WO2010113154A2

WO2010113154A2 - Multipurpose kitchen scale

Info

Publication number: WO2010113154A2
Application number: PCT/IL2010/000266
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ziv Dubinsky
Original assignee: NEWPAN Ltd
Current assignee: NEWPAN Ltd
Priority date: 2009-03-30
Filing date: 2010-03-28
Publication date: 2010-10-07
Anticipated expiration: 2011-09-30
Also published as: WO2010113154A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to kitchen scale (50) that may be coupled with a kitchen countertop appliance (10) and in particular, to such a scale wherein the scale is functionally independent of the countertop appliance. The kitchen scale is adept for coupling or decoupling with a kitchen countertop appliance providing for weighing and/or measuring ingredients while using the countertop appliance while maintaining functional independence of one another.

Description

MULTIPURPOSE KITCHEN SCALE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to kitchen scale that may be coupled with a kitchen countertop appliance and in particular, to such a scale wherein the scale is functionally independent of the countertop appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need for a combined scale with kitchen appliances has been realized for some time in particular to aid in weighing, measuring ingredients during the food preparation process. For example during baking exact and relative rationed amounts of ingredients are needed to ensure the success and quality of the baking process.

In response to such a need various combination kitchen products have been developed. Combination kitchen scale and food processor or the like kitchen appliance have been developed in different forms for quite some time as some of the functions of the applicant such a food processor require measurements while in the process of preparing the foodstuffs. For example while baking a cake one would like to know the measurement and volume of the different ingredients as they are being added and/or measured during the preparation process.

One approach to provide such a combined product has been to mechanically integrate a scale with the motor of a food processor or mixer such that while a mixing bowl is operational a user is able to measure the added ingredients. For example as depicted in European Patent Application No. EPl 880647 to Kenwood Ltd. However such products are limited in that they are functionally correlated with one anther. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the background by providing a kitchen scale that may be associated with countertop kitchen appliances to facilitating the preparation of foodstuffs by weighing and measuring ingredients as they are used however maintaining functional independence of one another and allowing the scale to function independently of the kitchen appliance both while coupled or decoupled.

Within the context of this application the term kitchen countertop applicance may interchangeably refer to any appliance used on a kitchen countertop or as an accessory to such an appliance for example including but not limited to mixer, food processor, juicer, blender, dehydrator, percolator, pasta maker, coffee machine, electric kettle, spice grinder, coffee grinder, dicer, food chopper, slow cooker, fryer, steamer, ice cream maker, bread maker and deli slicer.

Within the context of this application the term scale, load sensor refers to a device comprising mechanics, electronics, hardware, software or the like adept for measuring and or weighing an object. Optionally measuring and weighing capabilities may be provided by a plurality of optional sensors and/or transducer technologies and/or methodologies for example including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, software, spring based, elastic, optical, acoustic, pressure, temperature based or the like technology for weighing and/or measuring.

An optional embodiment of the present invention provides for a kitchen scale adept for securely coupling or decoupling with a kitchen countertop appliance providing for weighing and/or measuring ingredients while using the countertop appliance wherein the scale and the countertop appliance are functionally independent of one another and wherein the scale comprises a scale base for coupling an decoupling with the countertop appliance, a scale housing comprising the scale electronics, and at least one or more load sensors for sensing and/or measuring a load placed on the sensor.

Optionally and preferably the scale comprises at least one or more load sensors for sensing, weighing and measuring a load for example including but not limited to foodstuff ingredients. Optionally the scale according to optional non limiting embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a single central load sensor. Optionally the scale may be provided with at least two or more load sensors. Optionally the scale may be provided with at least three or more load sensors. Optionally the scale may be provided with at least four or more load sensors. Optionally the load sensors may be dispersed about the underside or bottom surface of the scale such that a plurality of load sensors are in contact with the surface onto which the scale is placed herein referred to as the 'resting surface'. Optionally the load sensor may form the legs or support structure of the scale according to optional non limiting embodiment of the present invention. Optionally a central load sensor may be disposed along the upper surface of the scale base.

