How to file a patent using AI

Here are easy steps that inventors can follow to get a provisional patent and start the patent process:

Why start with a provisional patent?

Coming up with the invention is the first step. The next steps involve speaking to experts, creating a prototype; and confirming what the market wants. Only after taking these next steps are you ready to crystallise the patent. However, to enable you perform these next steps without destroying your patent rights, you need to “put a peg in the ground” by filing a provisional patent. Twelve months after filing your provisional patent, you need to crystallise your invention in a complete patent, which claims the date of your provisional patent.

A provisional patent sets the date on which novelty (i.e. newness) and inventiveness of your ultimate patent is tested.

The provisional patent is an easy document to draft – it only needs fully to describe the invention. There is no set format. It does not need to be drafted by a patent attorney. It does not need to include a set of claims. You can add descriptions, examples, sketches, photos, graphs … anything you wish. And, it can easily be written for free using AI.

Conducting a patent search yourself using AI

Try using AI to conduct your patent search. Here’s how:

1. Go to ChatGPT
2. Type “please help me conduct a patent prior art search“
3. Copy the following with details of your invention (in place of the example text):

1. What type of invention is this? (software, hardware, AI, mechanical, etc.) EXAMPLE: Mechanical

2. What problem does it solve? EXAMPLE: Providing light while cooking food on a barbecue

3. What makes it different from existing solutions? EXAMPLE: Existing barbecue tongs may include a torch, but the position of the torch on the tongs is not adjustable. The torch according to the invention is slidably connected to the tongs and may be moves along the tongs to vary the distance of the torch from the heat and to vary the width of the beam of light at the end of the tongs.

This is the helpful (but not favourable) report that ChatGPT returns:

Thanks — based on your description, the invention is mechanical barbecue tongs with a slidably adjustable torch/light that can move along the tong arms to vary its distance and beam width relative to the cooking area (as opposed to fixed-position lighted tongs). Below is a focused prior art search summary with relevant patents and publications that could affect novelty/obviousness.

📌 Closely Related Existing Patents

1. US Lighted Barbecue Tongs (Removable Light)

A U.S. patent exists for barbecue tongs with an attachable light source (flashlight) mounted on a clip or sleeve on the tong handle. It provides illumination of the grill area but the light is fixed in position and not designed to slide along the tong arms.

• Patent Number: US7008077B2
• Filing/Issue: Jan 29, 2004 / Mar 7, 2006
• Key Features:
  • Tongs with heat-proof grip and detachable flashlight mounted on clip/sleeve
  • Light illuminates food but position on tongs is fixed (not adjustable along axis)
  • Power and mounting are fixed relative to handle grip.

Why relevant: This is a core reference for illuminated barbecue tongs with removable light, showing known arrangements of light sources on tong handles.

2. US Lighted Barbecue Tool with Clip Coupled Light Source

Another earlier patent discloses a light source adapted to couple to a barbecue implement handle. The coupling uses protrusions but the lamp does not slide along the handle’s length.

• Patent Number: US5964517A
• Key Features:
  • Light source attaches via tabs or clips to the tool handle
  • Removable for cleaning or interchangeability
  • No sliding adjustment mechanism disclosed.

Why relevant: It provides background prior art of lights coupled to barbecue tools — can be cited against broad claims of “light source attached to barbecue tool handle.”

📌 Other Related Patent Applications & Technologies

3. Barbecue Clamp with Integrated Illumination

A later patent application (US9474418) describes a barbecue clamp/tongs with an illumination portion arranged at clamping area, but the light is not slidably adjustable.

4. Grilling Tool with Internal Flashlight

US11,957,277 (2024) covers a grilling tool with a flashlight that is removable from inside a cavity but again lacks a slidable along the tool mechanism for variable position.

📊 Key Differentiator for Your Invention

Novelty point: The sliding/adjustable position of the torch/light along the length of the tongs — allowing variation in heat exposure and beam pattern — appears to be the key innovation not disclosed in the known references above.

