InventionEvaluator Analysis of: Invention Name: Thumpa: snake

Transcription

InventionEvaluator Analysis of:
Invention Name:
Thumpa: snake deterrent
for mountain bikes.
Inventor Name:
Invention ID:
Date of Submission
Date of Report:
Charles Black
IES001
June 14, 2010
June 20, 2010
IE0001:Thumpa, submission June 14, 2010. Analysis: June 20, 2010.
Technology Analysis: ......................................................................................................................... 4
Idea description ......................................................................................................................... 4
What type of invention is it? ...................................................................................................... 4
How does it work? ..................................................................................................................... 4
What unmet need(s) does it address? ........................................................................................ 4
What are the novel aspects of the technology? .......................................................................... 4
Is it safe? ................................................................................................................................... 5
Is it legal?................................................................................................................................... 5
Development Status ...................................................................................................................... 6
Current status ............................................................................................................................ 6
Concept refinement and Prototyping ......................................................................................... 6
Testing ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Manufacturing and Beyond........................................................................................................ 8
Technology landscape ................................................................................................................... 8
1.
Snake Repeller ................................................................................................................ 8
2.
Electronic snake repeller ................................................................................................ 9
3.
Electric Animal Repellent ................................................................................................ 9
Technology Risks ........................................................................................................................... 9
Intellectual Property Analysis: ......................................................................................................... 10
Patent ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Novelty search ......................................................................................................................... 10
Trademark ................................................................................................................................... 23
URL.............................................................................................................................................. 25
Commercialisation analysis.............................................................................................................. 27
Market ........................................................................................................................................ 27
Distribution Channels .................................................................................................................. 29
Bicycle Dealerships ...................................................................................................................... 30
Information on the bicycle industry ............................................................................................. 31
Consultants.............................................................................................................................. 31
Potential Partners........................................................................................................................ 33
Marketing Risks ........................................................................................................................... 35
Commercialisation pathway ........................................................................................................ 35
Packaging................................................................................................................................. 36
Trademark ............................................................................................................................... 37
URL (website domain) .............................................................................................................. 37
Marketing Collateral ................................................................................................................ 37
Licensing Risks ............................................................................................................................. 42
Confidentiality Agreement Generator.............................................................................................. 42
Original Submission ......................................................................................................................... 43
Technology Analysis:
Idea description
The invention is a device consisting of two components for providing a sound and or vibration into
the ground from a bicycle. There are several ways to achieve this mechanically, however the device
described is very simple and straightforward.
What type of invention is it?
Material
Subcomponent
Component
Device
System
Service
The device conceived consists of two components (the frame mounted slapping component and the
wheel mounted trigger component).
How does it work?
One component is attached to the tire of the bicycle and when rotated, causes the second
component to raise and then strike the tire causing the sound/vibration through the tire. This
sound/vibration is then perceived by the snake on the trail, and as the bicycle approaches the snake
perceives this approach and this may cause a retreat response in the snake.
What unmet need(s) does it address?
Riding a bicycle, especially off roads such as mountain biking, may bring one into contact with
snakes. Generally snakes will scurry off the path, especially if they are aware of someone or
something approaching. However, a bicycle does not always provide enough sound or vibration into
the earth to give a snake a signal that something is approaching. This can lead to the bicycle running
over a snake, or coming in close proximity. Apart from being frightening for the rider (which may
cause an accident), it can sometimes startle the snake leading to a striking behaviour, further
endangering the rider as it could lead to a snake bite. By giving the snake a signal through vibration
and/or sound, it is hoped that the rider will have less interactions with snakes since they will scurry
off the trail before the rider approaches.
What are the novel aspects of the technology?
Technologically, the invention is not complex. The components will be able to be constructed of
known, and commonly used materials. The configuration of the components into the device is well
understood and may be easily constructed. The novelty of the technology subsides in that it is the
first bicycle mounted snake deterrent. Thus, the technology could be optimised to provide for the
ideal vibration/sound or effect that elicits the retreat response in a variety of snakes.
Is it safe?
The technology has not been tested as yet, therefore safety cannot be determined at this stage. The
safety concerns to consider however are three-fold:



Whether the device actually work to provide a deterrent to snakes. Although this is
essentially a question of whether the technology works, it is important since it could give
users a false sense of security if it doesn’t and therefore expose them to danger (eg
being less aware of the possibility of a snake). Furthermore, it needs to be determined
that the device acts to induce a retreat response in the snakes, rather than an irritant
which may actually increase the likelihood of a snake rearing up and striking a bicyclist.
The safety of the device as a bicycle attachment. The device will need to be rigorously
tested to ensure the safety to the rider and others of the device. For example, if the
device were to break, would it pose a threat to the rider of the bicycle by causing the
bike to crash, or would it cause a striking hazard.
The environmental safety concerns. It will be necessary to determine whether the
device poses an environmental concern by causing significant distress or hazard to any
species through its use.
The specific regulatory requirements to address these will depend on the specific jurisdiction that
the product is sold into. You have submitted your invention in Australia, so there are services
available from the Government to consult with you to assist in understanding the specific Australian
regulatory requirements: https://consultation.business.gov.au/consultation/
Is it legal?
Assuming the device is compliant with any regulatory requirements as described above, it should be
legal to manufacture, market and sell this product. However, this will be subject to all the
jurisdictional legal requirements regarding consumer protection.
Development Status
Current status
The current status of the invention is the concept stage. This is a very early stage in product
development, and therefore significant work needs to be done to transfer the technology from this
stage into a product on the shelf in a store. The typical steps from here are:
Concept refinement
•Industrial design
•CAD
Prototype
•Materials selection
•Build prototypes
Testing
•Safety
•Efficacy
Manufacture
•Tool ready design
•Short run manufacture
•Mass manufacture
Sales
•Marketing
•Sales
•Distribution
Concept refinement and Prototyping
In this stage, the technology is subjected to the rigorous processes of industrial design to determine
an optimal design for the product. Industrial design is a combination of applied art and applied
science, whereby the aesthetics, ergonomics and usability of mass-produced products may be
improved for marketability and production. The role of an industrial designer is to create and
execute design solutions towards problems of form, usability, user ergonomics, engineering,
marketing, brand development and sales. Some of the processes that are commonly used are user
research, sketching, comparative product research, model making, prototyping and testing. These
processes can be chronological, or as best defined by the designers and/or other team members.
Industrial designers often utilize 3D software, computer-aided industrial design and CAD programs
to move from concept to production. Product characteristics specified by the industrial designer may
include the overall form of the object, the location of details with respect to one another, colors,
texture, sounds, and aspects concerning the use of the product ergonomics. Additionally the
industrial designer may specify aspects concerning the production process, choice of materials and
the way the product is presented to the consumer at the point of sale. The use of industrial
designers in a product development process may lead to added values by improved usability,
lowered production costs and more appealing products.
