Assisted storage container

Abstract

A bag with automated assistance features having, in one embodiment, an exterior surface, an actuator, and an automatic assisted opening connected to the actuator, enabling an electrically assisted opening of the bag. In other embodiments, the bag has an exterior surface, an actuator, and an automatic strap connected to the actuator, allowing the strap to automatically loosen and constrict, enabling a user to easily don and doff the bag without the need for manual strap adjustment. In many embodiments the bag further has an interconnected sensor and controller, the sensor being able to detect a user-imitated cue and, along with the controller, automatically activate actuator to adjust the strap or opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/169,786 filed Apr. 1, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to electrically-assisted flexible storage containers. More specifically, this invention relates to bags with motorized assist mechanisms. In some embodiments the invention relates to bags with automatic motorized openings, with some embodiments of the invention having automatic motorized straps or other user interaction mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Typical bags and other human portable and flexible storage containers (e.g., backpacks), referred generically as bags, is that they contain an opening for access to the bag's interior when open and containment of the bag's contents when closed. Another common feature is a strap for portability. The opening is typically closed by a zipper, one or more buckles, or other fastener mechanism on a strap (e.g., a typical messenger bags). These mechanisms are manual and must be physically manipulated by a user.

The strap on a human portable bag may be adjustable for better function. Commonly known backpacks and other bags have a strap made up of two separate pieces. Typically, a first piece is padded that bears the weight of the bag and transfers it to the user. A second piece is threaded through the first piece such that the second piece's length is adjustable. One end of each the first and second pieces are permanently attached to the bag; each piece being attached to the bag at opposite ends. Straps on typical bags are manually adjusted. Manual adjustment of the strap and closure mechanism increase the time and effort needed to operate a bag, and for some disabled individuals makes adjustment difficult of even potentially impossible.

A desirable solution would have a bag with assisted and automatic adjustment of at least one of the opening and the strap. An assisted opening could include a bag with a button or other mechanism easily activatable by a user that would cause the bag to automatically open or close the opening. An assisted strap could include a bag with one or more straps that automatically loosen or tighten upon activation of a button or another user-initiated cue.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Herein is described a disclosure providing an assisted human portable bag. In some embodiments, the assisted bag has an exterior surface enclosing an interior, an assisted opening that automatically opens and closes upon an action command by a user, and an actuator connected to the assisted opening. In other embodiments, the assisted bag has at least one assisted strap that automatically loosens and tightens upon an action commended by a user. In still other embodiments have both an assisted opening and at least one assisted strap.

