Coffee Grounds for a
Sustainable Future
A Literature and
Prior Art Review
Lauren Nuessner
Graphic Design, 1st year
NewSchool of
Architecture and Design
Intro to Research,
Trevor Stine
23 October 2019
1
Nuessner
ABSTRACT
Coffee Grounds for a Sustainable Future
by
Lauren Nuessner
The NewSchool of Architecture and Design, 2019
The environmental factors that are damaging and their relationship to a common thrown out
item, spent coffee grounds, is the subject of this thesis. This is a literature and prior art review
presenting the data gathered from reliable scientists who have studied these potential advantages
in using these coffee grounds. The analysis addresses three questions:
1. What are the environmental benefits of reusing coffee grounds?
2. Is it reasonable for households and restaurants to prevent disposal?
3. How is traditional coffee ground waste inefficient in terms of sustainability?
Three hypotheses are tested:
The use of a bin to collect coffee grounds in both residential and commercial environments will
enforce:
•
The benefits of reuse greatly override the cons.
•
With something simple to use, this product will be very usable for all domains.
•
Bioproducts will be able to replace those of which are non-sustainable.
Keywords: coffee grounds, sustainability, fertilizer, bioproducts, recycling, compost,
environmental factors, coffee shops, soil, plastic contamination, alternative
Nuessner
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT............................................................................................................................. 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS..........................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................3
LITERATURE REVIEW..........................................................................................................3
Inefficiency of Current Systems Employed Regarding Environmental Factors...........3
Fertilizer and Soil..............................................................................................4
Plastic Contamination........................................................................................4
Bioproducts........................................................................................................5
Normality of Coffee Ground Waste...............................................................................6
Coffee Shops......................................................................................................6
Vending Machines.............................................................................................7
PRIOR ART REVIEW..............................................................................................................7
Vortex De-aerator and Strainer..........................................................................8
Clasping Lid.......................................................................................................8
Bioplastic............................................................................................................8
Attachment Hook................................................................................................9
Basic Trashcan Elements....................................................................................9
CONCLUSION...........................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................11
Nuessner
3
INTRODUCTION
For the reader to understand the significance of being concerned with the collection of
used, or spent, coffee grounds, this component provides an overview of the subject through
historical information gathered. After being employed in a coffee shop for years, it became
apparent that coffee grounds are thrown out in mass amounts at the end of every shift. These
grounds must be of some magnitude to others, whether that be for anything from fertilizer to
biofuel. A solution to the wasteful manner of coffee grounds is the spent coffee grounds bin. It
collects the grounds in an enclosed bin to easily be stored and begin dehydration until picked up
and shipped to facilities for use. Presented below is a literature and prior art review for the
necessity and key features of the invention.
LITERATURE REVIEW
This literature review consists of two sections. The first examines the sources reviewing
how coffee grounds can be efficiently used in the environment, and discusses the current
methods used that are hazardous to both humans and the planet. The second part of the literature
review addresses the necessity of the collection of coffee grounds, and the immense change that
could be if utilized.
INEFFICIENCY OF CURRENT SYSTEMS EMPLOYED
REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Coffee grounds are not traditionally saved at the household or corporate level. The issues
that are explained below could be mediated with the recycling of spent coffee grounds people
normally waste.
Nuessner
4
Fertilizer and Soil
Fertilizer and soil are intended to be used as a safe material to encourage plant growth.
Although there are some that follow this ideal, there are also fertilized soils containing hazardous
materials and chemicals, especially those located near hazardous facilities. Of these, in
Oklahoma there is a radioactive plant that has been actively incorporating their hazardous
wastewater into a fertilizer sprayed into the soil. Although the facility has been observed and
passed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, there
are still cases of people being born blind, animals being mutated, and leukemia levels being
reported higher than national average. Runoff caused by rain causes these potentially harmful
chemicals to reach larger bodies of water and grasslands consumed by humans and animals. The
capability for the chemicals to be so widespread limits our knowledge on how proliferate the
chemicals can reach (Lemonick, 1987). Fertilizer and soil should not be a material of fear, rather
a catalyst to growth. Coffee grounds are a natural resource that can easily transition into
fertilizer. The fine texture and ability to store water make for a sustainable, proliferate, and
primary form of both fertilizer and soil.
