US2408942A - Scale - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 8, 1946. D, A ME'EKER ET AL 2,408,942

SCALE Original Filed July 8,' 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet l Oct. 8, 1946. n. A.' MEEKER Erm.

SCALE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nl l In venors mm; @Q

Original Filed July 8, 1938 D. A. MEEKER E TAL 2,408,942

SCALE original Filed July e, 195s 4 sheets-sheet 5 In vanorai od. s, 1946.- D. A. MEEKER mL 2,408,942A

S CALE Original Filed July 8, 1938 l 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Oct. 8, 1946 UNITED 'STATES PATENT OFFICE SCALE of Ohio Original application July 8, 1938, Serial No. 218,240. Divided and this application June 29, 1942, Serial No. 448,964

6 Claims.

This invention relates to scales, and more particularly to scales of the computing type.

It is a principal object of the invention to provide a scale construction having an outer decorative casing which may be readily removed without affecting the adjustment or setting of the scale, and which effectively seals the scale when in place to prevent access of dust or foreign matter thereto.

It is a further object to provide a simple and effective construction for a sign or advertising display device capable of being changed readily by the user of the scale to display advertising material as desired.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claim.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a perspective View from the clerk's side showing a scale constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational View within the casing and looking toward the mechanism of the scale, with portions being broken to show the construction more clearly;

Fig. 3 is an end elevational view within the outer casing, and showing the operating mechanism of the scale;

Fig. 4 is a plan View with the platter removed and with portions being broken away to show construction of the sealing means for securing an effective sealing of the outer casing with respect to the scale frame;

Fig. 5 is a detail plan vew showing the sign frame device; n

Fig. 6 is a sectional view on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view on the line 'I-l of Fig. 2, showing the means for fastening the case to the frame of the scale;

Fig. 8 is a View showing the construction of the platter supporting member which provides for sealing the interior of the scale, the platter being in raised or substantially no-load position; and

Fig. 9 is a View showing a modified construction of such sealing means.

This application is a division of parent application 218,240 led July 8, 1938, now Patent No. 2,287,814, issued June 30, 1942.

Referring to the drawings which disclose a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is shown at I0 a base casting preferably integral and impervious, of generally rectangular shape.

vA plurality of adjustable feet II are positioned beneath the base, having friction pads I2 and being suitably adjustable individually to provide for leveling the scale upon the surface on which it rests.

A skeleton framework comprising two end members I4 is bolted to and extends upwardly from adjacent each end of the base I0, both the frame and the base being suitably formed of a lightweight casting and provided with strengthening ribs where desired to impart additional strength. As shown in Fig. 2 at the right-hand end of the scale the frame end member I4 is formed with an outwardly projecting flange IIIa above the lever, but is offset inwardly with an inwardly projecting flange Ib where it extends between the chart and the lever, thus providing proper strength while reducing the longitudinal dimension of the scale. A cross member I5 is fastened to the top of the two end members I4, and may suitably comprise a stamping which is bolted to the upper ends of members I4, thereby providing a rm framework Vsupport for receiving the scale operating parts.

An outer decorative enameled shell or casing I6 is shaped to conform generally with the frame member, and is adapted to be fitted downwardly over the frame, and into sealing relation with the base. This casing does not carry the loads and is not subject to the stresses of the scale, which are carried wholly by the frame. It may be readily placed over the frame and removed therefrom with little possibility of damage to the delicate scale parts being guided by the protecting frame. The casing I6 has a central opening at II through which the platter supporting means is received and mounted, and at its lower edge extends into sealing relation with a peripheral flexible strip I8 which is fltted Within a groove within the base member I0. The strip tends to project horizontally and upon lowering of the casing into position upon the frame, the lower edge of the casing contacts the flexible strip, bending it downwardly, thereby establishing a highly effective sealing Contact around the entire lower periphery of the scale to effectively prevent access of dust, insects or other foreign particles thereto. The casing is fastened to the frame member i5 by means of a pair of screws 20 which are received within an upwardly projecting threaded part 2| fastened to the Vframe member I5 as by welding or the like. Screw 20 has a tapered head, which receives a flanged washer 22, and a gasket 23 adap-ted to -be drawn down into sealing contact with an upwardlyl projecting flange 2lil formed upon the casing member I 6,

Thus when screw 20 is tightened, the casing will be firmly held upon the frame i5, and the attaching means is adequately sealed and protected.

