Have you ever had an idea that you wanted to bring to fruition? Although there are many steps in the inventing process, there is one step in particular that brings your idea from just an idea to an actual product sample. That step is a building a prototype.

In case you are unclear of what a prototype actually is, we will make it clear for you! A prototype is a design tool that is much like a model that is used to help create a new product.

There are many varieties of prototypes; some are reminiscent of rough drafts while others are more like the final version of the product. Prototypes are usually used for testing before a manufacturing run is ordered.

It all begins with your idea; from there, you’ll most likely sketch your product on a piece of paper, so that you have a rough sketch of your idea. This sketch is one form of a prototype. But, maybe you want to take this sketch one step further by adding more detail and tweaking your original design.

Prototypes also are crucial for companies and many of them run through several different prototypes when developing a new product. As they continue to create prototypes, they begin to understand how people will use their product and how it can be improved.

The development of a prototype begins with the development of the concept of a product. Many creative minds work together on the design features and usually will produce several cardboard and paper models in order to illustrate and conceptualize how the product will look and feel. Once the development team agrees on a design, they are able to create a single working prototype, which is evaluated to determine how effective it is.

If you are thinking about turning your idea into an actual product, you will have to consider many different steps that factor into the invention process, especially creating prototypes and evaluating their importance.

Prototypes are a crucial part of your product development and that is why, at Davison, we do everything from product-related-data-and-patent research to designing, developing, and building working prototypes and product samples.

In essence, a prototype allows an inventor to see their idea come to life from a sketch on a piece of paper to a real-life working product. This design tool allows inventors to conceptualize their product.

Copyright Davison 2013

Sources:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/construction/planning/what-is-a-prototype.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-prototype.htm

Images:

http://www.123rf.com/clipart-vector/prototype.html

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Davison is a product development company with designs that have sold in over a 1,000 retail and online stores. Working with Davison gives inventors professional quality services, because of Davison’s more than twenty years of experience designing, engineering, building and testing new inventions. However, even with a great track record of success in transforming ideas into products, there is no guarantee that any particular invention will ever be licensed, sold in stores, or result in financial gain.

New product development is an uncertain endeavor and the typical invention is not licensed, sold on any market, or profitable. In fact, no company can guarantee success; and, if they say they can, you can be certain that their promises are too good to be true.

What Davison does guarantee is a confidential exchange of ideas and information, so that an inventor can rest easy knowing their idea is safe. One of the biggest obstacles to overcome when pursuing your idea is being willing to trust someone with your invention. However, if you want to create a successful product, you will need to share your concept with the skilled and knowledgeable people who can help you navigate the many complex aspects of the invention process. Product idea security and confidentiality are Davison’s top priorities.

Inventors can submit their ideas to the Davison team through a confidentiality agreement, which is a binding contract between you and Davison that states that they will not disclose anything about your invention without your permission. When you submit your idea to Davison, they will guarantee that they will not use, disclose, license or sell your idea without your consent.

Another thing that Davison guarantees is that the Davison design team will work with inventors in every aspect of product development; including product research, design, engineering, prototype construction, and packaging. Davison also identifies appropriate corporations for potential licensing deals, prepares materials and product samples for presentation, negotiates licensing agreements, and manages royalties. Davison has over 250 employees working together in an amazing 110,000 square foot office campus, which includes its inventing factory called Inventionland.

Davison has the skilled professionals and the state-of-the-art equipment that can help you develop your invention into a real product sample, and, they will use all of their experience to give you a truly professional sample and presentation materials.

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You’ve relied on Google for years. You need to send your friend directions to your party. Google Maps and Gmail. You need to know the full cast of the Nick Nolte vehicle “Blue Chips.” Google search. You need someone to drive your car while you eat leftover P.F. Chang’s. Google drive?

Yes. Google, who has already tested driverless cars in Nevada, has been developing self-driving cars for a while now and has successfully lobbied for legislative support in California. According to Android Authority, “A bill to allow computer-controlled cars on Californian highways passed 37-0 in the Senate and 74-2 in the Assembly and is now awaiting action by Governor Jerry Brown.”

“The bill will allow companies to test out driverless cars on public roads. The DMV still has to draft rules and will apparently designate the person in the driver’s seat or the person who engages the technology as the ‘operator,’ presumably for legal reasons.”

Google cars use a combination of video cameras, radar and lasers to drive in traffic, and Google says it has driven them over 300,000 miles without an accident so far.