Optionally the scale base may comprise at least one or more connectors for securely coupling to the countertop kitchen appliance along its base. Optionally the connectors may be realized in a plurality of optional forms for example including but not limited to mechanical, physical, electrical, magnetic, suction, vacuum, connectors or the like. Optionally the scale and countertop appliance may be coupled with at least one or more connectors. Optionally the connectors may be provided in a plurality of optional forms for example including but not limited to recess, groove, snaps, hooks, male-female connectors, cogs, or the like connectors.

Optionally the scale base may comprise at least one or more connectors, for example cog and recess or male female connector, for receiving and securely coupling the scale with a countertop kitchen appliance. Optionally the coupling may be achieve by stacking the underside or bottom surface of the countertop appliance base onto the scale base along at least one or more connectors for example a recesses, such that the countertop appliances rests on top of the scale base therein most preferably rendering the scale functionally independent of the countertop appliance.

Optionally and preferably the scale base may be coupled with the scale housing. Optionally the scale housing comprises a panel, software, hardware, electronics, display and controls for controlling and displaying weight and/or measurement sensed. Optionally and preferably controls provide a human interface with which the scale may be used and/or controlled. Optionally the scale may provide for standard scale functions such as weighing, measuring, converting from metric to pounds measurement system, or the like.

Optionally the scale may be provided with or integrated with software and/or hardware facilitating its use with a countertop kitchen appliance. For example, the scale may be provided with preprogrammed recipes or instructions specific to they type of countertop appliance utilized that may be optionally followed by a user while using the appliance. Optionally the scale may be provided with software and/or hardware providing for automatically scaling a recipe while preparing foodstuff. Optionally the scale may be provided with software and/or hardware providing for automatically guiding a user to follow a recipe during the preparation process. For example the scale software may indicate to a user via scale display or the like user interface how to adjust and/or scale an ingredient during the preparation of a recipe. Optionally the scale may be provided with software and/or hardware with automatic recipe adjustment and/or scaling of preprogrammed recipes based on the actual amounts of ingredients measured and/or used, for example to maintain appropriate ingredient ratios.

Optionally the scale base may be provided from a single uniform material. Optionally the scale base may comprise at least one maneuverable portion and a static portion. Optionally the scale base may assume an open or a closed configuration. Optionally the base of the countertop kitchen appliance may be aligned and coupled with the scale base in its open configuration. Optionally the closed configuration may provide for a minimized profile independent of the countertop kitchen appliance. Optionally the scale base may be reversibly switched between the closed and the open configuration. Optionally the base comprises at least two maneuverable members that may be maneuvered by movements for example including but not limited to folding, swinging, drawing, pulling, pushing, rotating, any combination thereof, or the like. Optionally and preferably the base may comprise at least two maneuverable rotating wing members. Optionally the scale base may be configured to an open configuration by rotating at least two maneuverable rotatable wing members about a hinge. Optionally the scale base may be configured to a closed configuration by rotatably folding the at least two maneuverable wing members over a static portion of the base.

Optionally the kitchen scale may further comprise at least one wheel provided for wheeling, displancing and/or moving the scale along its resting surface. Optionally the kitchen scale may be moved while it is associated or otherwise coupled with a kitchen countertop appliance rendering the appliance mobile along the scale resting surface.

Optionally the wheel may be coupled with at least one of the scale housing or the base. Optionally at least one or more wheel may be disposed above the scale's resting surface such that the wheel does not come into direct contact with the resting surface optionally rendering the wheel non functional. Optionally the wheels may be embedded or hidden within the scale housing or the scale base.

Optionally the wheels may be rendered functional by bringing said wheel into contact with the resting surface. Optionally the wheels are rendered functional by lifting the scale to have an acute angle relative to the resting surface. Optionally the acute angle may be achieved with a carrying handle and/or recess that may be disposed along the scale base. Optionally and preferably a carrying handle a/nor recess may be disposed essentially opposite the at least one or more wheel.

Optionally the wheels may be rendered functional by lowering the wheels onto the resting surface therein bring the wheels in contact with the resting surface. Optionally the wheels may be lowered by mechanical, electronic, magnetic,motorized means or the like. Optionally the wheels may be lowered chosen by methods for example including but not limited to an elevator, hinge, electronics, remote control, pushbutton, lever, flap, snaps, latch, removing a covering, any combination thereof, or the lie,.

