Patent Publication Number: US-2004050594-A1

Title: Supplemental weight for balancing scale

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates to the systems and methods used to determine the weight of persons and objects. More particularly, the present invention relates to scale using balancing weights to determine or measure the weight of a person or object.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] Balancing weight scales, such as a DETECTO MODEL 339 PHYSICIAN SCALE balance weight scale, are widely used to weigh goods and in medical settings and schools to obtain patient and student body weights. Many of these scales are quite rugged and have long lifespans. However, with the growing incidence of obesity in this country, it is becoming common for a medical clinic to have patients who are too heavy to be weighed on an industry standard balance weight scale. On occasion patients are required to weigh themselves off-site from a medical clinic and on an industrial scale, or a butcher&#39;s or livestock scale. Sending patients to an off-site scale is an operational burden on most medical clinics or schools, and asking a patient to weigh himself or herself on a scale designed for livestock or meat is uncomfortable, to say the least, for all involved.  
       [0003] In the United States, many balance weight scales deployed for weighing human beings top off at 350 pounds of weight measurement range. Extending the measuring range of this population of weight scales without requiring the purchase of a new weight balance scale would be convenient in most situations.  
       [0004] A supplemental weight that can be used as an after market option for several weight scale systems of the same make and model, or for weight scales of certain different makes and models, should be adjustable to fit the balancing characteristics of a specific weight scale. It is an object of the present invention to provide a supplemental weight that can be adjusted to extend the weight measuring range of certain weight balance scales.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] The method of the present invention provides an apparatus and technique that expand the range of weight that a weight scale can measure and can be adjusted to be useful with a particular weight scale. This and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing a supplemental weight.  
       [0006] Many weight scales have two arms and two positioning weights. A first positioning weight is moved along a first arm, the first arm having notches. The first weight is registered at a given position along the first arm by dropping an extension of the positioning weight into a selected notch. In this way the positioning weight can counterbalance selected weights, such as 50 pounds, 100 pounds, and up to, say 300 pounds in 50-pound increments. A second weight is slidably movable along a second arm across a balancing range equal to the magnitude of the weight increments of the first arm, e.g. 50 pounds.  
       [0007] A first preferred embodiment of the present invention, or supplemental weight, uses the notches of the first weight scale arm to removably couple the supplemental weight with the weight scale arm. The supplemental weight has a mass and comprises a moveable weight and an adjusting member. The adjusting member is moveably attached to the moveable weight, and has a coupling element. The adjusting member of the coupling element is sized and fitted to allow and operator to couple the supplemental weight to the weight scale in a location relative to at least one notch of the weight scale arm. The adjusting member may have a threaded screw length that engages with a tapped receiver of the moveable weight. The threaded screw length is driven into or away from a center or axis of the moveable weight in order to adjust the relative position of the moveable weight and the adjusting member. The threaded screw length may have a head that is sized and fitted to removably couple with at least one notch of the weight scale arm.  
       [0008] In an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, or second design, the supplemental weight comprises a base and a movable weight. The second design is shaped and fitted to be removably coupled with a portion of the weight scale. The base is sized and fitted to rest upon or be attached to the weight scale portion. The relative positions of the base and the movable weight are adjustable along at least one linear axis. The adjustment of the relative positions of the base and the movable weight is accomplished, in whole or in part, in various preferred embodiments of the present invention by motorized, manual, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, electromechanical methods or means, or other suitable methods or means known in the art.  
       [0009] The method of the present invention teaches that the weight scale may be placed into a predetermined calibration state prior to calibrating the present invention. A weight may then be placed upon a weighing stage of the weight scale. The weight should weigh more than the desired expansion of weighing range of the weight scale. The supplemental weight, being removably coupled with the weight scale, is adjusted until the weight scale is placed into a balancing state. The adjustment of the supplemental weight may include adjusting the relative positions of the movable weight and the base, or alternatively the adjusting member, until the weight scale is placed into the balanced state. This adjustment places the supplemental weight into an operating state. The supplemental weight may then be stored in the operating state.  
       [0010] Certain alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention further comprise storing the supplemental weight close to the weight scale by mechanical and/or magnetic means or methods, or other suitable means or methods known in the art. Alternatively or additionally, certain alternate preferred embodiments include a knob coupled with the adjusting member or base to allow the operator to manually rotate the threaded screw length and thereby change the relative position of the moveable weight and the base or the adjusting member.  
