Sometimes, celebrity comes with a side of glitz, glamour and… innovation!  We’ve said it before, but ideas really do come from everywhere and from everyone!

From the King of Pop to Catwoman, here’s a host of celebrities who are bursting with talent and also with ideas:

1.  Michael Jackson 
If the Shoe Fits, Wear it! 
Slip these on your feet and you’ll be hooked… literally!  To accompany his sleek dance moves and assist “Smooth Criminal” video directors, MJ designed these gravity-defying kicks that hooked into stage floors, allowing him and his dancers to pull-off seemingly superhuman moves!

2. Prince 
The Artist Formerly Known as Inventor
Why should a member of music royalty that’s done it all have to choose between his guitar and piano?  Thanks to Prince’s keytar, he doesn’t!  Like leg warmers and acid-washed jeans, the keytar was a product of the 80s.  It was worn like a guitar, but played like a keyboard – and made a supposed 2007 European comeback!

3. Eddie Van Halen
Go Ahead, Jump…
With your guitar that is.  Do-it-yourselfer Eddie Van Halen created a guitar support device that allowed him to maneuver his guitar like a keyboard, so he could use both hands!  Leaving no stone unturned, Van Halen even included banjos and mandolins in his patent application!  Eddie, we can’t stop lovin YOUR creativity!

From the stage to the big screen, innovation doesn’t only lie within mega-hit music artists.  Here are a few on-screen heroes who had big-time ideas, too!

4.  Marlon Brando
The Man, the Myth, the Inventor!
A man of many faces on the big screen, it turns out Marlon Brando could have also drummed his way into our hearts.  The drummer in an Illinois band even had a little Henry Ford in him, patenting a way to make tuning drums more efficient and affordable!

5. Jamie Lee Curtis 
Bringing a New Meaning to Triple-Threat
Acclaimed actress and author Jamie Lee Curtis added inventor to her growing list of talents in 1988 when she patented an innovative infant diaper design.  Curtis’ diaper design included an outside pocket, perfect for stashing baby wipes.  Okay, Supermom!

6. Julie Newmar 
“Holy Innovator, Batman!”
This 1960’s Catwoman just said “no” to her skintight cat-suit!  Instead, she made an improvement to the newly invented pantyhose.  Newmar improved the design, creating a more sheer option that women wear to this day.

For a list of more celebs with patented success, inspire your inner-innovator and read about Harry Houdini’s swimsuit or turn a page in Mark Twain’s scrapbook by clicking here.

This week marks the birth of an undeniably influential inventor, without whom the words iPod, iPhone and iPad may never exist!  Steve Wozniak’s work has helped make the computer industry all that it is today.

Born and raised in California, Wozniak began his college career at the University of California, Berkeley.  Prior to finishing his degree, he secured a job at Hewlitt-Packard and left the university.  At the same time, Wozniak was involved in a local, experimental-computing organization with fellow entrepreneur, Steve Jobs.  With a little convincing, Wozniak joined Jobs in beginning a business to build personal computing systems.

Together, the pair raised $1300 to launch their venture, selling off personal items like a car and a calculator, and set up shop in Jobs’ family garage in 1976.  The dynamic duo sold their first 50 personal computers, or Apple Is, for $666 each, to a California computing company.  But, as we all know, they didn’t stop there.

The Apple II quickly followed as the first mass-marketed personal computer, revolutionizing the launch of the personal computer industry.  While Apple’s success has continued to soar, at the time, Wozniak moved on to other projects.  Today, he remains an official Apple employee and still collects a pay check!

From Apple, he went back to Berkeley, finished a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and became involved in education.  Wozniak began teaching and sponsoring programs for youth worldwide.

Ever the entrepreneur, he also went on to begin several other technology-forward companies, including CL 9, Wheels of Zeus, or “WoZ” and Acquicor Technology, among which developed remote control switches and wireless GPS technology.

Wozniak has been recognized extensively for all of his work in the computing industry.  In 1985, he received the President’s National Medal of Technology.  In 2000, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and received the Heinz Award for Technology, the Economy and Employment for “single-handedly designing the first personal computer and for then redirecting his lifelong passion for mathematics and electronics toward lighting the fires of excitement for education in grade school students and their teachers.” (http://www.woz.org/)  Just a few examples of his commitment to tomorrow’s leaders, he has provided hundreds of laptops, America Online accounts and Internet access to students and teachers throughout his career.