It is easy to outsource this step in the process. Using either www.elance.com or www.guru.com you
can readily access a very wide pool of freelance industrial design professionals. Begin by searching
the marketplace or by posting a project. Search for freelancers by keyword, skill category, industry
experience or location; and compare Freelancers' profiles including Work Samples, Feedback and
reviews. Then contact Freelancers from the search in three ways:



Request a quote: Invite one or more Freelancers to place a quote on a new or existing
project.
Ask a question: Use the Quick Discussion Board to send a message directly to one
Freelancer.
Contact directly: Some Freelancers display contact information to Employers who have
signed in.
Or post your project for free to the guru.com, or elance.com marketplace. Within hours, you'll
receive multiple, competitive quotes from Freelancers. Review their quotes then contact and
interview your favourites to find the best match. Get answers about your project before searching or
posting.
Estimated costs for this stage are below $1000 for CAD design and rapid prototyping, however, this
will vary considerably depending on the designer you choose. It is important to determine the
designer’s experience and capabilities, and to set defined milestones with set timelines and costs
prior to entering an agreement. Using guru.com and elance.com will enable this to be carefully
controlled including payment upon deliverables. It is suggested you negotiate for three copies of the
prototype to be made:
 One for testing (see below)
 one for demonstration and backup
 one ready to send to a potential licensee (see below) for their internal testing.
Testing
As you already have a mountain bike yourself, it would be relatively straightforward to test the
prototype on your own bicycle for things like installation, useability, durability and so forth. You
should spend some time riding around on this to determine whether you notice any problems. For
example, does the device annoy you after awhile? Does it impede your riding ability or cause any
problems? Does the prototype pose any safety issues? Did it break?
Get some friends and/or family to test it as well (under a confidentiality agreement if a patent
application has not been filed yet. See below in the section on Intellectual Property). Ask them to
record their experiences from a useability perspective. Collect all this feedback and use it to
determine whether there are design issues that need to be integrated into another prototyping
stage or whether the design is suitable as it is.
You will also need to test whether this actually works to deter snakes. It is suggested you consult
with a herpetological society, such as the Australian Herpetological Society, http://www.ahs.org.au
for this. Contact them, and ask them if there is anyone in the society who is able to help you to
safely set up a trial of the device to determine whether the device actually works to induce the
retreat response in snakes. There might be someone there who can also advise you on the design
process to optimise the design, for example to optimise the vibration produced to induce the retreat
response in the widest range of species. An expert in this area will have particular insight into the
nature of snakes that may be useful in your product design process. Note that these conversations
will need to be done under a confidentiality agreement if there is no patent application in place (see
below in the Intellectual Property section). There may be costs involved with this testing, although
with the right connections to enthusiasts you may be able to arrange for this testing to be done for
free if you find a sympathetic partner.
While it is important to provide a potential licensee a package that demonstrates that your
technology works and is safe and user friendly, it is important not to get bogged down at this stage.
Get through this testing stage as quickly as possible. You may need to do one or more iterations of
the design process depending on the findings from this testing step. Do this with the same designer
if you are satisfied with their work as this will move things forward more quickly. The costs will vary
depending on the design problems identified through this testing.
Manufacturing and Beyond
The design process will yield a vetted design for the two components of the device which will be tool
ready design. This means, the method of manufacturing as well as the material requirements, will
be figured out. This may be different depending on the type of manufacturing intended. For short
run manufacture, certain methods are chosen to avoid large setup costs. However, when the
product moves to a mass manufacture scenario, the process is devised to reduce the cost per unit
production, and thus setup costs may be larger because they can be amortised over a larger
production run.
Manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution is typically arranged by the licensee. See below for
the discussion on this in the Commercialisation section.
Technology landscape
Competitors for this product are limited. The following are the searches conducted and results:
Google search using terms “vibrating snake deterrent” or “vibrating snake repellent” brought up the
following:
1. Snake Repeller
snake-repeller.com.au
protect your home and family keep snakes away
2. Electronic snake repeller
www.stop-snakes.com
Safe to use around children and animals. Effective snake control
3. Electric Animal Repellent
www.AussiePestControl.com
Animal Repellent
As Seen On TV. Humane, Inexpensive & Safe. Electronic
The unpaid Google links of relevance were mainly discussion boards filled with lively discussion on
the relative merits of these products. There seems to be a lot of scepticism as to the validity of the
product.
The current products on the market are all stationary, solar powered vibration generators designed
to send a periodic vibration through the ground which would act as a snake repellent.
A Google search of “bicycle snake repellent” did not yield any bicycle accessories which act as a
snake deterrent.
A Google search of “bicycle noise maker” resulted in several hits which referred to the Spokester TM
product. www.spokester.com This is a product developed based on the common practice of fixing
a card so that it vibrates in the spokes of a bicycle wheel, to recreate the sound of a motorbike.
While this, technologically, is close to the “Thumpa”, it is not seen as a direct competitor.
A search of www.alibaba.com for “snake repellent” revealed similar vibration products, as well as
chemical repellent, and glue traps. Obviously these latter product types are not relevant for the
bicycle example. Therefore, the competitive advantage of the “Thumpa” is that there is no other
product on the market that provides the benefit of a snake repellent for people on a bicycle.
Technology Risks
There is minimal uncertainty of the technological success of this invention, as the components are
relatively straightforward and can utilise existing materials and production techniques. There may
be some unanticipated element of the technology that is revealed in the testing phase, however, it is
unlikely to pose a serious hurdle at this stage. The development costs, therefore, for prototyping
and consequent manufacturing, should be relatively low. While this is of benefit to the current
technology, this low technical hurdle will also be shared by competitors, and thus not provide a
competitive barrier to entry.
The primary technology risk will be to determine whether the device works effectively to deter
snakes in the path of a bicycle and acts to induce them to retreat in time before the bicycle reaches
the alerted snake. Key risks here are either that the device simply does not work to induce a retreat
response (ie status quo) or that it increases the chances of the snake striking the cyclist (worst
outcome). Therefore, as mentioned above, it will be important to confidentially consult with a
herpetologist who may help to test this device and provide insight into the development.
Intellectual Property Analysis:
Patent
A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides,
in general, a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem. In order
to be patentable, the invention must fulfill certain conditions. An invention must, in general, fulfill
the following conditions to be protected by a patent. It must be of practical use; it must show an
element of novelty, that is, some new characteristic which is not known in the body of existing
knowledge in its technical field. This body of existing knowledge is called "prior art". The invention
must show an inventive step which could not be deduced by a person with average knowledge of
the technical field. Finally, its subject matter must be accepted as "patentable" under law. In many
countries, scientific theories, mathematical methods, plant or animal varieties, discoveries of natural
substances, commercial methods, or methods for medical treatment (as opposed to medical
products) are generally not patentable.