Plastic Contamination
In addition to the soils containing harmful chemicals, there is also more fragments of
plastic in the soil now than there has ever been. Polyethylene is the specific type of plastic that
has been tested in a study conducted by scientists at Washington State University and the
University of Tennessee. The plastic is used to suppress the growth of weeds and maintain water.
The goal of the research is to explore various biodegradable plastic mulches and determine
which is the most successful alternative to polyethylene infusion. It has been concluded that
biodegradable plastic mulches are favorably compared to polyethylene. Of these biodegradable
Nuessner
5
mulches, coffee grounds are a top contestant. The grounds are from the earth and are recycled in
the natural form, without added substance or chemicals. The alternatives tested are not as reliable
yet because the organic matter yields inconsistent results across all the studies, but overall the
progress made supporting biodegradable material as an alternative remains a prime goal in the
progress of sustainability (Sintim, 2019). With a collection bin for coffee grounds, also made
from sustainable sources and not a true plastic, the possibility of a complete transition to
biodegradable mulch without plastic contamination would be much more attainable.
Bioproducts
Soil and mulch are not the only issues spent coffee grounds could be an efficient
possibility for. There is research on many other benefits of these grounds, such as their ability to
be compressed into an oil and used for biofuel with a high heating value and nitrogen content
(Caetano, 2014). Currently, the fuel that is being used is non-renewable, and once the earth either
exhausts the fossil fuels in the projected centuries or succumbs to the dangerous greenhouse
gases and overheating of the ozone, there will be need for a renewable source (Windsor, 2019).
Fossil fuels are not at an immediately hazardous level, but the rate at consumption is highly
underestimated and leads scientists to inquire a more suitable long- term alternative (Rogner,
1997). In addition to the grounds being reduced to an oil, construction technology is constantly
seeking out bioproducts to enhance effective materials. In a series of compression analyses,
coffee grounds in combination with other reusable materials are found to be a viable source of
material for a road subgrade material. A road subgrade material consists of layering material and
packing it together underneath the road in order to support the weight above. The goal of this
experiment is to prevent coffee grounds from entering, and eventually becoming a cog, in
landfills (Horpibulsuk, 2017). In total, the strive to produce efficient material is a worldwide
Nuessner
6
issue in need of a remedy. There are coffee grounds being disposed of in vast quantities rather
than being used to benefit society. If storage and transport were made a simple task like
recycling bottles and other plastic are today, then the concern could be depleted. A reliable,
renewable source would be allowed natural capabilities.
NORMALITY OF COFFEE GROUND WASTE
The issues faced with traditional inefficient use of spent coffee grounds are unnecessarily
substantial. In addition to the lack of spent coffee grounds in environmental use, it is important to
analyze the considerable amount of these wasted grounds.
Coffee Shops
In researching the efficiency of coffee grounds for biofuel production, scientists
published by the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry produced a figure displaying the
incredible amount of coffee wasted from StarbucksÒ alone. Their research used data from 2008,
but since then the numbers have only increased. In the United States alone, StarbucksÒ wastes
$8,020,000 worth of coffee grounds each year. In pounds per year in the United States,
210,000,000 pounds of coffee grounds could have gone towards feedstock or biodiesel
production (Narasimharao, 2008). This is only analyzing the market of StarbucksÒ coffee, not to
mention the numerous other chain coffee shops and restaurants. It is extremely wasteful for their
potential use. With a simple bin to collect, store, and eventually be transferred to facilities, the
amount of waste reduces greatly, and the environment will have more biofriendly production.
Restaurants, as well as other commercial buildings, are encouraged to meet environmental
certification factors brought forth by the US Green Building Council through the Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design program. This group has developed a point system for
Nuessner
7
commercial spaces, ranking and awarding those that comply with environmental practices. There
are also incentives for these spaces to become practice sustainability such as cash or tax breaks
provided by utility companies. With ample amount of motivation to go green, businesses such as
StarbucksÒ would prosper even more (Reby, 2009).
Vending Machines
Not only are coffee chains and restaurants receiving mass amounts of coffee sales, but
there is such an emergence of coffee popularity that vending machines are now a notable
proportion of the market. There are machines located in airports, shopping malls, hotels, and
many other locations where customers select their beverage to be mechanically made on site.
