Abstract: This portable mailing scale is a small, economical, and accurate balance-type weight-scale, especially suitable for measuring light weight, such as letters, to determine correct postage. Because the scale is of the balance-type, its accuracy is far better than those of the spring-type, especially under light load. Although scales of the balance-type usually require a trial and error leveling or balancing operation and thus are less convenient to use than those of the spring-type, this invention does not require such cumbersome leveling operation.Therefore, this invention combines both the accuracy of balance-type scales and the ease of use of spring-type scales.

Abstract: A balance-type scale is provided which is made nearly substantially entirely of plastic, thereby being resistant to environmental degradation. A counter-balance weight is of metal, but is embedded within the plastic. The scale is of two-part construction, comprising a body including the counter weight and a hook-like structure at the opposite end. A suspension member is pivotally connected to the body, and comprises a pair of spaced plates embracing the body. The suspension member includes a pointer, and the body is provided with indicia to be read opposite the pointer and readable directly in units of weight.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive weighing device having only one part which moves relative to the remainder of the device can be constructed utilizing a body shaped so that it will rock relative to a supporting surface when an object is placed in a holder forming a part of the body. A pendulum type pointer is pivotally mounted on the body so that the approximate weight of the object can be determined by visual inspection of the position of the pointer relative to appropriate indicia on the body. The body is shaped so that the amount that it will rotate when an object is placed upon a holder is limited to such an extent that the horizontal distance between the object and the center of rotation of the pendulum does not change significantly so as to achieve a desired degree of accuracy in the weight indicated by the position of the pendulum.