AUDIO WELCOME
Impressive Prototypes
Inventor prototypes are sometimes ugly. Inventors argue that it doesn't matter. They say a prototype has one purpose.
"It proves my gizmo really works."
Okay, prototypes don't really have to be pretty. They aren't unbreakable or ergonomic. And they don't have to cost a lot.
But! Remeber Mom's rule of "first impressions". Your prototype should grab instant interest. It should reflect purpose, potential and opportunity.
Check these floatable boats, built from cardboard and dreams. Does your prototype excite such attention...at first glance?
"It proves my gizmo really works."
Okay, prototypes don't really have to be pretty. They aren't unbreakable or ergonomic. And they don't have to cost a lot.
But! Remeber Mom's rule of "first impressions". Your prototype should grab instant interest. It should reflect purpose, potential and opportunity.
Check these floatable boats, built from cardboard and dreams. Does your prototype excite such attention...at first glance?
Display Your Invention
The Edison Inventors Association is privileged to hold monthly meetings at the renowned Edison-Ford Winter Estate in Ft. Myers. We meet within an atmosphere of invention and innovation that reflects and honors the genius of Thomas A. Edison. Club members and countless visitors are humbled, enlightened and encouraged while surrounded by endless memories of a lifetime devoted to innovative achievements benefiting the world today.
Here are some tips to help E.I.A. members prepare their display.
1. Each Display Case measures 3 ft x 3 ft x 1 ft high.
2. Digital picture frames favor jpeg photo slide shows.
3. Avoid“busy” displays….Use little to say a lot.
4. Describe your invention with Keywords & Features.
5. Don’t be too technical - Limit extensive text materials.
6. Include patent number- page copy - News Releases.
7. Describe invention evolution (prototype - product)
8. Include pictures of Inventor - people – human interest
9. Include business card – web site – contacts
10. View our video of Display Case hints& posters
Here are some tips to help E.I.A. members prepare their display.
1. Each Display Case measures 3 ft x 3 ft x 1 ft high.
2. Digital picture frames favor jpeg photo slide shows.
3. Avoid“busy” displays….Use little to say a lot.
4. Describe your invention with Keywords & Features.
5. Don’t be too technical - Limit extensive text materials.
6. Include patent number- page copy - News Releases.
7. Describe invention evolution (prototype - product)
8. Include pictures of Inventor - people – human interest
9. Include business card – web site – contacts
10. View our video of Display Case hints& posters
Fixing A Refrigerator Handle (clip 28)
Our GE refrigerator was having a problem. The handle was loose and demanded attention before something was broken. But - we weren't sure of how to tighten the handle. There are contoured caps -surely hiding the screws.
Unsure of how to carefully proceed, we searched the Internet for related info and talked to repairmen for tips. Then we tackled the job with caution and success. Now we're posting a video to help others facing a similar situation.
Unsure of how to carefully proceed, we searched the Internet for related info and talked to repairmen for tips. Then we tackled the job with caution and success. Now we're posting a video to help others facing a similar situation.
Like-Minded Friends (clip 29)
Many of us join an inventor club to listen and learn from folks who have proven products and are willing to share their wisdom.
Simply put, we seek the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.
This short video shows fellow E.I.A. member Mark Pasek (and his inventions) helping me with ceiling repairs.
I pass it along with gratitude…and envy of his ability to develop such useful, marketable products.
After viewing, you’ll find Mark at www.liftalone.com
Simply put, we seek the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.
This short video shows fellow E.I.A. member Mark Pasek (and his inventions) helping me with ceiling repairs.
I pass it along with gratitude…and envy of his ability to develop such useful, marketable products.
After viewing, you’ll find Mark at www.liftalone.com
Lost My Marbles (clip 30)
How fast can you lose your marbles? Our balance board challenges your skill, balance and fun. Try to get the marbles thru the hole. This video was submitted to Edison Nation to explain our invention. We hope to license the product for all to enjoy.
Turkish Ice Wrap (clip 31)
Here's another invention we submitted to Edison Nation for discovery and/or development. We can only hope! Edison Nation holds product searches to accommodate interested Brand names, manufacturers and entrepreneurs looking for products. Who knows! Someone may think this is a great idea.
AVALANCHE - An Unusual Bowl (Clip 32)
I can't wait any longer. It's time to reveal some inventions that are piling up. Why? Well, the prototypes are done, submitted and we want to get things going. You know, I have to clear my calendar, the garage and my head for other hair brained ideas. But this one, this one is pretty good. It's a bowl. It's a cereal bowl. Or a mixing bowl. It can even be a dipping dish. Okay, okay....it could be a silly idea. You be the judge!
The EZ Home Guard
Great ideas often solve simple problems!
Like other folks, we had a problem with our screen door. Actually, the problem really lies with the screen door latch. It's nestled too close to the screen!
There's too little room for your hand to operate the latch lever. Not without your hand, knuckles or fist poking into the screen!
Reaching further to trip the distant locking lever is even more difficult. My wife often chips her nails...and hollers. We were fed up with repairing damaged screen and latches!
This video explains the product and shows hints of marketing maneuvers and counter-top displays.
More info about this product is available at http://www.ezhomeguard.com/
Like other folks, we had a problem with our screen door. Actually, the problem really lies with the screen door latch. It's nestled too close to the screen!
There's too little room for your hand to operate the latch lever. Not without your hand, knuckles or fist poking into the screen!
Reaching further to trip the distant locking lever is even more difficult. My wife often chips her nails...and hollers. We were fed up with repairing damaged screen and latches!
So, we developed the
EZ Home Guard.
EZ Home Guard.
This video explains the product and shows hints of marketing maneuvers and counter-top displays.
