FOLDING LETTER SCALE

Abstract: The invention relates to a letter scale that can be set up by folding. The object of the invention is to provide a practical and accurate means of determining the appropriate postage rate for letters quickly and simply. The letter scale can be produced in a completely flat shape. The letter scale works like a see-saw. The letter is placed in one of the slots designated for that purpose in an upright position. If the letter scale topples, the weight of the letter exceeds the weight indicated on the relevant slot.

Description: Folding letter scale. The invention relates to a letter scale that can be set up by folding. In sending letters, the sender frequently faces the problem of not knowing the appropriate postage rate. In many countries this amount depends on the weight of the letter. Frequently a subdivision of 20 grams, 50 grams and 100 grams is used. Admittedly, various scales for weighing letters are available; however, they are often expensive and/or inaccurate. For example, there are electronic and mechanical scales, which often exhibit the disadvantage that they are big and occupy a lot of space on a desk. The invention is intended to solve these problems. The object of the invention is to provide a practical and accurate means of determining the appropriate postage rate quickly and simply. The invention provides a folding letter scale for that purpose. The letter scale can be produced in a completely flat shape by using cardboard or synthetic material, for example. The advantage of this type of construction is that the letter scale can be sent in an envelope easily. Consequently, the letter scale is pre-eminently suited as a carrier of information, such as postage rates. The user can set up the letter scale easily by putting the tabs into the apertures designated for that purpose. This means that the letter scale is very compact and occupies little space, because it can be put on a desk in an upright position. The letter scale works like a see-saw. The letter is placed in one of the slots made for this purpose in an upright position. If the letter scale topples, the weight of the letter exceeds the weight indicated on the relevant slot. Depending on the specific subdivision used in a country, the slots can be calibrated. For the Netherlands, for example, the subdivision could comprise 20 grams, 50 grams and 100 grams. The invention can be performed in a variety of ways. The invention will be illustrated in further detail by means of the drawing (not true size). The drawing consists of three figures: Fig. 1 shows a first production example of a folding letter scale, which can be produced, printed and sent in a flat shape. Fig. 2 represents the manner in which the letter scale can be set up by putting the tabs into the apertures made for that purpose. Fig. 3 represents a production example of the letter scale after set-up. By way of example, the slots in which the letters can be placed have been marked with a subdivision of 20, 50 and 100 grams.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Letter scale, characterised in that it can be set up by folding. 2. Letter scale according to claim 1, characterised in that it works like a see-saw, whereby on the one side of a pivot, a letter can be placed in special places and on the other side of the pivot, the letter scale itself acts as a counterweight, and whereby the letter is heavier than the weight indicated in those places, if the letter scale topples. 3. Letter scale according to claim 1 and/or 2, characterised in that, in an unfolded position, it is performed in a flat shape, for which reason it can be easily produced, printed and sent. 4. Letter scale according to claim 1 and/or 2, and/or 3, characterised in t h a t it contains one or more slots into which letters can be placed, so that these letters are in an upright position.

Inventors: VAN OERS DOMINICUS GERARDUS MI, VAN OERS, DOMINICUS, GERARDUS, MICHAEL, JOZEF,
Applicants: INNO INTRO PRODUCTS B V, OERS DOMINICUS GERARDUS MICHAE, INNO INTRO PRODUCTS B.V., VAN OERS, DOMINICUS, GERARDUS, MICHAEL, JOZEF,
Application year: 2001
Main classification: G01G19
IPC codes: G01G19