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Showing posts from October, 2011

October 2011

(Thanks to Dave Zedonis and Robert Humbert for describing this presentation.) John Stephens , an inventor from  Bloomington, IN , told us about innovating the gapsocket . Mr. Stephens hurt his hand while trying to install a ceiling fixture because the tool wouldn't quite fit an eye-bolt. He solved the problem by inventing and prototyping a socket (for a wrench) suitable for installing eye-bolts of various sizes. Patenting his invention was lengthy and costly.  He tried several patent attorneys before finding the right one.   Prosecuting his patent application  successfully  required modifying the claimed invention. Mr. Stephens found that an innovator must be creative, in marketing as well as in inventing.  Identifying potential customers and investors who could benefit from his socket, and teaching them to appreciate the benefit, has been difficult.  Other innovators who solve a well-recognized problem can market their inventions with much less effort. Thank