       [0011] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the second design of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0012] These, and further features of the invention, may be better understood with reference to the accompanying specification and drawings depicting the preferred embodiment, in which:  
     [0013]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention with a weight scale.  
     [0014]FIG. 2 is a detailed illustration of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention in operational use on the weight scale of FIG. 1.  
     [0015]FIG. 3 is an illustration of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 with an optional knob.  
     [0016]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, or second design.  
     [0017]FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of the second design of FIG. 4 with an optional motor.  
     [0018]FIG. 6 is detailed set of views with dimensional measurements of an additional preferred embodiment of the moveable weight of FIG. 2. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SECOND DESIGN  
     [0019] In describing the preferred embodiments, certain terminology will be utilized for the sake of clarity. Such terminology is intended to encompass the recited embodiment, as well as all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner for a similar purpose to achieve a similar result.  
     [0020] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first preferred embodiment of the present invention  2 , or supplemental weight  2 , is removably coupled onto a weight scale  4 . The weight scale  4  has a weighing section  6  and a balance weights structure  8 . The balance weights structure  8  includes a lower balance arm  10  and an upper balance arm  12 . A positional light balance weight  14  and heavy balance weight  16  are moved by an operator to create a balance within the weight scale  4  and a weight  18 , or a person, placed upon a weighing stage  20  of the weighing section  6 . The lightweight  14  is manually moved along the upper arm  12  by an operator. The heavy balance weight  16  is selectably located by the operator at one of a discrete set of locations along the lower arm  10  remain substantially visible through the heavy balance weight  16 . Please note, that for the purposes of explanation, the heavy balance weight  16  is illustrated in FIG. 2 as though it were substantially transparent and the features of the lower arm Registration features  22 , or notches  22 , of the lower arm  10  are used to repeatabley and accurately position the heavy balance weight  16  to create a balance between the balance weights  14  and  16  and the weight  18 . Certain alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention are adapted to removabley couple with other suitable registration features known in the art other than notches, and where the alternate suitable registration features known in the art are used to repeatabley and accurately locate the heavy balance weight  16  along a balancing arm  10  of a weight scale  4 . The light balance weight  14  is used to more finely tune balancing between the balance weights  14  and  16  and the weight  18 . The establishment of a balanced state between the balance weights  14 ,  16  is determinable by observing when an indicator  24  of the balance weights structure  8  is substantially parallel with the Earth&#39;s surface and stationary. In the example weight scale  4  of FIG. 1, the notches  22  are positioned to allow the heavy balance weight  16  to balance against weights of 50 pounds, 100 pounds, 150 pounds, 200 pounds, 250 pounds and 300 pounds. The light balance weight  14  may be positioned to create a balance with a weight  16  between zero and 50 pounds, whereby the maximum weight that the weight scale  4  can measure, as configured by the manufacturer, is 350 pounds.  
     [0021] Persons weighing more than 350 pounds cannot therefore be weighed on the weight scale  4 . The method of the present invention enables the supplemental weight  2  to expand the range of weight that the weight scale  4  can measure. The supplemental weight  2  is sized and fitted to be removably coupled with the lower arm  10 . A moveable weight  26  of the supplemental weight  2  provides a balancing weight to the weight  18  when the supplemental weight  2  is coupled with the lower arm  10 . An adjusting member  28  of the supplemental weight  2  has a coupling element  30 . The coupling element  30  is sized and fitted to sit into each of the notches  22  of the lower arm  10 . In using the supplemental weight  2 , the operator moves the heavy balance weight  16  to the 250 pound position, and by using notch  22 E, or the 300 pound position (not shown), to allow the supplemental weight  2  to be removably placed upon the lower arm  10 . The operator then places the coupling element  30  onto the 50-pound notch  22 A and thereby applies the weight of the supplemental weight  2  in balancing against the weight  16 .  
     [0022] The method of the present invention teaches that the supplemental weight  2  may be placed into a calibration state prior to using the supplemental weight  2  to weigh a person or object. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the supplemental weight  2  may be calibrated by placing a weight greater than 250 pounds but less than 300 pounds on the weighing stage  20 . Supposing that the weight  18  weighs within this range of 250 pounds to 300 pounds, the weight  18  is then balanced by placing the heavy balance weight  16  at the 250-pound location and adjusting the light balance weight  14  along the upper arm  12  to fine tune the counter balance created with the heavy balance weight  16 . Once balance is achieved, the heavy balance weight  16  is then moved to the 200-pound location and the supplemental weight  2  is adjusted. The supplemental weight  2 , being removably coupled with the weight scale, is adjusted until the weight scale  4  is returned into a balancing state against the weight  16 .  
