Thanks again for the feedback and I appreciate the suggestions. I'll try to reply generally.
We have filed a non-provisional patent for the novel aspects of the unit with respect to what has already been patented by the USPTO. There are specific design features that are unique and we have applied for those features only, so the intellectual property is as covered as it possibly can be without having an actual patent issued. We're very comfortable with making this public both between what we've seen on the market and with what we've seen by way of issued patents and have legal protection. As such, it's legal for us to use the term "patent-pending."
We've chosen the crowdfunding route as one of many methods of both fundraising and marketing (it is absolutely a "both"). We have not stopped looking at opportunities for private investment and I don't expect that we would stop looking for that investment unless we went considerably above-and-beyond the crowdfunding goal we set (for those who are skeptical, you'll be happy to note that we are far below our funding goal and unlikely to hit it -- we've chosen all-or-nothing, so all contributors will get their money back). As for the LLC/LP point ... we're not allowed to sell ownership shares through crowdfunding sites. It's simply not allowed (explicitly stated in terms of service).
To load the keg -- yes, you lay it on its back (there are two "fins" that stabilize the unit so that it does not move/roll away) and slide the keg in sideways. From there, you can lift the unit by its extended handle using the wheels as a fulcrum. Assemble the components by hand (including a custom faucet coupling nut that doesn't require a wrench that we've designed) and it's ready to go.
It seems that there's a perception that I'm trying to sell our product on this forum. I'm not. I saw that our campaign had been posted on this forum and I decided to address any questions folks might have. I've not made a sales pitch to any of you all (I don't think, at least) and have simply been open to your thoughts and feedback. I genuinely appreciate your passion and thoughts, ESPECIALLY when they're negative as it helps test the ideas behind the product and allows us to constantly improve it. While we would LOVE to sell this product at some of the numbers mentioned, there simply isn't a way to do it (even if we chose to source the cooler internationally, which we aren't). We realize that it might price some people out of the market. But, we think we have an interesting design in a fun market we're trying as many ways as we can, both conventional and unconventional, to make it a reality for those entities who have expressed considerable interest in it.
A couple of final thoughts. First, feel free to contact me anytime at
[email protected] or at 855.PortaBeer (767-8223). Second, I'm very proud of the work we did to get the campaign off the ground and feel confident that we have a shot at bringing this to market. Third, for those in the Pittsburgh area, we are planning a tailgate with Operation Once in a Lifetime (a non-profit that supports military personnel and their families to which we are financially and otherwise committed) and will be launching the PortaKeg on November 18th at Heinz Field before a Steelers/Ravens game -- email me if you'd like to join us. Finally, thank you for your thoughts and I look forward to having PortaKeg units available for sale.