SHOP FLOOR SCALE

BASCULE DE MAGASIN

English Abstract

A lightweight industrial scale. The scale integrates sensors onto heavy-duty
plastic
pallets to create a robust platform for weighing skids, Gaylord boxes, super
sacks, finished
goods and other items. The pallet scales have sensors mounted in a distributed
fashion to the
bottom of flat pallets (typically referred to as "stackable" or "rackable") or
onto the bottom of
each leg on a legged pallet (typically referred to as "nestable").

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A portable scale comprising:
a platform for supporting a load;
load sensors mounted on a bottom surface of the platform for providing weight
data;
and,
a display unit in electrical communication with the load sensors for
displaying alpha-
numeric text corresponding to the weight data.
2. The portable scale of claim 1, wherein the platform includes folding
regions for
reducing a planar surface area of the pallet in a fully folded position.
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Description

CA 02590467 2007-05-29
SHOP FLOOR SCALE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to pallets. More particularly, the
present
invention relates to the weighing of pallets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Industrial pallets are used for supporting heavy loads during transportation
and
shipping thereof. There is a need to determine the weight of such loads, which
is presently
achieved by having a forklift operator manually haul the pallet with the load
onto an industrial
scale. Different scales are required for different weight ranges, and there is
the risk of damage
to the load during forklift transportation. Furthermore, the time required for
weighing many
pallets will be time consuming.
Therefore, there is a need for a weighing apparatus for overcoming the
problems of the
prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one
disadvantage
of previous scales.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a portable scale having a
platform for
supporting a load, load sensors mounted on a bottom surface of the platform
for providing
weight data, and a display unit in electrical communication with the load
sensors for
displaying alpha-numeric text corresponding to the weight data. According to
an embodiment
of the present aspect, the platform includes folding regions for reducing a
planar surface area
of the pallet when in a fully folded position.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to
those
ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of
specific embodiments
of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
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CA 02590467 2007-05-29
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example
only,
with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
Fig. 4 is a plan view of an pallet scale, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. 5 is a plan view of a folding pallet scale, according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a side view of the folding pallet scale of Figure 5 in a partially
folded
position;
Fig. 7 is a side view of the folding pallet scale of Figure 5 in a fully
folded
position; and
Fig. 8 is a plan view of the folding pallet scale of Figure 5 in the fully
folded
position, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A lightweight industrial scale for use in factories, plants, warehouses and
distribution
centers is disclosed. This line of scales integrates sensors onto heavy-duty
plastic pallets to
create a robust platform for weighing skids, Gaylord boxes, super sacks,
finished goods and
other items. The pallet scales have sensors mounted in a distributed fashion
to the bottom of
flat pallets (typically referred to as "stackable" or "rackable") or onto the
bottom of each leg
on a legged pallet (typically referred to as "nestable") as depicted in Figure
4. Different
ranges of capacity ratings for the Shop Floor Scales are possible.
The display unit has several configurations. It can be permanently mounted
onto the
body of the plastic pallet (depicted in Figure 4a in the top-mounted position
and in Figure 4b
in the bottom-mounted position), mounted and removable while attached by a
connecting
cable or it can be connected wirelessly. The display unit will feature an LED
or LCD display
powered by a rechargeable battery. The unit will be able to run from AC power
(120/240v)
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CA 02590467 2007-05-29
while recharging the battery. In the wireless configuration, it is possible to
have one display
unit that communicates with several shop floor scales. The use of an infrared
communication
protocol ensures accurate communication with the intended scale. The display
unit also has an
optional 802.1 lx radio that allows it to communicate with a corporate
wireless network. Thus
the weight of specific items can be captured and integrated into ERP,
logistics, accounting or
other corporate systems.
The pallet platforms will feature several innovations to enhance its overall
usability.
The unit will have as an option the ability to be folded and locked for easy
transport from
location to location. Figure 5 shows the two fold points of the pallet and
positioning for six
hinges. Depending on hinge selection, more or less individual hinges may be
used. Figure 6
shows the unit in a partially folded position while Figure 7 depicts the fully
closed and locked
position. The locking mechanism can either be a mechanical device at the
hinges (a hook and
eye latch is depicted as option "a") or on the outer legs (a strap is depicted
as option "b"). The
folded unit fits into the space of a standard automobile trunk.
As depicted in Figure 8, the platform will be fitted with a lifting handle and
offset
wheels on the opposite side that make contact with the floor only when the
unit is lifted. Thus,
the unit can be easily moved by one person. The unit will have loops for
hanging from the
wall to save space and keep the unit in a secure location.
The sensors themselves will be protected from harsh industrial environments
while not
in use as a scale. The approach utilizes removable sensors that are affixed by
means of a set of
matched tabs and grooves. The user can "screw" and "unscrew" the sensors from
the bottom
of the platform. Any means for attaching and removing the load cell sensors
can be used.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be
examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to
the particular
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CA 02590467 2007-05-29
embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of
the invention,
which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
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Representative Drawing