Weighing scales – Illuminated
Reexamination Certificate
2001-04-10
2003-06-24
Gibson, Randy (Department: 2841)
Weighing scales
Illuminated
C177S178000, C177S181000, C177S240000, C177S262000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06583369
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to weight scales, and more specifically to a scale having a display that appears only when the scale is in use.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Weight scales are well-known in the art. A scale may use one of a variety of weighing mechanisms to measure weight, but most commonly-used weighing mechanisms require placement of the scale on a hard, flat surface such as a bathroom floor. A typical scale is kept flat on a bathroom floor. A scale is a common accessory to a bathroom, and many people weigh themselves in the privacy of their bathrooms before or after bathing. A pervasive feature of personal weight scales is a display or dial which indicates the weight information sought by the user.
Many people consider a scale to be unattractive and unsightly, but nonetheless a necessary bathroom appliance. While many people would prefer not to have a scale be visible in their bathrooms, these people simply may tolerate having a scale be visible for the lack of a better alternative. If the scale is visible, users may prefer that the scale not be identifiable as such. Instead, the scale preferably blends in with the surrounding decor.
It is therefore desirable to create a scale that does not exhibit the visibly identifiable features of a typical scale, thereby avoiding the unsightly appearance of a scale when not in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a weight scale void of visibly identifiable features characteristic of common weight scales, and in particular a weight scale having a display which vanishes when the scale deactivates. By obscuring the display when not in use, a scale in accordance with the present invention does not immediately appear to be a scale, thereby improving its appearance and enhancing its ability to blend with the surroundings. Conceptually, a scale according to the present invention may make the display invisible by matching the display background color with the color of the surrounding surface, and by providing a translucent surface that allows light from an active display to be visible through the translucent surface.
A scale according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a substantially rectangular enclosure with an upper surface upon which a user can stand, a display which is viewable by the user while standing on the scale, a weight measurement mechanism, and circuitry contained within the enclosure. During operation, as when a user is standing on the scale, the display emits a visible indication of the weight measured. In an exemplary embodiment, the display comprises an alphanumeric, multi-segment light emitting diode (LED) display or a back-lighted liquid crystal display (LCD). When not in use, the display is dark and preferably indistinguishable from the portion of the upper surface surrounding the display. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper surface is formed of a darkly tinted translucent plastic, behind which the display is arranged and masked when inactive.
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Bell Randall
Chatterjee Monique
Holderfield Greg
Hsu Elliott
Montagnino James G.
Gibson Randy
Shurupoff Lawrence J.
Sunbeam Products Inc.
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