Invention Prototypes and Models.  A Valuable Tool in the Inventors Toolbox!

Invention prototypes and/or models - worth their weight in gold

The US Patent Office did away with the requirement for invention prototypes / models in 1880. However, the small inventor should not do the same. Invention prototypes are a valuable tool for the inventor in a number of ways.

The prototype or model as a discovery tool

Getting from the "invention residing in your brain", to an actual functioning product is called "reducing the invention to practice", and almost invariably leads to the discovery of a number of problems with details that are not clearly evident when only residing in your mind.

Producing a model will help you find the best way to manufacture the device you have invented. It can be useful for all sorts of things like figuring out where to put labels, what the shipping weight will be, how to best package it, what it might cost to manufacture it, and to get feedback from test users. It's a valuable tool for you to use.

An invention prototype can help you raise money

If you are going to try to raise money to manufacture the new product yourself, or if your demonstrating it to a potential customer to get a big order, you will need the invention prototype if you do not already have a production unit to show or demonstrate.  

People just don't have much imagination.  You are an inventor, and so you do have an imagination. Before you can invent something you have to have the idea...and it takes imagination to come up with great new ideas. Other people, you will find, simply do not have the imagination or vision that you do. Help them out.

With a good invention prototype or model, your audience will not need to have an imagination.  It makes the invention "real" for them, adding tremendously to your credibility.  Having a good invention prototype will help sell the product even if it is not even in production yet. 

Prototype your invention before you file for a patent

DON'T put off prototype building until after you file your patent application. You will probably discover flaws or new features, or discover possible manufacturing problems.  With rare exception prototyping is very worthwhile. There are almost always unexpected discoveries from construction of invention models and prototypes.

Testing is very important.  A prototype allows you to actually test your invention in a meaningful way. You can test it with people other than yourself if appropriate, and you will probably discover that other people will have constructive criticisms and suggestions that could be very valuable.

By searching online you can find model and prototype building companies who can build it for you if you do not have the skills yourself.

Sure there are times when a prototype is not practical, if it is too expensive for example, but if it is at all possible, I highly recommend an invention prototype or model be produced.