Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments of a multi-scale system and method comprise at least two scale elements with respective scale readouts and control logic. The control logic may be configured to activate the scale elements and weight readouts concurrently throughout a selected period of time as a result of a single transaction. The system may preferably be operated within a travel service facility, such as an airline or bus terminal, for allowing a traveler to simultaneously and independently weigh multiple pieces of luggage, and redistribute the contents therebetween prior to checking the luggage with any travel service within the travel service facility. Each scale platform may include a cage element adapted to provide lateral support and stabilization for the object placed on the respective scale platform. The system may include a network connection by which the system can be remotely controlled, monitored and updated from an off-site location.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/524,853, filed on Aug. 18, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated by this reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for weighing luggage items. More particularly, the invention relates to systems and methods to enable travelers to weigh luggage items prior to their trip onboard a carrier, such as an airline. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Excess baggage fees, particularly in the airline industry, represent a continued source of expense, frustration and inconvenience for travelers. Travelers often seek to verify that their luggage is weight-compliant before checking in for their flight or other mode of travel by a carrier. What is needed is a more convenient, quick and cost effective way for travelers to determine and redistribute weight between multiple pieces of luggage simultaneously. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Certain deficiencies of the prior art are addressed by the provision of embodiments of a multi-scale system and method. A multi-scale system may comprise at least two scale elements with respective weight readouts and control logic. Each scale element may have a scale platform and may be adapted to independently sense the weight of an object, such as a piece of luggage, placed on the respective scale platform. Each weight readout may be operatively associated with a respective one of the scale elements. The control logic is generally configured to activate the scale elements and the weight readouts concurrently throughout an activation period as a result of a single transaction, such as a single payment, swipe of an identification card, pressing of a single button, placement of a piece of luggage on one of the scale platforms, or the like. 
         [0005]    In certain preferred embodiments of the system, the weight readouts may each be independent pieces of display hardware. Alternatively, the system may include a graphic display and the weight readouts may each be presented as independent locations on the graphic display. Embodiments of the system may include a payment interface element by which the payment can be made. 
         [0006]    In particular preferred embodiments, the system may include a base element for maintaining the scale element at, for example less than two feet from one another, and in some cases, no greater than a distance of one foot from one another. Such a base element may also maintain a substantially fixed orientation with respect to one another. In embodiments with a base element, the base element may include at least one ramp element adapted to facilitate placement of an object onto and off of a respective scale platform without requiring a user of the system to lift the full weight of the object. 
         [0007]    In certain embodiments, each of the scale platforms may include a cage element. Each cage element may be adapted to provide lateral support and stabilization for the object, such as a piece of luggage, placed on the respective scale platform. Each such cage element may be configured to act as a substrate upon which information is displayed to a user or potential user of the system. Such information may include, for example, advertising, system usage instructions or system branding. 
         [0008]    A preferred embodiment of a multi-scale method, may comprise acquiring a multi-scale system as described, for example, herein, and operating the system within a travel service facility. Preferably, the system may be located for allowing a traveler to use the system to simultaneously independently weigh two pieces of luggage and redistribute the contents therebetween prior to checking the pieces of luggage with any travel service within the travel service facility. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-scale system; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic enlarged partial view of an embodiment of a multi-scale system, illustrating examples of a weight readout, calibration readouts and a payment interface element; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a further diagrammatic side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic enlarged view of detail  6  in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic partially exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0018]    Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding features throughout the several views. 
         [0019]    Referring to the various Figures, illustrated generally at  100  are one or more embodiments of a multi-scale system. A system  100  may include at least two scale elements  104 , wherein the scale elements  104  may be adapted to sense the weight of objects independently of one another. Each scale element generally includes a scale platform  136 , which is typically the surface upon which the object to be weighed is placed. In accordance with functional and aesthetic preferences, the scale platform  136  may take on a number of shapes, for example, from squares and rectangles to circles and more organic shapes. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , for example, has scale platforms  136  which are generally square. A scale platform  136  may have a scale length  124  and a scale width  126 . In certain embodiments, for example, the scale length  124  and scale width  126  may each be approximately 30 inches. Typically, the scale platforms  136  have dimensions which accommodate most common sizes of luggage items. The terms luggage items, luggage and baggage may be used interchangeably herein. Depending upon the particular embodiment, the scale elements  104  may be rated to carry up to 500 lbs., and may be classified as “legal for trade.” 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 1  for illustration, each scale element  104  may be associated with a separate weight readout  108 , which is configured to display the weight of an object resting on the respective scale element  104 . In certain embodiments, the weight readouts  108  may be, for example, two independent pieces of display hardware, or two independent locations on the same graphic display. Referring to  FIG. 2  for illustration, embodiments may include a calibration readout  110  electrically connected to each scale element  104  or its respective weight readout  108 . The calibration readouts  110  may each include a calibration interface, such as one or more buttons, that allows a technician to conveniently re-calibrate the respective scale element  104  or weight readout  108  at regular intervals. The calibration readouts  110  may be secured from public access by way of a calibration access door  112 . Such a calibration access door  112  may typically be hinged and lockable. 
