Reusable Cup Sleeve

DIY Design and FABRICATION, spring 2020

What’s Your Cup of Tea

Challenge: Using only sheet acrylic, create an accessory item to compliment your daily routine

Background: In the morning, I usually make coffee to take to class. My house had several reusable coffee cups from a recent holiday promotion. I generally use these to take coffee on the go; however, the cup is not well insulated and is difficult to hold with a hot beverage. This is especially a problem on a crowded bus ride to campus. Not wanting to use disposable cup sleeves, I created a reusable handle for hot beverages.

Skills:

  • Prototyping - laser cutting, heat forming

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Prototyping

Initial prototyping done with cardboard. This was done to determine the approximate geometry needed to fit the coffee cup and trying different designs

Initial prototyping done with cardboard. This was done to determine the approximate geometry needed to fit the coffee cup and trying different designs

First prototype of heat formed mug handle design.

First prototype of heat formed mug handle design. Some trial and error required to determine the heating time and forming technique

Variation of the design without the base. I liked the minimalist design, but the cup was much less stable.

Variation of the design without the base. I liked the minimalist design, but the cup was much less stable.

Second prototype. Handle was curved more, but is easy to knock over.

Another prototype. Handle is more curved due to higher heating time, but this geometry is easy to knock over.

Final prototype. Handle geometry was elongated and slightly tapered for a more ergonomic hold and more secure fit.

Final prototype. Handle geometry was elongated and slightly tapered for a more ergonomic hold and more secure fit.