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Inventors – Your Frequently Asked Questions

April 1, 2016 by Heidi

*What is a patent?

A patent is a grant that gives a person the authority to stop others from manufacturing, selling, using, or importing their patented invention. This authority is effective for twenty years from the patent application filing date. It is a contract between a person and the state in which he or she is permitted to exercise a restricted monopoly in exchange for allowing the invention to be made public.

Patent rights are territorial; that is, the patent granted in the United States does not give a person rights outside the country. This is also the case on patents granted to inventions in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries.

*How do I finance my invention?

In case you do not have personal finance resources but absolutely have the determination to get your invention on the market, the best thing that you can do is to turn your invention into a commercial product.

You also have the option to ask for financial assistance from the federal government through the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or Department of Energy (DOE) if your invention is related to power generation or other energy-related issues.

*Are there grants available to help with inventions?

Yes, there are grants given to aid the development of certain inventions. There are non-profit organizations that are composed of wealthy individuals, families, and corporations. These people are giving cash grants every year to help develop inventions, although part of this “help” is to shield these people and businesses from taxes.

*Is there other financing available to market my invention?

Yes, there are other financing and assistance programs available that will help you market your invention. These include tax incentives and individuals who have large investments in private companies.

These individuals finance the invention to develop it further and make it competitive not only in the United States but also in the international community by means of international invention events that take place every year.

*How do I find out if somebody has already the same idea for an invention?

You can have a patent check to determine if your idea already exists. It is done by searching all the existing patents listed in the Patent Office’s database to see if your invention is already patented. It also includes searching printed materials such as catalogs, magazines, and articles. Since patent lists are now computerized, the search can now be performed by the click of a mouse.

*Do I need a patent for an invention?

Yes, you should patent your invention. It is looked upon from different viewpoints, but is briefly described in the following items.

– Patenting an invention is a one of the best ways of marketing it. It gives you legal grounds for establishing a monopoly for the manufacturing, production, and marketing of the invention under free market conditions.

– Without patent protection, others can copy your idea at no cost and sell the product at a cheaper price, thus generating income without asking for your permission. Also, they can patent your invention under their name. In other words, they can effectively steal the idea from you.

– A patent also ensures you of market position and occupying new markets.

– A patent is considered your “trademark” — that you actually invented a device. It can be a way of recording your name in the history of technology, especially if it is now introduced in the market.

Meet Jennifer Perry, Jelt Belt Inventor

April 1, 2016 by Heidi

"Meet Jennifer Perry Jelt Belt Inventor" Meet Jennifer Perry, Owner/Inventor of the Jelt Belt located in Bozeman/Montana

