VACUUM LOCKING FOR BAGS

Abstract

A locking structure for an article includes a bladder including a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void. A locking system includes locking elements that each attach to at least one elastic element. The locking elements each include at least one interface surface. The interior void of the bladder operable between a first pressure to move the locking system to a locked state and a second pressure to move the locking system to an unlocked state.

Claims

1. A bag comprising: a body defining a storage compartment; a bladder including a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void, the bladder disposed within the body; at least one elastic element disposed within the interior void; and a plurality of locking elements disposed within the interior void and each attached to the at least one elastic element, the locking elements including an interface surface operable to selectively engage an interface surface of another one of the locking elements in response to fluid being removed from the interior void to restrict elongation of the bladder.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastic element includes a first fastening portion coupled to a first attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements and a second fastening portion coupled to a second attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements.

3. The bag of claim 2, wherein the first and second attachment regions of each of the plurality of locking elements are defined along an outer edge of each of the plurality of locking elements and are asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions.

4. The bag of claim 2, wherein the first attachment region is offset from the second attachment region relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one elastic element.

5. The bag of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of locking elements defines an opening at a central region of each locking element and the first and second attachment regions are disposed proximate to the opening at the central region of each locking element.

6. The bag of claim 2, wherein the at least one elastic element includes an outer fastening portion coupled to the first attachment region of the plurality of locking elements and an inner fastening portion coupled to the second attachment region of the plurality of locking elements.

7. The bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastic element comprises a locking strip that defines a locking system with the plurality of locking elements, the locking system including a tether attached to one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element.

8. The bag of claim 1, wherein each of the locking elements includes a pair of interface surfaces disposed on opposite sides of each locking element.

9. The bag of claim 8, wherein the interface surfaces of the locking elements are in direct contact with the interface surfaces of adjacent locking elements to form a locking layer.

10. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a pump configured to remove fluid from the interior void.

11. A bag comprising: a body including side panels defining a storage compartment; a bladder including a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void, the bladder in contact with the body and extending between the side panels; at least one elastic element disposed within the interior void; and a plurality of locking elements disposed within the interior void and each attached to the at least one elastic element, the locking elements including an interface surface operable to selectively engage an interface surface of another one of the locking elements in response to fluid being removed from the interior void to restrict elongation of the bladder.

12. The bag of claim 11, wherein the at least one elastic element includes a first fastening portion coupled to a first attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements and a second fastening portion coupled to a second attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements.

13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the first and second attachment regions of each of the plurality of locking elements are defined along an outer edge of each of the plurality of locking elements and are asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions.

14. The bag of claim 12, wherein the first attachment region is offset from the second attachment region relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one elastic element.

15. The bag of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of locking elements defines an opening at a central region of each locking element and the first and second attachment regions are disposed proximate to the opening at the central region of each locking element.

16. The bag of claim 12, wherein the at least one elastic element includes an outer fastening portion coupled to the first attachment region of the plurality of locking elements and an inner fastening portion coupled to the second attachment region of the plurality of locking elements.

17. The bag of claim 11, wherein the at least one elastic element comprises a locking strip that defines a locking system with the plurality of locking elements, the locking system including a tether attached to one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element.

18. The bag of claim 11, wherein each of the locking elements includes a pair of interface surfaces disposed on opposite sides of each locking element.

19. The bag of claim 18, wherein the interface surfaces of the locking elements are in direct contact with the interface surfaces of adjacent locking elements to form a locking layer.

20. The bag of claim 11, further comprising a pump configured to remove fluid from the interior void.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0006] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 1 is an example of a bag with a locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in a relaxed state;

[0008] FIG. 2 is another example of a bag with another locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in a relaxed state;

[0009] FIG. 3 is another example of a bag with another locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in a relaxed state;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a locking structure according to the present disclosure with a bladder and a locking system;

[0011] FIG. 5A is an example of a locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in a relaxed state;

[0012] FIG. 5B is a plan view of an example of the locking structure of FIG. 5A, where the locking structure is in a constricted state;

[0013] FIG. 5C is an example of the locking structure of FIG. 5B, where the locking structure is in a locked state;

[0014] FIG. 6 is an example of a locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in a relaxed state;

[0015] FIG. 7A is a plan view of an example of a locking structure according to the present disclosure, where the locking structure is in an unlocked state;

[0016] FIG. 7B is an example of the locking structure of FIG. 7A, where the locking structure is in a constricted state; and

[0017] FIG. 7C is an example of the locking structure of FIG. 7B, where the locking structure is in a locked state.

[0018] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles a, an, and the may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms comprises, comprising, including, and having, are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0021] When an element or layer is referred to as being on, engaged to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly on, directly engaged to, directly connected to, directly attached to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.). As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0023] In one configuration, a locking structure for an article includes a bladder having a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber including an interior void, at least one elastic element disposed within the interior void, and a plurality of locking elements disposed within the interior void and each attached to the at least one elastic element, each of the locking elements including an interface surface operable to selectively engage an interface surface of another one of the locking elements.