There are waste bins inside that collect the spent coffee grounds. Filled bins are eventually
emptied and wasted, but scientist collected these bins in order to use the grounds for bioresearch
and production of a sustainable biofuel (Vasmara, 2018). With the United States average being
over nine pounds of coffee consumed a year, the benefits of coffee collection override the cons
in nearly all scenarios (ChartsBin Statistics Collector Team, 2011). An efficient containment bin
incorporated to residential and commercial spaces is the solution to making progress towards a
sustainable planet.
PRIOR ART REVIEW
The proposed invention is a bin with a mesh interior to hold specifically coffee grounds.
A generic bin would only compact the soggy grounds and would likely produce a foul odor,
mold, mildew, or related disturbances if not delivered in a reasonable amount of time. To avoid
these concerns, the following inventions contain qualities beneficial to the specific spent coffee
ground bin itself.
Nuessner
8
Vortex De-aerator and Strainer
The initial patent addresses the compaction. There would be mesh interior lining that
would spin to produce a centripetal force driving out liquid from the grounds. The patent is
classified as a vortex type de-aerator. The characteristics of the patent are the inner and outer
lining, which the proposed invention would possess, with the outer lining gathering the water as
it exits the center. The invention would not require a constant human operation of spinning to
diverge humidity from the bin’s contents, but would have the same double layering as the
patented object. This is a simple way to begin de-humidifying the coffee grounds before pick-up
without any use of technology, only science (Blackmore, 1961).
Clasping Lid
A clasping lid is required for the patent to remain unbothersome towards users. This
patent is for a lid that had arranged the clasp to prevent air infestation. A lid will be used to
ensure the bin will not spill the coffee grounds or any liquid produced during transportation. The
material of this specific patent filed is plastic, which the proposed invention will not contain.
Rather than being produced from a petroleum- based plastic like the patent calls for, it will be
produced from a bioplastic (Chen, 1978).
Bioplastic
Bioplastics are extremely necessary for the bin to be efficient and not leave a footprint
like the one it is trying to prevent. Bioplastics themselves are patented materials for the generic
production. In 2012, this became an official patent stating that organic materials with a faster
decomposition than petroleum plastic classifies a bioplastic. The coffee ground collection bin
will make use of a bioplastic. The bin must be successfully waterproof, which some forms of
Nuessner
9
bioplastic do not possess. If the bin itself cannot be sustainable, then the invention’s purpose
begins to deplete (Budina, 2012).
Attachment Hook
In order to be made useful, the collection bin must be located somewhere users naturally
expect. Since coffee grounds typically make way to the garbage bin, the proposed invention will
be attached to a trashcan using a hook. The patent explored for this hook was not to be found,
but a similar hook the bin would use is a utility hook, typically found in households to hang
various items, including bicycles. The hook to be used in the invention will be sleek and attached
to the bucket chamber, easily attachable to the trashcan. Habits will transition from disposing
spent coffee grounds to preserving them in the receptacle connected (Webb, 2003).
Basic Trashcan Elements
Finally, the basic trashcan is the motivation behind the appearance and function of the
bin. This generic model already patented has a hard outer layer and a removeable inner layer for
replacing the garbage bag. Both of these characteristics will be useful in the new invention,
although there will be no need for any replaceable, and non-environmentally friendly, bags. The
patent also makes note of the inner layer being made of a petroleum plastic. The mesh inner layer
of the proposed invention will be made of either a cloth or thin aluminum substance, preventing
use of any material that is not sustainable (Yang 2003).
CONCLUSION
Throughout research, it has become evident the importance of transitioning from an
unsustainable society to an efficient one. Spent coffee grounds are an extremely moldable
Nuessner
10
medium for many products and alternatives. From being used for soil or compressed to become
biofuel, there are few limitations for this over- wasted bean. Analyzing the issues associated with
fertilizer and soils, plastic contamination, and the underuse of coffee grounds for bioproducts has
proven the necessity for an attainable, biodegradable substance. There is no reason for there to be
any hesitance towards any of these daily used items. As the planet continues to deplete fossil
fuels, the search for sustainability is on the rise. Through the information gathered, it is clear
how much damage has the potential to be alleviated with the incorporation of coffee grounds.
