HK1230895B - Automatic opening for a compartment in a pack - Google Patents

Description

For automatic opening of compartments in bags

background

The present invention relates generally to bags, such as wearable bags, such as backpacks, satchels, rucksacks, knapsacks, bicycle messenger bags, and other packaging carriers such as suitcases, suitcases, duffel bags, and briefcases, and more particularly to bags having compartments that automatically open upon release of a closure.

Bags have long been known. They have one or more compartments for storing a user's belongings. Typically, the compartments are secured by a closure system (e.g., zippers, drawstring systems, snap fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.). The design of the bag and closure system makes opening and accessing the compartments manually intensive. The front and back portions of the bag can fold over each other, requiring manual separation to add items to the bag or sort items already in the bag. This approach causes delays and frustration in storing or retrieving items.

In modern times, we face security checkpoints at airports, courthouses, concerts, and other facilities. These are places where speed is essential to keep up with the queues. Delays in retrieving and storing items during the security check process can be particularly stressful. Existing designs for wearable bags disadvantageously hinder easy access to compartments within the bag. Therefore, there is a need for improved bags that effectively provide access to compartments.

Overview

The present subject matter generally relates to a bag with an automatically opening compartment. The bag has a body defining a volume for containing an item and a strap system for supporting the bag on the body of a user. A section of the bag is hingedly coupled to another body portion of the bag. The hingeable section has a first state providing an opening to a compartment in the bag and a second state closing the opening to the compartment. The hingeable section is coupled to a spring system that is (1) unloaded when the hingeable section is in the first state and (2) relatively loaded when the hingeable section is in the second state so that the compartment automatically opens when the closure system is released. The bag may include a closure system for locking the hingeable section in the closed state.

In the foregoing and other embodiments: the hingeable section may comprise a flexible material; the hingeable section may hinge at a joint comprising a flexure bearing or living hinge formable in the flexible material; the joint may be formed of a more flexible or thinner material than the main body of the bag adjacent the joint from which the hingeable section hinges; the hingeable section may comprise a movable frame member pivotally connected to the main body of the bag and coupled to the spring system; the movable frame member may have a generally U-shape, with the closed end of the U-shaped member coupled at a top edge to a hinged section having downwardly extending legs that are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the main body of the bag; the spring system can be pivotally connected to at least one leg of the frame member; the spring system can include a mechanical spring; the spring system can include a torsion spring; the spring system can include a material-based spring; the hinged section can be located at the upper front portion of the bag; the hinged section can be located at the upper front portion of the bag and can be pivotable relative to the rear portion to create an opening at the top of the bag; the opening can be for a main compartment of the bag; the opening can be for a compartment of the bag that is sufficiently sized and shaped to hold a laptop or tablet computer.

In any contemplated embodiment, the bag can be a wearable bag having at least one main body strap coupled to the main body. The wearable bag can be a backpack having a pair of shoulder straps coupled to the main body of the bag.

In certain embodiments, the present subject matter is directed to a wearable bag comprising: a body defining a volume for holding an item, the body generally having a height, a width, and a depth, and at least one body strap coupled to the body; an articulated section hingeably coupled to the body portion of the bag, the articulated section having a first state providing an opening to a compartment in the bag and a second state closing the opening to the compartment; a closure system for locking the articulated section in the closed state; and the articulated section being coupled to a spring system that engages the articulated section when the articulated section is articulated. The bag is unloaded when in one position and relatively loaded when the hingeable section is in a second position so that the compartment automatically becomes open when the closure system is released; wherein the hingeable section includes a movable frame member that is pivotally connected to the main body of the bag and coupled to the spring system; and wherein the hingeable section is disposed at an upper front portion of the bag and is pivotable relative to the rear portion to create an opening at the top of the bag; and wherein the hingeable section articulates along a joint that includes a curved support or living hinge formed in the pliable material.

