Article published March 24, 2008
Boomerang brings Toledo fourth grader a patent
St. Pius X pupil is member of inventive family
Daniel K. Wedding II holds the boomerang design that won him a toy patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
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THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER
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By TED FACKLER
BLADE BUSINESS REPORTER
Daniel K. Wedding II is an average 10-year-old kid.
He plays video games, loves cats, and is happy to be on a two-week vacation from school.
Beyond that, however, labeling him "average" may be a stretch.
Last July, Daniel submitted a patent for a boomerang toy to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Virginia. Six months later, he was granted a toy patent. No one else in his fourth-grade class at St. Pius X Parish School in Toledo can claim that.
"I just came up with it," he said. "I thought of it to defend people if robbers came in at night."
The boomerang prototype, made of polycarbonate plastic, is not ready to fly yet, said Daniel. Design changes are necessary. But for now, it resembles a weapon with its unique "throwing star" design.Daniel's father, Daniel Wedding, has considered putting a goo, or a cap, on the sharp tips to make it less dangerous. Finding a toy company to manufacture the boomerang may then be an option.
"Maybe sell it to a toy company," Daniel said confidently. "Put decals on it, or a design that looks like Windows Vista."
How did the child invent a toy?
It started with an infatuation with boomerangs, said grandfather Donald K. Wedding.
"He would always call me and say, 'I want to do patent work,'•" Mr. Wedding said. At that time, Daniel was very excited about boomerangs, looking at them on the Internet and purchasing them at antique stores. After analyzing other boomerang designs, Daniel settled on his.
On the design, Daniel said, "I like aerodynamics. It's pretty cool, like a paper airplane."
After fees of more than $1,000 were paid, the patent was issued on Jan. 15 this year. With it, Daniel joins a list of family members who have patents. In total, the family has over 100, said his grandfather.
"The most important thing for me was getting him in a creative process," said Mr. Wedding.
Whether Daniel wants to grow up to become a patent attorney, an electrical engineer, or his dream of being "the next Bill Gates" probably depends on what mood one catches Daniel in.
One thing is certain: Whatever he designs in the future will be unique.
Yet while he differs from classmates in his toy patent, he retains the same modesty as other kids his age. Holding the patent in one hand, looking into the camera, Daniel smiles, and said, "I'm the king of the world!"
Contact Ted Fackler at:
tfackler@theblade.com
or 419-724-6199.
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