     [0023] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjustment of the supplemental weight  2  may include adjusting the relative positions of the movable weight  26  and the adjusting member  28  until the weight scale  4  is placed into the balanced state. This adjustment places the supplemental weight  2  into an operating state. The supplemental weight  2  may then be stored in the operating state. The adjustment of the supplemental weight  2  employs the rotation of a threaded screw length  32  of the adjusting member  28  within a tapped receiver  34  of the moveable weight  26 . The coupling element  30  comprises a head  33  of the threaded screw length  32 , and may be slotted to accept a standard screw driver blade, a Phillips screw driver point, or another suitable screw rotating tool or mechanism known in the art. Rotating the threaded screw length  32  about a linear axis L in a first direction drives the threaded screw length  32  further into the moveable weight  26  via the tapped receiver  34 , whereby the moveable weight  26  is drawn closer to the coupling element  30  of the adjusting member  28  and the effect of the supplemental weight  2  upon the balancing action of the weight scale  4  is altered. Alternatively, rotating the threaded screw length  32  about the linear axis L in a second direction drives the threaded screw length  32  away from the moveable weight  26  via the tapped receiver  34 , whereby the moveable weight  26  is pushed further from the coupling element  30  of the adjusting member  28  and the effect of the supplemental weight  2  upon the balancing action of the weight scale  4  is altered. The supplemental weight  2  is thereby adjusted by rotating the threaded screw length  28  until the indicator  24  is substantially parallel to the Earth&#39;s surface and the stationary. At this point the supplemental weight  2  is personalized to the balancing dynamics of the weight scale  4  and is placed into an operating state whereby the supplemental weight  2  may be used to add 50 pounds or range to the weight scale. In the example weight scale of FIG. 1, the supplemental weight  2  may also be sized and fitted to removably couple with the 100 Pound notch  22 B and thereby extend the weighing range of the weight scale  4  from 300 pounds to 400 pounds.  
     [0024] A flexible cable  36  moveably secures the supplemental weight  2  to the weight scale  4 . Cable  36  is sufficiently long to allow the operator to place the supplemental weight  2  into a holder  38  for storage. Holder  38  is attached to the weight scale  4  and is sized and fitted to substantially house the supplemental weight  2 .  
     [0025] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 3, the supplemental weight  2  has an optional feature of an adjustment knob  40 . The knob  40  is positioned about the axis L to enable the operator to apply force either directly or indirectly to the knob  40 , and at a position removed from the coupling element  30 , to rotate the threaded screw length  32  about the L axis. Please note that coupling feature  30  is extended beyond the circumference of knob  40  to permit the coupling element  30  to seat into a notch  22  with the knob  40  attached to the supplemental weight  2 . In certain alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention, the operator may optionally rotate the knob  40  by means of a suitable tool such as a suitable screwdriver, or other suitable mechanism known in the art.  
     [0026] The supplemental weight  2  may be or comprise a suitable metal, e.g. aluminum or iron, or another suitable material of sufficient density. Additionally or alternatively, the supplemental weight  2  may be magnetic or be responsive to magnetic charges. The optional magnetic properties of certain alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention may be useful in removably coupling the supplemental weight  2  with the weight scale  4 , or in more firmly storing the supplemental weight  2  in the holder  38 . The supplemental weight  2  may be, in certain preferred embodiments, on the order of 200 grams to 250 grams, and fit within a dimensional design envelope of cube of three inches by three inches by three inches.  
     [0027] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 4, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention  42 , or second design  42 , is removably coupled onto the weight scale  4 . The second design  42  is sized and fitted to be removably coupled with the lower arm  10  of the weight scale  4 . The moveable weight  26  and a base  44  of the second design  42  provides a balancing weight to the weight  18  when the second design  42  is coupled with the lower arm  10 . The moveable weight  26  rests upon the base  44 . The base  44  of the second design  42  has a coupling element  30 . The coupling element  30  is sized and fitted to sit into an individual notch  22  selected from the plurality of notches  22  of the lower arm  10 . As noted above, the moveable weight  26  rests upon the base  44  and the weight of the second design  42  is borne down upon the lower arm  10  via the base  44 . In using the second design  42 , the operator moves the heavy balance weight  16  to the 200 pound position, and by using notch  22 D, and thereby allows the second design  42  to be removably placed upon the lower arm  10 . The operator then places the coupling element  30  onto the 50-pound notch  22 A or the 100-pound notch  22 B and thereby applies the weight of the second design  42  in balancing against the weight  16 .  