In certain embodiments, the present subject matter is directed to a method of making a bag comprising: providing a body defining a volume for containing an article, the body generally having a height, a width, and a depth, and at least one body strap coupled to the body; providing the bag with a hingeable section having a first state providing an opening to a compartment in the bag and a second state closing the opening to the compartment; providing the bag with a closure system for locking the hingeable section in the closed state; and providing the bag with a spring system coupled to the hingeable section and being unloaded when the hingeable section is in the first position and relatively loaded when the hingeable section is in the second position so that the compartment automatically becomes open when the closure system is released.

The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of embodiments and features of the subject matter of the present invention. Other embodiments and features will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These and other embodiments are described in more detail in the following detailed description and drawings. The appended claims (as initially filed in this document, or as subsequently amended) are hereby incorporated into this summary as if written directly thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The attached drawings illustrate embodiments according to the inventive subject matter, unless otherwise indicated by the illustrated prior art.

FIG1 shows a front left perspective view of one possible embodiment of a spring-loaded frame system for a wearable bag, with a backpack conceptually superimposed on the frame to illustrate how the frame relates to the bag;

FIG2 illustrates a front view of a wearable bag incorporating a spring-loaded frame system as in FIG12 , with a first compartment in the bag in an open state;

FIG3 illustrates a left side elevational view of the wearable bag of FIG2 with the compartment in an open position;

FIG4 illustrates a left side elevational view of the wearable bag of FIG2 with the compartment in a closed state;

FIG5 shows a front left perspective view of the bag of FIG2 with the compartment in an open state;

FIG6 illustrates a rear right perspective view of the bag of FIG2 with the compartment in an open position;

FIG7 illustrates a right side elevational view of the wearable bag of FIG2 with the first compartment in the bag in an open state and the optional second compartment in the bag in an open state;

8A-8B show side elevation views of an alternative embodiment in different states.

Detailed description

Representative embodiments in accordance with the present subject matter are illustrated in Figures 1-7, where identical or substantially similar features share the same reference numerals.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in the details, materials and arrangements of parts and the acts described and illustrated to explain the essence of the present subject matter, and such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings and claims contained therein.

As used herein, the term "wearable bag" broadly refers to any wearable bag with shoulder straps, such as backpacks, rucksacks, small backpacks, fanny packs, messenger bags, totes, and other bags with one or more shoulder straps. Unless the context indicates otherwise, "backpack" means a bag with a pair of shoulder straps. A bag that is not self-supporting on the body by means of a body strap or other support is not a wearable bag. For example, a suitcase with only handles is not a wearable bag.

The present subject matter generally relates to a wearable bag with an automatically opening compartment. The bag has a body defining a volume for containing an article; and a strap system for supporting the bag on the body of a user. A section of the bag is hingedly connected to another body portion of the bag. The hingeable section has a first state that provides an opening to a compartment in the bag, and a second state that closes the opening to the compartment. The hingeable section is coupled to a spring system that is (1) loaded when the hingeable section is in the first state and (2) relatively unloaded when the hingeable section is in the second state so that the compartment automatically opens when the closure system is released. The bag may include a closure system for locking the hingeable section in the closed state.

1-8B illustrate possible embodiments of a wearable bag 10, which in this example is a backpack. The illustrated embodiments will generally be used to illustrate the subject matter of the present invention, but the subject matter of the present invention is not limited thereto. The body 12 of the bag 10 has a complete structure having at least a front surface 14, a rear surface 16, a top surface 18, a bottom surface 20, and side surfaces 24 and 26 interconnected with the other surfaces. The arrangement of the surfaces defines one or more volumes, such as compartments, for accommodating items. In the context of surfaces 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, and 26, the term "surface" is used broadly to refer to a generally sheet-like or plate-like structure that, when assembled into the body of the bag, has outward-facing sides and inward-facing sides. These surfaces need not be assembled in discrete joints; for example, they can be merged into a curved interface. Typically, these surfaces are made of a flexible material, such as a knit or one or more layers of a woven or non-woven textile, but the bag may be made in whole or in part of a shape-retaining, semi-rigid or rigid material, such as plastic, polymer foam, metal and/or composite materials.

