Aquanotes: I get my best ideas in the shower

For those times when inspiration hits in the shower–AquaNotes

I  often get some good ideas in the shower or driving to work. It seems that there is some research to back up my observations. I had heard that the sound of water stimulated the brain but I could not find any research to back that up. [...]

As Seen on TV – TeleBrands Inventor Day

“As Seen on TV” giant, TeleBrands, who has marketed such popular products such as the PedEgg and the Jupiter Jack is taking their “Inventor’s Day” on the road to this year’s International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago.
Inventors from all over the country will have five minutes to pitch their product ideas to the CEO [...]

Blogs for Passive Income and Escaping the 9 to 5

I’m not exactly sure how this happened but I came across TWO awesome blogs that have become my new favorites. Why my favorites?
First is the content. If I find a blog that stays on my RSS list, it has to have content that is relevent, fresh and actionable. I’m not just a warm and fuzzy [...]

MacRAE’S BLUE BOOK

Less time spent searching and more time spent finding is the Smart Way to Innovate.
Source: Moonjazz
Are you searching for companies that manufacture a products similar to the one you are inventing? If you are looking to license a product, it makes sense to look at companies that are in that business.
Here is a great resource [...]

ABC News.com Interview

I was interviewed by ABC News.com last week. Check it out (I’m on page 3 )
For what you ask? It’s about Quirky.com

Pet Products

I keep hearing that the hot inventing categories are:

“Green”
Housewares
Tools
Pets

Source: brykmantra
Since I’m working on a pet product right now I thought I would share some industry statistics:

Five Steps to Quirky Success

Although I have not yet had a successful Quirky submission (I only entered in the freebies) I do have 6 US patents and 17 years in product development and design.
I’ve read through many of the submissions and I cringe sometimes to think someone plunked down $100 bucks for and idea that is not unique, not [...]

A Quirky Fox Business Appearance

Ben is at it again.
Time to get Quirky!

Feeling Discouraged? Then don’t read this

This post by a patent attorney on the Patent Pending Blog provides some grim stats. The bottom line: 2-3% of the independent inventors that Bob Shaver sees actually winds up making money off of their patents.
Maybe the answer is not in the patent but getting a company to license your invention. I think people tend [...]

The Elegance of Simplicity

“Any fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction.”-Albert Einstein 

I was walking one of our dogs and this quote came to mind. As I grow as an designer  and inventor I continue to [...]