You can start here: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac...ral/index.html

Write a description of your invention. Include drawings and test results if applicable. Sign and date everything, and get a witness to sign and date also. Talk to a patent attorney. The initial consultation over the phone is usually no-cost.

If you don't already have one, get a non-disclosure agreement. That will protect your rights to the invention as you discuss it with manufacturers. If you discuss your invention with anyone, make sure they sign your non-disclosure agreement first.

That's just the beginning. How successful you are depends on you.