Hi Mat

One of the first things to do is get a patent search of your invention.
Either through a patent attorney or a college student that is studying
to be a patent attorney, cost about $50 to $125. You will get about
4 patents that are close to your invention. Could be it was invented a
long time ago.

The same time you do a patent search, mail a copy of your invention
back to you, by certify mail, don't open it. This will be used as the date
you came up with the idea invention.

Good luck!

Regards,
D.R.(Don)McArdle