Tressa: first off don’t get in a big hurry ! read as much as you can on this forum , everything !!! place close att. to what Roger and RON have said and don’t spend any money until you you have asked a thousand questions to everybody here ! and don’t be affraid to ask the EN team either there the pro’s or they can steer you in the right direction its a marathon not a sprint!! good luck ! !

I started actively developing my medical device last June or so, got my provisional patent application filed in August. I may make it to market this June, if all goes very well. This seems to be record time, as most say it usually takes 2 years to get a product to market. Fortunately, mine is a class 1 device, so I don’t need studies and the like. I thought mine was a great idea also, and I tried selling it to some major durable medical equipment companies. They weren’t interested. I’ve since learned that ideas are great, but it isn’t often anyone will pay for them. You need a product, that works, and has some sales history to prove it’s worth before anyone will be interested.

I agree with Tim. Do as much yourself that you can. Reading is most important. Also, find a local inventor’s group, they are usually very helpful also. Don’t assume you can’t do this, learn what’s involved first. Then, it may well be that you need some help.

Louis Foreman’s book “Independant Inventors Handbook” is a good start. Michael Gerber has written some very inspiring business books also. EN is a great place to learn!

Tressa….very very sadly….there are not as many products for disabled as there can be because the market is not big enough to attract engineering, innovation and businesses. This is very sad and unfair to handicapped.

I know this as fact because I sell to many handicapped and am THRILLED as we help many, but I see the industry and I know….so be careful. There are many WONDERFUL ideas out there to help disabled but it may be very difficult to make a good business and profit off of the small volume so these ideas never “come to life”

You will have an extra and big hurdle with a small market idea possibly….so be careful…don’t invest alot until you know more. There are also MANY medical people you may have to prove your idea to before you can sell even one. Good luck.

Ron Komorowski
Inventor of Handi-Straps
www.handi-straps.com