About the Invention

After the "Eureka" moment of inventing, the invention process can be slow and often very challenging. The inventor has many steps to take before the invention makes its way into the market place, including such things as making models and prototypes, applying for patents, conducting market research and more. Of primary concern is "idea theft" and for that reason, inventors are very careful to keep the invention secret until certain elements such as patents, trademarks and licenses are in place.

Such is the case with Jennifer Barbeau, inventor of a new product that has important applications in the health care industry. Jennifer has invented eyeglasses for home oxygen users that help to both camouflage the oxygen tubing and deliver the oxygen. The invention was conceived in 1989, when Jennifer's mother became ill and required the use of home oxygen. Jennifer's mother was uncomfortable with how the oxygen tubing called attention to her, and first proposed the idea of using eyeglasses as a possible vehicle through which to reduce the visibility of the tubing. Jennifer took up the challenge.

Prototypes were constructed and a small number of the product was produced. The product was distributed locally, primarily to health care agencies. The users loved the product since it dramatically improved their quality of life. In one case, a judge gained the confidence to return to work at a courthouse. Jennifer's own mother used the eyeglasses until her death nine years later. As her mother lay dying, she encouraged her daughter to mass-produce the glasses, a commitment that Jennifer is now working towards.

As a first-time inventor, Jennifer realizes that the post-inventing period is the most frustrating of all. She says that, "It is a little walking around with your hands in the dark." Jennifer's invention is not patented for a simply reason - cost, which can run into thousands of dollars. As a result, Jennifer has had to "find her own avenue of action," as she puts it, for moving her invention forward. At present, Jennifer is seeking to secure licensing arrangements.

About the Inventor

Inventor Jennifer Barbeau has in her skills 'tool box' a variety of skills that make her well-suited to the task of inventing. As a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design (Toronto), she has valuable design and art making skills that she can draw upon for the development of her product and the creation of marketing materials. Professionally, she has worked as designer and illustrator, art teacher, as a marketing director and an interior designer. As well, she is the mother of three small children. Jennifer jokingly says, "I have so many hats - it's not funny!"

Inventing has widened her scope. Through the market research that she conducted for her product, she connected with people she might not have otherwise have met such as patent agents and other inventors. She has also learned a great deal about product development and all its legalities.

She believes that her journey as an inventor cannot be compared to that of a male inventor's journey because of the added dimension of children and home. Jennifer is deeply committed to family life and feels that often conflict exits because people deny their own needs in this regard.