New gear idea, what next.

So, I've just devised the "Bobby pin" for climbers & work at heights professionals. I'm currently making a working prototype, and am wondering what I should do from there. I know a few of you around here have experience in this, especially in the field of rope works. T
hanks!

Patent searches for prior art are always a good idea, especially since your post might count as public disclosure and start the patentability clock ticking.

Edit: next time, I'd advise having a working prototype in hand that's been field tested by folks willing to sign a NDA before saying anything about it in a public forum.

I would kill for a decent pair of velcro approach shoes.

As far as a ticking clock is concerned, I'm not too worried, as I'm going to be moving this project along as quickly as possible. And as far as my under standing of it is, I haven't yet disclosed enough information about the invention. Also, I will have a few prototypes made up this weekend (and they aren't the first, but rather the final), and I'll be doing some extensive testing at my job, and have been through patents for a long period of time while developing the idea.
I'm mostly wondered if its an ok idea to introduce my invention to a certain company if they sign an agreement to not manufacture any similar product for a similar application for a given period of time, before having a patent in hand.

I'd talk to an intellectual property lawyer if I were you.

I would also be careful about doing testing or prototyping at work. Depends on your job, but some employers have IP and patent rights to everything you think of while you're employed there, especially if the invention is related to your work.

berl is spot on. Be careful with at work invention.

Avalon'cha wrote:As far as a ticking clock is concerned, I'm not too worried, as I'm going to be moving this project along as quickly as possible. And as far as my under standing of it is, I haven't yet disclosed enough information about the invention. Also, I will have a few prototypes made up this weekend (and they aren't the first, but rather the final), and I'll be doing some extensive testing at my job, and have been through patents for a long period of time while developing the idea. I'm mostly wondered if its an ok idea to introduce my invention to a certain company if they sign an agreement to not manufacture any similar product for a similar application for a given period of time, before having a patent in hand.

That is the NDA mentioned above (non disclosure agreement). One problem is if you approach a company who develop and manufacture products in the same field them signing it may restrict any development they themselves are doing or planning so they are often reluctant. Better is to find a consultant who works in the field who can look at your idea (with an NDA) and advise on the feasability and so on.
Be aware that breach of patent and/or NDA are your problem, you need a lot of money to take them to court!
A patent application is fairly easy and cheap though

Avalon'cha wrote: I'm mostly wondered if its an ok idea to introduce my invention to a certain company if they sign an agreement to not manufacture any similar product for a similar application for a given period of time, before having a patent in hand.

Unless they are a third-party manufacturer that does not have a leg in our industry, I would be careful with that one. If you need to speak to a machine shop about tooling, production, metallurgy, ect., then that is a bit different.

i definitely think you would make more money if you invented velcro approach shoes - just sayin'....