roof rack problems

[threedogs]

I would probable bet my left one its being copied already.
ppl search these forums for ideas, best I get some made.
I think price is where I'll get them or hope it is lol.
A bit over 1/5th of the BW unit

[threedogs]

way too difficult to weld so I'm just doing the light bar brackets and thats it.
Final colour is going to be flat black

[taslucas]

@ Lucas yes and half the other ppl on the forum who cant lift a 285combo onto the roof in the Simmo'
I've had the idea over 10 years but went down the block and tackle road then I thought why not 12v ,
Its a long drive out if you wreck your back up the Cape on the CSR or any of the remote out back roads,
Hope you never have back probs but for some just walking to the front door is a chore.
You're lucky having a ute I suppose and dont need to address these things

A ute? Nah mate I got no ute.

Oh and I broke three vertebrae in February.

And the copy I was talking about isn't someone copying your hoist but the roof rack you bought that you said is probably an arb copy but of poor quality

[Cuppa]

I have designed a hoist 12v that will lift a wheel/spare off your roof rack and down on the ground and put the flat tyre up on the rack again.

Top idea, really hope it works out for you. I suppose it would all be extra expenditure upfront but have you considered copyright/patents to protect your interests? If it does become your ‘big ticket item’ it might pay to do so. The ‘in your face’ Outback Ideas branding on the product from the outset will help to later make reference to the first/genuine item, but I’d wonder if a patent would protect your interests. Just thinking aloud, I expect you’ve already looked into it.

I would probable bet my left one its being copied already.

The idea perhaps, but not the details.

[threedogs]

@ Cuppa you need a hell of a lot of spare cash just an Aust patent will cost 10k so not worth the paper its written on
then there is a world wide patent $$$$$$
If I was going to protect it in some way I would get Copyright protection, But I had that on my Prado 150 unit
after finding a copy i said yoo hooo I'm gunna sue and own a 4x4 shop. for an initial $2k outlay they wanted an extra $2k to send a letter saying dont sell them
That wont work and we all know why they will just sell under the counter.
Copyright is more a design protection meaning ppl cant copy your design, but I'm very wary of it.
There is nothing out there to fully protect it ubless you have plenty of $$$$$$$$$

[Agronaught]

Patents are tools for large corporates and fools alike. One can afford the lawyers to enforce it, the other can starve on the value it provides.

Only one detail needs to be changed for the patent to be bypassed, for example the design of the mounting bracket.

I knew the person who invented the first automated shelling and sorting machine for macadamia nuts, he spent 10 years on the design and more than 50k on patents etc. He died broke even though his design is used in every processing plant in the world.

You would have more rights on a retail project, but I wouldn't bank on it. How many ripoff arb bullbars have you seen? Do you think they aren't interested in stopping that trade?

Focus on a quality product. If a vendor wants to sell it with their brand, do it. And don't underestimate the value of a product like this in work safe environments.

From a fool...


[edit]

A well produced and marketed trademark however can be gold...

[threedogs]

Found 6 of these 35 watt HID in my shed, is it worth fitting them up and running them on a different circuit,
or over kill, as I will have my 40" light bar underneath,
.
Then remove the two on the bull bar for better air flow

[Cuppa]

@ Cuppa you need a hell of a lot of spare cash

Bugger

Patents are tools for large corporates and fools alike.

And dounble bugger

[threedogs]

@ MEGA do you have the full length or the 3/4 length model??
where do you have the front legs are they on the "B" pillar
I just looked at a mates with a 3/4 on his 80s but he has mounted it
mainly to the back of the 4x4. I notice the roof slops forward allowing the light bar
but I may just weld legs forward of the lower bar and so the top of the light bar is
level with the cage floor

[mudski]

The copiers are going to have a field day with this, great idea. Light and looks good.

Just like his reco plates...
Here's my light bar on a Tigerz alloy rack. I had it higher but it reflected too much on the bonnet. Where it is now is good.