How do they do that?

[cactusman]

I was wondering how, when, where, why, tool manufacturers come up with new tools ideas or improvements on existing tools?

It seems obvious some of the clever ideas seen on this site have yet to reach the powers to be, in determining product.

For example who? how? why? did they come out with a battery operated adjustable wrench?

Some new tools are extremely clever and may even obsolete our trusty "whatever"!

Who does the product evaluations? Who do you contact to participate?
I guess, without getting too wordy my question is essentially:

What is the process of a new tool from its genesis to the store shelf?

Cactus Man

[BadgerDave]

Once a new idea has successfully passed the Ron Popiel R&D Test of Marketability it is rushed into production.

[Bob D.]

Try these places for answers to some of your questions;

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/dapp/pacmain.html

http://www.inventions.org/index.html

Watch a video on
"How to make money with your Ideas" (http://www.inventions.org/media/mp_index_1.asx).

[ProBrand]

Our experience is that new product ideas come from multiple sources. We certainly keep an eye on the forum. Additionallly, we get thousands of suggestions every year from amateur and professional inventors. Not to sell ourselves short, we have a dedicated staff that analyzes market needs and comes up with innovative solutions. It is one of the more exciting aspects of the business.

The resources in the thread above are very helpful. Most manufacturers (RIDGID included) have a process by which they accept submissions as well.

Thanks for your support of RIDGID!

[Bob D.]

ProBrand, can you point us to a place on the Ridgid website where someone could find additional information on submitting ideas to Ridgid or request or download a short paper on the process and/or who to contact?

[brisiance]

Hey BOB D, apparently we're there at that place in the website.
this thread has the attention of those whom may bless your concept with
development and subsequent market activity.

i say humbly from the other side of the planet to your idea: run it up the flagpole and see who salutes. post it.

if the team at rigid are dinkum ( serious ) about developing your concept, i'm sure they're clever enough to involve you in the process.you possessing the grey matter what solved said problem in the first place and all.

Their litigants i'm sure hit heavily. rely on trust. depend on the notion of what is fair. for if they lose touch with that at the rigid tool company, i have little faith in the rest of the world.

i have had my life in the hands of the RTC engineers and QC. such is the stress i have put their products under.

picture this: two 60" stilsons in opposition with a 2 tonne chain block bending their arms as a man belts the joint with a sledge until it breaks. ( quicker with the oxy ? ) . if the metal breaks, one may be injured.

should your concept generate market activity, i would trust ( perhaps i am truly naive ) RTC to pay you your dues. if only to keep your brain on retainer.

good day , gentlefolk

[brisiance]

"The resources in the thread above are very helpful. Most manufacturers (RIDGID included) have a process by which they accept submissions as well."

you mean to say to me it's the same as when i was in a metal band and all i'll get back is an envelope stamped ' no unsolicited mail ' ?

bugger.