Patent Publication Number: US-11382403-B2

Title: Wearable carrying system

Description:
This application claims priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/913,374, filed Oct. 10, 2019, to the extent allowed by law. 
    
    
     The present invention relates to wearable carrying system, and particularly to shoulder and torso mounted carrying bags, backpacks and the like, that includes straps and an artificial intelligence based automatic adjusting strap system. 
     Students, hikers, commuters, travelers, soldiers and virtually anyone wearing a backpack or a side-of-the-torso mounted carrying bag will utilize a system of load bearing straps to support the load of the pack or bag they are wearing or carrying. Bags and packs that are incorrectly positioned on the wearer will quickly become uncomfortable. Incorrectly adjusted straps on a bag or pack can cause distress and become physically harmful to a user/wearer within a relatively short period of use. 
     At times, users such as hikers, campers, and military personnel have a need to carry extremely heavy loads containing essential necessities such as gear, food and water. In some instances the wearer will need to carry such gear and necessities significant distances as well as on challenging terrain. 
     Students and commuters also carry heavy and overloaded packs and bags. Wearers may also have limitations caused by conditioning, age, size of the load being carried in contrast to the size of the wearer, as well as physical infirmities. Carrying even moderately heavy packs and bags can lead to stress and physical injury when loads are carried over significant distances. 
     The presently disclosed adjustable strap system provides several benefits to the users and wearers by correctly and controllably positioning a pack or bag on the shoulder and torso of the user. Additionally the present adjustable strap system can regularly reposition and readjust the straps so that the user experiences less fatigue from carrying weight supported by straps that are in a single location on the shoulders and torso. The present strap system scientifically determines the optimal shoulder strap location on the human frame that provide more comfort over longer periods of time, with larger loads carried longer distances and with less stress and discomfort to the user. 
     Bag and backpack manufacturers have provided users with limited solutions. Typically a pack or bag shoulder strap is designed with additional foam and material padding that is expected to provide more comfort to the user. Additionally, manufacturers and other designers have provided more adjustability to the strap by shaping the strap to better fit the human shoulder and torso. All of these methods for providing users with a better method of supporting a bag or pack do not provide an effective means of reducing stress, discomfort and even injury for users. 
     There are significant benefits to wearing a correctly positioned pack or bag. Straps that automatically adjust based on the needs of an individual user can provider a safer and more comfortable means for carrying loads on the human frame. A backpack or bag that utilizes a series of sensors to gather data about the wearer provides an intelligent means of correctly positioning or mounting the pack or bag straps on the user&#39;s shoulder, so the pack or bag can be carried for longer periods of time, with larger loads, for longer distances and with less stress and discomfort. 
     The presently disclosed carry system provides an superior method of control based on artificial Intelligence (AI). The AI controller of the present system is capable of analyzing real-time user data including the current environment, the user&#39;s physical conditioning and changes in terrain, and controlling a series of commands to a plurality of mechanical, fluid and pneumatic mechanisms specifically designed to shift the carried load to different positions on the shoulders, and/or the front and back torso of a user wearing the system. 
     The presently disclosed system utilizes environmental and health data to optimize the position of the load resulting in less stress on the user. The advantage of users wearing an ergonomically correct strap for a bag or pack provides an efficient and comfortable method of carrying loads on the human frame. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A wearable carrying system having one or two straps attached to a container to be carried. A bladder system is fixed to one side of the strap, or in a sleeve surrounding the strap, with the bladders being sequentially inflated and compressed by controlling the introduction and removal of a fluid into and from the bladders. The wearable carrying system also includes a sequentially inflatable and deflatable shoulder pad. Force sensors are located on the straps and shoulder pad to generate signals relating to a force exerted on the shoulder or the torso of a user of the wearable carrying system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the front, side and rear view of a wearable single strap bag carry system worn by a user; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the front, side and rear view of a wearable dual strap carry system worn by a user; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the location of the present dual strap system on the shoulders of a user; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the location of the present dual strap system on the front, side and back of the torso of a user; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a carry strap with internal integrated bladder and artificial intelligence components; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate in a side view and cross-section detail view a carry strap as an added accessory strap combined with an existing shoulder strap and sleeve; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate in partial cross section views the additive carry strap combined with an existing strap and sleeve; 
         FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C  illustrate the method and device allowing shoulder pad and strap movement by mechanical elements; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the method of strap and torso movement of gas-based pneumatic elements; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the method of strap movement by liquid hydraulic elements; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the placement of sensors on the shoulder areas of a shoulder pad; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the placement of a strap&#39;s sensors on the front and back torso areas of a user; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates the placement of sensors on the chest and back areas of a strap; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates another method of controlling strap movement utilizing the presently disclosed system; 
         FIG. 15  schematically illustrates the automatic control of the presently disclosed strap system incorporating artificial intelligence; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates the automatic control of the presently disclosed strap system by automated, predictive, and predetermined systems; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates the control of the presently disclosed strap system utilizing a manual, user-controlled switch system; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates the control of the presently disclosed strap system by an application installed on a user&#39;s mobile phone; 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic illustration of an artificial intelligence control system; 
         FIG. 20  is a table defining certain data gathered and input to the control method of the presently disclosed system; 
         FIG. 21  is a table defining some of the data output from the processing unit for the purpose of controlling the strap system; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an additional control of a back-mounted system that adjusts the load carried on the back of a wearer; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates the connection of the presently disclosed strap system to a battery power source and to a microcontroller located in the strap or in the bag or pack being carried. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT 
     The presently disclosed system is a controllable self-contained carrying and support system that can operate independent of internet, mobile phone or GPS device. The present system is microcontroller based and designed to collect data from a plurality of sensors and other devices. The collected data is then input into an artificial intelligence microcontroller which then analyzes and processes the data. The microcontroller processes data and outputs instructions for the sole purpose of controlling the positioning of the straps, packs and bags. Output instructions then control the straps by shifting the strap, pack and bags, providing a means for adjusting the weight and load on the shoulders and/or torso of the user. 