         [0021]    Preferred embodiments are configured to allow all of the scale elements  104  and weight readouts  108  of the system  100  to become and remain concurrently active by virtue of a single transaction, such as a single payment being made by way of, for example, a payment interface element  120 . Such concurrent activation will typically allow a user, such as a traveller at an airport, to receive for a period of time a simultaneous weight readout for two or more separate pieces of luggage. This allows the user time to shift items to, from or between the pieces of luggage while continuously receiving a real-time readout for each separate piece of luggage. As a result, for a relatively small payment prior to checking in, the user can avoid the imposition of large excess baggage weight fees. 
         [0022]    In particular embodiments, the system&#39;s control logic may be configured to activate the scale elements  104  and the weight readouts  108  concurrently throughout an activation period as a result of a single transaction. Such transaction may be, for example, a single payment, swipe of an identification card, pressing of a button, placement of a piece of luggage on one or both of the scale platforms, or the like. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a payment which activates all of the scale elements  104  of a system  100  is typically made by way of a payment interface element  120 . A payment interface element  120  may include one or more of such features as a bill feeder  128 , a payment card interface  130 , a coin interface  132  and a receipt dispenser  134 . It is envisioned that various manufacturing, functional, aesthetic and ergonomic considerations will dictate where such a payment interface element  120 , or constituent interfaces and dispensers, will be located on various alternative embodiments of a system  100 . Depending upon the particular embodiment, the bill feeder may accept $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills, as well as, in some cases, denominations of foreign currency. A system  100  may be adapted to process payment via credit card, debit card, cash or the like. In certain embodiments, alternative forms of payment may be accepted as well, including voucher cards and credits from an airlines, taxis, hotels or other venders. In some embodiments, it is envisioned that such vouchers or credits may be made accessible by the user via a network interface and an auxiliary display such as that shown at  122 . 
         [0024]    Referring again to  FIG. 5 , in embodiments having two scale elements  104 , it may be preferred that the distance  140  between each of the scale elements  104  is no greater than approximately one foot. In certain preferred embodiments, the scale elements  104  may be connected to or otherwise collocated with a base element  114 . The base element  114  may provide structural support for displays and interfaces, secure proper spacing and orientation between the scale elements  104 , and safely and aesthetically house wiring and electronics associated with the system  100 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , in particular embodiments, the base element  114  may comprise the ramp elements  102 , and have a floor portion  146 , a tower portion  118  and a divider portion  116 . In certain embodiments, the base element  114  or scale elements  104  may have adjustable feet or similar features to provide for improved leveling on an uneven surface. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a scale element  104  may include a cage element  106  affixed to the scale platform  136  by way of, for example, weld joint, adhesive, threaded engagement, tongue and groove, snap interface or other conventional generally rigid securement means. In such embodiments, the cage element  106  may typically be adapted to provide lateral support or stabilization for an object being weighed on the scale element  104 , such as a piece of luggage. Consequentially for example, in embodiments with a base element  114  which includes one or more of a divider element  116  and a tower portion  118 , a cage element  106  may be adapted to prevent a piece of luggage from resting or otherwise contacting the divider element  116  or the tower portion  118  while the luggage is being weighed. As a result, a cage element may provide additional convenience and ease-of-use for a user of the system  100 , while preventing a disruption of the accuracy of the weight measurement being taken by the respective scale element  104 . Additionally, the scale element  104  or its respective weight readout  106  are typically configured to be calibrated to account for the weight of the respective cage element  106 . Such calibration may be performed, for example, by way of a respective calibration readout  110 . A cage element  106  may be formed, for example, from solid planar elements, bars, mesh, grating, vertical or horizontal slats, a combination thereof, or the like. A cage element  106  may also act as a substrate upon which advertising, product use, product brand or other information may be displayed. 
