CA2590467A1 - Shop floor scale - Google Patents
Shop floor scale Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2590467A1 CA2590467A1 CA 2590467 CA2590467A CA2590467A1 CA 2590467 A1 CA2590467 A1 CA 2590467A1 CA 2590467 CA2590467 CA 2590467 CA 2590467 A CA2590467 A CA 2590467A CA 2590467 A1 CA2590467 A1 CA 2590467A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pallet
- scale
- platform
- pallets
- sensors
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01G—WEIGHING
- G01G21/00—Details of weighing apparatus
- G01G21/22—Weigh pans or other weighing receptacles; Weighing platforms
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01G—WEIGHING
- G01G23/00—Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus
- G01G23/18—Indicating devices, e.g. for remote indication; Recording devices; Scales, e.g. graduated
- G01G23/36—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells
- G01G23/37—Indicating the weight by electrical means, e.g. using photoelectric cells involving digital counting
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Pallets (AREA)
Abstract
A lightweight industrial scale. The scale integrates sensors onto heavy-duty plastic pallets to create a robust platform for weighing skids, Gaylord boxes, super sacks, finished goods and other items. The pallet scales have sensors mounted in a distributed fashion to the bottom of flat pallets (typically referred to as "stackable" or "rackable") or onto the bottom of each leg on a legged pallet (typically referred to as "nestable").
Description
SHOP FLOOR SCALE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to pallets. More particularly, the present invention relates to the weighing of pallets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Industrial pallets are used for supporting heavy loads during transportation and shipping thereof. There is a need to determine the weight of such loads, which is presently achieved by having a forklift operator manually haul the pallet with the load onto an industrial scale. Different scales are required for different weight ranges, and there is the risk of damage to the load during forklift transportation. Furthermore, the time required for weighing many pallets will be time consuming.
Therefore, there is a need for a weighing apparatus for overcoming the problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous scales.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a portable scale having a platform for supporting a load, load sensors mounted on a bottom surface of the platform for providing weight data, and a display unit in electrical communication with the load sensors for displaying alpha-numeric text corresponding to the weight data. According to an embodiment of the present aspect, the platform includes folding regions for reducing a planar surface area of the pallet when in a fully folded position.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
Fig. 4 is a plan view of an pallet scale, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a plan view of a folding pallet scale, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a side view of the folding pallet scale of Figure 5 in a partially folded position;
Fig. 7 is a side view of the folding pallet scale of Figure 5 in a fully folded position; and Fig. 8 is a plan view of the folding pallet scale of Figure 5 in the fully folded position, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A lightweight industrial scale for use in factories, plants, warehouses and distribution centers is disclosed. This line of scales integrates sensors onto heavy-duty plastic pallets to create a robust platform for weighing skids, Gaylord boxes, super sacks, finished goods and other items. The pallet scales have sensors mounted in a distributed fashion to the bottom of flat pallets (typically referred to as "stackable" or "rackable") or onto the bottom of each leg on a legged pallet (typically referred to as "nestable") as depicted in Figure 4. Different ranges of capacity ratings for the Shop Floor Scales are possible.
The display unit has several configurations. It can be permanently mounted onto the body of the plastic pallet (depicted in Figure 4a in the top-mounted position and in Figure 4b in the bottom-mounted position), mounted and removable while attached by a connecting cable or it can be connected wirelessly. The display unit will feature an LED
or LCD display powered by a rechargeable battery. The unit will be able to run from AC power (120/240v) while recharging the battery. In the wireless configuration, it is possible to have one display unit that communicates with several shop floor scales. The use of an infrared communication protocol ensures accurate communication with the intended scale. The display unit also has an optional 802.1 lx radio that allows it to communicate with a corporate wireless network. Thus the weight of specific items can be captured and integrated into ERP, logistics, accounting or other corporate systems.
The pallet platforms will feature several innovations to enhance its overall usability.
The unit will have as an option the ability to be folded and locked for easy transport from location to location. Figure 5 shows the two fold points of the pallet and positioning for six hinges. Depending on hinge selection, more or less individual hinges may be used. Figure 6 shows the unit in a partially folded position while Figure 7 depicts the fully closed and locked position. The locking mechanism can either be a mechanical device at the hinges (a hook and eye latch is depicted as option "a") or on the outer legs (a strap is depicted as option "b"). The folded unit fits into the space of a standard automobile trunk.
As depicted in Figure 8, the platform will be fitted with a lifting handle and offset wheels on the opposite side that make contact with the floor only when the unit is lifted. Thus, the unit can be easily moved by one person. The unit will have loops for hanging from the wall to save space and keep the unit in a secure location.
The sensors themselves will be protected from harsh industrial environments while not in use as a scale. The approach utilizes removable sensors that are affixed by means of a set of matched tabs and grooves. The user can "screw" and "unscrew" the sensors from the bottom of the platform. Any means for attaching and removing the load cell sensors can be used.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to pallets. More particularly, the present invention relates to the weighing of pallets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Industrial pallets are used for supporting heavy loads during transportation and shipping thereof. There is a need to determine the weight of such loads, which is presently achieved by having a forklift operator manually haul the pallet with the load onto an industrial scale. Different scales are required for different weight ranges, and there is the risk of damage to the load during forklift transportation. Furthermore, the time required for weighing many pallets will be time consuming.