“California is almost perfect for the introduction of autonomous cars. It is large and diverse enough to allow testing in almost all environments. There are regions with almost optimal weather conditions such as Southern California (snow being very unlikely except in the mountains). This is where Google could launch their first commercial trials for car-sharing, taxi or truck/logistics services,” reports Driverless car market watch.

Image Source

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Now the question is: who is going to buy my invention?

That is a great question, and the Davison invention development process was constructed to help you find an answer to that question.

Davison is a product development company that gives inventors the tools they need to move their ideas from early-stage concepts to a professional product sample ready to present to manufacturers. However, Davison does not buy any ideas and it does not take ownership in an individual’s ideas or inventions. Rather, Davison has refined and developed a unique inventing method over the past twenty years that works with the inventor to design, engineer, build, package and present their ideas to manufacturers for possible licensing agreements. Going through these steps is critically important because manufacturers often want to see a working model or prototype.  In fact, they usually want to see a product that is very close to being ready to manufacture.

If Davison is successful in finding a licensee for a product, they will also provide licensing negotiation and royalty management services. Davison offers licensing representations services for 10% or more of the future royalties. However, this is not considered a purchase of patent or invention rights and no purchase or partnerships with Davison are offered. All throughout this process, the inventor remains the owner of the invention.

So rather than buy an idea, Davison works with clients to bring their ideas to market.  Whether it’s an idea that will enhance a current product, or an idea to develop a product from scratch, Davison has the experience, high quality technology, and the drive to provide professional quality invention development services.

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The 2012 Fall Pugz line is now in stores!

But even more exciting than having Pugz boots in one Petco and Pugz leg warmers in another Petco across town, the entire fall line is prominently displayed on endcaps.

Showcasing leashes, beds, coats, leg warmers, harnesses, boots — all featuring Pugz’s signature faux suede and fleece combination – the visual appeal of these endcaps creates a gravitational pull on Petco customers shopping anywhere near this K-9 couture.

CEO and founder of Davison, George Davison, calls the Petco Pugz endcaps a defining moment in company history and compares the excitement of seeing all of these Pugz products in one space to the excitement of “stepping to the plate and hitting a grand slam.”

“When you allow yourself to dream, you are opening yourself up for a lot of pain if stuff doesn’t work out, which I’m used to. Because of the continual effort at absorbing risks and overcoming challenges this is what can happen if you believe. If you don’t believe and have enough character, the dreams aren’t possible,” says Davison.

The 2012 Fall Pugz line, which is now in Petco and will be in Bed, Bath & Beyond on September 20th, delivers cozy comfort for every pup.

Walk with warmth

Smaller dogs get cold faster in low temperatures, but that’s no reason to abandon those long walks you and your pup enjoy. Instead, protect him or her from the elements with Pugz Boots. These adorably designed, faux leather and faux wool shoes provide comfort and keep your pet’s paws dry in any weather!  Plus, their breathable, cushioned fabric sole eliminates nasty claw scratches from hardwood floors. With an adjustable hook and loop strap, Pugz are a secure fit for every pooch!

Little paws aren’t the only appendages to keep the chill out during the fall and winter. Your dog will appreciate some leg protection, too. Pugz Leg Warmers keep your dog’s legs warm and protected with their lightweight faux suede and fleece. Perfect for pups of all sizes, these leg warmers include hook and loop straps and elastic nylon to ensure a secure fit.

Walk with confidence

Excited dogs and young pups often pull during their walks. This not only creates uncomfortable exercise for you, but can injure your dogs neck if you’re only using a collar. Get back control and enjoy those walks again with the Pugz Harness.

The Pugz Harness is a comfortable and stylish solution for reducing the stress and strain on both dogs and owners during walks. Made with breathable and lightweight faux suede and fleece, this harness is adjustable for a custom fit on your dog or growing puppy.

Add the Pugz Leash for 6 feet of stylish safety. The ultra-soft, fleece-lined generously sized handle keeps your hand cozy and comfortable, while the durable nylon leash allows you to securely walk your pet with confidence. The sturdy chrome hardware conveniently attaches to your favorite collar.

Now Sleep!

Walk nap, walk nap. That’s your best friend’s daily agenda. Optimize their comfort after those warming walks with the Pugz Air Puff Bed, which supports the limbs of older or injured pets, but is perfect for dogs without health problems as well. An adjustable frame and soft faux wool provide a warm and cozy place for any pet to relax. The removable cover is easy to wash and keep clean. For use at home, in the car or on a trip, the Pugz Air Puff Bed is easy to transport.