Tell us about your invention? What does problem does it solve? The Jelt is an elastic stretch belt inspired by the retro belts from the 1970s made from recycled materials that contains a grippy inner gel to grip to your pants helping to avoid the sag and gap of your favorite jeans! The Jelt not only solves the problem of saggy pants, but the buckle also snaps flat so that it is super low profile under tops and the materials allow you to pass right through airport security without taking it off! No metal, no fuss, snap and go!
What was the inspiration for your invention? I have always been inspired by the interlocking stretch belts from the 1970s and wanted to emulate this retro style into a product that actually worked! I wear skinny jeans a lot and was inspired by my own need for a belt that could be worn on the daily and helped in keeping my favorite jeans from stretching out. I was unsatisfied with current belts on the market and knew that other people must have been too. I created the Jelt out of my own necessity and used my inspirations from my past and my present living in Montana to create a belt that can be worn be a variety of lifestyles. Whether you are a busy mom on the go or an avid hiker/biker/skier/traveler, I know that Jelt can make a difference in the way you view comfort and this was also a big inspiration to me.
At what stage in the invention process are you? Trademarked, patent pending, selling on ecommerce sites and in local retail stores.
What is the number one goal you have with regards to your invention? I use my jelt every day and really have the goal of putting my product out there for others who are looking for an affordable, eco-friendly solution to an every day problem! My goal is to get rid of sagging and gaping pants for good! Our tag line is “Keep Your Pants On” for a reason!
Who is your product for? The Jelt is unisex and can be worn by every one. Our target market is active minded individuals who lead busy lives, but also those who a truly searching for a great belt that does its job!
How long did your invention take to get to this point)? I came up with the idea in 2013 and we launched in February of 2014. The full process took a year.
When you had your idea, what was the first thing you did? Searched for someone to help bring my invention to life. I found a product developer and he has helped me through the whole process. It’s been amazing.
What has been the greatest challenge getting your idea from your head to something tangible? Knowing where to turn, who to talk to, getting the financing and not doubting myself through it all.
How did or are you funding the development of your invention? We had a kickstarter campaign and I am funding this all on my own.
How do you currently market your invention? Social Media, Pitching to media, Local Ads.
Tell us about your background? I am a mother of 2 with a background in academic advising at Montana State University. I also manage a guest ranch in Glacier National Park. I think my advising background inspired me to take my own advice in “following your dreams” and creating something that you really stand behind.
Who are your favorite inventors and why? Grace Hopper is my favorite. She designed Harvard’s Mark I Computer in 1944. Her outstanding contributions to computer science benefited academia, industry and the military. I also have always looked up to Careese Crosby and her ideas behind the progression away from corsets to bras mainly based on the idea that sometimes it takes a woman to know what other women really need!
What’s been the most surprising part of your inventors journey so far? I believe in my product so much I am still surprised by people who don’t understand it which is humbling and makes me realize that it takes a lot to really make your ideas clear and concise with your marketing and product branding.
What is a typical day like for you? Brainstorm places that I think would connect with this product and trying to reach my consumers in creative as well as organic ways. I am in my office every day in case a customer is trying to reach me and I try and stay proactive with this idea every day!
Who have been your role models, mentors, etc? My grand father who was an inventor himself.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? Jelt donates $1 of every belt sold to a yearly selected charity which is also a very important part of creating a product. I wanted to create something that helps people in more ways than one and I really want others to know that we give back as much as possible.
What’s the best way for the readers/audience of Inventing Women to connect with you?
info@jeltbelt.com,
https://www.facebook.com/jeltbelt/
https://twitter.com/JeltBelt
https://www.instagram.com/jeltbelt/
What is the cost and how can we earn more, purchase your invention? $34.95 per belt. Learn more at jeltbelt.com!

Answers to Your Questions about Patents

March 8, 2016 by Heidi

Are you confused about what a patent is and whether you should get one? This is a primer for beginning inventors that answers your most commonly asked questions.

1) What is a patent?

A patent is a form of “intellectual property” which rewards persons whom invent a new and non-obvious:

a) process or method;
b) machine;
c) article of manufacture; or
d) composition of matter.

In return for completely disclosing the invention including how to practice the invention, a “legal monopoly” on the invention is granted to the inventor(s) for a specific period of time.

That legal monopoly is the right for the inventor(s) to exclude other persons and businesses from:

a) making;
b) using;
c) offering for sale or selling; or
d) importing;
the invention in the United States.

2) What is “patent pending”?

Once a patent application is prepared and filed and prior to issuance of a patent, the invention can be marked “patent pending” or “patent applied for”.

While these have no legal significance and grant the inventor(s) no legal rights, the designation tends to discourage other persons or businesses from copying the invention since a patent might issue on the invention granting the legal monopoly to the inventor(s).

3) Are there different types of patents?

There are two types of patents that are typically of interest to inventors, “design patents” and “utility patents”.

A design patent protects the “aesthetics” or the “appearance” of the invention and is a much more limited legal monopoly than utility patents which protect the “function” of the invention.

Therefore, utility patents are desirable over design patents where possible, though an invention can be protected by both design and utility patents.

4) How long do patents provide legal protection for the inventor?

The period of time for which the legal monopoly is granted for a utility patent is 20 years from the filing date of a utility patent application, however, the legal rights do not begin until the patent issues.

The period of time for which the legal monopoly is granted for a design patent is 14 years from the issue date.

5) What are “maintenance fees”?

Utility patents require the payment of maintenance fees 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years following issuance to maintain the patent in force. Design patents require no maintenance fees to maintain the patent in force.

6) Should I keep my invention secret?

The inventor(s) should be careful to maintain their invention secret until the advice of a competent licensed patent attorney or patent agent is sought.

That is because many foreign countries in which the inventor(s)might decide to seek patent protection there is an “absolute novelty” requirement.