         [0026]    Certain preferred embodiments may include a ramp element  102  to facilitate the placement of a piece of luggage onto a respective scale platform  136 , and removal therefrom without having to fully lift the respective piece of luggage. Referring to  FIG. 6 , in typical such embodiments, the ramp height  142  may be less than the platform height  144 . This adaptation may help prevent any portion of the luggage from resting on the ramp element  102  and thereby skewing the weight measurement. Further, in embodiments having ramp elements  102 , the ramp element may have a lateral clearance from the respective scale platform  136 . This clearance may be, for example, approximately ⅛ to ½ inches, and may help ensure that the scale platform can shift slightly in the lateral direction without the weight measurement being interfered with by way of contact between the scale platform  136  and respective ramp element  102 . As shown in the embodiment of the several Figures, in particular embodiments, a ramp element  102  may wrap substantially around the front and side portions of the system  100 . In other embodiments, a ramp element  102  may only be present on one side of each scale platform  136 . In embodiments in which one or more of the scale platforms  136  have curved or rounded sides, a ramp element  102  may substantially conform to the shape or contour of the respective scale platform  136 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , particular embodiments may include an auxiliary display or touch screen panel element  122 . Information such as carrier-specific weight regulations and pricing structure, flight schedules, advertisement, payment information and luggage weight may be displayed on panel element  122 . Further, it is envisioned that in certain embodiments panel  122  may perform the function of the weight readouts  108 . In particular embodiments, the panel element  122  may also perform the role, in whole or in part, of the payment interface element  120 . For example, embodiments of a panel element  122  may include a payment card interface (similar to that shown at  130 ), and may display payment information relating to the payment transaction. Some such embodiments may also provide currency conversion information. Examples of a panel element  122  may include a touch screen allowing, for example, a user to input payment, airline, or other information. In some such embodiments, particularly those which accept credit or other payment cards, the system  100  may be adapted to allow the user to pre-select or extend the length of time the system remains active during their session. 
         [0028]    Certain embodiments of a system  100  may be adapted to be electrically interconnected or networked with other systems  100 . In network capable embodiments, the networking may be by way of cable, wireless router, or other similar means. Further, particular embodiments may be configured to communicate with one or more centralized processors or databases controlled or accessed by an operator of a travel service facility in which the system may be located. Such embodiments may thereby allow for more efficient centralized control and monitoring of multiple systems distributed at various locations within the travel service facility. Such embodiments may also allow the operating facility to more conveniently collect payment and usage data from each system in order to produce statistics useful to their business operations. Such network-capable embodiments may also allow an off-site service facility to monitor the performance of the system to determine, for example, when a system goes unexpectedly off-line or requires calibration. Additionally, in embodiments which may provide currency conversion information to a user, such information may be updated substantially in real time by way of a network connection. 
         [0029]    In operation of one example embodiment, a user may approach the system  100 , and make a payment to activate the system for a specific amount of time. The user may then lift or roll a piece of luggage onto each of the scale platforms  136  of respective scale element  104 . The user may then observe the weight of each piece of luggage by way of the respective weight readouts  108 , and remove, insert and shift items between the respective pieces of luggage until each weight readout  108  reaches a weight below, for example, the threshold at which the carrier would charge an excess weight fee. If the luggage continues to be overweight, in some cases a user may have the option of buying a compact piece of luggage through, for example, a vending machine placed nearby the system  100 . Such pieces of luggage may be guaranteed to be cable of carrying up to 50 lbs. and comply with carry on dimensions. Once the user has completed the redistribution of the contents of their luggage, they may lift or roll the luggage off of the scale platforms, press a finish button and receive a receipt. In certain embodiments, a receipt will not be printed until the scales have a zero reading or the time limit has expired. 
         [0030]    In accordance with various business arrangements, systems may be implemented by a travel center partner, such as, for example, an airline terminal, other transportation service or hotel, by way of profit sharing or lease arrangement. In this regard, the system may become a revenue generating solution that allows the partner to focus on running their core business while collecting a portion of the profits from the operation of the system. 
         [0031]    While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.