Twenty-twelve also features the Pugz Box Bed (see below on endcap), which allows your pet to nuzzle into cozy comfort. The ultra-durable, luxuriously cushioned base and sides invite your pet to snuggle up, get comfortable and relax.  The bed is also lightweight, portable and can be machine washed!

Davison attributes the success of Pugz and other Davison products to the Davison methodology, which George Davison has been crafting for over 20 years. “We have to have really good soils to grow our seeds. This is the combination of Inventionland and our [inventing] methodology to have not only one, but all of those [products] hit the shelf.”

Congratulations to Pugz, Hugs and Davison for all the hard work put into a great line of pup products. When dogs are dressed to the nines in their new Pugz boots and legwarmers, warm and comfortable tails are sure to be wagging outside of Petco stores this fall and winter!

(From Hugs Pet Products’ Facebook Page)

Diane: “Barney jumped right in as [we were] strolling through Petco today! Sold! ”

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

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Now, Hugs Pet Products’ entire current line, along with some awesome new items, are hitting the trade show circuit, which means big-time exposure across the nation!

One new product set to roll-out this fall is the Deluxe Dog Butler, an enhanced version of the previous Davison-designed Dog Butler.

Conveniently including everything needed for a relaxing walk in the park with a canine companion, the Deluxe Dog Butler includes an expandable bungee leash, designed to lessen the stress and strain on you, a storage compartment for treats to reward your pup and a flashlight holder for late-night walks.  It even includes 10 adorably-designed (and always necessary!) Potty Paws mitts to pick up after your four-legged friends!

According to Davison’s Vice-President of Licensing, the fall trade show circuit provides some awesome opportunities to present new and current products to some big-name national retailers.

“We are showing [the Deluxe Dog Butler], along with the entire line of Hugs Pet Products to Petco Wednesday in San Diego, Bed Bath & Beyond the following Wednesday in New York and at the Super Zoo trade show in Las Vegas, the week of September 13th,” said the VP.

It sounds like we may be seeing the Davison “D” on some more store shelves soon!  To follow the Licensing Team as they present innovative products around the nation, view the entire Trade Show schedule online at https://www.davison.com/tradeshows/.

Kudos to everyone who has worked on bringing the Deluxe Dog Butler (and all of our “D-lightful” items!) to trade shows, the marketplace…and beyond!

This corporate product was invented and licensed by Davison for its own benefit.

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Another D-lightful product that we created for a client and that was licensed by Health Enterprises soon will be headed to CVS! Health Enterprises recently got the “green light from CVS” on the 6-in-1 Manicure Multitool, which will be sold under the “Portables, by Essence of Beauty” brand name.

“Congratulations to our client, Cathalene,” said Davison’s VP of Licensing. “Her dream is about to come true!”

The Design team quickly made two more prototypes for CVS, as the retailer, which has more then 7,000 stores, prepared to add the product to store shelves.

“We’ve been working on that one on and off for 2½ years, so I’m very glad it has finally found a home!” said Davison’s Corporate Creative Coach. “I think everyone on my team has touched it in one way or another.”

The full manicure set has a nail file, two-sided nail buffer, cuticle pusher, two-sided cleaning stick, nail brush and nail clippers. By combining six tools into one convenient, compact tool, it is perfect for enhancing nails anytime, anywhere! It also has a silicone, non-slip grip that is gentle on the fingers.

The 6-in-1 Manicure Multitool is expected to hit CVS stores in December… what a perfect stocking stuffer, and what a great gift for our client! Congratulations, Cathalene, and to everyone who worked on this awesome new product!

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

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The Slinky– Engineer Richard James and his wife, Betty, borrowed $500 to start production of this spiral-coiled success – which came from an idea Richard had aboard a World War II Naval ship, when a spring fell onto the floor and flip-flopped around, amusing him.  The James’ perfected the long, steel ribbon and Richard designed the machine that manufactured the 80-foot Slinky himself.  Although it took some persuading to get the Philadelphia department store, Gimbels, to market the toy – it sold out in 90 minutes!  Today, nearly 300-million Slinkys have sold…and, at $3.99 each, those sales add up…fast!

Pet Rock– Advertising executive Gary Dahl is the mastermind behind the $3.95 smiley-faced rock that made millions!  According to Dahl, the “pets” were created as a replacement for the hassle, mess and money of more-conventional pets, like cats and dogs.  His packaging even included a training manual with instructions on how to take care of, train and command the rocks!  Estimates show Dahl sold over 5 million pets in a six-month time period.