This means that if the invention is “publicly disclosed” (i.e. disclosed to people in a non-confidential manner) prior to the “effective filing date” in that country, then the validity of any patent which would potentially issue on the invention in that country could be challenged later.

7) What is the “International Treaty”, also called the “Paris Convention”?

Many countries are members of the “International Treaty”, also called the “Paris Convention”.

These countries allow inventor(s) to claim “foreign priority” based on the filing date of the first filed patent application in a member country, provided a patent application is filed in the member country within 1 year of such first filed patent application (within 6 months for design patent applications).

The United States is a member of the International Convention so as to grant such priority based on a foreign patent application.

8) Are there time limits in which to file a patent application at the U.S. Patent Office?

The inventor(s) MUST file a United States Patent Application within 1 year (if patent protection is desired in the United States) of the earlier of:

a) making an offer to sell the invention (even if the offer is not accepted and sometimes even when the invention is not yet manufactured or otherwise available);
b) use of the invention in public (e.g. using the invention at work or in public on the street corner); or
c) or putting the invention in a printed publication which is circulated (e.g. a sales brochure, catalog, or a web site).

These are called “statutory bars” and if the year period expires without filing the United States Patent Application, the inventor(s) are not permitted to file a patent application in the United States.

Foreign priority (discussed above) or the priority of a provisional patent application (discussed below) can be used to predate the expiration of the 1 year period if applicable.

9) What is a “provisional patent application”?

A provisional patent application can be filed in the United States which provides a disclosure (description) of the invention, but which does not have the formal requirements of a utility patent application.

Priority can be claimed for a utility patent application (but not a design patent application) and foreign patent applications in countries which are members of the International Convention if filed within 1 year of the filing date of the provisional patent application.

The bottom line, timely consult a competent “patent attorney” or “patent agent” to discuss the details of protecting your invention!

Using Social Media To Promote Your Inventions – Managing Your Social Media Time

September 24, 2015 by Heidi

One of the biggest challenges most people have who want to use social media to promote their inventions is how to manage their time and get the most out of their social media channels. To help with this challenge here are my top 4 tips to help you manage your time on social media:

Focus on one channel at a time.It is much better to be effective using one social media channel than to use five of them poorly. Choose the channel based on where most of your customers and prospects are hanging out.
Share Good Content. Strike up conversations. Post interesting factoids. Share quotes. Entertain people (youtube videos are great for entertaining). Help people with solutions. If your invention offers a solution to a problem your audience has, by all means weave that in. But don’t make it the main thing you talk about.
Set time limits –It is so easy to get distracted, especially with social media. When I first started, I used an old-fashioned egg timer. I set it at 15 minute intervals.When the alarm went off I knew it was time to move on to my next scheduled activity. There are dozens of online alarm tools you can use. Your mobile device likely has one or more. Use them. And stick to your schedule.
Use the 80-20 rule. Share 80% helpful, interesting, non-promotional content and then you can share 20% promotional. People are much more receptive to being “promoted or sold to” once they know its not the main thing you share.

Keep it interesting. Make it more about them (your audience) and less about you and your invention and people will follow you. And tell their friends to follow you.

I built a 28,000+ following on Twitter by doing just that. I participate every day, sharing 4-7 posts and interacting with at least 5 people (sometime 10 or more). These have become my advocates – they have helped my channels grow. And they have purchased my products, shown up for my events, promoted my clients… and I theirs.

There is no doubt that social media takes time. If you participate on a regular basis your channel will grow at a slow and steady pace. And then one day you will see a large jump in your following. You will begin to build momentum. When you do, take advantage of that momentum by participating even more. Once the momentum resumes a steady pace, go back to your regular schedule of participation

Remember that even though social media is free, it still costs you something. It costs you time, effort and imagination. Don’t spend it unless you have it.

Inventing Women Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

August 12, 2015 by Heidi

Here are a list of frequently asked questions we often get asked about inventing, including how to finance inventions, grants for Inventors, patents and more:

What is a patent?

How do I finance my invention?

Are there grants available to help with inventions?

Is there other financing available to market my invention?

How do I find out if somebody has already the same idea for an invention?

Do I need a patent for an invention?