The casing is also formed in its upper part with an opening for receiving grommet 25 which provides a close internal fit with a cylindrical level casing 26, suitably fastened by screws 21 to the frame member I5. Thus the level is not carried by the casing, but is carried by the frame itself and projects upwardly through the grommet in relatively close sealing relation so that again access of dust and the like is prevented, and an effectively sealed condition is maintained in the scale, the casing as described being readily removable upwardly without removal of anyof the operating parts.

The frame I5 is curved downwardly as shown at 30 in line with opening |'l in the casing, to provide for receiving the platter support. An an nular ring 3| having an inner upstanding flange 32 is fastened to the frame I5 by means of screws 33, the inner diameter of iiange 32 being only slightly in excess of that of the member 34 constituting the platter support. As shown in Fig. 8 member 34 has a lower circular rib 34a of slightly larger diameter than the main body of the support, the rib being adapted to closely approach the inner wall of flange 32 in the no-load position of the scale to provide a close seal efiectively preventing passage of foreign matter. When a load is placed upon the platform, mem-- ber 34 moves downwardly, bringing the portion of the body of lesser diameter opposite fiange 32,

to provide somewhat greater clearance to accommodate the arcuate movement of member 34, the clearance still being sufficiently close to maintain an effective sealed relation. The casing I5 is formed with an annular oset portion 35 and between this offset and the member 3| there is positioned an annular piece of felt or the like 3S which forms a seal between the casing and the frame member. This construction, together with the close clearance of the platter support, completes the sealing construction 4which provides for maintaining the interior of the scale free of foreign matter.

The platter is 'shown at 40, as comprising a generally at plate having an upwardly projecting edge 4| at the customers side of the scale.

The details of the detachable support for the platter, and the construction of the lever and its associated weighing and chart actuating mechanism, are described in full in said parent Patent No. 2,287,814 and this description is not repeated here.

The charts carry weight indications adapted to be read by the clerk and by the customer, and also carry a series of computed values adapted to be read only by the clerk. For this purpose a reading plate I I0 is fastened to the frame members |4 and is provided with an opening therein for coopera-tion with a series of unit plCe indications ||2 to facilitate the reading of the f computed values at the unit prices. A reading line ||3 is carried in such position as to be visible through the sight opening in relation to the unit price and the computed value thereof. Momber ||0 is formed as a continuous uninterrupted plate overlying both halves of the chart, yoke 50 as shown in Fig. 3 passing downwardly beneath plate ||0.

A magnifying lens is positioned in line with the reading line ||3 and adapted to be used by the clerk in reading the scale and the computed price valuations. Such magnifying lens is receved within a metal frame piece SEI which is formed Iwith inwardly extending lugs |22 adapted to pass through apertures formed in recessed flanges |23 integral with casing I5. When thus positioned in place, the inner end of the lugs |22 is twisted or clamped over, to thereby rmly hold the lens in assembled position. Suitable sealing compound |24 is positioned beneath the peripheral edge of the frame member |2| and the adjacent face of the casing, maintaining a tightly sealed construction. Illuminating means |25 are positioned to direct light upon the chart to en able the 'same to be read, and are controlled by a switch which causes the lights to be turned on whenever a load is placed upon the platform..

