Portable scale stand assembly

A portable scale stand assembly having a base, an articulating arm assembly and a scale platform. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface, a front edge and a rear edge opposite the front edge, and defining a base footprint. The arm assembly has a lower component, an upper component, a locking member and a biasing member. The scale platform is coupled to the upper end of the upper component. The scale platform has an opening that extends therethrough that is configured to receive a lower hook coupling of a scale. Methods of use are likewise disclosed, as are combinations of a scale and a stand assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates in general to stands, and more particularly, to a portable scale stand assembly that is useful for, among other things, the overhead weighing of structures and items. The portable scale stand assembly is not limited to such use, and may include other uses with or without a scale which are unrelated to overhead weighing of structures and items.

2. Background Art

The use of scales is well known in the art. Amongst other types of scales, a number of scales are utilized for overhead weighing. Such weighing is when items are hung or otherwise suspended form a hook which is attached to a scale so that the weight can be determined therefrom.

Such scales are often times positionable at different heights. One issue is that in many instances it is desirable to not only adjust the height of a scale for overhead weighing, but to also be able to move the scale around within a location among a number of different positions. For example, it may be desirable to move the scale as opposed to the items to be weighed.

It is therefore desirable to have a scale stand assembly that is able to position a scale at different heights, which is suitable for overhead weighing of structures and items.

It is additionally desirable to have a scale stand assembly that can be moved around a location to facilitate the approaching and repositioning of a scale on the scale stand assembly so as to weigh structures and items at different locations.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed, in one aspect to a portable scale stand assembly comprises a base, an articulating arm assembly and a scale platform. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface, a front edge and a rear edge opposite the front edge. The base defines a footprint. The articulating arm assembly has a lower component, an upper component, a locking member and a biasing member. The lower component has a lower end coupled to the base and an upper end opposite the lower end. The upper component has a lower end and an upper end. The upper component is slidably coupled to the lower component wherein the upper component can slidably move between a lowered position wherein the upper end of the upper component is proximate the upper end of the lower component, to and a raised position wherein the lower end of the upper component is proximate the upper end of the lower component. The locking member is structurally configured to releasably lock the upper component relative to the lower component between the lowered position and the raised position. The biasing member is coupled at a first end to the upper component and at a second end to the lower component. The scale platform is coupled to the upper end of the upper component. The scale platform has an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening extending therethrough. The scale platform defines a scale footprint. The scale footprint overlays at least a portion of the base footprint.

In some configurations, the base further includes a plurality of wheels extending from the lower surface.

In some configurations, the lower component is coupled to the rear edge of the base. Additionally, the scale platform is coupled to the upper component at a rear edge of the scale platform.

In some configurations, the scale stand assembly includes a lower brace beam extending from the base to the upper end of the lower component of the articulating arm assembly, with the lower brace beam being oblique to the lower component.

In some configurations, the portable scale stand assembly further includes at least one cross brace between the lower brace beam and the lower component. The at least one brace is positioned between the lower end and the upper end thereof.

In some configurations, the portable scale stand assembly further includes a handle member positioned between the upper and lower end thereof.

In some configurations, the biasing member comprises at least one constant force spring having a first end coupled to the upper end of the lower component and a second end coupled to the lower end of the upper component.

In some configurations, the biasing member extends between a back surface of the upper component and the front surface of the lower component.

In some configurations, an articulation handle is positioned proximate the lower end of the upper component.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to a combination portable scale stand assembly and scale. The portable stand assembly comprises a base, an articulating arm assembly and a scale platform. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface, a front edge and a rear edge opposite the front edge. The base defines a footprint. The articulating arm assembly has a lower component, an upper component, a locking member and a biasing member. The lower component has a lower end coupled to the base and an upper end opposite the lower end. The upper component has a lower end and an upper end. The upper component is slidably coupled to the lower component wherein the upper component can slidably move between a lowered position wherein the upper end of the upper component is proximate the upper end of the lower component, to and a raised position wherein the lower end of the upper component is proximate the upper end of the lower component. The locking member is structurally configured to releasably lock the upper component relative to the lower component between the lowered position and the raised position. The biasing member is coupled at a first end to the upper component and at a second end to the lower component. The scale platform is coupled to the upper end of the upper component. The scale platform has an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening extending therethrough. The scale platform defines a scale footprint. The scale footprint overlays at least a portion of the base footprint. The scale includes a lower hook coupling. The scale is positioned on the upper surface of the scale platform, so that the lower hook coupling extends through the opening of the scale platform.

In some configurations, the lower hook coupling overlies the base footprint.

In some configurations, at least a portion of the scale overlies the base footprint.

In some configurations, the entirety of the scale overlies the base footprint.

