GB2448507A

GB2448507A - Portable weighing device for a suitcase

Info

Publication number: GB2448507A
Application number: GB0707390A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shane Blake
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-04-17
Filing date: 2007-04-17
Publication date: 2008-10-22
Also published as: WO2008125871A1; GB0722365D0; GB0707390D0

Abstract

A portable weighing device (1) for a suitcase comprising a main housing (2) incorporating a weighing mechanism, one end of the housing defining a handle (3) and the other end of the housing having a support member (4) pivotally attached thereto, the support member (4) being pivotable between a first non-use position wherein the support member (4) extends toward the handle, to a second use position wherein the support member (4) extends from the housing (2) to allow a part of the suitcase to be connected to the support member (4). A display panel (6) is provided to show the weight of the luggage item.

Description

WEIGHING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a weighing device and more especially to a portable weighing device suitable for measuring the weight of a bag or suitcase.

Airlines are becoming increasingly strict on the weight of luggage that individuals are allowed to take on an aircraft, mainly due to the recent fluctuations in global oil prices. Excess baggage fees are often charged to passengers who wish to take luggage onboard that exceeds pre-determined weight limits.

There are currently few, if any, means available in airports for :. passengers to conveniently measure or check the weight of various pieces of luggage before arriving at the airport or at the airport before checking S...

in. In the majority of cases, the only option available to the passenger is *...

: to weigh their luggage at home on traditional weighing scales prior to leaving for the airport. If the passengers are returning from holiday however, often laden with shopping and gifts, there is usually no access to weighing scales, often resulting in the passenger arriving at the airport in *5*S** * a state of anxiety.

In cases where the luggage is found to exceed the baggage allowance weight limits, which usually only comes to light during check-in.

This means that passengers are then faced with the dilemma of having to pay the excess baggage fee, which can be substantial, or attempting to unpack their luggage and leave some of the contents behind, or redistribute the contents between different bags or suitcases. This is time-consuming, embarrassing for the passenger and is generally a nuisance to the passenger and others at the check-in desk.

Portable weighing devices are known, particularly within the fishing industry. Such devices generally comprise a housing incorporating an electronic digital balance with a handle at one end and a hook at the other end. Fish or the like are attached to the hook while the device is held by the handle in order for the digital balance to calculate and display the weight of the fish.

Such devices are rather crude in nature but are able to provide a reasonably accurate measurement of the weight of fish or the like. These devices are only suitable for applications where the size of the object to be weighed is reasonably small because the device needs to be held away from the user's body at arms length without the object being in contact with the ground (which would otherwise affect the accuracy of the reading). These devices are not suitable to be packed with sensitive items, such as clothing, because the existing portable weighing devices * **.

incorporate sharp hooks etc, which are likely to damage the items they : are packed with. a

A weighing device that works in generally the same principle as previously described is disclosed in GB 2411966A. This weighing device * a has been designed to be used for weighing luggage and comprises an electronic balance with a handle at one end and a hook at the other for receiving a strap which in turn is placed round the handle of a suitcase.

The device disclosed in this application has been found to be impractical for large and/or heavy suitcases and bags as the distance between the handle of the weighing device and the bag makes it difficult to lift the bag off the ground to allow the weight to be calculated. Moreover, in order to lift the bag sufficiently high the user will need to bend and raise their extended arm or arms, which can often result in muscle pain and general stress placed on the arms and back. The device disclosed in GB 2411966A is not suitably for safely and conveniently lifting an object which is the shape, size and weight of a fully loaded suitcase.

It would not be possible to use the device disclosed in GB 2411956A by engaging the hook with a handle of a suitcase (i.e. using the device without the strap) as the device would not be structurally able to withstand the weight of a heavy suitcase. The hook disclosed in GB 2411966A is also likely to exert high pressure at a single point on the suitcase handle, causing damage to the handle.

GB 2411966A also discloses an embodiment wherein the weighing device is built in to a handle of a suitcase. This disclosure, as detailed in the application, suffers from the disadvantage that the weighing device is restricted to weighing only the one case in which the device is incorporated.

S * S * ***

*.* The present invention seeks to provide a weighing device, suitable **** for weighing luggage which is portable, transferable between luggage, **** : safe and easy to use, which does not have any sharp external surfaces and which does not suffer from the disadvantages of other known devices. S...

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a S.....

* portable weighing device for a suitcase comprising a main housing incorporating a weighing mechanism, one end of the housing defining a handle and the other end of the housing having a support member pivotally attached thereto, the support member being pivotable between a first non-use position wherein the support member extends toward the handle, to a second use position wherein the support member extends from the housing to allow a part of the suitcase to be connected to the support member.