Yes, you should patent your invention. It is looked upon from different viewpoints, but is briefly described in the following items.

– A patent also ensures you of market position and occupying new markets.

Using an Invention Marketing and Licensing Company versus Doing it Yourself

July 25, 2015 by Heidi

There are a lot of less than forthright organizations that promise help individuals sell their inventions to industry. Before you take any steps to hire a company or to market your invention yourself, you should take a few preliminary steps.

Preliminary Patent Search – A preliminary patent search is generally a good first step. A preliminary search of various patent offices can be conducted for a reasonable fee (just contact a patent agent/lawyer), and it is even possible to conduct one for free (see the US patent office at http://www.uspto.gov/)

Patent Application – Don’t publically disclose your invention until after a patent application is filed. Publically disclosing the invention before filing a patent application can potentially ruin the chances of ever being granted a valid patent. In fact, many Companies will not even talk to you until you have filed a patent application.

Prepare a Formal Information Package – You should prepare an informative and concise information package describing you, your invention and the potential market your invention reaches. The package should include color photographs of the invention, and a one page executive summary.

Prototype – It is a lot easier to sell a product if potential buyers can see, touch and feel the product. Building a working prototype is often a key step in selling your invention. Of course, some products are difficult to prototype, in which case a non-working mock-up may have to do. In any event, create the most professional prototype or mock-up you can.wledge and willingness to take risks.

Obtain Financing – Building prototypes and filing patent applications require funds. Finding that initial start up funding is often difficult; however, there are two tried and true methods, namely partnerships and incorporations. A signed partnership agreement is one way for a few people to pool their financial resources into a project. If several investors are involved, then an incorporated company is a better method. Essentially, the company takes ownership of the invention and the investors contribute money to the company in exchange for shares. The number and price of the shares can be tailored to suit the particular needs of the project.

Now that we have dealt with some of the preliminary issues, let us look at the mechanics of selling your invention to a company. The actual steps in the process are as follows.

1. Compiling a List of Potential Buyers – Finding a company that is willing to buy the invention is the most challenging part of the process. It begins by generating a list of companies that may be interested in the invention. You can use a business directory to generate that list. Business directories list companies by the products they manufacture (or services they provide) and include basic information about these companies such as their address, phone and fax number, and the name of the president (CEO or owner). Suitable business directories may be found in the business section of the local reference library.

2. Contacting Potential Buyers – Your list of potential buyers may include literally hundreds of companies. You simply call up each company on the list and ask them if they would be interested in receiving a solicitation for a new invention. Then get the contact information about who in the company to send your information to.

3. Presenting the Invention to Prospects – After you have thinned out your list, your next step is to submit your information to each of the companies on the list. This may involve calling the people identified to be the contact for new product ideas and telling them that you are sending them an information package about your product. Your package should include a cover letter and a one page synopsis of your product (including a picture). The information must be clear, concise and it must appear as professional as possible. Dont try to overwhelm the recipient – you want to impress them, not burden them.

4. Follow Up – Do not expect the prospect to come to a quick decision concerning the invention. It may take a prospect many months (even a year or more) to make up his/her mind on a project. You have to be patient. It is important to periodically follow up with the company but do not pester the prospect. Remember, the people considering your invention are probably quite busy with several other projects – annoying them may do little to speed the project up and may cause them to drop the project altogether.

5. Negotiations – If you find a company that is interested in picking up the project, then be ready to negotiate the terms of the sale. The key here is to be reasonable. From my experience, nothing kills off a potential licencing deal faster than an unreasonable inventor. Realistically, the most you are likely to get is a good return on your investment. Asking for a smaller signing fee together with a modest royalty is far more likely to generate a signed agreement than holding out for a big payoff.

6. Royalty Amount – I am usually asked the question how much can I sell my invention for. I don’t know the answer; however, here are a few rules which can help you figure out a reasonable royalty rate. First of all, try to negotiate a royalty which is broken down in to two parts, an initial signing payment and an annual royalty payment. The initial payment should cover most of your costs of the project. The annual royalties should represent an amount which is sufficient to represent a good return on your investment without being a burden on the manufacturer. The general rule of thumb is to ask for a small percentage (1% to 5%) of the net sales of the product. It is also possible, and in some cases advisable, to fix the annual royalty payment to an easily calculated amount (e.g. $1.00 per unit sold).