In at least the case of backpacks, the body is typically sized and shaped so that it fits comfortably against the wearer's back. In some instances, it can be contoured to fit the anatomical contours of the back. Typically, the body is sized so as not to exceed approximately the width of the back or the length between the waist and shoulders of the intended wearer. Backpacks can be sized and shaped differently to accommodate variations in height, for example, small, medium, or large. Or they can be sized and shaped to suit gender or age categories, for example, men, women, or children. In particular, the top or bottom surfaces, or both, can be substantially entirely or partially eliminated by merging the top edges of the front and rear surfaces 14, 16 and/or merging the bottom edges of the front and rear surfaces 14, 16, creating a wedge-shaped portion at the surface junction (not shown or represented in the illustrated embodiment). Similarly, the surfaces can be reduced in profile by using curves, for example, to merge the surfaces. The side surfaces 24 and 26 can also be joined or merged in a similar manner. The surfaces do not have to be continuous surfaces - for example, zippers, mesh sections and cords may interrupt them.

Typically, the body of the bag includes a closable opening 1 for accessing the compartments therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 1 provides access to the main compartment 30 at the top of the bag. The opening can extend down one or both sides of the bag to the desired extent. The opening can be secured in a closed position by a closure system 23a, 23b (e.g., a mechanism based on interlocking male/female parts, such as snaps; zippers; hook-and-loop fasteners; buttons, etc.).

The opening is created by separating one part of the bag from another part of the bag. The accompanying drawings show that the front part 15 of the bag is movable from the back part 17 of the bag along a hinge. As used herein, a "hinge" is a type of support that connects two solid objects, or an interface for two solid objects, allowing a certain angle of rotation between the objects. The two objects connected by an ideal hinge rotate relative to each other around a fixed axis of rotation. The hinge can be made of a flexible material or made of a separate moving part. As used herein, a "hinge" includes curved supports and living hinges as well as mechanical hinges. According to the subject matter of the present invention, the hingeable section is spring-loaded by a spring system so that once the user releases the hingeable section from the closed state, for example by unlocking or otherwise disengaging the closure mechanism that holds the hingeable section fixed to the main body, the compartment in the bag automatically opens.

In the illustrated embodiment, the articulated section 11 articulates along a joint 7 that defines the lower end of the articulated section and the top of the static portion of the bag supporting the articulated section. The line of the joint can be perpendicular or transverse to the long axis of the bag. It can be linear or follow any other desired or natural path that supports articulation. The joint can represent a curved support or living hinge formed in the bag material that allows the articulated section to articulate relative to the main body portion disposed below the articulated section. The joint can be formed from a more flexible or thinner material that bends more easily than the main body portion. Alternatively, the articulated material can be formed from the same material and thickness as the underlying main body portion, but with a groove or other flex line formed in the material to allow for articulation. It should be understood that the articulated section can be formed on the rear portion of the bag or on the lower front or rear portion of the bag, and a single bag can have multiple articulated sections in these areas.

In the embodiment shown, the closable opening 1 is provided by a frame system 9, which is part of a hinged section 11 that forms part of the closable compartment. The frame system includes a movable frame element 13 that is associated with or integral with an edge 15a of the front portion 15 of the bag, which is joined to the back portion 17 to enclose the main compartment 30. In the closed position, the hinged section 11 is arranged along the top 18 and/or sides 24, 26 of the bag. The body may have other openings into the main compartment, which may be closable openings or permanent openings. For example, there may be openings from the front surface, side surfaces, and/or bottom surface of the bag.