[0024] The locking structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the at least one elastic element may include a first fastening portion coupled to a first attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements and a second fastening portion coupled to a second attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements. The first and second attachment regions of each of the plurality of locking elements may be defined along an outer edge of each of the plurality of locking elements and may be asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions. Additionally or alternatively, the first attachment region may be offset from the second attachment region relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one elastic element.

[0025] In one configuration, each of the plurality of locking elements may define an opening at a central region of each locking element. The first and second attachment regions may be disposed proximate to the opening at the central region of each locking element. Further, the at least one elastic element may include an outer fastening portion coupled to the first attachment region of the plurality of locking elements and an inner fastening portion coupled to the second attachment region of the plurality of locking elements.

[0026] At least one elastic element may comprise a locking strip that defines a locking system with the plurality of locking elements, the locking system including a tether attached to one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element. Additionally or alternatively, each of the locking elements may include a pair of interface surfaces disposed on opposite sides of each locking element. The interface surfaces of the locking elements may be in direct contact with the interface surfaces of adjacent locking elements to form a locking layer. A bag may include the locking structure.

[0027] In another configuration, a locking structure for an article includes a bladder having a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void, and a locking system including locking elements each attached to at least one elastic element and including at least one interface surface, the interior void of the bladder operable between a first pressure to move the locking system to a locked state and a second pressure to move the locking system to an unlocked state.

[0028] The locking structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the at least one elastic element may include a first fastening portion coupled to a first attachment region of each of the locking elements and a second fastening portion coupled to a second attachment region of each of the locking elements. The first and second attachment regions of each of the locking elements may be defined along an outer edge of each of the locking elements and may be asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions. Additionally or alternatively, the first attachment region may be offset from the second attachment region relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one elastic element.

[0029] In one configuration, each of the locking elements may define an opening at a central region of each locking element. The first and second attachment regions may be disposed proximate to the opening at the central region of each locking element. The at least one elastic element may include an outer fastening portion coupled to the first attachment region of the locking elements and an inner fastening portion coupled to the second attachment region of the locking elements.

[0030] The at least one elastic element may comprise a locking strip that defines a locking system with the locking elements, the locking system including a tether attached to one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element. Additionally or alternatively, each of the locking elements may include a pair of interface surfaces disposed on opposite sides of each locking element. The interface surfaces of the locking elements may be in direct contact with the interface surfaces of adjacent locking elements to form a locking layer. A bag may include the locking structure.

[0031] The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a bag 10 includes a plurality of straps 100 and a body 150 attached to the straps 100. The bag 10 may further include a first end 12 associated with an upper-most point of the body 150, and a second end 14 corresponding to a lower-most point of the body 150. A longitudinal axis A.sub.10 extends along a length of the bag 10 from the first end 12 to the second end 14, and generally divides the bag 10 into a first side 16 and a second side 18. Accordingly, the first side 16 and the second side 18 respectively correspond with opposite sides of the body 150 and extend from the first end 12 to the second end 14. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the first end 12 to the second end 14, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the first side 16 to the second side 18 of the body 150.

[0033] The straps 100, and components thereof, may be described as including various subcomponents or regions. For example, the straps 100 may include a handle strap, a shoulder strap, a cross-body strap, and/or a combination strap. The straps 100 include a pair of side panels that extend from the first end 12 to the second end 14 and between the first side 16 and the second side 18. The straps 100 may cooperate with the body 150 to define an opening, which is configured to receive a body portion of a user. For example, a user may position the straps 100 over a shoulder of the user and lock the straps 100 around the shoulder. Additionally or alternatively, a single strap 100 may be positioned over and across a torso of a user.

[0034] In the example of FIG. 1, each of the body 150 and the straps 100 includes a locking structure 200, described in more detail below. For example, the locking structure 200 is incorporated into the side panels of the straps 100 and side panels of the body 150. By incorporating the locking structure 200 into the straps 100 and the body 150, the straps 100 and the body 150 of the bag 10 are operable to transition between an unlocked or relaxed state and a locked or constricted state. In use, the straps 100 and the body 150 are moved between the unlocked or relaxed state and the locked or constricted state by adjusting a pressure within the locking structure 200. For example, the relaxed state of the straps 100 accommodates a relaxed state of the bag with minimal restrictive support. Once in position on or carried by a user, the user may apply any means of negative pressure (e.g., vacuum, external force, etc.) to the locking structure 200 to transition the locking structure 200 incorporated into the straps 100 to the locked and constricted state. In so doing, the user tightens the straps 100 and provides added support when carrying the bag 10, as discussed below with respect to the examples of FIGS. 5A-7C.