On the customers side of the scale the computed valuations are of course reversed and not in position to be legible and hence are blocked out by suitable plates making it impossible for them to be seen. However an inverted weight scale adapted to be read by the customer is provided on the chart and a reading device H3A is provided to enable accurate weight readings to be made. It is also desired to provide means on the customers side adapted to receive an advertising or display device, advertising for instance a special for the day, or any other item to which particulai` attention is desired to be directed. For this `purpose a sheet metal member extends across the width of the scale, being formed with two openings separated by an integral rib |30A, the part |3| adapted to be in line with the weight readings on the scale chart, to provide for reading the actual weight of the material upon the platter. The part |32 is of larger extent, and provides for receiving a suitable advertising display or the like. This construction comprises a Z-shalzed flanged member |33 welded to the adjacent inner face of member |30 and having inwardly extending lugs |34 formed thereon and passing through apertures in the casing part I6. A piece of translucent material |35, such as a frosted or ground glass plate is received within the angles of the members |33 and provides for transmitting light from the light source |36, while preventing actually seeing through the plate. Preferably the plate |35 extends beneath both parts |3I and |32, only that portion underlying part |32 being frosted, the remainder being clear. Anvouter flanged member |3l formed integrally with member |33 is formed with an overhanging lip |38 spaced above the outer surface of the plate |35, leaving a narrow elongated slot therein. Within this Slot there is Slidable the right angularly bent retaining frame |40, to the underside of which are Welded longitudinally extending flat spring members |4| which act to yieldingly retain the frame in proper position while providing for sliding of the frame longitudinally of the slot, to position and remove the same therefrom. Suitable sealing material |42 forms a sealed connection between the body of the casing and the sign assembly. A glass plate |43 is carried by the frame |40.

In the use of the scale, the frame is withdrawn and any desired lettering applied to the glass plate |43 carried thereby. The frame is then replaced in the holder and thus forms a readily changeable sign which may indicate the special for that particular day. Each time the scale is used, illumination of this sign as well as of the adjacent weight reading is effected, and the sign thus stands out clearly, arresting the attention of the customer. A single glass plate |43 is shown 'which is adapted to directly receive the lettering in removable paint; if desired however this may take the form of a pair of relatively thin transparent plates between which is received a paper or like strip containing the lettering desired. In such latter case these paper strips may be printed for different products and in different colors, forming a highly attractive advertising device for use in connection with the scale.

Fig. 9 shows a modified construction for sealing the interior of the scale against the access of foreign matter. In this construction the frame is shown at |50, a casing at |5| and a platter supporting member at |52 having a main body portion and a lower circular rib |53 of slightly greater diameter than the body portion. The frame |511 has a series of enlarged apertures |54 therethrough through which extend studs |55 adjustably clamped in place thereon by lock nuts |55. The stud is internally threaded to receive fastening screw |51 which holds an annular flange |58 in place through spring washers |59. The flange is formed with an upwardly offset portion |60 adapted to overlie rib |53 so that in the no load position of the platform, rib |53 Will establish close sealing engagement with po-rtion |50, approaching closely though preferably not actually contacting therewith. Should the platter support rise above its no load position, causing rib |53 to strike portion |60, the resilient spring members |59 yield to avoid any deleterious shock to the scale mechanism. In the weighing positions, the scale is effectively sealed, with proper clearance being provided for movement. The construction described provides for accurately positioning the flanged member in proper operating position both laterally and vertically. Felt washer means |5| provides for sealing the outer casing and the frame member to each otherl While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. In a scale of the character described having a frame in which there is rotatably supported a drum chart and with an outer casing overlying said frame and said chart and having means for effectively sealing the interior` of the scale against access oidust and foreign matter thereto, the casing being provided with a longitudinally extending opening at one side thereof, the combination of a light transmitting member overlying said opening in the casing, part of said member being translucent and part thereof being transparent to provide for viewing a scale on said drum chart, means for mounting said light transmitting member in iiXed position in said casing opening. means for sealing said member in position on said casing opening preventing passage of air and dust therethrough, means for illuminating the surface beneath said light transmitting member, a display member, and means on the outside of said casing for removably receiving said display member in position overlying said opening and said translucent part of the light transmitting member while maintaining the entire interior of said scale effectively sealed when said display member is removed.