Traditional plastic and hazardous substances used today are not the answer to efficiency, but by
providing a collection to households and commercial spaces, hazard does not have to exist. By
referring to prior samples produced, the elements of a collection bin are extremely achievable.
Bioplastics are continuing to improve, and the future of the coffee grounds for sustainability is in
reach. A bin made by sustainable products for a sustainable use has the potential to collect the
future.
Nuessner
11
REFERENCES
Blackmore, J. J., Gordon, G. P. (1961). U.S. Patent No. 3151961A. Washington, DC: U.S.
Retrieved from http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nphParser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/
netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PALL&s1=3151961.PN
Budina, E. (2012). U.S. Patent No. 20130186303A1. Washington, DC: U.S. Retrieved from
http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph- Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u
=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PG01&s1=20130186303.PGNR
Caetano, N., Silva, V., Melo, A., Martins, A., & Mata, T. (2014). Spent coffee grounds for
biodiesel production and other applications. Clean Technologies & Environmental
Policy, 16(7), 1423–1430. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-014-0773-0
ChartsBin Statistics Collector Team (2011). Current Worldwide Annual Coffee Consumption
Per Capita. ChartsBin.com. Retrieved from http://chartsbin.com/view/581
Chen, A. C. (1978). U.S. Patent No. 4215797A. Washington, DC: U.S. Retrieved from
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nphParser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html&r=1&f=G
&l=50&d=PALL&s1=4215797.PN
Horpibulsuk, S., Kua, T.-A., Arulrajah, A., Du, Y.-J., & Suksiripattanapong, C. (2017).
Engineering and environmental evaluation of spent coffee grounds stabilized with
industrial by-products as a road subgrade material. Clean Technologies & Environmental
Policy, 19(1), 63–75. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-016-1188-x
Nuessner
12
Lemonick, M. D., & Dolan, B. (1987). Making Fertilizer from What? A uranium processor’s
novel experiment starts a national furor. TIME Magazine, 130(22), 79. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com.ezp.newschoolarch.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN
=57893456&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Narasimharao K., Susanta K. M., and Mano M. (2008). Spent Coffee Grounds as a Versatile
Source of Green Energy. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 56 (24), 1175711760. Retrieved from https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf802487s
Reby, J. W., Koeltzow, E. (2009) Green Requirements for Restaurants. The Practical Real Estate
Lawyer. Retrieved from https://www.lewisrice.com/content/uploads/2014/11/Reby
_GreenRequirementsforRestaurants.pdf
Rogner, H.-H. (1997). An Assessment of World Hydrocarbon Resources. Annual Review of
Energy & the Environment, 22(1), 217. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.
energy.22.1.217
Sintim, H. Y., Bandopadhyay, S., English, M. E., Bary, A. I., DeBruyn, J. M., Schaeffer, S. M.,
… Flury, M. (2019). Impacts of biodegradable plastic mulches on soil
health. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 273, 36–49. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2018.12.002
Vasmara, C., & Marchetti, R. (2018). Spent Coffee Grounds from Coffee Vending Machines as
Feedstock for Biogas Production. Environmental Engineering & Management Journal
(EEMJ), 17(10), 2401–2408. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com.ezp.newschoolarch.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=8gh&A
N=133682882&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Nuessner
13
Webb, M. D. (2003). U.S. Patent No. 7000783B2. Washington, DC: U.S. Retrieved from
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nphParser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html&r=1&f=G
&l=50&d=PALL&s1=7000783.PN
Windsor, F. M., Durance, I., Horton, A. A., Thompson, R. C., Tyler, C. R., & Ormerod, S. J.
(2019). A catchment‐scale perspective of plastic pollution. Global Change
Biology, 25(4), 1207–1221. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14572
Yang, F., Sandor, J. (2003). U. S. Patent No. 20050006536A1. Washington, DC: U.S. Retrieved
from http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/
netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PG01&s1=20050006536.PGNR
Coffee Grounds for a
Sustainable Future
A Literature and
Prior Art Review
Lauren Nuessner
BEACH UMBRELLA
1
Beach Umbrella
A Literature and Prior Art Review
July, 29
Ahmed Alsabilah
Construction Management - 2rd Year
NewSchool of Architecture & Design
RSH 481 - Introduction To Research
Trevor Stine, MA
BEACH UMBRELLA
2
Abstract
Beach Umbrella innovation project
By
Ahmed Alsabilah
Constructions Management- 2nd Year
New School of Architecture & Design
Beach umbrella innovation project of a unique umbrella whose shape resembles regular
umbrellas.