In the embodiment shown, the hingeable section has an associated frame system 9 consisting of a generally U-shaped frame 13 made from a rigid or semi-rigid material. For example, the frame can be made from spring steel, aluminum or a malleable plastic such as ABS or polyethylene. The frame can be a single piece of material or it can be constructed from separate pieces that are joined together. The closed ends of the U-shape (the crossbar portions) are located along and connected to the top edge of the front portion 15. The legs extend downwardly along the sides of the front portion. The bottoms of the legs are pivotally anchored to opposite sides of the bag at pivot points 3, 4 so that the frame 13 is rotatably connected to the sides of the back portion 17 of the bag. The anchoring material can be a rigid material, such as metal or plastic, which is connected to the body of the bag or the relevant part thereof that forms the bag.

Figure 1 conceptually shows a bag superimposed on a frame system. Frame 13 is shown in a first, closed position. A similar element 13' is also shown, as it would appear in an open position. A spring system 21 is associated with pivot points 3 and 4, such that when the spring system is relaxed, the hingeable section 11 is in an open position. As the hingeable section moves into the closed position, the spring system is loaded. Spring system 21 can be comprised of any of a variety of known mechanical or material-based springs. As shown in Figure 1, for example, the spring system can be one or more torsion springs positioned along the joint of the hingeable section. In the illustrated embodiment, one arm of the torsion spring is coupled to leg 13a of frame 13, and the other arm is coupled to rear portion 17 of the bag. A second torsion spring (not shown) on the opposite side of the bag can be coupled in a similar manner to the opposite side of leg 13b of frame 13. While the legs are shown terminating at the pivot points, they can extend below the pivot points to provide a structural framework for the bag.

In other possible embodiments, the articulated section may be directly or indirectly coupled to the rear portion via a compression spring that compresses and becomes loaded when the articulated section is moved to and secured in the closed position. Upon release from the closed position, the compression spring automatically unloads and returns the articulated section to the open position. The torsion spring may be located at one or both pivots or between the axes.

Another possibility is a spring system based on a material, such as elastic fabric or straps. For example, the hingeable section 11 can be directly or indirectly connected to the lower portion of the bag body, in elastic tension with the hingeable section. For example, the connection can be through an elastic panel or through gussets provided on the side of the hingeable section. An example of an elastic panel 121 for bag 110 is shown in Figures 8A-8B. The bag is similar to the bag in Figure 1, but does not require springs associated with pivot points 3 and 4 due to the use of elastic material. When the hingeable section 111 is pulled upward away from the lower body portion to close the main compartment 30, the material is loaded. A frame element 132 can be associated with the bag body to define the volumetric shape of the body. When released, it will exert a return force that returns the hingeable section to the open state. A similar connection arrangement can be achieved by replacing the elastic material with a tension spring or elastic cord integrated into the bag body.

When the hingeable section 11 is in the closed position, the closure systems 23a, 23b can be used to lock it in place. When the closure is released, the hingeable section springs to the open position, providing easy and immediate access to the main compartment. The user does not need to manually open the compartment other than releasing the closure. It should be understood that the automatically opening compartment is not limited to the main compartment. It can be any compartment or compartments in the bag.

Another possibility for a spring system is a resilient jaw system, i.e., one part is integrated with the hinged section and another part is integrated with the relatively static main body. The jaw will face upward, with the open space for the jaw also being the opening for the compartment. The jaw portion can be a monolithic structure formed from a shape memory material (e.g., metal or polymer), with the upper and lower parts hinged around a curved support or living hinge. When pressed together, the jaw portions are loaded, and when separated, they are unloaded. Therefore, when not fixed to each other, the jaw portions automatically return to the open position.

While the foregoing discussion describes the articulatable section 11 as having a separate frame system incorporated into the movable body portion, the movable body portion may be formed entirely of a semi-rigid or rigid material to eliminate the need for a separate frame component.

In addition to the movable frame system, the bag can have static frame elements, such as frame elements 32 or 132, that help support the bag in the desired configuration. These help keep the front and back of the bag separated, maintaining the structure and volume of the main compartment. In doing so, the hingeable section 11 is more easily aligned with the back portion 17 for closure. The static frame elements can be semi-rigid to allow for some resilient flexibility to the bag, while still generally maintaining the compartments in the desired shape.

