured to control the flow rate. It is integral that the flow controller 7 provides an appropriate flow rate to the recipient. If the flow rate is too fast, then the recipient may experience respiratory issues or choking. The flow controller 7 may also create a condition for oral development of a baby that normally is a benefit of traditional breastfeeding.

[0038] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the flow controller 7. FIGS. 3 and 4 provide close-up views of the flow controller 7. In some embodiments, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the flow controller 7 may comprise a plus-shaped structure 9. The plus-shaped structure 9 may comprise an auxetic material located at the end of the liquid channel 5, which is connected to the dispensing unit 4. When pressure is applied, auxetic material deforms and by the plusshaped structure 9, a recipient can reach the liquid, which is in the housing 3. In some embodiments, the auxetic material may act as a valve. The auxetic material may include an opening to let liquid flow to the recipient’s mouth without needing additional materials or thickness.

[0039] FIGS . 5 and 6 provide close-up views of another exemplary embodiment of the flow controller 7. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the flow controller 7 comprises a V-shaped structure 8 located at the end of the liquid channel 5, where the liquid channel 5 is connected to the dispensing unit 4. The V-shaped structure 8 may be located at an end of the liquid channel 5 to act as a valve. The V-shaped structure 8 may be located at other portions of the liquid channel 5. The V-shaped structure 8 may have a closed cut at the end, which allows liquid transfer only when pressure is applied. Additionally, the V-shaped structure 8 is configured to prevent the flow of the liquid if pressure is not applied to the dispensing unit 4 and avoids unwanted flow when the feeding device 1 is not used.

[0040] In some embodiments, the body 2 is made of a flexible material, such as silicone. Due to the flexible material, a caregiver can apply pressure using his or her hands on the housing 3 to increase the liquid flow to the recipient.

[0041] In some embodiments, the feeding device 1 comprises a removable cap for covering the dispensing unit 4 for the hygienic purposes. In some embodiments, the liquid channel 5 may have a substantially straight configuration or any other desired configuration other than a curved one to arrive at the dispensing unit 4. In the substantially straight configuration, the liquid channel 5 may be shorter and the sterilization process can be simplified. Furthermore, the substantially straight configuration may prevent potentially hazardous liquid residue in the liquid channel 5.

[0042] In some embodiments, a first end of the liquid channel connected to the passageway 6 may be wider than a second end of the liquid channel 5 that is connected to the dispensing unit 4. The design of the liquid channel 5 may have a structure that mimics a funnel. For example, the liquid channel 5 may be wide at one portion, such as at a first end, and become narrower toward the opposing end of the liquid channel 5 near the dispensing unit 4 where the liquid is delivered to the recipient’s mouth. As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the feeding device 1 may have more than one liquid channels 5 coupled to the body 2.

[0043] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the feeding device 1 may fit into a brassiere 15. In some embodiments, the feeding device 1 may be configured to removably couple to or adhere to a portion of the body of the caregiver. For example, brassieres formed from silicone material may couple to or adhere to a breast portion of the body. Moreover, in some embodiments, the feeding device 1 may be held against a breast by being placed inside a cup of a brassiere of the caregiver, using straps, or being held in place by the caregiver.

[0044] In some embodiments, in FIG. 9, the body 2 comprises at least one pocket 13 for locating maternity products located in the vicinity of the housing 3. For example, the pocket 13 is positioned behind the housing 3 so that a caregiver can locate maternity products such as heating gels that are used to soften breast for better breastmilk production.

[0045] FIGS. 10-13 illustrate different perspective views of another embodiment of a feeding device for assisting in breastfeeding. FIG. 10 illustrates a front-side perspective view of the feeding device 1 . As shown in FIG. 10, the feeding device 1 comprises a housing 3 for storing the liquid and a body 2 configured to fit over or be placed over a portion of a breast and attach to the housing 3. In FIG. 2, the body 2 comprises a dispensing unit 4 forming an aperture 16 configured to receive a nipple and at least a portion of an areola of the breast when the body 2 is placed on the breast. As further shown in FIG. 10, the feeding device 1 comprises a liquid channel 5 coupled to the body 2. The liquid channel 5 may be configured to receive the liquid at a first end of the liquid channel and dispense the liquid at a second end of the liquid channel. In some embodiments, the liquid channel 5 maybe tubular in shape. As depicted in FIG. 10, the liquid channel 5 is positioned to extend past an edge of the aperture 16 into the aperture 16 (e.g., a distance of 1-2 cm away from the nipple or any other desired distance) so that the second end of the liquid channel can be inserted into the mouth of the recipient when the recipient latches onto the breast of the caregiver for breastfeeding.

