Luggage and integrated weighing system for weighing luggage on hard or soft surfaces in real time

Abstract

Provided is a luggage and integrated weighing system for weighing luggage on hard or soft surfaces in real time. A luggage case includes a body structure for receiving and holding articles for transport where the body has a closure means on a portion thereof for opening and closing the body to allow insertion and removal of luggage articles. The luggage case includes at least one weigh body mounted to a portion of the body structure, a weigh sensor housing, a weigh sensor mounted within the weigh sensor housing calibrated to determine weight of the luggage case, and a ground engaging member adjustably mounted within the weigh housing that is movable between a weighing condition and a non-weighing condition.

Claims

1. A luggage and integrated weighing system for weighing luggage on hard or soft surfaces in real time, the system comprising: a luggage case including a body structure for receiving and holding articles for transport, the body having a closure on a portion thereof for opening and closing the body to allow insertion and removal of luggage articles; at least one weigh body mounted to a portion of the body structure, the weigh body comprising: a weigh sensor housing; a weigh sensor mounted within the weigh sensor housing calibrated to determine weight of the luggage case; a ground engaging member adjustably mounted within the weigh sensor housing moveable between a weighing condition and a non-weighing condition, wherein in the weighing condition a first portion of the ground engaging member engages the weigh sensor for weighing the luggage case, and a second portion engages the ground such that a force proportional to the weight of the luggage is exerted on the weigh sensor; a power circuit including a microprocessor attached to the weigh sensor, whereby the microprocessor is programmed to receive input information from the weigh sensor in the weighing condition; a display attached to an external surface of the body structure, the display being interconnected to the microprocessor for receiving and displaying weigh information; wherein in the weighing condition the weigh sensor completes the power circuit and the weight of the luggage is determined by the weigh sensor and a weight measurement is displayed on the display, and wherein in the non-weighing condition the ground engaging member is adjustably disengaged from the weigh sensor; wherein the second portion of the ground engaging member is a ground engaging head and the first portion of the ground engaging member comprises dependent legs, wherein the legs are slidably received within the weigh sensor housing and whereby the ground engaging head lies adjacent the weigh sensor housing in the non-weighing condition with the legs resting adjacent the weigh sensor; wherein the ground engaging head includes a releasable locking assembly whereby the ground engaging head is releasably seated adjacent the weigh sensor housing in the non-weighing condition; and wherein the releasable locking assembly includes a depression member in the ground engaging head biased towards a locking condition whereby in the non-weighing condition the depression member engages a shoulder portion on the weigh sensor housing so as to lock the ground engaging head adjacent the weigh sensor housing.

2. A luggage and integrated weighing system for weighing luggage according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the ground engaging member at least partially lifts the luggage case into weighing engagement with the weigh sensor whereby the weight of the luggage including articles within the body structure of the luggage case is determined and displayed substantially independent of hard or soft surfaces, and whereby when contact occurs between the ground engaging member and the weigh sensor in the weighing condition, the power circuit is completed and measurement of weight provided by the weigh sensor.

3. A luggage and integrated weighing system for weighing luggage according to claim 1, wherein the weigh body further comprises a guide structure for aligning and locating the first portion of the ground engaging member in engagement with the weigh sensor in the weighing condition.

4. A luggage and integrated weighing system for weighing luggage according to claim 3, wherein the guide structure comprises mating components on the weigh sensor housing and the ground engaging member which bias the first portion of the ground engaging member towards engagement with the weigh sensor in the weighing condition.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic representation of one embodiment of the present invention in a second weighing condition.

(2) FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an LCD display and selection means for use in the embodiment of the present invention according to FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 is a partial front perspective representation of an embodiment of the present invention with handle in retracted position.

(4) FIG. 4 is a partial front perspective representation of the embodiment in FIG. 3 with handle in extended position.

(5) FIG. 5 is a partial rear perspective representation of the embodiment in FIG. 3 with handle in extended position.

(6) FIG. 6 is a schematic view in vertical cross-section of a further embodiment of the luggage and integral weighing system in accordance with the present invention.

(7) FIG. 7 is a schematic representation in plan view of a weigh system in accordance with FIG. 6 for use in luggage accordance with the present invention.

(8) FIG. 8 is a schematic representation in vertical cross-section of a weigh system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIGS. 9A and 9B are a schematic representation in a side view of a weigh system in accordance with FIG. 8 showing different weighing configurations.

(10) FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of FIG. 9 from underneath.

