BACKGROUND

Though originally developed as a tool for more easily carrying several objects at a time, society's use of bags has evolved over time. Zippers, clasps, magnets, and other features were added to help secure items inside a bag and ensure that a bag stayed closed despite its contents. Pockets and other smaller compartments were introduced to streamline organization of items within a bag. Some bags include external compartments that may hold different items, or items that can be accessed quickly, such as pens, bottles, or external batteries for charging devices.

In addition to the many features that bags have integrated over the decades, specialized bags have been created for specific purposes. Purses and backpacks are among the most common and used most generally, or, in the case of purses, for special occasions. Purses and backpacks are among the most common and can be used generally or for special occasions. Large and rigid luggage were created to provide a safe way to transport items long distances. Plastic bags are often used to store liquids, foods, and to transport groceries and other store-bought items. Some bags were created with the dimensions and for the safety of transporting fragile or sensitive materials, such as laptops.

As their uses have transformed over time, many bags have been rather impractical and uncomfortable no matter the adjustment or orientation. Bags are generally limited to what they can carry and what material they are made of. While it is possible to use additional, smaller bags or containers to create a similar effect in some instances, it is difficult or impossible to remove compartments within a bag for those that desire additional storage space or would never use such features. In some instances, bags are easy to carry around as a personal item but are unable to carry more than the travel essentials. Often, bags have one orientation of a carrying strap, which cannot be changed for comfort or ease of travel. Although bags have adapted over the years allowing cables to pass through using cord holes, most are still very impractical.

While straps may be adjustable on some bags, straps normally still hang from the bag at all times. When not in use, straps go from a necessity of the bag to a cumbersome, and potentially dangerous, feature. If placed on the floor, bag straps may act as tripping hazards. Bags with dangling straps may also make theft easier. Loose bag straps may become dirtier than the rest of the bag.

Some bag straps lack length and orientation customization, which in turn decreases comfort customization options. Often, most bags lack durability both in their outer material and in their framing because they are made with cheaper materials. Additionally, bags are limited to what they can carry without straining the neck and shoulder of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

What is needed is a customizable bag with a retractable strap and easy to access accessory panels. In some aspects, the bag may have a strap that expands and retracts into the bag itself when not in use. In some embodiments, the tension for the retractable strap may keep tension regardless of how far the retractable strap is pulled or extended. In some implementations, the bag may have a strap that stays extended if a user needs the strap. For example, the user may pull on the strap to lock it into place while they are actively using the strap and then enable an unlocking mechanism to store the strap when no longer in use. In some embodiments, accessory panels may be located throughout the bag and come in different shapes, sizes, and materials based on user customization.

In some implementations, a bag may have different variations of the retractable strap from bag to bag depending on the user request. In some aspects, the orientation may be adjustable from vertical to horizontal orientations. In some implementations, the types of retraction mechanisms may vary from spring-loaded, to buckle, to positioning track, and other non-limiting examples.

In some embodiments, the bag may have different accessory panels on the interior. In some implementations, the interior panel may not be limited to a side on the interior of the bag. In some aspects, more than one interior panel may exist on one bag. For example, an interior accessory panel may be located on one or both the front and back of the bag on the interior.

In some implementations, the exterior accessory panels may follow the same orientation as that of the interior panels. In some aspects, as long as the exterior panels do not interfere with the retractable strap or other basic flow of the bag, they may exist anywhere on the exterior of the bag. In some embodiments, the exterior panels may comprise a durable material than the interior panels because they are being exposed to more wear on the outside of the bag.

In some implementations, the frame of the bag may be made up of different materials depending on the desired use of the bag. For example, a more frequent traveler may want the frame of their bag to be a stronger material than someone who travels less frequently. As another example, material and structure for a bag for professional use may differ than that for a bag for more rugged uses. In some aspects, the frame may be coated or padded to protect both the frame and the contents of the bag from fall damage. In some embodiments, the frame may be sealed to make the interior waterproof, protecting the interior contents from water damage.

In some implementations, accessory panels may use different attachments and methods to keep accessories secured to each panel. For example, a hook and loop mechanism may be used on either side of the attachment to keep it in place on the panel after the object has been snapped into the attachment. In some aspects, the bag may come with permanent attachments, such as a modular battery that charges mobile devices on the go.

The present disclosure relates to a bag with retractable strap. In some embodiments, the bag and retractable strap may comprise a frame that may comprise a center frame that may comprise four connected rigid walls, and an outer frame that may comprise at least two rigid walls configured to attach to at least a portion of the center frame. In some implementations, the bag may include a retractable strap that may comprise a first end and a second end; an outer material configured to cover a portion of the retractable strap and a portion of the outer frame, where the outer material may comprise a first strap opening and a second strap opening; an inner material covering the center frame, where the inner lining may be configured to form an interior containing recess of the bag; an outer panel configured to be partially detachable to allow access to the interior containing recess; a set of constant force springs configured to control a set of positions of the retractable strap, where a first constant force spring may be connected to the first end and a second constant force spring may be connected to the second end; and a set of frame mounts configured to mount the set of constant force springs to the center frame, where a first frame mount mounts the first constant force spring to the center frame and a second frame mount mounts the second constant force spring to the center frame, and where, when mounted, the retractable strap extends through the first strap opening and the second strap opening allowing for access to the retractable strap.

In some aspects, the bag may comprise a backpack. In some embodiments, the bag may comprise a laptop bag. In some implementations, one or both the outer panel and the inner material may comprise a modular pocket system. In some aspects, one or both the first frame mount and the second frame mount may be configured to shift to a plurality of positions, where shifting changes an orientation of the bag when held by the retractable strap. In some embodiments, the retractable strap may comprise a flexible material. In some implementations, a length of the retractable strap may be adjustable. In some aspects, the handle may be parallel to the retractable strap. In some embodiments, the retractable strap further may comprise a handle opening configured to fit around the handle when the retractable strap may be in a retracted state.

The present disclosure relates to a retractable strap mechanism for a bag with a frame that may comprise a center frame may comprise four connected rigid walls, and an outer frame may comprise at least two rigid walls configured to attach to at least a portion of the center frame. In some implementations, the retractable strap mechanism may include a retractable strap that may comprise a first end and a second end; a set of constant force springs configured to control a set of positions of the retractable strap, where a first constant force spring may be connected to the first end and a second constant force spring may be connected to the second end; and a set of frame mounts configured to mount the set of constant force springs to the center frame, where a first frame mount mounts the first constant force spring to the center frame and a second frame mount mounts the second constant force spring to the center frame, and where, when mounted, the retractable strap extends through the first strap opening and the second strap opening allowing for access to the retractable strap.

In some embodiments, the retractable strap mechanism where the retractable strap may comprise a flexible material. In some implementations, the bag may comprise a backpack. In some aspects, a length of the retractable strap may be adjustable. In some embodiments, one or both the first frame mount and the second frame mount are configured to shift to a plurality of positions, where shifting adjusts the length of the retractable strap. In some implementations, the handle may be parallel to the retractable strap. In some aspects, the retractable strap further may comprise a handle opening configured to fit around the handle when the retractable strap may be in a retracted state.

In some embodiments, the set of constant force springs may extend via rotational extension. In some implementations, the set of constant force springs may transfer rotational retention force to a linear force exerted on the retractable strap mechanism. In some aspects, the force exerted by the set of constant force springs on the retractable strap mechanism may be configured to be variably adjusted. In some embodiments, the force exerted by the set of constant force springs on the retractable strap mechanism may be maintainable in a modified level of constant force by an external force exerted on the set of constant force springs.

