Weighing scale system, apparatus and method of use

• US 20130168161A1
• Filed: 01/03/2012
• Published: 07/04/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/03/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Scott W. Saulters
• Original Assignee: Scott W. Saulters
• Inventors: SAULTERS, Scott W., MAXFIELD, John, COLLINS, Todd
• Granted Patent: US 8,921,716 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 177/25.13
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/60 combined with fishing equipment, e.g. with fishing rods
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 23/3735 using a digital network
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 23/42 electrically operated

Abstract

The present invention is a weighing scale and system of weighing scales used to weigh a group of loads and determine which load is the lightest so it can be culled from the group. The weighing scales are most useful for use in fishing tournaments to ensure an angler has possession of the maximum total weight of fish possible.

Claims

1. A weighing system comprising:

a plurality of weighing scales, each weighing scale having the ability to measure the weight of a load attached thereto, each weighing scale capable of electronically communicating with every other weighing scale in use, determining which weighing scale in use is attached to the load having the lowest weight, and alerting a user when a load attached thereto is lower in weight than all other loads.

2. The weighing system of claim 1 further comprising an indicator light capable of said alerting.

3. The weighing system of claim 1 wherein each said weighing scale comprises a display screen.

4. The weighing system of claim 1 wherein said weighing scales communicate wirelessly.

5. The weighing system of claim 1 wherein said weighing scales are capable of communicating with an electronic device.

6. The weighing system of claim 5 wherein said electronic device is chosen from the group consisting of a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant, a digital display device, a computer, a depth finder, and a fish finder.

7. A weighing scale comprising a gripping surface, an attachment member capable of receiving a load, and a weight sensor capable of measuring a weight for said load, wherein said weighing scale is buoyant in water and can communicate with other weighing scales.

8. The weighing scale of claim 7 further comprising a display screen.

9. The weighing scale of claim 7 further comprising an indicator light.

10. The weighing scale of claim 7 further comprising a battery.

11. The weighing scale of claim 10 further comprising a rechargeable battery.

12. The weighing scale of claim 7 wherein said weighing scale is substantially water tight.

13. The weighing scale of claim 7 wherein said weight sensor comprises a piezoelectric pressure sensor mechanically connected to a weight sensor plate and electrically connected to a processing unit, wherein said piezoelectric pressure sensor sends a resistance value signal to said processing unit in response to said load, and wherein said processing unit compares said resistance value to a look-up table to determine said weight.