April 8, 2008

Scale in Soda-Fountain Seat Warns Overweight Patrons (Dec, 1938)

Scale in Soda-Fountain Seat Warns Overweight Patrons
Soda-fountain patrons may watch their weight as they enjoy their drinks and sundaes, with the invention of a counter seat that also serves as a scale. Through levers beneath the pedestal of the seat, the customer’s weight actuates an indicator built into the counter. By consulting the dial, customers can decide whether to order fattening foods.

8 Comments »

  1. I’m sure a lot of women chose THAT seat.

    A smart business owner would have it register ten pounds too little.

    Comment by Blurgle — April 8, 2008 @ 11:25 pm

  2. By the way that woman is sitting, it appears that one can have a free Pap Test at the same time.

    Comment by Jilly — April 9, 2008 @ 5:50 am

  3. So much for keeping your weight secret from the curious eyes of that waiter. Even those stacked bags won’t help you.

    Comment by KoXa — April 9, 2008 @ 6:30 am

  4. Between the cost of basically rebuilding the diner to install these and the cost of maintaining a dozen or so of these machines (How do you access it for reapirs and adjustment? Without closing the whole lunch counter?), all for a machine that would DECREASE your sales….no wonder it didn’t catch on!

    Comment by nlpnt — April 9, 2008 @ 7:02 am

  5. I love the knowing glances that the customer and soda jerk are exchanging. No wonder they call ‘em soda jerks.

    Comment by dculberson — April 9, 2008 @ 5:59 pm

  6. Great marketing!

    Hey, since you’re already 20 pounds overweight, you might as well order an ice cream sundae.

    Comment by Thundercat — April 9, 2008 @ 8:00 pm

  7. unnecessary device for our time…everybody who consumes these things is already obese.

    Comment by Sonatta — April 10, 2008 @ 6:00 pm

  8. Can you imagine McDonald’s installing these?

    Comment by Mark — April 12, 2008 @ 9:14 am

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