DIY Adaptive Weighted Cup For Improved Stabilization

Enhance stability, motor control and independence in drinking with a DIY adaptive weighted cup. Adaptive weighted drinking cups are a simple and effective tool that can significantly improve drinking independence and comfort for the user. This type of assistive technology, often recommended in occupational therapy, is quick to make and can be made with repurposed materials. This tutorial only takes a few minutes to complete so let’s get started.

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Hello!

The other day, I was brainstorming ideas for how to make your own drinking straw holder. I came up with a really quick and easy way to make a version using just a binder clip and straw of choice. While in the process of writing the article for a drinking straw holder, I had today’s idea for a weighted cup come to mind. It’s another quick and easy assistive technology adaptation. Furthermore, this project can be adapted to fit a variety of cups plus a drinking straw holder can easily be added as well.

What Is A Weighted Drinking Cup

A weighted drinking cup, recommended by occupational therapy practitioners, is a specialized cup designed to provide sensory input (weight) and improve motor control. This type of therapeutic tool is typically made from durable, food-grade materials like plastic or stainless steel. Depending on the manufacturer, the overall weight of the cup will vary for both adults and pediatrics.

Adult Weighted Cups

Many weighted cups for adults are designed to add a noticeable but manageable weight to help stabilize the hand and reduce tremors as well as improve motor control. The weight, without the weight of the actual cup and liquid, often ranges from 4 to 10 ounces (113 to 283 grams) of added weight for adult cups.

Pediatric Adaptive Cups

On the other hand, pediatric weighted cups focus on stability without a significant weight change. Children, especially, may benefit from the use of a weighted straw in conjunction with a spill-proof cup to allow drinking from any angle. Because of this, the weighted straw ensures that the straw stays submerged in the liquid.

Children’s adaptive heavy cups may have a slightly heavier base for improved stability without a large increase in overall weight. Children’s weighted cups often range from 4 to 6 ounces (approximately 113 to 170 grams) of added weight.

How Does A Weighted Drinking Cup Work?

The weighted base of the drinking cup lowers the cup’s center of gravity, making it less likely to tip over.

Furthermore, weighted cups feature a weighted base can also provide more stability. The weight provides the user with added proprioceptive input, information received about the position and movement of the body. For this reason, the weight not only provides the hands with deep pressure, but sensory input also enhances body awareness, improves motor control, and helps to decrease tremors.

Who May Benefit From A Weighted Drinking Cup?

Sensory processing differences
Differences in motor control
Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis
Tremors
Post stroke recovery
Developmental delay
Cerebral Palsy

Benefits Of A Weighted And More Stabilized Drinking Cup

Reduces tremors
Improves motor control
Improves unsteadiness
Helps minimize spills
Encourages independent drinking
Improves hand control
Reduces shaking and spills
Allows for more controlled sipping
Improves confidence
Improves hand control
Spill prevention

Where To Purchase An Insulated Weighted Cup

Keep hot liquids hot, and cold liquids colds with an insulated weighted cup. Enhance stability and motor control with this adaptive weighted cup. This heavy weighted cup holds up to 8.4 ounces of liquid, has an anti-spill lid, and is double walled keeping the liquid inside at the correct temperature. This handy cup is dishwasher safe, however it is not microwave safe due to the steel metal added to the bottom as weight. There is also a small opening in the lid for straw placement. USA made and is sold by the Wright Stuff, a leading online health care supply store.

DIY Assistive Technology Projects

Types Of Adaptive Cups

There is a selection of different types of adaptive cups on the market to help make it easier for individuals to stay hydrated. Depending on the cup ordered, added weight may already be in place. Here is a list of some of the different types of adaptive cups available.

Nosey cups have a cut out section for the nose, allowing the user to drink without tilting the head back which can be beneficial for those with limited neck mobility or neck pain.
Rotating handle cups have handles that rotate to accommodate different hand positions and movements. These work well for those with tremors, dexterity limitations, and differences in hand grasp.
One Way Valve cups feature a valve that allows liquid to flow up the straw, but not back down. These cups help to reduce the effort needed to drink.
Squeeze bottle with straws can be beneficial for those with limited mobility, oral motor differences, or difficulties with suction.
Dysphagia cups are designed to limit the amount of liquid delivered with each sip. These cups help to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Wide-Based Cups are designed to be more stable and less likely to tip
Spill proof cups have lids and often a spouts or straws to help minimize spills
Cups with built in straws also help to reduce spills

Check out this resource from Equip2Adapt for adaptive and hands-free cups, mugs, and other drinking devices.

Individual Needs And The Weighted Cup

The ideal weight for a weighted cup depends on the individual’s strength, coordination, and the presence and severity of tremors.