[0046] In some embodiments, with continued reference to FIG. 10, the body 2 comprises liquid channel bases 18, where at least one of the liquid channel bases 18 are located on each side of the aperture 16 and terminate at an edge of the aperture 16. The liquid channel 5 may be configured to be secured into the liquid channel bases 18. For example, the liquid channel bases 18 may form a groove or slot into the body 2 in which the liquid channel maybe secured into place (e.g., snapped into) within the groove. As also depicted in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the housing 3 may be secured to the body 2 by tucking a portion of the housing 3 into a band 20 of the body 2.

[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates the connections of components of the feeding device 1. FIG. 11 provides an exploded front-side perspective view of the feeding device 1, in accordance with embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 11 , the feeding device 1 includes the following additional components not shown in FIG 10: a cover 22, a slit valve 24, a base molding 26, and a passageway 6 for dispensing the liquid from the housing.

[0048] The base molding 26 is designed to attach to the housing 3 over the passageway 6, and the cover 22 is designed to attach to the base molding 26. For example, as depicted in FIG. 11, the cover 22 screws onto continuous threads of the base molding 26. Further, the slit valve 24 is designed to sit between the cover 22 and the base molding 26 when the cover 22 is attached the base molding 26.

[0049] FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate different perspective views of the components assembled and attached to the housing 3. FIG. 12A illustrates a front perspective view, and 12B illustrates a side perspective view. FIG. 12C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled components, and 12D provides a top-down perspective view. As depicted in FIGS. 12A-12D, when assembled, the liquid channel 5 is inserted into an opening in the cover 22. More specifically, with reference to FIGS. 12C and 12D, the liquid channel 5 is inserted into an opening in a side in the cover 22. When the feeding device 1 is in use, pressure applied by the recipient via the liquid channel 5 (e.g., by sucking when breastfeeding) causes the slit valve 24 to open, thereby allowing liquid from the housing 3 to flow through the slit valve 24 into the cover 22 and then through an opening in the cover 22 to the liquid channel 5 to the recipient. The slit valve 24 may be configured to regulate the flow of the liquid from the housing 3. For example, the slit valve 24 prevents the flow of the liquid when pressure is not applied to the liquid channel 5, and when pressure is applied, the slit or opening opens and the liquid flows through it to the cover 22. In some embodiments, the slit or opening in the slit valve 24 may be a straight line, an X-shaped, plus-shaped opening, or any other desired opening shape.

[0050] FIG. 13 illustrates use of the feeding device 1 depicted in FIGS. 10-12D. As shown in FIG. 13, the feeding device 1 is attached to the caregiver by a strap 28. The strap 28 is attached to the body 3 and gravity is used to allow the liquid to flow from the housing 3 to the recipient via the liquid channel 5. [0051] FIGS. 14A-19 illustrate different perspective views of another embodiment of a feeding device for assisting in breastfeeding. FIGS. 14A-14C provide different perspective views of components of the other embodiment of the feeding device assembled. FIG. 14A illustrates a front perspective view, and 14B illustrates a side perspective view of the feeding device. FIG. 14C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled components.

[0052] With reference to FIGS. 14A-14C, the base molding 26 is designed to attach to the housing 3, and the cover 22 is configured to attach to the base molding 26. Moreover, with reference to FIG. 14C, the liquid channel 5 can be inserted into an opening in a side in the cover 22. When the feeding device 1 is in use, pressure applied by the recipient via the liquid channel 5 (e.g., by sucking when nursing) causes the slit valve 24 to open, thereby allowing liquid from the housing 3 to flow through the slit valve 24 into the cover 22 and then through an opening in the cover 22 to the liquid channel 5 to the recipient. The slit valve 24 is configured to regulate the flow of the liquid from the housing 3. For example, the slit valve 24 prevents the flow of the liquid when pressure is not applied to the liquid channel 5, and when pressure is applied, the slit or opening of the slit valve 24 opens and the liquid flows through it to the cover 22.

[0053] FIGS. 15A-15B further illustrate connections ofthe components ofthe feeding device 1. FIG. 15 A illustrates an exploded back-side perspective view of the feeding device 1, and FIG. 15B illustrates an exploded back-side perspective view of the feeding device 1, in accordance with embodiments described herein. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the cover 22 is configured to couple with the base molding 26. For example, the cover 22 may be screwed into (e.g., via continuous threads) the base molding 26. Further, the slit valve 24 is configured for being positioned between the cover 22 and the base molding 26 when the cover 22 is attached the base molding 26. Additionally, as further depicted in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the base molding 26 is configured to couple to the housing 3, for example, by fitting within an opening in the housing 3. Additionally, the liquid channel 5 is configured to be inserted into an opening in a side in the cover 22.