📌 Additional Non-Patent Products (Useful for Non-Patent Literature)

There are commercial products today with lights integrated into barbecue tongs (often as removable torches/LED modules), but none appear to implement a slidable adjustable light along the tong arms:

• Braai tongs with removable torch modules (LED light that can be detached and used as a small flashlight).
• LED-equipped BBQ tongs with central light (flashlight fitted in fixed central position).

These may be relevant as secondary references for obviousness (combining features from known products), even if they don’t teach the specific sliding mechanism.

📌 Strategies for Strengthening Your Patent Filing

To support novelty and non-obviousness, you can:

1. Emphasize the Slidable Positioning Mechanism

Detail how your sliding light:

• Moves along channels/rails on the tongs
• Can be secured at multiple positions
• Alters illumination distribution and heat exposure

This mechanism is not present in the cited patents above and is critical for patentability.

2. Distinguish Over Fixed Light Positions

Both US7008077B2 and US5964517A place light in fixed positions via clips/sleeves. Specify this contrast clearly.

3. Consider Functional Advantages

Highlight advantages such as:

• Variable proximity of light relative to heat source
• Adjustable beam width by sliding closer/further
• Ergonomic control over illumination during grilling

These assist in arguing against “obvious to try” objections.

Writing a provisional patent yourself

This provisional patent template is a very popular provisional patent drafting guide. It is recommended for inventors who are not comfortable using AI. However, using AI is easier …

How to write a provisional patent using AI

1. Go to ChatGPT
2. Type “please help me write a provisional patent“
3. Copy the following with details of your invention (in place of the example text) – this is similar to what you used for the AI patent search:

1. What type of invention is this? (software, hardware, AI, mechanical, etc.) EXAMPLE: Mechanical

2. What problem does it solve? EXAMPLE: Providing light while cooking food on a barbecue

3. What makes it different from existing solutions? EXAMPLE: Existing barbecue tongs may include a torch, but the position of the torch on the tongs is not adjustable. The torch according to the invention is slidably connected to the tongs and may be moves along the tongs to vary the distance of the torch from the heat and to vary the width of the beam of light at the end of the tongs.

4. Do you want US-only or international protection later? International

This is what ChatGPT creates:

Adjustable Illumination System for Barbecue Tongs

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to cooking utensils, and more particularly to barbecue tongs incorporating an adjustable illumination source for providing light during food preparation and cooking.

Background

Barbecue cooking is frequently performed in low-light conditions, such as during evening or nighttime hours. Conventional barbecue tongs are commonly used to manipulate food items on a grill; however, visibility of the food surface, degree of doneness, and grill conditions may be limited under such conditions.

Some existing barbecue tongs include an integrated light or torch intended to illuminate the cooking area. These solutions, however, typically position the light source at a fixed location on the tongs. As a result, the light may be exposed to excessive heat, may not adequately illuminate the food, or may produce an undesirable beam width or angle. Additionally, fixed-position lights do not allow the user to adjust illumination based on grill size, food placement, or personal preference.

Accordingly, there exists a need for barbecue tongs that provide adjustable illumination capable of varying both the distance of the light source from the heat source and the effective width and focus of the emitted light.

Summary of the Invention

The present disclosure provides barbecue tongs having an adjustable illumination system. In one embodiment, the tongs include an elongated tong body and a torch or light module slidably connected thereto. The light module may be selectively repositioned along the length of the tongs to vary the distance between the light source and a heat source, such as a grill, and to adjust the illumination characteristics at the distal end of the tongs.

Unlike existing solutions with fixed lighting positions, the disclosed invention enables customizable placement of the light module, improving visibility while reducing heat exposure and increasing user comfort and control.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of barbecue tongs with an adjustable illumination system in accordance with one embodiment.
Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the tongs showing multiple adjustable positions of the light module.
Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sliding attachment mechanism.
Figure 4 illustrates an example beam pattern at different positions along the tongs.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Overall Structure

Referring to Figure 1, the barbecue tongs comprise a first tong arm and a second tong arm pivotally connected at a hinge region. Each tong arm includes a proximal handle portion and a distal gripping portion configured to engage food items.