The bag may optionally have a dedicated laptop or tablet compartment 35, which is accessible at the rear panel area, as seen in FIG7 , and which may or may not open automatically. Access to this compartment may be provided by a zipper that runs halfway up around the top on one side and halfway down on the other side. The laptop compartment zipper is away from the straps, so entry is secure but easy. Generally speaking, the size of the compartment for a laptop or tablet should be configured to store and enclose a device having minimum dimensions of 20 cm (height) x 12 cm (width) x 10 cm (depth).

In addition to the main compartment, the main body may include any number of other compartments for holding items. These other compartments may be arranged adjacent to the main compartment or relative to each other, side to side, or above and below. The main body, including any of its compartments, may also have pockets arranged on the inside or outside of the compartment. For example, pockets (not shown) may also be arranged on the front of the main body 12. As used herein, a "compartment" refers to a relatively large area used to hold items such as a sleeping bag, laptop computer, clothing, books, etc. Typically, a "pocket" refers to a relatively small area used to hold items such as a wallet, mobile phone, media player, water bottle, etc. However, beyond the main compartment of a bag, the distinction between a compartment and a pocket is not always clear. Figure 7 shows an optional rear-accessible compartment 35, separated from the main compartment 30, for storing items such as a laptop computer 2. This compartment can be accessed, for example, via a zipper system 23a, 23b.

The main strap system coupled to the wearable bag can be one or more separate items connected to the main body. Alternatively, it can be a structure integrated with the main body, for example, woven, knitted, or molded integrally with the main body of the bag. The strap system can be a pair of shoulder straps, as is known in conventional backpacks. Alternatively, it can be a long, single strap configured to fit over one shoulder and across the wearer's chest and under the arm opposite the shoulder, for example, as is known in the example of a bicycle messenger bag.

As used herein, "belt" refers not only to flexible fabric belts and belt-like structures, but also to individual filaments or bundles of filaments, chains, ropes, cables, etc. that provide functionality for the purposes described herein. Belts can have elastic or inelastic structures. They can also have structures with elastic and inelastic sections.

The backpack shown in the figures includes one or more shoulder straps, in the illustrated example, straps 36 and 38. The shoulder strap system can be based on a single layer of material straps or it can be a composite of materials, as is known in higher-end backpacks for carrying heavier loads. Typically, the portion of the shoulder straps that rests against the wearer's body is made using a padding or cushioning material or structure. For example, it can be a composite of a porous foam material such as polyurethane, molded or cut EVA foam (ethylene vinyl acetate), a padding mesh surrounded by or joined to a fabric such as nylon, commonly known as a nylon or polyester spacer mesh.

The bag may optionally include a handle or grip 22 in addition to shoulder straps for carrying the main body of the bag on the wearer's body.

The body 12 of the bag can be made of one or more layers of thin, flexible material. Typical flexible materials for use in the body include natural and artificial materials, nylon fabrics, polyester fabrics, natural or artificial rubber or rubber-like material layers, animal skins (e.g., leather), cotton, canvas, linen, wool, and mixed fabrics. These materials can be used alone or in combination with each other. The body can be formed using a material with a continuous surface, such as a nylon plain weave or twill fabric, or a material with a perforated surface, such as a mesh or net structure.

The frame elements can be associated with the flexible or other body-forming material by incorporating the flexible or other body-forming material between layers or adhering the material to the exterior or interior surface of the material. Additionally, panels or portions of the bag can be integrally molded or otherwise formed from a rigid material to provide a rigid or semi-rigid structure.

The principles described above in conjunction with any specific example can be combined with any one or more of the principles described in conjunction with other examples. Therefore, this detailed description should not be interpreted in a limiting sense, and after reviewing this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a wide variety of systems can be designed using the various concepts described herein. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to a variety of configurations without departing from the principles disclosed.