[0054] FIG. 16 illustrates a flow of liquid through components of the feeding device 1. For example, in FIG. 16, when the feeding device 1 is in use, pressure applied by the recipient via the liquid channel 5 (e.g., by sucking when breastfeeding) causes the slit valve 24 to open, thereby allowing liquid from the housing 3 to flow through the slit valve 24 into the cover 22 (as represented by arrows 32) and then through an opening in the cover 22 to the liquid channel 5 to the recipient (as represented by arrows 30). The slit valve 24 may be configured to regulate the flow of the liquid from the housing 3. For example, the slit valve 24 prevents the flow of the liquid when pressure is not applied to the liquid channel 5, and when pressure is applied, the slit or opening of the slit valve 24 opens and the liquid flows through it to the cover 22.

[0055] FIGS. 17-19 illustrates uses ofthe feeding device 1 depicted in FIGS. 14A-16. As shown in FIG. 17, the feeding device 1 is attached to the caregiver by a strap 28. The strap 28 is attached to the body 3 and gravity is used to allow the liquid to flow from the housing 3 to the recipient via the liquid channel 5. As depicted in FIG. 18, the feeding device 1 may be rotated around a breast of a caregiver to find the most appropriate placement. Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 19, the feeding device 1 may be placed on one breast (e.g., the nonbreastfeeding breast) and the liquid channel 5 can be extended to the breast that the caregiver is breastfeeding from to be inserted into the mouth of the recipient.

[0056] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Thus, the breadth and scope of the embodiments should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0057] Consistent with the above disclosure, the examples of assemblies enumerated in the following clauses are specifically contemplated and are intended as a non-limiting set of examples.

[0058] Clause 1 . A feeding device for providing a liquid to a recipient, the feeding device comprising: a housing for storing the liquid; a body configured to be placed over a portion of a breast of a caregiver, the body comprising a dispensing unit forming an aperture configured to receive a nipple and at least a portion of an areola of the breast when the body is placed on the breast; and a liquid channel coupled to the body and configured to receive the liquid from the housing at a first end of the liquid channel and dispense the liquid at a second end of the liquid channel, wherein the second end of the liquid channel is positioned to extend past an edge of the aperture into the aperture such that the second end of the liquid channel inserts into a mouth ofthe recipient when the recipient latches onto the breast of the caregiver for breastfeeding. [0059] Clause 2. The feeding device of any clause herein, further comprising a valve positioned between the housing and the liquid channel and configured to regulate a flow of the liquid from the housing to the liquid channel.

[0060] Clause 3. The feeding device of any clause herein, further comprising a valve positioned between the housing and the liquid channel and configured to open when the recipient applies pressure to the liquid channel allowing the liquid to flow from the housing to the liquid channel.

[0061] Clause 4. The feeding device of any clause herein, wherein the body is shaped to fit a curvature of the breast.

[0062] Clause 5. The feeding device of any clause herein, wherein the body includes a strap for enabling the body to be placed over the breast, wherein the strap passes over a shoulder of the caregiver, the shoulder on a side of a body of the caregiver as the breast.

[0063] Clause 6. The feeding device of any clause herein, further comprising a flow controller including a V-shaped structure located at the second end of the liquid channel.

[0064] Clause 7. The feeding device of any clause herein, further comprising a flow controller including a plus-shaped structure made of an auxetic material located at the second end of the liquid channel.

[0065] Clause 8. The feeding device of any clause herein, wherein the body comprises liquid channel bases configured to secure the liquid channel on either side the aperture of the body.

[0066] Clause 9. The feeding device of any clause herein, wherein the body comprises at least one pocket for locating maternity products located in a vicinity of the housing.

[0067] Clause 10. The feeding device of any clause herein, wherein the first end of the liquid channel is wider than the second end of the liquid channel.

[0068] Clause 11. An apparatus for providing a liquid to a recipient, the apparatus comprising: a body configured to be placed over a portion of a breast of a caregiver, the body comprising a dispensing unit forming an aperture configured to receive a nipple and at least a portion of an areola of the breast when the body is placed on the breast; and a liquid channel coupled to the body and configured to receive the liquid a first end of the liquid channel and dispense the liquid at a second end of the liquid channel, wherein the second end of the liquid channel is positioned to extend past an edge of the aperture into the aperture such that the second end of the liquid channel inserts into a mouth of the recipient when the recipient latches onto the breast of the caregiver for breastfeeding.

