Cupmate

My last year at UWM in the graphic design department, we were given an assignment to invent and execute an innovative design/invention. I decided to create a reusable cup sleeve that served multiple functions. I ended up sewing a total of 10 of them to sell at our graphic design store at the end of the semester. I ended up selling 7 (my teacher even bought one!). My teacher insisted that I get a patent on these and start marketing them to local coffee shops. Well, I got as far as making a diagram to submit to the United States Patent and Trademark office, but have yet to actually submit it. Fast forward to a couple months ago when I was showing my portfolio to one of my coworkers. She loved the Cupmate design I created and asked if I could make her one for herself. She uses it everyday at work and got another one of our coworkers interested in my design! She thought this would be the perfect gift to give her bridesmaids at her wedding this October. So, I got to work and whipped out 4 Cupmates within about two weeks. I now have another request to make one for another friend. Looks like I'm going into business with these things!

The diagram I created for patent submission. (click on the image to get a closer look at all of the functions of the Cupmate)


The Cupmates I made and sold at UWM.


The Cupmates that were made as gifts for my coworkers bridesmaids.