Idea for a new product

[NV_ARCH3R]

While out hiking the mountain this week looking for that elusive 4 point, I came up with an idea for a new outdoors product. Anyone know how I might go about getting this thing produced? Do I contact a manufacturer of the product it's based on, or do I call one of those gypo outfits that advertise on TV to get new products out?
I think it's a great idea and haven't seen anything like it in the stores, catalogs or advertised elsewhere.

 

[Colberjs]

Just tell us about it and we'll take it from there.


Lol

 

[sbhooper]

A friend of mine patented a bow rack to fit on an atv. It took him several years and about $9000 to get it done. At the end of the process, there was one entire year where it is "patent pending". This is so that people can challenge the product for ownership if they think that the idea was stolen etc.

I would say start asking questions and researching on the internet to find out what you have to do. There are attorneys that do that as their entire business. Just make sure that you are serious about it, as it is not an easy process based on what my buddy went through.

One the other hand, if you have a good idea, don't miss a good opportunity. I also met a guy one time that was into everything firearms related. He told people about a couple ideas that he had and they stole the idea for a patent. It has been years ago and I don't remember what they were, but they were common shooting items.

The first step is to find out if there is anything else out there like it that has already been patented.

 

[kenton]

do not use any of the invention companies that advertise on tv. They will keep you on the hook paying money as long as they can. Find a company that deals solely with outdoor equipment inventions (ill pm you the one I use). They are going to have the correct contacts to get quality items in stores. Don't contact the company whose product you may be altering or whatever it is because there is nothing stopping them from just taking your idea. I would get a prototype made as soon as you can because you never know what kind of problems you run into. When you apply for a patent, a sketch of the product is included so the more "finished" the prototype is the better. Good luck and just remember it is a very long process going from idea to sales.

 

[TheShootist.41]

Try contacting A-Way Outdoors

 

[duckhunt]

Talk to a attorney before anybody else.

 

[Guest member 25165]

If your new "outdoor" idea includes a device for painting a wall behind a toilet, without having to actually remove the toilet fixture, I have already thought of that. I just have no idea what it should look like, how it will actually work, or if anyone would actually buy one other than myself.

On a more serious note, my neighbor thought about a rack to use on the outside of a truck to attach your bow to for when it's legal to road hunt. Although I would have no use for his product, it got a lot of positive reviews during the prototype. If you think it's worth it, go for it and good luck to you.

 

[MNElkNut]

I have recently went through this. I am in the Patent Pending phase right now and the prototype is 99% complete.

Here is how I would go about it if I were you (and dont tell a soul about it until your attorney says you can which will be after your filing date and spending considerable $$):

1. Do as many internet searches as you can to see if something exists. Google/patents is a critical one and type in as many different combinations of keywords as possible.

2. Assuming you cannot find anything like it, contact an attorney. I could recommend one in Mpls, MN.

3. Follow the attorneys advice. Prepare to spend $10K or more on the patenting process depending on the complexity of the intellectual property.

4. Prototyping costs vary widely again depeding on complexity. Mine will run about $5000 for what I think is a pretty simple invention.