Guys what do you think of my dad's idea for a new invention

[JohnKleeb]

Ok during my unhookage time last night me and my dad had a talk, he noticed that my head phones were broke, he devised an idea which has worked thus far to wear the headphones on a baseball hat. I will show more info later. Oh hes calling it hatears,

[soothsayer]

1. aaack! what does dad think about you telling the world about his idea

before he's had a chance to do anything with it (assuming he would/will and that it's not already out there)

As a rule, shhhhhhhhhhhh---don't give away inventions before they're invented, or folks will steal 'em.

[JohnKleeb]

2. Its just a dream

besides I am not going in to depth. My dad aint home.

[lemon lime]

3. Why is it just a dream?

Hi, I'm new here.
Most dreams start out as just dreams. Ask him if he is serious about it. He can get a provisional patent for an original idea and then work out the details for another year. If he decides it is worth the effort, he can then apply for a full patent.
Many people find these ideas to be sellable to companies for a licensing fee. He could make some money. An inexpensive way to "customize" headphones.
Why not?

[Rhiannon12866]

6. Welcome to DU, lemon lime!

I like that, as well. It's remarkable to find someone on their very first post. I was welcomed by newyawker99 on my very first and I can't tell you how good that made me feel, so I'm welcoming you, in kind. That's great advice you gave John! Glad to have you with us!:toast:

[E_Zapata]

4. My exact thought...........

Dad should invent a new formula for making his son FORGET everything he told him!

jeeze.

[JohnKleeb]

5. christ I didnt even go in to depth

besides theres plenty I could reveal that I am not. I thought the word was sheesh. :shrug: Sorry guys Ive had a rough last day/

[E_Zapata]

7. Well, if you aren't firing all your synapses......

Then hold back on what you say to the world......just TAKE IN and not put out and get rejuvenated.

Well, I have a pretty clear picture of what COULD be done for the whole concept. I could sketch something out right this minute. I don't need to see your prototype.

And what's equally alarming is the fact that you say, "Oh, it's all right...my dad's not home." The point is NOT that DAD will know if you said something online or not; it's a good idea........and you don't share good invention ideas in public.

And the word is jeeze or geeze or sheesh or egad or *rolling eyes* or a whole host of other words that signify: is this guy thinking?

Sorry......but you just lack discernment. And maybe that's why your dad wanted to fix your headphones so bad......so you would be listening to other things and not eavesdropping on what's happening at the house.......

[JohnKleeb]

10. its ok

[nuxvomica]

8. Would it be something like this...

http://www.backcountrystore.com/store/BUR0177.html?CP=CJDataFeed

[Rhiannon12866]

11. I could use one of those

It looks like it would keep your ears warm, as well.:-)

[BuckeFushe]

9. I thought about a disposable little box in 1981

Couldn't get anyone to finance the patent or development. Tidy Cat/Purina tried it 3 years ago (cardboard box with litter in it). Was my idea to a tee, right down to box design from my drawings. One of the people I had spoken to had apparently stolen the idea, sold the concept to Purina, who then patented it.

It failed miserably.

Such is the fate of the inventor.

[lemon lime]

12. Sometimes making small production runs are as good as a full patent

Many people make small quantities and sell them in short order. Sometimes giving a few away to "key" people begins to create a demand for a new product. When the demand overtakes your ability to keep up on a part time production basis, you then look for a company willing to manufacture them for you. As orders grow, you will find plenty of money and time to patent and protect it. The market will tell you if it is worth it.
My patent attorney told me that selling your product will enhance your chances of keeping it for yourself. In other words, the money trail is dated and the product is the product. Any company willing to try to undercut you will probably license it from you just to avoid the hassles of a lawsuit later, when they are invested with their own interest.
If you prefer a patent,a patent search is the first place to start. It will cost about $350 to get this done. When the results come back, you then decide if your idea is novel enough to be granted your own patent. A provisional patent will go about $750. This will give you dated material and a chance to finalize your idea and design as well as patent pending protection. The full patent is then only another $750 or so to complete the picture and you have a year to inprove your thing to it's final sellable stages.
Don't let anyone tell you "you can't" or "it won't work", this is why so few people actually succeed in this dream. This is still America. As Adam Sandler has been known to be so fond of these words..." You can do it!"
Why not?