It is best to discuss with your occupational therapy practitioner for personalized recommendations on the appropriate weight and type of adaptive cup that is best for you. Occupational therapists will access an individual’s needs, and help choose a cup that provides the right level of assistance without causing fatigue or strain.

Adaptive Designs To Consider

When making your weighted cup, consider some of the following:

What type of cup would make gripping the cup easier?
Does the user prefer handles?
Is a secure no-spill lid needed?
Is there a specific spout option or straw that is preferred?
Is a weighted straw needed?

Can I Make A Weighted Cup and Drinking Straw Holder All In One?

Yes, based on your personal needs, you can make your cup weighted and also add a drinking straw holder as well. Both of these projects are quick adaptations to make, and only require very few materials

What Is An Adaptive Drinking Straw Holder?

An adaptive drinking straw holder is a straw that is secured to the side of a cup to help make drinking from a cup easier and more comfortable. Improve hydration along with independence in drinking with a stable and secure drinking straw. This type of assistive technology drinking aid is designed to assist individuals who experience difficulties while drinking due to hand strength, range of motion, dexterity, or stability. Make your cup not only weighted, but also add a quick binder clip to the side of the cup for a secure and adjustable drinking straw.

How Do I Make The Weighted Cup Anti-Slip?

The anti-slip adhesive rubber furniture pad used in today’s design helps to prevent the cup from moving on the table top. The rubber anti-slip pad will also help prevent the metal weights from scratching the furniture. The anti-slip pad is highly recommended for this project.

Dishwasher And Microwave Safe?

It is best to wash the cup by hand. The weighted cup is NOT microwave safe and should not be used in the microwave.

Materials Needed For A DIY Weighted Cup

Here are the material based on the cup I chose:

Cup of choice. I used a two handled cup with an anti splash lid – this cup features a concave bottom when fitted over allowing me to add additional small weights to my cup.
JB Weld ClearWeld quick setting epoxy (clear)
1-3/8 x 2-1/8 x 14 GA machine bushings (zinc) (3 total)* sizing will depend on the bottom of the cup’s diameter
3/16 x 1-1/4 fender washers (5 total)* sizing will depend on the bottom of the cup’s diameter
A piece of cardboard or paper plate to protect your work surface.
Popsicle stick or cardboard strip for stirring and applying the epoxy.
Rubber gloves and face mask- epoxy can be harmful if it touches your skin before dried. Always wear gloves when working with epoxy. It is important to work on this project outside in the open air. Wear a face mask for extra protection. Let the epoxy dry and cure for at least 24 hours before using.
Scotch anti-slip pads (rubber) with a sticky backing- these can be found at your local hardware store such as Lowe’s in the same section as furniture pads.
Scissors
Sharpie or other marker
Kitchen scale

* Please note, the number of fender washers and machine bushings will be based not only on the desired additional weight you plan to add but also whether or not your cup has a concave bottom. I was able to add two additional fender washers because of this. Make sure the weights you add are the widest possible for the cup’s base. This will prevent the cup from tipping to the side.

**This project is NOT intended to be made by children. Adults only.

How To Make An Adaptive Weighted Drinking Cup

Materials

Cup of choice (see sections above)
Tube of JB Weld brand ClearWeld quick setting epoxy (clear)
Machine bushings (zinc) and fender washers (see note just above, number and sizing depends on your cup diameter and desired weight)
Fender washers (make sure your fender washers fit inside your machine bushing. The number and sizing depends on your cup’s bottom diameter.)
Cardboard or paper plate
Popsicle stick or cardboard strip
Rubber gloves
Face mask
Scotch ant-slip rubber pads with sticky back
Scissors
Sharpie or marker
Kitchen scale

Instructions

First, using the anti-slip rubber furniture pad and a marker, trace around the outside of a large machine bushing. Cut out along the circle and place to the side.
Next, using your kitchen scale weigh the fender washers, machine bushings, and circle cutout anti-slip pad to ensure the desired weight. Before gluing place on the bottom of your cup to determine correct placement. Make sure the fender washers and machine bushings are even across the surface.
Outdoors with rubber gloves and a face mask on, squeeze out some of the epoxy and mix the two colors together using a popsicle stick or carboard strip. Begin gluing the metal fender washers and machine bushings one by one and set in place on bottom of cup. Stack each piece accordingly and make sure the edges line up. When all pieces are glued, they should be level.
Once all the metal weights are glued and aligned, seal the outside edge with the leftover epoxy using either the popsicle stick or carboard strip. Also place a thin layer of epoxy on top of the metal weights.
Next, before the epoxy begins to dry, peel the backing of the anti-slip rubber furniture pad circle and place on top of the glued weights. Press down gently to ensure the entire pads touches the weights.
Let dry and cure outside for 24 hours. Wash by hand. DO NOT place in the microwave.