The Edmunton Sun (Winnipeg, Canada) recently ran an interesting article about an inventor who won $10,000 for creating "Shocknife." Just as it sounds, the knife, a replica of a real knife, delivers an electrical shock. Why would anyone invent such a device much less get an award?
The inventor, police officer Jeff Quail, saw a niche and a need. He wanted a better, non-lethal, training device for police that did not inflict an actual injury but felt like it did. The device is now used to "help train police, border guards and other law enforcement types learn what it feels like to get slashed."
Quail invented Shocknife in 2005. According to the Sun, " it is now being used by more than 500 agencies worldwide, including the FBI, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Canadian and American militaries, and many major police agencies across Canada, including Winnipeg’s."
Here are some great articles to help you get started as an inventor:
- Lessons on Turning a New Invention Idea Into Money
- Top 10 Ten Top Ways to Fail as an Inventor
- Understanding & Protecting Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights
- Before Hiring a Promotion Firm
Already Have an Invention? If it is a "green" invention, then consider entering The $100,000 Lemelson-MIT Award for Sustainability. This award celebrates individuals whose inventions and innovations enhance economic opportunity and community well-being in developing and/or developed countries, while protecting and restoring the natural environment. Read About's Guide to Inventors, Mary Bellis' blog post, Green Invention? Get Some Green Back for more information about this contest.
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