The SocketMate

[Kevin54]

Myself, I like it, and it is a plain, simple, but well executed design. I actually don't think anything else would hold as well as the Velcro. If you had some sort of a solid clip, then you would have to have more than one. You'd have one to hold the sockets, and one to hold the ratchet and or extension.

We used to use battery clips at work on a lot of our tooling to hold punches, but with something like that, you have sharp areas. Something like that would work, but then anything that is added on to the mold, also adds to the price. The component may be only a few cents, but the process to either assemble it, or add it during the injection mold process, can add dollars to the price.

What a lot of people do not realize, is that a plastic part like that is "injection molded". An injection mold is not a simple process to build, and you aren't going to find anyone to build a mold for a couple hundred. You are talking quite a few thousand for a simple mold. The more complex the mold, the more thousands that goes into it.

I think Socket has a good idea, and I think it will go over. And for starters, KickStarter is a good place to begin with. There are many items out there now that got their start at the same place.

Keep at it, and I think you will do well in your endeavors.

 

[cgv69]

I think the guys that want him to add magnets "because it's so cheap and easy" haven't fully thought out the cost and complexity involved in their idea.

I am “the guys” that suggested the magnet but I did not do so based on cost or ease. My suggestion was based on my belief that this product needs this improvement (or some other solution that accomplishes the same goal).

I realize that any change to a design adds complications, costs, etc. but this is a very do-able change IMO. I envision a magnetic strip, not individual magnets and I envision that strip will be molded into the piece which will not require any adhesives or additional assembly steps.

Your not wrong, although I find that most the time I'm just setting mine on the ground so it's not huge issue. I was thinking about your exact criticism when I filmed that at the junk yard. You definitely have place it on something it won't slide off of. If it ever becomes a real product I would definitely try to do a deluxe version with magnets. For now it's just too much. Sac02 replied to your post, and trust me, he knows exactly what he's talking about.

Sir - let me first start by saying I fully respect what you are trying to do here and truly wish you the best. I realize (as I hope you do) that this will be a major uphill battle. It’s one thing for a manufacturing company with the experience, tooling and engineering background in the plastics field to design and market such a product but it’s a whole other thing for an individual with no prior experience.

That said, please keep in mind that my comments are coming to you from the perspective of a potential customer...

As you may have already gleamed, the demand for this product is limited. Not everybody has the need or desire to bring sockets and a ratchet with them to work in the field. Of those who do, many of them would object to this product’s limitations.

I think I am in the minority of people on this site that would actually find your product useful and desirable but speaking for myself only… I would not buy your product as it is currently designed, particular at the proposed price simply because I don't feel that the cost to value to usefulness ratio is there.

That’s not to insinuate that I think you are trying to rip anybody off. I understand that it will be costly for a person in your position to get something like this produced in quantity. I don’t doubt that the current design, at the current price will produce very little profit. The things is, as a customer, that’s really not my problem. As a consumer, I have to first believe that a new product is going to solve some need. Then I have to feel like the product’s usefulness is in line with the price. Right now I can’t say that about your product

I did not type all this to be negative or rain on your parade or get into a ******* match with anybody. I just wanted to provide you with the honest feed back of a potential customer.

 

[SocketMateMan]

I am “the guys” that suggested the magnet but I did not do so based on cost or ease. My suggestion was based on my belief that this product needs this improvement (or some other solution that accomplishes the same goal).

I realize that any change to a design adds complications, costs, etc. but this is a very do-able change IMO. I envision a magnetic strip, not individual magnets and I envision that strip will be molded into the piece which will not require any adhesives or additional assembly steps.


Sir - let me first start by saying I fully respect what you are trying to do here and truly wish you the best. I realize (as I hope you do) that this will be a major uphill battle. It’s one thing for a manufacturing company with the experience, tooling and engineering background in the plastics field to design and market such a product but it’s a whole other thing for an individual with no prior experience.

That said, please keep in mind that my comments are coming to you from the perspective of a potential customer...

As you may have already gleamed, the demand for this product is limited. Not everybody has the need or desire to bring sockets and a ratchet with them to work in the field. Of those who do, many of them would object to this product’s limitations.

I think I am in the minority of people on this site that would actually find your product useful and desirable but speaking for myself only… I would not buy your product as it is currently designed, particular at the proposed price simply because I don't feel that the cost to value to usefulness ratio is there.