One object of the present disclosure is a bag comprising an exterior surface enclosing an interior, an actuator, and an assisted opening. The assisted opening comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a car; wherein the first and second surfaces together form at least part of the exterior surface; and wherein the actuator is configured to adjust the car to create an opening between the first and the second surfaces. In one case, the actuator is located within the interior. In one case, the first surface is approximately parallel to the second surface. In one case, the bag further comprises an activation mechanism that is connected to the actuator; the activation mechanism being configured to reversibly activate the actuator. In one case, the car reversibly adjusts the first surface away from the second surface. In one of these cases, the first surface is configured to fold upon itself as the car adjusts the first surface. In some cases, the car physically moves the first surface away from the second surface.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is method of using a bag having the steps of (a) providing a bag comprising an exterior surface, an actuator, an assisted opening with a first and a second surface and a car; (b) activating the actuator; (c) creating an opening between the first and the second surface by adjusting the first surface with the actuator and the car. In some of these methods, step (c) also adjusts the second surface. In some methods, the bag further comprises an activation mechanism connected to the actuator and the method further has the step of (d) activating the activation mechanism. In some of these methods, step (d) occurs before step (b). Some methods have the steps of (e) reversing the actuator; and (f) eliminating the opening by adjusting the first surface with the actuator and the car. In some of these methods, step (f) also adjusts the second surface.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is a bag comprising an exterior surface enclosing an interior, an actuator, and a strap comprising a first end; wherein the first end is connected to the actuator and the actuator is configured to adjust the strap. In some cases, the strap comprises a second end connected to the exterior surface; and where the actuator is configured to adjust the first end. In some cases, the strap is configured to feed through the actuator. In some cases, the exterior surface has an opening, the actuator is located within the interior, and the strap first end passes through the opening. In some cases, the bag also has a controller that is connected to the actuator. In some of these cases, the controller is located in the interior. In some other cases the bag further has compartment, and the controller and actuator are located within that compartment. In some cases, the bag also has a sensor connected to the controller and the sensor is configured to produce sensor information relating to a force placed onto the sensor. In some of these cases the force placed on the sensor is a tension or load placed directly on the strap and sensed by the sensor. In some of these cases, the controller is further configured to activate the actuator in response to said sensor information.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a method of adjusting a bag, comprising the steps of (a) providing a bag, the bag having an exterior surface and an interior, an actuator, and a strap; the strap having a first end connected to the actuator and a second end; and (b) adjusting the strap through the actuator in a first direction. In some methods, the second end is connected to the exterior surface. In other methods, the second end is connected to a second actuator. Some methods further have the step of (c) adjusting the strap through the actuator in a second, reverse direction. In some of these methods, the bag also has a sensor and a controller, the sensor is configured to produce sensor information relating to a load placed on the sensor and the sensor is informationally connected to the controller; and the controller is connected to the actuator and is configured to activate the controller in response to the sensor information. Some of these methods also have the steps of (d) detecting, with the sensor, a load; (e) producing and sending sensor information relating to the sensed load to the controller; (f) determining, with the controller, a user-initiated cue based on the sensor information; and (g) instructing, by the controller, the actuator to activate; and wherein steps (d) through (g) occur before step (b). Some of the above methods also have the steps of (h) detecting, with the sensor and the controller, a second user-initiated cue, (i) instructing, by the controller, the actuator to activate, and (j) adjusting the strap through the actuator in a second direction; and wherein steps (h) through (i) occur before step (j).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In what follows, preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an assisted bag according to an embodiment having an assisted closure mechanism.

FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate two assisted bags according to two embodiments having assisted straps.

FIGS. 2A-2C are three views of three positions of the car according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are two side views of two embodiments according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are two views of the electronic compartment and interconnected components according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Definitions

The term “bag” as used herein refers generically to all human portable storage containers. The term bag may encompass, but is not limited to, two-strap backpacks, one-strap messenger bags, handbags, duffel bags, luggage, and the like.

The term “compartment” as used herein refers to a physical section of a bag, having one or more surfaces that are formed, at least part, by the bag's exterior surface 112 and, in some cases, by an interior surface 114. The compartment has an interior void or space that makes up at least a portion of the bag's interior 115. Bags disclosed herein may have multiple compartments; some surfaces of these multiple compartments will make up interior surfaces 114, dividing the bag interior such that there are multiple voids or spaces inside the bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

The present disclosure describes a human portable storage container, referred herein as a bag 100 with electronic assist and a method of use thereof. One aspect of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1A, bag 100a having an exterior surface 112 and an assisted opening 101a which, together, form an interior 115. The assisted opening 101a enables automated opening and closing of bag 100a. Assisted opening 101a has two states, an open state and a closed state, such that the interior 115 is accessible when the assisted opening 101a is in its open state, and not accessible when in its closed state. As used herein, the term “accessible” refers to the ability to access the interior from outside of the bag 100 without having to substantially move or manipulate the bag.

The assisted opening 101a in FIG. 1A has an actuator 103 connected to a car 102. The car 102 is in turn connected to at least a movable surface 104a. A second surface 104b is typically adjacent to surface 104a, such that no opening exists when the assisted opening 101a is in its closed state. Actuator 103 causes car 102 to move and results in the movement of surface 104a away from surface 104b to create an opening to the interior 115.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 1B, assisted bag 100b has a strap 107 attached to bag 100b at two ends: a first end 108 and a second end 109. One end of strap 107 being connected to a strap actuator 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, second end 109 is connected to strap actuator 110.

The strap actuator 110 is preferably located within the bag's interior, and the strap 107 enters bag 100b through an opening 111. Strap actuator 110 enables the adjustment of the strap 107 in response to a cue or other activation by a user, enabling a proper fit of the strap 107 without the need for manual strap manipulation.

Exterior surface 112

Bag 100 has an exterior surface 112 that forms the physical bag and encloses an interior 115. In most embodiments, the assisted opening 101 and its surfaces 104a and 104b, complete the exterior surface of the bag to present a bag with no physical openings when assisted opening 101 is closed. Bag 100 are further subdivided into one or more compartments 113, which are formed with the exterior surface 112 and, when more than one compartment 113 is present, interior surfaces 114.