Selling your invention to a manufacturer is possible but it is not easy. How successful are you likely to be? From my experience, individual inventors are far more likely to successfully sell their invention by themselves then by going through some invention promotion organization. Like any business, the chances of success are a function of your determination, knowledge and willingness to take risks.

Understand the RULES Between First to Patent – First to Invent

July 22, 2015 by Heidi

Introduction:

In this article I would like to clarify the difference between two very important Patent rules – First to Invent and First to Patent. Understanding these rules is extremely important and every novice inventor should know the difference between them.

First to Invent Rule

First to Invent Rule states that the Unites States Patent Office (USPTO) will grant patent on an invention to an inventor who first invented the product. Please notice the word ‘first’ – and this is crucial because the original inventor might not be the first who submitted his invention to Patent Office! First To Invent Rule, which is obeyed in Canada and United States, helps in determining who is the rightful owner of an invention and rewards an inventor with proper patent.

First to Patent Rule

First to Patent Rule, on the other hand, grants patent to people who submitted Patent paperwork first! The rule is recognized by most European countries and is not very friendly to an inventor because the first person to publish an invention might not be an original inventor! First to Patent Rule encourages people to ‘borrow’ ideas from others and rewards them with new and shiny patents.

What can one submit as a proof that he is the original and rightful owner of the patent? Two excellent choices are Provisional Patent Application and Inventor Journal.

Provisional Patent Application

Provisional Patent Application may be the only source of proof that you are the original inventor and entitled to reaping the benefits of the patent. It is very possible that since the time you have submitted your Provisional Patent Application, someone else filled out paperwork for regular patent. The only thing that might substantiate your claim that you are the rightful owner of the invention is your Provisional Patent Application. One note of caution – Provisional Application is good for one year only and cannot be renewed. In fact, these applications were meant to be temporary solution until the inventor submits regular Patent Application Paperwork.

Inventor Journal

Inventor Notes or Journal is another popular method of keeping records regarding the time-line of your invention. In your journal you should write down every important date related to your invention with detailed explanation of your invention. Be as detailed as possible because the Journal might be the only proof that you are the original owner of an invention. It is a good idea to date every page and include diagrams and graphs that are pertinent to your invention. Ask your friends to read your Journal (your friends may not be as technical as you are, so be patient and explain your invention to them in plain language staying away from technical jargon). Ask your friends to date and sign your Notes – again, your friends are your witnesses and Patent Office will consider them.

Summary

As one can see, United States and Canada abides the First to Invent Rule and protects original owners of invention. Inventor Journal and USPTO Disclosure Documents are two excellent methods of documenting your invention and serve as a stepping stone towards filing Patent Application.

Using Social Media To Promote Your Inventions – Part One

June 27, 2015 by Heidi

Social media is all around us. Its a part of almost everyone’s lives. And there are channels for just about anything! And anyone.

If you have a product or service to sell, I believe that you MUST be on social media. Why? Because that is where the people are. People who are likely to buy your product. To try out your invention.

Of course, for many inventors it is difficult to determine just which social channels work best for promoting. And where to start. That depends. Is your invention a B2B invention (you sell it directly to companies) or a B2C (you sell it directly to the consumer) invention? If B2B then LinkedIn may be the place to begin. If B2C then Facebook or Google+ are good starting points. The point is to start somewhere. Choose one and start participating.

Here are the top social media channels to consider:

Blogging

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

YouTube

Instagram

Over the next few months I will cover each of these channels in depth and even some you may not have heard about.

Don’t take on all of them at once. Begin by finding out where your prospects likely hang out. Who are they engaging with? What type of content are they sharing? Start there.

As any smart marketer will tell you, the number one thing you need is time and patience and a willingness to invest both to cultivate a loyal following of prospects. You can’t just put up a shingle (or in this case your logo or profile photo) add your name and url and think people will find and follow you. You need to participate. Having a presence is not the same as being present. Building an engaged social media audience takes time, it takes a willingness to be part of the conversation on an ongoing basis, not just when it’s convenient for you. If you only show up to promote your invention, you are likely not selling much. People don’t like to be sold to. They like to be educated, to share their stories, to become better at something, to teach and to make friends. If you can do that, then your invention will have a much better chance of selling ‘itself.’

