The document proposes a "Coffee Mitten" product - a mitten with an integrated coffee sleeve that allows people to easily carry coffee in winter weather without dropping it. It identifies the problem that carrying coffee back from shops in cold weather is difficult as mittens don't provide grip but fingers get cold. A prototype is shown of a mitten with a horizontal pocket that functions as both a mitten and coffee sleeve. While the inventor explored patenting the idea, a similar existing product was discovered, ending the project.

1. COFFEE MITTEN
PRODUCT INNOVATION
MICHELLE ARRAZCAETA

2. PROBLEM
When I first moved to New York I thought coffee shops would
slow down during winter. They do not. People face the snow,
rain and wind to get a coffee.
The walk to the coffee shop is tough, but never as bad as the
walk back. Not only do people face mother nature, but they hold
their coffee while wearing and adjusting winter attire. Beyond
that, mittens keep fingers warm but do not provide any grip when
holding coffee.
The main problem: it is a nuisance to carry coffee in the winter
with all this crap!

3. CHALLENGES
How can the most uncoordinated
person easily carry coffee without
dropping it?
Is there another way to keep fingers
warm while holding coffee?
How can people have a better grip on
coffee cups?

4. IDEA
Introducing the COFFEE MITTEN
A mitten + coffee sleeve product that shelters
fingers from the cold and makes holding coffee
effortless (no grip necessary). A reusable coffee
sleeve with a horizontal pocket. It has the potential
to be personalized, consist of recycled materials,
have brand extensions and be sold at retail stores in
addition to coffee shops. It promotes sustainability
and can be attached to a key ring for accessibility.

5. PROTOTYPE
pocket
pocket

6. MARKET LANDSCAPE
COFFEE SLEEVE MARKET
Coffee Mitten!
Ability to Multi-Function
Potential for Personalization

7. RESULT
After identifying this opportunity, I searched the patent
database and did not find anything similar to my idea.
I spoke to a patent lawyer who classified my idea as a
design patent. He explained how an idea cannot be patented
if it is comprised of two already patented ideas. At this point
a patent seemed unlikely. Then a few weeks later a friend
found a similar product in a coffee shop.
It was an unfortunate end to a fun project, but a learning
experience nonetheless. And who says my friends can’t have
personal coffee mittens for football season?

8. THANK YOU
MICHELLE ARRAZCAETA