Each surface may comprise one or more materials or pieces. If a surface comprises more than one piece, the pieces will most often be connected together, by, for example, stitching. Conversely, a single material or piece may make up more than one surface. Bag 100 has an interior 115 formed by the exterior surface 112, in which a user can place items to be stored in bag 100. Other elements may be located within the interior 115, for example the strap actuator 110. In one embodiment, bag 100a comprises two compartments 113, a first compartment and a second compartment; the two compartments being divided by an interior surface 114, each compartment having an interior.

Assisted Opening 101

The present disclosure provides at least one mechanism to open and close the bag 100 to allow for access to the interior 115, referred herein as the assisted opening 101. Several embodiments utilizing an assisted opening 101 are demonstrated herein; typically, assisted opening 101 has a car 102 connected to an actuator 103 and at least one surface 104. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, assisted opening 101a includes an actuator 103 connected to a lever car 102 such that as actuator 103 activates, car 102 moves away from a vertical orientation and into an angled orientation, angled away from bag face S1, car end 116 is fixed in space, and car end 118 moves up through slot 117, causing car 102 to articulate out and away from bag face S1. Car end 118 is attached, typically through slot 117, to surface ′a (i.e., typically the top portion of slot 117 is sewn to surface 104a) and causes surface 104a to move away from surface 104b after activation of the actuator 103, creating an opening to interior 115. Slot 117 is typically also attached to slot 131 and point 132. In some embodiments car 102 has two or more arms, with a subset of arms attaching to surface 104a and a subset of arms attaching to surface 104b such that when adjusted by actuator 103, surfaces 104a and 104b are each moved away from the other, creating an opening.

A second embodiment is shown in FIG. 1C with assisted opening 101b having a car 102b connected to an actuator 103 that engages and disengages surfaces 104a and 104b. In this embodiment, surfaces 104a and 104b have fabric tape securing teeth of a zipper, as known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication 2008/0289156 and 2018/0360167, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,293,434, 8,870,624, and 9,089,189. Car 102b is a modified zipper slider and pull; and car 102b is connected to an electric motor actuator 103 by a stiff pull lever 105. The actuator 103 enables car 102b to reversibly bring surfaces 104a and 104b together and apart, in this embodiment, by locking the zipper teeth from each surface together or apart. Most often, the assisted opening 101 has a mechanism to initiate opening and closure of the assisted opening 101, referred herein as the activation mechanism 106, connected to either the actuator 103 or a controller 122, and described in more detail elsewhere herein.

In another embodiment, surface 104a has two sets of rollers set in two parallel tracks, a pulley car 102 is attached to surface 104a and an actuator 103, which moves pulley car 102 parallel to the tracks, moving surface 104a away from surface 104b, creating an opening. Preferably, surface 104a is foldable, or otherwise pliable for storage while in its open state. The pulley car 102 may be indirectly connected to the actuator 103 by a cable or other connection. It is within the scope of the present disclosure for some embodiments to have additional assisted openings for additional compartments 113. Typically, a bag 100 with a second, or more, assisted openings 101, will be connected to dedicated actuators. However, some less preferred embodiments, may have two or more assisted openings connected to a single actuator 103.

Actuator 103. The present disclosure provides for a solution to provide motive force, referred herein as the actuator 103. Actuator 103 moves or otherwise adjusts car 102 and therefore the assisted opening 101. Actuator 103 enables physical movement by converting energy into a mechanical force. The actuator 103 may be any suitable solution as known in the art. In the currently preferred embodiment, the actuator 103 is a small, electronic servo motor. In another embodiment, the actuator 103 is a worm gear actuator. In the currently preferred embodiment, the actuator 103 is located in the interior of bag 100. In some embodiments, actuator 103 in located within the interior 115. In other embodiments, actuator 103 is located within an electronics compartment 119, which typically has a significantly smaller volume than the other element's interior volumes, and contains other electronics components, including an interconnected power source 120, charger 121, and controller 122. In still other embodiments the actuator 103 is located on the bag's exterior surface.