Continuing to add to his seemingly never-ending list of accomplishments, Wozniak is a New York Times best-selling author who has also made several television appearances, including “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” and ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

While the accolades and recognition that came along with Wozniak’s work come as no surprise, this innovator’s favorite computer game?  No, it’s not the graphically-enhanced Call of Duty, Guitar Hero or Halo, but a more traditional, old-favorite… Tetris.

Perhaps, for this computer genius, they just don’t make ‘em like they used to.

Nonetheless, from all of us clutching our favorite “iDevices,” Happy Birthday, Mr. Wozniak and THANK YOU!

*Information for this article and more information on Steve Wozniak provided by http://www.woz.org/ and http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/apple.html.

For our client, Kay, and her two Shelties, Autumn Angel and Rough Spot, taking a December trot in the snow, with her neighbor, Janice, and her golden retriever, was nothing close to walking in a winter wonderland. Instead, their faithful friends would wind up with either cold, wet snowy paws or even salt-soaked paws, from treated roads and sidewalks.

“I needed something that would stay on and protect their paws… [Something to] keep their paws from getting dry and cracked,” Kay said.

For Kay, the logical solution was boots for her pups. After all, they worked for her. So, she searched stores high and low to find the perfect pair, but there was a problem.

“Nothing really stayed on. Their booties would fall off in snow banks,” said Kay.

Kay, Autumn Angel and Rough Spot needed a better solution.

“I looked all over and didn’t see hardly anything out there. Everything I did try, never stayed on,” said Kay.

Although she knew what the problem was, because the “Jill-of-all-trades” typically was busy working, she didn’t have time to pursue a solution right away.

According to Kay, she worked for about ten years in banking, but has also held positions in retail, housekeeping and on the line at General Motors!

“I’ve even done a little pet-sitting. I don’t feel like it’s just a job,” she said.

Perhaps the labor of love  inspired her. Around 2006, she thought of a more-improved boot, one that wouldn’t just slip off. While she kept the idea close to her, she also told her friend, Janice, and some of her family.

“[Janice] was so excited about it!  She agreed there should be something… [and], my grandchildren thought it was cool,” said Kay.

Her son, Kurt, must have thought it was a pretty cool idea, too. He began searching online and that’s when they found Davison. Without seeking any other invention companies, Kay decided to pursue her idea.

“I was hopeful about it. I was looking forward to how it would turn out,” she said.

She was very happy with the stylish, finished product that Davison designed, but the boots really ”kicked” off when she received an unexpected phone call.

“Like [Davison's Licensing Department] motto, ‘We try longer,’ they did! I was quite surprised they were calling. It looked like the ball was rolling on my idea,” Kay said.

Those boots were made for walking  and that’s just what they did! Hugs Pet Products licensed and now sells Kay’s idea as Pugz, faux leather and faux wool shoes that provide pets with comfort and keep paws dry in any weather conditions.

Kay said she was very happy with the product that resulted from pursuing her idea with Davison, although she seemed a bit reluctant to accept her new title, “inventor.”

“Yes, I guess I do! I’m pretty proud of it!” she said.

Her fearless attitude, anything but reluctant, is a tell-tale sign of that title.

“I figured, just go for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!” she said.

Congratulations to Kay, Hugs Pet Products and everyone who worked on making this exciting venture such an awesome gain!

Although we can’t speak for Autumn Angel and Rough Spot, we’re sure they give Pugz four paws up!

The client has not realized a net profit on this product. A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

Living in their Stamford, Conn., apartment, Pittsburgh natives Kathy and her husband often enjoyed taking their pup on long walks at the city park or along the picturesque streets near their home.  To help keep Stamford’s streets clean and beautiful, city officials enforced mandatory pet waste pick-up.

“They offered a small bag with handles to use for this, but I found these to be inadequate,” said Kathy.

Kathy, a busy medical assistant and office manager, needed a more efficient and sanitary way to dispose of her pup’s waste.  It didn’t take Kathy and her husband long to come up with a solution, sealable mitts that ensured easy disposal; but, they didn’t necessarily have the support of their family from the start.

“We came up with this idea about one month later… When I told my family, they didn’t really think I could make this happen,” said Kathy.  “I have had ideas in the past, but never acted on them, because I didn’t have the time or finances to make it happen.”

Proving skeptical family wrong, Kathy’s husband began researching invention companies and they decided to go with a hometown option.

“After contacting Davison and getting their input, we slowly got this idea off the ground. Of course, we didn’t know what to expect,” said Kathy.

