Blog: tickSAFE –
Fast, easy and
gentle tick removal

Shark Tank of Patents

The popular TV show Die Höhle der Löwen (DHDL) is not only an entertainment hit, but also a springboard platform for ambitious founders. In season 15, episode 4, which aired on April 29, 2024, the inventor of the innovative tick gripper tickSAFE, Matthias Meinhold, presented his innovative solution for safely removing ticks. Investor Ralf Dümmel was impressed and secured the rights to a product that not only sets new standards in the area of health protection, but is also well thought out in terms of patent law.

Why does it make sense for founders to take part in DHDL? The show offers young companies access to a broad audience, financial support and valuable networking effects through experienced investors. tickSAFE is a prime example of how a creative idea and solid technology combined with the visibility provided by DHDL can lead to success.

tickSAFE uses a gentle twisting technology that significantly reduces the risk of crushing the tick compared to conventional tools such as tick tweezers or forceps. Thanks to the soft-grip technology, the tick is gently grasped, minimizing the risk of transmission of pathogens. This technology also requires no batteries, which makes it even easier to use.

The idea behind tickSAFE

The inspiration for tickSAFE came from an everyday but dangerous situation: Matthias Meinhold, who spends a lot of time in nature himself, recognized the risk of tick bites and the need for a safe, effective method of tick removal. Traditional tools such as tweezers or tick tweezers carry the risk of crushing the tick, which can introduce pathogens into the human body.

However, the path from idea to market-ready product was not easy. Challenges such as developing an ergonomic shape, testing the gripping technology and ensuring patent protection had to be overcome. Market research also represented an important hurdle: The Schmidts had to ensure that tickSAFE was not only safe and innovative, but also easy to use.

What already exists in this area?

The market already offers numerous products for tick removal, including classic tweezers, tick cards and mechanical gripping tools. Well-known alternatives are:

• Tick snares: These work by threading a thread around the tick's body and then pulling it out.
• Tick cards: Flat cards with a cut-out that are pushed under the tick.
• Electronic tick tweezers: Tools designed to facilitate removal through slight vibrations.

Although these solutions are widely used, they have weaknesses: Many of them require practice and can crush the tick if used incorrectly. Another problem is the poor handling of small ticks, which are often difficult to grasp.

What makes tickSAFE special?

tickSAFE stands out with its patented twisting technology and innovative soft-grip technology. Instead of simply pulling the tick out, tickSAFE uses a twisting motion to gently remove the tick. This reduces the risk of the tick's body being crushed and pathogens such as Borrelia or TBE viruses being transmitted.

Special features of tickSAFE:

• Ergonomic design: Handling is intuitive and requires no prior knowledge.
• Twisting technology: This ensures gentle removal of the tick without tearing it.
• Battery-free: tickSAFE is mechanical and therefore always ready for use.
• Patented Soft-Grip technology: The tick is held securely, enabling precise removal.

These properties make tickSAFE particularly suitable for people who spend a lot of time outdoors and for pet owners who want to protect their animals from the dangers of tick bites.

Patent for tickSAFE (EP3174481B1)

The extraordinary special feature compared to conventional techniques is a holder 8 with a closing spring 10 for holding and closing the two gripping jaws 5/6, each of which has a recess on its outside, into which one of two opposing spring elements 11/12 of the closing spring 10 engages (see Figs. 4 and 5 of tickSAFE Patent).

[Fig. 4 of the tickSAFE Patent]

[Fig. 5 of the tickSAFE Patent]

In contrast to such a closing spring of the tickSAFE, a spreading device 16 for spreading the gripping tool 12 (see Fig. 2 of D1: DE102004031682A1) or a pair of pliers adapted to form a single piece from two pliers arms (see Fig. 1 of D2: DE19652218A1) are disclosed in a corresponding place in the prior art.

[Fig. 2 of D1]

[Fig. 1 of D2]

In short, the tickSAFE offers a quick, easy and gentle method of removing ticks, and one of its special features is the holder with the closing spring, which holds the gripper jaws securely and allows precise removal of the tick.

Conclusion

tickSAFE impressively demonstrates how an innovative idea paired with a well thought-out patent can revolutionize the market. From its presentation on "Die Höhle der Löwen" to market maturity, this product offers an effective solution to an everyday problem. With its unique technology, tickSAFE sets new standards in health protection.

This technology is proactively protected by a well-thought-out patent.

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Disclaimer: The above contribution reflects the personal opinion of the author. The assessments and statements made in the article do not constitute legal advice and are provided under exclusion of any liability. If you need an assessment of an individual case, please contact the author and/or the law firm KUHNEN & WACKER.