US20070163813A1 - Handheld dual input totalizing scale - Google Patents
Handheld dual input totalizing scale Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070163813A1 US20070163813A1 US11/473,700 US47370006A US2007163813A1 US 20070163813 A1 US20070163813 A1 US 20070163813A1 US 47370006 A US47370006 A US 47370006A US 2007163813 A1 US2007163813 A1 US 2007163813A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- scale
- attachment points
- handle
- suitcase
- body portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01G—WEIGHING
- G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups
- G01G19/52—Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. furniture
- G01G19/58—Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. furniture combined with handles of suit-cases or trunks
Abstract
The present invention provides airline travelers with a method of determining baggage weight compliance while traveling, prior to having baggage rejected or additional fees assessed at the baggage check counter at the airport. In a first aspect, a scale is disclosed that comprises first and second attachment points, wherein the scale indicates a relative force applied to the attachment points. In a second aspect, a scale is disclosed which comprises two independent attachment points wherein the scale can display the total force applied to the attachment points.
Description
- This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of provisional patent application No. 60/759,756, filed Jan. 17, 2006.
- The present invention relates generally to luggage and more specifically to the weighing of luggage.
- Often at airports and other such locations there is a weight limit for each piece of luggage. If one or more pieces of a customer's luggage exceed this weight limit, then additional fees are assessed. Also, the traveler must then either find a way to reduce the weight and contents of the luggage or pay for an additional piece of luggage. In addition to the inconvenience experienced by the traveler and the additional fees, the traveler may have to miss a scheduled flight and as a result suffer even greater inconvenience and expense.
- Placing luggage bags on a typical home scale, such as a bathroom scale, is a clumsy and difficult process. Oftentimes the display of the scale is covered by the luggage, which may be much larger and bulkier in size than the scale. It is also difficult to place luggage on a home scale and to keep it steady without holding it and thereby affecting the weight measurement. Each time the luggage needs to be weighed with a conventional home scale, the suitcase or bag must be closed before attempting to place it on the small-sized scale. What is needed is a method by which a customer can weigh luggage as it is being packed, to make sure that it fits within required weight limits before it taken to the airport or location for transport. The present invention meets this need.
- The present invention provides airline travelers with a method of determining baggage weight compliance while traveling, prior to having baggage rejected or additional fees assessed at the baggage check counter at the airport. In a first aspect, a scale is disclosed that comprises first and second attachment points, wherein the scale indicates a relative force applied to the attachment points. In a second aspect, a scale is disclosed which comprises two independent attachment points wherein the scale can display the total force applied to the attachment points.
-
FIG. 1 shows a suitcase with a handle, attachment fittings and a scale located in the handle in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a detailed illustration of the handle of the suitcase in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a handle -
FIG. 4 illustrates a third embodiment of a handle - The present invention relates to generally to luggage and more specifically to the weighing of luggage. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
- The present invention provides an individual with a method for determining the weight of a piece of luggage (a suitcase, for example) without using a standalone utility scale.
-
FIG. 1 shows asuitcase 10 in accordance with the present invention. Thesuitcase 10 includes abody portion 11 and ahandle 12. Thesuitcase 10 further includesattachment fittings handle 12 to the suitcase, and aweight scale 16 located in the handle in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a partially expanded illustration of thehandle 12 of the suitcase in accordance with the present invention. Thehandle 12 includesattachment points compression scale 102, a window 210 with anindicator scale 112.Attachment points handle 12 to the suitcase or piece of luggage (not shown). The attachment points 14 a-14 b may be permanently connected to thebody 11 of the suitcase or they may be detachable, allowing thehandle 12 to detach from thesuitcase body 11. The attachment points 14 a-14 b connect to a spring orcompression scale 102 which is contained within thehandle shell 104. Thehandle 12 is fitted with anopening 108 and a spring orcompression scale 102 within thehandle shell 104. - As is seen in
FIG. 2 , awindow 110 with anindicator scale 112 fits within theopening 108 in the handle shell, thereby covering thespring scale 102 and thescale pointer 106. Thewindow 110 could be made from any kind of clear material such as plastic, glass, or any other transparent material. Theindicator scale 112 has markings on it which indicate weight in pounds, ounces, a metric scale, or other measurement scales, and is calibrated to include the total weight of the suitcase and handle/scale combination, so that an accurate weight reading may be determined. When a person lifts the suitcase from a surface so that the suitcase is supported only by the person holding the suitcase, thescale pointer 106 will point to markings on theindicator scale 112 which indicate the weight of the suitcase. In this way a person may determine the weight of the suitcase. - The markings on the indicator scale, as indicated above, may be displayed in pounds, ounces, the metric system, or in any other desired weight measurement system. It would also be possible to utilize markings on the indicator scale which indicate weight limits imposed by specific airlines, transport companies, mailing systems or the like.