Activation Mechanism 106. The activation mechanism 106 of the present disclosure provides for a mechanism to initiate or otherwise activate the assisted opening 101. The activation mechanism 106 responds to a cue from a user to activate the assisted opening 101. The activation mechanism 106 is typically connected to either the actuator 103, the controller 122 or both. The activation mechanism 106 may be any suitable means as known in the art and may vary depending on the embodiment. In one preferred embodiment, activation mechanism 106 is a button on the exterior surface of bag 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1C. In this illustration, the activation mechanism 106 is connected to controller 122 (solid black line) and the actuator 103 (dashed line). In additional embodiments, activation mechanism 106 is a switch, a pull cord switch, or a knob. In embodiments with a controller 122, activation mechanism 106 is most often connected to the controller 122.

In still other embodiments, activation mechanism 106 is further connected to the controller 122 a sensor 125. Together the sensor 125 and activation mechanism 106 activate the assisted opening 101 by responding to a user cue (i.e., user supplied signal). User provided cues and signals are discussed in more detail in the Method of Use section below herein.

Assisted Strap 107

The present disclosure provides for at least one assisted strap 107 such that a user may comfortably wear bag 100b without needing to adjust the one or more straps. Many embodiments may have more than one assisted strap 107, one such bag 100b comprising two straps is illustrated in FIG. 1B. However, for simplicity, straps 107 will be initially described herein in the singular.

Strap 107 attaches to bag 100 at one or more ends. In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, strap 107b attaches at only end 108b to strap actuator 110 (located in the bag's interior and not pictured in FIG. 1C), while end 109b is not attached to bag 100, instead is attached to handle 133.

Strap 107 may have one or more sections. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, strap 107 has sections 123 and 124. Each section typically attaches to an object, for example, bag 100, a strap actuator 110, or a handle 133. It is within the scope of the present disclosure for both ends of strap 107 or both sections 123 and 124 to attach to different strap actuators 110. In one embodiment, section 123 is attached to bag 100b at its first end 108. Section 123 is preferably padded and transfers the bag's weight to the user. Section 124 is threaded through or attached to section 123. Section 124 may either be attached to bag 100 at second end 109, connected to a strap actuator 110, or pass through the bag's exterior surface into the bag interior through opening 111. In the currently preferred embodiment, only one section of strap 107 will connect to the strap actuator 110. In embodiments having a unibody strap 107 (i.e., where strap only has one continuous section), strap 107 attaches to bag 100b or strap actuator 110 at ends 108 and end 109 or enters bag interior at opening 111. In embodiments where strap 107 or section 123 is attached directly to bag 100b, strap 107, or section 124 at end 109, attaches to strap actuator 110. Strap actuator 110 may be located on the bag exterior surface or within the bag's interior.

It is within the scope of the present invention for bag 100 to have more than one strap 107. Typically, additional strap or straps 107 will be identical, and also be assisted; however, it is possible to have commonly known conventional manual straps in an embodiment with one or more assisted straps 107 or one or more assisted openings 101.

Strap actuator 110 provides the motive force to loosen or tighten strap 107, often by physically moving part of strap 107 through the actuator. Strap actuator 110 may act directly on strap 107, section 123, or section 124, depending on the embodiment. Strap actuator 110 may be any suitable solution as known in the art. In one embodiment, the bag comprises a winding assembly connected to the bag 100, the strap actuator 110, and the end of the strap 107 or a section thereof. The strap actuator 110 may then provide the motive force to rotate the winding assembly, causing the strap 107 to be wound around the winding assembly. Reversing the strap actuator 110 causes the strap 107 to be unwound from the winding assembly.

In another embodiment, strap actuator 110 is a worm gear actuator located within compartment 113, with section 124 being threaded through the strap actuator 110 such that the worm gear's teeth grip section 124. Activation and subsequent rotation of worm gear strap actuator 110 translates the actuator's force to section 124, section 124 is pulled into compartment 113 and therefore strap 107 is tightened. Reversing the worm gear strap actuator 110 results in section 124 being moved out of compartment 113 and loosening of strap 107.

