Hi Folks,
Thanks for having me. I am a complete novice at this idea of inventing something and getting it to market.
I've got a widget that I've modeled in 3d on Pro-E CAD software and made some preliminary drawings. I've just heard back from my new patent attorney Dom Irsler http://www.itspatentable.com/index.html
I live in Hermosa Beach and found Don on the Internet at a fraction of the cost of Patent attorneys out here in Ca. He lives and works in Wisconsin and has just completed a patent search for my widget and has told me he thinks he can get a patent for it. He charged me $475 for the search and completed it in about 4 to 5 days. When he completed the search he emailed me 10 of the most relevant existing patents that he found that came the closest to my widget. I asked him for the bottom line ...... can you get me a patent? He said "I think I can".
So that's where I'm at. I didn't get anything in writing from him. Is that normal to have nothing in writing? I asked him that same question and he said flat out "no" you don't get anything in writing because it can come back to haunt the the patent application process. In other words if you write down any issues or perceived issues about prior art and those written statements surface then they can be used to deny a patent. Does that sound right to you guys?
So my next move (I think) is to get some quotes for a prototype. My widget is a small metal device that you put on the end of a cable or wire rope so you can connect the cable to something or to anchor it. I'll need a prototype house that does castings and testing in the south bay area.
Can anyone recommend a reliable, affordable (cause I'm broke) shop that can do this type of work?
I'm also trying to find out if it's possible to test my widget (see if it works) without making a prototype. Can adequate stress analysis be preformed on the 3d model to determined where and when the device will fail (let go of the wire rope) without actually spending the money on a prototype ? I'm hoping this analysis service will cost less than actually making a prototype and testing the device itself. Can anyone help me with that question?
Thanks in advance to anyone that can help me answer my questions or to anyone that is willing to add their two cents. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Jeff Byers
PrimoSand Productions LLC
310 374-1840