(11) FIG. 11 is a schematic representation in vertical cross-section of a weigh system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

(12) FIGS. 12A and 12B are a schematic representation in a side view a weigh system in accordance with FIG. 11 showing different weighing configurations.

(13) FIG. 13 is a plan view of a display used in the present invention.

(14) FIG. 14 is a schematic representation in side view of a weigh system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

(15) FIGS. 15A to 15L are schematics views of a weigh system in accordance with the present invention.

(16) FIG. 16 is a schematic representation in vertical cross section of a weigh body forming part of a weigh system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

(17) FIG. 17 is a schematic representation showing a display component of a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

(18) Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown an improved luggage and integral weighing system 1 for weighing luggage on hard or soft surfaces according to one embodiment of the present invention. The improved weighing system for luggage broadly includes a carrying case assembly, according to principles of the invention, is generally indicated at 2 including a case 4, a telescoping handle 3 adapted for extending or retracting within a housing 5 attached to the case 4, first load sensors 8a, 8b and second load sensors 9a, 9b wherein the first load sensors are operably located for weighing determination in a first weigh condition, and wherein the second load sensors are operably located for weighing determination in a second weighing condition.

(19) As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 3 and 4, assembly 2 includes a case 4 for carrying items from place to place and a housing 5 is provided at a rear portion of the case 4 for receiving a built-in telescoping handle 3. The case 4 has a body with side walls 6, a floor 7, a handle 10, and a cover lid or flap(s) 14 which open to permit access to the interior of the case. The case assembly includes a base 12 beneath the floor 7 on which ground engaging wheels 13 and feet 15 are mounted on a rear portion and front portion of the case respectively.

(20) As can be seen in the figures a handle assembly is located adjacent the rear wall of case 4. The handle assembly includes a housing 5 attached to the case 4 in which the telescoping handle 3 is operable between an extended and retracted position relative to the housing. As best seen in FIG. 1, first load sensors 8a and 8b are positioned relative to the housing 5 so that when the handle 3 is extended relative to the housing 5, at least a part of the handle positively engages first load sensors 8a or 8b or both in a first weighing condition.

(21) In this embodiment the load sensors 8a and/or 8b are actuated to determine the weight of luggage on soft surfaces. In particular, positive engagement of at least a part of the handle with one or both of the first load sensors allows weighing of luggage on soft surfaces. In this weighing condition the case assembly may be sufficiently removed from direct contact with a ground surface so that an accurate weight measure of luggage can be performed by the first load sensors.

(22) FIG. 1 also shows second load sensors 9a and 9b located between the base 12 and wheels 13 or feet members 15. Second load sensors 9a and 9b are operable in a second weighing condition when wheels 13 and feet 15 engage the ground. This is useful for weighing luggage on a hard surface where the wheels and or feet positively engage the second load sensors.

(23) The improved luggage and weighing system 1 also includes a micro-processor unit 22 operatively connected to the first and second load sensors. The MCU receives data from the operable load sensors and converts load data into calibrated weight units.

(24) The case 4 in FIG. 1 shows an LCD display 23 located in a top portion. The display 23 (shown in FIG. 2) is operatively connected to the microprocessor unit, the display being located on a visible portion of the case for displaying weight measure determined and transmitted by the micro-processor, the display further including a mode switch to display weight measure in a selected scale of pounds, ounces or kilograms. The display is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery 24 and may include an automatic off switch 25 to conserve battery power. In one embodiment (not shown), the luggage and weighing system includes an actuator mechanism which allows selective operation of the first or second load sensors.

(25) Referring to FIG. 6 there is shown a vertical cross-section of luggage and integral weighing system including a base platform 50 on which a non-flexible plastic plate 51 is mounted. A pair of weigh sensors 52 is shown mounted between the platform 50 and plate 51 in substantial alignment with external rollers 53. As shown in FIG. 7 the integral weighing system includes a plate 51 on which four weigh sensors are mounted. The sensors are interconnected to an LED display screen 54 by a printed circuit board (not shown) and electronic circuitry 55. The PCB includes a microprocessor which receives weigh information from the sensors in a weigh condition. The information is then relayed to the LED circuitry where it is displayed in conventional weigh units. The LED display includes selection means 56. As shown, the selection means includes a unit selection, and on/off switch and a zero tare.

(26) Referring to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 there is shown a further preferred embodiment of the present invention including a variable geometry weighing system 200. In this embodiment (see FIG. 8) the system 200 shows a plate 201 mounted to an underneath portion of the base 203, and a load sensor 202 pivotally mounted to the plate 201 at pivot point 204.