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FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a handle. The handle is coupled to a body portion of a suitcase, for example the handle comprises a handle shell (300). Within the shell is a mechanism (301, 302, 303) coupled to the body portion. Each attachment point (301 a, 301 b) moves independently causing an indicator (305) to move a distance proportionate to the weight suspended by the mechanism and causing a scale (306) adjacent to the indicator to move a distance proportionate to the weight suspended. In abstract, a device used to weigh items at two attachment points where the item being weighed has a variable center of gravity, which include ahandle 300 and two attachingpoints cams 302 and followers 303 whereby the vertical force applied to theattachment points cam followers attachment points followers -
FIG. 4 illustrates a third embodiment of a handle. The handle is coupled to a body portion of a suitcase, for example the handle comprises a shell (400); within the shell is a mechanism (401,402, 403, 404) coupled to the body portion; where each attachment point moves independently; causing pressure to be transferred by a link(s) (405 a & 405 b) and a transducer (408) sends a relative signal to a microprocessor (407). The microprocessor provides an indication of the totalized weight on a LCD (406). In abstract, a device used to weigh items at two attachment points where the item being weighed has a variable center of gravity, which include ahandle 400 and two attachingpoints followers attachment points cam followers attachment points strain gauge 408. The relative measurement of force suspended atattachment points electronic display screen 406. The combined pressure of the independent mechanisms result in a totalized weight indication suspended at the attachment points. - Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Although two attachment points are utilized in the preferred embodiment, one of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes that a plurality of attachment points could be utilized and that they would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes that the scale could utilize a digital readout, and be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- Although a suitcase is shown as a preferred embodiment, one of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes that other types of pieces of luggage may be utilized, such as bags or containers of various kinds, and that they would also be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims (10)
1. A scale comprising:
first and second attachment points; wherein the scale indicates a relative force applied to the attachment points.
2. The scale of claim 1 wherein the relative force is applied symmetrically to the two attachment points.
3. The scale of claim 1 wherein the relative force is applied asymmetrically to the two attachment points.
4. The scale of claim 1 wherein the scale includes a set of cams and followers to transfer force and motion between the attachment points.
5. A scale comprising;
two independent attachment points wherein the scale can display the total force applied to the two attachment points.
6. The scale of claim 5 wherein the scale includes a set of cams and followers to transfer force and motion between the attachment points.
7. A suitcase comprising:
a body portion; and
a handle coupled to the body portion, wherein the handle comprises a handle shell (300); within the shell is a mechanism (301, 302, 303) coupled to the body portion, the mechanism including a plurality of attachment points; where each attachment point (301 a, 301 b) moves independently; causing an indicator (305) to move a distance proportionate to the weight suspended by the mechanism; and causing a scale (306) adjacent to the indicator to move a distance proportionate to the weight suspended; where the combined movements of the independent mechanisms result in a totalized weight indication suspended at the attachment points.
8. The suitcase of claim 7 wherein the mechanism includes a set of cams and followers to transfer force and motion between the attachment points.
9. A suitcase comprising:
a body portion; and
a handle coupled to the body portion, wherein the handle comprises a handle shell (400); within the shell is a mechanism (401,402, 403, 404) coupled to the body portion, the mechanism including a plurality of attachment points; where each attachment point moves independently; causing pressure to be transferred by a link(s) (405 a & 405 b); and the transducer (408) sends a relative signal to a microprocessor (407); and the microprocessor provides an indication of the totalized weight on a LCD (406); where the combined pressure of the independent mechanisms result in a totalized weight indication suspended at the attachment points.
