Balance control system for weight scales

[0001] None.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to weight scales and, more specifically, to a balance control system that detects load distribution on the scale and provides an output signal to a user to indicate whether or not the user should re-position or shift weight in order to more equally distribute load and, thus, optimize scale accuracy.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Various known weight scales generally provide an upper platform for the user to stand on, having load detection cells positioned beneath. The load from the weight of the user is transmitted from the platform to the load detection cells which are mounted to a base. The load on the cells is measured by the cells and communicated to a controller which causes an output display of the user's weight. The load detection cells are usually positioned in an evenly spaced array in an effort to position them whereby the load of the user is likely to be evenly distributed. This requires anticipation of precisely where the user is likely to stand on the scale and of how the user will distribute his or her weight in terms of distribution between front and back of the foot as well as right-vs.-left foot. The resultant scale reading is sometimes inaccurate because each user may stand on the scale in a different position and with different weight distribution, and each user has different size feet.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a weight scale that overcomes the above-identified shortcomings of known scales. These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by the embodiments described below.

[0007] The present invention is directed to a weight scale having a balance control system that detects unequal load distribution to the scale's load cells and produces an output signal that enables the user to re-distribute weight until a predetermined level of balance is achieved.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, a weight scale (10) includes an upper platform (12), a base (14), a display screen (16), and a plurality of load detection cells (18) (shown in phantom) positioned between the platform (12) and the base (14). The cells (18) are mounted between the platform (12) and the base (14) in such a way that the load of the user's weight on the platform (12) will be transmitted directly to the cells (18). The cells (18) may be of the type generally known in the art, which generally include a deflectable member (not shown) through which electric current is passed. When the deflectable member flexes under load, it resistance properties are altered, and the change is monitored by measuring current flow. This is translated into a weight reading displayed to the user on the display screen (16).

[0011] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of the balance control system (19) for a weight scale (10) according to the present invention shows four load detections cells (18). A computer controller (20), of the type generally known, communicates with the cells (18) to process load signals therefrom, compare the signals, and provide an output signal to the display screen (16) that indicates to the user whether or not the user's weight is evenly distributed.

[0012] Various types of display or audible signal configurations may be used to indicate to the user whether or not a state of equal weight distribution, or balance, is present. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a balance display (22) may be included in or separate from the display screen (16). The balance display (22) may include an array of lights (24) arranged symmetrically and having a central light (26).

[0013] In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the load detection cells (18) are arranged in a square configuration such that if a user stands so that his center of gravity is in the center of the scale platform (12), the load caused by the user's weight will be equally distributed and supported by each of the four load detection cells (18). It is understood that any number of cells (18) more than two may be used.

[0014] When the user stands on the platform (12), the lights on the balance display (22) light up in an array indicative of the user's center of gravity position. For example, if the user's weight is centered with respect to the four cells (18), only the central light (16) will be lit. If the user is leaning or standing too much to the right, both lights (24) to the right hand side of the central light (26) will light up. As the user leans or stands more to the left, only the single light directly to the right of the central light (26) will light up, thus indicating that the user's weight is shifted more toward the center. When the user finally shifts his weight to the center, only the central light (26) is lit.

[0015] Different balance indicators can be used in place of the precise embodiment described above. For instance, a different array of lights can be used, and the lighting or un-lighting sequences can be reversed depending on preference. Another way of indicating balance is to provide an audible signal that signals when the user's weight is centered, when it is not, and/or to which direction the user should re-position to achieve balance.

[0016] Operation of the above-described preferred embodiment will now be described. Initially, when the scale is at rest, the scale is not powered. When the user desires to use the scale, the user merely taps the platform (12). Tapping the platform (12) triggers a power-on switch (28) of the type generally known which activates a power source (30), such as a battery-powered pack. Alternatively, a manually activated power-on switch (not shown) may be provided for hand manipulation or toe-touch manipulation. After the scale (10) is powered on, the scale performs a self-zeroing routine as is known in various existing scales. The self-zeroing routine generally signals to the controller that in the instant condition, the weight output on the display screen should read zero.

[0017] Once the scale (10) has self-zeroed, the display screen will read “0”, indicating to the user that the scale (10) is now ready for the user to stand on the scale. The user then steps onto the scale. The balance display (22) responds to the position of the user's center of gravity by lighting up accordingly, as described above, prompting the user to re-position or shift until the central light (26) illuminates. Optionally, the scale controller (20) may be programmed to not display the user's weight, thus displaying a blank screen or remaining at “0”, until the user controller has indicated that the user's weight is centered. In lieu of, or in combination with, the visual signal, an audible signal may be produced by an audible output generator (32) that indicates relative position of the center of gravity and/or a balanced condition.

[0018] When the user's weight is sufficiently centered with respect to the load detection cells (18), the balance display (22) will indicate the balanced condition. A signal indicating that balance is achieved will prompt the controller (20) to activate the display screen (16) to display the user's weight in pounds or kilograms. When the user steps off of the scale (10), the controller (20) activates a time-out sequence to power-off the scale (10) after a predetermined period. When the scale (10) is tapped again, the operational procedure repeats.

[0019] The scale (10) may be provided with additional features such as a display clock and calendar, a radio and/or audible signaling device, and programmable sounds.

[0020] While the preferred embodiment has been herein described, it is understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.