I visited Michael, Kate, and young Jackson James in California to celebrate Jackson’s second birthday. Mike and I were having an adult beverage and Jackson knocked my glass over. It wasn’t a deliberate act. He simply bumped the side table where the drink sat, and his blow tipped it over. Jackson was oblivious to his actions and continued on just like a two-year-old. It was an unintentional accident but the fact that I witnessed it inspired me to create a new invention.
That was two years ago. I started writing this story when I returned home, but I never took the time to finish it or actually develop my idea.
When my kids were young, and later my grandkids, they had sippy cups. Each sippy cup had a rounded bottom which helped ensure the cup wouldn’t tip over. It also had a top with a sip nozzle that the user sucked on to retrieve the liquid. The contraption held the liquid secure from two standpoints. It wouldn’t tip over and the liquid wouldn’t come out unless the child sucked it out. Most came with two handles to support both right- and left-handed children.
After the accident at young Jackson James’ house, I deduced that what was true for a young drinker could also be true for a more seasoned one. In fact, I flashed back to several occasions when one of my fraternity brothers was over-served and keeping a glass upright was a challenge. That’s not a good look for anyone, so I developed the concept of the nippy cup.
Older drinkers don’t take “sips” unless they’re drinking wine or a hot beverage. They do take “nips”, especially if they drink hard liquor. Good bourbons and whiskeys are my go toos. That’s why I developed the concept of the nippy cup. The nippy’s primary purpose is the same as the sippy, but they’ll have a more sophisticated look. The double handle will provide security to the adult beverage drinker while the rounded bottom will help reduce the number of tip-overs.
If I develop a connection with the correct people, the cups could have the logo of your favorite athletic team emblazoned on them. Action sport heroes are another option. Personal monograms would be attractive for some. My fraternity mug in college sported my nickname “TEE”.
I think I could have cups bedazzled with jewels. Styling has endless opportunities as long as I don’t alter the basic design and function. We live in a self-centered world, so personalized design options are endless.
The concept may well become a trend setter on college campuses, in local pubs, country clubs and family celebrations throughout the world.
My company slogan … Some say sippy. I say nippy.