January 3rd, 2010
It is quite imperative for inventors and companies that bring out new products to be able to protect their inventions. His is why they need the services of patent firms that specialize in providing patent and application protection as this helps them in protecting their intellectual property from pilferage.
Getting a patent is not a very simple process as it could be quite long drawn out (as we learned by patenting our universal drink holder). There are quite a few process and procedural steps where the patent application is scrutinized by the patent examiner and clarifications sought from the inventor. The process starts with the inventor making an application for a patent, and the application as well as the invention being scrutinized to ascertain as to which part of the invention can be patented. If the patent application and the invention stands up to scrutiny, a patent is granted for a pre-defined period of time.
There are all kinds of inventions that are of varied scope. Some inventions do nothing more than add a concept to the vast body of concepts that exist from earlier. Take for instance a car video game. There could be a host of ideas and features like the car being turbo boosted or even damage to the car in the event of collisions. To this, if you add the novelty of showing how the racer is progressing on a race track map, this idea of racer display on the map could well be patented. Those who are still not prepared to file for a full fledged patent can file a ‘provisional patent application’. The advantage of patents is that these can catapult young inventors to global fame and name, not to mention the monetary benefits that accrue from it.
When filing for a patent application, it makes sense to submit formal drawings of the invention. These drawings help in projecting the image of the invention in all its distinctiveness and uniqueness. These drawings are prepared by trained draftsmen, who have long years of experience in this field. Once the idea of the invention has been conceived, design patents are prepared, which are an aesthetic representation of the form of the invention in question. The tenure of design patents is generally 14 years.
There are other kinds of patents which are of the nature of utility patents. These patents are able to protect the use of machines, medicines, components and computers in addition to ingredients which add to the utility of the invention. These patents are handed out for novel machines or even processes and are distinct from design patents that are appropriate for inventors of new manufactured articles. The concept of provisional utility patents is rather rare and not apt at an elementary level.
Manufacturers also have a great utility for patents because they invest huge sums and need to protect the uniqueness of their invention. The idea behind giving a 17 year manufacturing patent is to reward innovativeness as it is beneficial to consumers. While unrestricted monopoly is not beneficial, the idea of a 17 years patent seems to be a kind of middle path. Inventions that come prior to an invention are know as ‘prior art’. The way to get a patent on your invention is to prove that your innovation is quite distinctive and is a significant improvement on the prior art.
Tags: idea patent, new idea, new product, patent, patent process
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December 22nd, 2009
Types of mobility accessories vary greatly. Electric scooters are ideal for out-of-home activities, as they glide smoothly and easily over a variety of surfaces. There are even portable motorized scooters that can be stowed in the trunk of your car to take along with you. Electric stair lifts can be associated with telephone jacks and mechanical door opening. Electric wheelchairs don’t need any kind of physical power to be used in order to operate them, beneficial to some users with limited mobility or those who are growing older. The invention of electric wheelchairs has been a blessing for many disabled people, because it considers and addresses the requirements of physically challenged people.
Scooters can have either front or rear-wheel drive. Weight capacities, suspensions and options vary widely by manufacturer. One of the more popular accessories, scooter arm tote bags attach quickly and easily to the arm of scooter with adjustable attachment. Scooter buyers suggest you climb aboard for the ride of your life. Electric wheelchairs also provide users with the facility of wheelchair lift which gives them the opportunity to raise themselves up an elevated surface without anyone holding the wheelchair.
When buying mobility accessories, Medicare will reimburse 80% of cost for those who qualify. Some qualification requirements like patients having severe Arthritis of the hip of knee or a severe neuromuscular disease are necessary to be receive coverage. Medicare will not cover the cost of an option or accessory if it is needed only for activities outside the home. You must have a written doctor’s order and the supplier must have the order on file before billing for your purchase. Medicare must be your primary insurance carrier in order to file the initial claim with them. If you have secondary insurance, often they will pay any remaining amount that Medicare did not cover.
Tags: electric scooter, electric wheelchair, mdeicare, medicare reimbursement, mobility accessories, powerchair, wheelchair accessories
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December 22nd, 2009
Wheelchair accessories are adapted and updated as new models of manual and power wheelchairs are developed. New wheelchairs accessory technology can keep patients safer and more comfortable.
Users have become more active, requiring better materials and additional features for improved stability and maneuverability. Wheelchair seating attempts to fulfill many competing goals including supporting posture, managing pressure, promoting function, and enabling safe transportation. Seat height, width, and depth can all be changed, as well as the way the front wheels work, addition of backrests and wheelchair cushions, and controls can even be added to standard designs. People who have special needs often have custom wheelchairs built.
Accessories such as drink and cup holders, bags and packs, carriers, and holder, push gloves, or trays. These accessories defiantly help increase the ease of the user and add comfort to difficult tasks. The United States Access Board (ATBCB) has done human subject testing to determine the amount of energy required for persons with and without disabilities to negotiate various outdoor surfaces. The physiological measures (oxygen consumption, heart rate, velocity, and ratings of perceived exertion) and level of difficulty ratings was shared with different mobility companies for use in design of wheelchairs and accessories. It was also found that users with good upper extremity function did not wish to have some accessories on the wheelchair, because they may interfere with movement.
Cup holders typically do not come with a new mobility chair. Yet, they can be easily purchased from a wheelchair store or an online retailer for around $10 to $30. Cup holders are but one trivial detail of course, and most users don’t consider them necessary, but on the American front users find it gives a better overall mobility experience. They allow a morning cup of Joe or and energy drink to be close at hand while the seat is occupied.
Tags: beverage holders, cup holders, drink holders, wheelchair, wheelchair accessories, wheelchair cup holder, wheelchair drink holder
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