BEACH UMBRELLA
3
This innovation tries to improvise ways of addressing the comfortability of beach umbrellas,
whose risk of emitting sun rays, which are believed to be the leading cause of sunburns, and
also establish the umbrella’s task of absorbing energy from the sun rays using a solar system.
The analysis question of this thesis is to address sunburns by introducing the solar system that
is installed above the umbrella covers. The literature review section will discuss the proposed
innovation problem, the background of the industry, and the previous history of the invention.
At the same time, a review of the prior art will concentrate on how the design is relative to
similar devices in the industry to prove that there is a need for this invention, and it is also
original.
Table of Contents
Cover page............................................................................................................................1
Abstract………………………………………………………………………….................2
Table of contents………………………………………………………………………......3
Introduction……………………………………………………………………….............4
Literature Review Section………………………………………………………………..4
Prior art review…………………………………………………………...........................7
Conclusion……………………………………………………………...............................10
BEACH UMBRELLA
4
Reference…………………………………………………………….................................11
A Literature and Prior Art Review
Introduction
Beach umbrella innovation project of a unique umbrella whose shape resembles
regular umbrellas. Although, the beach umbrella is unique from its improved functionality of
the ability to absorb energy from sun rays, which is stored in static form. The power can be
transformed from direct current to alternating current using improvised solar storage system
with the availability of an average limit voltage. This transformation makes it possible for the
user to charge mobile phones and other devices that can support the Universal serial bus
(USB) connection. The USB is installed at the umbrella’s column. The improvised beach
BEACH UMBRELLA
5
umbrella is equipped with a led lighting system that can provide light during late evening
beach adventures.
Literature Review Section
•
Industry overview and background
The newly-innovated beach umbrella is specifically designed and invented for outdoor beach
use only. It is made up of a solar system covered umbrella structure, several LED lights under
the curve-shaped umbrella structure, AC input, internal battery system, hanger, switch,
Universal Serial Bus (USB), foldable table, and a sharp stand. The solar system is embodied
with the umbrella’s cover structure to get direct and indirect contact with the sun’s rays. The
solar system absorbs energy from the sun’s rays and converts it to static electricity, which is
stored in the internal battery system. The LED lighting system is used by beach-goers in the
evening beach picnics to provide light. The lighting power emanates from the internal battery
system. The alternating current (AC) input is used for electric devices that can be plugged in
to use AC power. The internal battery system is designed inside the umbrella metallic beam
to stand for protective measures. It saves energy from the solar system for future and current
use by other accessories.
The hangers are located on the umbrella’s metallic beam stand; beach-goers can hang their
clothing, bags, ornaments, and other items as they rest. Below the hanger, two switches are
used for switching the lights on or off. Below the switch lies the universal serial bus (USB)
port, which allows bitch-goers with electronic devices such as phones and iPods to charge
them using a compatible universal serial bus (USB) cables. The foldable table comes below
the USB port; it is used as tea, lunch, or coffee tables, for resting heavy bags, and can also be
used for handling electronic devices. Finally is the sharp stand that is forcefully erected to the
BEACH UMBRELLA
6
beach ground for stability. Of the whole umbrella structure. Below is an illustration of the
innovative beach umbrella.
•
History of the invention
This project resulted from me having sunburn effects from using public-free beach umbrellas
two years ago. This problem disrupted my comfort at the beach. I promised myself to
innovate an improvised version of the same umbrella that will reduce sunburns to beachgoers. I also realized that many beach-goers end up losing their items on the beach because
they lack a place they can monitor easily; for this reason, I embedded five hangers to the
beach umbrella for hanging bags and clothing. I also included electronic accessories that can
allow a beach-goer to stay late in the night, charge their electronics because of LED lights,
AC input, and USB ports, respectively. This project will make it comfortable for people to
enjoy their time on the beach.