The pivotable support member allows for a compact weighing device, which is easy to store and easy to carry.

Preferably, the end of the housing defining a handle is slideably attached to the main housing incorporating the weighing mechanism.

Alternatively, the entire housing takes the general form of a handle wherein the support member is pivotally attached along one end of the housing.

Preferably, the support member extends along a majority part of the length of the main housing.

Preferably, the support member comprises a U-shaped section.

Optionally, the support member comprises an L-shaped section with an upturned edge. S... * .

Preferably, the support member is pivotally attached along one end of the housing by a hinge. *..

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More preferably, the support member is pivotally attached along one end of the housing and is resiliently biased.

*5**** * . Optionally, the support member is pivotally attached along one end of the housing by at least one cable.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a portable weighing device for a suitcase comprising a main housing incorporating a weighing mechanism, one end of the housing defining a handle, the housing having a display means for displaying the weight of the suitcase connected to the device in use and a support member pivotally attached thereto, the support member being pivotable between a first non-use position wherein the support member covers the display screen to a second use-position wherein the support member extends from the housing to allow a part of the suitcase to be connected to the support member.

By providing a support member which is pivotable to cover the display screen, damage to the screen during use is prevented.

Furthermore, the weighing device is integrally formed such that components of the device cannot be mislaid.

Preferably, the length of the main housing is between 80mm and 160mm.

More preferably, the length of the main housing is 120mm.

:. Preferably, the length of the support member is between 40mm and 80mm. ***. S..

More preferably, the length of the support member is 60mm. S..

S

Preferably, the height of the portable weighing device in the non-:;::.: use position is between 45 and 85mm.

More preferably, the height of the portable weighing device in the non-use position is 65mm.

Preferably, the height of the portable weighing device in the use position is between 120mm and 180 mm.

More preferably, the height of the portable weighing device in the use position is 150mm.

Preferably, the depth of the portable weighing device is between 15 and 40mm.

More preferably, the depth of the portable weighing device is 27mm.

One embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying Figures of which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a weighing device constructed in accordance with the present invention, in a non-use position; Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a weighing device constructed in accordance with the present invention, in a non-use position; I. S S..

Figure 3 is a perspective view from the side of a weighing device S...

constructed in accordance with the present invention, in a non-use S...

: position;

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Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a weighing device S. constructed in accordance with the present invention in a use position; S*5*S* * and Figure 5 is a perspective view from the side of a weighing device constructed in accordance with the present invention, in a use position.

The illustrated weighing device 1 comprises a main housing 2 incorporating a weighing mechanism (not shown). The weighing mechanism may take the form of any well known mechanism suitable to be incorporated within the boundaries of the housing 2. The weighing mechanism comprises a battery-powered digital electronic balance. The housing 2 is generally hollow and therefore lightweight whilst being able to provide sufficient internal space to accommodate the weighing mechanism and associated battery. The housing 2 is made from a lightweight plastics material.

The housing 2 comprises a handle 3 which is slideabley attached to one end of the housing 2. The handle 3 includes a runner (not shown) along which a protrusion from the housing runs. The handle 3 has a soft grip underside, which has indentations to accommodate the fingers of a user. The handle 3 is solid and sufficiently strong to lift a fully loaded suitcase.

As shown in Figure 4, the weighing device 1 further comprises a support 4, which is attached to the opposite end of the housing 2 from the handle 3. The support 4 is L-shaped and is attached to the housing 2 by a :. hinge 5 along a mid-section of the housing 2. As shown in Figure 1, in a :..::: non-use position the L-shaped support 4 wraps around the housing 2 and covers the display panel 6. An abutment surface 11 is hingedly attached S...

to the L-shaped support 4 and forms a continuous plane with the support 4 in a non-use position but extends from the support 4 when in use. a...

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the length (Li) of the main housing 2 I.....

* is approximately 120mm and the length (L2) of the support 4 is approximately 60mm. The overall height (H) of the weighing device 1, in the non-use position is approximately 65mm and in the in-use position is approximately 150mm. The maximum depth (Di) of the weighing device 1 is approximately 27mm.

In a storage or non-use state, the support 4 is pivoted upwardly towards the handle 3, as can be seen in Figure 1. In this state the support 4 covers the display panel to provide protection to the display panel 6 and prevent it from being scratched and also to minimise the size of the weighing device 1 for storage. A panel 7 of the L-shaped support 4 sits in a recess 9 in the housing, such that the support 4 is held in place in the non-use position. A simple catch mechanism is also provided to retain the support 4 in an upward position whilst the device 1 is not in use.

Alternatively, the support 4 can be configured to clip-fit' over the handle 3 or the hinge 5 between the housing 2 and the support 4 may be spring-loaded whereby the support 4 is biased towards the storage position.