The current invention could seek patent protection in order to provide a competitive barrier, and to
provide a tradeable asset for the inventor. For an excellent overview of Patents and the Patent
system, see:
In Australia http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/patents/what_index.shtml
In the USA http://www.uspto.gov/patents/process/index.jsp
For the World International Patent Organisation http://www.wipo.int/patentscope/en/patents/
Depending on the type of patent, the jurisdictions you choose to pursue, and other advice, your
patent application will follow a different (and complex) pathway in order to be granted. However, at
this stage of analysis it is important to understand whether your invention may be patentable. This
will depend on whether it is:




Patentable subject matter
o Yes.
Useful: does the invention have a practical utility?
o Yes. It provides for the generation of a vibration and/or sound from a bicycle in
order to repel snakes in the path
Inventive: Is the invention different from what would be obvious to those skilled in the art?
o Yes. There is inventiveness in the ability to provide for the generation of the
vibration directly into the tire of the bicycle.
Novel: Is the invention different and new from what is known in the prior art?
o Yes. See below for Novelty searches.
Novelty search
The following searches were conducted and results obtained.
WIPO Patent Scope
(on http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/index.jsp )
USPTO (www.uspto.gov )
Patents search on http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html
Applications search on http://appft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html
Database
WIPO
WIPO
WIPO
WIPO
WIPO
USPTO
Patents
(1790present)
USPTO
Patents
(1790present)
Search
Terms
(bicycle
OR bike)
AND
vibration
(bicycle
OR bike)
AND noise
(bicycle
OR bike)
AND
(snake OR
reptile)
(snake OR
reptile)
AND
(vibration
OR noise)
(snake OR
reptile)
AND
(repel)
(bicycle
OR bike)
AND
vibration
(bicycle
OR bike)
AND noise
Fields
Results
Relevant
(see below)
0
English
Abstract
18
English
Abstract
10
English
Abstract
0
0
Most applications were for
shock absorption mechanisms.
None of these were for causing
a vibration on a bicycle.
Only one relevant, which is
similar to the Spokester type
product described above.
-
English
Abstract
0
0
-
English
Abstract
0
0
-
Abstract
57
0
Most applications were around
shock absorption.
Abstract
26
7,344,429
Several noise producing devices
are described, mostly as
amusement or toys to produce
a motorcycle-type noise or
some other noise in connection
to the forward movement of
the bicycle.
WO/2004/069637
6,588,788
6,588,788
6,193,254
5,085,611
4,055,914
4,055,914
4,018,450
Comments
4,018,450
4,018,450
4,018,450
USPTO
Patents
(1790present)
USPTO
Patents
(1790present)
USPTO
Patents
(1790present)
USPTO
Applications
(2001present)
USPTO
Applications
(2001present)
USPTO
Applications
(2001present)
USPTO
Applications
(2001present)
USPTO
Applications
(2001present)
Pub. No.:
Publication Date:
IPC:
(bicycle
OR bike)
AND
(snake OR
reptile
(snake OR
reptile)
AND
(vibration
OR noise)
(snake OR
reptile)
AND
(repel OR
repellent)
(bicycle
OR bike)
AND
vibration
(bicycle
OR bike)
AND noise
Abstract
1
0
Abstract
6
0
Abstract
7
0
Abstract
29
0
Abstract
15
20060145448
20020175491
These are the same as for the
USPTO patents.
(bicycle
OR bike)
AND
(snake OR
reptile)
(snake OR
reptile)
AND
(vibration
OR noise)
(snake or
reptile)
AND
(repel OR
repellent)
Abstract
0
0
-
Abstract
1
0
-
Abstract
4
0
-
WO/2004/069637
19.08.2004
International Application No.:
International Filing Date:
B62J 3/00 (2006.01)
PCT/IE2004/000012
27.01.2004
Applicants:
MAXWELL, Thomas [IE/IE]; (IE).
MAXWELL, Gavin [IE/IE]; (IE).
Inventors:
MAXWELL, Thomas; (IE).
MAXWELL, Gavin; (IE).
Agent:
COYLE, Philip, A. et al.; F.R. Kelly & Co., 27 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (IE) .
Priority Data: S2003/0076 06.02.2003
S2003/0695 23.09.2003
Title:
Abstract:
IE
IE
A NOISE PRODUCING DEVICE
A noise-producing device comprises a body (12) having a clamp
(24) for mounting the body to a frame member of a bicycle or
other motorless vehicle with spoked wheels. The device includes
a card holder (15) for securing a resiliently flexible card (14) to the
body such hat the card extends freely outwardly from the body. A
resonant chamber (18) in the body amplifies the sound produced
by the intermittent interaction of the free end of the card with the
spokes of the bicycle wheel.
Click here for WIPO entry: WO/2004/069637
Trademark
The name you have given your invention, “Thumpa” could be a trademark. The following searches
were done. Unfortunately there are a couple of similar registered trademarks (see below). While
these may not be completely blocking, they may give rise to opposition later in the process. It is
recommended, therefore, that you consider coming up with an alternative name for the invention
which has both a free trademark (ie nothing similar), as well as the URL available for registration
(that is the .com domain). Having these two things attached to your invention can add significant
value to your IP package.
WIPO Madrid Express
http://www.wipo.int/ipdl/en/madrid/search-struct.jsp
USPTO TESS
http://tess2.uspto.gov/
IP Australia ATMOSS
http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/atmoss/falcon.application_start
Database
Madrid Express
Madrid Express
USPTO TESS
USPTO TESS
Search term
Thumpa
Thumper
Thumpa
Thumper
Results
0
1
0
20 Live
Relevant
0
0
0
IPAustralia
(ATMOSS)
Thumpa
2
0
IPAustralia
(ATMOSS)
Thumper
6
854690
2654148
Comments
Although a
different type of
product, the Tire
Thumper is
particularly close to
that proposed for
the current
invention.
Although in a
different class from
what the current
mark would likely
be registered in,
“Thumpa” is a
registered
trademark in
Australia
Although a
different type of
product, the Tire
Thumper is
particularly close to
that proposed for
the current
invention.
Word Mark
THE TIRE THUMPER MADE IN USA
Goods and
Services
IC 008. US 023 028 044 023 028 044 . G & S: hand tool, namely, truck tire thumper
for testing tire pressure and soundness. FIRST USE: 19990815. FIRST USE IN
COMMERCE: 20000104
Mark Drawing
Code
(3) DESIGN PLUS WORDS, LETTERS, AND/OR NUMBERS
Design Search
Code
18.11.01 - Inner tubes; Tire marks; Tires; Tubes, tire
Serial Number
Filing Date
Current Filing
Basis
Original Filing
Basis
Published for
Opposition
Registration
Number
Registration Date
76349096
December 12, 2001
Owner
(REGISTRANT) METALCRAFT MACHINE, INC. CORPORATION OREGON 30135
Cater Road Scappoose OREGON 97056
Attorney of
Record
Disclaimer
Description of
Mark
Type of Mark
Register
Affidavit Text
Live/Dead
Indicator
1A
1A
September 3, 2002
2654148
November 26, 2002
John Smith-Hill
NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE "THE TIRE THUMPER
MADE IN USA" APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN
The mark consists in part of a stylized tire.