An optionally non limiting embodiment of the present invention may provide for a kitchen scale comprising a scale base that may optionally and preferably be customized to fit, align and/or securely coupled with the base of a specific countertop kitchen appliance wherein the scale base fits with the base of the countertop kitchen appliance in a one to one relationship. Optionally scale base by be coupled along the underside or bottom surface of the appliance base.

An optionally non limiting embodiment of the present invention may provide for a kitchen scale comprising a scale base that may be adapted to fit, align and securely couple with the base of a plurality of optional countertop kitchen appliance wherein the scale base may fit with the of the countertop kitchen appliance base in a one to many relationship. Optionally scale base by be coupled along the underside or bottom surface of the appliance base.

Optionally the kitchen scale may further comprise a weighing platform. Optionally the weighing platform may be an external platform provided in the form of an accessory to the scale and/or countertop appliance. Optionally the countertop kitchen appliance may be decoupled from the scale and used independently with the weighing platform. Optionally the weighing platform may be adapted to securely couple with the scale in its closed configuration along the scale base or housing. Optionally a kitchen scale according to optional embodiments of the present invention may be coupled with a countertop kitchen appliance that may comprise or coupled with a weighing platform for weighing and measuring with the kitchen scale according to the present invention, while the scale and appliance are maintained functionally independently of one another.

Optionally countertop kitchen appliance may be coupled with the scale; and wherein the scale's weighing platform may be coupled to the countertop appliance but functions independently of the countertop kitchen appliance.

Optionally a weighing platform may comprise an appliance adaptor for coupling the weighing platform with the countertop kitchen appliance. Optionally the weighing platform may further comprise an arm connecting the weighing platform and the appliance adaptor. Optionally the arm may be controllable relative to the scale base. Optionally the controllable arm provides for controlling at least one or more parameters chosen for example including but not limited to arm length, arm angle relative to the scale base, arm angle relative to the normal projection of the scale base, at least two angles relative to the scale base, arm position, the like or any combination thereof.

An optional non limiting embodiment of the present invention provides for a kit comprising a countertop kitchen appliance and a scale according to optional embodiments of the present invention as previously described. Optionally and preferably the scale may be customized to couple with the kitchen countertop appliance included in the kit therein associating in a one to one specific relationship. Optionally the kit may further comprise at least one weighing platform. Optionally the weighing platform may be customized to couple with the kitchen countertop appliance included in the kit therein in a one to one relationship. Optionally the weighing platform may be coupled with the kitchen applicant or the scale base. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings: FIG. IA-C are schematic non limiting illustrative diagrams of an optional apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A-B are schematic non limiting illustrative diagrams of an optional kitchen scale according to the present invention;

FIG. 3A-D are schematic non limiting illustrative diagrams of an optional kitchen scale according to the present invention;

FIG. 4A-D are schematic non limiting illustrative diagrams of an optional kitchen scale according to the present invention;

FIG. 5A-C are schematic non limiting illustrative diagrams of an optional kitchen scale according to the present invention; FIG. 6A-C are schematic non limiting illustrative diagrams of an optional kitchen scale according to the present invention; FIG. 7A-D are schematic non limiting illustrative diagrams of an optional kitchen scale according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic non limiting illustrative diagram of an optional kitchen scale according to the present invention; and FIG. 9 is a schematic non limiting illustrative diagram of an optional kitchen scale according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

The following reference labels are used throughout the drawings to refer to objects having similar function, meaning, role, or objective.

10 countertop kitchen appliance;

12 countertop appliance base;

12t countertop appliance base connector;

14 countertop appliance accessory;

20 scale measuring platform apparatus; 22 measuring platform adaptor;

22t measuring platform adaptor connector;

24 measuring platform arm;

26 measuring platform connector;

28 measuring platform plate; 30 accessory weight platform ;

32 weight platform connector;

50 optional scale;

51 optional scale;

52 scale housing panel; 52d panel display;

52b panel control buttons; 54 scale base;

55 wheels;

56 load sensor;

58 groove / recess appliance connector;

57 support legs;

60 maneuverable members;

62 maneuverable members hinge;

100 countertop apparatus;

102 scale apparatus kit;

104 scale apparatus kit.

