Mike Ware of Nowra shot to fame when after years as a professional painter he invented the Painter’s Briefcase - a case that conveniently houses a paint roller and paint, extending the working life of the paint and making the workplace safer.

The drink coaster frame is aimed at preserving their lifespan, reducing waste, saving businesses money

and reducing the impact on the environment.

“I enjoy socialising at hotels and drinking a cold beer - no doubt a joy shared by millions of thirsty patrons around the world. Most beer drinkers would be familiar with disposable cardboard drink coasters. They have been used to soak up spillage and condensation for years.

“Unfortunately once the coaster is wet and left to dry it distorts out of shape and has to be thrown away.

“Coasters are a billion dollar industry, we use 830,000 coasters a day in Australia.

“So I came up with a thin plastic frame to hold the coaster and make it ridged.

“I soaked it and watched it dry and it didn’t distort, which means they can be used over and over, saving money and the environment.

“The coaster just slides into the frame and that’s it.

“The little frame will take logo printing too, good for community messages like ‘Don’t drink and drive’ or ‘Quit smoking’.

“It puts your message in the right place, in the patron’s face.”

Mr Ware conceived the idea at the Archer Hotel about a year ago. After eight months of prototypes and testing, he now has a patent and plans to export this year.

“I will be launching the product at the Shoalhaven Ex-Sevicemen’s Club and the Shoalhaven Ex-Sevicemen’s Club Sports Club today in conjunction with a naming competition.”

To be in the running to win $100 send your idea for the invention’s name to drinkcoasterframe@gmail.com.