In use, the handle 3 is slid upwards from the housing 2 to allow a user to grip the device 1. To slide the handle 3 upwards sufficient force is applied by a user to release the catch. The L-shaped support 4 is then pivoted downwardly along the longitudinal axis of the housing 2 around the hinge 5, from its non-use position to extend downwards from the housing 2, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The abutment surface 11 is also pivoted from its non-use position to be perpendicular to the panel 7 of the support 4 and form a U-shape with the support 4. S.. S *

A handle of a suitcase or bag (not shown) is placed over the : support 4 to allow the suitcase or bag to be weighed. The display panel 6 * is visible to a user who can read the calculated weight. After approximately 2 to 3 seconds the weighing device 1 will emit a sound to * indicate that the weight of the suitcase or bag has been calculated and the S.....

* display on the display panel 6 will freeze to display the weight, even if the suitcase or bag is removed from the device 1.

The digital balance and display panel 6 include any or all functions already known with digital weighing mechanisms, for example, automatic weight capture (after approximately two seconds), reset function, freeze function, different language and measurement unit functions, and automatic switch off after a period of inactivity.

The digital balance may be calibrated in accordance with industry standards. However, it is perceived that, at least one version of the device 1 would not be so calibrated to reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs. Nevertheless, the device 1 would still be able to provide a reasonably accurate calculation of the weight which is sufficient for the needs of the user in the majority of cases.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in a non-use position the housing 2 for the display panel 6 rests inside the handle 3 and pivots downwards to a use position, rather than sliding.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the display panel 6 is mounted or otherwise formed on a different surface of the housing 2, for example on a side arm, whereby the display panel 6 is always visible to the user whether the device 1 is in a non-use or use state.

In a further embodiment the support 4 is pivoted around a cable system. ***. S...

: The above described embodiments are given by way of example only, and the skilled reader will naturally appreciate that many variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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Claims

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Claims 1. A portable weighing device for a suitcase comprising a main housing incorporating a weighing mechanism, one end of the housing defining a handle and the other end of the housing having a support member pivotally attached thereto, the support member being pivotable between a first non-use position wherein the support member extends toward the handle, to a second use position wherein the support member extends from the housing to allow a part of the suitcase to be connected to the support member.
2. A portable weighing device according to claim 1 wherein the end of the housing defining a handle is slideably attached to the main housing incorporating the weighing mechanism. S...
3. A portable weighing device according to claim 1 wherein the entire housing takes the general form of a handle and the support member is pivota Ply attached along one end of the housing.

.. :
4. A portable weighing device according to any preceding claim wherein the support member extends along a majority part of the length of the main housing.
5. A portable weighing device according to any preceding claim wherein the support member comprises a U-shaped section.
6. A portable weighing device according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the support member comprises an L-shaped section with an upturned edge.
7. A portable weighing device according to any preceding claim wherein the support member is pivotally attached along one end of the housing by a hinge.
8. A portable weighing device according to any preceding clam wherein the support member is resiliently biased.
9. A portable weighing device according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the support member is pivotally attached along one end of the housing by at least one cable.
10. A portable weighing device for a suitcase comprising a main housing incorporating a weighing mechanism, one end of the :. housing defining a handle and the housing having a display means for displaying the weight of the suitcase connected to the device in use, and a support member pivotalty attached thereto, the support S...

member being pivotable between a first non-use position wherein * the support member covers the display screen to a second use-position wherein the support member extends from the housing to allow a part of the suitcase to be connected to the support member. * S
11. A portable weighing device according to any preceding claim wherein the length of the main housing is between 80mm and 160mm.
12. A portable weighing device according to claim 11 wherein the length of the main housing is 120mm.
13. A portable weighing device according to any preceding claim wherein the length of the support member is between 40mm and 80mm.
14. A portable weighing device according to claim 13 wherein the length of the support member is 60mm.
15. A portable weighing device according to any preceding claim wherein the height of the portable weighing device in the non-use position is between 45 and 85mm.
16. A portable weighing device according to claim 15 wherein the height of the portable weighing device in the non-use position is 65mm.
17. A portable weighing device according to any preceding claim wherein the height of the portable weighing device in the use position is between 120mm and 180 mm.

S S * .*.
18. A portable weighing device according to claim 17 wherein the :r height of the portable weighing device in the use position is 150mm.
19. A portable weighing device according to any preceding claim wherein the depth of the portable weighing device is between 15 and 40mm.
20. A portable weighing device according to claim 19 wherein the depth of the portable weighing device is 27mm.
21. A portable weighing device substantially as hereinbefore described or referred to in Figures 1 to 5.