TRADEMARK
PRINCIPAL
SECT 15. SECT 8 (6-YR).
LIVE
Trade Mark : 854690
Word:
THUMPER
Image:
Lodgement Date:
24-OCT-2000
Registered From:
24-OCT-2000
Date of Acceptance:
12-APR-2001
Acceptance Advertised: 03-MAY-2001
Registration Advertised: 03-JAN-2002
Entered on Register:
12-DEC-2001
Renewal Due:
24-OCT-2010
Class/es:
21
Status:
Registered/Protected - Renewal Due
Kind:
n/a
Type of Mark:
Word
Owner/s:
Jubilee Spring Co. Pty Ltd
ACN: 000038666
Lot 10 Catamaran Road
OURIMBAH NSW 2258
AUSTRALIA
Address for Service: Barker Blenkinship & Associates
PO Box 34
CHATSWOOD NSW 2067
AUSTRALIA
Goods & Services
Class: 21 Vermin traps including mouse traps and rat traps
URL
The URLs (ie website domains) for www.thumpa.com is taken (see Whois information below). It
seems this website is being “squatted”
Wikipedia defines:
Cybersquatting (also known as domain squatting), according to the United States federal law known
as the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, is registering, trafficking in, or using a domain
name with bad faith intent to profit from the goodwill of a trademark belonging to someone else.
The cybersquatter then offers to sell the domain to the person or company who owns a trademark
contained within the name at an inflated price.
While you may be able to get this domain for a fee, it will be cheaper to come up with a new name
for the invention. As described above in the Trademark section, it would be better to come up with
a new name for which there is both the trademark, and the URL available, as having both of these
secured can add significant value to the “package” which will include the IP rights to your technology
and any prototypes.
WHOIS information for thumpa.com :
[Querying whois.verisign-grs.com]
[whois.verisign-grs.com]
Whois Server Version 2.0
Domain names in the .com and .net domains can now be registered
with many different competing registrars. Go to http://www.internic.net
for detailed information.
Domain Name: THUMPA.COM
Registrar: PACNAMES LTD.
Whois Server: whois.pacnames.com
Referral URL: http://www.pacnames.com
Name Server: NS1.JUMBA.NET.AU
Name Server: NS2.JUMBA.NET.AU
Status: clientDeleteProhibited
Status: clientTransferProhibited
Updated Date: 17-nov-2008
Creation Date: 27-oct-1999
Expiration Date: 27-oct-2011
Commercialisation analysis.
Market
The industry “Thumpa” would be in is the sports industry, the market is the sports accessories and
the segment is bicycle accessories
Sport
Sporting
Equipment
Bicycle
Accessories
Thumpa
Thumpa will be a niche product in this market segment, as the market “pull” for such a product is
likely to be limited to a select group within the market. Given the feedback you have provided, in
your submission, however, around the prevalence of encounters with snakes, especially with
mountain biking, this could be a niche which is exploitable. That is, even though the niche is limited
to a selection of people who ride bicycles, there is a recognised need for such a product.
There are many different categories of bicycle accessory. The table below highlights the categories
where Thumpa may fit in:
Bicycle Axles
Bicycle Bags
Bicycle
Cleaner
Bicycle
Derailleur
Bicycle Hoist
Bicycle Hubs
Bicycle
Mirrors
Bike Baskets
Bicycle Seat
Posts
Bike Bearings
Bicycle
Stickers
Bike Bells
Bicycle Tyres
Bicycle Wheel
Caps
Bike Brakes
Bike Baby
Seats
Bike Chainring
Bike Chains
Bike Cranks
Bike Forks
Bike Grips
Bike Headsets
Bike Helmets
Bike Locks
Bike
Bike Home
Trainer
Bike
Bike
Handlebars
Bike Lights
Bike Bottles &
Cages
Bike Frames
Bike Horns
Bike Pedals
Bike Kick
Stands
Bike Pumps
Bike Racks
Bike Rims
Bike Tubes
Cycle
Computers
HandleBar
Stems
Lubricants
Bike Safety
Gear
Bike Valve
Caps
Cycling Cleats
Hydration
Systems
Mudguards
Bike Seats
Bike Tools
Bike Trailers
Bike Wheels
Brake Levers
Chain Guard
Bike Training
Wheels
Chain Wheel
Cycling
Clothing
Rain Covers
Cycling Shoes
Disc Rotors
Fuel Belt
Sissy Bars
In terms of competition, there is currently no direct competitor in the market. Indirectly, there are
several competitors:
-
-
Spokester: as mentioned above, this product is similar to what is proposed for Thumpa. If
the market was proven, there could be competition from Spokester for this market. One
way of preventing this competition may be to include this type of product in the testing
phase for Thumpa to determine whether Thumpa is superior to them in the ability to induce
the retreat response in snakes. That way, if they attempted to enter the market, you will be
able to demonstrate that Thumpa is a premium product.
Snake Guards: although unlikely to be adopted, an indirect competitor may be in the form of
the snake guard type products (eg http://snakeguards.com/ ) which are worn over the
lower limbs to protect in the event of snake strike.
Overall, the market for bicycles and bicycle accessories is quite large: $5.6 billion in 2009 in the USA
alone, according to the National Bicycle Dealers Association (www.ndba.com). The recession of
2009 definitely had an impact on bicycle sales with an overall decline approaching 20% from the
previous year. Overall, this is mostly this is a mature market, however, certain segments of the
market will always be in growth phase. There are many companies serving this market, from large,
diversified players like Huffy and Trek, to very specialised companies making hand-made custom
bicycles and accessories. The main tradeshow for this market is Interbike (www.interbike.com).
