Dont get your hopes up. Its always fun to dream, but dont let it carry you away!
1. Call your state library and ask about there patent and trademark depository libraries. They will make an apointment for a one on one class on using their library for doing a patent search which is the first thing you need to do to make sure no one else has that idea. They give you a folder which has papers explaining alot of different ideas on how to protect your idea. They also give you a list of books that are helpfull . If you have some one else do a patent search it usualy cost 300 to 500 dollers. The library may have a list of patent attornys who can do this.
In this folder they inform you of a dislcosure document. You pay $10 to file a disclosure document that will serve as evidence of an inventons conception. Its not the same as a patent it only helps if you try to submit your idea to a company thru a confidentiality agreement so they or others know not to try and steal it . Most companys wont even try any way, but it gives a time line to prove you thought of it first .
A confidentiality ageement is for submiting your idea to a specific company. You ask a company if they take ideas. If they send you one it wil say that if you send them the idea and prototype they will not disclose you information for 2 or 3 years . and they will tell you if they will use your idea or not in three months, so you have two years to sell to another company or if they are already working on a similar product, thats where your disclosure document comes in handy.
If you realy want a patent it will usualy cost from $2000 to $10,000 depending on how complex. I would rather submit it to a company and if they want it they will pay a royaly and for a patent in your name. Not costing you anything! other than your attorny for negotiatoins, to get you the best deal.
One book I liked was HOW TO TURN YOUR IDEA INTO A MILLION DOLLERS
I dont know the auther, it tells you how not to waste your money on patents if you can help it.
What ever you do dont call a 1800 number for a idea submision company. you could forfit your idea
START AT YOUR STATE LIBRARY
good luck