GB2433876A

GB2433876A - Self weighing suitcase

Info

Publication number: GB2433876A
Application number: GB0625760A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Callander
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-01-07
Filing date: 2006-12-22
Publication date: 2007-07-11
Also published as: GB0600299D0; GB0625760D0

Abstract

A portable container 1 for transporting an item or items housed within the container 1 comprises means 14 for supporting the container 1 when the container 1 is at rest on the ground. The container 1 supporting means 14 being adapted to provide an output representative of the weight of the container 1 and the item or items. The container 1 further having means for displaying the output as a reading of the weight. Preferably the means 14 for supporting the container 1 comprises a plurality of feet 14, each foot being a load cell 14 and providing a signal representative of the weight of the container 1 in the region occupied by the foot 14. Most preferably the container 1 is a suitcase, and the means for displaying the output as a reading of the weight comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) 16.

Description

Title: Portable Container The present invention relates to a portable

container for transporting an item or items housed within the container.

The invention particularly relates to a suitcase or other luggage type article for transporting or carrying clothes and other items of personal use.

According to the present invention we provide a portable container for transporting an item or items housed within the container, the container comprising means for supporting the container when the container is at rest on the ground, the container supporting means being adapted to provide an output representative of the weight of the container and the item or items and means for displaying the output as a reading of weight.

Preferably the means for supporting the container comprises a plurality of feet which together provide an output representative of the weight of the container.

Suitably each foot provides a signal representative of the particular weight of the container in the region occupied by the particular foot, the signals combining to form the output.

Suitably the feet comprise load cells.

Conveniently the container is a suitcase.

Preferably the means for displaying the reading of weight is located on the outside of the container.

Suitably the means for displaying the reading of weight is a liquid crystal display (LCD).

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view partially in perspective of the base of a closed suitcase in which are mounted four spaced feet in the form of known type weight measuring load cells, Figure 2 is another view of the suitcase in Figure 1 showing the closed suitcase resting on the feet on the ground and on another surface of the suitcase there is shown a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying the weight of the container, Figure 3 is yet another view of the suitcase with its closure flap open to reveal elements of an electrical circuit linking the feet to the LCD device and finally Figure 4 is a schematic circuit diagram representing the connections between the feet, battery and LCD device.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a standard portable and in this case wheelable suitcase I which is constructed of a fabric rather than leather although the invention relates to all suitcase materials.

The suitcase 1 has six sides, there being two generally larger, facing sides 2,3, two short end facing sides 4,5 the latter of which is curved and two long thinner facing sides 6,7.

The side 2 is formed as a closure flap 8 by which the interior 9 of the suitcase I can be lockably closed by a zip 10. 2.

On the side 3 of the suitcase 1, there is provided at one end a pair of spaced wheels 11 projecting from the surface of the side 3. These enable the suitcase I to be trundled around without being carried manually.

The suitcase 1 has a conventional retractable handle 12 on the curved shorter side 5 opposite to the wheels 11. As is well known the handle 12 enables the suitcase 1 to be lifted and moved as conventional and in addition the handle 12 permits the suitcase to be tilted so that the suitcase I can be moved along on the wheels 11.

The side 4 is provided with a rest member 13 projecting from the surface of side 4 so that the suitcase can be rested upright on the member 13 and the wheels 11 when not in use as shown in Figure 1.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, on the side 6 are mounted four spaced feet 14 in the form of known weight measuring load cells or sensor pads. The side 6 is reinforced to provide a rigid mounting support on which the feet 14 are mounted. The reinforcement may comprise a rigid plate (not shown) on which the feet 14 are mounted. When the suitcase 1 is rested on the ground on the load cell feet 14 to provide a measurement of the weight of the suitcase and its contents as will subsequently be described, each load cell foot 14 provides an output signal representative of the weight of the suitcase 1 and any contents therein. The signal will be representative of the weight relating to the area of the side 6 occupied by the particular load cell 14.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, on the fmal side, side 7, of the suitcase 1 there is provided a carrying handle 15 by which the suitcase I can be manually carried as conventional. Also provided on side 7 is a known liquid crystal display (LCD) 16 as shown in Figure 2 where the signals provided by each of the load cells 14 are displayed as a consolidated weight of the suitcase I and its contents. As shown in Figure 3 the signals from the load cells 14 are supplied to a housing 17 mounted on the inside surface of the side 7 by wires 18 mounted on the inside surface of the suitcase 1. The housing 17 houses the battery (not shown) for powering the LCD as well as the LCD circuit (not shown).

Referring to Figure 4, each of the load cells 14 provides a signal representative of the weight of the suitcase 1 as exerted by a particular area of the suitcase I relevant to the particular load cell 14. Each signal is supplied by a wire 18 to the LCD 16 circuit by way of a battery 19. The LCD 16 incorporates a circuit (not shown) where in a known fashion the signals are processed to form an output which is processed to produce a consolidated reading of the total weight of the suitcase 1.

The invention as claimed permits the owner of the suitcase to weigh it and the item or items it contains at any time automatically and instantly by simply resting it on the load cell feet and this offers clear advantages. Knowing the weight of the suitcase and its contents is important for air travel in particular where there are restrictions on the weight of baggage which may be carned on board aeroplanes or where excess weight may be subject to an extra charge. The owner is able to pack the suitcase to the required weight or alternatively will be able to tell whether the weight restrictions are likely to be breached.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable container for transporting an item or items housed

within the container, the container comprising means for supporting the container when the container is at rest on the ground, the container supporting means being adapted to provide an output representative of the weight of the container and the item or items and means for displaying the output as a reading of the weight..

2. A container as claimed in claim 1 in which the means for supporting the container comprises a plurality of feet which together provide an output representative of the weight of the container.

3. A container as claimed in claim 2 in which each foot provides a signal representative of the particular weight of the container in the region occupied by the particular foot, the signals combining to form the output.

4. A container as claimed in claim 2 or claim in which the feet comprise load cells.

5. A container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 in which the container is a suitcase.

6. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the means for displaying the reading of weight is located on the outside of the container.

7. A container as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the means for displaying the reading of weight comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD).

8. A container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

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