[0035] Similarly with respect to the body 150, the user may apply a negative pressure to the body 150 to transition the locking structure 200 incorporated in the body 150 to the locked or constricted state. The body 150 defines a storage compartment 152 of the bag 10, such that a user may place objects into the storage compartment 152. The body 150 also includes a back panel 154 in which the locking structure 200 may be incorporated, described below. The relaxed state of the locking structure 200 at the body 150 may provide a degree of flexibility to the bag 10 in accommodating objects of various shapes and sizes. Once filled, the user may transition the locking structure 200 into the locked or constricted state to define a rigid body 150 of the bag 10. For example, the body 150 may transition from a flexible structure with the locking structure 200 in the relaxed state to a rigid shell with the locking structure 200 in the locked state. In so doing, the user increases the rigidity of the bag 10 and provides added structural support when carrying objects within the bag 10, as discussed below with respect to the examples of FIGS. 5A-7C.

[0036] In other examples, the user may transition the locking structure 200 into the locked or constricted state to define a form-fit of the back panel 154. For example, the back panel 154 may include a top panel 154a, a pair of mid-back panels 154b, 154c, and a bottom panel 154d, each including the locking structure 200. The user may position the bag 10 along a body of the user, and the back panel 154 may be custom-fit to the user through activation of the locking structure 200. Each of the top panel 154a, mid-back panels 154b, 154c, and the bottom panel 154d may be collectively or independently provide selective, customized support for the user. For example, the user may transition the locking structure 200 in the bottom panel 154d to contour to a lower back of the user, which may provide added support while wearing the bag 10.

[0037] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate various examples of a potential configurations of a bag 10a, 10b having example locking structures 200a, 200b incorporated into straps 100a, 100b and body 150a, 150b of the bag 10a, 10b. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the bag 10 with respect to the example bags 10a, 10b, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. In the example shown in FIG. 2, another example locking structure 200a is selectively incorporated into the straps 100a and body 150a of the bag 10a. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a further example locking structure 200b may alternatively be incorporated into the body 150b of a bag such as a duffle bag 10b. In this example, the locking structure 200b is also incorporated as handle straps 100b and a cross-body strap 100b. As described above, the body 150b and the straps 100b may include the locking structure 200b, and can transition between an unlocked state (e.g., when the bag 10b is not in use), and a locked state (e.g., when carrying the bag 10b).

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the bags 10-10b each include a port 130, which is in fluid communication with a pump 300. As described in more detail below, the pump 300 and the port 130 cooperate to define the negative, vacuum pressure within a bladder 202 of the locking structure 200. The bladder 202 may be disposed within the body 150-150b and/or the straps 100-100b of the bag 10-10b. The bladder 202 defines an interior void 204, and the locking structure 200 is moved between the unlocked or relaxed state and the locked or constricted state by adjusting the fluid pressure within the interior void 204 of the bladder 202. For example, the pressure within the interior void 204 may be reduced by drawing fluid from within the interior void 204 through the port 130, which is attached to the bladder 202. In other words, a vacuum may be applied to the interior void 204 to remove fluid from the interior void 204. The drawing of the vacuum within the interior void 204 selectively transitions an interior pressure of the interior void 204 between a first pressure and a second pressure. It is generally contemplated that the first pressure of the interior void 204 may be greater than the second pressure. For example, the first pressure may be greater than or equal to ambient pressure, and the second pressure of the interior void 204 may be less than ambient pressure. The pump 300 may remove fluid from the interior void 204 to contract the locking structure 200 and move the locking structure 200 into the locked or constricted state. It is contemplated that the port 130 may be configured with a valve 132, such as a spring valve, for releasing the negative pressure to transition the locking structure 200 from the locked state back to the unlocked state. For example, the user may depress the valve 132 when desired to release or otherwise remove the negative pressure within the bag 10-10b by allowing a fluid, such as air, to enter the interior void 204 via the valve 132.

[0039] Referring still to FIGS. 1-4, the locking structure 200 includes a locking system 206, described below, attached to the bladder 202. In this configuration, the bladder 202 includes a first barrier layer 208a (e.g., a first barrier element 208a) attached to a second barrier layer 208b (e.g., a second barrier element 208b) formed on an opposite side of the bladder 202 from the first barrier layer 208a. A distance between the first barrier layer 208a and the second barrier layer 208b defines a thickness of the bladder 202 and serves to define a chamber 210 that includes the interior void 204.

[0040] As used herein, the term barrier layer (e.g., barrier layers 208a, 208b) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 208a, 208b are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers 208a, 208b are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers). In either aspect, each layer or sublayer can have a film thickness ranging from about 0.2 micrometers to about 1 millimeter. In further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers.

[0041] One or both of the barrier layers 208a, 208b can be independently transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. As used herein, the term transparent for a barrier layer and/or a chamber means that light passes through the barrier layer in substantially straight lines and a viewer can see through the barrier layer. In comparison, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer and one cannot see clearly through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer, in that light passes through a translucent layer but some of the light is scattered so that a viewer cannot see clearly through the layer.