10. The suitcase of claim 9 wherein the mechanism includes a set of cams and followers to transfer force and motion between the attachment points.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/473,700 US7271353B1 (en) | 2006-01-18 | 2006-06-22 | Scale which indicates a relative force applied between two attachment points |
US11/855,965 US20080006449A1 (en) | 2006-01-18 | 2007-09-14 | Scale which indicates a relative force applied between two attachment points |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US75975606P | 2006-01-18 | 2006-01-18 | |
US11/473,700 US7271353B1 (en) | 2006-01-18 | 2006-06-22 | Scale which indicates a relative force applied between two attachment points |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/855,965 Continuation US20080006449A1 (en) | 2006-01-18 | 2007-09-14 | Scale which indicates a relative force applied between two attachment points |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070163813A1 true US20070163813A1 (en) | 2007-07-19 |
US7271353B1 US7271353B1 (en) | 2007-09-18 |
Family
ID=38262094
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/473,700 Expired - Fee Related US7271353B1 (en) | 2006-01-18 | 2006-06-22 | Scale which indicates a relative force applied between two attachment points |
US11/855,965 Abandoned US20080006449A1 (en) | 2006-01-18 | 2007-09-14 | Scale which indicates a relative force applied between two attachment points |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/855,965 Abandoned US20080006449A1 (en) | 2006-01-18 | 2007-09-14 | Scale which indicates a relative force applied between two attachment points |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US7271353B1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080083802A1 (en) * | 2006-10-05 | 2008-04-10 | David Reziniano | Backpack with Integral Weighing Means |
US7378604B2 (en) * | 2005-11-12 | 2008-05-27 | Ricardo Beverly Hills | Luggage with built-in weight measurement device and method of use |
WO2011135317A1 (en) * | 2010-04-30 | 2011-11-03 | Peter Palmer | Handle |
US20130043080A1 (en) * | 2011-08-18 | 2013-02-21 | E-Famtrips, Inc. | Luggage with an integrated weight scale and a weight scale |
US20130048391A1 (en) * | 2011-08-25 | 2013-02-28 | Chi-Chai LEE | Handle device having a scale |
US8575500B1 (en) * | 2010-11-18 | 2013-11-05 | Edward J. Genet, Sr. | Hand-held electronic luggage scale device |
US9651465B2 (en) | 2013-09-25 | 2017-05-16 | Golftek, Llc | Golf-ball compression measurement |
US9835488B2 (en) * | 2014-03-15 | 2017-12-05 | Paul Alan Berman | Luggage scale and identification tag system |
US10139211B1 (en) * | 2015-09-02 | 2018-11-27 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Ammunition counter integrated into ammunition can |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7358449B2 (en) * | 2006-03-10 | 2008-04-15 | Hannon Todd J | Apparatus and method for measuring luggage weight |
US7550684B2 (en) * | 2007-04-11 | 2009-06-23 | Ronald Kritzler | Portable handheld electronic scale |
US7501591B1 (en) * | 2007-08-29 | 2009-03-10 | Cesar Muniz | Device for measuring and annunciating weight of luggage articles |
US7956285B2 (en) * | 2008-07-03 | 2011-06-07 | Cooper Technologies Company | Floor stand for mounting an electrical box |
US8485329B1 (en) * | 2010-04-28 | 2013-07-16 | Liliane Roy | Luggage bag having a handle incorporating a scale for weighing the bag |
WO2012103301A1 (en) * | 2011-01-26 | 2012-08-02 | Heys (USA), Inc. | Handle-scale for suitcase |
US20130264128A1 (en) * | 2012-04-09 | 2013-10-10 | Master Lock Company | Luggage lock |
US20160061647A1 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2016-03-03 | Jennifer McKinney | Weighing and tracking device |
Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2518973A (en) * | 1946-12-17 | 1950-08-15 | Archie P Atherton | Weighing device for suitcases |
US2710083A (en) * | 1954-10-25 | 1955-06-07 | White William John | Weighing device for luggage |
US2759577A (en) * | 1955-12-02 | 1956-08-21 | White William John | Weighing device for baggage |
US2937016A (en) * | 1957-08-19 | 1960-05-17 | Willard E Westman | Handle weighing mechanism for luggage |
US3090454A (en) * | 1960-05-11 | 1963-05-21 | Clayton L Farrar | Scale luggage handle |
US4482783A (en) * | 1976-03-08 | 1984-11-13 | Hottinger Baldwin Measurements, Inc. | Patient weighing scale with hoist |
US4936399A (en) * | 1988-04-18 | 1990-06-26 | Christman Richard E | Hand held weighing scale |
US5031710A (en) * | 1989-07-25 | 1991-07-16 | Annuities Ii | Electronic fish scale |
US5033563A (en) * | 1976-05-18 | 1991-07-23 | Cardinal Scale Manufacturing Company | Apparatus for weighing a patient on a stretcher |
US5576521A (en) * | 1991-03-26 | 1996-11-19 | Createchnic Ag | Multiple readout spring scale |
US6121555A (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 2000-09-19 | Northgate Technologies Incorporated | Fluid container sensor |