That’s not to insinuate that I think you are trying to rip anybody off. I understand that it will be costly for a person in your position to get something like this produced in quantity. I don’t doubt that the current design, at the current price will produce very little profit. The things is, as a customer, that’s really not my problem. As a consumer, I have to first believe that a new product is going to solve some need. Then I have to feel like the product’s usefulness is in line with the price. Right now I can’t say that about your product

I did not type all this to be negative or rain on your parade or get into a ******* match with anybody. I just wanted to provide you with the honest feed back of a potential customer.

No ******* match here. Actually, the last thing I want is for everyone to blow smoke up my ***. I have not seen one comment on here that is out of line. Thats what is awesome about this forum. It largely consists of mature, sincere, pretty damn knowledgable folks. Almost completely unique on the web. It's hard to know what to do with something like this, so all feedback is valuable. Maybe negative or critical is even more valuable. You've put real thought into it, and I thank you.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

I think the idea is a good one, but you may need to change your target market. IMO the Velcro that holds the sockets in place would be better suited for an electrical or data tech over DIY'er heading to the boneyard. I say this because I've been going to u-pull-it yards since I was a kid. They are far from sterile environments, and I do not wear vinyl gloves when wrenching in them. This means tired/cramping/dirty/grease ridden hands left to the task of putting the puzzle back together again without getting 25 years of grease and oil onto the Velcro. Gonna be next to impossible.

 

[MagnumForce]

This is perfect for my tool pouch at work. I am an industrial maintenance man and I think a lot of the other guys at work would be interested in this. Allen Keys, this, flashlight, 8 inch Adjustable and a pair of Channel Locks and I have everything I normally need right on my hip. I am in.

 

[rslaback]

Just something to keep in the back of your mind in case the kickstarter doesn't fly. This would be a perfect project to sell a file to the 3D printing community. It doesn't look like it would be all that difficult to print and I'd guess you could sell the file for 3 or 4 bucks. It isn't going to be a windfall but it might get you something out of the process.

The 3D printing market is just starting to get going and people with access to them are printing all kinds of stuff like this. Personally, I modeled and printed the pieces of a camp chair that always break and other random adapters etc.

 

[justme-]

Here are my thoughts after reading all these replies....
Keep pressing forward, both with production AND your patent. Even if this never "takes off" for you sales-wise, you would still own the rights to it & if any other company wanted to license your idea, then they would have to pay you royalties on each one sold (long term income).ater)

Just have to point out this is not the way it works in the real world of big business. The above is the business school taught ideal way things work. Smaller companies tend to work that way and honesty and big business don't always go together. Often they'll copy a design and out spend the patent holder in court fees all the while producing and selling (making money) their copy further reducing the patent holder's income and market share.

I'm not saying don't push forward and get your patent. I'm saying the above may or may not be what actually happens in the real world of business.

 

[sk farmer]

i think it is a good idea. it seems like it is well made and practical. i wish you well and think there is a market.

i am so glad you are not one of those that think we need some sort of ratcheting universal adjustable socket bit holder thingamajig that is supposed to fit 25 different things and fits nothing well.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I put sockets on the rim of an upside-down frisbee and just spin it when I need a different size. True story well...if I'm going through that many sockets at once.

This is handy but not a fan of the "well the strap is domestic!"; I got a plastic mfg down the street doubt it's much cheaper to import it once you pay for the molding. I'll leave it at that.

 

[sk farmer]

i know of a us mfg who makes that type of strap. they can custom make straps and print on them. my buddy is a rep for them. pm me if you are interested in info.

 

[Big Pete]

socketman, same idea, different in detail design here

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/pro155-19pce-1-2-drive-socket-set

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/pro127-19-pce-38in-drive-6pt-socket-se

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/pro152-18pce-38-drive-socket-set

the last one has an extension, imperial and metric sockets and is about $30 all in. I think your design has some merit, but personally I don't like the strap, I would prefer a rigid bar. If you have more than two parts (IMO) your production cost will be too high, especially as I think your retail price needs to be closer to the $10 mark to sell well.

 

[MagnumForce]

Very different design on those namely no one handed socket change, also very bulky.