While the market for bicycles themselves is relatively mature and technologically limited (the basic
design for a bicycle has not changed dramatically since their introduction in the 19th century), there
has been much innovation around bicycles, in both the materials and styles of bicycle. There has
also been continual innovation of the accessories to bicycles, and this is something the industry and
the consumer have become used to, and indeed anticipate. Therefore, the industry is comfortable
with this type of invention, and has participants who can partner to take the product to the market
including established manufacturing, distribution and sales channels. The industry is also used to
seeing many niche accessories therefore, there should be a general acceptance for this type of
innovation, even though it is niche. The particular niche which it will fit well is within the mountain
biking segment of the market, as this is the type of cycling which has the market “pull” for a snake
deterrent technology, due to the problem of encountering snakes. The mountain bike category is
also the largest category of bicycle sales in the market:
Specialty Bicycle Sales By Year, Units, 2006-2009
Category
Mountain
Comfort
Hybrid/Cross
Cruiser
Road/700C
Youth
Other
2006 Unit %
28.5
14.0
15.0
6.0
17.0
16.5
3.0
2007 Unit %
28.0
15.0
16.5
6.5
15.0
16.5
2.5
2008 Unit %
28.5
12.0
19.0
4.0
13.0
21.5
2.0
2009 Unit %
27.8
10.3
20.4
3.3
14.9
21.3
1.8
Source: U.S. Commerce Department statistics, Gluskin Townley Group estimates.
While it is likely that the device will retail for less than $100, it is likely that it can still be profitable.
This is due to the fact that there will likely be sufficient margins in both the manufacturing and
distribution of the product. The device will likely have a low cost of manufacture especially since no
new materials or manufacturing processes will need to be developed. The materials used for the
device are likely to be commonly used plastics, rubber, and/or other polymers arranged into
component parts using standard manufacturing processes such as injection moulding. Therefore,
after tooling costs (ie the cost to setup the manufacturing for these particular components), the unit
costs (ie the incremental costs for producing each component) will be very small.
Distribution Channels
Bicycle sales are accomplished in this country through five primary and distinct channels of
distribution — the specialty bicycle retailer, the mass merchant, full-line sporting goods stores,
outdoor specialty stores, and "other," which is comprised of a mixture of retailers (including Internet
sales delivered by mail).
Department, discount and toy stores sell mostly price-oriented products. Approximately 73% of
bicycle units were sold through the mass merchant channel in 2009, but this represented 32% of the
dollars due to the average selling price of $78. This channel's market share trend line was down from
2008.
The approximately 4,200 specialty bicycle retailers feature higher quality merchandise, and also rely
on adding value through added custom services such as bike fitting, expert assembly and repair. This
channel commanded approximately 18% of the bicycle market in terms of unit sales in 2009, but
50% of the dollars, a dominant dollar share. Dealer price points generally start at around $200, with
the average at approximately $500, though prices can range into the thousands. While the number
of specialty bicycle stores has declined in recent years due to consolidation, they are responsible
for approximately the same amount of business through these fewer (but larger) stores. This is the
only distribution channel that maintained or increased average retail bicycle selling price in recent
years, although all categories experienced price increases in 2008 due to the weak dollar. This
channel's overall share was slightly up in 2009 compared to 2008.
Chain sporting goods stores sold approximately 4% of the bicycles in 2009, and 5% of the dollars, at
an average price of $235. These are merchants that fall somewhere between mass merchant and
bicycle dealers on the spectrum, and include stores such as The Sports Authority, Champs Sports,
JumboSports, Sportmart and Big 5. This channel's overall market share was down in 2009 compared
to 2008.
Outdoor specialty retailers sold approximately 2% of the bicycles in 2009, representing 5.8% of
dollars and an average retail selling price of $510. This channel is being broken out separately this
year for the first time so there is no trend line.
The "other" category sold 3% of the units, representing 5.9% of the dollars, with an average price of
$350.
Specialty bike dealers commanded the majority of parts and accessories sales, and virtually 100% of
the service market. They dominate the market in bicycles selling for $250 and up.
Bicycle Dealerships
According to recent research from the NBDA (2007), the average specialty bicycle retailer has gross
sales of $649,000 of sales per year, up from $550,000 in 2005, and did business from a store about
4,000 square feet in size. 91% of them had one location.
The average bicycle dealer's revenue was 47.4% bicycles, 35.5% parts and accessories, 10.7% bicycle
repair, 0.8% bicycle rental, 1.9% fitness equipment and 3.5% "other." The average store sells
approximately 650 bicycles per year, carries five bicycle brands (though not all in great depth), and
numerous accessories brands. Recent trends are toward consolidation with retailers carrying
somewhat fewer bicycle brands, sometimes at the urging of their suppliers. Gross margins on
bicycles average about 37%, though the break-even point has been shown to be 38.6% for the
average store (the average "cost of doing business"). Margins on hardgoods are generally higher
than those for bicycles (48% gross margin).
The specialty bicycle retail channel has faced consolidation in recent years, as the following chart
courtesy of The Bike Shop List (www.thebikeshoplist.com) illustrates:
Year Number of Specialty Bicycle Retail Locations
2000
6,195
2001
6,259
2002
5,505
2003
5,358
2004
4,982
2005
4,704
2006
4,600
2007
4,451
2008
4,349
2009
4,319
2010
4,256
While the number of physical stores has clearly declined, specialty bicycle retailers still sold
approximately 3.1 million bicycles in 2008 -- a historically healthy number. This leads to the
conclusion that the stores are becoming larger on average, with similar sales volume through fewer
stores.
Information on the bicycle industry
Some other sources of information on the bicycle industry are:
Trade Magazines
Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, published by the NBDA, 25431 Cabot Rd. Suite 204, Laguna Hills, CA
92653, phone
949-206-1677
949-206-1677, website www.bicycleretailer.com.
Outspokin’ (See below - Members-only newsletter published by the National Bicycle Dealers
Association).
Consultants
Coffrin Group, Gary Coffrin;
services, market research)
408-225-1040
408-225-1040 (Business consulting and
Fields Associates, Bill Fields;
602-393-0833
602-393-0833.
International Cycle Works, Thomas Prehn;
Interskill, Thomas Franges;
303-473-0007
415-455-9735
415-455-9735.
Jay Townley & Associates & Gluskin Townley Group, Jay Townley;
666-2062.
The Mann Group, Dan Mann;
828-645-0974
303-473-0007.
608-666-2062
608-
828-645-0974; www.manngroup.net
Directories/Mailing Lists
The Bike Shop List, N1367 Southern Rd., Lyndon Station, WI 53944-9708, phone
608-6662359
608-666-2359, or
888-228-8058
888-228-8058, www.thebikeshoplist.com.
(database of bicycle retailers).
IBDatabase, 1705 14th St. #115, Boulder, CO 80302;
303-473-0007
303-473-0006
303-473-0006 (Database of bicycle retailers).
303-473-0007, fax
Bicycle Retailer and Industry News Directory, 25431 Cabot Rd., Suite 201, Laguna Hills, CA 92653,
phone
949-206-1677
949-206-1677. (Directory of manufacturers/distributors).
Trade Winds Taiwan Bicycle Guide Online. A web site that introduces buyers to Taiwan’s bicycles,
parts and accessories through a searchable database of cycle products and suppliers. This is the
online version of the annual Taiwan Bicycles & Parts Buyers Guide. http://www.bicycle-guide.com
Research
Bicycle Market Research Institute, 1443 Beacon St. #517, Boston, MA 02146;
617-277-
5660
617-277-5660 (Market research firm).