An illumination module is slidably attached to at least one of the tong arms. The illumination module includes a light source, such as an LED, torch, or other suitable illumination element, and may further include a power source, switch, and housing.

Adjustable Illumination Module

Referring to Figure 2, the illumination module is configured to slide along a longitudinal axis of the tong arm between a plurality of positions. In one embodiment, the module is movable between a proximal position near the handle and a distal position closer to the gripping end.

By repositioning the illumination module, a user may vary the distance of the light source from the heat generated by the grill. Additionally, repositioning the light source alters the effective beam width and illumination area at the distal end of the tongs, allowing for broader or more focused lighting depending on the position selected.

Attachment Mechanism

Referring to Figure 3, the illumination module may be slidably connected using a rail, channel, clamp, sleeve, groove, track, or similar mechanical interface formed along the tong arm. The attachment mechanism may include frictional engagement, detents, locking features, spring-loaded elements, or fasteners to selectively secure the module in a desired position.

In one embodiment, the illumination module may be removable entirely for cleaning, replacement, or charging.

Illumination Characteristics

The light source may emit a fixed or adjustable beam. In some embodiments, lenses, reflectors, or diffusers are incorporated to shape the beam. As shown in Figure 4, positioning the light source closer to the distal end may result in a narrower, more concentrated beam, while positioning it further away may produce a wider illumination pattern.

Alternative Embodiments

In another embodiment, illumination modules may be slidably attached to both tong arms.
In another embodiment, the illumination module may rotate or pivot in addition to sliding.
In yet another embodiment, the light source may include multiple LEDs or color-adjustable lighting.

The tong arms may be constructed from metal, heat-resistant polymers, or composite materials. The illumination module housing may be thermally insulated to further protect internal components from heat exposure.

Example Use Case

In one example implementation, a user grills food outdoors during nighttime conditions. The user slides the illumination module toward the handle portion of the tongs to increase distance from the heat while producing a wider beam of light. When inspecting a specific food item, the user slides the module toward the distal end of the tongs to provide more focused illumination directly over the food surface.

Advantages

The disclosed invention provides several advantages, including:

– Adjustable illumination positioning for improved visibility

– Reduced heat exposure to the light source

– Customizable beam width and illumination distance

– Increased user comfort and versatility during grilling

That was quick and easy and the result is rather good! Now, all you need to do is create sketches for Figures 1-4.

So far, your provisional patent hasn’t cost you anything.

Filing the provisional patent

Having prepared your provisional patent specification using AI, easily file the provisional patent using the GlobalIPCo or Iptica provisional patent filing systems. Both systems pre-populate forms that you download and sign. Add the applicant and inventor details, upload the signed forms, the patent specification and the patent drawings … and you are one step away from filing your provisional patent. The final step is payment.

The GlobalIPCo system files a provisional patent with CIPC (the South African Patent Office) for $49, whereas the Iptica system files the provisional patent for $99.

The GlobalIPCo and Iptica systems will send you a provisional patent number and a filing receipt within one business day, enabling you to claim “Patent Pending” and freely disclose your invention.

FAQs:

• Do I have to be a South African resident to use the GlobalIPCo or Iptica system? No, anyone may file a South African provisional patent no matter where you live. However, inventors in the US may first need to obtain a foreign filing licence.
• Does it matter in which country my provisional patent is filed? No, your complete patent will refer to your provisional patent number and filing date. Whether reference is made to a South African or Australian provisional patent number makes no difference – it is the document that was filed that is important.
• Are there any other costs or obligations associated with my provisional patent? No. You only instruct GlobalIPCo or Iptica to file the provisional patent and send you the application number and filing receipt. Once this is done, your engagement with GlobalIPCo or Iptica ends. In 12 months’ time, you can decide whether to: file a complete patent (using whichever patent firm you wish to use); re-file the provisional patent (to restart the 12 month process); or abandon the invention.

Give it a try. You could easily complete the entire process within 15 minutes.