     The present system relies on a series of load adjusting bladders and mechanisms that are installed within the shoulder, upper torso and back straps of the user. Control of the straps and mechanisms are managed by an intelligent microcontroller configured to make decisions on positioning and frequently repositioning the users load. 
     The present system is an automatic and intelligent means of controlling the load, but which load can also be manually or semi-automatically controlled by the user. The system is powered by a replaceable and rechargeable energy source such as a battery that is carried within the pack or bag or worn by the user. 
     The presently disclosed pack and strap system places a grid of embedded and/or externally mounted sensors on the shoulders and torso area of a wearer/user. A modular self-contained artificial intelligence enabled microcontroller module is attached to the users strap or housed in the packs and bags carried by the user. The module comprises the technology to capture data on the motion of the user and the backpack&#39;s load position to analyze stresses imposed on the user&#39;s body. Sensors embedded within the fabric of the upper torso and back straps are sampled to gather parametric data in real-time. 
     Data from the embedded or external sensors are transmitted to a specialized AI microprocessor located in the strap and/or backpack and is synthesized into an internal  3 D rendering of the user. Real-time analysis of the user&#39;s motion and pack loading is then combined with environmental, terrain, health and fitness data for AI processing. 
     AI based algorithms reside within the AI module and control decisions on pack load shifting and adjustment. The AI module can shift the load in any direction while the pack is being worn by the user. The result is a load shift that adjusts the load and forces relative to the straps or the pads in the back and front torso of the user. 
     The AI controller will run independently of mobile phones or WIFI connections and will inflate and deflate a series of pneumatic and hydraulic bladders and/or provide movement to mechanical devices located in the shoulder, strap and back area of the backpack. This actively increases the user&#39;s load capacity up to 35% or more, by adjusting the load to an optimal carry position. The result is providing continuous comfort as well as a way of increasing overall user carry performance. 
     The AI module is configurable using a mobile phone and/or personal computer or a proprietary display. Additionally the AI module can be configured by microphone and voice commands generated by the user. 
     The present system also utilizes a mobile application or an application that runs on a personal computer or is cloud based. 
     The present system can be integrated into a newly manufactured backpack or bag, or sold as a single unit with the bag or pack. Additionally, the present system can be an accessory to be used with any pack or bag already owned by users. When configured as an accessory, the present system can also be purchased by a user who is purchasing a new backpack without the present system. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1, 100  depicts a front view of a user wearing a typical single strap container, such as a bag  101  that utilizes the human shoulder for support of the bag.  102  depicts a shoulder strap and pad system and  104  shows the strap  104  extending down from the shoulder on the front side  106  depicts the strap extending down the back side of the wearer.  108  shows the back view of the single strap bag. 
     In  FIG. 2 , illustration  110  depicts a front view of a user wearing a typical dual strap container such as bag or backpack  111  utilizing the shoulders on both sides of the wearer for support of the bag.  112  depicts a shoulder pad system  113  that resides on the top of the shoulder.  114  shows the how the straps extend down from the shoulder on the front of the user&#39;s torso and  116  shows how the straps typically extend down the side and back of the wearer. Illustration  118  shows the back view of a dual strap bag or pack support system. 