(27) As shown in FIG. 8 in solid outline, the weighing system 200 has the plate 201 and load sensor 202 aligned in a storage condition side by side in a horizontal plane. As shown in dotted outline, the load sensor 202 is pivotally moveable between the storage condition and a weighing condition in which the load sensor is located immediately below the plate 201 in vertical alignment.

(28) Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B there is shown the weighing system 200 in a storage condition and weighing condition respectively. As seen in FIG. 9B the weighing system includes a pair of variable geometry devices 204 and 205 including plate 201 and load sensor 202.

(29) As shown in FIG. 9A, in a storage condition the configuration of the weighing system 204 and 205 allow the wheels to engage the ground 207. In FIG. 9B when the load sensors 202 are moved in vertical alignment with the respective plates 201, the increase in height raises the base and wheels from frictional engagement with the ground. In this condition the load sensors engage the ground and allow weighing of the luggage.

(30) In a further preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the weighing system can include at least four variable geometry weighing devices 204. This helps to stabilise the luggage for weighing in a weighing condition.

(31) Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown an alternative weighing system 215. The weighing system mounted to the base 203 underneath the housing, comprising a longitudinal body having an arm portion 220 ending with a shoulder portion 210, the longitudinal body being attached to a portion of the base 203 beneath the housing 211.

(32) As shown in FIG. 11, a load sensor 216 is movable (in dotted outline) in the direction of the arrow, from a storage condition in arm portion 220 (shown in dotted outline) to, a weighing condition (shown in full outline) located on an end portion 217 of the shoulder 210.

(33) Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, there is shown the weighing system 215 in a storage condition and weighing condition respectively including a pair of spaced apart longitudinal body portions mounted to the base 203 of the container. In a storage condition (see FIG. 12A) the load sensors 216a and 216b are located on or within a recess portion of the arm 220. In FIG. 12B the load sensors have both been moved in opposite directions along the arm towards the respective shoulders 210a and 210b in a weighing condition. As shown in FIG. 12A, in a storage condition the configuration of the weighing system in which the load sensors are stored along the ark portion, allow the wheels to engage the ground 207. In FIG. 12B when the load sensors are moved′ along the arm portions into vertical alignment with the respective shoulders, the increase in height which results raises the base and wheels from frictional engagement with the ground. In this condition the load sensors engage the ground and allow weighing of the luggage.

(34) Referring to FIG. 13 there is shown an LCD display 23 which is operatively interconnected to the load sensors through a microprocessor (not shown). The display is attached to a top portion of the housing (see FIG. 15) in use and displays luggage weight measurement in real time when the weighing system is in a weighing condition.

(35) Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown a conventional suitcase having a hinged closure. In this embodiment, there is shown a further alternative weighing system comprising a base plate 250 mounted to one inside end of the suitcase. As shown, the weighing system in FIG. 14 also includes a pair of load sensors 251 located between the base plate and an inside portion of the suitcase. In this embodiment luggage articles can be weighed at any time as the bulk articles exert a mass against the base plate.

(36) Referring to FIGS. 15A to 15H, there is shown a luggage and integrated weighing system 200 in accordance with the present invention. The luggage and integrated weighing system 200 includes a luggage case 150 having a body portion for receiving and storing luggage articles, and one or more weigh bodies 151 mounted to a portion of the luggage case for weighing the luggage case and articles stored in the body portion. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15A the system 200 includes four spaced apart weigh bodies 151 which can rest on the ground or surface in a non-weighing condition.

(37) The system 200 further includes a power circuit (not shown) including a microprocessor operatively connected to the weigh bodies, and a display means 153 on an upper portion of the luggage case interconnected to the microprocessor. In a weigh condition the weigh sensor 152 completes the power circuit and is calibrated to determine weight of the luggage case, and the display means receives information from the microprocessor for displaying a weigh output.

(38) Each of the weigh bodies 151 (best shown in FIGS. 151 and 15L) include a weigh sensor housing 154 adapted for mounting to or within the luggage case, a weigh sensor 152 received within the housing, and a mushroom-shaped ground engaging member 156. The ground engaging member 156 includes a domed-shaped foot 170 and a pair of dependent spaced apart legs 171 whereby the legs are slidably movable within the weigh sensor housing.

(39) Referring to FIG. 15L, there is shown a ground engaging member 156 in a weighing condition in which the foot 171 is extended from the weigh sensor housing for positive engagement with a ground surface. In this condition, the spaced apart legs 171 are aligned with and engage the weigh sensor, and the luggage case is supported by the foot members, so that the force exerted on the weigh sensor by the legs in proportion to the weight of the luggage can be determined.

