Has anyone invented something? Where to start?

[BNB]

I often come up with inventions, and usualy not write them down or not do anything about them and see it a few years later somewhere. So has anyone done this and can tell me how to get started or if there is a community like this on people trying to invent stuff. I have to I just thought of the last week and I'm tired of not doing anything with them.


Thanks

 

[MisterBevo]

I thought of 3 different things. Two have been developed by others. I am waiting for someone else to develop the third.

1st - After pump soap was developed, I thought . . . someone needs to develop a pump toothpaste. A year or two later . . . pump toothpaste.

2nd - After the initial AIDS scare, I thought about the "body condom". I even checked into it by contacting a rubber molding company. Never went any further. The next year . . . at Spencer's Gifts, I saw "The body condom". It was a nicely packaged garbage bag.

3rd - I even contact an invention company with this one and sent in my idea. After they wanted $600 for the "next phase", I stopped. I am now waiting for this one to materialize. Here it is for someone else to make millions on:

No one uses all of the 5 1/4" openings in their computer case. There is always one or two available. Now, there is also a mass market of infra-red products for transfering data between your computer and other devices . . . cell phones, PDA's, etc. Without my device, to line up my PDA/cellphone with my computer's infra-red window, I have to prop it up with something.

Here is where my invention comes in handy:

An inverted 5 1/4" box that fits in the case. This creates a shelf to set your PDA or cellphone inside. In the back or side of the inverted box is a infra-red window for connectivity.

I know that I would buy one.

Someone please develop this, so I can brag about not being rich again.

 

[jshorns03]

You now have one year to patent that, or else anyone can make it.

 

[Simon Templar]

Ketchup with Tabasco. Invented it at Nau's when in college.

Then Heinz stole the idea.

Just another example of the man keeping me down.

 

[HilltopHorn]

Actually no, I think since he just wrote it out for public perusal, it is public domain now. But maybe the year kicks in once you pass the magic disclosure number, which posting on this forum definitely meets. I have a couple of patents in my name, and did them myself. Its an interesting thing to do, as it has a language and rules all its own. I took an informal class there at UT for it several years ago.

To keep from boring everyone else, drop me an email here, i will answer what I can. Just quit telling everyone your ideas, lol.....keep them close to your vest, even after you get them documented on paper and witnessed.

 

[Horn_Spanker]

In reply to:

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[Mrmyke709]

Here's one for you.
Lots of folks are stuck in apartments.
Most have no cover.
We've had 4 substantial hailstorms so far this year.
What about a car cover with a built in air mattress?
Cover your car, and then pump that thing up like a Thermarest, and "walla"...sleep well knowing your car is safe.
I thought of padding, but padding would get wet.

 

[AkakHorn]

The challenge is what is your idea, can it be prototyped, and is there commercial value.

I have two patents, and a third pending. The initial was for a simple device used to position satellite dishes to a satellite accurately for the best signal. this was in the mid-80's (so I was a geek in HS, sue me), and I was able to build the little boxes and sell myself, and spent a total of about $2500 getting the patent filed. After all was said and done, i made about $10K in a couple of years, then those dishes fell out of favor for cable, and of course now DirecTV. So, the commercial life was there, just short.

The second patent was a secondary driver device for capturing computer screen activity. This patent had a TON of commercial value, and my partner and I spent about $10K on the legal part and well into six figures developing and manufacturing the code, which we OEM'd to a few companies. again, strong commercial value, and to this day I get residuals from licensing.

The pending patent is for a variation of the second patent, but with a new compression methodology allowing for hundreds of PCs to be simultaneously recorded on a single processor server. Again, the commercial value right now projects into the tens of millions of dollars, and I'll spend (along wiht my company) about $15K when all is said and done, withy great return possibilities.

If you have an idea, you really need to determine the value of it - if you can't define true ROI for the patent investment (and potential infringement protetions), its not really worth the time and money. However, if you can find someone to represent you in marketing the technology to someone for a share of the royalties, not really much risk there.

I recommend finding a good patent/trademark attorney to chat with (for free), and just get their impressions and you'll be well served.

 

[HilltopHorn]

No, I did not profit financially, as the second one was an upgrade to the first. It is a simple device that the DYI oil changer can use to capture the used oil and filter for recycling purposes. It is viable, but the state, while passing all rules about the illegality of putting used filters in the landfills, was full of bluster and never put any enforcement behind it. That killed the market quickly.

I leaned a lot about writing patents though, and the complexities of plastic injection molding, and above all learned to sell the next one for rights and royalties, and not try to market it myself without a deeper pocket.

Had a cousin get a patent on golf club lockers that could be placed outside clubhouses that worked a lot like lockers in airports, etc. Good idea, Yamaha bought it for 50K, then shelved it. Hasn't seen a penny since. So if I were to sell the next one, I would attempt to get some annual compensation to offset the stalling of production.

 

[jshorns03]

35 USC 102(b)A person shall be entitled to a patent unless--

(b) the invention was patented or described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country or in public use or on sale in this country, more than one year prior to the date of the application for patent in the United States, or