     In  FIG. 3, 120  illustrates the placement of the strap system shoulder pad  113  on the top side of the user&#39;s shoulders, integrated and connected to the straps  114 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the location of strap system  114  on the front, side and back of the torso of the wearer. Illustration  124  is a front view of the wearer showing the pad  113  located on the user&#39;s shoulder top  126 . Straps  114  included embedded integrated load adjusting pneumatic and/or hydraulic bladders  128  extending down the front  130  and back  132  straps worn by the user. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a carry strap  114  as an original strap with internal integrated load adjustment system  134 .  134  shows the shoulder pads  113  located within the strap  114 .  136  shows the strap  114  with adjustable bladder mechanisms  115  located inside and throughout the back straps  114  of the strap system. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates an additive and accessory version of the presently disclosed system which can be adapted to be applied to any existing backpack or bag pack straps.  140  shows the location of the shoulder pad  113  that is located beneath and original and existing strap  142 .  144  shows the placement of the mechanized bladders  115  beneath the existing strap  142  to allow adjustment of the strap pressure and loading.  FIG. 6B  is a cross-section view of the containment sleeve  146  that surrounds and attaches to existing backpack strap  148 . Adjustable bladder system  150  is located beneath the original backpack strap  148 , and within the containment sleeve  146  that houses both the strap and the original backpack or bag strap  148 .  152  shows the sleeve  146  with adjustable bladder mechanisms  150  located inside and throughout the back and front torso straps worn by the user. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate the additive carry strap added to an existing strap of  FIGS. 6A and 6B .  154  is an enlarged inside view of the sleeve  146  surrounding original strap  148 . The original backpack or bag strap  148  is shown, as well as a view of the placement of the bladder system  150 , shown located beneath the original pack strap  148 . 
       FIGS. 8A-C  illustrate the method of strap and torso movement by a mechanical device, where a shoulder mechanism is capable of being moved in multiple directions by means of electromechanical solenoids and/or motors and/or by air pistons or bladders (not shown). 
     Shoulder pad mechanism  166  is comprised of two primary assemblies. A floating and movable somewhat U-shaped strap containment assembly  167 , and a shoulder pad base assembly  168 , containing the electromechanical solenoids, motors and gears, and air or hydraulic pistons necessary to control and move the straps under load conditions ( FIG. 8B ). 
     The movement of the backpack or bag straps is achieved by inputting electrical signals on wires  170 , to motors, solenoids, pistons and/or gears  169 , located within the shoulder pad base assembly  168 , providing a means for repositioning the strap load by moving the strap(s) to a different location in an X or Y direction on the user&#39;s shoulders. 
       169  shows the location of gears and/or bladders within the shoulder pad base assembly  168 , that move the strap containment assembly  167  in the X and Y directions. Movement of the strap containment assembly  167 , either forward towards the wearer&#39;s front torso or backwards towards the user&#39;s back torso or sideways in the direction of the user&#39;s neck or arm, provides a means of shifting the load or weight on the user&#39;s shoulders. 
       FIG. 8C  shows at  171  a front cross-section view of the strap containment assembly  167  with an attachment device  175  providing for a means for movement and connection to the shoulder pad base assembly  168 .  172  is a side view of the strap containment  167 , with an attachment area beneath it providing for a means for movement of and connection to the shoulder pad base assembly  168 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a method of strap movement incorporating a gas based pneumatic system.  176  depicts where the shoulder pad  113  is located. Illustration  178  is a cross-section view of a mechanized pneumatic bladder system  179  for utilizing gas such as air for the inflation and deflation of the bladder  179 , which in turn will allow weight and location adjustment of the bag or backpack. Illustration  178  shows a multi bladder system with an increased inflation of one of the bladders  179 . Illustration  180  shows a different bladder inflation and deflation level as does illustration  182 . The bladders are connected by multiple tubes  184 , leading from an air pump  188 , powered by a battery  190 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the method of strap movement incorporating a liquid hydraulic system.  192  depicts the where shoulder pad  113  is located.  196  is an inside cross-section view of an mechanized hydraulic bladder system  179  for utilizing liquids such as water for the inflation and deflation of the bladder  179 , which in turn will allow weight and location adjustment of the bag or backpack. Illustration  196  shows a multi-bladder system with an increased inflation of the bladders. Illustration  198  shows a different bladder inflation and deflation level as does illustration  200 . The bladders are connected by multiple tubes  202 , leading from a hydraulic pump  194 , powered by a battery  204 . A reservoir  200  provides for containment of the liquids used in the hydraulic system  197 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates the placement of sensors on the shoulder areas of the user.  214  is a depiction showing the shoulder location of the pad  113 . Enlarged view  208  of the pad  113  shows the internal primary components, including bladder  210  and the solenoid motorized strap movement mechanism (not shown). A sensor grid  212  which determines the force being exerted on the wearer, based on the location of the backpack or bag strap. The sensor grid  212  measures the exact force over a large area of the shoulder providing data to the artificial intelligence system for analysis, recommendations and adjustments to the straps  114  and pads  113  of the backpack or bag. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the placement of force sensors  226  on the front and back torso strap areas of the user.  216  shows the location of force sensors  226  and other sensors located within the back torso strap and the front torso strap  228 .  218  shows a detailed enlarged view of the strap  220  with the placement of the sensors  226  beneath the bladder mechanisms  224  within the strap. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates by a side view the placement of sensors  226  on the back  230  of the torso of the wearer as well as the front torso  232 .  236  is an enlarged detail view of the sensors  226  placed adjacent the chest and back of the user. Sensor  227  grids are placed beneath bladders  115  and on top of the user&#39;s chest and back torso  240  areas. Data from sensors  226  is inputted at  242  into the microcontroller  244  for processing. Illustration  246  shows a sensor grid  226  that is placed adjacent the chest and back location on top of the torso  240 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates another method of controlling strap movement utilizing the presently disclosed system.  248  shows the three basic methods by which the mechanized bladders  115  for straps  114  and pads  113  are controlled. The three primary methods for control are: artificial intelligence processed data; automatic presets for cycling load movements; and manual user selected modes for movement of strap and shoulder pad loads. 