US6329612B1 (en) * | 1999-02-10 | 2001-12-11 | Arjo Limited | Invalid hoists |
US20050051586A1 (en) * | 2002-12-16 | 2005-03-10 | Greg Siwak | Weight determining mechanism for a backpack or other luggage |
US7022921B2 (en) * | 2003-05-28 | 2006-04-04 | Sr Instruments, Inc. | Electronic scale assembly having incorporated spreader arm |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2385142B (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2005-07-13 | Amal Ghosh | Handy luggage weighing gadget |
AUPS252102A0 (en) * | 2002-05-23 | 2002-06-13 | Marks, Peter John | Weighing devices |
GB0403251D0 (en) | 2004-02-13 | 2004-03-17 | Travelite Ltd | Apparatus |
US20060207850A1 (en) * | 2005-03-18 | 2006-09-21 | Lewis John J | Luggage handle with integral weight scale |
US20070007048A1 (en) * | 2005-07-05 | 2007-01-11 | Michael Gill | Luggage scale |
US7238895B2 (en) * | 2005-08-29 | 2007-07-03 | Dittrich Josephine M | Multi-purpose digital scale for travelers |
US7378604B2 (en) * | 2005-11-12 | 2008-05-27 | Ricardo Beverly Hills | Luggage with built-in weight measurement device and method of use |
US7358449B2 (en) * | 2006-03-10 | 2008-04-15 | Hannon Todd J | Apparatus and method for measuring luggage weight |
-
2006
- 2006-06-22 US US11/473,700 patent/US7271353B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-09-14 US US11/855,965 patent/US20080006449A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2518973A (en) * | 1946-12-17 | 1950-08-15 | Archie P Atherton | Weighing device for suitcases |
US2710083A (en) * | 1954-10-25 | 1955-06-07 | White William John | Weighing device for luggage |
US2759577A (en) * | 1955-12-02 | 1956-08-21 | White William John | Weighing device for baggage |
US2937016A (en) * | 1957-08-19 | 1960-05-17 | Willard E Westman | Handle weighing mechanism for luggage |
US3090454A (en) * | 1960-05-11 | 1963-05-21 | Clayton L Farrar | Scale luggage handle |
US4482783A (en) * | 1976-03-08 | 1984-11-13 | Hottinger Baldwin Measurements, Inc. | Patient weighing scale with hoist |
US5033563A (en) * | 1976-05-18 | 1991-07-23 | Cardinal Scale Manufacturing Company | Apparatus for weighing a patient on a stretcher |
US4936399A (en) * | 1988-04-18 | 1990-06-26 | Christman Richard E | Hand held weighing scale |
US5031710A (en) * | 1989-07-25 | 1991-07-16 | Annuities Ii | Electronic fish scale |
US5576521A (en) * | 1991-03-26 | 1996-11-19 | Createchnic Ag | Multiple readout spring scale |
US6121555A (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 2000-09-19 | Northgate Technologies Incorporated | Fluid container sensor |
US6329612B1 (en) * | 1999-02-10 | 2001-12-11 | Arjo Limited | Invalid hoists |
US20050051586A1 (en) * | 2002-12-16 | 2005-03-10 | Greg Siwak | Weight determining mechanism for a backpack or other luggage |
US7022921B2 (en) * | 2003-05-28 | 2006-04-04 | Sr Instruments, Inc. | Electronic scale assembly having incorporated spreader arm |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7378604B2 (en) * | 2005-11-12 | 2008-05-27 | Ricardo Beverly Hills | Luggage with built-in weight measurement device and method of use |
US20080083802A1 (en) * | 2006-10-05 | 2008-04-10 | David Reziniano | Backpack with Integral Weighing Means |
WO2011135317A1 (en) * | 2010-04-30 | 2011-11-03 | Peter Palmer | Handle |
US8575500B1 (en) * | 2010-11-18 | 2013-11-05 | Edward J. Genet, Sr. | Hand-held electronic luggage scale device |
US20130043080A1 (en) * | 2011-08-18 | 2013-02-21 | E-Famtrips, Inc. | Luggage with an integrated weight scale and a weight scale |
US8853565B2 (en) * | 2011-08-18 | 2014-10-07 | E-Famtrips, Inc. | Luggage with an integrated weight scale and a weight scale configured to be flush with a surface of the luggage |
US20130048391A1 (en) * | 2011-08-25 | 2013-02-28 | Chi-Chai LEE | Handle device having a scale |
US8766111B2 (en) * | 2011-08-25 | 2014-07-01 | Chi-Chai LEE | Baggage handle device having a retractable weighing mechanism that pivots out of the handle in use, and is locked down into the handle when not in use |
US9651465B2 (en) | 2013-09-25 | 2017-05-16 | Golftek, Llc | Golf-ball compression measurement |
US9835488B2 (en) * | 2014-03-15 | 2017-12-05 | Paul Alan Berman | Luggage scale and identification tag system |
US10139211B1 (en) * | 2015-09-02 | 2018-11-27 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Ammunition counter integrated into ammunition can |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20080006449A1 (en) | 2008-01-10 |
US7271353B1 (en) | 2007-09-18 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TFB GLOBAL, LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEWIS, JOHN J.;REEL/FRAME:019218/0623 Effective date: 20070426 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
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REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20150918 |