Ever had an idea that years later someone else patented?

[Lee Common]

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/engin/patent-tutorial/index.htm

All the information the due it yourselfer could ever need to bring ones idea's to fruition.

http://www.uspto.gov/inventors/independent/index.jsp

[Paul B.]

I was the first to think of the Shake Weight.

I won't say what inspired me.