Update:
After many, many discussions and quotes for tooling and production costs, in several geographies, I've had to modify the design.
Seems that is a part of the whole invention process.
Bottom line was the design I had would be very difficult, nearly impossible to injection mold.
The one company that said they could do it came in with costs higher than I could sell if for
So, new design. Only change is that the ends are squared off, instead of being contoured.
Everything else is the same (flexible rubber/foam handle, tension adjusting rods, polycarbonate base)
Here is rendering of the latest:
This change allows it to be "extruded" (think Play-Doh toys) vs. "injection molded."
Brings the cost for tooling and production WAY down.
I've ordered the tools and expect to have first samples in 3-4 weeks.
Pretty excited to finally have found an economical solution and be able to move forward.