Davison designers worked diligently with Kathy and her husband to develop Potty Paws, anti-microbial, paw-shaped mitts that easily slip on, then turn inside out and zip shut for mess-free waste disposal.

Eventually, the mitts were licensed by Hugs Pet Products, an innovative company devoted to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners by delivering cutting edge pet products.

It may not have happened overnight, but Kathy said she always believed in her idea and she had some advice for other inventors who may have doubts.

“I believe there is always room for a new product for the consumer to try.  You do need to be patient and be ready to put in the time and money.  There is no guarantee that your idea will be a great product, so be ready for anything,” said Kathy.

Sadly, Kathy’s husband passed away during their invention process, but she said she knows he would be thrilled with the finished product.

“I have had more communication with the Davison group than my late husband and they have kept me informed every step of the journey and have shown much kindness [over] the loss I have had… Seeing my product for sale is the reality of the dream we both had.  I would certainly do it again,” said Kathy.

Congratulations Kathy, the adorable product has been a “paws-itive” success!

The client has not realized a net profit on this product. A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

Diane was very worried. Her beloved Japanese Chin puppy, Alexander James, was panting in the back of her car while she and her daughter, Kristen, were driving on a hot summer day in Rhode Island. She knew a bowl of water wouldn’t work in a moving vehicle, and trying to give him water out of a bottle also would result in a mess. She needed a better solution.

“Our puppy was warm in the car and I was concerned about him not being able to have water,” said Diane. “It was pretty hot; I had to think of something.”

And she did. Diane came up with an idea for a hydration device that would provide pets with cool water anytime, anywhere.

She went to the pet store to see if there were any such products on the market but “was not impressed” by what she saw. “I didn’t think they would fulfill the goal I was looking for; I thought there should be more innovation,” she recalled.

“My daughter thought it was a good idea; so, I said let’s go for it and see what happens,” said the HR and payroll administrator. Diane, who designs fashions as a hobby, considers herself to be a creative person. She realized it was “completely impossible,” however, to bring her idea to market on her own.

“I did recognize that I would need a lot of help with that …to make my idea a realty,” she said. “They are a full service company, and that is one of the reasons I went with Davison.”

Initially, she thought her idea would be made into a product and selling in no time. She quickly learned there is a process, which begins with research. Our team found something similar to her idea on the market, so Davison designers set to work on making her product a little different, and a lot better.

“I was so completely overwhelmed when I found out how much work goes into doing a product. At the time, I didn’t understand they were going to make my idea better,” said Diane.

Kristen, a college student at the time, supported her mother, but she was skeptical.

“I thought it was a great idea, but I’m a skeptic at heart,” said Kristen. When she later saw how the team had tweaked her mother’s design, however, she thought it “was cool.”

Other than her daughter, Diane didn’t tell anyone about her idea for a new product to keep pets hydrated because she was afraid they would try to talk her out of it. “It was our little secret.”

Well, the secret’s out — her idea was turned into not just one, but three new hydrating chew toys!

Click here to read Part 2 of the exciting story about our client and the invention of the Hydro Line. Here is a little preview from a thank you note Diane sent us following her recent visit to Inventionland:

“It was great to witness that the employees of Davison are a TEAM and know its true meaning.” wrote Diane. “All of you have changed my life in the most positive way imaginable.”

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

To be continued…

Like many family members of inventors, Deb’s husband, Maynard, was skeptical. When she submitted her idea to Davison, he did not have very high hopes for its success and did not expect to see a return on their investment, although he supported his wife’s efforts. So, he was quite surprised, and very pleased, that the Cool Cot was licensed and made it to the market.

“I’m a cautious person,” Maynard explained. “But it turned out great.” In fact, the semi-retiree has a few invention ideas of his own. When asked if he might pursue them, he replied: “With her success, why not?”

Since it hit the market, the number of retailers selling the Cool Cot has been increasing steadily — it is currently in at least 16 stores! Deb and Maynard visited Inventionland a few weeks ago to celebrate her success and meet with Mr. Davison, who presented her with her biggest royalty check to date.

“I was thrilled; it was very nice,” said Deb, who works hard each day running a home day care. “I’m holding that check and I’m just thinking, how do I get to spend this money? I’ll probably put it in the bank and sit on it.”

As we stated in Part 1, Deb wanted to help her dog, Sadie, who was suffering from arthritis, when she came up with her idea. During her visit, Deb also got to see her physical product for the first time, which “was pretty neat.” Unfortunately, Sadie has passed, but “Duke will get to enjoy it,” she said. She thought it might even be put to good use as a place for the preschoolers in her home to sit and take a break from their activities.