In some embodiments, strap actuator 110 is combined with actuator 103. In the currently preferred embodiment strap actuator 110 is a separate component from actuator 103. It is within the scope of the present disclosure for actuator 103 and strap actuator 110 to be identical but separate.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure to activate strap actuator 110 by one of several solutions. In one embodiment, a sensor 125 enables a cue to be recognized by controller 122. Sensor 125 is connected to controller 122 and detects a strain force (e.g., sensor 125 is a load cell-based sensor) placed on strap 107 and sends a signal to controller 122 to activate strap actuator 110. In another embodiment, a bag 100 has two straps 107, each with a sensor 125; when strap sensors are pulled into proximity of each other, the sensors 125 send a signal to the controller to activate strap actuators 110. In another embodiment, a bag 100 may have a strap activator 126 connected either to the controller 122 or directly to the strap actuator 110. Pressing of the strap activator 126 results in activation of strap actuator 110, either directly, or via the interconnected controller 122. In some embodiments, placing a load onto strap 107, as sensed by a strap sensor 125 provides the cue to activate strap actuator 110 (again, either directly, or through controller 122) and removal of the sensed load provides the cue to activate strap actuator 110 in the reverse direction.

One example method of use of assisted strap bag 100b having a load-based sensor 125, located either on the strap 107 or bag face S1, is presented presently. Bag 100b is resting unworn, with strap 107 in a tight, storage state. A user picks up bag 100b by strap 107. Strap sensor 125 detects the applied force of the user picking up bag 100b via strap 107 and activates the strap actuator 110 to loosen strap 107. The user places bag 100b onto their back, with the bag's weight resting on the user's body. Sensor 125 detects the transferred load and activates strap actuator 110 to tighten strap 107, placing bag 100b in a secure state for use and user movement. Bag 100b may be removed by the user lifting the bag's weight off the user's body. Removal of the load from strap 107 is detected by strap sensor 125, and strap sensor 125 activates strap actuator 110 to loosen strap 107.

It is within the scope of this invention for bag 100 to have additional straps, either additional assisted straps 107, or conventional straps as known in the art. Some embodiments have a conventional top strap 128, a conventional side strap 129. A conventional hip strap may also be included. Furthermore, any of these additional straps may be assisted straps 107 as described elsewhere herein.

Electronics

The present disclosure provides for a digital controlling solution, referred herein as the controller 122. Controller 122 may be any suitable solution as known in the art. In one embodiment the controller 122 is a single board computer. Controller 122 may be connected to any and all of the actuators 103 and 110, sensor 125, power source 120, charger 121, and activation mechanism 106. In some embodiments, controller 122 acts as a portable server with a thin client to a user's mobile device. In some embodiments, controller 122 accepts and saves information from the user, often by way of a connected mobile device. For example, activation preferences may be saved, e.g., type or degree of trigger for actuator 103 or strap actuator 110 activation as well as degree of tightness of strap 107 when worn.

The controller 122 is configured to detect signals from sensor 125 and to activate actuators 103 and 110. In embodiments with more than one strap actuator 110 attached to a single strap 107, controller 122 typically activates both strap actuators 110 together. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to activate one strap actuator 110 connected to a strap 107, and not a second strap actuator 110 connected to the same strap 107. In some embodiments the digital controller 122 may consist of a central processing unit (cpu), random access memory (RAM), long-term memory storage, and optional analog to digital converters. In one embodiment the controller 122 comprises a Raspberry Pi computer coupled to an additional analog to digital converter board and long-term memory. In many embodiments, the controller consists of one or more circuit boards, which may include a microcontroller circuit board (commonly referred to as a microcontroller), one or more power management boards, and one or more distribution boards. In some embodiments, all of the circuit boards may be centralized onto one circuit board, referred to as the integrated circuit.

In some embodiments, a communications mechanism 130 is interconnected with controller 122 and enables a user to interface with controller 122 via a graphical user interface, preferably through a second digital device, for example a mobile phone or computer. In the currently preferred embodiment, communications mechanism 130 is a Bluetooth modem, but it may be any suitable solutions as known in the art, including Wi-Fi, induction wireless, infrared wireless, ZigBee, and the like.

The present disclosure provides a power source 120 solution that provides electrical energy to certain components of the bag 100. Often, power source 120 is connected to the controller 122, sensor 125, and actuator 103. Power source 120 may be any suitable solution as known in the art. In the currently preferred embodiment, power source 120 is a 12 V battery or battery pack, preferably a rechargeable battery, rechargeable by any means, including standard USB connections. In other embodiments, power source 120 is a generator that produces electricity from the movement of bag 100 and user.

