Client: Steve Thomas

Topster is a spring loaded pourer top for large plastic milk bottles which enables easier, controlled pouring of milk with less drips.

Topster has a patent pending, a registered design and a registered Trademark.

Gold Award Product Innovation 2008
Diamond Award Best Designed Product 2008

After watching his children struggle to pour milk from a large 4 litre bottle, Steve realised there was a need for a device which enabled the easier pouring of milk and which helped prevent splashes and drips down the side of the bottle which make a mess. He realised the application would benefit children, the elderly and a wide range of other people.

After coming to Innovate with a rough "blue peter" mock up, Innovate worked on realising this idea into 3D CAD designs and then a number of prototypes, resulting in a commercial prototype.

"When customers write to us and say it has changed their lives or their disabled relatives can regain some independence by pouring their own milk –it is definitely worthwhile! We have sold over 100,000 Topsters since we launched in 2008, appeared on GMTV and BBC Radio. We've also won a major award at the British Invention Show – that's not a bad start! However, we are still at the beginning of the story – with so much more to come!" Steve Thomas.

www.topster.co.uk

Client: Delia Strand

Chargem™ is a charging station for multiple charging of up to six mobile products at a time, using a single plug socket. Delia Strand, from Logical Gadgets, approached Innovate Product Design and commissioned a global patent search, followed by design work and a fully functioning prototype.

"Following some online research, I called numerous organisations and found that Innovate were the most helpful and professional, portraying enthusiasm and willingness to work on the project in order to move it forward with a positive outlook." Delia Strand, Chargem™, Logical Gadgets.

"The design process was painless, I provided a rough sketch of my idea and description of what I wanted it to do. Innovate created the first set of designs which exceeded my expectations. When I was ready to commission the prototype, some new designs were done which were even better still, providing me with a sleek and modern looking product."

"This space saving device required some development, which is where Innovate really helped speed up the project. Their communication was second to none, with regular contact and updates at each stage of the project. Without their creativity and complete understanding of the requirements from Logical Gadgets, we would not have such a slick and funky product design. Throughout our development journey, we have found Innovate to be very professional, informative and knowledgeable of the work they have carried out for us."

"Logical Gadgets would highly recommend Innovate to any prospective organisation who would like to develop their product further. " Delia Strand.

Chargem™ has a patent pending in the UK and Europe. www.logicalgadgets.com

Client: Dr Martin Almond

Tea Tool is an ingenious invention for squeezing the last drop of tea out of a tea bag. The inventor contacted Innovate Design with his initial idea and we completed ergonomic and aesthetic design work and then extensive mechanism development. The device needed to work effectively while being as simple as possible, to keep the cost down. Innovate's design engineers worked hard to find a way of using just one spring to get both the squeezing and releasing movement.

The mechanism began to take shape and then a 3D virtual prototype was built on CAD to ensure everything moved and worked effectively. The mechanism was animated to ensure there were no problems and then a proof of principle 3D prototype was built using rapid laser prototyping from the CAD model.

At all stages the inventor was heavily involved evaluating the design and providing his own views on how he wanted his product to look and work.

Tea Tool now has its own website and has been on sale since 2004.

www.teatool.co.uk

Client: Colin Richardson

Niloc is a device for holding small parts and components that is particularly aimed at model makers and electronics engineers.

During development, Innovate sketched the initial concepts and then through consultation with the client, the design evolved. Computer aided design was then used to refine the design and develop the locking mechanism. The usability of the device was considered throughout by the product design team and the product was simplified for easy manufacture.

The 3D virtual prototype was rendered using the latest software to produce photorealistic images of what the final product would look like. The client agreed these final designs and Innovate advised on how the inventor could take the product to market.

Niloc has been seen on national television and is on the market. The inventor is also negotiating with distributors in the UK and abroad.

Niloc on sale at Robot Store UK

Client: Gary Shepherd

Cone Champ is a device for picking up sports marker cones. It makes clearing up after sports practice much quicker and easier. Innovate produced presentation boards and a working prototype for the inventor to present the idea to industry. A partner was found to produce Cone Champ and terms and conditions were negotiated.

Innovate was then commissioned to further develop the product for economic manufacture. Further prototypes were produced and tested and then the project was handed over to an injection moulding company to produce the mould tools and plastic parts.

Cone Champ was entered for the ISPO brand new award (an international award for new sports products) where it was shortlisted by the judges and achieved joint second place from eighty entries in an online vote. Production is currently underway and Cone Champ will be on the market very soon.

www.conechamp.com

Client: William Allingham

William Allingham first came to Innovate Product Design with his idea after his trailer slowed down, and often stopped, his quad bike whilst working on his farm in Northern Ireland. He came up with an idea for a crate which could be fitted directly onto the quad bike.

William worked with Innovate's experienced designers and engineers to come up with the best design solution for Quadcrate, enabling a heavy load to be carried on any make of quad bike and also allowing for multiple different attachments and uses.

"I found them very helpful and professional in all areas of the Patent research process. The designs were done well in 3D, and the advice was brilliant. Alastair, who I dealt with, was great. He has a good straight business going there." William Allingham.

William has already achieved outstanding success with Quadcrate, including winning the Eircom Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 and The Best Labour Saving Device in Ireland, at the Tullamore show. "Starting my own company feels good and hopefully it will be a successful one." William Allingham www.quadcrate.co.uk

Quadcrate has a patent pending in the UK as well as an International patent pending.