I'll give you a prototype for your help!

[bryan_v]

So I'm designing a herb grinder for recreational marijuana use that will have a unique function. I can't discuss the details of the grinder but I promise that to whoever provides the best (but useful) answer, they will receive a prototype free of charge as a thank you for helping me out.

So what I've done so far is look at engineers to hire to design 3D CAD imagery for my prototype. I'm also hoping these same engineers (I'll be only hiring one) can also provide me with manufacturing drawings and CNC coordinates. Now a few questions hopefully one of you gents or gals can help me out with...

Are manufacturing drawings and 3D CAD imagery the same thing? In other words, don't both go into the same details since they each provide measurements?

Are manufacturing drawings and 3D CAD imagery enough to have a manufacturer produce a functioning prototype? Or would I need to also hire an engineer to design a mold (grinder will be made out of metal so I'm quite sure a mold will be the method of production, or I could be wrong haha) and the CNC coordinates?

Do grinders or products that require working with metals require molds or are there other or more cost-effective ways?

In summary, what do I need to have done in terms of blueprints to be able to file a provisional patent and have detailed enough schematics so that a manufacturer can go right into producing prototypes?

Thanks!

[Kelly_Bramble]

First, you need to talk with a patent lawyer.. They are the most knowledge-able on patent requirements.

Read the rules - no soliciting help here...

[Cragyon]

Yes, hire a patent lawyer - I doubt you need drawings or a 3D model to patent a function. You should also do a patent search to see if your concept has already been done - which is likely..