ThinLine Creates a PipeLine for Innovation.
Have you ever had a great idea but allowed it to fall to the wayside after considering all the steps, trials and roadblocks to bring it to fruition? ThinLine is creating a new channel where we help inventors to take their products to market.
“Being an entrepreneur is like eating glass and staring into the abyss of death.” – Elon Musk
Joint Ventures or Patent and Design Assistance?
Here at ThinLine we have generated many Joint Venture agreements by working with other companies like Back On Track to create products to benefit everyone. In 2015 we began to listen to many of our great customers who had ideas they thought would benefit horses and people. GatorBootz was the earliest product we took to market from an inventor in New York. The unique latching system is a patented design that allows riders to take a bell boot on and off without the use of velcro or gumboots.
“Look at the design of a lot of consumer products—they’re really complicated surfaces. We tried to make something much more holistic and simple. While starting to solve a problem, the first solutions you come up with are very complex, and most people stop there. But if you keep going, and live with the problem and peel more layers of the onion off, you can often times arrive at some very elegant and simple solutions. Most people just don’t put in the time or energy to get there. We believe that customers are smart, and want objects which are well thought through.” – Steve Jobs
Recently we had the amazing opportunity to assist in development and marketing for a new Grazing Muzzle, the Flexibly Filly.
How Does the Process Work?
Historically we assist the inventors with the patent process, the research and development, production, inventory, and marketing. Or, pretty much everything except the idea itself.
Historically the inventor retains the patent in their name and we pay them for each unit of product sold. The percentage paid (royalty) is calculated by reviewing the potential of the product, the cost of the product, the sales price, and the estimate of how much advertising will be needed to successfully promote the product.
What if I have a non-horse related idea?
Product selection depends on if we think we have the skills and distribution channels to best serve you. One of our recent projects has been the LockDown Hitch Pin, now available at many Tractor Supply stores.
“The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” – Edison
Why is ThinLine interested in creating a pipeline for innovation?
The answer to this question is two-fold. First, we have a win-win mentality here. We love to mentor people and we find new ideas exciting. Furthermore, with 20 years in manufacturing and entrepreneurship, we have made our share of mistakes. And we have lived many of the hardships. Therefore, we would love to be able to use the acquired wisdom to help others. Second, our skill sets are around marketing and distribution. Great inventors embody a creative mindset. And frequently it is when the two personality types come together as a team that the road to innovation is smoothed and benefits all.
How do I get started?
Finally, if you have a great idea for a product please email [email protected]. She will send you a blanket NDA (Non-Disclosure-Agreement). This safeguards your idea should we need to reach out to anyone for help. Of course, it is best if you have a working model of your invention but we enjoy listening to new ideas as well.
The pipeline for innovation furthers product development.