[0069] Clause 12. The apparatus of any clause herein, further comprising: a housing for storing the liquid; and a valve positioned between the housing and the liquid channel and configured to regulate a flow of the liquid from the housing to the liquid channel.

[0070] Clause 13. The apparatus of any clause herein, further comprising: a housing for storing the liquid; and a valve positioned between the housing and the liquid channel and configured to open when the recipient applies pressure to the liquid channel allowing the liquid to flow from the housing to the liquid channel.

[0071] Clause 14. The apparatus of any clause herein, wherein the body is shaped to fit a curvature of the breast.

[0072] Clause 15. The apparatus of any clause herein, wherein the body includes a strap for enabling the body to be placed over the breast, wherein the strap passes over a shoulder of the caregiver, the shoulder on a side of a body of the caregiver as the breast.

[0073] Clause 16. The apparatus of any clause herein, further comprising a flow controller including a V-shaped structure located at the second end of the liquid channel.

[0074] Clause 17. The apparatus of any clause herein, further comprising a flow controller including a plus-shaped structure made of an auxetic material located at the second end of the liquid channel.

[0075] Clause 18. The apparatus of any clause herein, wherein the body comprises at least one pocket for locating maternity products located in a vicinity of the housing.

[0076] Clause 19. The apparatus of any clause herein, wherein the body comprises liquid channel bases configured to secure the liquid channel on either side the aperture of the body.

[0077] Clause 20. An apparatus for providing a liquid to a recipient, the apparatus comprising: a body configured to be placed over a portion of a breast of a caregiver, the body comprising a dispensing unit forming an aperture configured to receive a nipple and at least a portion of an areola of the breast when the body is placed on the breast; a liquid channel coupled to the body and configured to receive the liquid a first end of the liquid channel and dispense the liquid at a second end of the liquid channel, wherein the second end of the liquid channel is positioned to extend past an edge of the aperture into the aperture such that the second end of the liquid channel inserts into a mouth of the recipient when the recipient latches onto the breast of the caregiver for breastfeeding; and a liquid channel base located on the body and configured to secure the liquid channel to the body.

[0078] Clause 21. A feeding device (1) for providing a liquid to a recipient comprising,

- a body (2),

- at least one housing (3) for storing the liquid located on the body (2),

- at least one dispensing unit (4) for dispensing the liquid to the recipient,

- at least one liquid channel (5) interposed between the housing (3) and the dispensing unit (4), and

- at least one passageway (6) interposed between the housing (3) and the liquid channel (5), characterized in that

- the feeding device (1) further comprising a flow controlling means (7).

[0079] Clause 22. The feeding device (1) of any clause herein, wherein the flow controlling means (7) having a V-shaped structure (8) located at the end of the liquid channel (5) where connected to the dispensing unit (4).

[0080] Clause 23. The feeding device (1) of any clause herein, wherein the flow controlling means (7) having a plus-shaped structure (9) made of an auxetic material located at the end of the liquid channel (5) where connected to the dispensing unit (4).

[0081] Clause 24. The feeding device (1) of any clause herein, the body (2) comprises at least one hole (10) in the vicinity of the dispensing unit (4).

[0082] Clause 25. The feeding device (1) of any clause herein, wherein the body (2) made of flexible material.

[0083] Clause 26. The feeding device (1) of any clause herein, wherein the dispensing unit (4) having a mouth (11) for allowing a nipple to come through.

[0084] 7. The feeding device (1) of any clause herein, wherein the mouth (11) having a straight shape.

[0085] Clause 27. The feeding device (1) of any clause herein, wherein the mouth (11) having a curved hexagonal shape.

[0086] Clause 28. The feeding device (1) of any clause herein, wherein the mouth (11) having at least one slit (12). [0087] Clause 30. The feeding device (1) of any clause herein, wherein the body (2) comprises at least one pocket (13) for locating maternity products located in the vicinity of the housing (3).

[0088] Clause 31. The feeding device (1) of any clause herein, further comprises a cap for covering the dispensing unit (4).

[0089] Clause 32. The feeding device (1) of any clause herein, wherein the liquid channel (5) having an almost straight configuration.

[0090] Clause 33. The feeding device (1) of any clause herein, wherein the first end of the liquid channel (5) connected to the passage (6) is wider than the second end of the liquid channel (5) connected to the dispensing unit (4).

[0091] Clause 34. A brassiere (15) comprising the feeding device (1) of any clause herein.

[0092] Clause 35. A kit comprising a feeding device (1) of any clause herein together with a heating pad (14).

[0093] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present disclosure. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.