Invention Guides

How can I get an invention idea made into a real prototype?

I've tried InventHelp (the one with the cave man carving a wheel), and I've tried Davison on past invention ideas. They charge a small fortune, and they're definitely lacking in results. How do I get an idea REALLY made into a prototype, without being charged an arm and a leg for all kinds of extra crap that I don't want?

Public Comments

1. There's no way to answer your question without knowing more about your invention. The process of realizing an invention can take any of a wide variety of paths, depending on the physical size of the gizmo, the technical sophistication and the magnitude of the risk factors (how sure can investors be of a return on investment? How long will it take to get to market?) The best starting point is probably to visit the Small Business Development Center in your nearest Community College or university. If that is not easy to find, contact your state Department of Commerce or the Small Business Administration. Good luck.
2. It would depend on what type of manufacturing technique would be required for the item you want built. A cheap inexpensive way to establish a time base-point for an idea is to send yourself a notarized, registered letter with an outline for your idea. That will give proof of when you created it. A patent is a good idea if the item makes you money, but only gives you the right to sue an infringing party. You still have to have the money to fight it. Now back to making the item. If you can acquire the skills to make it that is the safest way to go. If not it needs to be determined what type of shop you need to deal with to make it. Machine shop, sheet metal shop, metal forming, plastic molding, wood shop are just to name a few, there are many more possibilities. After that, somewhere on the blueprint state that this information is property of "your name or company" and can not be released to anyone without contacting you. This is a safeguard not a guarantee. Be cautious of whom you deal with and research those you choose. Good luck.
3. If you want to build something, talk to people who have experience building stuff like you need. Go to a shop in you area and see what they tell you. If you want a patent, you do not need a prototype. Go see a patent lawyer. Either way, it is going to cost you to build, or patent, anything. You should NEVER pay for asking common sense questions. And never pay to have your invention viability considered. In any case, it is hard and rare to make money out of an invention. .