Gluskin-Townley Group (market research firm):
Elliot Gluskin
3932 Longfellow Street
Allentown, PA 18104
Phone:
610-481-9088
610-481-9088
E-mail: [email protected]
Jay Townley
N1377 Southern Rd.
Lyndon Station, WI 53944
Phone:
608-666-2062
608-666-2062
E-mail: [email protected]
National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA), 3176 Pullman St. #117, Costa Mesa, CA 92626; phone
949-722-6909
949-722-6909; e-mail [email protected]; Internet: www.nbda.com
Bicycle Product Suppliers Association, 1900 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19103;
215-5643484
215-564-3484 (Tracks wholesale shipments of bicycles to bicycle dealers).
http://www.bpsa.org
Associations/Advocacy
Adventure Cycling Association, P.O. Box 8308, Missoula, MT 59807;
406-721-1776
721-1776 (Non-profit service organization for recreational and touring cyclists).
406-
Alliance for Biking and Walking, P.O. Box 65150, Washington, DC 20035;
202-449-9692
202-449-9692,
(Advancing bicycling and walking through unified state and local bicycle advocacy organizations).
www.peoplepoweredmovement.org
Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (See above - Represents wholesalers to the bicycle dealer
channel of trade).
Bikes Belong Coalition, P.O. Box 2359, Boulder, CO 80306;
303-449-4893
(Works to support bicycle advocacy and construction of bicycle-friendly facilities).
http://www.bikesbelong.org.
303-449-4893
International Mountain Bicycling Association, P.O. Box 7578, Boulder, CO 80306;
303-5459011
303-545-9011 (Dedicated to responsible mountain bike use, access to public lands).
League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K St., NW, Ste. 401, Washington, DC 20006;
1333
202-822-1333 (Consumer cycling organization, includes advocacy).
202-822-
National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) (See above - Represents bicycle dealer channel of
trade).
National Center for Bicycling and Walking, 1506 21st St. NW, Ste. 200, Washington, DC 20036;
202-463-6622
202-463-6622 (Bicycle and pedestrian advocacy).
Trade Expositions
Interbike, 31910 Del Obispo, Suite 200, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, phone
949-2265712
949-226-5712. (See above -- International expo held in September in Las Vegas, endorsed
by NBDA). Internet: www.interbike.com
Potential Partners
Norco
Contact:
Phone:
Skip Swain
(604) 552-2930 x240
Website:
www.norco.com
Address:
1465 Kebet Wy
Port Coquitlam, BC V3C6L3
Canada
Fuji Bikes
Contact:
Phone:
Kaitlyn Gang
(215) 824-3854
Website:
www.fujibikes.com
Address:
10940 Dutton Rd
Philadelphia, PA 19154-3105
United States
BTI (Bicycle Technologies International)
Phone:
(800) 558-8324
Website:
www.bti-usa.com
Address:
1216 Mercantile Road
Santa Fe, NM 87507
United States
Campagnolo North America Inc
Contact
Phone:
Daniel Mayer
(760) 931-0106
Website:
www.campagnolo.com
Address:
5431 Avenida Encinas Ste C
Carlsbad, CA 92008
United States
Cateye
Contact
Phone:
Thomas Prehn
(303) 443-4595
Website:
www.cateye.com
Address:
2300 Central Ave. Ste L
Boulder, CO 80304-6321
United States
Continental Tires
Phone:
Dave Hostetter
(877) 395-8088
Website:
www.highwaytwo.com
Address:
1909 Miller Drive
Olney, ID 62450
United States
Crops Sports Inc
Contact:
Phone:
Keiji Taiga
81-35-7245951
Website:
www.crops-sports.com
Address:
1-11-12-203 Ebisu-Minami
Shibuya,Tokyo 150-0022
Japan
Cycle Force Group LLC
Contact:
Phone:
Sue Cunningham
(515) 232-0277
Website:
www.cyclesg.com
Address:
2105 SE 5th Street
Ames, IA 50010
United States
Cycle Aware
Contact:
Phone:
Lee Gilbert
(831) 333-9135
Website:
www.cycleaware.com
Address:
2000 Sunset Dr Ste A
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
United States
Dakine
Phone:
(541) 386-3166
Website:
www.dakine.com
Address:
408 Columbia St
Hood River, OR 97031-2044
United States
Quality Bicycle Products
Phone:
(800) 346-0004
Website:
www.qbp.com
Address:
6400 W 105 St
Bloomington, MN 55438
United States
Raleigh America
Phone:
(800) 222-5527
Website:
www.raleighusa.com
Address:
6004 S 190th St Ste 101
Kent, WA 98032-2130
United States
More can be found here: http://www.interbike.com/exhibitor-directory/exhibitor-list
Marketing Risks
Factor
Level of competition
Seasonality of product
Perishable product
Size of addressable market
Number of users
Number of applications
Product Lifecycle
Route to market
Geographical limitations
Strength of industry
Growth of industry
Appropriate URLs have been secured
Time to market
End user feedback has been obtained
Product is a low ticket item
Assessment
Low
Moderate
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Low
Long
Distribution through dealerships
Minimal
High
Low
Not yet
6 months – 2 years approximately.
Yes
Yes
Commercialisation pathway
Steps to get your idea to market are:
License to industry
for % royalty
Concept
refinement
•Industrial
design
•CAD
Prototype
Testing
Packaging
Manufacture
Sales
•Materials
selection
•Build
prototypes
•Safety
•Efficacy
•Protect IP with
Patent
Application
•Register
Trademark
•Register URL
•Logo design
•Marketing
package
•Tool ready
design
•Short run
manufacture
•Mass
manufacture
•Marketing
•Sales
•Distribution
Concept Refinement and Prototyping were discussed above. This should not cost more than $1000
and can easily be outsourced using tools such as www.guru.com or www.elance.com . However, if
you go through several different prototypes, this cost may escalate. Find a good industrial designer
with experience and access to prototyping facilities. Remember to do this under confidentiality (see
below for link to the confidentiality agreement generator you can use to generate this). Also, clearly
enter a contract with them that has them assign ownership of any Intellectual Property created to
you in this process. This is standard practice in the industry, since you are paying them for this work
(ie work for hire). However, you will need them to sign a deed of assignment to you (or your
company or asset trust). This Deed should be prepared by a lawyer.
Testing, as mentioned above, should be done to verify that your device actually works to alert
snakes and induce the retreat response before you get there. Approach the herpetological society.
You may find someone willing to help, perhaps even for free. You may need to pay them for their
time and advice, however. This should not cost more than $1000, although, obviously this will
depend on the amount of testing you need to do. Again, remember, this person will need to sign a
confidentiality agreement with you if you have not already filed a patent application. Use the
confidentiality agreement generator linked below.
