On the second Monday of every month, the Inventors Association of Manhattan meets in a Times Square law firm. Inventors of everything from a utility belt for tool-laden workers, towels with zippered pouches for keys and cellphones and a straw with lollipop holders on the side are showcased. Given the ease with which tinkerers can craft items and use modern media to promote their ideas both to the public and to inventors, inventions are being created at a rapid pace. However, barriers like costly patent systems prevent them sometimes from receiving credit and much needed funds.