During their visit, the couple was given a tour of Inventionland, which was “fascinating.” They were also quite impressed with its inspiring founder.

“Inventionland was a blast; I want to take it home with me,” joked Deb. “Mr. Davison is pretty cool. We had a blast with him today.”

Although it took some time to get it to market, Deb said her experience with Davison, from Sales to Design to Licensing, has been good.

“The Davison staff is great; they’re just awesome,” she said. “Everything that has happened to date has been a very positive experience.”

Before leaving, she offered a bit of advice to other people like herself who have an idea for a new product.

“Get it down on paper, and give Davison a call … I know I made the right decision,” she said. “Those who have an idea and someone is trying to talk them out of it, ignore them and go with your gut.”

Congratulations to our client, to Hugs Pet Products, and to the entire team on the success of the Cool Cot!

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

Deb’s heart ached for her beloved, canine companion, Sadie, who was aging and suffering with arthritis. Sadie, who had been a faithful friend for many years, was becoming more and more uncomfortable, and Deb tried “everything under the sun” to ease the pain in her limbs. She even tried putting zippered plastic bags of warm water in the dog bed, but the only result was a wet bed.

Deb realized that what she needed for Sadie was a more comfortable bed to help cushion her joints. She couldn’t find one in the stores, so she decided to create one herself. She found Davison on the Internet and sent in her idea. Our design team went right to work and developed the concept, while making some modifications to make it more marketable.

Living in Wyoming, which can get brutally hot in the summer, the inventor saw the benefits of the product having a raised bed and mesh cot, which would help pets stay cool and comfortable.

“There’s not a lot you can do for a dog with a thick coat; they get very hot and sticky,” said Deb, who also has a furry Australian Shepherd / Border Collie named Duke. “When Davison told me about the modifications on the product, I went with it because they were for the better.”

The team also designed the Cool Cot to be lightweight, portable, washable, easy to assemble and compact to store. It can even be staked to the ground for added stability, which gave it an extra advantage in the marketplace.

Being transferred to the Licensing Department “was very exciting,” and getting to that stage felt like an accomplishment, said Deb. It didn’t happen overnight, but she was “thrilled” when her idea was licensed by Hugs Pet Products; at the same time, however, she tried not to get her hopes up too high.

“The day I got the call to speak to the Vice President of Licensing, I was excited at first, then I thought, ‘Wait a minute, don’t get your hopes up,’” she recalled. “When I got off the phone I was really excited; I told my husband right then. I was happy about it and kind of giggled about it. When I got the agreement in the mail, that made it hit home.”

What made it even more real was receiving her first check from the sale of her invention.

“Getting my first royalty check was amazing; it was very exciting. That’s when everything really hit home.”

Check Part 2 of this story about our client, Deb, and her pet-friendly invention!

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

Despite setbacks and being turned down by two other companies, our client never gave up on his dream to create a product that would provide a better way to secure a dog outdoors, and he never lost his faith in Davison’s ability to bring it to market.

“Not once did I doubt that I was on the right track,” he said. “If you’re going to be successful in inventions, you better believe in your product … It never entered my mind to give up.”

Ed thought the modifications made as a result of buyer feedback were “good changes,” in fact, he wished he had thought of them himself!

He also appreciated the sign-offs along the way, which made Ed feel more secure and like he “was a part of Davison.” When he received his virtual he “wanted to show it to the world. It was just a beautiful picture,” said Ed. In fact, as soon as he got it from the mailman, he ran to show family members.

Although they wished him well, they thought he took too many chances and didn’t share his excitement. Ed had a different philosophy: “We’re not promised tomorrow, so get everything done today.”

Mr. Davison is enjoying the experience of seeing another client achieve his dream of having his product make it to the store shelves. “This is just another glowing example of how the Davison Inventing Method works,” he said.

Ed’s advice to other inventors is two-fold: they should realize that they need the help of an experienced professional; and they must have faith in their ideas.

“I think a lot of people could invent what I did, but they don’t give themselves a chance; they just don’t believe in themselves enough,” he asserted. “If you have an idea of something that you believe in, immediately find a professional company to help you, like Davison. You will never make it through yourself and be successful. You can’t be smart in every area.”

“Davison has all that you need to get your product on the market,” he continued. “They have the experience; they have the workforce and quality people… I’m glad Davison is a partner. It’s been a good experience, and I’m glad I’m associated with (Davison).”