•
The problem that the proposal solves
Ancient Chinese, Egyptians invented the first beach umbrella, and the Greeks around four
millenniums ago. It was among the ancient art and artifacts that were developed in the same
period in the three different nations. The beach umbrella’s main objective was to provide
shade away from the sun rays from women and children. Until today, the modern-day beach
umbrella is believed not to protect the beach-goers from ultraviolet rays of the sun
adequately. According to a study by Harper, a dermatologist, beach-goers have continuously
experienced sunburn even after spending their beach-time resting under a beach umbrella.
Most beach-goers would prefer the use of sunscreen compared to beach umbrellas because
they believed that the beach umbrellas allow a small amount of Ultra Violet rays to penetrate
under the beach umbrella material. The umbrella material blocks less amount of Ultra Violet
BEACH UMBRELLA
7
rays, therefore, beach-goers unknowingly suffer sunburns or even skin cancer on the
dangerous end.
The beach umbrella shade structures in comparison with the sunscreen oil show that the
beach-goers had more faith in the sunscreen than the beach umbrellas because they find more
relief on their skins when using sunscreens. Ultra Violet rays always need to be absorbed; if
not absorbed, they will hit the surface of items and get reflected any absorbing surface on
their path. This reasons why beach-goers’ skin is the most affected because there are very few
surfaces on the beach along the beach. Therefore, solar systems attract the Ultraviolet rays
from the sun massively because of the like and unlike poles in the solar system design.
Thus, the beach umbrella innovation project solves the problem associated with direct and
indirect ultraviolet rays that get reflected to reach the human skin. This problem is solved by
reducing the intensity level at which a beach-goer can be exposed to the sun rays.
Prior Art Review Section
•
Patent review process to prove that your patent is original although it may be
related to others
i.
Solar system on the top side of beach umbrella cover structure
This part of the beach umbrella has a solar system at the top to allow direct and indirect
sun rays to absorb energy, which will be stored in the battery system. No beach umbrella
design has patent rights for this structure. This is the first beach umbrella to include energysaving strategies in its construction.
ii.
LED light under the beach umbrella cover structure
The LED light underneath the beach umbrella cover structure is used to provide view
during evening and dark periods. The lights will be connected to the battery systems, where a
BEACH UMBRELLA
8
switch system will turn them on and off depending on need. This feature is unique as no other
invention has been established in previous designs.
iii.
Alternating current (AC) input
Alternating current input feature provides for beach-goers with electronics like radios to
charge them if they may stay longer on the beach. It is very convenient since the energy used
is not payable as it has been extracted from the solar energy. This feature is unique as there is
no invention close to this concerning beach umbrellas.
iv.
Internal battery system
The internal battery system’s location is inside the metal beam that works as the
mainframe of the beach umbrella. It stores energy directly from the solar system. It has an
inbuilt automated charging system, which makes it easy to charge during the day or it can be
charged at home. The internal battery system design is unique and has no patent established
on it before.
v.
Five hangers on the metal beam
These hangers are hooked on the metal bean, and its purpose is for hanging bags and clothes.
Though this is not the first invention, there have been several beach umbrellas with hangers.
This hanger feature is automatically not unique but a representation of ordinary beach
umbrellas.
vi.
Two switches
BEACH UMBRELLA
The switches below the hangers are for turning on or off the LED lights based on how much
light needed. This feature is unique where is no beach umbrella invention has secured a
patent for this. This feature makes the design unique.
vii.
One universal serial bus port (USB)
This is the first beach umbrella that has a universal serial bus port that can be used for
charging electronic devices that support global serial bus cables as chargers. This feature is
unique, and no beach umbrella invention has acquired a patent.
viii.
Foldable table
Many beach umbrellas have tables for handling drinks and other light items. Most beach
umbrellas have better tables than this, although this has a foldable feature that makes this
table unique. There is no patent for foldable tables therefore, this makes it the first patent for
foldable tables.
ix.
Anchor stand
This feature is at the bottom part of the beach umbrella, and it is forced to the ground to
anchor the umbrella from strong wings and to offer stability. Most beach umbrellas have this
technique because all beaches experience strong winds that may carry away the umbrella.
•
Search for inventions that are related directly to features of your invention
Inventions directly related to this one are very few. Although the relationship is only
limited to the standard features of a beach umbrella’s hangers, stand, and table while the
newly invented features like; solar system, LED lights, alternating current and Universal
serial bus charging ports are unique because they have no related inventions. Among the
associated elements that have patents include the anchor, portable beach umbrella, umbrella
canopy without solar and light-proof cover. These inventions have different features, with
9
BEACH UMBRELLA
10
differences arising from various modifications. For example, the anchor patents have their
disputes arising from the design modification of the anchor stands.
