T@B patented ?

[wilberweb]

Hi,guys
I was wondering if the T@B teardrop is patented?
or can they patent a trailer design.


-Larry

 

[kludge]

There are Design patents and Utility patents. Yes, you can patents a specific "shape" for a specific product type.

The key to getting a design patent is that is has to be new and original, in the eye of the patent reviewer, and that can vary.

 

[mikeschn]

If you, as an individual want to build yourself a T@B clone, do it. You won't get into trouble with anyone, especially since you won't duplicate it 100%

But if you want to do it as a business, that is where the trouble comes in. Just think, when Chrysler sued GM for stealing their grill off the Jeep and putting it on the Hummer...

Mike...

 

[Anita Rae]

A patent has to be on something original or something that has never been done before. When I look at the Tab, I don't see that it's shape is any different than many of the old time campers that have been built for years so it probably wasn't patentable by the company that produces it. You can always go to the Patent Office online and do a search, if there is any patent on it, you should be able to find it. I think it is more likely that some of the components might have a patent, but not the whole trailer. Patents are expensive and time consuming so many people and businesses don't bother to get them.

 

[lawsonpix]

Google has a place to search for Patents. I did a search for Teardrop Trailers and here's what I found:

https://www.google.com/?tbm=pts&gws_rd=ssl#newwindow=1&q=teardrop trailer&safe=active&tbm=pts

 

[lawsonpix]

It appears that in 2007, someone patented the "Teardrop travel trailer". It's a pop-up version of what is being made here.

https://www.google.com/patents/US74...a=X&ei=savsU_jDMIeH8QHevICwBg&ved=0CB0Q6wEwAA

 

[jonw-TNT]

It appears that in 2007, someone patented the "Teardrop travel trailer". It's a pop-up version of what is being made here.

https://www.google.com/patents/US74...a=X&ei=savsU_jDMIeH8QHevICwBg&ved=0CB0Q6wEwAA

Looks like an Alto, made in Canada...

 

[lawsonpix]

Looks Exactly like an Alto, I guess that means the Alto is Patented. but not the T@B

 

[Atomic77]

I want to know where they get that round window. I've searched everywhere. The only one I've found (bigger than 12 inches) was in Germany where they had 15 and 18 inch round windows but no shipping to the US.

 

[mikeschn]

You can make your own porthole windows, using rubber molding.

I'll see if I can find more info.

Mike...

 

[Atomic77]

That would be great Mike. Thanks!

 

[Wolfgang92025]

Sorry about the hijack.

Round non opening windows......
Any size you want.

outside view

Inside view before installation

I have 1/4" thick outside wall.
Used JC Whitney sku 1JA812568 (chrome) (but the part number is no longer valid) 1JA812568 (black ???) & JCW-FAI047316.
Use soapy water as a lubricant. It was a 2 person job to install. We found a crochet hook works really well to pull the rubber over the retaining lip.

Hope this helps......

 

[Camperdude58]

I have patented the "Whetzeldorf" design. It is quite a process. Lots of detailed data. Took about a year to get the return info.