pick00l

You have many options. No need to rush if you follow some safe guards.

Document and date your idea and design. Document and date everything! Remember as other folks said. Keep a tight lip and secure your idea first. Then start opening up to the right group or manufacture etc.

Also - This blurb is taken form another website. It may be the route which you can take since you likely do not have the means for a full patent right away. Nor you mentioned the backing to run hard and fast.

This is the route I would be taking.

Another alternative (some experts do not recommend it - research the drawbacks) is to file a provisional patent application. The much cheaper provisional patent provides one year of protection, allows patent pending status, and does not require writing claims. However, before one year expires you must file a non-provisional patent application for your invention. During this year, you can promote and sell your product and hopefully raise the money for a non-provisional patent. Many successful experts advocate provisional patents and other alternatives as a better path to follow.