In some configurations, the entirety of the scale is within the scale footprint.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to a method of using a portable scale stand assembly comprising the steps of: providing a scale stand assembly; placing a scale on the scale platform, the scale having a lower hook coupling; positioning the scale on the scale platform so that the lower hook coupling is accessible through the opening on the scale platform; adjusting an articulating arm of the scale stand assembly to one of raise and lower the scale platform; and weighing an item with a scale on the scale stand assembly by associating the item with the lower hook coupling.

In some configurations, the step of adjusting further comprises the steps of unlocking the articulating arm so as to allow for relative movement of the upper component and the lower component; slidably moving the upper component relative to the lower component; and locking the articulating arm to preclude relative movement of the upper component and the lower component.

In some configurations, the base further includes wheels extending from the lower surface thereof. In some such configurations, the method further comprises the step of moving the portable scale stand assembly through the wheels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment(s) with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment(s) illustrated.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular toFIG.1, the portable scale stand assembly is shown generally at10. The portable scale stand assembly is suited to the overhead weighing of structures and items. The portable scale stand assembly is not limited to such use and may have other uses some of which may be associated with a scale or scales and weighing devices. Additionally, the portable scale assembly is not limited for use in association with any particular type, category or class of scale, or any particular size or capacity of scale. Indeed, the components can be varied both in size and shape so as to accommodate various types of scales having various configurations and capacities.

The portable scale stand assembly10is shown inFIGS.1through3as comprising base12, articulating arm assembly14and scale platform16. The portable scale stand assembly10, in the configuration shown is shown as being used in association with scale200which includes a lower access hook (not shown) to which structures may be coupled for purposes of overhead weighing of the same.

The base12is shown as defining upper surface20, lower surface22, rear edge24, front edge26and first and second side edges28,29. These edges are formed by a plurality of beams30the central one of which extends beyond the rear edge24. Additionally, the base12defines a footprint32which is the area generally bounded by the perimeter of the base12. In the configuration shown, the base comprises a plurality of beam members that are fastened together with fasteners. Such beam members may be welded or otherwise adhered or joined. Additionally, structures other than beams (i.e., plates, surfaces or combinations thereof) may be utilized to form the base. Further, weights or other structures may be coupled to the base to promote stability in certain configurations, as desired.

To facilitate movement of the portable scale stand assembly10, the lower surface22may have wheels34extending therefrom to facilitate wheeled movement of the assembly along the ground or other outside surface. In the configuration, four wheels that are rotatable coupled to the frame so as to be able to pivot about a vertical axis, and that are lockable, are positioned about the perimeter of the base, so as to maximize stability. Of course, in other configurations, fewer wheels may be utilized that have limited or multiple degrees of movement. In other configurations, wheels may be replaced with slide elements that facilitate slidable movement along a surface. In other configurations, a separate wheeled structure or frame may be coupled to the base to facilitate movement. In still other configurations, the assembly may be configured to releasably couple the base to a fixed structure (or to another movable structure).

The articulating arm assembly14is shown as extending from the base12, and includes lower component40, lower brace beam42, upper component44, slidable coupling member46and biasing member48. In general, the articulating arm assembly14is configured to position the scale at various vertical positions spaced apart from the base12, wherein the articulating arm can be locked into a plurality of different overall lengths releasably. It will be understood that in some configurations, the articulating arm may be fixed in a single length, or a set of predetermined lengths (i.e., indexing, or made from a single fixed length).

The lower component40generally extends vertically from the rear edge of the base12and includes lower end50and upper end52. The lower brace beam42includes lower end54and upper end56. The lower brace beam meets and is coupled to the lower component40proximate the upper ends52,56of the lower brace beam and the lower component. At the lower end of the two beams, the lower component and the lower brace beam are spaced apart, such that the lower brace beam is oblique to the lower component40. In the configuration shown, the lower end of the lower brace beam is coupled to an extension of the central beam beyond the rear edge of the base. A handle member54may be coupled to the lower brace beam (or to the lower component) between the lower and upper end thereof so as to facilitate the repositioning of the portable scale stand assembly (and on one or both sides of the lower brace beam).

In some configurations, as is shown inFIG.1andFIG.6, an additional pair of cross braces60may be positioned between the lower component and the lower brace beam between the lower end and the upper end thereof. In the configuration shown, the cross braces60are generally perpendicular to the lower component, while other configurations are contemplated.

Additionally, and with further reference toFIGS.1,6and8, lower buttresses and supports62may be utilized to enhance the structural rigidity between the bae and the lower component and/or the lower brace beam so as to further limit any bowing or other elastic deformation of the lower brace beam or the lower component.

The upper component44is shown inFIG.44as comprising lower end70, upper end72, coupling interface74and articulation handle76. The coupling interface comprises opposing channels75,75′ on opposing sides of the upper component. The articulation handle may be positioned on both of the sides near the lower end of the upper component so as to be easily reachable in a fully extended or fully extracted configuration.