Bag 100 preferably has a charging solution, referred herein as the charger 121, which is connected to at least the power source 120 and is configured to provide electricity and re-charge power source 120 from another supply of electricity (e.g., a wall socket). Charger 121 may be any suitable solution as known in the art. In the currently preferred embodiment, charger 121 is a wireless induction charger located inside a compartment of bag 100. In one embodiment, charger 121 adheres to the Qi induction charging standard, and has a charging surface incorporated (e.g., sewn) into the exterior surface of bag 100. Charger 121 then couples to an external charging pad 127 via induction charging, typically when bag 100 is resting on charging pad 127. The Qi charging standard is known in the art and the Power Class 0 specification version 1.2.3 from February 2017 is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. In other embodiments, charger 121 is a conductive charger also generally known in the art, with charger 121 on the exterior surface of bag 100; and charger 121 and external charging pad 127 having matching metal to metal connectors to enable power transfer. When bag 100 having a conductive charger 121 is placed on charging pad 127, the pad detects the bag's placement, power transfer begins to recharge power source 120. In still further embodiments, the charger 121 is a wired connection and plugs into a power supply; for example, a wall socket.

In some embodiments, the above electronic components are in a separate electronics compartment 119, designed specifically to hold these components and separate them from the main interior 115. In one embodiment, interior 115 has a flat bottom interior surface 114 and underneath is an electronics compartment 119 with a slopped bottom formed by a portion of the exterior surface 112. Electronics compartment then holds the actuators 103 and 110, controller 122, power source 120 and charger 121. Opening 111 then on an exterior surface, typically on bag face S2, providing access to strap actuator 110 for strap 107.

Sensors 125

The present disclosure provides for one or more sensors 125 to detect a cue (e.g., a force) from a user, such that the cue may be used to activate the assistance of bag 100. In embodiments with an assisted strap 107, a sensor 125 may be provided to determine when to automatically loosen or tighten strap 107. In embodiments with an assisted opening 101, a sensor 125 may be provided to determine when to automatically open or close opening 101. Embodiments of the present disclosure may have more than one sensor; for example, a first sensor 125a is connected to controller 122 by means of a connection (e.g., a wire) 134, and are configured to detect a cue to open or close opening 101 and a second sensor 125b is also connected to controller 122 and configured to detect a cue (typically a different cue) to tighten or loosen strap 107. In addition, embodiments that have more than one strap 107 may have more than one sensor 125. In these embodiments, there is typically one sensor 125 per strap 107, enabling bag 100b and controller 122 to detect and discern cues involving one or two straps; for example, when one vs two straps are being worn by a user.

Sensor 125 may be any suitable solution as known in the art. In embodiments with more than one sensor 125, each sensor may be a different type of sensor (e.g., one strain gauge, one tension sensor, and one load-cell). In some embodiments, the sensor 125 is a strain gauge connected to the controller [#] by means of a connection 134 and a Wheatstone bridge circuit 135. The sensors 125 may be placed on or inside bag 100 at any suitable location. In one embodiment, a sensor 125 is located at strap end 108 and detects shoulder pressure when bag 100 is worn on a user's back and shoulders; thereby transferring a load from bag to user. In some embodiments a sensor 125 is a pressure pad having a number of piezoresistive elements that detect when a force is applied to the pad. Pressure pad sensors 125 may be used in assisted strap 107 as well as assisted openings 101 to register user cues for activation of either mechanism. In some embodiments, sensor 125 may be a magnet and hall-effect sensor, in others a reed-switch, in still others a limit-switch.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Assisted Opening Bag 100a

One example of an assisted opening bag 100a having an assisted opening 101 and an activation mechanism 106 is presented presently. Bag 100a, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, and 2A-2C comprises exterior surfaces, two sides, a bag face S1 configured to be proximate to a user's back when the bag is worn and a bag face S2 configured to be facing away from the user when the bag is worn. The bag 100a also has two straps on bag face S1, a top strap 128, an assisted opening 101 having surface 104a and surface 104b, an actuator 103 and an activation mechanism 106 connected to the actuator.