[0042] The barrier layers 208a, 208b can each be produced from an elastomeric material that includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and/or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In an aspect, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

[0043] As used herein, polyurethane refers to a copolymer (including oligomers) that contains a urethane group (N(CO)O). These polyurethanes can contain additional groups such as ester, ether, urea, allophanate, biuret, carbodiimide, oxazolidinyl, isocynaurate, uretdione, carbonate, and the like, in addition to urethane groups. In an aspect, one or more of the polyurethanes can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having (N(CO)O) linkages.

[0044] Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), TDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3-dimethyldipheny 1-4, 4-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chains are substantially free of aromatic groups.

[0045] In particular aspects, the polyurethane polymer chains are produced from diisocynates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H12 aliphatics, and combinations thereof. In an aspect, the thermoplastic TPU can include polyester-based TPU, polyether-based TPU, polycaprolactone-based TPU, polycarbonate-based TPU, polysiloxane-based TPU, or combinations thereof.

[0046] In another aspect, the polymeric layer can be formed of one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly (vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyether imides, polyacrylic imides, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Blends of these materials as well as with the TPU copolymers described herein and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

[0047] The barrier layers 208a, 208b may include two or more sublayers (multilayer film) such as shown in Mitchell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,141 and Mitchell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,065, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In embodiments where the barrier layers 208a, 208b include two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in Bonk et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,786, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In further embodiments, the barrier layers 208a, 208b may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, where the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier layers 208a, 208b includes at least four (4) sublayers, at least ten (10) sublayers, at least twenty (20) sublayers, at least forty (40) sublayers, and/or at least sixty (60) sublayers.

[0048] The chamber 210 can be produced from the barrier layers 208a, 208b using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g. vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotary molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat sealing, casting, low-pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like. In an aspect, the barrier layers 208a, 208b can be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce the chamber 210.

[0049] The chamber 210 desirably has a low gas transmission rate to preserve its retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, the chamber 210 has a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least about ten (10) times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions. In an aspect, chamber 210 has a nitrogen gas transmission rate of 15 cubic-centimeter/square-meter.Math.atmosphere.Math.day (cm.sup.3/m.sup.2.Math.atm.Math.day) or less for an average film thickness of 500 micrometers (based on thicknesses of the barrier layers 208a, 208b). In further aspects, the transmission rate is 10 cm.sup.3/m.sup.2.Math.atm.Math.day or less, 5 cm.sup.3/m.sup.2.Math.atm.Math.day or less, or 1 cm.sup.3/m.sup.2.Math.atm.Math.day or less.

[0050] In some implementations, the first barrier layer 208a and the second barrier layer 208b cooperate to define a geometry (e.g., thicknesses, width, and lengths) of the chamber 210. In some examples, the barrier layers 208a, 208b may include the same materials to provide the chamber 210 with a homogenous barrier construction, such that both sides of the locking structure 200 will contract and relax at the same rate when pressure within the chamber 210 is adjusted. Alternatively, a first one of the barrier layers 208a, 208b may be at least partially constructed of a different barrier material and/or configuration than the other one of the barrier layers 208a, 208b to selectively impart a contour as the locking structure 200 transitions between the relaxed state and the locked state. For example, one of the barrier layers 208a, 208b may be at least partially formed with a different modulus of elasticity and/or stiffness than the other barrier layer 208a, 208b, such that when the locking structure 200 transitions from the relaxed state to the locked state, the first one of the barrier layers 208a, 208b contracts at a different rate than the other barrier layer 208a, 208b to cause the locking structure 200 to curl.

[0051] Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, the locking system 206 includes at least one elastic element 212 and a plurality of locking elements 214. The plurality of locking elements 214 are coupled to the elastic element 212. The plurality of locking elements 214 may be disposed within the interior void 204 of the chamber 210, and the elastic element 212 may be attached to at least one of the first barrier layer 208a and the second barrier layer 208b to form the locking system 206. As depicted in FIG. 4, the locking system 206, including the locking elements 214 and elastic element 212, is coupled to the bladder 202 within the interior void 204. As discussed in greater detail below, the plurality of locking elements 214 are operable to transition the locking system 206 of the locking structure 200 between an unlocked state, where the bladder 202 is free to stretch and conform around a portion of a person (e.g., torso, shoulder, etc.), and a locked state, where the bladder 202 is restricted or locked from stretching.

[0052] FIGS. 1-4 are illustrated with various representations of the locking structure 200-200b and locking system 206. It is contemplated that the straps 100-100b may include any one or more of the locking systems 206a-206d as provided in FIGS. 5A-7C. The locking system 206 of the locking structure 200 is operable between the locked and unlocked state in response to an at least partial vacuum defined within the interior void 204 of the chamber 210, as described in more detail below. Optionally, the locking system 206 may be provided in a force-responsive configuration that does not utilize a vacuum to move the locking system 206 from the unlocked state to the locked state. For example, the locking system 206 may be configured to lock in response to reactive forces applied to the locking system 206 by the person. For example, during low-energy movements (e.g., repositioning the bag) the elastic forces of the elastic element 212 may bias the locking system 206 towards a contracted, unlocked state. However, during high-energy movements (e.g., forceful grabbing of the bag and repeated movement), the barrier layers 208a, 208b and the elastic element 212 may stretch in response to forces applied to the bag 10 (FIG. 1). As the barrier layers 208a, 208b and the elastic element 212 are stretched, the locking elements 214 are collapsed upon each other to form a locking layer 218, thereby limiting the amount of stretch in the elastic element 212 and, consequently, the barrier layers 208a, 208b. Thus, unlike applications including a vacuum locking configuration, in which the locking system 206 is continuously locked under the force of a vacuum, force-responsive configurations are tuned to lock in response to threshold forces caused by movements of the person. The threshold forces for locking and unlocking the locking system 206 may be tuned by modifying the spacing, quantity, size, shape, and/or surface textures of the locking elements 214.

