Apparatus and method for mounting baby nipple on, and in fluid communication with, valved bottle cap

Abstract

A method for a parent to safely administer formula to a baby. The method includes the step of providing a pre-packaged, pre-sterilized, self-contained, disposable safety bottle by sterilizing a container; sterilizing formula; charging the sterilized container with the sterilized formula; sealing the container; and, removably mounting a nipple assembly on the container. The nipple assembly includes a base, a nipple, and a removable cover extending over the nipple. The method also includes the steps of delivering the safety bottle to the parent; removing the nipple assembly from the container; unsealing the container; remounting the nipple assembly on the container; removing the cover; administering the formula to the baby; and, discarding the safety bottle.

1 . A method to produce a container of ingestible liquid for a baby comprising the steps of
 (a) providing a manufacturing facility that produces a conventional existing valve cap for a bottle of fluid, said valve cap
 (i) including an internally threaded substantially rigid first base produced from a first polymer, 
 (ii) including a first top that slidably moves on said first base between an open position and a closed position, and 
 (ii) being produced by mounting said first top on said first base, said manufacturing facility including a first assembly process to mount said first top on said first base; 
   (b) producing a pliable second base fabricated from a second polymer different than said first polymer and shaped and dimensioned to be slidably mounted on said substantially rigid first base for movement between an open position and a closed position;   (c) producing a soft pliable baby nipple from a polymer than can be heat welded to said second base;   (d) heat welding said baby nipple to said second base to produce a second top;   (e) providing a second assembly process different from said first assembly process to mount said second top on said first base to produce a valved baby-nipple cap;   (f) providing a container including an externally threaded neck;   (g) charging said container with an ingestible liquid; and,   (h) mounting said valved baby-nipple cap on said threaded neck of said container.