Estelle Keeter's MEDPACK, an insulated case for medications, earned her the $20,000 grand prize in Whirlpool's 2008 Mother of Invention Grant Program. Now in its fourth year, the contest provides seed money and expert guidance to mom inventors.

Keeter is a diabetic who got tired of using bulky lunch packs to keep her insulin cold. As an elementary school teacher, she also watched her students struggle to find space for their medication in the school cafeteria's refrigerator. MEDPACK keeps medication cold in a briefcase, a purse or a backpack.

In addition to the grant, Keeter receives a $3,000 stipend for a new home office and the opportunity to attend a Whirlpool business boot camp at Whirlpool headquarters in Benton Harbor, Mich.

Four runners-up will receive a total of $24,000 for their inventions, and the opportunity to attend Whirlpool's business boot camp.

There are two winners in the traditional category, and two in the green category:

• First prize, traditional, $7,000: Cameo McGraw-Horton of Bothell, Wash., who developed an improved pet leash that offers flexibility for owners and added safety for animals.
• Second prize, traditional, $5,000: Veletta Rouse of Riviera Beach, Fla, who created a product to help those with a cleft lip and palate.
• First prize, green category, $7,000: Catherine Kay of Silver Spring, Md., who created a potty-training product.
• Second prize, green category, $5,000: Erika Berry of Ada, Mich., created the CleanyBeany, a recyclable product that fits on a dog's lease and can hold money, refuse bags, wipes and a flashlight.