I'm surprised at being a total newbie and getting such encouraging replies.

At this point need to figure out how to manufacture my prototype. I'm in San Francisco and I'd like to find somebody local. There's a Maker's Faire this weekend and there is a tech shop nearby. I think what I need to do is make a draft and then figure out how to make it. http://www.techshop.ws/

 

IpConsultant is right.

Although you can in theory write a full "Patent Application" for free, it is best to get a professional to draft it. Although, if you find a good one, and you are fully read-up on the subject, you would know to make sure that you don't go to patent till you are ready (I think its best not to publicly disclose too early).

You will need an NDA, and use this before talking to anyone. Otherwise you might as well say bye bye to any chance of making money out of this thing.

Stewart128 also makes a very good point, about getting free legal advice for example. In the UK this is common to get 1 hour to talk and learn how to begin with. We call this Legal Aid. You should look into this where you are, and if you can get one recommended. I have used some good patent agents and some poor ones in my line of work. Its easy to run into legal bills, and of course some laywers know this. You should try to make sure that if you are paying for anything, e.g. getting your 'claims' written for a "patent applied for" , which is different to a full patent I might add, that you agree up front. Typically I pay around £1000-£1500 for a patent application to be written up. A full patent published you are talking £3000 to do this. But its often not worth to full patent at first. Step one NDA, step 2 research and talk.

I really think that anyone who is interested in developing a new product, on their own, would do well to read this book http://www.abettermousetrap.co.uk/invention-guide/. Its not my book by the way, but last time I checked it was £12 and is the absoloute source on IP (Intelectual Property), development, and getting to market, in laymans terms. I really recommend it, and I recommend to all my clients who use my company for product development work who are new start ups.

Cheers, Bid