[0053] With reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, an example of a locking system 206a is illustrated and may be incorporated into the locking structure 200 described above. The locking system 206a includes an elastic element 212a and a plurality of locking elements 214a coupled to the elastic element 212a. Each locking element 214a in the plurality of locking elements 214a includes at least one interface surface 216 configured to cooperate with an opposing interface surface 216 of an adjacent one of the locking elements 214a to maintain the locking system 206a in the locked state. The interface surface 216 may be formed from a tacky material, such that the material of adjacent interface surfaces 216 may be coupled in the locked state of the locking elements 214a. Namely, when the interface surfaces 216 of adjacent locking elements 214a are in contact with one another, the frictional engagement therebetween causes the adjacent locking elements 214a to be fixed for movement with one another. Because the adjacent locking elements 214a are fixed for movement with the elastic element 212a which, in turn is fixed for movement with the barrier layers 208a, 208b, relative movement between the barrier layers 208a, 208b is restricted and the overall structure helps to lock in a body part of the person (i.e., a torso, shoulder, etc.).

[0054] As discussed in greater detail below, the interface surfaces 216 of the locking elements 214a may include textured and/or high-friction materials configured to restrict or prevent relative movement between opposing interface surfaces 216 when pressed into contact with one another (i.e., when a vacuum is drawn and fluid is removed from the chamber 210). Accordingly, when the interface surface 216 of one locking element 214a in the plurality of locking elements 214a is in contact with an interface surface 216 of a second locking element 214a in the plurality of locking elements 214a, the locking elements 214a cooperate to create a relatively rigid locking layer 218.

[0055] In this example, the plurality of locking elements 214a are coupled to a single elastic element 212a. In some implementations, the plurality of locking elements 214a are integrally formed with the elastic element 212a. In other implementations, the plurality of locking elements 214a are mechanically attached to the elastic element 212a (e.g., individually welded and/or attached via a suitable adhesive). As shown in FIG. 5A, the plurality of locking elements 214a are coupled to the elastic element 212a via a central region 220a of each of the plurality of locking elements 214a. Each of the plurality of locking elements 214a may define an opening 222a at the central region 220a through which the elastic element 212a extends. Each of the locking elements 214a has first and second attachment regions 224a, 226a generally defined at the central region 220a where each of the plurality of locking elements 214a is coupled to the elastic element 212a. For example, the first attachment region 224a and the second attachment region 226a may be aligned with the opening 222a along a longitudinal axis A.sub.212a of the elastic element 212a. In some examples, the first attachment region 224a and the second attachment region 226a are formed at opposite ends of the opening 222a.

[0056] The elastic element 212a illustrated in FIG. 5A includes at least one first or outer fastening portion 228a and at least one second or inner fastening portion 230b. For example, the elastic element 212a illustrated in FIG. 5A includes two outer fastening portions 228a and a single inner fastening portion 230a. It is contemplated that the inner fastening portion 230a may selectively translate independent of the outer fastening portions 228a, which may assist in drawing the locking elements 214a together, as described below. For example, the inner fastening portion 230a may contract in a first direction Di, while the outer fastening portions 228a may contract in a second direction D.sub.2 to flatten the locking elements 214a along one another to define the locked state (FIG. 5C). The first attachment region 224a of each of the locking elements 214a may be coupled to the outer fastening portion 228a and the second attachment region 226a of the locking elements 214a may be coupled to the inner fastening portion 230a. For example, the first attachment region 224a is depicted as having two attachment points 232 at the outer fastening portions 228a, and the second attachment region 226a is depicted as having a single attachment point 232 at the inner fastening portion 230a.

[0057] The elastic element 212a contracts as the locking system 206a transitions from the unlocked state (FIG. 5A) to the locked state (FIG. 5C), such that there is an increase in the overlap of adjacent ones of the locking elements 214a, as described in more detail below. While in the relaxed state (FIG. 5A), the interface surfaces 216 of each the first plurality of locking elements 214a are spaced apart and separated from the interface surfaces 216 of the adjacent locking elements 214a. When the pressure in the interior void 204 (FIG. 4) is reduced from a first pressure (e.g., at or above ambient) to a second pressure (e.g., at or below ambient), the barrier layers 208a, 208b (FIG. 4) move toward one another to bring the interface surfaces 216 of the plurality of locking elements 214a into direct contact with the opposing interface surfaces 216 of the adjacent locking elements 214a. Once the first plurality of locking elements 214a are in direct contact with the interface surfaces 216 of the adjacent locking elements 214a, the resulting friction between the interface surfaces 216 forms a locking layer 218 that maintains the locking system 206a in the locked state of FIG. 5C.