With reference toFIGS.1,4,5and7, the slidable coupling member46is fixedly coupled to the upper end of the lower component40and/or the upper end of the lower brace beam. The slidable coupling member46includes lower component mating coupling80and locking member82. In the configuration shown, the slidable coupling member includes opposing walls81,81′ which, together with the lower component form a u-shaped channel (which channel is configured to accept the upper component, slidably therewithin). The mating coupling80in the configuration shown comprises a pair of opposing tabs83,83′ that extend from the opposing walls81,81′ a portion of which extends into the opposing channels75,75′. The configuration allows for the slidable movement in opposing directions, while precluding the removal of the upper component from within the u-shaped channel formed by the opposing walls81,81′. In the configuration shown, the opposing tabs83,83′ may comprise polymer members that are positioned between the opposing walls.

It will be understood that while a u-shaped channel is shown, it is also contemplated that a telescopic configuration may be utilized between the lower component and the upper component (wherein the upper component, for example, may telescope from the lower component). In such a configuration, the upper component and the lower component may have similar cross-sectional configurations (with the upper component fitting within the lower component, for example), wherein such cross-sectional configurations may be square, rectangular, circular, oval, elliptical, or otherwise.

The locking members82positioned on opposing sides, each comprise a handle with a threaded member that extends through the respective wall81,81′ so as to be contactable with the respective opposing tab83,83′ and/or the upper component. It will be understood that rotation of the handle of the locking member in one direction (i.e., clockwise or counter-clockwise) pushes the end of the threaded member into sandwiching engagement with one of the opposing tab83,83′ and the upper component to preclude slidable movement of the upper component40and the lower component44relative to each other, effectively locking the articulating arm at a desired length (i.e., height). In some configurations a single locking member may be utilized, or a pair of locking members may be utilized (where one or both are to be locked to preclude relative movement).

With further reference toFIGS.1and4through7, the biasing member48comprises a pair of constant force springs that are positioned in a side by side configuration. The first end84end of each of the constant force springs is coupled to one of the lower component and the slidable coupling member, and the second end86(FIG.6) of each of the constant force springs is attached to the upper component toward, near or at the lower end thereof. In such a configuration, the constant force spring aids the user to both raise and to lower the upper component relative to the lower component, both to raise the device and to lower the device. Additionally, if the locking member is not fully engaged, then the biasing member precludes the sudden relative movement of the upper component and the lower component. Of course, other biasing members or frictional members that frictionally limit or through a biasing force relative movement (or aid in relative movement) are contemplated.

The scale platform16is shown inFIGS.1through3as comprising upper surface90, rear edge92, front edge94and opposing side edges95,97. The scale platform defines a scale platform98onto which a scale may be positioned. An opening96is defined in the scale platform so as to provide access to the lower hook coupling of the scale200positioned on the upper surface90. In the configuration shown, the scale platform is formed from a plurality of beams into a generally rectangular configuration coupled through fasteners. In other configurations, plates or beams which may be fastened or welded are contemplated for use.

The scale platform16is coupled to the upper end of the upper component (i.e., toward, at or near the upper end) proximate the rear edge24. In such a configuration, the scale footprint98generally overlies the footprint32formed by the base, in which configuration, additional stability can be achieved. In the configuration shown, the scale footprint generally fits completely within the footprint32, whereas in other configuration, the footprint32may be larger, the same size or smaller than the scale footprint, and, the two structures may be in a directly overlying configuration, or may be in an offset configuration. A plurality of upper buttress supports99may be positioned between the upper end of the upper component and the scale platform so as to enhance the rigidity of the same.

The scale200, in the configuration shown, is positioned on the upper surface90of the platform toward the front edge thereof. Access is provided to the lower end of the scale200through the opening96.

In operation, it will be understood that generally, the articulating arm assembly is configured so as to have the scale platform positionable between a collapsed configuration, wherein the upper end of the upper component (or the scale platform itself) is positioned proximate the upper end of the lower component and the slidable coupling member, and, a fully extended configuration, wherein the lower end of the upper component is slidably positioned proximate the upper end of the lower component and/or the slidable coupling member.

It will be understood that the articulating arm assembly is likewise positionable into other configurations, comprising a partially extended configuration, wherein the slidable coupling member (and/or the upper end of the lower component) are located between the upper end and the lower end of the upper component.

The user can simply raise and lower the upper component, using, for example, one or both of the articulation handles76(while holding, retaining or limiting movement of the entire assembly). Once the desired height is reached, the user can rotate the locking member so as to lock the upper component in the set, desired position. It will be understood that a number of different locking structures are contemplated for use.

To assist a user with the adjustment of the length of the articulating arm assembly, the biasing member can supply some of the force necessary to move the two components, and can also provide a force to preclude such movement (or to limit the speed of such movement).

Once the user has raised or lowered the upper component to the desired height, the user can then couple structures to the lower coupling of the scale to weigh the same. Once all desired items have been weighed, the user can lower the upper component for storage of the assembly.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the disclosure and the disclosure is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the disclosure.