Abstract: A scale with a transiently visible display includes: an enclosure having an upper surface; a measurement device disposed in the enclosure; and a display coupled to the measurement device and attached to the enclosure beneath the upper surface, the display displaying a measurement value only when the display is an active state. Activation of the measurement device places the display in the active state whereas deactivation removes the display from the active state. The enclosure obscures the display from visibility when the display is not in the active state. Optionally, the scale may include a facade beneath the upper surface and a shutter adjacent the facade and covering the display, the shutter being coupled to the measurement device. The shutter opens to reveal the display during activation. The enclosure obscures the facade and the shutter from recognition when the measurement device is not in the active state.

Abstract: A body weigh scale that is formed of a fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material that is sufficiently rigid so that it may house strain-gauge load cells therein, and yet not significantly deflect under load. The fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material provides an attractive surface after molding. The fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material has extremely low shrinkage rates so that the outer pattern and shape of the scale is not affected by the forming of very thin cross sections adjacent to thick cross-sections. In addition, the fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material is sufficiently rigid to permit a body weigh scale to be constructed having a low profile with integral load-receiving platform and strain-gauge load cell receptacles. The rigidity of the fiber-filled, polyester thermosetting polymer material provides sufficient structural support for operation of the strain-gauge load cells without deflection of material at the receptacles.

Abstract: A beam scale for measurement of body weight and height according to the present invention includes a frame and a weighing mechanism. The frame includes a base assembly, a pillar assembly, and a horn assembly. The weighing mechanism is housed within the frame and includes a beam, weights, and a lever assembly. The horn assembly may include a transparent holding bracket having a level indicator. The scale may include a height measurement assembly having a height rod, a sheath supported by the horn assembly and the pillar assembly, a measuring arm, and a transparent height-measuring window having a line indicator. The frame may include a quick assembly mechanism to secure the pillar assembly to the base assembly during final assembly, quiet wheels for transport, and/or handle bars to support the user. Much of the frame may be made of pigmented thermoplastic or thermoset materials to reduce manufacturing costs and scale weight.

Abstract: A scale with a transiently visible display includes: an enclosure having an upper surface; a measurement device disposed in the enclosure; and a display coupled to the measurement device and attached to the enclosure beneath the upper surface, the display displaying a measurement value only when the display is an active state. Activation of the measurement device places the display in the active state whereas deactivation removes the display from the active state. The enclosure obscures the display from visibility when the display is not in the active state. Optionally, the scale may include a facade beneath the upper surface and a shutter adjacent the facade and covering the display, the shutter being coupled to the measurement device. The shutter opens to reveal the display during activation. The enclosure obscures the facade and the shutter from recognition when the measurement device is not in the active state.

Abstract: A winged scale for measurement of body weight and determination of body fat content includes a scale structure, two wings movably attached to the scale structure by a positioning mechanism, a weighing device, an impedance measuring device, an input device, a data processing device, and a data output device. The two wings comprise right and left wings respectively having right and left electrodes to electrically contact a user's barefoot soles, wherein the right and left electrodes are spread apart as the wings move to an open position. The impedance measuring device measures an electrical impedance of the user through the soles contacting the electrodes. The input device permits entry of the user's personal physical data. The data processing device determines the user's body fat content, based on measured impedance, measured weight, and entered personal data. The data output device may output visually and/or audibly the measured and determined data.

Abstract: A space saving folding scale includes a frame, a measurement device, an opening mechanism and a display. The frame includes a base, lateral supports attached to the base, and a horizontal support attached to the lateral supports. The horizontal support includes a handle. The measurement device includes a weighing mechanism and a case housing the weighing mechanism. The opening mechanism is attached to the case and the frame so as to permit the measurement device to alternate between vertical and horizontal positions. The display is coupled to the measurement device and located at any easily visible location on the scale when the measurement device is ready for use in the horizontal position, such as on the horizontal support, the handle, or a top surface of the weighing mechanism. The display may be digital or analog.