Why Prototype?
New
products do not just leap from the fertile mind of
the inventor to the retailer's shelf. Rather, an
important phase occurs in between that develops the
idea, tests models of the product, finalizes the
design and arranges production. There are various
stopping points along the way in this process.
The first step is to evaluate some of the questions
asked in the "getting started" section of this web
site. One should be grounded with the realization
that new product development (like anything else
worthwhile) is not easy. One needs to take a
realistic look at the entire effort, including
knowing when to stop if appropriate. New product
development is risky.
Things almost never work as easily or as quickly as
we think they will. A functioning prototype is
frequently the most important factor in getting a
product off to the next step. It has been said that
the odds of success increase five time for someone
who has an actual working item as compared to
another person with their idea only on paper. This
is especially true when one needs outside money to
get an item further along the development path.
Statistics also show that for those who choose to
license their idea, the likelihood of success is
significantly increased with a working model to
demonstrate. "Show and tell " is always easier with
something to show.
Just as important is the fact that in the
prototyping process, the lessons learned may affect
what the inventor patents. Remember, things almost
never turn out like they are originally conceived.
It is invaluable to the patent law firm to have a
finished working model . A final prototype helps
them intelligently search for conflicting patents
and to draw up as broad a patent application for
their client as possible.
The final prototype sometimes goes through an
evolution. This is why large companies maintain what
they call research and development groups. Their
duty is to think up and refine new product ideas.
Fortunately, statistics show that most new product
ideas come from ordinary people involved in things
other than research and development.
It is our opinion that the prototype is one of the
most critical parts in the inventing process. We
offer an initial evaluation hour at no charge. This
allows us both to see if we would like to work
together. We only accept those ideas that we think
have some chance of success. If the introductory
visit is successful, we prefer to go to step 2,
which is described in this web site under the
section called "our Initial Study Agreement".
We have the ability to take some products all the
way to the retail market including production and
marketing.
We are expert with woods, metals, plastics,
composites, glass and other materials. We have
experience with paints, adhesives, laminates and
fasteners of all kinds. We understand and have
experience with injection molding, vacuum molding,
packaging and materials selection. We understand
electro-mechanical devices and basic circuitry.
Operating in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, there
is little we cannot obtain or in rare cases, learn
about.
We will not bite off more than we can chew and will
refer you elsewhere if your project does not fit our
capabilities.
Finally, no project is too small or idea too simple.
Simple is usually good.
