Patent info

[imamartian]

So say i've come up with a nifty new invention, a fork, where if you press either of 2 buttons it turns into a spoon or a knife... (i haven't btw !!).

If i apply for a patent, do i need to just describe the principle above? or do i need to show the detailed workings of the springs and levers?

Ta!

 

[pred]

I'm pretty sure you need to include a detailed sketch.

 

[Space cat]

I looked into patents a long time ago. The first thing you have to do is check that your idea hasn't been published anywhere. If it has, even if only in a hobby magazine (like mine was) or an internet forum, you can't patent it. The other condition is that it mustn't be 'obvious', which is a rather nebulous concept.

I don't think you need drawings done to industrial standards (though that wouldn't be a bad thing) but you will need to explain the workings in detail, especially the bit that makes it unique.

Applying for a patent isn't particularly cheap either. Do you know what you'll do if you get one? Are you going to try and make this 'fork' yourself - because that's a whole new ball game - or will you try and sell it to somebody with the means to manufacture and sell it in large quantities?

 

[chapeau]

A patent isn't a real patent unless it contains a plurality of the word 'plurality'

 

[wobs]

Be careful:

 

[joinerjohn]

Just be careful Marty. Apple Corp have probably already patented the technology required for such a transformation from fork to spoon (including the processing language and OS incorporated into the handle. Their lawyers will be on to you in a flash.
I mean if they can claim intellectual property on a rectangle with rounded corners, then I reckon the next generation of tablet computers are going to be square with sharp corners (paper manufacturers beware, Apple will sue)
I'm off now to invent the round tablet computer. ( think I'll call it the i Sphere)

 

[D_Hailsham]

So say i've come up with a nifty new invention, a fork, where if you press either of 2 buttons it turns into a spoon or a knife... (i haven't btw !!).

If i apply for a patent, do i need to just describe the principle above? or do i need to show the detailed workings of the springs and levers?

Have a look at A new design for a fork!!!

Click on the items on the left (Description etc) to get more info.

The most important part is the "Claims".

 

[imamartian]

I haven't re-invented the spork but i have invented foldable skis... (i haven't really). But is the concept of foldable skis patentable, or do i need to show the hinge mechanism etc?

And if i google "foldable skis" haven't i broadcast the idea in someway which ruins my patent application?

 

[AronSearle]

I haven't re-invented the spork but i have invented foldable skis... (i haven't really). But is the concept of foldable skis patentable, or do i need to show the hinge mechanism etc?

And if i google "foldable skis" haven't i broadcast the idea in someway which ruins my patent application?

My guess, and it is a guess is this.

You would patent the mechanism that allows the skis to be foldable, the idea of foldable skis is both obvious and likely already discussed.

 

[imamartian]

I haven't re-invented the spork but i have invented foldable skis... (i haven't really). But is the concept of foldable skis patentable, or do i need to show the hinge mechanism etc?

And if i google "foldable skis" haven't i broadcast the idea in someway which ruins my patent application?

My guess, and it is a guess is this.

You would patent the mechanism that allows the skis to be foldable, the idea of foldable skis is both obvious and likely already discussed.

but what if the catch and hinge to be used are readily available in shops? Does that mean foldable skis are not patentable?

 

[Workers]

In fact, a patent is not an exclusive right to anything at all, but rather the right to exclude OTHERS from

making,
copying
using,
selling (or offering to sell), or
importing

any infringing articles or processes, from the time the patent is published to the time it lapses.

So you could talk to the others with a aim to SHARE your use of theirs but not be allowed to use it otherwise.
It has to be original. In my experience.
WE/I developed different ways of defending doors from attack. A variation on a older version that was not patented but as the idea was accepted as being made by another we failed in the application. Now it is made by several under different names.

An example............you design a "KEY" the trouble is the definition of a key is roughly " An item that opens a locked door"...............so that would include a hammer, a screwdriver, a size 10 boot. As each can open a door.
So all those with "Do not duplicate keys" may find the 10 yr limit has been reached and anyone can now duplicate them. Go try it.........some of you will be shocked at who can cut your "Security Keys".
I have also seen a very original system for windows and doors as a steel barrier and we bought into it for 40k, I then found a weak link and we bailed out. It is still sold but not as it was designed for. But we hold the patent together.
If you have something that is really new ( believe me its more and more difficult now until tech and materials develop more). Say nothing, get the drawings and get it made with a contract with the makers for non disclosure, test and test. Then test again. Then apply for the patent. Make sure the people you use, and you will..also have a non disclosure.
Then go ahead if confident and have the funds or backing.

Or some snake will patent it for you in their name.
Been there, lost out.

Hope this helps.

 

[Space cat]

There used to be an old joke in electronics labs: "Why use two transistors when a microprocessor will do?"

Well here's a possible answer. I think I'm right in saying (and I'm sure Workers will correct me if I'm wrong) that you don't have to patent software. You own the copyright automatically.

It sounds grossly unfair - and it is - that you pay a lot of money for a patent on a hardware design that expires after ten years but you get copyright on software for life, just as you would on a book/song/movie/game/etc. But there you have it so, whatever it is you're trying to invent, put a programmable device in it.

I'll probably never get around to building the phased array machine (read the Never Ending Story if you want to know what it is) but, if I do, the pseudo-random sequence generator will be in a PLD.

 

[imamartian]

hard to write usable code for unfolding a ski !!!!

 

[Workers]

Easy.
Write some code with LED`s in a particular sequence for opening and closing and locked indication.

 

[pred]

Easy.
Write some code with LED`s in a particular sequence for opening and closing and locked indication.

That sounds very similar to aircraft landing gear, three greens down and locked.