The Pitch
Hello, My name is Wayne Daly and I'm a computing student living in Ireland. I had thought of this idea nearly two years ago and finally went for it and with the help of a patent attorney filed for the patent.
View it here:
http://www.taffatech.com/refillacup.pdf
When the cup is placed on the base unit the protuding base pushes up the magnetic valve on the bottom of the cup so that water can be pumped in. When finished the cup can be lifted off the base and in doing so the magnets will be able to connect again making an effictive seal.
There are a number of problems encountered by elderly people, or people with disabilities, where they must rely on the assistance of third parties, such as a caregiver. One such instance is the provision of water, or other beverages, to the elderly person or person with a disability when they are confined to a bed.
The caregiver must be alerted by the person in need of the water, and then retrieve a drink for the person. This is burdensome for the caregiver and the person may be dissuaded from requesting a drink from the caregiver if they believe themselves to be a burden.
Even where people are not confined to a bed, the constant supply of a vessel filled with a fluid of choice is most convenient.
The product however is not limited to the medical industry. It can be marketed also as a gadget for the mainstream consumer. Having a refillable cup near the bedside or even beside the couch offers ease and appeal.
I have conducted research and found that most people find the idea to be one that they would buy as people want everything within arms reach.
The domain names have been purchased if they are needed for use.
You can view the patent here:
http://pdfcast.org/pdf/patent
Impact
For one, elderly people will not have to worry about feeling bad asking for water or other drinks, espically if they are bed-ridden and need refreshments during the night. By simply placing the cup on the refill base the drink will be pumped up from the bottom up and the user will not have to worry about ever having to move to refill the cup again.
What We Need & What You Get
What we need first and foremost is to get a worldwide patent. We have 12 months as the inital patent provides this. If I was not a student and had my own money to invest I would do so without hesitation. This is why i'm asking you. This product will make a difference from the elderly to the childern of this generation. Thank you
Once we have that sorted out whe can move on and get a prototype made and start producing in bulk and get these in care homes and hospitals around the globe!
Other Ways You Can Help
Please like our facebook page!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/RefillaCup/493554084005437?skip_nax_wizard=true
If you cannot pledge physical cash then please help by spreading the word so others can help too! By liking and sharing our page we can generate public interest and attract worldwide attention!
My parents often told me you will get 'nothing for nothing' in relation to my project. But I believe as have been shown by the people that back this project that most people think up great idea's but cant afford to get them noticed. By using the internet us a tool you can spread the news by backing us and sharing our page on facebook and other social media sites, eventually the press will pick up on it!
Even by veiwing items for sale at www.thedisabledshop.com for disabled people you can see they are only at the stage of 2-handed mugs. Diabled people and the elderly need this product for their own little bit of independence.
Update -
Was interviewed on the Click Technology show on Dublin City fm alongside a Microsoft expert broadcast to 200,000 people! Podcast coming soon!
MATURE ARKANSAS Magazine expressed interest in including product in catalog when it hits the market.
"Dear Wayne
I did not realize your product was not yet available to the consumer. We were going to include the product in a Senior gift guide for our Dec. issue and I had requested a photo to use.
So next year, when your product is flying off store shelves, we’ll use it then.
It’s a great idea for older people and I’ve been working in the aging field for 35 years. As it is described, this product could make a real difference in keeping seniors hydrated.
Best of luck in getting funded and into production. I hope to be able to include Refilla-Cup next year.
"
The Podcast!