More info about this product is available at http://www.ezhomeguard.com/
The Perfect Retail Package
Here's a video about the Perfect Ratail Package.
When strolling through stores I look for great packaging. I’m always watching to see which box, container or display is grabbing customer attention – mine included. I’ve concluded that the perfect retail package must do at least five things...
1. Grab customer attention.
2. Display and identify the product
3. Advance perception of use, need or desire.
4. Secure and protect the product
5. Facilitate closure of the sale.
What’s the chance of finding a package that follows the five rules? Does one exist? Yes. I found a great example of perfect retail packaging when wandering the aisles of Harbor Freight in Fort Myers.
I was snooping for some additional tools (which I really don’t need). A huge, colorful flat faced plastic package was hanging at eye level. Proven colors of bright yellow, deep blue and bullet splashes of red and white were shouting for my distant attention. I could clearly see four neatly spaced - big, bold and beautiful black handled crescent wrenches.
You can always use a new crescent wrench. They wear out, don’t adjust and often slip when you tug hard on a frozen bolt. Here was a mammoth selection of four graduated sizes – neatly stationed like aligned soldiers ready for assignment to duty. They beckoned closer attention.
The package was much bigger that the products needed. The wrenches were spaced in graduated length and adjustable size capability…to handle any job (big or small). The spacing allowed each tool to be enclosed by preformed plastic compartments that aligned them snugly, safely and allowed spacing for uncluttered text. The 6”, 8”, 10” and 12” graduated sizes of professional grade tools were neatly identified. They were heavy-duty allow steel, with cushioned grips, hardened precision ground heads, and SAE markings to sort sizes and adjustment ranges. A prominent bullet shouted out the limited lifetime warranty.
Pulling the package from the hook, it nearly dropped to the floor. This was substantial. The package weighed over 4 lbs and the plastic was thicker than ever. It would take industrial shears to cut it open. My perception of product quality was being reinforced. These tools were heavy weight, heavy duty and substantially packed for shipment, delivery and protection. Even a molded carrying handle was tough, defying any rip and tear. It was made to hold the weight. Clearly the tools would withstand extreme abuse – just like the package.
At check out, the product was quickly identified as intact (tamper proof) and the prominent bar code was quickly scanned by table top. She double bagged the package for safe handling, commenting one bag wouldn’t handle it. Before leaving I checked my receipt to assure the item was recorded correctly. It was. The four massive wrenches – along with the powerful package had a special price of $9.95 – for a limited time only.
I haven’t opened the package yet. I love bragging about it following my five rules of a perfect package. Remember? A perfect package must…
Grab customer attention.
Display and identify the product.
Advance perception of use, need or desire.
Secure and protect the product.
Facilitate closure of the sale.
How impressed was I? I wanted to buy another. I could open it and actually use the tools. The original purchase would remain sealed for presentation, display and video use.
Too bad! When I returned to the store – the packaged wrenches were SOLD OUT.
When strolling through stores I look for great packaging. I’m always watching to see which box, container or display is grabbing customer attention – mine included. I’ve concluded that the perfect retail package must do at least five things...
1. Grab customer attention.
2. Display and identify the product
3. Advance perception of use, need or desire.
4. Secure and protect the product
5. Facilitate closure of the sale.
What’s the chance of finding a package that follows the five rules? Does one exist? Yes. I found a great example of perfect retail packaging when wandering the aisles of Harbor Freight in Fort Myers.
I was snooping for some additional tools (which I really don’t need). A huge, colorful flat faced plastic package was hanging at eye level. Proven colors of bright yellow, deep blue and bullet splashes of red and white were shouting for my distant attention. I could clearly see four neatly spaced - big, bold and beautiful black handled crescent wrenches.
You can always use a new crescent wrench. They wear out, don’t adjust and often slip when you tug hard on a frozen bolt. Here was a mammoth selection of four graduated sizes – neatly stationed like aligned soldiers ready for assignment to duty. They beckoned closer attention.
The package was much bigger that the products needed. The wrenches were spaced in graduated length and adjustable size capability…to handle any job (big or small). The spacing allowed each tool to be enclosed by preformed plastic compartments that aligned them snugly, safely and allowed spacing for uncluttered text. The 6”, 8”, 10” and 12” graduated sizes of professional grade tools were neatly identified. They were heavy-duty allow steel, with cushioned grips, hardened precision ground heads, and SAE markings to sort sizes and adjustment ranges. A prominent bullet shouted out the limited lifetime warranty.
Pulling the package from the hook, it nearly dropped to the floor. This was substantial. The package weighed over 4 lbs and the plastic was thicker than ever. It would take industrial shears to cut it open. My perception of product quality was being reinforced. These tools were heavy weight, heavy duty and substantially packed for shipment, delivery and protection. Even a molded carrying handle was tough, defying any rip and tear. It was made to hold the weight. Clearly the tools would withstand extreme abuse – just like the package.
At check out, the product was quickly identified as intact (tamper proof) and the prominent bar code was quickly scanned by table top. She double bagged the package for safe handling, commenting one bag wouldn’t handle it. Before leaving I checked my receipt to assure the item was recorded correctly. It was. The four massive wrenches – along with the powerful package had a special price of $9.95 – for a limited time only.
I haven’t opened the package yet. I love bragging about it following my five rules of a perfect package. Remember? A perfect package must…
Grab customer attention.
Display and identify the product.
Advance perception of use, need or desire.
Secure and protect the product.
Facilitate closure of the sale.
How impressed was I? I wanted to buy another. I could open it and actually use the tools. The original purchase would remain sealed for presentation, display and video use.
Too bad! When I returned to the store – the packaged wrenches were SOLD OUT.
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