March 2010 Commercial feasibility of ideas

The A to Z of Inventing project continued in March with two more inventions evaluated for commercial feasibility.

Frank Fila presented his invention for offset saw blades for a reciprocating saw. The offset blades fit a conventional reciprocating saw. The blades cut flush without the saw striking the mounting surface. Frank had two differently shaped blades.

The first factor is what is the product. The product to be sold are the saw blades.

The second factor is who is the customer. Several potential customers were identified. First were contractors who rebuild homes and would have a direct need for the inventive blades. Second were home craftsmen who would shop at the big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes. Third were tool collectors.

The third factor is how the customers would react to the product. It was pointed out that contractors would be better customers because they would have a continued need to purchase blades, whereas home craftsmen and tool collectors would buy only one.

The fourth factor is startup and operating costs. The fifth factor is identifying the source of the funds. We did not discuss these factors during the meeting.

Igor Alexeff presented his invention of a camera shade. It is a box that attaches to a digital camera and shades the rear display so that it can be seen when taking pictures outside. The rear panel of the box has a hole with a simple lens in it.

The first factor is what is the product. The product to be sold is the shade, which attaches to an existing digital camera.

The second factor is who is the customer. The potential customers are people who own digital cameras and take pictures outside when it is bright. Subsets of those customers include grandparents who want to take pictures of their grandkids outside.

The third factor is how the customers would react to the product. The consensus was that the product would be better received if the box were foldable so that it did not take up much space.

The fourth factor is startup and operating costs. The fifth factor is identifying the source of the funds. We did not discuss these factors during the meeting.

Other business

Igor Alexeff announced that the 2010 Minnesota Invention and Idea Show is scheduled for June 11 and 12 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota.

Tom announced that it is time to pay annual dues. The TIA dues are $30 for the full year and are due in at the beginning of the year. Everyone was requested to get their checks to Ann Alexeff.

The TIA is liquidating the library. Several old issues of Inventors Digest magazine were offered to the members in attendance.

The meeting adjourned and reconvened at Ryan's in Oak Ridge.