Local Man Seeks Patent for Invention
When Richard S. and his wife Judy were faced with a challenge of mobility, he turned the problem into a business opportunity. The mobility problems were the result of Judy’s oxygen tank, which she used after being hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning in December 2003. She was treated and released but a relapse in April 2004 put her back on the tank full-time. She and her husband realized outdoor travel or mobility in general was limited by the unit, which was too heavy for either of them to carry or drag.
“We didn’t have the strength to lug it around, so we had to come up with another idea,” Richard said.
Richard then set to work devising an oxygen tank holder, which is now a patent-pending invention that may soon be available to consumers with needs similar to Judy’s. Richard said he has faith in the invention because of his personal success with it.
“I know it works because it worked for my wife, and that is what I was hoping for,” he said. Richard realized he had to take matters into his own hands to solve his problem when he looked around for such a mobility device and couldn’t find one. “No body has one, so I came up with it,” he said.
After designing the holder, Richard’s daughter contacted Invention Technologies Inc., an invention public relations office base in Florida, to establish a patent on the device.
“They (Invention Tech.) were very excited about it. They really think it will catch on,” Richard said.
He is not able to discuss details about the oxygen tank holder until the patent is approved. He expects to receive more information about that progress in June, and he hopes the concept will be successful.
“I know it is a good idea, but it is hard telling if others will think so. I hope it will fly the people because it will take a load off for a person with a tank,” Richard said.
Judy said the holder has made her life easier, and she appreciates the ability to get outside and enjoy increased mobility thanks to its use.
“It is a marvelous invention. It is great for anyone who needs an oxygen unit,” she said.
The holder helped her to “get out and around” without having to worry about lifting or dragging her oxygen tank, which Richard guessed weighs about 10 to 15 pounds. He credited his wife for the invention, and stated the idea was his but she was the inspiration. Judy also “tweaked” some details to improve it.
Richard said it is built to last, and safety features are included. Both he and his wife have been satisfied with it, and he believes other oxygen-tank users could benefit from the device.
“They wouldn’t have to depend on anyone else to help them get around,” Richard said. “For anyone who has a mobility unit, it is a godsend.”