Tactile handle integrated scale

摘要

A tactile handle integrated scale that measures the weight of an attached element and provides tactile output. The handle with an integrated scale can be attached onto luggage, a briefcase, a backpack, or other liftable objects. The scale provides tactile output and a tactile gauge, so that users can ascertain the weight using touch only and without requiring visual inspection of the gauge. A switch may be provided to enable or disable the measurement feature of the handle. The handle may be attached to the liftable object using linkages that permit rotation of the object relative to the handle.

主权项

1. A tactile handle integrated scale comprising:
a handle having two ends wherein each end is attached to a liftable element, wherein said handle comprises
a longitudinal axis that extends from one of said two ends of said handle towards a second end of said two ends of said handle,a vertical axis that extends from said liftable element towards said handle, anda transverse axis that is perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and to said vertical axis; a force detector having a first detector end and a second detector end, wherein
said first detector end and said second detector end are each coupled with said handle,said force detector comprises a measurable physical property that changes as a function of a force between said first detector end and said second detector end,said handle is configured to limit a maximum force applied to said force detector, andsaid handle is configured to support said liftable element if said force detector breaks; a tactile force indicator coupled with said force detector, wherein
a position or orientation of said tactile force indicator relative to said handle depends on said measurable physical property of said force detector,said tactile force indicator comprises a force indicator tactile characteristic that allows a user to locate and recognize said tactile force indicator using touch, wherein said force indicator tactile characteristic comprises one or more of
a size of said tactile force indicator,a shape of said tactile force indicator,a texture of said tactile force indicator,an elasticity of said tactile force indicator; a gauge configured to couple with said handle, wherein said gauge comprises one or more tactile level indicators, each having a level indicator tactile characteristic that allows a user to locate and recognize said one or more tactile level indicators using touch, wherein said level indicator tactile characteristic comprises one or more of
a size of said tactile level indicator,a shape of said tactile level indicator,a texture of said tactile level indicator,an elasticity of said tactile level indicator; and, a moveable switch with measurement-on position and a measurement-off position, wherein said moveable switch and said tactile force indicator comprise common parts, and wherein
when said moveable switch is placed in said measurement-on position, a weight of said liftable element is coupled to said force detector, and said measurable physical property of said force detector changes as a function of said weight of said liftable element; and,when said moveable switch is placed in said measurement-off position, said weight of said liftable element is uncoupled from said force detector and is coupled to a linkage coupling said two ends of said handle, and said measurable physical property of said force detector does not change as a function of said weight of said liftable element.