When bag 100a is in a closed state, surfaces 104a and 104b are in contact or close proximity. To place the bag 100a into an open state, the user will press activation mechanism 106, activating it, which in turn activates actuator 103. Actuator 103 causes car 102 to move away from bag face S1, pulling the attached surface 104a with it, and creating an opening into the interior 115 of bag 100a, placing the bag 100a into the opened state. When the user no longer needs access to the interior 115, they again press the activation mechanism 106, which activates actuator 103 in the reverse direction, moving car 102 and attached surface 104a back towards bag face S1 and in contact or in close proximity to surface 104b. This action closes and removes the opening into the interior 115, placing bag 100a back into the closed state.

Example 2: Assisted Strap Bag 100b

Presently, a one method of use of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be presented. Bag 100b with two assisted straps 107 is illustrated in at least FIGS. 1B and 4A-4B. Bag 100b has two straps, each strap 107 having a top section 123 and a bottom section 124. Each strap top section 123 is attached at a first end 108 to bag 100b and each strap bottom section 124 connects to a strap reel actuator and worm gear motor 110 which in turn is connected to a and motor controller 146. Each strap is associated with two sensors 125, for a total of 4 sensors on bag 100b at each first end 108 (only two of which are visible in FIG. 4A). Each sensor 125 is connected to an Arduino controller 144 by means of a Wheatstone bridge circuit 135 wire path connection 134, and amplifier 143 (e.g., a load cell amplifier HX711, commercially available from SparkFun). The Arduino controller 144 is also connected to the worm gear motor 110 by means of an encoder 145, a motor controller 146, and a power source 120. The power source 120 is connected to the motor controller 146 and the charger 121. In this embodiment, the encoder 145 enables the Arduino controller 144 to know what position the motor 110 and therefore determine the state of the strap (e.g., length).

Before use, bag 100b is in a storage mode, with both straps 107 fully constricted (i.e., tightened) to face S1 of bag 100b. This storage mode further enables bag 100b to have no exposed or dangling straps that may present a hazard or inconvenience when not being used. When not in use for long periods of time, a user may wish to place bag 100b on a charging pad 127 to recharge its power source 120. A user may provide a cue to remove bag 100b from storage mode, for example, by squeezing both straps towards each other. This action may be registered by two sensors, one on each strap 107 and the interconnected controller 122 activates both strap actuators 110 to loosen both straps. Another example user cue includes tapping a pressure pad sensor 125, which causes the interconnected controller 122 to activate the two strap actuators. A third example is a user picking up bag 100b by a strap 107, the strain, load, or tension placed on the strap by the act of picking the bag off the surface it was previously resting on, as measured by one or more sensors 125, provides the cue to activate the actuators. In this third example, bag 100b may have a top strap (i.e., a handle) 128 and picking bag 100b up by this top strap 128 does not activate strap actuators 110, enabling the bag to be moved without activating the assisted straps. Actuators adjust the straps, moving the excess strap 107 spooled inside compartment 113 out through opening 111 and available for easily donning the bag 100b.

Once the user places bag 100b onto their body, most often on the user's back, the bag's weight rests on the user. Sensors 125 detect this transfer of weight to the user and the interconnected controller 122 instructs strap actuators 110 to constrict straps 107, making each strap tight. Typically, the user has selected a pre-set tightness amount that they find comfortable while wearing bag 100b and straps are constricted to this amount by the controller 122 activating the strap actuators 110. The bag 100b is now in wear mode and the user may then wear the bag securely without any manual tightening of straps 107. When the user is done wearing bag 100b, another cue is given to loosen straps 107. The cue may be the same cue given to take bag 100b out of storage mode or may be a different cue. In one example, the activation cue is the repeated, squeezing of both straps 107 towards each other. In another example, the cue is a button connected to the controller 122. In a third example, the user slides one strap 107 off of their body, the sensor 125 in that doffed strap registers the removal of tension, while the remaining donned (i.e., worn) strap 107 and its associated sensor 125 registers the presence of tension; controller 122 may be programmed to register the removal of a single strap as the removal cue. In all of these cases, controller 122 determines that sensors 125 have detected the proper cue and activates strap actuators 110 to loosen straps 107, placing the bag in removal mode. The loosened straps may be easily taken off the user's body. In some uses, bag 100b may automatically re-enter one of storage mode or wear mode after a period of time in removal mode. In other uses, a cue may be required to enter a new mode. The transition between removal mode and wearing or storage modes are typically programmable by a user, often by a mobile device linked to controller 122 (e.g., by a smart phone app).