(40) In a non-weighing condition (not shown), the legs are deformed or deflected away from engagement with the weigh sensor and thereafter slidably received within the weigh sensor housing so that the domed foot can rest adjacent the weigh sensor housing.

(41) As further shown in FIG. 15L, the weigh body includes a releasable locking means which biases alignment and operative engagement between the legs of the ground engagement member and the weigh sensor in a weighing condition. The locking means includes mating components on the weigh sensor housing and the ground engaging member. In a weighing condition the foot portion of the ground engagement member(s) extends from the weigh sensor housing for positive engagement with the ground, and as the legs slide upwardly within the housing a lower portion of the legs is brought into frictional engagement with the weigh sensor.

(42) The ground engaging member(s) further include a release mechanism for releasing the legs from frictional engagement with the weigh sensor so that the legs can slide downwardly within the weigh housing. The release mechanism comprises a compressed spring 177 in a portion of the foot, operatively interconnected to the spaced apart legs, which biases the legs towards alignment with the weigh sensor.

(43) The release mechanism includes a release structure 172 in the foot portion of the engagement member, and when the release structure is depressed against the compressed spring by exerting a force thereon, the legs can be deflected away from alignment with the weigh sensor and thereafter slidably received within the weigh housing in a non-weighing condition. In this condition the legs are no longer aligned with or in weighing engagement with the weigh sensor, and the foot 170 lies adjacent the weigh housing. In this non-weighing condition the foot or feet can provide stable support for the luggage case.

(44) The weigh housing also includes a collar 175 which includes a shaped recess 176 for receiving a portion of the foot so as to insulate the weigh housing from exposure to water or moisture.

(45) Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 there is shown a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment there is shown a display unit 100 used in the weigh system including tracking means 101 for allowing location of lost luggage. The tracking means includes:

(46) (i) an audio recorder 102 for recording owner identification and details including name and address, and speaker 103 connected to a play function 104 for playing the recorded identification message;

(47) (ii) a telecommunications means including a radio transmitter and receiver 105, and a GMS simcard 106, whereby the simcard includes the owners telephone contact so that actuating ‘call owner’ button 107 opens transmission; and

(48) (iii) GPS tracking system 101 powered by luggage weigh power supply 108, whereby the GPS is operable on land to transmit control signals relating to luggage position, and powered off while in air.

(49) In a further embodiment (not shown), the luggage and integrated weighing system includes an electronic tamper detection and response system for providing evidence of unauthorised access to contents of the luggage. This is important to the extent that a traveler can obtain proof of any deliberate altering by removal or addition of contents from or to the luggage by persons other than the actual owner.

(50) The tamper detection and response system comprises embedded electronic detection circuitry interconnecting the microprocessor of the weigh circuit with one or more detection sensors located on or within the luggage container and/or weigh sensors. In one preferred form, the weigh sensors can detect a change in weight and trigger the microprocessor circuit to emit an alarm and/or record the time of such a change.

(51) Further, the detection/response system can include hardware such as a camera which is integrated to the detection circuitry, and upon sensing a change or unauthorised opening, the detection circuitry can trigger operation of the camera to take a photograph. Even further, the microprocessor can trigger alarm by telephone to owner.

(52) Tamper detection mechanisms enable the hardware device to be aware of tampering and include: Switches such as microswitches, magnetic switches, mercury switches, and pressure contacts to detect the opening of a device, the breach of a physical security boundary, or the movement of a particular component. Sensors such as temperature and radiation sensors to detect environmental changes, voltage and power sensors to detect glitch attacks, radiation sensors for X-rays (used for seeing what is inside of a sealed or encapsulated device) and ion beams (often used for advanced attacks to focus on specific electrical gates within an integrated circuit). Circuitry such as flexible circuitry, nichrome wire, and fiber optics wrapped around critical circuitry or specific components on the board. These materials are used to detect a puncture, break, or attempted modification of the wrapper. For example, if the resistance of the nichrome wire changes or the light power traveling through the optical cable decreases, the system can assume there has been physical tampering.

(53) Response mechanisms may also be simpler, such as just logging the type of attack detected and the time it occurred, which can provide useful audit information and help with forensic analysis after an attack.

(54) It should be understood that the above description is of a preferred embodiment and included as illustration only. It is not limiting of the invention. Clearly variations of the luggage and integral weigh system would be understood by a person skilled in the art without any inventiveness and such variations are included within the scope of this invention.