Koosh Balls– Originally invented to help his own children learn how to catch, engineer Scott Stillinger tied rubber bands together to make a soft ball that wouldn’t hurt their hands.  The name came from the “koosh” sound the ball made when it hit the ground.  Evolving from rubber bands, OddzOn, Stillinger’s company, says there are approximately 5,000 fibers that go into one ball!  The Koosh line included about 50 products in all, some of which are still on the market for only a few bucks!

Antenna Balls– While Jason Wall has “had a ball” with his invention, he has Jack to thank.  When Wall found out Jack in the Box had sold millions of “Jack” antenna balls, he got busy designing his own novelty creations.  Whether in the form of happy faces, cowgirls or sports logos, you’ve probably seen Wall’s designs as you’ve been out traveling.  With million-dollar sales since 1999, you may already have one on your own car!  If not, you can pick one up for about 4 bucks at your local gas station or convenience store!

Silly Bandz– A new trend for children of all ages, Robert Croak, the ingenious creator  of Silly Bandz, got his idea while on a Japanese business trip in 2002.  There, silicone bands were used as a more environmental-friendly option for rubber bands.  Croak, and his employer, BCP imports, transformed the office supplies into fashion must-haves by adding tons of shapes and colors.  First hitting the internet in 2008, Silly Bandz are now sold at over 8,000 locations nation-wide.  At around a couple bucks per pack, Croak says he’s shipping out millions of the bandz each week!  What’s even better – he’s selling them with NO advertising!  The buzz for the bandz is all on-line, and on the playground, of course!

So, whether these popular gadgets slink down the stairs, “koosh” against the ground or do nothing at all – they’re sure to bring a lot of fun to children of all ages – and a lot of “fun” money to their inventors!

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While most of us are familiar with recent developments in the telephone industry, and may even carry the latest iPhone, Droid or Blackberry models, it is likely that few may know where these gadgets got their roots and just how far they’ve come through the years.

Over a century ago, in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell uttered the first words over what he called his “electrical speech machine.” Those words, “Mr. Watson, come here, I want you,” traveled only to his assistant who was working in the next room, but now resonate world-wide. Today, deemed National Telephone Day, we pause, if only momentarily, from sending those texts, updating our social media statuses or just checking news headlines, to recognize Bell’s legendary invention and how, with the help of many other inventors along the way, it has become so “smart!”

As the world reveled at the telephone’s initial capabilities, Bell went to work on several other inventions, including a flying machine and metal detector, to name just a couple. However, it didn’t take long for his electrical speech machine to evolve. Ten years after Bell patented his telephone, the first long-distance line was installed – it ran from New York to Philadelphia! Quickly following, William Gray invented the first pay phone, which was also installed in the U.S. Northeast.

While it may not be considered the first “picture message,” the first photograph was electronically transmitted in 1921. Bell’s invention went world-wide in 1935 when the first international call was placed. Mobile telephone service can be traced back to 1946, and originally linked vehicles to telephone networks through their radios; however, Martin Cooper, a British inventor, is credited with designing the first mobile phone in the 1970s. Caller ID originated in the 1980s, when faxing also gained popularity.

Advancing and evolving the mobile phone industry, 2G, or “second generation” service was introduced in the 1990s and allowed users to send SMS communications or text messages. The 2000s ushered in 3G service and, with that, the mobile internet craze. Today, 4G networks allow users to enjoy their fastest service yet.

So, over a century later and with the help of many talented inventors along the way, what’s next for Bell’s electrical speech machine? To 5G and beyond!

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“It’s great to see, now that we’re getting direct feedback from the factory.” The Licensing VP also reported that “several large retailers are interested in the product.”

The Better Tether, formerly known as the Low-Pro, offers a more humane and convenient way to tether a dog outdoors — it provides a constant source of food and water that cannot be spilled and it never has to be moved for the lawnmower! The product had a great showing at the Global Pet Expo last month, and it will soon be on its way to market.

“Seeing actual factory tooling making something we created means a ton,” said Jason, Davison’s corporate design manager. “It’s great to see our creations come to life. But, most importantly, it means that someone besides us and our client believes in the product — so much so that they’re willing to go out and spend thousands of dollars ramping-up for production. It’s awesome! We’re all very excited to see the factory product!”

Check back here next week for the full story of our client, Ed, and how he came up with his awesome idea — you won’t want to miss it!

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