An additional feature of use for bag 100b is that the activation cues may be programmable. For example, in some embodiments, the removal cue may be the removal of tension or pressure from sensors 125 while bag 100b is in wear mode. The time period for this removal cue may be set by the user, typically in seconds. For example, a user may wish to run while wearing bag 100b, causing the bag to move off the user's body during running. Setting a removal cue time longer than a typical running stride prevents the controller 122 from triggering the removal cue during running. In addition, a running mode may be programmable by the user, with an additional cue (i.e., pressing a button or the cadence of on-off tension from sensor 125 experienced while running) that has a different strap 107 tightness programmed (i.e., tighter than normal wear mode).

Features disclosed herein may further be combined from different embodiments. For example, a bag 100 may have both an assisted opening 101 and an assisted strap 107 with an associated load sensor 125. When such bag 100 is in storage mode with the opening 101 in its open state, the act of picking up bag 100 (and thereby placing a load on strap 107 measured by a sensor 125), an interconnected controller 122 may be programmed to register this load and to activate actuator 103 to automatically close opening 101. Furthermore, the controller 122 may be programmed to simultaneously place the bag 100 into donning mode, automatically extending the one or more straps 107 for a user to put the bag 100 onto their person (e.g., back).

Although specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only, as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention. While there have been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or steps that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results be within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. It is also to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but that they are merely conceptual in nature.

It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims.

Claims

1. A bag comprising:

an exterior surface

an assisted opening comprising: a first and a second surface; a car connected to said first surface; and

an interior enclosed by said exterior surface and said assisted opening;

an actuator connected to said car;

wherein said actuator is configured to adjust said car to create an opening between said first and said second surfaces.

2. The bag of claim 1 wherein said actuator is located within said interior.

3. The bag of claim 1 wherein said first surface is located approximately parallel to said second surface.

4. The bag of claim 1 further comprising an activation mechanism connected to said actuator and configured to reversibly activate said actuator.

5. The bag of claim 1 wherein said car reversibly pulls said first surface away from said second surface and wherein said first surface is configured to fold upon itself.

6. The bag of claim 1 further comprising a compartment within said interior; and wherein said actuator is disposed within said compartment.

7. A method of closing a bag, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing the bag of claim 1;

(b) activating said actuator; and

(c) creating an opening between said first and said second surface by adjusting said first surface, with said car.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein said bag further comprises an activation mechanism connected to said actuator; and wherein said actuator activation is performed by said activation mechanism.

9. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of (e) reversing said actuator; and (f) eliminating said opening by adjusting said first surface with said actuator and said car.

10. An assisted bag, comprising:

an exterior surface enclosing an interior;

an actuator; and

a strap having a first end connected to said actuator;

wherein said actuator is configured to adjust said strap.

11. The bag of claim 10 wherein said exterior surface further comprises an opening, said actuator is disposed within said interior and said strap first end passes through said opening.

12. The bag of claim 10 further comprising a controller connected to said actuator.

13. The bag of claim 12 further comprising a sensor connected to said controller and configured to produce sensor information relating to a force placed on the sensor.

14. The bag of claim 13 wherein said controller is configured to activate said actuator in response to said sensor information.

15. A method of adjusting a bag, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing the bag of claim 10;

(b) moving said strap past said actuator in a first direction.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of (c) moving said strap past said actuator in a second, reverse direction.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein said bag further comprises a controller and a sensor informationally connected to said controller; wherein said sensor is configured to produce sensor information relating to a force on the sensor; and wherein said controller is connected to said actuator and is configured to activate said actuator in response to said sensor information.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of (d) producing sensor information with said sensor in response to a user-initiated cue; and (e) activating said actuator with said controller in response to said sensor information; wherein steps (d) and (e) occur before step (b).

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the steps of (f) producing additional sensor information with said sensor in response to a second user-initiated cue; (g) activating said actuator with said controller in response to said additional sensor information and (h) moving said strap through said actuator in a second, reverse direction; wherein steps (f) and (g) occur before step (h).

20. The method of claim 15 wherein said second end is connected to said exterior surface or to a second actuator.