You are probably telling yourself you don’t have time for all this. That’s okay. There are literally hundreds of social media time management tools at your disposal (most of them free) to help manage your time and even your content.

Here are my 5 favorites – these tools will help you manage, curate and share social media without taking a lot of time.

Buffer – Simplify your social routine by scheduling posts on all of your social media networks.
Feedly – A personal space to organize your blogs and publications and connect to the news, knowledge and ideas that matter to you.
IFTTT – If this, then that gives you creative control over the products and apps you love.
Nuzzel – Discover the best news stories shared by your friends on Facebook and Twitter, without being overwhelmed or missing anything.
Swayy – Swayy helps you discover the most engaging content to share with your audience on social media based on their interests and engagement

In my next post I will share …. Using Social Media To Promote Your Inventions – Part Two

Be sure to follow Inventing Women on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Heidi Richards Mooney is the President of Redhead Marketing Inc – a boutique social strategy firm that helps authors and inventors leverage social media to promote their products and services. Learn more at www.RedheadMarketingInc.com

Laura Gump, Inventor – Swax Lax

June 27, 2015 by Heidi

Meet Laura Gump, Inventor & Founder – Swax Lax Lacrosse Training Balls in Summit, NJ, USA

What was the inspiration for your invention?

“As a lacrosse coach for young players, I noticed that the hard rubber balls often intimidated new players, causing them to be less confident while learning their stick skills, such as throwing and catching. The other options for training balls were either too light or too heavy, so I’d always taught with bean bags or hacky sacks. This was a bit better, but they were never the same weight or size as a regulation ball. By modeling the Swax Lax ball after a juggle ball, I was able to develop a training ball that is the exact dimensions of a regulation ball, yet it is soft and doesn’t bounce or roll away.

At what stage in the invention process are you?

“We designed and tested the ball this past summer. Over the fall and winter we filed a US trademark and provisional patent. Soon afterwards, we introduced the product to market and have been selling them ever since. As the ball became more popular globally, we have begun the process of filing a PCT application to protect the product worldwide.”

What is the number one goal you have with regards to your invention?

“My number one goal is that my invention, the Swax Lax lacrosse training ball, will become the most popular training ball in the US and elsewhere. I would like it to be recognized as a game-changer in the way the sport is practiced and taught. A secondary, yet important goal, is that we eventually determine that Swax Lax balls are more shock absorbent than a hard rubber ball, and therefore, less likely to cause injuries to players who are accidentally hit with a ball. Though we feel this is likely true, we need to confirm this with scientific testing.”

Who is your product for? (target market)?

“My target market is young lacrosse players for both indoor and outdoor use; and for more experienced players for use indoors since the balls are gentler on hardwood gym floors and do not roll away or bounce.”

How long did your invention take to get to this point (from the time you conceived of the idea to now)?

“A year and a half.”

When you had your idea, what was the first thing you did?

“I had some prototypes made and then tested them out at my own lacrosse camps and clinics. (In addition to coaching a middle school lacrosse team, my primary job is as a director for Sum It Up Lacrosse, a non-profit company that I founded, which encourages K-8th grade boys and girls to become more confident through the sport of lacrosse.) I was thrilled to see some of the more shy players step to the ball and begin throwing and catching with more confidence!

What has been the greatest challenge getting your idea from your head to something tangible?

“I think the greatest challenge was finding the right materials to make the ball sufficiently strong and durable to withstand the demands of a very physical sport like lacrosse. At the high school and college level, lacrosse balls are routinely shot at speeds approaching 70 to 80 miles per hour. Complicating my efforts was the fact that the manufacturer lived in Pakistan, and he was completely unfamiliar with the sport and was unable to speak English (and I was unable to speak Urdu!).

How did you or are you funding the development of your invention?

“I borrowed money from myself.”

How do you currently market your invention?

“We have an online store, and in addition, we are selling the balls at various events such as lacrosse tournaments and conventions in an effort to reach our key potential customers, including: lacrosse coaches, athletic directors, camp directors, department of recreation directors, online and speciality retail stores, lacrosse club owners, etc. We also have spread the word through social media applications, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube. Social media has allowed us to get in touch with small companies that will hopefully help us grow the name and brand. The hype on social media has been so great in encouraging our success and reaching out to a few customers who have been so helpful sharing our product.

