Chair-based scale having multiple configurations and sensors within chair legs

摘要

A chair-based scale for weighing a person in a seated position is disclosed. The scale includes a system for electronically displaying data and other information. In one embodiment, the chair-based scale is a stand-alone scale, and in other embodiments, it communicates with a remote computer. According to one embodiment, the chair comprises a collapsible chair. A collapsible chair provides certain advantages, such as lower manufacturing and shipping costs, and ease of shipping to and storage and use at a user location (e.g., a patient's home or apartments), or a health care facility. According to an embodiment of the invention, the collapsible chair may be a folding chair, e.g., of the deck chair or director chair type. According to one embodiment, the chair comprises a protective cover that is movable to prevent loading of a load sensor in a non-weighing condition of the chair. In another embodiment, the chair is provided with wheels and e.g., is of the transport type.

主权项

1. A scale comprising:
a chair that includes a plurality of legs and a seat, one or more of the legs being tubular; one or more load sensors and a mounting arrangement that attaches each load sensor to the chair in a fixed position, each load sensor being disposed entirely within one or more of the tubular legs such that each sensor directly or indirectly receives loading that would otherwise be received by one or more of the legs and transmits the received loading to one or more of the legs; and electronic circuitry that processes the signal or signals from the load sensor or sensors, or signals related thereto, and provides a signal related to the loading of the chair; wherein the scale comprises a weighing configuration and a non-weighing configuration, and wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a cover within which the load transmitting member is mounted, the cover having an extending non-weighing position in which the load transmitting member does not extend therefrom and the cover is adapted to contact the supporting surface and provide support for the leg of the chair to which it is attached, and a retracted weighing position in which the load transmitting member extends therefrom and is adapted to contact the supporting surface.