Huntley – Sun City resident Tom Van Tilburg would certainly agree with the old adage that necessity is the mother of invention – or father – in this case.
After years since its initial development, Tom Van Tilburg receives his long-awaited patent on his invention, a combi- nation garage-door opener/carbon monoxide detector. (Photo by Victoria Diamond/Sun Day)
This past March, Van Tilburg was finally awarded (after years of effort) a patent for his first invention: a combination garage-door opener and carbon monoxide detector. The machine functions like a standard garage-door opener, yet it contains two detectors that can confirm the presence of carbon monoxide in the room, thus triggering the garage door to open.
“The idea was actually rather simple,” explained Van Tilburg. “I had just bought a new car, and it had a remote starter, and I thought it’d be really cool to let it warm up ahead of time. When I opened my door to the garage, I realized that the whole garage was filled up with exhaust fumes.”
Van Tilburg’s proactive approach to this event led him to develop something that could prevent others from having the same problem with potentially worse consequences. While he considers the concept simple, the journey to achieve the patent proved to be anything but.
First, Van Tilburg sought out product management groups and eventually teamed up with a lawyer. Then, he began the years-long process of applying to the U.S. government for a patent, a request which was rejected no less than four times. On what Van Tilburg said would be his last attempt, the patent request was finally accepted.
“My fiancé and I were ecstatic about it and celebrated with a nice dinner,” he said.
Although there is no word yet on exactly when Van Tilburg’s creation will hit store shelves, he is in the process of selecting a company.
“Hopefully this will come to the marketplace soon and start saving lives,” he said.
Although the patent process is not for the faint-hearted, Van Tilburg concludes that it is a worthy endeavor. His advice for aspiring inventors?
“Document how you came up with the idea so that you can protect yourself,” he said, adding, “Don’t be afraid, and go for it.”
