Wilmington inventor awarded for innovative cup holder | News

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - A local inventor is receiving international recognition for his product.

Pete Vinal from Wilmington invented the Drink Genie, and it's safe to say it grants the wishes of those constantly on the go. In essence, it's a drink holder that can fit any size cup and attach to almost everything.

The Drink Genie sticks into the ground to keep drinks upright.

Vinal says he got the idea when he kept seeing drinks spilling over at the beach one day, and his invention won two gold medals at an international invention show held in Pittsburgh last weekend.

According to Vinal, his invention can be used by anyone.

"We've had so many people who have come up to us and said, "I have nowhere to put my drink on a baby stroller, bike, golf bag,'" he said. "It solves so many problems. That's the purpose."

The drink genie costs just $6.99.

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