     [0028] The method of the present invention teaches that the second design  42  may be placed into a calibration state prior to using the second design  42  to weigh a person or object. In the example of FIG. 4, the second design  42  may be calibrated by placing a weight greater than 250 pounds but less than 300 pounds on the weighing stage  20 . Supposing that the weight  18  weighs within this range of 250 pounds to 300 pounds, the weight  18  is then balanced by placing the heavy balance weight  16  at the 250 pound location and adjusting the light balance weight  14  along the upper arm  12  to fine tune the counter balance with the weight  16 . Once balance is achieved, the heavy balance weight  16  is then moved to the 200-pound location and the second design  42  is coupled with the lower arm  10  and is adjusted. The second design  42 , being removably coupled with the weight scale, is adjusted until the weight scale  4  is returned into a balancing state against the weight  16 . The achievement of a balanced state is confirmed by observing when indicator  24  is substantially parallel to the Earth&#39;s surface and stationary.  
     [0029] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 4 and 1, the adjustment of the second design  42  into an operating state may include adjusting the relative positions of the movable weight  26  and the base  44  until the weight scale  4  is placed into the balanced state. The second design  42  may then be stored in the operating state. The adjustment of the second design  42  employs the rotation of the threaded screw length  32  of the base  44  within the tapped receiver  34  of the moveable weight  26 . The head  33  of the threaded screw length  32  is turned by the operator either manually or with a suitable tool known in the art. The head  33  may be slotted to accept a standard screw driver blade, a Phillips screw driver point, or another suitable screw rotating tool or mechanism known in the art. The head  33  is captured within the base  44  by an outer wall  46  and an inner wall  48 . Outer wall  46  has an aperture  49  through which the screw head  33  is accessible for rotation. Rotating the threaded screw length  32  about a linear axis L in a first direction drives the threaded screw length  32  further into the moveable weight  26  via the tapped receiver  34 , whereby the moveable weight  26  is drawn closer to the coupling element  30  of the base  44  and the effect of the second design  42  upon the balancing action of the weight scale  4  is altered. Alternatively, rotating the threaded screw length  32  about the linear axis L in a second direction causes the threaded screw length  32  to drive the moveable weight  26  away from the base  44 , whereby the moveable weight  26  is pushed further from the coupling element  30  of the base  44  and the effect of the second design  42  upon the balancing action of the weight scale  4  is altered. The second design  42  is thereby adjusted by rotating the threaded screw length  28  until the indicator  24  is substantially parallel to the Earth&#39;s surface and the stationary. At this point the second design  42  is personalized to the balancing dynamics of the weight scale  4  and is placed into an operating state whereby the second design  42  may be used to add 50 pounds of weight range to the weight scale. In the example weight scale of FIG. 4, the second design  42  may also be sized and fitted to removably couple with the 100 Pound notch  22 B and thereby extend the weighing range of the weight scale  4  from 350 pounds to 450 pounds.  
     [0030] A flexible cable  36  moveably secures the second design  42  to the weight scale  4 . Cable  36  is sufficiently long to allow the operator to place the second design  42  into a holder  38  for storage. Holder  38  is attached to the weight scale  4  and is sized and fitted to substantially house the second design  42 .  
     [0031] The second design  42  may be or comprise a suitable metal, e.g. aluminum or iron, or another suitable material of sufficient density. Additionally or alternatively, the second design  42  may be magnetic or be responsive to magnetic charges. The optional magnetic properties of certain alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention may be useful in removably coupling the second design  42  with the weight scale  4 , or in more firmly storing the second design  42  in the holder  38 . The second design  42  may be, in certain preferred embodiments, on the order of 200 grams to 250 grams, and fit within a dimensional design envelope of cube of three inches by three inches by three inches.  
     [0032] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 6, a motor  50  is coupled with the screw head  33  of the second design  42 . The motor  50  is powered by power supply  52  and the state of the motor  50  is controlled by the control unit  54 . The operator uses control unit  54  to vary the state of the motor  50  and thereby control the rotation or non-rotation of the threaded screw length and thereby control the relative position of the moveable weight  26  and the base  44 .  
     [0033]FIG. 6 is detailed set of views with dimensional measurements of an additional preferred embodiment  56  of the moveable weight  26  of FIG. 2.  
     [0034] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.