Packaging.
With a working prototype in hand, and some great test results, the next stage is to package your
technology offering up for attracting a licensee. This will involve the following steps:
Filing a patent application to cover the novel aspects of your invention. This will require a patent
attorney to help you to identify the patentable IP in your invention and draft a patent application to
do this. It helps if you are knowledgeable about the patent process. To learn more about the what
patents are and the patenting process, see:
http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/patents/what_index.shtml
http://www.uspto.gov/patents/index.jsp
http://www.wipo.int/patentscope/en/patents/
The patent process can be expensive, although fortunately, all the costs don’t come at once. The
following is a general guideline of costs, and this will vary depending on who the attorney is you
choose, and what strategy they take. Also, it will depend on a wide variety of things that can happen
through the prosecution of your patent application. A good attorney can advise you on this cost
estimate. The goal, however, is to license the technology before you incur most of these costs. The
licensee will then assume the costs ongoing as part of the deal you negotiate with them.
Provisional
Patent
Application
$5000
PCT Patent
Application
$10,000
National
Phase Entry
$10,000
per
country
Grant and
Maintenance
$10,000
per
country
Trademark
Once you have chosen a new name for your device with a protectable trademark and URL, you will
need to register this trademark. While you can do this yourself, for a small fee with IP Australia, it is
advisable to use a trademark attorney to help you to do this properly and to advise you on the best
strategy.
See www.ipaustralia.gov.au/trademarks/index.shtml for more details about Trademarks in
Australia. Most Australian Patent Attorney firms can also provide Trademark services. Using an
attorney will obviously add to your costs, however, ongoing, the goal is to have these costsl be
assumed by the licensee.
URL (website domain)
As described, you will want to find a name that is both registerable as a trademark and also has an
available URL. The way to find this out is to check online, using Whois searches, or domain registries
such as www.godaddy.com or www.melbourneit.com.au or www.crazydomains.com.au
The cost to register a URL is minimal (less than $20 per year) You don’t need to actually set up a
website just yet, as you will just be offering the URL as part of your package to a licensee. They will
then set up the website on this URL if they wish to do so.
Marketing Collateral
With all of the above information, the next step is to put some marketing material together for
approaching companies to license. The best way to start this is to do a “one-pager” (which can be a
few pages actually, but for some reason is still referred to as a one pager). This is essentially a
brochure of your technology offering. If you are good with computers, this can easily be done by
yourself using the common desktop publishing tools available. Alternatively, you could outsource
this to a freelancer using www.guru.com or www.elance.com as well. This should cost less than
$200. The basic elements of the one pager are as follows:








Visuals: two or three nice photographs showing someone mountain biking, and another one
of a snake. This would be placed up the top of the first page. You can get cheap photos
from sources such as www.istockphoto.com or www.gettyimages.com . Alternatively, you
may wish to develop a logo and use this for your visual. You can also use www.guru.com or
www.elance.com to get a freelancer to develop a logo for you if you wish (this can be done
for less than $200).
Title: this will be the name of your device, together with a tag-line
Description: brief one paragraph description of the problem (encountering snakes while
mountain biking), and how your invention solves it.
Technical: Describe the device itself, how it works. Maybe include the CAD drawings and/or
a photo showing them. Include here the evidence from your testing that it works (especially
if you can show it is better than anything else available, such as the Spokester)
Current Status: describe the current status of the technology. For example, it may be at the
second prototype stage with a tool ready design completed. Or, it may be already in a short
run manufacture with some initial sales done.
Intellectual Property: describe the IP status. For example, “A provisional patent
application was filed in 2010, covering the broad aspects of the device and the methods of
use. The trademark was registered in ..., and as been accepted unopposed. The
www.XnameX.com URL is secured, and is available together as a package.
Commercialisation: describe the commercialisation proposal. For example, “The IP package
is available for exclusive license to a company with established manufacturing and
distribution capabilities in the bicycle industry”.
Contact details: include your name, phone number and email address. You never know
where the one-pagers will end up, as you may send it to someone who passes it on to
someone else. It’s important that they can contact you easily, and that information is
attached to the one-pager.
To engage potential licensees, you can try yourself, or alternatively, engage a licensing professional.
However, beware of who you engage at this stage. Seek advice from your patent attorney, as they
may have a reputable commercialisation professional to help you. Beware of invention promotion
companies. There are some good ones, and some not so good ones. Here are some other resources
which may help you:
AIC : The Australian Institute for Commercialisation
AIC is a leading service organisation helping innovators achieve commercial success. Around
Australia, the AIC helps business, research organisations and governments convert their ideas
into successful outcomes..
www.ausicom.com
AusIndustry
Govt agency for delivering products, services and info that support industry, research and
innovations.
www.ausindustry.gov.au
Australian Innovation Organisation
Each year the Australian Innovation Festival is held. The annual Festival promotes and
showcases innovation and entrepreneurship across Australia. For further information go to:
www.ausinnovation.org
The Australian Institute for Commercialisation (AIC)
A leading service organisation helping innovators achieve commercial success by working
with research organisations, government, business and entrepreneurs to convert their ideas
into successful outcomes.
www.ausicom.com
Ausinvent
The online Innovation Advisory Service helping innovators develop their bright ideas.
www.ausinvent.com
Austrade
The Australian government trade commission for Australian exporters and information for
companies wanting to do business with Australia.
www.austrade.gov.au
Australian Technology Showcase
A promotional and networking government program targeted at small and medium sized
Australian business enterprises selling innovative, cutting edge technologies. It operates in
NSW, VIC, QLD and WA.
www.ats.business.gov.au
Australian Innovation Festival
The annual Festival promotes and showcases innovation and entrepreneurship across
Australia; running in 2007 from 26th April (World IP Day) - 27th May. For more information
go to:
www.ausinnovation.org
CSIRO
CSIRO is Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.
www.csiro.au
Catapult
Got an amazing idea you want to turn into a business? Then go to Catapult to read about
young people making their ideas happen and find out how you can get started.
www.abc.net.au/catapult/
Designex
Designex - Australia's International commercial & residential design exhibition.
www.designex.info
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
The premier trade portal for doing business with Hong Kong, Mainland China and the world.
www.tdctrade.com
Industry Development Centre (Hunter) Ltd (IDC)
A not-for-profit organisation specialising in innovation services assisting Australia’s
inventors and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
www.innovation.org.au
INNOVIC
A not for profit organisation that provides a range of practical services to help inventors
Australia-wide including grant matching and other low cost services. Also runs the annual
Next Big Thing Award. Finalists exhibited at the Melbourne Museum, cash & prizes.
www.innovic.com.au
www.nextbigthingaward.com
Inventors Association of Australia (Queensland)
Inventors Associations of Australia are incorporated entities driven by volunteers, inventors
willing to help new inventors within their capabilities. The inventors association have
programs available for the development and commercialisation of new inventions.