Tell us about your background?

I am married and have three children, including two boys who played lacrosse throughout their childhoods and one went on to play in college. (My daughter was never a fan of any sport.) Despite have a masters degree in US health policy, I only worked in the field of for about seven years. After I had my kids, I went back to coaching lacrosse and have been happily doing it for 15 years. In addition to coaching the middle school team at Kent Place School in Summit, I own a lacrosse company called Sum It Up Lacrosse that offers camps and clinics to K-8 grade girls and boys.

Who are your favorite inventors and why?

My favorite inventions are the iPhone and the iPad. I am continually impressed by how many activities of daily life are improved by these two devices.

What’s been the most surprising part of your inventor’s journey so far?

“I didn’t anticipate how excited friends, family members, and even total strangers would be about the invention. Some of it probably derives from people’s fascination with “Shark Tank,” but I think there’s definitely a certain “cool factor” attached to entrepreneurs — and especially, inventors — and I find that I am energized and inspired by their enthusiasm and support.”

What is a typical day like for you?

“After getting my husband and daughter off to the train and school, I usually take an exercise class to get ready for the day. When I get back I check my email. I occasionally have emails from different parts of the world inquiring about the product, plus a lot of emails from US clients who are looking to buy balls. I communicate daily with our supplier in Pakistan. When the emails are answered I take a break to have a planning meeting with various members of my staff around 10 or 11 each day. At these meetings we discuss marketing, sales, finances, potential donation sources, and the status of our product. At the moment, the quality of the product is a huge focus for us as well as marketing the product so everyone in the lacrosse community can learn about it. Following these meetings, I usually follow the tasks that were delegated at the meeting, and for the rest of the afternoon, I continue to connect with suppliers and buyers via email. Around 2:00 pm, I coach my middle school lacrosse team, where we are having a great season (actually, we’re undefeated!) and frequently use the Swax Lax balls at practice. Working with middle school lacrosse players helped inspire the Swax Lax balls because early in the season during the winter months, we are cooped up in small section of the gym where using hard lacrosse balls would be dangerous. The girls are often the first to try out any new prototypes or test the quality of new samples. In the evening, I spend time with my family while occasionally communicating with staff or various international clients who run on a different time schedule.”

Who have been your role models, mentors, etc?

“I am most inspired by people or organizations who are committed to making sports more fun and accessible for children. I have a special place in my heart for coaches who spice up the game and come up with creative ways to get kids excited about sports. Some examples of role models are Christa Samaris, a former US Lacrosse team member and coach whom I’ve heard speak at the US Lacrosse Convention years, and my friend, Sydney Davis, who directs Girls on the Run here in NJ, which is a program devoted to encouraging self-confidence and healthy living habits by getting young girls interested in running.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

“I love playing a small part in helping to grow the sport of lacrosse, which is the fastest growing sport in the country. My hope is that Swax Lax Lacrosse Training Balls will be able to help younger players feel less intimidated and more self-confident as they learn lacrosse, and that it will help lacrosse programs in new areas of the country to attract new players.

What’s the best way for the readers/audience of inventing women to connect with you (feel free to include the links to your social networks and websites)?

“Our website is www.swaxlax.com and you can always connect with us on social media:

Facebook: Facebook.com/SwaxLaxBall

Twitter: Twitter.com/SwaxLaxBall

Instagram: Instagram.com/SwaxLaxBall

What is the cost and how can we earn more, purchase your invention?

“The balls retail for $10 each, but bulk discount pricing is available, including special pricing for teams, schools, and retailers. Balls can always be purchased on our website at: www.SwaxLax.com.

Meet Sue Townsend – Inventing Woman

May 31, 2015 by Heidi

Meet Sue Townsend, Inventor of the Nif Tee Seat

Tell us about your invention. What inspired you to create it?

It’s a golf cart seat cover. I’m a golfer and sitting on vinyl golf cart seats was hot and sticky. I used to put a towel on the seat which would fall off every time I got out of the golf cart for a shot, so I decided that a better solution was needed and I made Nif Tee Seat, the golf cart seat cover.

