Flatpack coffins and robot dogs: patents applications show UK inventions of 2023 | Technology

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Flatpack coffins and ****** dogs: patents applications show *** inventions of 2023 | Technology

A ****** dog that does the vacuuming, a flatpack coffin and a cross between a cookie and a cake were among the things that ***-based inventors thought up last year.

A Guardian analysis of patent applications listed by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) found 5,955 involving at least one ***-based inventor had been published in 2023.

They included a

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, invented by Alex May, 31, from London. The device involves a downwards-facing computer monitor that can be viewed from under a desk that can also operate as a sitting or standing desk if needed. May, who has had chronic back issues since his teenage years, came up with the desk after searching for a more comfortable way to use his computer.

“I was surprised to find there wasn’t something easy already out there when I first looked for it, but then I guess adding wheels to suitcases didn’t happen for decades,” he said.

The invention became even more useful after he developed long Covid in 2022. “I think there are lots of medical conditions where people could benefit from the desk, anything where lying down is more comfortable than sitting or standing,” he said.

Alex May using his lying-down computer table. Photograph: Alex May

“For otherwise able-bodied people, there are ergonomic benefits too. We’re all becoming familiar with the postural issues such as chronic lower back pain and ‘tech neck’ from using computers and phones. It’s been life-changing for me and I hope it will benefit many others too.”

May is in the process of patenting an updated model and setting up a small e-commerce business for the product.

Other inventions included a jute and bamboo

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. Invented by David How from Stourbridge, it is environmentally friendly and easy to assemble. Manufactured in Bangladesh through his fair-trade company Oasis Coffins, it was granted a patent in May.

Anna Coombe of Brandon in Suffolk was also granted a patent for a novel baking method and product combining dough and batter. Her Cookie Cake “enables the user to experience different textures in one *****”.

The invention was the result of a happy accident while baking with her daughter, when some cupcakes spilled over, resembling cookies on top. “She asked if we could make cakes topped with cookies and biscuits,” Coombe said.

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Anna Coombe and her daughter Sophie Coombe selling Cookie Cakes in Jarrolds department store. Photograph: Anna Coombs

“I wasn’t sure but said I would try. It took months to create the recipes, calculate proportions and experiment with different baking techniques, ingredients and flavours. I am inspired by my autistic daughter who has amazing ideas and creativity.”

After a “fantastic” initial reaction, Anna is selling her cakes online and in a local department store. She is looking for trials with other businesses and considering going into mass production.

Most of the patents applications were for highly technical or scientific inventions, but other less esoteric examples included an easy-assembly plywood cow to help

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practise lassoing like a cowboy,

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that record data on how the keeper is performing, a grand piano with the

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to save space, a

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made from mushrooms, a

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that uses radar to decide on the perfect time to wake you up,

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, a shoe that

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and a

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that vibrates your nose to get mucus out.

The figures show that 318 companies were responsible for half of the ***-based patent applications in 2023. Jaguar Land Rover led the way with 182, followed by Dyson with 151 – one of which was for a ****** dog that does the vacuuming. The four legs allow the ****** to travel up and down stairs, previously an impossible feat for ****** vacuum cleaners such as a Roomba.

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#Flatpack #coffins #****** #dogs #patents #applications #show #inventions #Technology

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