Referring now to the drawings, Figures IA-C providing optional view of schematic non limiting illustrative diagram of an optional apparatus 100 and kit according to an optional embodiment of the present invention comprising a countertop kitchen appliance 10, securely coupled or otherwise associated with a kitchen scale 50 according to the present invention.

Kitchen appliance 10 is further shown with a scale measuring platform apparatus 20 according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.

Although countertop kitchen appliance is depicted in the form of a mixer that is affixed with a grinder accessory 14 it is to be understood this is for illustrative purposes only and that the kitchen scale 50 according to optional embodiments of the present invention may coupled with a plurality of optional kitchen countertop appliances and/or accessories that may be realized in a plurality of optional forms, for example including but not limited to mixer, food processor, juicer, blender, dehydrator, percolator, coffee machine, electric kettle, spice grinder, pasta maker, coffee grinder, dicer, food chopper, slow cooker, fryer, steamer, ice cream maker, bread maker and deli sheer or the like.

Kitchen scale 50 according to the present invention is shown while coupled, via connectors 58 (not shown), with a countertop kitchen appliance 10, shown in the form of a mixer, about the appliance base 12. Optionally

m and preferably scale 50 provides a user with the option of using countertop appliance 10 while weighing and/or measuring ingredients in the preparation of foodstuffs. As shown countertop appliance 10 may be associated with an optional accessory 14, depicted in the form of a grinder, that may be utilized to grind ingredients, for example meat and/or cereals. Optionally, the ingredients to be ground (not shown) may be weighed by scale 50 via the measuring plate 28 of measuring platform apparatus 20 prior to grinding where the preprocessed or pre-ground weight may be measured and displayed to a user on scale display 52d. Similarly, while the ingredients are ground with accessory 14 measuring plate 28 may be placed to receive and weigh the ground product while appliance 10 is working. Measuring plate 28 may be moved in a circular motion about adaptor 22 that preferably provides for coupling plate 28 via arm 24 to appliance 10 via base 12. Optionally appliance adaptor 22 is coupled with appliance base 12 through corresponding connectors 12t and 22t for example including but not limited to threading, male- female connectors or the like.

Accordingly, kitchen scale 50 provides for weighting and/or measuring ingredient prior to, during or following the activity of a coupled and/or associated countertop kitchen appliance 10. An optional embodiment of the present invention provides for displacing and/or moving countertop appliance 10 along its resting surface while coupled with scale 50 by the use of at least one or more wheel 55 (not shown).

Optionally scale 50 and measuring plate 28 may be used concertedly and independently of appliance 10 while acting as kitchen scale where optionally and preferably measuring plate 28 functions to receive and weigh the different products irrespective of appliance 10. As depicted in Figures IB and 1C plate 28 may be maneuvered in a number of positions for example folded as shown in Figure 1C or extended as shown in Figure IB. Optionally movement of measuring plate 28 is provided by the rotation of arm 24 about appliance adaptor 22. Optionally movement of measuring plate 28 may be further provided by the movement about measuring platform connector 26 (Figures 8-9).

Figures 2A-B provide optional views of kitchen scale 50 according to an optional embodiment of the present invention while associated with the countertop appliance 10 along its base 12. Kitchen scale 50 may be coupled and/or associated with appliance base 12 along the scale base 54 such that appliance 10 is stacked on placed onto scale base 54. Most preferably, the scale is made functional with at least one or more load sensors 56 that may optionally be provided in the form of a plurality of supportive legs 56 as shown in Figure 2 A. Optionally load sensors 56 may be dispersed about the underside or bottom surface of the scale base 54 such that they are in contact with the scale resting surface (not shown).

Figure 2B provides a face on view of scale 50 in its coupled configuration showing an optional scale panel 52 comprising, userinterface optionally provided in the form of display 52d and at least one or more control buttons 52b.

Figures 3A-D provide optional views of kitchen scale 50 according to an optional embodiment of the present invention while providing an exploded view of the association with the countertop appliance 10 along its base 12. Figure 3 A depicts an exploded side view of Figure 2 A showing an optional scale 50 separated from countertop appliance 10. Figure 3B depicts an exploded front face view of Figure 2B showing an optional scale 50 separated from countertop appliance 10. Figure 3 C depicts a bottom view an optional scale 50 while associate countertop appliance 10 via base 12. Figure 3 C further depicts a plurality of load sensors 56 that also function as supporting legs of scale 50 according to tan optional embodiment. Figure 3 C further shows that load sensors 56 may be disposed on optional portions of scale 50 for example including but not limited to scale housing 52, scale base 54 or maneuverable members 60 or the like.