 

[Big Pete]

IIRC (it's been a while since I last handled one) you can pull a socket one handed, more awkward than the tray, but they don't fall out if you knock it either. Twice the sockets, on most of those, if you slide off the side you don't want they shrink some what. Wider for sure, but fairly flat, so it depends on what you're using for a tote bag. Personally I use a cloth roll up tool roll, and I keep sockets on a clip rail in it, neither the OP item of the ones i linked to would work especially well for me.

 

[greasemonkey44]

Huh. Very interesting; there is potential. I think magnetic tape on the inside where the sockets sit and on the back would help.
There's potential there for someone who has to do road calls or service calls. I hate the sound of rattling sockets.
I like the Velcro. Too many different dimensions of sockets depending on brand.

 

[Carla]

I assume the designer of the SocketMate will be reading this thread so I'll give my two cents. The idea is good and although I don't really have an immediate use for it, some might. I think the biggest hurdle here is going to be preventing companies from ripping off the idea, just as others have mentioned. It's not a high tech item that will take a lot of R&D to copy.

Concur

Back some thirty-odd years ago, when I was involved with a machine business, I developed and prototyped a couple of tooling items, which could have been quite cost-effective time savers for industrial machinery maintenence workers.

The items worked well, and were the sort of 'its just so obvious, once you try it' nature, that they were quite popular with the workers who used them.

I rather doubt that I could have gotten any sort of patent, except, possibly, as some sort of 'novel combination' of known 'prior art'....and I didn't think it worth the $$$ to find our, as a friend had gotten a couple of patents for useful items, which were promptly infringed by 'deep pockets' firms.

Had I tried to put my items in production, they would have been a relatively low-volume 'specialty tooling' class of item.......but.....it would have taken six months at most before some tooling sales firm would have been having their 'knock-off' made for 'pennies per unit' in the orient.

The 'moral of the story?" Well, I had good time developing those little widgets, and those friends who got to keep the prototypes made good use of them.

Developing useful widgets which 'meet a need' can be a highly enjoyable pastime, and its 'good kharma'.....but getting into the 'world of patent law' and of 'cheap-labour-country competition' is a whole different situation

cheers

Carla

 

[Larry_AZ]

I like this idea, a lot.
I am a DIYer, but I think this would be great in a tool roll in my truck, or on my bike.

Going to see if I can scrape up a few bucks, and help him out.
If I do, i think I will add a couple of strips of self adhesive magnets on the back....so when I set it on a fender, it, hopefully will not slip.
Just my idea....not criticizing.

Have a great day!

 

[SocketMateMan]

socketman, same idea, different in detail design here

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/pro155-19pce-1-2-drive-socket-set

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/pro127-19-pce-38in-drive-6pt-socket-se

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/pro152-18pce-38-drive-socket-set

the last one has an extension, imperial and metric sockets and is about $30 all in. I think your design has some merit, but personally I don't like the strap, I would prefer a rigid bar. If you have more than two parts (IMO) your production cost will be too high, especially as I think your retail price needs to be closer to the $10 mark to sell well.

Oh those things? Yeah those are pretty much everywhere here in the states too. That holder is almost just packaging material. They don't warranty it or anything. I've had one before. The ratchet falls out. The sockets are hard to get on and off and the pegs wear out and will not hold. And it's far too bulky in the tool bag. You could never put it in a one of the side pouches. In fact it's these kinds of cheapy holders that were pretty much the inspiration for the SocketMate.

 

[SocketMateMan]

I put sockets on the rim of an upside-down frisbee and just spin it when I need a different size. True story well...if I'm going through that many sockets at once.

This is handy but not a fan of the "well the strap is domestic!"; I got a plastic mfg down the street doubt it's much cheaper to import it once you pay for the molding. I'll leave it at that.

Both the tray and the strap will be manufactured in the US. Not sure how you got the idea that that wasn't the case. It's clearly stated in the video. TAKE IT BACK! Just kidding. But seriously, it's all domestic. Not only for the reason you suggested but for quality as well.

 

[SocketMateMan]

Concur

Back some thirty-odd years ago, when I was involved with a machine business, I developed and prototyped a couple of tooling items, which could have been quite cost-effective time savers for industrial machinery maintenence workers.

The items worked well, and were the sort of 'its just so obvious, once you try it' nature, that they were quite popular with the workers who used them.

I rather doubt that I could have gotten any sort of patent, except, possibly, as some sort of 'novel combination' of known 'prior art'....and I didn't think it worth the $$$ to find our, as a friend had gotten a couple of patents for useful items, which were promptly infringed by 'deep pockets' firms.

