Inventing Women

Inventing Women, a resource portal for women who want to take an idea from that first first spark to market. A Community for Women with ideas Whose Time Has Come!

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Meet Jennifer Perry, Jelt Belt Inventor

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"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

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"Answers to Your Questions about Patents"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!

Meet Mina Yoo, Inventor of the Qlipter

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"Meet Mina Yoo, Inventor of the Qlipter"Meet Mina Yoo, Mom, Business Woman, Inventor

• Tell us about your invention? What does problem does it solve?

Unlimited utility in one super clip. One early reviewer called it, “ingenious” and “infinitely useful for campers and anyone living on earth.” The Qlipter is a multi-purpose tool that combines inventive design with function. A re-imagined carabiner clip, the Qlipter has a 360 degree rotating hook that swivels to allow you to hang your gear securely over just about any surface. The tapere nose fits into narrow openings and the clip stays securely closed with a securely placed magnet and rubber gripper. The Qlipter can hold up to 50lbs.

The Qlipter solves the problem of not having enough hands to handle all of your gear at once. We like to call Qlipter the ultimate “life hack” because it genuinely makes life easier by allowing you to keep your hands free while hanging your gear safely and securely.

• What was the inspiration for your invention?

There were twp events that inspired me to create the Qlipter. The first event was the birth of my son. As most moms know, going anywhere with a baby is hard and you never have enough hands to hold onto your child and all of their gear. Instead of having to put bags on the ground, I wanted a way to be able to hang a bag so that I could hold onto my son and still keep his gear within my reach.

The second inspirational event was when I was summiting Mt. Rainier. During our training hikes, I wished that I had a way to hang my backpack so that I didn’t have to put in on the muddy ground. Carrying a wet, muddy backpack for miles is really unpleasant! I searched the market high and low and just couldn’t find anything that would work. These 2 events inspired me to create the Qlipter.

• At what stage in the invention process are you?

The Qlipter launched as a Kickstarter project in April 2014 and received almost 4 times the original funding goal. After our goal was reached, we went into production and currently sell the Qlipter on our website and through various retail outlets. This summer, the Qlipter will make its debut in several large retailers.

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

I am all about efficiency and making the most of the time we have and getting the most enjoyment out of everything we do. My number one goal for the Qlipter is to get it into the hands of everyone who leads an active life so that they can do whatever they do more easily, more conveniently and more enjoyably. I am also using my experience gained through this invention and its related inventions to launch a new initiative that will turn moms’ ideas into products with little effort on their parts (we all know how busy moms are). Moms have such great product ideas, but they don’t always have the time, desire, funds or know-how to get their ideas to market. I think this is a true shame for all of us consumers, and I intend to change this.

• Who is your product for (target market)?

Our target market is large because we feel that the Qlipter has uses and makes life easier for just about everyone. Currently, we are specifically targeting parents, outdoor enthusiasts and travelers.

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

It took 3 years!

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

The first thing I did was to sketch out a design, and then keep sketching until I came up with a design that could be turned into a crude prototype using moldable plastic. My second step was to hire a local blacksmith to create one for me in metal. I used whatever I could find at the hardware store to make sure that the concept was sound. Here is a rough timeline in product development.
"Qlipter Product development Timeline"

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

Making something tangible is extremely difficult and time- consuming. Without a doubt the most challenging thing has been sourcing and quality control. I found a local company that helps with sourcing and quality control overseas. Besides quality control provided already, I use a third-party quality control inspection service. This summer, I am going to have a dedicated quality control person from our company who will travel to the manufacturer’s site for every production run.

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

As previously mentioned, the Qlipter was initially funded by our Kickstarter launch. We currently sell the Qlipter on our website and through various retailers.

• How do you currently market your invention?

We market the Qlipter via our social media channels, through gear and press reviews and also at trade shows. We have several wholesale customers and are adding more retailers almost daily. We also use distributors and sales reps in specific markets.

• Tell us about your background?

I was born in Seoul, Korea, and grew up in Dubai, U.A.E., and Jakarta, Indonesia.  Moving to the United States, I earned my B.A. in Sociology from Brown University and my dual Ph.D. in Business and Sociology from the University of Michigan, earning nationally the Best Dissertation Award in my field with my work on social networks and entrepreneurship.  Prior to founding Lulabop, I worked as a professor at the University of Washington Foster School of Business and as Visiting Faculty Fellow at Stanford University. During my career as an academic, I taught Entrepreneurship, Organizational Behavior and Corporate Strategy to executives, doctoral students, MBA students and undergraduates while researching entrepreneurship, social networks and economic development.

• Who are your favorite inventors and why?

I have many favorite inventors, but right now, one that stands out is Ole Kirk Christiansen, the inventor of Lego. Not only did he come up with an innovative product that is still going strong after more than half a century, he persevered through some very challenging times both personally and with the product. I love the nature of the product itself. It promotes creativity in both kids and adults and is a great group activity as well (I loved Lego when I was little, and I still love it and am thrilled that my kids are old enough to play with it now as well). Lego as a business is also commendable; I admire how adaptive it has been over the years, always staying relevant to other things going on in the entertainment and gaming world.

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

I have been really struck by how many people have come to me to ask for tips and advice. Everyone has great ideas, but there really is a dearth of information on all the nitty gritty involved in making a product.

• What is a typical day like for you?

After I say goodbye to the kids, I wear about a dozen hats to run the business. Even though I have several team members helping me, I need to be involved in most of the operations and strategy. Currently, we have 3 additional products in the works so that entails working with the designers (industrial, package and graphic). I also try to identify several retailers a day to reach out to. I am also in the process of launching a new initiative that requires outreach to partners, website building and marketing plans.