1 ? Figure 3D depicts an exploded perspective view of an optional scale 50 separated from countertop appliance 10 exposing the optional connectors 58 with which scale 50 and appliance 10 may be coupled. Optionally connectors 58 may be disposed on optional portions of scale 50 for example including but not limited to scale housing 52, scale base 54 or maneuverable members 60 or the like. Optionally and preferably connectors 58 align and correspond with the corresponding connectors found along the bottom surface of appliance base 12. Optionally and preferably the location, type, shape of connectors 58 may be customized to fit the shape and contour of appliance base 12 so that it fits in a one to one relationship. Optionally connectors 52 may be disposed in a non customized position so as to allow coupling with a plurality of optional appliance base 12 configurations so as to provide for a one to many relationship.

Figure 3D further depicts an optional embodiment of scale 50 comprising two maneuverable members 60 that may be rotated about a hinge 62 providing scale 50 with an open configuration as shown. Optionally maneuverable members 60 may be rotatably folded about hinge 62 to provide a closed configuration (Figure 6A-B).

Figures 4A-D provide optional views of kitchen scale 51 according to an optional embodiment of the present invention where scale 51 comprise a central load sensor 56 (not shown) provided below measuring platform plate 28. Figure 4A depicts an optional embodiment of panel 52 comprising display 52d and control buttons 52b. Optionally scale 51 may be further provided with optional wheels 55. Scale 51 further depicts an optiona connect 58 provided for connecting scale 51 with applicant 10. Figure 4B further provides a top view of an optional embodiment of scale 50 while Figure 4C depicts the corresponding bottom up view exposing wheels 55 and stabilizing support legs 57.

Figure 4D depicts an exploded side view of scale 51 depicting measuring plate 28, wheels 55. Optionally and prfeably wheels 55 may be

1 1 disposed such that they are not in contact with the resting surface of scale 51 optionally elevated or embedded within panel 52.

Figures 5A-C and 6A-C provide optional views of a schematic non limiting optional embodiment of kitchen scale 50 according to an optional embodiment both in an open, Figures 5C and 6C, and in a closed configuration, Figures 5A-B and 6A-B. Figure 5 A shows a face on view of scale 50 and showing scale housing panel 52 comprising a display 52d and control buttons 52b, wherein maneuverable members 60 are folded.

Figure 5B depicts a profile view of scale the closed configuration of scale 50 provided maneuverable member 60 over the static portion of scale housing 52 with the use of hinge 62

Figure 5C depicts a profile view of an open configuration of scale 50 according to an optional embodiment. Most preferably the open configuration of scale 50 provides for associating with a countertop kitchen applicance 10 (not shown).

Figures 6A-C provide a top and bottom view of scale 50 both in the closed configure and open configuration. Figure 6A provides a bottom view of scale 50 in the closed configuration where maneuverable members 60 are folded onto the static portion of scale 50 such as the scale base 54. This view further provides a close up view of a plurality of load sensors 56 that may optionally be dispersed about the bottom surface of scale 50 for example including but not limited to about scale housing 52, maneuverable members 60, base 54, alone or in any combination thereof, or the like.

Figure 6B depicts a top down view of the surface of scale 50 of Figure 6A in the closed configuration. The view exposes a plurality of connectors 58 preferably provided for associating scale 50 with a countertop appliance 10 (not shown) or a weighting plate 28 (not shown). Optionally connectors 58 may be dispersed about the top surface of scale 50 for example including but not limited to about scale housing 52, maneuverable members 60, base 54, alone or in any combination thereof, or the like. Most preferably the closed configuration shown in figure 6B is best adapted for

1 Δ stand alone use optionally and preferably with a weighting plate 28 (not shown).

Figure 6C depicts the open configuration of scale 50 and as depicted in Scale. Most preferably while in the open configuration scale 50 may be associated with the base bottom surface 12 (not shown) of countertop appliance 10 (not shown) about connectors 58. Optionally connectors provide for coupling kitchen scale 50 with countertop appliance 10 in an optional one to one format such that connectos 58 allign with the applicant base 12 (not shown). Optionally a one (scale) to many (different appliances) may be utilized with scale 50.

