You are here:

Copyright & Patents/Childproof lock for bi-fold door.

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/24/2001


Question
I invented a lock for bi-fold doors about 2 1/2 years ago to keep our foster child out of the furnace room.A few contractor friends of mine said they never seen one as simple or as easy to use. My question is how do I apply for a provisional patent?I heard about this through a small business administration course I took in community college a few years ago but I can,t remember how to apply for one.
ps. This is a neat site!

Answer
Your best bet is to get a copy of "Patent It Yourself" by David Pressman, published by Nolo Press. You can buy it for approx. $40, or get it from your local library, free. It has all the information & forms.

I have a web site with a book review page which reviews it & a number of helpful texts for inventors.

I do suggest you have a clear idea of what you are going to do with your invention. Unless you have contacts in the industry, something like this is very difficult to find a company that wants it, as it is a "crowded art".

Best wishes on your project.

George H. Morgan  http://www.evansville.net/biz/patagent  

Copyright & Patents

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

George H. Morgan, P.E., Patent Agent

Expertise

U.S. Patent Law only, no copyright or trademark qualification. I was a volunteer in the past, but my homeland defense activities pulled me away at times, and I was dropped. If you want me back, I am willing to come back.

Experience

Thirty one years as a Registered U.S. Patent Agent and a lifetime in product and manufacturing process and methods development as well as sales and marketing of new products with a number of blue chip corporations.

Organizations
Rotary, Society of Automotive Engineers, American Army Aviation Association, Registered Professional Engineer, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Indiana Guard Reserve Officer

Publications
Various Society of Manufacturing Engineers & Society of Automotive Engineers technical publications. Ref. my web site: http://www.evansville.net/biz/patagent

Education/Credentials
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Machine Design Option), L.S.U., Baton Rouge, Louisiana; M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics Option), University of Missouri at Rolla, Missouri, Helicopter Maintenance Course, 18 weeks, Ft. Sill Army Aviation School, Troop Information and Education Leadership Course, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, Numerous Society of Automotive Engineers Seminars, Dale Carnegie Management Training Instructors Course.

Awards and Honors
Bausch & Lomb Science Award, Indiana Homeland Defense Service Ribbon, 2003.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.