Therefore, there is a need for a weighing apparatus for overcoming the problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous scales.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a portable scale having a platform for supporting a load, load sensors mounted on a bottom surface of the platform for providing weight data, and a display unit in electrical communication with the load sensors for displaying alpha-numeric text corresponding to the weight data. According to an embodiment of the present aspect, the platform includes folding regions for reducing a planar surface area of the pallet when in a fully folded position.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
Fig. 4 is a plan view of an pallet scale, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a plan view of a folding pallet scale, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a side view of the folding pallet scale of Figure 5 in a partially folded position;
Fig. 7 is a side view of the folding pallet scale of Figure 5 in a fully folded position; and Fig. 8 is a plan view of the folding pallet scale of Figure 5 in the fully folded position, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A lightweight industrial scale for use in factories, plants, warehouses and distribution centers is disclosed. This line of scales integrates sensors onto heavy-duty plastic pallets to create a robust platform for weighing skids, Gaylord boxes, super sacks, finished goods and other items. The pallet scales have sensors mounted in a distributed fashion to the bottom of flat pallets (typically referred to as "stackable" or "rackable") or onto the bottom of each leg on a legged pallet (typically referred to as "nestable") as depicted in Figure 4. Different ranges of capacity ratings for the Shop Floor Scales are possible.
The display unit has several configurations. It can be permanently mounted onto the body of the plastic pallet (depicted in Figure 4a in the top-mounted position and in Figure 4b in the bottom-mounted position), mounted and removable while attached by a connecting cable or it can be connected wirelessly. The display unit will feature an LED
or LCD display powered by a rechargeable battery. The unit will be able to run from AC power (120/240v) while recharging the battery. In the wireless configuration, it is possible to have one display unit that communicates with several shop floor scales. The use of an infrared communication protocol ensures accurate communication with the intended scale. The display unit also has an optional 802.1 lx radio that allows it to communicate with a corporate wireless network. Thus the weight of specific items can be captured and integrated into ERP, logistics, accounting or other corporate systems.
The pallet platforms will feature several innovations to enhance its overall usability.
The unit will have as an option the ability to be folded and locked for easy transport from location to location. Figure 5 shows the two fold points of the pallet and positioning for six hinges. Depending on hinge selection, more or less individual hinges may be used. Figure 6 shows the unit in a partially folded position while Figure 7 depicts the fully closed and locked position. The locking mechanism can either be a mechanical device at the hinges (a hook and eye latch is depicted as option "a") or on the outer legs (a strap is depicted as option "b"). The folded unit fits into the space of a standard automobile trunk.
As depicted in Figure 8, the platform will be fitted with a lifting handle and offset wheels on the opposite side that make contact with the floor only when the unit is lifted. Thus, the unit can be easily moved by one person. The unit will have loops for hanging from the wall to save space and keep the unit in a secure location.
The sensors themselves will be protected from harsh industrial environments while not in use as a scale. The approach utilizes removable sensors that are affixed by means of a set of matched tabs and grooves. The user can "screw" and "unscrew" the sensors from the bottom of the platform. Any means for attaching and removing the load cell sensors can be used.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
Claims (2)
1. A portable scale comprising:
a platform for supporting a load;
load sensors mounted on a bottom surface of the platform for providing weight data;
and, a display unit in electrical communication with the load sensors for displaying alpha-numeric text corresponding to the weight data.
a platform for supporting a load;
load sensors mounted on a bottom surface of the platform for providing weight data;
and, a display unit in electrical communication with the load sensors for displaying alpha-numeric text corresponding to the weight data.
2. The portable scale of claim 1, wherein the platform includes folding regions for reducing a planar surface area of the pallet in a fully folded position.
Priority Applications (12)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2590467 CA2590467A1 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2007-05-29 | Shop floor scale |
| EP08757159A EP2162708A4 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Pallet with scale |
| US12/602,146 US20100187022A1 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Pallet with scale |
| CN2008801011311A CN101809422B (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Pallet with scale |
| MX2009012913A MX2009012913A (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Pallet with scale. |
| BRPI0812075-7A2A BRPI0812075A2 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | ROCKING PALLETS |
| KR1020097027307A KR20100023011A (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Pallet with scale |
| JP2010509644A JP2010527856A (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Pallet with weighing scale |
| TW097119900A TW200909788A (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Pallet with scale |
| PCT/CA2008/001023 WO2008144913A1 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Pallet with scale |
| AU2008255550A AU2008255550A1 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Pallet with scale |
| CA2689921A CA2689921A1 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Pallet with scale |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2590467 CA2590467A1 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2007-05-29 | Shop floor scale |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2590467A1 true CA2590467A1 (en) | 2008-11-29 |
Family
ID=40074394
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2590467 Abandoned CA2590467A1 (en) | 2007-05-29 | 2007-05-29 | Shop floor scale |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2590467A1 (en) |
-
2007
- 2007-05-29 CA CA 2590467 patent/CA2590467A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |