Scale System

Abstract

A scale system is provided. The scale system includes multiple scale portions which may be separated to weigh an item that may have multiple feet or wheels, such as luggage. Each scale portion is configured as a pedestal that may wirelessly communicate with a computing device. The computing device receives a signal input from each portion, calculates the total weight based on the signal inputs, and presents this information to a user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A scale system comprising:
 a plurality of weighing pedestals having top platforms, wherein each pedestal is configured to take a weight measurement and has therein a wireless transmitter configured to communicate wirelessly with a wireless computing device by sending a signal relating to the weight measurement;   an item of luggage, wherein at least a part of the item of luggage is positioned on the top platform of each of the plurality of weighing pedestals.   
     
     
         2 . The scale system of  claim 1  wherein each of the plurality of pedestals is connectable to another of the plurality of pedestals. 
     
     
         3 . The scale system of  claim 2  wherein each of the plurality of pedestals is connectable to another of the plurality of pedestals along a side of each, and wherein the sides of the connectable pedestals are shaped to fit flushly together. 
     
     
         4 . The scale system of  claim 2  wherein the plurality of pedestals is each connectable to another by a slideable connection. 
     
     
         5 . The scale system of  claim 2  wherein the plurality of pedestals is each connectable to another by a magnetic connection. 
     
     
         6 . The scale system of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of pedestals comprises four pedestals. 
     
     
         7 . The scale system of  claim 6 , wherein each of the four pedestals comprises a load sensor for performing weight measurements, wherein the load sensor is in communication with the top of the pedestal and the wireless transmitter. 
     
     
         8 . The scale system of  claim 1  wherein the wireless computing device is configured to visually display the weight measurement on a display. 
     
     
         9 . The scale system of  claim 1  wherein the item of luggage further comprises feet formed as one of a wheel and a leg, wherein each one of the feet is positioned on the top platform of one of the pedestals. 
     
     
         10 . The scale system of  claim 1  wherein one of the plurality of pedestals comprises a wireless transmitter configured to send the signal to the wireless computing device, and wherein the wireless transmitter of another of the plurality of pedestals is configured to send a secondary signal to the one of the plurality of pedestals and not to the wireless computing device. 
     
     
         11 . A scale system comprising:
 a plurality of weighing pedestals connectable to one another magnetically, each pedestal having a top platform configured to receive one of a plurality of feet of an item of luggage,   wherein each pedestal is configured to take a weight measurement and has therein a wireless transmitter configured to communicate wirelessly with a wireless computing device by sending a signal relating to the weight measurement;   wherein the scale system determines the weight of the received luggage and provides the weight of the received luggage to the wireless transmitter, and the wireless transmitter communicates the weight of the received luggage to the wireless computing device.   
     
     
         12 . The scale system of  claim 11 , wherein the wireless computing device displays the weight of the received luggage on a digital display. 
     
     
         13 . The scale system of  claim 11 , wherein the wireless computing device reports the weight of the received luggage by an audible output. 
     
     
         14 . The scale system of  claim 11  wherein each of the plurality of pedestals is connectable to another of the plurality of pedestals along a side of each, and wherein the sides of the connectable pedestals are shaped to fit flushly together. 
     
     
         15 . The scale system of  claim 11  wherein the plurality of pedestals is each connectable to another by a slideable connection. 
     
     
         16 . The scale system of  claim 11  wherein the plurality of pedestals comprises four pedestals. 
     
     
         17 . The scale system of  claim 16  further comprising the item of luggage, the item of luggage comprising four feet selected to be one of a wheel and a leg, each one of the four feet positioned on the top platform of one of the plurality of pedestals, the wireless transmitter of the at least one of the pedestals configured to send the signal to the wireless computing device. 
     
     
         18 . The scale system of  claim 18  wherein one of the plurality of pedestals comprises a wireless transmitter configured to send the signal to the wireless computing device, and wherein the wireless transmitter of another of the plurality of pedestals is configured to send a secondary signal to the one of the plurality of pedestals and not to the wireless computing device. 
     
     
         19 . A scale system comprising:
 four weighing pedestals connectable to one another, each pedestal having a top platform configured to receive one of a plurality of feet of an item of luggage,   wherein each pedestal is configured to take a weight measurement and has therein a wireless transmitter configured to communicate wirelessly with a wireless computing device by sending a signal relating to the weight measurement;   wherein the scale system determines the weight of the received luggage and provides the weight of the received luggage to the wireless transmitter, and the wireless transmitter communicates the weight of the received luggage to the wireless computing device.   
     
     
         20 . The scale system of  claim 19 , further comprising load sensors positioned in the bodies of each of the pedestals and in communication with the wireless transmitter, wherein the load sensors provide a signal to the wireless transmitter, wherein the wireless computing device is configured to convert the signal received from the wireless transmitter into a weight measurement and present the weight measurement to a user.