Optionally transition between a closed configuration, for example of Figure 6B, and the open configuration, for example of Figure 6C , and the reverse open to close (6C to 6B) may be provided by rotating maneuverable member 60 about a hinge 62. Optionally the rotation of maneuverable member 60 may be controlled where hinge 62 provides a range of motion of up to about 180 degrees. Optionally hinge 62 may provide at least 2 setting for example fully open or fully closed. Optionally hinge 62 may provided in a plurality of forms for example including but not limited to metallic, plastic, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, or any combination thereof, or the like. Figures 7A-D provides a schematic depiction of an optional non limiting embodiment of scale 50 as previously described and illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 with the addition wheels 55. Optionally and preferably wheels 55 are hidden and/or embedded such that when the scale 50 is at rest along its resting surface the wheels are non functional as they are optionally and preferably suspended above the resting surface.

Figure 7 A provides a face on view of scale 50 showing wheels 55 associated with the panel 52. Figure 7B provides a close configuration, bottom view of scale 50 with optional wheels 55. Figure 7C provides a bottom view of the open configuration of scale 50 with wheels 55. Figure 7D provides a further bottom up view of an open configuration of scale 50 having wheels 55 and associated with kitchen countertop appliance 10. Figure 8 depicts an exploded view of apparatus 102 comprising of scale 50, scale accessories 20, 30 that may be provided as a kit. Optionally other kits may be provided to include a kitchen countertop appliance. Optionally scale accessories may comprise measuring platform adaptor 22, measuring platform adaptor connector 22t, measuring platform arm 24, measuring platform connector 26, measuring platform plate 28, and accessory weight platform 30.

Figure 9 depicts an exploded view of apparatus 104 comprising of scale 51, scale accessories 20, 30 that may be provided as a kit. Optionally other kits may be provided to include a kitchen countertop appliance. Optionally scale accessories may comprise measuring platform adaptor 22, measuring platform adaptor connector 22t, measuring platform arm 24, measuring platform connector 26, measuring platform plate 28, and accessory weight platform 30. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.

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Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A kitchen scale adept for securely coupling or decoupling with a kitchen countertop appliance providing for weighing and/or measuring ingredients while using said countertop appliance wherein said scale and said countertop appliance are functionally independent of one another; said scale comprising: a. a scale base comprises at least one or more connectors for securely coupling to said countertop kitchen appliance along its base; and wherein b. said scale base is coupled with a scale housing comprising a panel, electronics, display and controls for controlling and displaying weight and/or measurement sensed; and wherein c. said scale housing or base comprises at least one or more load sensors.

2. The kitchen scale of claim 1 wherein said scale base is provided from a single uniform material.

3. The kitchen scale of claim 1 wherein said scale base may assume an open or a closed configuration.

4. The kitchen scale of claim 3 wherein said scale base comprises at least one maneuverable portion and a static portion.

5. The kitchen scale of claim 3 wherein the base of said countertop kitchen appliance may be aligned and coupled with said scale base in its open configuration.

6. The kitchen scale of claim 3 wherein said closed configuration provides a minimized profile independent of said countertop kitchen appliance.

7. The kitchen scale of claim 3 wherein said base may be reversibly switched between said closed and said open configuration.

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8. The kitchen scale of claim 3 wherein said base comprises at least two maneuverable members that may be maneuvered by movements chosen from the group consisting of folding, swinging, drawing, pulling, pushing, rotating and any combination thereof.

9. The kitchen scale of claim 3 wherein said base comprises at least two maneuverable rotating wing members.

10. The kitchen scale of claim 9 wherein said scale base is configured to an open configuration by rotating said at least two maneuverable rotatable wing members.

11. The kitchen scale of claim 9 wherein said base is configured to a closed configuration by rotatably folding said at least two maneuverable wing members over said static portion of said base.

12. The kitchen scale of claim 1 further comprising at least one wheel.

13. The kitchen scale of claim 12 wherein said wheel is coupled with said scale housing or said base.

14. The kitchen scale of claim 12 wherein said at least one or more wheel may be used to move said countertop appliance along its resting surface or countertop.

