I have a great new idea

[RavensGryf]

I want to tell you that I've been planning in my head for some time now, an "invention" if you will... Something which I think many parrots and owners out there will really love!

I am not going to say exactly what my idea is at this point, but it's something that through researching, surprisingly, no one has ever come up with this idea. Judging by what products/accessories/peripherals etc. are mentioned on this forum, I know that IF I can get this together, it will be a hit. It's something very "practical"...

MY PROBLEM with this is, I have absolutely no idea how one goes about getting an idea to fruition. I can get the idea to paper, but then I have questions (that only I can answer) as to what type of materials would be cost effective, safe, lightweight, and durable. Also what design would make the most sense from a practical standpoint.

Then... after I have an idea as to the materials and design, HOW do I go about producing an experimental prototype? Where do I get my materials since obviously I don't have a manufacturer. Would I just have to start with pre-made objects which are not "made for" this product but are around the right shape, just to get a crude similarly shaped object into existence? Or is that all wrong?... Is that not how you do it? I have no idea. If you've ever invented anything or know someone who has had an idea which made it into production, can you please give me some tips on "how"?

I'm not counting on really making 'adult' money here lol, but I'd like to do it as a fun side thing, and to make some parrots and people happy. Sure it would be nice if I could make some profit from it eventually, but being realistic I know it shouldn't be an expectation. As long as I'm not continually 'losing' money lol.

I just need a little help from those who might be a little less ignorant about inventing than I am or suggestions from anyone who has ideas about the steps it takes to get from point A to point B. Thanks!

 

[Featheredsamurai]

find out where you can get materials free ask companies for scraps of materials you may want

 

[Timothy]

Usually people who invent things have a "partner" so to say. See, you have the idea, and you can get a rough copy down on paper, but you need an Engineer to be able to bring your invention to life. There are sites dedicated to people finding engineers you just need to look around. Or try Inventhelp.com

 

[Kiwibird]

What kind of materials would you be using?

Metal- talk to a local metal fab shop
Plastics- look into a 3D printer and CAD design software
Wood- speak with a local woodworker

Work with local resources to get a prototype going, and be sure to consult a lawyer if it's a truly original idea to get the necessary legal patents or copyrights to it. Depending on scale of production, you can continue working with a local company or outsource overseas on a small business contract. But without any idea what it is, it's kind of hard to say what the appropriate people to talk to would be or steps to take.

 

[RavensGryf]

What kind of materials would you be using?

Metal- talk to a local metal fab shop
Plastics- look into a 3D printer and CAD design software
Wood- speak with a local woodworker

Work with local resources to get a prototype going, and be sure to consult a lawyer if it's a truly original idea to get the necessary legal patents or copyrights to it. Depending on scale of production, you can continue working with a local company or outsource overseas on a small business contract. But without any idea what it is, it's kind of hard to say what the appropriate people to talk to would be or steps to take.

Thanks everyone who answered so far... I figured it would be quite involved. I have some other responsibilities and things to take care of right now too that take priority, so this might have to sit on a back burner as it has been for a little while longer.

Maybe I could start REALLY small scale (mostly friends, local private owned stores)... To "test the waters". There's a customer at a bird store here who builds ribbon wood play stands and has his own "style" to it. I doubt it's a patented thing though... I think he just makes them in his garage and the owner made a deal with him to sell them in his store. If I can get a foot in like that and feel it's going well, and I have the funds, then maybe go ahead at that time to see about full scale production. That would really be a dream come true.

 

[JerseyWendy]

PATENT your idea, so nobody else can steal it from you. I don't know much about these things, but I believe if you patent your idea - yes, even before you ever make a proto type, then anyone who actually makes one (or more) and profits from them, then YOU are entitled to moneys earned.

Gees, that is one long sentence. Does it make any sense? :54:

 

[Mekaisto]

I have no idea, honestly, but you could always send an email to parrot toy/supply manufacturers - perhaps if they like your idea they'd be able to help you come up with a prototype?

 

[Dustbunny]

I LOVE inventions! They're so much fun to think up. A lot harder to make reality though.

I can tell you what I did for my bird stand. After days of consideration I sketched my final idea (which only vaguely resembled my initial idea). Then I printed pictures showing examples of how I wanted the metal manipulated. Then I drew a template for the size and shape I wanted. Then I took it to my metal-working guy who said, nope, he didn't have the equipment to do it the way I wanted. :31: Bummer. However, he did propose an alternative method that may be feasible. He's working on the prototype now. I'm afraid his idea may be too heavy, but I'm willing to give it a shot before trying someone else. Fingers crossed it will be one of those unforeseen changes that actually improves upon the design. I should know in a week or two.

Without knowing your idea, it's really hard to give specific suggestions. If you just need a "visual" model to take to someone you can use just about anything. For instance if it's plastic, make the prototype out of polymer clay. If it's metal rod, maybe use thick copper wire from a hardware store. Cardboard, Styrofoam, tin foil, etc. You get the idea. Overall be creative. There is no wrong idea. Even ones that fail just provide information for an improved final version - or something else entirely different. (I also believe the inevitable mumbling and cursing when something doesn't work empowers the future creative process. LOL)

Edit: I forgot to mention. Sometimes I get ideas and can't quite figure out what materials to use. Then I like to go to the hardware store and just go up and down the isles until inspiration strikes. I feel silly doing it, but it works more often than not.

 

[Selestine]

Hmm.. I have a friend who is a machinist (and going to school to become a mechanical engineer).

We were chatting the other day, catching up (he had just moved out here from Connecticut) and he was telling me about a lot of projects he did on the side where people would come to him with ideas like yours, and he would make prototypes for them so they could start marketing.

Maybe you could look for someone like that?

 

[RavensGryf]

Lots of good suggestions thank you so much everyone. I realize there is a lot involved, and from a legal angle too, if this is to become something.

I was thinking starting VERY small scale, for example, like the man who makes the playstands (in his garage) sold at my local bird store. But even then at that point I guess a patent would be needed (?) in case someone steals the idea?

I also realize through my years of life experience , that "these things" don't come easy, or any old anyone would be successful!

I realize too it's harder to get suggestions when I'm not saying 'what it is'. Let alone not having decided on what materials would make the most sense. As you understand though, this is a public forum for not only members but everyone in the world with a computer, so I am a bit protective of the idea at this point, since I do know this could be a viable product on the market.

Thank you ... Any more "GENERAL" start up advice is always welcome .

 

[Kalidasa]

I agree with the patent idea. Going that route may hook you up with investors, it may open lots of doors for you. good luck whatever it is!

 

[MrsKay]

Sorry I can be of no help in how to proceed with such a project RavensGryf, but I do wish you all the luck in the world with your idea.
I agree with the others that you definitely need to patent the idea in order to safegaurd against theft. Who knows what a little $$, time, and trouble may bring you here in the land of opportunity. Without even knowing what it is... you've as good as sold one to me