Had I tried to put my items in production, they would have been a relatively low-volume 'specialty tooling' class of item.......but.....it would have taken six months at most before some tooling sales firm would have been having their 'knock-off' made for 'pennies per unit' in the orient.

The 'moral of the story?" Well, I had good time developing those little widgets, and those friends who got to keep the prototypes made good use of them.

Developing useful widgets which 'meet a need' can be a highly enjoyable pastime, and its 'good kharma'.....but getting into the 'world of patent law' and of 'cheap-labour-country competition' is a whole different situation

cheers

Carla

You hit the nail on the head. Doing stuff like this is really a lot of fun. And even though I have spent some money on it...patents etc. In the long run it's probably about even because I'm pretty good at spending money on little hobbies anyway. If it's not this it will be some little sports car, or motorcycle, or landscaping project. At least with this it's possible I could get some money back.

 

[SocketMateMan]

I am “the guys” that suggested the magnet but I did not do so based on cost or ease. My suggestion was based on my belief that this product needs this improvement (or some other solution that accomplishes the same goal).

I realize that any change to a design adds complications, costs, etc. but this is a very do-able change IMO. I envision a magnetic strip, not individual magnets and I envision that strip will be molded into the piece which will not require any adhesives or additional assembly steps.


Sir - let me first start by saying I fully respect what you are trying to do here and truly wish you the best. I realize (as I hope you do) that this will be a major uphill battle. It’s one thing for a manufacturing company with the experience, tooling and engineering background in the plastics field to design and market such a product but it’s a whole other thing for an individual with no prior experience.

That said, please keep in mind that my comments are coming to you from the perspective of a potential customer...

As you may have already gleamed, the demand for this product is limited. Not everybody has the need or desire to bring sockets and a ratchet with them to work in the field. Of those who do, many of them would object to this product’s limitations.

I think I am in the minority of people on this site that would actually find your product useful and desirable but speaking for myself only… I would not buy your product as it is currently designed, particular at the proposed price simply because I don't feel that the cost to value to usefulness ratio is there.

That’s not to insinuate that I think you are trying to rip anybody off. I understand that it will be costly for a person in your position to get something like this produced in quantity. I don’t doubt that the current design, at the current price will produce very little profit. The things is, as a customer, that’s really not my problem. As a consumer, I have to first believe that a new product is going to solve some need. Then I have to feel like the product’s usefulness is in line with the price. Right now I can’t say that about your product

I did not type all this to be negative or rain on your parade or get into a ******* match with anybody. I just wanted to provide you with the honest feed back of a potential customer.

Oh and I also want to clarify one thing about the "price". The amount of the pledges on the Kickstarter are in no way related to what an eventual price point for an actual retail product may be. Kickstarter is a crowdfunding website for start-up ventures. The pledge amounts have to cover all start-up and tooling costs as well as manufacturing a small initial run of the product. It's sort of a goodwill type of thing where people pledge a little more just to help out an idea they like.

 

[SocketMateMan]

This is perfect for my tool pouch at work. I am an industrial maintenance man and I think a lot of the other guys at work would be interested in this. Allen Keys, this, flashlight, 8 inch Adjustable and a pair of Channel Locks and I have everything I normally need right on my hip. I am in.

You said the magic words! Thats exactly what I created it for. I love all the comments and encouragement, but your reaction is the one that keeps me going with this thing. Thanks!

 

[Jey]

I used to fly the world working on machines. I stored sockets in old electrical tape containers. I lost a lot of them. Something like this would have been a handy addition to the traveling tool bag.

 

[-Brent-]

So, I was cleaning up my tool cart from the last few weeks of thrashing and I realized this organizer would be a pretty good fit on my small cart.

I think I am going to head over to Kickstarter and buy a set.

 

[zoominomad]

While I appreciate your enthusiasm for your product, I personally use the racks that socket sets come in and the stubby magnetic racks Matco sells when I head to pull-a-part.

 

[nes999]

Come payday i might help fund this. It would be nice of you had the option to cone with s cheapo ratchet set.

 

[ZRX61]

I use socket rails & all I would need to upgrade to this product would be a length of velcro to attach the ratchet & extension to it.

 

[-Brent-]

While I appreciate your enthusiasm for your product, I personally use the racks that socket sets come in and the stubby magnetic racks Matco sells when I head to pull-a-part.

