The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 08, 2002
Filed:
May. 03, 2000
Joan Hulburt, Cleveland, OH (US);
Brian B. Mathewson, Rocky River, OH (US);
Other;
Abstract
A collapsible weighing scale that reduces to the smallest possible size for maximum portability and convenience includes a platform having a plurality of interconnected support segments and a supporting structure connected to the platform. In one embodiment, a thin top platform is made from a plurality of connected segments and supported by two beams. These beams support the segments, transfer the load to the ground, and incorporate sensors to measure the weight. The platform segments collapse into a more compact shape while the support beams fold into place parallel to the segments, resulting in a significant reduction in the overall volume taken up by the fully deployed unit. In another embodiment, the platform and the support segments can be expanded in a fan-like arrangement. In still another embodiment, the several platform segments can unfold from a compact configuration and form the support structure in doing so.