In the cartoons, when somebody has a great idea, a lightbulb goes off overhead. Listening to local inventors describe how they got their latest ideas, that image seems not too far off the mark.
Pete Hankinson of North Tonawanda was walking with his briefcase when he decided there should some light to guide his way.
Tom Penna was sitting in his Town of Tonawanda backyard daydreaming when the idea for a lawn game dropped into his head.
Desyl Beebe of Niagara Falls needed a more comfortable sling for her broken arm than the one she was issued at the hospital.
The world is not an easy place for inventors these days. Outside of the television show “American Inventor,” there aren’t too many places an inventor can go for support. The patent process especially, which can protect an invention, is expensive and confusing, according to a patent attorney, Michael Dunn of Cambria. “A patent does not give you the right to do anything, it gives you the right to stop someone else from doing something. You are free to market any of your inventions as long as someone else with a patent doesn’t stop you,” he said.
Dunn also said it can cost up to $8,000 to file an application.
Regardless, three local inventors were so inspired by their visions, they each went ahead and made prototypes and are now attempting to find backing for their creations.
Hankinson, a local teacher and musician, was walking in a dark parking lot with his briefcase and thought, “wouldn’t it be neat if you had a light in you briefcase that could illuminate your path?”
Hankinson has had some success with other inventions. He invented a watch for people who love music that, instead of numbers has 12 symbols on the music scale. “I sell them all over the world,” he said.
Tom Penna, a part-time mailroom employee for Greater Niagara Newspapers, created a game easy enough for a family to play while challenging enough that he believes it could be an Olympic sport.
Penna compared his inspirational method to that of a composer creating music. However, sometimes inspiration is born from a pressing need, as for Beebe.
Beebe was grabbing a cart at a local supermarket when a man drove a line of carts into her hand, causing a rotator cuff tear.
“When I got out of surgery I was bound clean up to here,” she said, putting an open hand by her neck. “I couldn’t adjust the straps by myself, I couldn’t get it over my head, I couldn’t even get it off.”
She had just bought some mircrofiber scarves and made a sling for herself out of the soft material and some tacking glue. When she brought it to her doctor and he saw how easy it was to use and wear, it got his nod of approval. Beebe later applied for a patent for what she calls her Ortho Support Sling.
All three inventors have some challenges before them.
Chris Thorpe, a marketing manager for Buffalo Games of Amherst, said his company meets regularly with inventors.
“We get inventors calls all the time from all walks of life. Sometimes the ideas stick,” he said. When his company is unable to work with an inventor, Thorpe has other suggestions, including an annual licensing show in New York City.
At inventorspot.com, inventors can learn about upcoming licensing shows and swap ideas with other inventors from all over the world. In such global communities, they can seek support that is so important to the creative process.
Meanwhile, Penna said he would be interested in creating a group locally where he could explore the creative process.
“I’d love to start a group of people who simply want to sit around and brainstorm and experiment with creativity,” he said.
Contact editor Michele DeLuca at 693-1000, ext. 157.
Night & Day
Related Photos
BRIGHT IDEAS: Local inventors explore ways to market their ideas
- Night & Day
-
-
Wet and wild love stories at the Aquarium focus of new event
Her name is Pi and while she’s just a teenager, she's already divorced from Tux. Not to worry: She found a new, younger partner named Chile, who is 13 years her junior.
-
Castellani goes back to nature with Betsy Potter
For artist Betsy Potter, a native Western New Yorker, the survival of the natural world is paramount.
-
Tick ... tick ... tick ... for one ‘Valiant’ hour
The clock is ticking for the Theatre in the Mist production company.
As rehearsals unfold for “The Valiant,” opening Friday at Stella Niagara in Lewiston, the director keeps one eye on her cast and the other on her watch. -
NACC seeks sponsors for black history events
Sponsors are being sought for a local Black History Month performance celebrating contributions African-Americans have made to the nation.
-
Open auditions for Artpark’s upcoming Broadway musical
Auditions for the upcoming Artpark production of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” will be held from 3-7 p.m. Feb. 11 and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 12 at the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts studios.
-
A search for Miss Niagara! Contest returns Saturday — with special guest!
Here she comes — Miss Niagara. And Miss New York as well!
Miss Niagara contest organizers received news this week that Miss New York, the recent second runner up in the recent Miss American pageant, has agreed to perform at a Miss Niagara pageant being held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Lockport. -
Local sounds focus of Broadway Joe’s show
On Saturday, Broadway Joe’s will be hosting a night of local sounds as Cowboys of Scotland, Canary Girls, and Jupiter Jefferson will perform in an all-original, all-Buffalo night of alternative music.
-
Kenan hosting inaugural Niagara Wine and Beer Fest
The Kenan Center in Lockport presents the first-ever Niagara Wine and Beer Fest from 5-9 p.m. Saturday at the Kenan Center Arena, 195 Beattie Ave. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Kenan Center and its diverse arts, education, and recreation programs.
-
Ceclia String Quartet performing at Kleinhans
The 88th season of the Buffalo Chamber Music Society continues on Tuesday in the Mary Seaton Room of Kleinhans Music Hall with a performance by the Cecilia String Quartet.
-
Head Honchos bringing the blues to Double D’s
Chicago blues-rock party band Head Honchos make their area debut at 9 p.m. Saturday at Double D’s Queen City Grill, 83 Niagara St., Tonawanda.
- More Night & Day Headlines
-
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
