(7) Time Flies

Well, time really flies if you don't pay attention. Been working far to hard on the 'day' job to pursue the invention, but have finally scheduled time with the designer to produce a prototype. I did order a fairly similar product online, to be delivered to my home, to try out as a concept. I was also very interested in the packaging, additional materials, directions, method of assembly, etc. The product was really only useful to those with extreme need, and mechanical inclination. The extreme need was weather-related (i.e. snow), though the product was advertised to overcome other terrain issues. The attachment mechanism was full of straps and bolts and screws; not a very 'ad hoc' mechanism. Therefore, my particular target audience should be more inclusive than that of this product.

Here it is March, and I'm still searching all over the web for related products, inventions, issues, etc. concerning this invention, and still no 'hits'. I am however, getting somewhat nervous that (1) another inventor is dealing with this, secretly, under patent pending status, and (2) the longer I wait to submit the 'rea' patent, the more likely it is some manufacturer will come up with something that I will be unable to realistically defend.

This second point comes from reading yesterday about the death of the fellow that invented the automobile intermittent wiper, and who spent nearly 30 years trying to defend the patent and collect royalties. He was ultimately successful, but pretty much lost his marriage, livelihood, most of the proceeds, etc. Don't want to be in that situation.

I would note that one somewhat selfish reason for this blog, is for additional invention documentation purposes; although the product isn't revealed yet, the collective 'story' should support the invention claim, and the pending patent.