What were the first steps you took after having your idea?

I went to the patent library and did a patent search. There was no (or very limited) internet at the time so that’s how a patent search was done. Once I found that I had a unique product, I took out my patenting “How To” book and started drafting my patent.

What was/is the most challenging aspect of bringing your invention to market?

The most challenging thing was getting the product manufactured. I wanted the product made of 100% cotton terry cloth, and in this country that market is monopolized by the large towel mills. It is nearly impossible to get small quantities of cotton terry cloth in this country. Again, back then it was not as easy as today to research overseas manufacturing. I ended up with a company in Turkey who sent me my first order the wrong size, because the product shrunk when they were dyed. I had virtually no recourse and I ended up having thousands of golf cart seat covers altered to fit the carts.

Now that your invention is on the market, what is the one thing you would do over/differently if you had the chance?

I would have been better prepared for growth. One year at the PGA Golf Show, the golf industry’s largest trade show, Nif Tee Seat was a really hot product. Orders came pouring in and distributers wanted to carry the product. I didn’t have nearly the inventory I needed and although my manufacturer (I was manufacturing in Pakistan at this point) worked fast to get the product out, shipping delays prevented me from delivering on a timely basis, and I lost credibility and my chance for huge expansion. Now when I hear “Coaches” telling business owners to say yes and “Figure it out” later, I cringe. Trying to expand too quickly and not being prepared can be devastating to a business.

How do you currently promote/market your invention?

Nif Tee Seat has always been a word of mouth product. I’ve done some advertising in women’s golf magazines, but I never received a considerable amount of business from it. This is a very specialized product, geared to women golfers, and there are really few advertising opportunities for the target market. Direct email and word of mouth has worked well for the product.

How long did it take you from having the idea to getting your invention in the hands of the consumer?

It took about a year to get my patent issued. Now it takes much longer. I didn’t actually start it as a business until the patent was issued. There was no reason for that, but I just wasn’t looking for a business at the time. This wasn’t my first patent, and getting the patent was really something more of a personal accomplishment than something that I was doing for a business venture.

Tell us about you, your background, what you did before becoming an inventor?

I am a career Real Estate Broker. I’ve been in the mortgage/real estate business every since I got out of college. That’s how I pay the bills and fund my other business ventures. I graduated from the University of Miami and went back “home” to New York and lived in the city for the next 15 years until one particularly cold winter when I decided to come back to South Florida for a few months and I never moved back. When I came to Florida, I decided to do some traveling and got a part-time job with Continental Airlines and ended up working there for 13 years. I took an early retirement from Continental after adopting my daughter Alex, from China. Through my other jobs and businesses, the one constant has always been real estate, which has been a great thing to fall back on when I’ve needed to.

Who has been you greatest inspiration?

My Grand Uncle was the late Tom Carvel, who founded Carvel Ice Cream. He taught me a lot about business and I learned a lot just from watching and listening to him. Two things that he told me were to take the word “Can’t” out of my vocabulary and to put my money in the “Ground” (Real estate). I’ve done both and both have served me well. My uncle had over 150 patents, and when I thought of my first invention, I told him about it and he told me how to do a patent search and application. My Uncle was always very encouraging and never once told me that my current invention or business idea was a bad one. He always said that I could do anything I wanted to, and I believed him. He came to this country from Greece and grew up to live the American dream. I watched and studied him and figured that if he could do it, there was no reason why I couldn’t do it too.

What advice would you give to up and coming inventors?

Don’t spend a lot of money on an invention! You’re an inventor. You must be resourceful. Do your own patent search. Learn how to draft a patent application. Now you can do a Provisional Patent for a nominal fee so that you can see if your product is market worthy. Start sourcing the product to see if it can be manufactured. The reality is, the US patent office reports that 2% of all patents granted make it to commercial success. If your invention isn’t one of the 2%, move on to the next idea and be done with it. By all means, do NOT start mortgaging your house and liquidating your pension to finance an invention! It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to get a product patented.

What is the cost and where can we purchase your invention?

Nif Tee Seat golf cart seat covers start at $34.99 and can be purchased at www.NifTeeSeat.com

You can learn more about my next invention at: SueVentions.com

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