Conclusion
Throughout this innovation project, it is evident that when new features are
introduced in a product, its significance can be realized as the users felt its comfort. Beachgoers will have the opportunity to spend as much time they want on the beach with reduced
sun’s ultraviolet rays. Bach-goers can also take their electronics with them throughout their
stay on the beach as they can charge and reuse. Many people will find it easy to spend time
on the beach. However, this invention project may have shortcomings arising from the beachgoer's use and experience.
Reference
Academic Journal Citation
Allyse, B, Gunther, W. M. & Fantaskey, P. A. (2018). Fatal Chest injury caused by wind
blowing beach umbrella. Journal of Forensic Sciences. Vol. 63 Issue 6.
Https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.13765
Begley, S. (2017). Is sunscreen more protective than a beach umbrella? Retrieved on
2020, July 22, from https://www.statnews.com/2017/01/24/sunscreen-beach-umbrellasunburn/
Daily mail, Nicswell. (2018). UV rays ‘penetrate’ beach shades. Retrieved on 2020, July
22, from https://www.nicswell.co.uk/health-news/uv-rays-penetrate-beach-shades
BEACH UMBRELLA
11
Mackenzie, M. (2017). Beach Umbrellas provide little to no sun protection. Retrieved on
2020, July 22, from https://www.allure.com/story/beach-umbrella-no-sun-protection
Ou-yang, H., Jiang, L. & Meyer, K. (2017). Sun protection by beach umbrella vs
sunscreen with a high sun protection factor: A randomized clinical trial. Retrieved on
2020, July 22, from
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2597893
Utrillas, M. P. & Nunez, M. (2010). Ultraviolet radiation protection by a beach
umbrella. DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2009.00677.x
Thankachan, S. S. (2019). Solar-powered umbrella: A cleantech solution to mitigate the
adverse effects of UV radiation on outdoor workers. Retrieved on 2020, July 22, from
https://eprajournals.com/jpanel/upload/419pm_26.Sobin%20Sabu%20Thankachan-37361.pdf
Schwartzberg, L. & Adelson, I. K. (2020). The best beach umbrella is a world war II-era
beach umbrella. Retrieved on 2020, July 22, from
https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-beach-umbrella.html
Prior art from official patent citations
Archer, R. W. (1979). US4296693A- Beach umbrella support. Worldwide applications.
Retrieved on 2020, July 22, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US4296693A/en
Boissonnault, R. (1994). US5396916A-Beach umbrella anchoring device. Worldwide
applications. Retrieved on 2020, July 22, from
https://patents.google.com/patent/US5396916A/en
BEACH UMBRELLA
12
Giannetto, S. (2007). US7520485B1-Multi-mode beach umbrella anchor. Worldwide
applications. Retrieved on 2020, July 22, from
https://patents.google.com/patent/US7520485B1/en
Kenney, J. R. (1990). US5143108A-Beach Umbrella. World wide applications. Retrieved on
2020, July 22, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US5143108A/en
Lechner, W. & Macri, D. (1987). US4753411A- Portable beach umbrella safety base.
Universal application. Retrieved on 2020, July 22, from
https://patents.google.com/patent/US4753411A/en
Lee, Y. (2004). US7097380B2-Positioning structure of a beach umbrella. Worldwide
applications. Retrieved on 2020, July 22, from
https://patents.google.com/patent/US7097380B2/en
Riffle, A. M., Riffle, L. G., Sampson, K. R. & McCeney, P. R. (1994). US5452877A-Beach
umbrella anchor bag. Worldwide applications. Retrieved on 2020, July 22, from
https://patents.google.com/patent/US5452877A/en
Rodriquez, E. A. & Rodriguez, P. G. (1994). US5535978A- Beach umbrella anchoring
apparatus. Worldwide Applications. Retrieved on 2020, July 22, from
https://patents.google.com/patent/US5535978A/en
The Literature Review and Prior Art Review is ONE DOCUMENT with
TWO MAIN SECTIONS.
