Company: Buddy Cup LLC

Patent Number: 12696969
Title: Nested drinking vessels

Innovation and Utility

The invention detailed in patent 12696969 presents an innovative nested vessel assembly. It features two vessels of substantially equal containment volumes, where one vessel can be releasably secured within the other using a helical groove mechanism. This creates a highly compact single unit for transport that easily separates into two individual drinking cups. This design offers a practical solution for sharing beverages without compromising hygiene or increasing the overall bulk of items carried during travel or outdoor activities.

Award Recognition

This approach to portable drinkware is the reason the invention won the Patent of the Month for the state of Alabama for September 2026, an honor granted by Swanson Reed. The recognition highlights the precise engineering required to solve common inconveniences encountered in social settings through an efficient and functional mechanical design.

R&D Tax Credit Eligibility

The practical applications of this patent could allow developers to qualify for the Research and Development tax credit in the United States. To be eligible, the manufacturing and design process must involve eliminating technical uncertainties related to the securement mechanisms or the material tolerances required for the nesting configuration. Engaging in a systematic process of evaluation, such as testing prototypes to refine the threaded connections or improving the structural integrity of the dual vessel system, typically meets the criteria for federal tax incentives.