Scale which indicates a relative force applied between two attachment points

Abstract

The present invention provides airline travelers with a method of determining baggage weight compliance while traveling, prior to having baggage rejected or additional fees assessed at the baggage check counter at the airport. In a first aspect, a scale is disclosed that comprises first and second attachment points, wherein the scale indicates a relative force applied to the attachment points. In a second aspect, a scale is disclosed which comprises two independent attachment points wherein the scale can display the total force applied to the attachment points.

1 . A scale comprising: 
 first and second attachment points; wherein the scale indicates a relative force applied to the attachment points.    
   
   
       2 . The scale of  claim 1  wherein the relative force is applied symmetrically to the two attachment points.  
   
   
       3 . The scale of  claim 1  wherein the relative force is applied asymmetrically to the two attachment points.  
   
   
       4 . The scale of  claim 1  wherein the scale includes a set of cams and followers to transfer force and motion between the attachment points.  
   
   
       5 . A scale comprising; 
 two independent attachment points wherein the scale can display the total force applied to the two attachment points.    
   
   
       6 . The scale of  claim 5  wherein the scale includes a set of cams and followers to transfer force and motion between the attachment points.  
   
   
       7 . A suitcase comprising: 
 a body portion; and    a handle coupled to the body portion, wherein the handle comprises a handle shell; within the shell is a mechanism coupled to the body portion, the mechanism including a plurality of attachment points; where each attachment point moves independently; causing an indicator to move a distance proportionate to the weight suspended by the mechanism; and causing a scale adjacent to the indicator to move a distance proportionate to the weight suspended; where the combined movements of the independent mechanisms result in a totalized weight indication suspended at the attachment points.    
   
   
       8 . The suitcase of  claim 7  wherein the mechanism includes a set of cams and followers to transfer force and motion between the attachment points.  
   
   
       9 . A suitcase comprising: 
 a body portion; and    a handle coupled to the body portion, wherein the handle comprises a handle shell; within the shell is a mechanism coupled to the body portion, the mechanism including a plurality of attachment points; where each attachment point moves independently; causing pressure to be transferred by a link(s); and the transducer sends a relative signal to a microprocessor; and the microprocessor provides an indication of the totalized weight on a LCD; where the combined pressure of the independent mechanisms result in a totalized weight indication suspended at the attachment points.    
   
   
       10 . The suitcase of  claim 9  wherein the mechanism includes a set of cams and followers to transfer force and motion between the attachment points.