1. Literature Review section about the problem that your proposed
invention solves, industry background, and relevant history of the
invention’s theme. Your literature review will utilize scholarly
articles/journals, reputable books and other sources (e.g. dissertations,
conference proceedings, reports) The purpose is to offer an overview of
and background on significant literature published on the topics of the
problems your proposed invention is solving. This section justifies the
need for your proposed invention. In the conclusion paragraph within
this main section, make sure to discuss specifically how the proposed
invention will directly confront the researched information about the
problems. This will demonstrate critical thought.
2. Review of Prior Art section concentrates the relation of your
invention to other similar inventions in the realm. This exercise is
necessary for the patent review process and proves that your invention
is original, although it may be related to other previous inventions. You
will search the USPTO website for official patents/inventions which are
related directly to various features of your proposed invention. This
section proves that you have researched the various features of your
proposed invention and although they are related to other inventions,
the proposed invention is still unique. Within the conclusion paragraph
of this main section, specifically discuss the short-comings of the prior
art found and how (specifically) the proposed invention is an
improvement upon the other inventions. These two main sections
should be given equal attention in content and length.
▪
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Comments (*Note: The numbers refer to the specific
crucial point within the document “The Path to Writing
a Professional Document”, directly related to the
mistake within your document.):
a Make sure that the title is the most apparent thing on the cover
page. Expand the image and then create a nice layout in in around
the image in order to convey a professional sense.
Use single space for the information in the abstract. Refer to my
pieces and the student example in order to see how to format the
abstract correctly. The 1st sentence needs work. It is not a complete
sentence. Some other areas of the abstract also need to be
rewarded more carefully. Good job going over the problems which
your proposed invention is solving and mentioning the methodology
types. Make sure to also state the research questions and
hypotheses. Again look at my pieces as an example.
Good job using the title in the header. Try to come up with a more
original title. Good job inserting the page numbers.
No need to include the cover page and table of contents headings
within the table of contents itself. You are other main headings need
sub headings 10 traduce the topics within the sections you will be
discussing.
Make sure that their only 1" margins on each side of every page
within the document. Your 1st page begins several lines down.
On page 4 you stack headings which you are not supposed to do.
The introduction has a good direction because you briefly introduce
be proposed convention, however, it should also reflect all of the
main points within the abstract such as the problem, all of the name
topics to be discussed, the methodology, and the research in
hypothesis statements.
The literature review section should have a main heading and be
centered.
Do not use informal pronoun such as the word "it" within formal
documents. Instead, refer to this specific thing in order to avoid
ambiguity.
The introduction reveals a bit too much about your proposed
invention. Remember that this is supposed to be a literature review
so most of the content within this document should be centered
around all of the research you conducted.
Make sure to indent the 1st sentence of paragraphs.
Do not use personal narratives within research documents. You
immediately add bias to your document when you do this.
Within your little tree view, I am just not seeing much research at
all. Where all of your in text citations for all of the non obvious
information. You your literature review should reflect at least 8
sources of information concerning the background of the problem
that you were trying to solve.
Only use bullet points when you were listing things.
•
•
•
•
•
No need to number the headings. The format will do that.
Again, within the prior art review you are speaking to all of the
features of your proposed invention without discussing any of the
researched patents that are related to those features. Without real
research and sources this is not a research document.
As you find in discuss all of the research which you need to include
in this document, then speak to how your proposed invention solves
those individual problematic issues and how the proposed invention
is an improvement upon all of the prior art which you will find and
discuss. That will demonstrate critical thought. Within the
conclusion you will need to state all of the main points and most
interesting aspects of the research and then discuss how your
proposed invention is an improvement on those issues. Also within
the conclusion, speak to what the next steps of the development of
the proposed solution will be.
Begin the reference page on its own separate page. You may
combine all of the prior art and literature I view sources together,
just make that sure that they are in alphabetical order according to
the author's last name. Refer to my reference page from the thesus
in order to see how to properly format your reference page. The 1st
line of each source should be aligned to the left side and the
following lines should be indented until the next source.
Concerning the sources used, make sure that you do not use .com
websites. Instead, use academic journals to discuss the problem,
which centers around UV rays and skin issues. There should be a ton
of information to be found within academic journals about this
problem.
Purchase answer to see full
attachment