Necessity is the Mother of Invention
Got milk?
Do you ever ride there and think, “Man, if only this aftermarket product were designed just a little bit better to kick in extra performance, durability or looks or maybe even all three?” Then why not go out and design it yourself. At the very least, write down those creative ideas once you climb out of the saddle.
Sure, it takes vision and follow-through to see a design all the way to market, but why not give it a shot.
How lucky we are to be in an industry where we’re all enthusiasts, passionate about what we do and support one another like a brother or sisterhood. You’d be surprised at the amount of encouragement and guidance that’s out there. Right off the bat, the two biggest resources for support of your project are the top dual sport forum websites: www.advrider.com and www.thumpertalk.com . Search the forums to start your endless trail of research. Putting time into the research gives you a leg up when it comes to knowing if someone else already had your great idea. Also, it’s good to know your competition. Then go ahead and post an idea for some feedback.
If this idea is the “next best thing” and you want to keep it under wraps, then tap into the patent search on www.uspto.com (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) to make sure you don’t step on any toes. Infringing on someone else’s design isn’t the best way to start off your new business endeavor. This free search is only an intro search, though, and should be followed up by a patent agent (more affordable than an attorney) who can give you an in-depth “Prior Art Search” to let you know about any possible design infringements.
Your patent agent will need tech drawings first to be able to describe your product in detail for the prior art search application.
Now that you know you need tech drawings go back to your trusty forums mentioned above and post a thread looking for some engineers or draftsmen/women who are adept at Solidworks or CAD programs to help with your technical drawings.
Once you line up your draftsman, get a copy of a free NDA (non-disclosure agreement) off the internet to send to him/her before describing your product in detail. This agreement will help protect your concept. Better yet, have your patent agent help you out with a more bullet-proof NDA. You really need to be serious about covering your butt when it comes to designing one-of-a-kind products. Plus, legal peace of mind helps you sleep better. Always get your NDA signed before describing or sending out drawings to anyone along the line. Now that you have a signed contract in hand, go ahead and send them any rough sketches you’ve doodled on paper.
Take it a step further, if you can, and head down to your local Home Depot or crafts place to pick up some items to hot glue a rough model together. That way you can get measurements and correct angles on how the product will attach to your bike. You might have to mail the rough model to your draftsman, so he can have the measurements in his hot little hands.
The best thing to remember through this entire process is to treat it like a business. Get contracts and agreements signed before letting the dinero exchange hands. Make sure all expectations are written down and agreed upon before getting started. That way you’re not left holding the bag in the end…and without a final product.
After getting the tech drawings completed, you can file a patent if needed or you can zip straight into looking for a manufacturer to fabricate your prototype. Try to find a company that can do all of your product’s needs “in-house”, instead of outsourcing, which will cost you.
Once you get your prototype made, the fun of testing your own creation comes next. Go out and thrash it ‘til the cows come home and make sure that baby is one durable product. Then, once your satisfied with your product testing, go strike a deal with your manufacturer after zeroing in on the “price point” (the retail price of your product, which is usually one of a number of competitive prices).
Finally, comes mass-production and hitting the market. Try testing the market through the Thumper Talk website to see how it’s received. They are very supportive of their members. Then put together a small website with a Paypal account for ordering and voila you’re an entrepreneur.
I haven’t flushed out the entire process from beginning to end, and can’t stress enough how important legal help is throughout the journey, but with these few suggestions you should be able to start another avenue to fund the never-ending farkle pursuit. Good luck!!!
Want to try designing your own technical drawings? Then check out “Solidworks for Dummies” the easy to understand book on Solidworks technical design software in the Rugged Rider store.
and also “Learn Solidworks by Video Vol 1”
and “Learn Solidworks by Video Vol 2”
Patent Agent:
Allen Hertz
Galahad, Co.
12784 Tulipwood Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33428
(561)716-3915
(561)883-0115 (fax)
www.galahadco.com
patents@galahadco.com
Allen is my fantastic patent agent, who is incredibly proficient in the patent process, attentive and encouraging. I can’t recommend him enough!
Credit for my tech drawings needs to go to my fantastic draftsman and fellow TT member, Tim Sutorus. Thanks Tim for all your hard work and incredible expertise!
Hi,
Regarding software, I am really liking Rhino and have been using it intensively for about a year now. It is coming out for OS X, has some fantastic rendering options if they are needed, and is proving to be a great tool to design and communicate with (machine shops, partners / investors, RP tools, etc.).
There is also a provisional application which is inexpensive and allows international rights to be secured for 1 year (as long as there has been no public disclosure - see NDA) while a product is getting additional development and a formal patent application is being assembled - or the value of an invention is being evaluated relative to the expenses of a patent. In the U.S. there is automatically a one year grace period to file a patent application.
Expect a product to take amazing amounts of time to develop. It may be a process worth looking at as a practice makes better type of effort with the idea that it will get easier.
Robert, thanks so much for your input on Rhino 3D software, which touts a favorable compatibility file exchange with other design, drafting, CAM, engineering, analysis, rendering, animation and illustration software. It looks like Solidworks office premium edition is around $8,000, while a smaller personal edition is in the $1,000 range. Just found Rhino 4.0 for $787, so it looks as though it is more affordable than other 3D programs. Thanks for the heads up.
Yes, thanks, too, for the additional note on the provisional and utility patent application, which is definitely less expensive and allows you one year to file the full patent. Yes, also, the length of time to develop a product should not be overlooked, but hopefully will not discourage the visionary from going after his/her dreams, either.