Stay tuned to see what awesome things are in store for Ed and the Better Tether — and all the happy dogs and pet owners who use it!

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

Our client, Ed, loves his dog. But like many dog owners, he has had to tether his canine companion outdoors at times. Usually, it was just a matter of time before the chain or cable would knock over the dog’s food and water bowls as his pet ran around. Sure, the food could be eaten off the ground, but the water would soak into the soil or evaporate, leaving his dog thirsty … no wonder dogs bark when tethered outdoors for any length of time!

Thanks to Ed, this unhappy scenario is a thing of the past.

The retiree from Michigan had an idea for a better way to tether a dog — a stake that sits below ground level, so people and pets don’t trip over it and you never have to move it out of the way to mow the lawn. Ed came to Davison to develop his idea, and now the Better Tether is headed to the market so it can benefit countless dogs and the people who love them.

“I’m really proud I invented a more humane way to tie up your pet outside,” Ed said during his visit to Inventionland. He and Mr. Davison had a great meeting getting to know each other and discussing the Better Tether.

“It was such a pleasure meeting Ed,” said Mr. Davison. “He’s a great guy, and has a real heart for animals.”

The Better Tether wasn’t Ed’s first idea for a new product. Several years ago, he came up with a new tool attachment. He had it built and he even used it in his work. He thought others could also benefit from his invention. The inventor wanted to try to get his product to the market, but he listened to someone who told him it would never be a success.

You guessed it — a while later Ed saw his idea sitting on a store shelf after it was brought to market by someone else. Ed vowed to never let that happen again. When he got the idea for the Better Tether, he was determined to not listen to negative people. Ed chose Davison to develop his idea because he thought the company “sounded more professional.” As we were showing the Better Tether at trade shows, a buyer commented about the problem of tethered dogs always knocking over their bowls. Our corporate team took the porous cup on the top of the post that was designed to go into the ground and expanded and sealed it so it could hold food and water that could never be spilled.

“When we went back to the manufacturer and buyer, they loved it,” said Mr. Davison. “Everyone is loving this product and orders are flying in.”

Ed’s director explained why we made the changes, and he fully understood, said the vice president of new products. “He put his trust in us and let us do what we know how to do best. Obviously, he’s thrilled with his design at this point.”

Most of all, Ed was extremely happy that his product was improved to benefit the lives of dogs. He thought his design was “perfect,” and he connected with his director who thoroughly explained the process and made him feel comfortable. The 80-year-old retiree was “extremely passionate” about pursuing his dream. His friends and family were doubtful, however, and they told him so.

“People told me, ‘Edward you’re dreaming.’ Well, let me dream! This is what I want to do and I think they can put it out there for me,” he would reply.

But it didn’t happen overnight. Even when it was turned down by two other companies before getting licensed, Ed never lost faith in his idea or in Davison…

Check out Part 2 of Ed’s story — there’s so much good stuff we just couldn’t fit it all into one!

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

Today, as many of us file our tax returns, we can pause to remember an inventor who was born 559 years ago today — and who was way ahead of his time.

Everyone knows Leonardo Da Vinci was an amazing painter (the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper), but did you know he was an innovator as well? He invented some objects that are commonly used today, such as the scissors, calculator, odometer, helicopter, crossbow and armored car— to name a few.

All of his inventions began as drawings in a journal that he never let out of his sight (Mr. D has something similar). Other people attempted to build some of the inventions from his drawings, but usually with no success. Modern scientists feel that his ideas were far too advanced for anyone of that time to comprehend. Most of Da Vinci’s scientific studies were largely ignored due to his lack of any formal education. Scholars of his day believed his ideas were costly and would most likely fail.

In 1502, he designed a 720-foot single span bridge as part of a civil engineering project for Sultan Beyazid II. The Sultan didn’t attempt to build the bridge, because he believed it was impossible. Leonardo’s vision was brought back to life in 2001 when a smaller bridge based on his design was created in Norway. In 2006, the Turkish government decided to construct Leonardo’s bridge to span the Golden Horn, a river that divides the city of Istanbul.

Most people knew that Leonardo was not the average man, but his works were still viewed as impractical, unrealistic, and out of reach. If he had listened to all the criticism and given up, many of the inventions we use every day may have never come to fruition.

Da Vinci is a true testament to believing in yourself and doing what you love. Happy 559th Birthday to a Remarkable Inventor!