BeTheChange

I thought about a new invention for your bike rack that would make it easier to transport stuff on the top of the rack. Nothing insane, just have a cargo net that retracts back to the front (the seat end) of the rack. I was thinking of having 2 reels that would reeling in 2 lines with plastic hooks. There would be elastic lines between the 2 reel lines that would make a net. These elastic lines could attach with small rings so that the 2 reel lines could retract and the net would be out of the way when not in use. Does anyone think this would be a good idea? Would anyone buy one of these? If the response is good I may talk to someone about making and patenting something like this.

Mr. Jim

A: yes I think it is a good idea
B: yes I think some people will buy it.
C: I wouldn't buy it, too many things to go wrong and the cost would be too high to make it worth while.
D: Just design a rack frame with bungee cords and hooks built into the frame tubing, that way you never drop a bungee and you always have a good spot to hook into.

MichaelW

Be wary of describing your inventions to anyone. If it is a good idea and you want to have it manufactured or sell the design you may need a patent to protect the idea. Publishing your idea on the web will void any patent protection.
As for the idea, rack tops are quite narrow and not suitable for lots of small items under a net. They are suitable for large bulky items and I carry stuff like packs of toilet rolls bunjied to the top. You need to have quite a strong tension to stop the things wobbling and a variable length to accomodate different sized stuff. I can see your reel getting complicated but if you can solve this problem, then you may still have a patentable idea.

GeezerGeek

In the US you have one year to file a patent once you have made a public disclosure of the idea. The clock may have started ticking when you posted this. In the EU I believe you have to file before you disclose. Patent law is very complicated and even most lawyers avoid it like the plague.

As far as the idea itself - Many great ideas never succeeded and many stupid ideas have. Remember the pet rock. A great idea is easier to market than a stupid one but it is the marketing that sells the ideas. Good ideas never sell themselves. Good ideas do attract more thieves than bad ideas and that is where patent protection is important unless you are altruistic and want to give the idea away to your fellow bikers. Even then, you have to sell your idea for nothing.

2manybikes

The bungee net that is now sold for bike racks is very similar. It weighs less without reel mechanisims. Having a patent does not mean you make any money, or sell any more things. It does not mean someone can't just change something and almost copy you too.

Try and take your basic idea and make it simple and inexpensive. You start adding up the parts for things and they get out of hand. Bike items have to be lightweight too.
The price has to be right too.

It's what I do, new products.

I very much like the idea of a rack with a built in bungee net or cords. Or something like that. They can be permanently attached,but it needs to be easily replaceable for when it wears out or breaks.

Or even a good bungee net add on, that is made to fasten on to your existing rack and stay on at one end. Go for it!

Oh yeah, Find a need first then invent something to fill the need afterwards. Not the other way around. You may HAVE a need or a convenience. See if bike shops think they have a market. See what they think you can sell it for. If your price is way out of line it may be a problem.

Look for something similar on the web to see if it is already done. I Do like the idea.!!