[0058] While in the locked state, tensile forces Frapplied along the lengths of the elastic element 212a are opposed by the frictional forces between the interface surfaces 216 of the locking elements 214a. The bladder 202 (FIG. 4) is thus restricted from stretching or deforming around the person (e.g., torso, shoulder, etc.) or objects (e.g., within the bag 10-10b) when the locking system 206a is in the locked state. When the person unlocks the locking system 206a, to loosen the article, the person increases the pressure within the interior void 204 of the bladder 202 (FIG. 4) to move the interface surfaces 216 of the plurality of locking elements 214a away from one another to define a space therebetween (FIG. 5A). Consequently, the interface surfaces 216 of the respective locking elements 214a disengage from each other to allow the barrier layers 208a, 208b (FIG. 4) to stretch and deform. For example, FIGS. 5A-5C show the transition between the unlocked state (FIG. 5A) and the locked state (FIG. 5C) with an intermediate or partially locked state (FIG. 5B) in between. The intermediate state may correspond to the transition of the plurality of locking elements 214a toward and/or away from one another. In one example, the pressure within the interior void 204 (FIG. 4) is such that the locking elements 214a are in the intermediate or partially locked state, such that the interface surfaces 216 partially engage with one another to restrain and otherwise restrict movement of the bladder 202 (FIG. 4).

[0059] Referring still to FIGS. 5A-5C, the pair of interface surfaces 26 of the locking elements 214a of the present example are disposed on opposite sides of each of the locking elements 214a. The interface surfaces 216 engage to retain the locking system 206a in the locked state while the locking system 206a is under the at least partial vacuum. Stated differently, the locking elements 214a frictionally engage at the interface surfaces 216 under the second pressure of the locking system 206a to compress the elastic element 212a and define the locked state to minimize movement of the bladder 202 (FIG. 4) and create a rigid and supportive fit of the article. While in the relaxed state (FIG. 5A), the locking elements 214a of adjacent ones of the plurality of locking elements 214a disposed on the elastic element 212a are arranged in a spaced apart manner to prevent direct contact between the interface surfaces 216 of the plurality of locking elements 214a. In this relaxed state, the locking system 206a is relatively flexible and can conform and stretch to fit a variety of geometries.

[0060] With particular reference to FIG. 6, a locking system 206b is provided and may be incorporated in the locking structure 200 and/or bladder 202 described above. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the locking system 206a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0061] The locking system 206b includes a plurality of locking elements 214b operably coupled to an elastic element 212b. Unlike the locking system 206a depicted in FIGS. 5A-5C, the plurality of locking elements 214b are coupled to the elastic element 212b at an outer edge 240b of the plurality of locking elements 214b. As depicted, the outer edge 240b attached to the elastic element 212b has a first attachment region 224b and a second attachment region 226b, in FIG. 6. The first attachment region 224b is coupled to a first fastening portion 228b of the elastic element 212b, and the second attachment region 226b is coupled to a second fastening portion 230b of the elastic element 212b. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first and second fastening portions 228b, 230b of the elastic element 212b are adjacent to one another, such that the outer edge 240b of the locking elements 214b is asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions 228b, 230b at the first and second attachment regions 224b, 226b, respectively. For example, the first attachment region 224b coupled to the first fastening portion 228b of the elastic element 212b is offset from the second attachment region 226b of the locking element 214b relative to a longitudinal axis A.sub.212b of the elastic element. In other words, the first attachment region 226b is disposed on a first side of the longitudinal axis A.sub.212b and the second attachment region 226b is disposed on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis A.sub.212b from the first attachment region 226b. The asymmetrical configuration of the first and second attachment regions 224b, 226b may assist in providing an adaptive fit, such that one of the locking elements 214b may have a greater degree of flexion at one end compared to the other. Additionally or alternatively, the locking elements 214b may have an equal degree of flexion across the interface surface 216. It is also contemplated that the asymmetrical configuration defines an overlap between the interface surfaces 216 that maximizes the locking capabilities of the locking elements 214b by defining a degree of friction between the interface surfaces 216.

