I've been a builder for the past 25 years, and a couple years ago I got bit by the invention bug. Like most builders, I kept power tools connected to extension cords by tying a knot in the cord and around the plug. But I often wondered if there weren't a better way.

Yes, there were several cord connectors at the local lumber yard, but they didn't work as easily as tying a knot. At work one day I came up with an idea for a simple and effective cord connector. This invention bug bite has inspired me to develop my idea.
 
Plywood prototypes
My first prototypes were out of plywood. I played with several variations of the basic shape, evaluating pros and cons and improving the prototype with each pass. Once I had the final shape, I made aluminum prototypes that allowed me to test the tool on the jobsite. Testing on the job was important in deciding on even more shape changes, including the one to make the device from plastic.

I recorded all developments in an invention journal. In this notebook with numbered pages that are sewn together so that you cannot add or subtract pages, I drew a picture of my idea and added a description of my first version. I dated it and had a witness sign it, which established an official record stating that I had invented this item at the recorded time, date and location. Advice to those interested in inventing: The inventor should use a Non-Disclosure Statement whenever he or she reveals the invention to others. The invention journal only provides proof of when the invention was made; it does not protect the inventor's rights to the invention.

Computer design
I had spent a fair amount of time and only a little money up to now. But to manufacture the invention meant the design had to be fully developed on a computer in CAD software. So I hired a fellow inventor who was familiar with such a program. CAD software was amazing because all the details of the invention could be developed virtually, and the final product then modeled in 3D on the screen.

The final CAD design was exported to a 3D printer, which created a 3D model of the product. After all the stages, it was fascinating to see and feel the actual shape of the final product. I made yet a few more changes, which I recording in the journal, and the prototyping-and-development stage was now complete.

Patent time
It was time to begin the patenting process. The US Patent Office allows inventors to file a Provisional Patent Application (PPA) prior to filing the Utility Patent Application (UPA). The PPA is shorter and less expensive than the UPA and provides one year of legal protection so the invention may be disclosed to potential buyers.

The invention was now ready to be marketed. Marketing is usually the most difficult part of the process because most inventors have no idea how hard it is to get inventions into distribution. The process of inventing is fun; marketing is challenging, at best.

CordSnake and online store
To sum it up, I wanted a simple tool that would keep my power tools connected to extension cords. I started messing around on the job and invented the CordSnake (www.cordsnake.com). I did the whole nine yards — inventing, prototyping, patenting, manufacturing and marketing — and I'm happy to say CordSnake is now in the Duluth Trading Co. online catalog and will soon be featured in the Mantis Tools catalog.

I also have founded Builders Inventions (www.buildersinventions.org), an online hub for builders and trades people with inventions. There are lots of creative people with ideas, and many folks have thoughts on inventing something useful. Because the Internet is ideal for niche marketing, I decided to build a Web site for builders and trades people with inventions. It features 20 products, and I'll have close to 40 by the end of the year. It's a good place to visit with peers and to check out an online store, once it is up and running. An invention-marketing course is down the road. It's all part of my overall strategy to build awareness of inventions and inventors.