All that stuff is LOOOOOOOOONG gone for me.

 

[noggs]

I would use this product in a car kit, something to keep in the trunk with jumper cables, etc. Not sure if that is something that you have looked into. Other then that I don't know if I would have a use for it much. I wish you luck though.

 

[vartz04]

I plan to back it

 

[Lorry Man]

Hi there, Socket Mate man. just thought I would join and show you this set I use in the UK in my small tool bag, I take everywhere.

I had been looking for something like it for a while and to be honest I am frequently disappointed at the lack of thought that goes into the stupid big blow-moulded cases a lot of the tool companies love so much.

I am not sure you could get a lot more than a kitchen table business out of one product line but I think that those who do use tools out in the field and want the most options in the smallest and tidiest space will pay out for something that makes sense. It's easier in the UK to do this as outside a few more niche sectors it's all metric rather than SAE.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Teng-Tool...891?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35c78b685b

 

[Steinmetz]

Has the designer consulted a patent attorney?

The label shows "patent pending", which may only reflect the filing of a provisional application that the applicant may have filed himself. The provisional is not examined, nor does it provide any protection after one year (the term "patent pending" may be used on this product only for in terrorem effect).

I think that there is probably some potent prior art out there that could be applied against an inventor's regular utility filing. Some on this board have suggested this.

 

[Steinmetz]

Please share if you can what device your talking about, so I can stop wasting my time. That's not sarcasm. I need to know.

You also need to disclose this information to the U.S. Patent Office. It may be pertinent to the patentability of your invention, and you have an obligation to do so.

 

[Steinmetz]

Fortunately, or unfortunately, I have recently converted several provisionals into the real deal non-provisional. Spent the dough. Don't know if it's worth it or not. But my provisionals were going to expire, so I had to. Luckily, I live in Oklahoma and my patent attorney was like less than half of what they charge in most major markets.

Looks like I received my answer.

 

[DSLTRK]

Good idea, but there is a lot of competition out there.

Also, you may want to think about possibly using a flexible thermoplastic material. Sockets from different mfgs are dimensionally different. The thermo plastic would also provide friction to keep the things from flying out unexpectedly.

 

[PKile]

Socketmateman,
This is out of left field, but do you know the name/artist of the music that is playing in that video. It is a great example of classic jangle pop!
Cheers,
Paul

 

[SocketMateMan]

The label shows "patent pending", which may only reflect the filing of a provisional application that the applicant may have filed himself. The provisional is not examined, nor does it provide any protection after one year (the term "patent pending" may be used on this product only for in terrorem effect).

I think that there is probably some potent prior art out there that could be applied against an inventor's regular utility filing. Some on this board have suggested this.

You know, I had a real hard time believing there wasn't anything in prior art that works like the SocketMate. It seams so simple. I'll be darned if I or my patent attorney could ever find anything. Go figure.

 

[SocketMateMan]

Hi there, Socket Mate man. just thought I would join and show you this set I use in the UK in my small tool bag, I take everywhere.

I had been looking for something like it for a while and to be honest I am frequently disappointed at the lack of thought that goes into the stupid big blow-moulded cases a lot of the tool companies love so much.

I am not sure you could get a lot more than a kitchen table business out of one product line but I think that those who do use tools out in the field and want the most options in the smallest and tidiest space will pay out for something that makes sense. It's easier in the UK to do this as outside a few more niche sectors it's all metric rather than SAE.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Teng-Tool...891?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35c78b685b

That looks pretty cool! I have seen another version that actually keeps the sockets in the handle. It looks like others have noticed the problem before. I was shooting for something cheap that folks could just put any old sockets and ratchet in.

 

[Steinmetz]

You know, I had a real hard time believing there wasn't anything in prior art that works like the SocketMate. It seams so simple. I'll be darned if I or my patent attorney could ever find anything. Go figure.

You are under no obligation to look for prior art. Only to disclose the prior art that you know about (must be written and dated documents).

I used to make good coin having patents on inventions like this toppled through a reexamination proceeding. You'd be surprised what you can find when you conduct a diligent search.

In any event, the examiner will cite prior art references (either singly, or in combination) against the claims in your application. Bet on it.

Good luck.

 

[boston813]

I like the idea and it could be handy for having to work on the go. Any chance you would offer an STL file and the pre made Velcro strap for sale?