I think I have a great idea for an invention that would operate you car’s power doors if you were ever locked out. I’m in the middle of getting a patent for it but wanted to know first what you guys thought. It is a small key fob type device that’s the size of the one that comes with your car keys.
The problem is I’m thinking that if someone ever saw this device in stores they would think: “For as much as I ever get locked out of my car, why would I need this device?”
Then again AAA has reported that 17% of its call outs in the past year was for lock outs.
So what do you think? If you were ever locked out of your car, would you buy a device that could reopen the doors in 3 seconds using a pass-code only you would know?
2006-07-27 10:28:42 · 14 answers · asked by Jerry L 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Never advertise it in public before you patent it. The patent is what protects you from having the idea stolen from you..oops!
2006-07-30 15:41:27 · answer #1 · answered by socal4jeani 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My car comes equipped with onStar, but I don't want to pay $400/year just to have the service.
I would buy a device that could be inconspicuously attached to my car that I can activate with a phone call (from any service provider).
How would you enter the passcode? Some cars already have that built into their vehicles.
I locked keys in the car 5 times, in the past 6 years, but I wouldn't pay more than $40 for something like that.
2006-07-27 10:50:53 · answer #2 · answered by limendoz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about others, but Toyota for one has been offering a system designed to keep this from happening (at least in part) since at least 85. If you would leave the keys in the ignition and then try to lock the opened door the doors would unlock ithemselves. Seems too simple. So unless you tossed the keys on the seat you were safe.
2006-07-28 18:03:26 · answer #3 · answered by aodell36 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A couple of things come to mind...
Anything that operates by entering codes and pushing a button must take batteries... Most things I own that take batteries have let me down at least once and some so many times they met their fate with a hammer! Simply put, I don't trust such things to battery operated devices.
A magnetic key case that is hidden on the car frame suits me nicely. I have a spare key that works 100% of the time.
Just my thoughts...
Good luck, patents are expensive and slow if you don't get a patent attorney working for you.
2006-07-27 10:38:37 · answer #4 · answered by Les 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No,
because if having a second key might be actually cheaper. Besides if one is locked out, having such a device merely encourages more car thefts since they will be on the look out for such opportunities to happen.
2006-07-31 02:16:43 · answer #5 · answered by michael2003c2003 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have such a device. It is a spare key in my wallet. Didn't cost much either and always worked like a charm...
2006-07-27 10:33:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heck yeah. You may want to market especially to women.
2006-07-27 10:30:41 · answer #7 · answered by gouldgirl2002 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!
2006-07-27 10:32:54 · answer #8 · answered by daviddavis5 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well maybe i would buy it for under $10 but i have AAA so probably not
2006-07-27 10:31:39 · answer #9 · answered by lisathebestone 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make it affordable and tamper proof and yes, I would surely buy one.
2006-07-27 10:32:39 · answer #10 · answered by smecky809042003 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