Patent Attorney and Founder
Got it. I’ll rewrite your transcript into something that sounds more natural, varied, and human, while keeping the story clear and engaging. Here’s a cleaned-up version with better flow, rhythm, and readability:
We thought about giving our invention a fun name that described us. At first, it was just brainstorming random ideas. Then one day, she brought in a suction cup from her brother’s sippy cup. That’s when it clicked, we could combine the two.
We took the “S” and “U” from “suction” and blended it with “sippy.” That became Suppy. Simple, but it worked.
One thing I always tell clients is this: don’t name your product exactly what it is. If you call it a “suction water bottle” or a “sippy water bottle,” the name is too descriptive, and it can’t be trademarked. You two did something really smart. You created a unique name that still hints at the product, but isn’t just a description.
So, tell me, how did the water bottle idea start? Was it really because of a classroom spill?
Yep. The day before we started brainstorming, someone’s water bottle tipped over. The whole class had to stop and clean it up. That’s when we thought: what if the bottle stuck to the desk? So we added a suction cup.
But then we noticed another problem. Kids were constantly losing their pencils. So we attached a pencil holder to the bottle. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a no-spill water bottle; it was also a pencil keeper. Two problems solved in one.
At first, we tested it with a plastic bottle, but the suction cup wouldn’t stay. We switched to metal, and that made all the difference. Plus, it’s insulated, so drinks stay cold. And since it doesn’t spill, you don’t have to leave class to refill it as often.
Of course, building it wasn’t easy. We tried for weeks to get that suction cup to stick, using tape, glue sticks, and even string. Nothing worked. Finally, Gorilla Glue on the metal bottle did the trick. We let it cure for 24 hours, tested it, and it held strong.
We even tested it against the family pets. The cat tried knocking it over, but no luck. The suction held.
Then came the Connecticut Invention Convention. That was nerve-wracking. Walking in and seeing all the other inventions was intimidating, but also inspiring. Some kids had shampoo bottle holders, others had wall-mounted gadgets. Everyone was creative.
We kept pushing forward, even when we didn’t always agree. Sometimes it was the colors. Sometimes the poster board design. But we always found a way to combine both of our ideas into something better.
And then came Nationals. We decided to stand out with a role-play presentation; one of us played the student, the other explained how the invention worked. It was fun, interactive, and it caught the judges’ attention. And yes, we won.
So now the question is: what’s next?
We’re thinking about making the suction cup detachable, dishwasher-safe, and available in different colors. Maybe even scented versions or custom designs, so kids and even high schoolers could personalize their bottles.
You’ve not only solved a real problem, you’ve also created a brand. Suppy is memorable, clever, and totally yours. And that’s what makes it stand out.