       FIG. 15  schematically illustrates automatic control of the presently disclosed strap system by means artificial intelligence. Ambient factors  252 , human factors  258 , and journey related factors  256  are processed by microcontroller  254  and the artificial intelligence system. 
       FIG. 16  schematically illustrates the control of the disclosed strap system automatically by automated, predictive, and predetermined processes. Illustration  260  depicts the control of pads  113  and straps  114  by means of preset program cycles  261  that would provide the user a means for automatic scheduled intervals for adjustment of straps  114  and pads  113 . 
       FIG. 17  schematically illustrates control of the disclosed strap system utilizing a manual, user-controlled switch system  262 . A series of switches comprising switch system  262  provides the user with a simple and effective means for manually initiating and executing the adjustment of straps  115  and pads  113 . 
       FIG. 18  schematically illustrates the control of the disclosed strap system using a mobile application installed on user&#39;s phone.  263  depicts the control of pads  113  and strap  114  by means of a mobile phone  265 , either connected by cable or by a wireless radio frequency connection such as Bluetooth®. 
       FIG. 19  schematically illustrates an artificial intelligence control method. An artificial intelligence (AI) based microcontroller  264  is self-contained and housed within the backpack  111  or bag  101 . The AI microcontroller  264  is the primary means of intelligent control of the straps  114 , pads  113  and other load areas of the backpack or bag. The present system is not dependent on any outside data input from mobile phones or the internet/cloud. The system resides within the backpack  111  or bag  101  and the straps  114  and pads  113  associated with the system. The AI microcontroller  264  provides all of the load shifting strategy and occurrences based on intelligent data factors gathered by the local system sensors  226 . Upon system initialization, the user will input personal data. Additionally the system will continuously gather information from previous outings, hikes, wear, and other performance monitored data. Illustration  266  depicts sensor data  267  being input into the AI microcontroller  264 , and data  268  being output to the load shifting mechanisms on of the backpacks, bags and the straps and pads attached to them. 
       FIG. 20  is a table defining certain of the data generated and input to the artificial intelligence control method of the presently disclosed system. The chart of  FIG. 20  details some of the primary data that the artificial intelligence system utilizes for data processing. 
       FIG. 21  is a chart defining certain of the data output from the artificial intelligence processing unit for the purpose of controlling the strap  114  system.  FIG. 21  provides details of some of the primary control functionality that the artificial intelligence system outputs to instruct and control all electro-mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic load adjustments of the disclosed system. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates additional control of a back mounted support system that utilizes the presently disclosed strap system to additionally adjust the load carried on the back of a user.  266  and arrows a, b and c depict the additional load and fit adjustments controlled on the front torso and chest area of the user. Form and fit adjustments help adjust the straps  114  and packs  111  to an ideal position to compensate for varying body sizes as well as areas involving chest, waist, and hips of the wearer. Illustration  268  shows AI and automatic controlled pack height adjustments d, e, f and g to assist with proper fit and loading.  270  shows areas of the front torso that can be adjusted by means of AI or automatic control. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates the connection of the strap  114  to a battery power source and to the microcontroller located in the strap or the bag or pack being carried. A self-contained back or bag  272  contains all of the components needed for AI control of the bag or pack. AI microcontroller  274  is electronically connected to battery  276  to power the system. A liquid reservoir housing  278  contains the hydraulic/liquids, and pneumatic/compressed air used to operate the disclosed system.