• Who have been your role models, mentors, etc?

I am lucky to be surrounded by many entrepreneurs. Each entrepreneur has kernels of experience that are relevant to my business, no matter what industry s/he is in. I also belong to two business groups; we meet every month and discuss our various successes and challenges and have problem-solving sessions.

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

At Lulabop, the company behind the Qlipter, we feel that women, especially moms, really have the best ideas for new products and inventions. They are problem solvers by nature and know what it takes to keep a household running smoothly. We want to encourage women to harness these ideas and make them reality. Anyone with an idea can truly be an inventor!

• What’s the best way for the readers/audience of Inventing Women to connect with you?

We have several ways that readers can connect with us:

Website: http://qlipter.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qlipter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/qlipter

Instagram: https://instagram.com/qlipter/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/qlipter/

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

The Qlipter sells for $19.95 on our website and includes free shipping to the U.S. and Canada. You can learn more here:

http://qlipter.com

Meet Sarah Miller Caldicott , CoAuthor Innovate Like Edison

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  Join us on Wednesday, June 18th at 11 AM EASTERN TIME for an Interview with Sarah Miller Caldicott , Co-Author of Innovate Like Edison

 

“If we all did things we are capable of doing we would literally astound ourselves.”  That quote by Thomas Edison begins a wonderful journey on his amazing accomplishments as an inventor and more importantly sets the stage for a book filled with a blueprint to help each of us through the process of innovation, Innovate Like Edison: The Success System of America’s Greatest Inventor.  Innovate like Edison was co-authored by Sarah Miller Caldicott, A great grandniece of Thomas Edison and his second wife Mina Miller Edison and Michael Gelb the world’s leading authority on the application of genius thinking and the author of nearly a dozen books, most notably “How to Think Like Leonardo DaVinci.” 

 

 

ABOUT Sarah Miller Caldicott:

 

Sarah has been surrounded by creativity and innovation throughout her life.  When she was seven years old, Sarah learned of her unique relationship to her great great aunt Mina Miller, and Mina’s world-famous husband, Thomas Edison.  Curious about why the Edison phonograph and cylindrical records in her home worked so differently from the small plastic record player that spun 45’s and wax LP’s, she wondered, “How did they get this way?”

 

Intrigued Sarah went on to learn about the accomplishments of Mina Miller Edison’s father – Sarah’s great, great grandfather, Lewis Miller (1829-1899) – an agricultural equipment inventor whose Buckeye Mower & Reaper dramatically improved the productivity of American farmers in the 1850’s and beyond, later inspiring development of the modern Combine Harvester.  A recipient of 92 patents, Lewis Miller was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006, and co-founded the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York in 1874 – a place Sarah and her family still visit every year.

 

Sarah received her MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business, and began her 20-year career as a Marketing executive with brand-driven firms including Pepsico and Unilever. For 12 years, Sarah spearheaded domestic and international rollouts of mass brands including Cycle, Suave, Salon Selectives, and Degree.


Desiring to pursue more entrepreneurial projects, in 1998, Sarah established StarWave Associates, a strategic marketing and branding consultancy assisting CEO’s and business owners in transforming the growth of their brands. StarWave clients have included DHL Global Mail, Cox Enterprises, Andrx Pharmaceuticals, Shay Financial Services, and Lucent, as well as numerous entrepreneurial firms. 

 

Sarah speaks to audiences across the country, and leads executive seminars on how to embed Edison’s Five Competencies of Innovation in their organizations.  These competencies propelled Edison to generate a record-breaking 1,093 US patents and 1,293 international patents over 62 successive years.

 

You can visit Sarah online at PowerPatterns.com.

 

In this session, Sarah is going to share her Five tips for jump starting your invention prowess and getting the creative juices flowing, give an overview of some of the five competencies as well as other innovative practices.

 

To join us send a message to heidi (at) inventingwomen.com with “RSVP Innovate Like Edison” in subject line. Instructions will be sent in a reply.

 

Podcast Interview with Julie Rhodes of Kleen Slate

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juliarhodes.jpg Julia Rhodes, Inventor of Kleen Slate Dry Erase Markers and Whiteboards.

Julia M. Rhodes is President of KleenSlate Concepts, a successful international product development company she founded in 2001. Julia invented, patented, manufactured, marketed and distributed her first product: The KleenSlate Attachable Eraser for Dry-erase Markers. She single handedly landed contracts with both Office Depot and Staples and understands what it takes to “do business with the Big Boys.” In the past seven years she has built a thriving company with a growing line of award-winning dry-erase products.

Building a business from an idea for a product requires a can-do attitude, which is reinforced by Julia’s growing success, and she is generous in her desire to share this information with others just starting out in business. Invention is just the first step in product development and her passion is supporting other inventors in understanding the steps required for taking an idea and making it a reality.

A former school teacher, Julia’s dedicated to improving education, and all her products are designed to be of the highest quality and employ creative approaches to communication both in and out of the classroom. Her newest product, KwikChek II just won the prestigious award, “Teachers’ Choice 2008” from Learning Magazine. She is constantly engaged in crafting new educational products to expand her current offerings and is also working on her first book – “The Right Sisters: Modern Day Women Inventors,” which she hopes will inspire young adults to pursue their passions and believe in their ideas. Julia has been featured on radio and television, most notably The Entrepreneur Hour Radio Show and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She is also a Founding Board Member of Inventing Women™

In this session Julia will be giving an overview of taking an idea from your head, to market. We discuss how she got the idea, how she researched it for marketability, how she patented it, who she used to help her get her idea off the ground, how she spread the word about her idea using whiteboard clothing (which she also invented) and more! Listen to Julia now!