[0062] The locking elements 214b may be coupled to the elastic element 212b at the outer edge 240b to provide additional flexibility to the locking system 206b in the unlocked state, such that a free end 242b of the locking elements 214b may have a greater degree of flexion than the retained outer edge 240b. The free end 242b of each of the locking elements 214b may overlap, such that the interface surfaces 216 of each adjacent locking element 214b may overlap to define a locking layer 218. The free ends 242b may also conform and have an increased degree of flexibility and pliability with respect to the person (e.g., torso, shoulder, etc.) or object (e.g., within the bag 10-10b), as the free ends 242b are free from attachment with the elastic element 212b. While the free ends 242b of the locking elements 214b may have an increased level of flexibility and/or mobility relative to the outer edge 240b, it is contemplated that in the locked state the free ends 242b are generally contained and restrained via the frictional engagement between the interface surfaces 216 to form the locking layer 218. The locking system 206b operates in a similar manner as described with respect to the locking system 206a (FIGS. 5A-5C), such that an interface surface 216 of each of the plurality of locking elements 214b may overlap to be in direct contact with an interface surface 216 of an adjacent locking element 214b when the second pressure is defined within the interior void 204 (FIG. 4). As described above, the resulting friction between the interface surfaces 216 forms the locking layer 218 that maintains the locking system 206b in the locked state.

[0063] As discussed above, when the locking system 206b is incorporated within a bladder 202 and/or locking structure 200 described above, the pressure of the interior void 204 of the chamber 210 is reduced from the first pressure (e.g., ambient) to the second pressure (e.g., below ambient). In this state, the barrier layers 208a, 208b move toward one another to bring the plurality of locking elements 214b into direct contact with one another at the interface surfaces 216, where each locking element 214b in the plurality of locking elements 214b overlaps adjacent locking elements 214b. Thus, as mentioned above, the interface surface 216 on a first side of one of the locking elements 214b will engage the opposing interface surface 216 on the second side of an adjacent one of the locking element 214b. Once the plurality of locking elements 214b are overlapping and in direct contact with one another at their respective interface surfaces 216, the resulting friction between the interface surfaces 216 forms the locking layer 218 that maintains the locking system 206b in the locked state.

[0064] With particular reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, a locking system 206c is provided and may be incorporated into a bladder 202 and a locking structure 200 disposed within the bladder 202 (FIG. 4). In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the locking system 206a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0065] With reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, the locking system 206c includes a first plurality of locking elements 214c.sub.1 operably coupled to a first elastic element 212c.sub.1 and a second plurality of locking elements 214c.sub.2 operably coupled to a second elastic element 212c.sub.2. In FIGS. 7A-7C, the first plurality of locking elements 214c.sub.1 coupled to the first elastic element 212c.sub.1 oppose the second plurality of locking elements 214c.sub.2 coupled the second elastic element 212c.sub.2. Stated differently, a free end 242c of each of the locking elements 214c.sub.1, 214c.sub.2 is disposed between the first and second elastic elements 212c.sub.1, 212c.sub.2. The locking elements 214c.sub.1, 214c.sub.2 are coupled to the respective elastic elements 212c.sub.1, 212c.sub.2 at the attachment regions 224c, 226c defined along an outer edge 240c of each locking element 214c.sub.1, 214c.sub.2. The configuration illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C may maximize the interlocking under an at least partial vacuum to define a generally rigid locking system 206c as each of the free ends 242c of the locking elements 214c.sub.1, 214c.sub.2 is positioned proximate to the outer edge 240c of an adjacent locking element 214c.sub.1, 214c.sub.2.

[0066] The locking system 206c operates in a similar manner as described with respect to the locking systems 206a, 206b (FIGS. 5A-6), such that an interface surface 216 of each of the locking elements 214c.sub.1, 214c.sub.2 may overlap to be in direct contact with an interface surface 216 of an adjacent locking element 214c.sub.1, 214c.sub.2 when the second pressure is defined within the interior void 204 (FIG. 4). In this configuration, the first elastic member 212c.sub.1 may be coupled to the first barrier layer 208a (FIG. 4), and the second elastic member 212c.sub.2 may be coupled to the second barrier layer 208b. As each of the elastic elements 212c.sub.1, 212c.sub.2 may be respectively coupled to the first and second barrier layers 208a, 208b of the bladder 202 (FIG. 4), the bladder 202 is thus generally restricted from stretching or deforming around the person (e.g., torso, shoulder, etc.) when the locking system 206c is in the locked state.

[0067] Further, the interlocking arrangement of the locking elements 214c.sub.1, 214c.sub.2 assists in providing added rigidity to the locking system 206c. For example, the free ends 242c of the first locking elements 214c.sub.1 are interwoven between the free ends 242c of adjacent ones of the second locking elements 214c.sub.2 and vice versa, such that the free ends 242c of the first locking elements 214c.sub.1 are separated from one another by the free ends 242c of the second locking elements 214c.sub.2. As the at least partial vacuum is defined within the interior void 204 (FIG. 4), the elastic elements 212c.sub.1, 212c.sub.2 contract to minimize the spacing between adjacent ones of the locking elements 214c.sub.1, 214c.sub.2 along a longitudinal direction. Stated differently, a greater surface area of the interface surfaces 216 of the locking elements 214c.sub.1, 214c.sub.2 overlap when the elastic elements 212c.sub.1, 212c.sub.2 are contracted under the at least partial vacuum. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7A, when the at least partial vacuum is released from the bladder 202 via the valve 132, the elastic elements 212c.sub.1, 212c.sub.2 elongate as the bladder 202 returns to the relaxed, unlocked state.