15. The kitchen scale of claim 13 wherein said at least one or more wheel are disposed above the scale's resting surface such that said wheel does not come into direct contact with the resting surface rendering said wheel non functional.

16. The kitchen scale of claim 15 wherein said wheels are embedded or hidden within said scale housing or said scale base.

17. The kitchen scale of any of claims 12-16 wherein said wheels may be rendered functional by bringing said wheel into contact with said resting surface.

18. The kitchen scale of claim 17 wherein said wheels are rendered functional by lifting said scale to have an acute angle relative to said resting surface.

19. The kitchen scale of claim 18 wherein said acute angle may be achieved with a carrying handle or recess disposed along said scale base.

20. The kitchen scale of claim 19 wherein said carrying handle or recess is disposed essentially opposite said at least one or more wheel.

21. The kitchen scale of claim 17 wherein said wheels are rendered functional by lowering said wheels onto said resting surface wherein said wheels may be lowered by mechanical or motorized means chosen from the group consisting of elevator, hinge, electronics, remote control, pushbutton, lever, flap, snaps, latch, removing a covering, and any combination thereof.

22. The kitchen scale of any of claim 1-21 wherein said a scale base may be customized to fit, align and securely couple with the base of a specific countertop kitchen appliance wherein said scale base fits with the base of said countertop kitchen appliance in a one to one relationship.

23. The kitchen scale of any of claim 1-21 wherein said a scale base may be adapted to fit, align and securely couple with the base of a plurality of optional countertop kitchen appliance wherein said scale base fits with the base of said countertop kitchen appliance in a one to many relationship.

24. The kitchen scale of claim 1 wherein said scale base comprises one central load sensor.

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25. The kitchen scale of claim 1 wherein said scale comprises at least two load sensors along the bottom surface of said scale base or housing such that said load sensors are in contact with the resting surface.

26. The kitchen scale of any of claim 1-25 further comprising a weighing platform.

27. The kitchen scale of claim 26 wherein said countertop kitchen appliance is decoupled from said scale and used independently with said weighing platform.

28. The kitchen scale of claim 27 wherein said weighing platform is adapted to securely couple with said scale in its closed configuration along said scale base or housing.

29. The kitchen scale of claim 26 wherein said countertop kitchen appliance is coupled with said scale and functions independently thereof.

30. The kitchen scale of claim 29 wherein said countertop kitchen appliance is coupled with said scale; and wherein said weighing platform is coupled to and functions independently of said countertop kitchen appliance.

31. The weighing platform of claim 30 wherein said platform comprises an appliance adaptor for coupling said platform with said countertop kitchen appliance.

32. The weighing platform of claim 31 wherein said platform further comprises an arm connecting said weighing platform and said appliance adaptor.

33. The weighing platform of claim 32 wherein said arm is controllable relative to the scale base.

34. The weighing platform of claim 32 wherein said controllable arm provides for controlling at least one or more parameters chosen from the group consisting arm length, arm angle

on relative to the scale base, at least two angles, arm position any combination thereof.

35. The weighing platform of claim 32 wherein said appliance adaptor is rotatable relative to the base of said countertop kitchen appliance.

36. A kit comprising a countertop kitchen appliance, a scale according to any of claims 1-34; and wherein said scale is customized for said kitchen countertop appliance.

37. A kit comprising a kitchen scale according to any of claim 1-34 and at least one weighing platform.

38. The kit of claim 36 wherein said weighing platform is of any of claims 26-35.

39. The kitchen countertop appliance of any of claim 1-37 chosen from the group consisting of mixer, food processor, juicer, blender, dehydrator, percolator, coffee machine, electric kettle, spice grinder, coffee grinder, dicer, food chopper, slow cooker, fryer, steamer, ice cream maker, pasta maker, bread maker and deli slicer.

40. The kitchen scale of claim 1 wherein said scale base further comprises at least one or more recesses for receiving and securely coupling with said countertop kitchen appliance by stacking the underside or bottom surface of said countertop appliance base onto of said scale base along said at least one or more recesses, such that said countertop appliances rests on top of said scale base therein rendering said scale functionally independent of said countertop appliance.