www.inventors-qld.asn.au
Australian Inventors Society
A not for profit association of experienced inventors who want to help new inventors
succeed.
www.inventoz.com/
IP Australia
For information about granting rights in patents, trade marks and designs visit
www.ipaustralia.gov.au/
Questacon
The Australian National Science and Technology Centre
www.questacon.edu.au/index_flash.asp
Tasmanian Innovation Program
The Innovation, Science and Technology unit helps Tasmania's business innovators,
scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs develop and commercialise their intellectual
property, products, processes and services. www.development.tas.gov.au/innovation
The Crest Awards
Are you a school student with a great Science and Technology project? Visit The Crest
Awards:
www.csiro.au/crest/
The Banksia Environmental Foundation
Find out more about moving towards a sustainable future with the Banksia Environmental
Foundation. For more information, visit:
www.banksiafdn.com
The Design Awards
Everything from the perfect mousetrap to a life saving artificial heart, the Australian Design
Awards has seen it all! For more information, visit:
www.designawards.com.au
The Independent Living Centre
htp://www.ngo.net.au/ilcnsw/
The Inventors' Association of Australia (SA) Inc.
If you are an inventor with ideas but need guidance in a friendly non-binding atmosphere, this
Association can help.
www.inventors.asn.au
The National Innovation Website
To find out more about innovation and entrepreneurship visit The National Innovation
Website:
www.innovation.gov.au
The Australian National Field Days
www.anfd.com.au
Licensing Risks
Factor
Strength IP protection
Estimate net present value of project
Number of qualified licensing target companies
Number of potential licensing industries
License strategy
Field restrictions
Acceptance of licensing in target industry
Size of targeted companies
Entry cost barrier for manufacturing processes
Assessment
Potentially high (pending registration)
$10,000 - $500,000* (estimate)
High
Single
Exclusive or non-exclusive
Could be geographically restricted
High
Small to large
Low
Confidentiality Agreement Generator
To generate a confidentiality agreement to discuss this with people, you can use the following
resource on IP Australia’s website:
http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/smartstart/cag.htm
Original Submission
1.What is the Name of your invention?
Thumpa: snake deterrent for mountain bikes
2. Give a short description of your invention in 150 words or less.
Mountain biking, especially in Australia where I live, is dangerous enough without having to worry
about coming across a snake on the trail. Snakes will generally move away if they sense someone
coming, but because bikes go pretty fast on the trails, they often don’t have time to respond. The
Thumpa is a device that sends a small shockwave with each rotation of the wheel directly through the
tire and into the ground. That way, the snakes can sense you coming well before you get there, and
move away. That way, both snake, and rider, are much happier.
3.Give a detailed description of your invention?
There are many ways you could engineer this, so that it achieves this effect, but the way I’ve thought it
might work is as described here, and illustrated above.
Thumpa is made of two components. The first, the Thumpa slap bar, bolts onto the forks such that the bar
sits just beside the wall of the tire. The second component, the Thumpa wedge, is attached to the wall of
the tire. Both are made of plastic, the bar is like a plastic strip, much like a plastic ruler. The wedge, is a
plastic wedge, and can be attached to the tire with the appropriate adhesive. The wedge is narrow enough
so that it can fit between the forks when the tire is in place.
When the wedge rotates underneath the bar, it raises the bar off the tire, and then when it passes, the bar
is released and slaps the wall of the tire. This makes a noise, and sends a shock-wave into the ground
through the tire. This is the basis of the signal that the snake perceives. This is like someone walking with
a heavy foot, or thumping the ground. As the bike gets closer, the intensity of this shockwave will also get
closer. It should
give the snakes
an early
warning
of the
approaching
bike.
IE0001:Thumpa,
submission
June
14, 2010.
Analysis:
June 20,
2010.
4. Have you done background research on your invention? If so, when, and how was it done? Upload
information you have collected.
I have searched the web using google, for snake repellent devices. There are two types:
1.) Electronic snake repellents which emit an intermittent buzzing sound through a probe embedded into
the ground. The one I looked at particularly uses 800Hz every 30 seconds or so. It is supposed to be
sensed by the snakes up to 15m away through the sensation in the ground.
2.) Chemical snake repellents like lime, diesel or other special blends. But there seems to be a lot of
evidence against them actually working. Besides, this wouldn’t work for a bike.
There is a lot of evidence that the problem of snakes while riding bikes is real (eg see this forum discussion
http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9816&sid=d9b6bdcb16eeefe2d36df7511ae9fd1a )
Or like this youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUb0M5w2cdo
I haven’t found anything that directly shows that the vibrations in the ground cause snakes to retreat,
however, there is lots of anecdotal evidence for it. It is well known that when bushwalking, if you make lots of
noise and walk with “heavy feet”, you will see less snakes because they will sense you coming and scupper off.
It is also well known that snakes are very sensitive to vibrations in the ground, and are not aggressive, but
rather go off the trail if they sense danger coming. So, there is pretty good anecdotal evidence at least, that
this should work.
5. What is new about your invention?
There doesn’t seem to be any device on a bicycle for making a vibration into the ground to warn snakes
that you are coming so that they retreat off the trail. While bikes themselves make noise, the evidence
that bikers still come across snakes on the trail demonstrates that the sound is not loud enough or of
the right frequency to be picked up by the snake in time before the rider approaches. This invention
would be a way to give the snakes an advance notice that a rider is coming down the trail.
6.Have you made and/or tested your invention?
No, I haven’t made it yet, it’s just an idea. We used to make these things when we were kids with just a
piece of plastic in the spokes to make the bike sound like a motorbike. I suppose it could work, but I
don’t know if that would give enough of a “Thump” in the ground. The design above should give a good
early warning signal to the snakes of the approaching bikes.
7.Have you filed any patent applications or sought legal advice?
No.
8. How did you come up with your idea? What led you to your invention?
I ride my mountain bikes a lot in the Australian bush. I have come across snakes on the trail several
times, and luckily they have scampered off, but have mates who have had the snake strike at them.
Luckily no one I know has been bitten, but that’s just pure luck. While I was riding, I was thinking about
when you bushwalk and thump the ground with a stick or your foot, and if that could be done on a bike.
9. Does your employer or anyone else have rights to your inventions?
No, I’m self employed.
10. Have you told anyone about your idea? Published any papers? Put is on a website? Put it on a
social media site? Presented a seminar?
I told my wife who rides with me as well. I haven’t really told anyone else, as I’ve just had the idea in my
head until now, and wasn’t sure what to do with it.
11.Have you ever invented anything before? If so, what was it, and how did it turn out?
No, this is the first time I’ve invented anything.

InventionEvaluator Analysis of: Invention Name: Thumpa: snake

Transcription

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