How do go about an idea made for demonstration for patent?

Question

Since becoming disabled this last month, I have an idea to give others a more comfortable way of coping with problems of being without body movement in bed. It should be simple enough but would require hydraulic or electric. How do I find someone to build the first one.

Answer 1

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

Getting a Patent:
* Patent It Yourself (11th Edition) by David Pressman
* Patents and How to Get One : A Practical Handbook by U.S. Department of Commerce
* How To Make Patent Drawings Yourself: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Jack Lo
* The Inventor's Notebook: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Fred E. Grissom

What to do Next:
* From Patent To Profit: Secrets & Strategies For The Successful Inventor, Third Edition by Bob Dematteis
* How to License Your Million Dollar Idea: Everything You Need To Know To Turn a Simple Idea into a Million Dollar Payday, 2nd Edition by Harvey Reese
* The Inventor's Bible: How to Market and License Your Brilliant Ideas by Ronald Louis Docie
* The Complete Idiot's Guide ® to Cashing in On Your Inventions by Richard Levy

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Check that it does not already exist.

Patent attorny's will do the first consult free where they can make a quick judgement if they want to take your case or not. You can do that before you even put pen to paper.

If you get an attorney then go for it. Any small engineering firm would love a project like that. Be prepared to pay for it though.

The patent will cost
The engineering will cost
The production will cost
the marketing will cost

All this before you make a cent from it.

You might want to see if there are government grants to do it first. Drop the patent idea and do it through the government.