2, In a scale of the character described having a frame in which there is rotatably supported a drum chart and with an outer casing overlying the frame and having means for effectively seaiing the interior of the scale against access of dust and foreign matter thereto, the casing being provided vvith a longitudinally extending opening at one side thereof, the combination of a light transmitting member overlying said opening in the casing, part of said member being translucent and part thereof being transparent to provide for viewing a scale on said drum chart, means for sealing said light transmitting member in fixed position in said casing opening, means on the inside of said casing for illuminating the chart beneath the entire area of said light transmitting member, a display member, and means on the outside of said casing for removably receiving said display member in position overlying the translucent part of said light transmitting member while maintaining the entire interior of said scale eifectively sealed.

3. In a scale of the character described having a frame in which there is rotatably supported a drum chart and with an outer casing overlying the frame and having means for effectively sealing the interior of the scale against access of dust and foreign matter thereto, the casing being provided with a longitudinally extending opening at one side thereof, the combination of a light transmitting member overlying said opening in the easing, means for sealing said light transmitting member in xed position in said casing opening, means for illuminating the chart beneath the entire area of said light transmitting member, a display member including a slide frame and a glass plate adapted to receive display material thereon, and means on the outside of said casing for removably receiving said display member inv position overlying said light transmitting member while maintaining the interior of said casing effectively sealed when said display member is removed.

4. In a scale of the character described having a frame in which there is rotatably supported a drum chart and with an outer casingy overlying the frame and having means for effectively sealing the interior of the scale against access of dust and foreign matter thereto, the casing being provided with a longitudinally extending opening at one side thereof, the combination oi a light transmitting member overlying said opening in the casing, means for sealing said light transmitting member in fixed position in said casing opening, means for illuminating the chart beneath said light transmitting member, a display member including a frame and a plate carried thereby adapted to receive display material, resilient means on said display frame, guide means on the outside of said casing for removably receiving said display frame in position overlying said opening while maintaining the interior of said casing effectively sealed when said display member is removed, said resilient means providing for retaining the frame in assembled position against movement While providing for ready withdrawal thereof.

5. In a, scale of the character described having a frame in which there is rotatably supported a drum chart and with an outer casing overlying the frame and having means for effectively sealing the interior of the scale against access of dust and foreign matter thereto, the casing being provided with a longitudinally extending opening at one side thereof, the combination of a light transmitting member overlying said opening in the casing, means for sealing said light transmitting member in fixed position in said casing opening, means for lluminating the chart beneath said light transmitting member, a display member including a retaining frame, a plate for receiving display material carried by said frame, guide means on the exterior of said casing and adjacent said opening for slidably receiving said frame to position said display member in overlying relation with respect to said opening while maintaining the interior of said casing eiectively sealed when said display member is removed, and flexible means effective between said frame and said guide for yieldablxr retaining said frame in assembled position.

6. In a scale of the character described having a frame in which there is rotatably supported a drum chart and with an outer casing overlying the frame and having means for effectively sealing the interior of the scale against access of dust and foreign matter thereto, the casing being provided with a longitudinally extending opening at one side thereof, the combination of a light transmitting member overlying said opening in the casing, means for sealing said light transmitting member in fixed position in said casing opening, means for illuminating the chart beneath the entire area of said light transmitting member, a display member including a retaining frame, a, plate for receiving display material carried by said frame, guide means on the exterior of said casing and adjacent said opening for slidably receiving said frame to position said display member in overlying relation with respect to said opening while maintaining the interior of said casing effectively sealed when said display member is removed, and resilient means in the form of elongated ftat spring members carried by the inner side of said frame and adapted to bear against the outer surface of said light transmitting member for yieldably retaining said frame in position within said guides while providing for ready Withdrawal thereof.

DAVID A. MEEKER. KENNETH C. ALLEN.

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