[0068] Referring again to FIGS. 1-7C, the locking structure 200 advantageously provides structural support and a compressive hold for the person, such that the bag straps of the bags 10-10c may be custom-fit. The operability between the relaxed, unlocked state and the locked state assists the person in flexibly carrying the bag 10-10b while simultaneously providing desired support and structure of the bag 10-10b for the person during use. The locking structure 200 may include any of the described configurations of the locking systems 206a-206e, as described here, such that each may be interchangeable and/or combined to provide the person with a customizable support structure during use to maximize the versatility of the bags 10-10b. Further, the locking structure 200 may be compressed or otherwise translated into the locked state utilizing vacuum pressure to define a frictional and/or tensile force to retain a position of the locking elements 214 in the locked state. The use of vacuum pressure maximizes the flexibility of transition between the locked and unlocked states by incorporating a pump to automatically and/or efficiently define the at least partial vacuum within the interior void 204 to compress or otherwise frictionally engage the locking elements 214 within the locking system 206.

[0069] The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for a locking structure for a bag described above.

[0070] Clause 1. A locking structure for an article, the locking structure comprising a bladder including a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void, at least one elastic element disposed within the interior void, and a plurality of locking elements disposed within the interior void and each attached to the at least one elastic element, each of the locking elements including an interface surface operable to selectively engage an interface surface of another one of the locking elements.

[0071] Clause 2. The locking structure of Clause 1, wherein the at least one elastic element includes a first fastening portion coupled to a first attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements and a second fastening portion coupled to a second attachment region of each of the plurality of locking elements.

[0072] Clause 3. The locking structure of Clause 2, wherein the first and second attachment regions of each of the plurality of locking elements are defined along an outer edge of each of the plurality of locking elements and are asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions.

[0073] Clause 4. The locking structure of Clause 2, wherein the first attachment region is offset from the second attachment region relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one elastic element.

[0074] Clause 5. The locking structure of Clause 2, wherein each of the plurality of locking elements defines an opening at a central region of each locking element and the first and second attachment regions are disposed proximate to the opening at the central region of each locking element.

[0075] Clause 6. The locking structure of Clause 2, wherein the at least one elastic element includes an outer fastening portion coupled to the first attachment region of the plurality of locking elements and an inner fastening portion coupled to the second attachment region of the plurality of locking elements.

[0076] Clause 7. The locking structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the at least one elastic element comprises a locking strip that defines a locking system with the plurality of locking elements, and the locking system including a tether attached to one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element.

[0077] Clause 8. The locking structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein each of the locking elements includes a pair of interface surfaces disposed on opposite sides of each locking element.

[0078] Clause 9. The locking structure of Clause 8, wherein the interface surfaces of the locking elements are in direct contact with the interface surfaces of adjacent locking elements to form a locking layer.

[0079] Clause 10. A body of a bag including the locking structure of any of the preceding Clauses.

[0080] Clause 11. A locking structure for an article, the locking structure comprising a bladder including a first barrier element attached to a second barrier element to define a chamber having an interior void, and a locking system including locking elements each attached to at least one elastic element and including at least one interface surface, the interior void of the bladder operable between a first pressure to move the locking system to a locked state and a second pressure to move the locking system to an unlocked state.

[0081] Clause 12. The locking structure of Clause 11, wherein the at least one elastic element includes a first fastening portion coupled to a first attachment region of each of the locking elements and a second fastening portion coupled to a second attachment region of each of the locking elements.

[0082] Clause 13. The locking structure of Clause 12, wherein the first and second attachment regions of each of the locking elements are defined along an outer edge of each of the locking elements and are asymmetrically coupled to the first and second fastening portions.

[0083] Clause 14. The locking structure of Clause 12, wherein the first attachment region is offset from the second attachment region relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one elastic element.

[0084] Clause 15. The locking structure of Clause 12, wherein each of the locking elements defines an opening at a central region of each locking element and the first and second attachment regions are disposed proximate to the opening at the central region of each locking element.

[0085] Clause 16. The locking structure of Clause 12, wherein the at least one elastic element includes an outer fastening portion coupled to the first attachment region of the locking elements and an inner fastening portion coupled to the second attachment region of the locking elements.

[0086] Clause 17. The locking structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the at least one elastic element comprises a locking strip that defines a locking system with the locking elements, and the locking system including a tether attached to one of the first barrier element and the second barrier element.

[0087] Clause 18. The locking structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein each of the locking elements includes a pair of interface surfaces disposed on opposite sides of each locking element.

[0088] Clause 19. The locking structure of Clause 18, wherein the interface surfaces of the locking elements are in direct contact with the interface surfaces of adjacent locking elements to form a locking layer.

[0089] Clause 20. A body of a bag including the locking structure of any of the preceding Clauses.

[0090] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.