FR2639432A1 - Device making it possible to evaluate the relative weight of an item of luggage - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device making it possible to check whether the weight of an item of luggage is less than or greater than a defined weight. It consists of a strap 3 which is fitted by a clip 2 around the handle 7 of the item of luggage, and which comprises one (or a plurality of) calibrated element(s) 1 which breaks/break when the item of luggage is lifted using the device if the load is greater than the defined weight. The device according to the invention is in particular intended for users of air transport.

Description

 The present invention relates to a device intended to verify, with sufficient approximation, that the weight of a piece of luggage is less than or greater than a determined weight.

 Transport tickets, especially air tickets, specify to the user the maximum authorized weight of accompanied luggage. Any excess weight noted at the check-in of luggage is subject to additional invoicing.

 The user can check the weight of his luggage at home with appropriate equipment, but this operation is often impossible during the trip, for the return journey for example.

 The device according to the invention overcomes this drawback.

 It consists of a strap adaptable to the handle of the baggage, allowing it to be lifted and comprising one or more calibrated elements whose breaking point at the tensile force corresponds to the maximum authorized weight or to neighboring values.

 According to a preferred embodiment, the device is made in one piece, in plastic for example, comprising a clip system at the ends, to arrange it in a ring around an anchoring point on the luggage, the handle for example.

 The profile of this strap has one or more calibrated elements and possibly shapes which facilitate positioning and gripping.

 The effort required to lift the load is also divided into two branches, one of which includes the tared element.

 The value of the breaking point at the tensile force of this element is then equivalent to half the weight to be checked.

 According to a variant, the force necessary to lift the load is entirely supported by the tared element, and in this case, the value of the breaking point at the tensile force of this element is equivalent to the weight to be checked.

 The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention.

 Figures 1 and 2 show the device according to the invention.

 Figures 3 and 4 show a variant of this device.

 The device shown in Figures 1 and 2 has dimensions of the order of: 22 cm in length, 2 cm in width and 0.1 cm in thickness.

 It has at one end the tared parts (1), identified by the value of the weight to be checked, and at the other end the light (2) which allows an articulated stapling on the tared parts.

 Each end may also include a light and tared parts, thus allowing common use of the ends.

 The handle (3) of the device is delimited by the profile and can be used as a label "Address holder" or advertising medium.

 Part 4 materializes the location under the luggage handle.

 The device shown in Figures 3 and 4 corresponds to the variant. It comprises an element (A) having a light at each end (1-2) and two notches (3) for stapling in 1 around the handle of the luggage.

 An element (B) contains all the tared parts marked with the weight to be checked.

 An element (C) having a light at each of the ends (5-6) constitutes the handle of the device.

 The elements A-B-C can be presented integral and detachable.

 In these exemplary embodiments, the rupture zones are constituted by notches practiced preferably on the edges of the ribbon constituting the strap and may be of increasing resistance to yield under the traction of progressive loads.

 These notches can be arranged along the strap at the longitudinal location best suited to the use and can take other forms than that in the half-moon shown in the examples, the aim being to create weaker zones. resistances compared to other parts of the device.

 The constitution and production of these tared elements can be such that in use, the rupture occurs, in the case of overload, before the baggage has completely left its support.

 The device can also be used as an "address tag" or advertising medium, its characteristics make it possible to attach it to a transport ticket, for example for a shipment, and it is disposable after use.

Claims (4)

 1) Device making it possible to verify, with sufficient approximation, that the weight of a piece of luggage, in particular, is less than or greater than a determined weight and characterized in that the excess, by the luggage (7), of the determined weight results in the rupture of a tared element (1) of the device when the baggage is lifted with the aid of it and preferably before it has completely left its support.  2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it can be made in one piece, the tared element or elements (1), the stapling light (2) and the parts facilitating the positioning (4) or the grip (3), being obtained by modification of the profile.  3) Device according to any one of claims, characterized in that it is preferably in the form of a flat ribbon, the tared elements, of increasing and spotted values, being constituted by notches (1) made on along the edges of the ribbon at one or each end of the device, means (1-2) being provided for temporarily securing by an articulated connection the ends of said ribbon which is placed around an anchoring point of the luggage (7 ), such as the handle, to form a disposable gripping member after use.  4) Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is constituted so as to form a label "Door address" (3) or an advertising medium.