Patent Search
Always, always, always do a patent search. You definitely do not want to infringe on another person's patent, for you will then be liable to pay them. Google has a patent search, Google Patent Search
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Type in as much descriptive information as possible to find all those that come close to what you have. Another site to check out is Alibaba. This is a site where those who have had ideas and decided to sell them themselves. Do a search here as well.
Provisional Patent Template
Not everyone is in the position to hire someone to write up their application, but anyone can write one. There is a law firm that has posted a template in which to go by that is located here, The Law Office of Joan I. Norek.​ Also, another good example, which basically tells you the sections and what should go underneath is found in Stanford University's document.
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Be as descriptive as possible in the sections. Also, to understand how the schematic section, which contains your drawings, should be setup and explained, a great book to use is How to Make Patent Drawings: A Patent it Yourself Companion. This book you can find in any university library, and may be available in your local public library.
Submitting Your Provisional Patent Application
When you are ready to submit your application, you need to visit The United States Patent and Trademark Office. Here, get the Cover Sheet. After you have the cover sheet, go to the page at USPTO, and read the whole page. Your application, be you an individual(s) is $125. (Always check the website to make sure cost is still the same.) Now, continue on and file your application here. You are protected for one year.
Companies That Accept Unsolicited Ideas
Here are some websites that have lists of companies who will accept ideas from individuals, some do not even require that you have a patent of sorts, but definitely be careful. Just some advice, if they are unwilling to sign a Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA), you may want to submit to them. Use caution and wisdom.
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