As used herein, unless the context indicates otherwise, "coupled" (and variations of the word) means physically joining separate items or physically forming distinct functional parts or portions into an integrated or unitary structure.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed innovations. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the claimed invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is intended to be consistent with the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, where an element referred to in the singular, such as by use of the article "a" or "an", is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless expressly stated otherwise, but rather to mean "one or more."

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to one of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the features described and claimed herein. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. Under U.S. patent law, a claim element is not to be construed as a "means-plus-function" claim unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for..." or "step for..."

The inventors reserve all rights to the subject matter disclosed herein, including the right to claim all rights that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

Claims (22)

1. A backpack, comprising: A front surface and an opposite rear surface, opposite side surfaces and opposite top and bottom surfaces, the front surface, the rear surface, the side surface, the top surface and the bottom surface are arranged to define the compartments of the backpack; The front surface has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including a hinged section hinged to the lower portion, the hinged section having a first state providing an opening to the compartment in the backpack and a second state closing the opening to the compartment, wherein the front portion is movable relative to the rear portion by hinge along a joint, the joint being defined by a lower end of the hinged section and a top end of the lower portion of the front surface; A closed system is used to lock the articulated section in the second state; and The articulated section is connected to a spring system, which is unloaded when the articulated section is in the first state and relatively loaded when the articulated section is in the second state, such that the compartment automatically opens when the closure system is released. 2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the articulated section comprises a flexible material. 3. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the hingeable section is hinged at a joint, the joint comprising a formable bending support or movable hinge in the flexible material. 4. The backpack of claim 3, wherein the joint is formed of a material that is more flexible or thinner than the main body portion of the backpack adjacent to the joint, and the hingeable section is hinged away from the joint. 5. The backpack of claim 4, wherein the articulated section includes a movable frame member pivotally connected to the main body portion of the backpack and coupled to the spring system. 6. The backpack of claim 5, wherein the movable frame member has a generally U-shape, the closed end of the generally U-shaped movable frame member being connected to the hinged section at the top edge, and having downwardly extending legs pivotally connected to the opposite side of the main body portion of the backpack. 7. The backpack of claim 6, wherein the spring system is pivotally coupled to at least one leg of the movable frame member. 8. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the spring system comprises a mechanical spring. 9. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the spring system comprises a torsion spring. 10. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the spring system comprises a material-based spring. 11. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the articulated section is located at the upper front portion of the backpack. 12. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the articulated section is located at the upper front portion of the backpack and is pivotable relative to the rear portion to create an opening at the top of the backpack. 13. The backpack of claim 5, wherein the articulated section is located at the upper front portion of the backpack and is pivotable relative to the rear portion to create an opening at the top of the backpack. 14. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the opening is for the main compartment of the backpack. 15. The backpack of claim 13, wherein the opening is for the main compartment of the backpack. 16. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the opening is configured to be sufficiently sized and shaped to hold a laptop or tablet computer compartment. 17. The backpack of claim 13, wherein the opening is configured to be sufficiently sized and shaped to hold a laptop or tablet computer compartment. 18. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the backpack includes a wearable bag having at least one body strap connected to the body of the wearable bag. 19. The backpack of claim 18, wherein it has two main straps, the main straps including shoulder straps connected to the body of the wearable bag. 20. A wearable bag having at least one strap, comprising: The body, which defines a volume for accommodating objects, typically has a front surface and an opposing rear surface, opposing side surfaces and opposing top and bottom surfaces, the front surface, the rear surface, the side surface, the top surface and the bottom surface being arranged to define compartments of the wearable bag; The front surface has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including a hinged section hinged to the lower portion, the hinged section having a first state providing an opening to the compartment in the wearable bag and a second state closing the opening to the compartment, wherein the front portion is movable relative to the rear portion by hinge along a joint, the joint being defined by a lower end of the hinged section and a top end of the lower portion of the front surface; A closed system for locking the articulated section in the second state; The articulated section is connected to a spring system. When the articulated section is in the first state, the spring system is unloaded, and when the articulated section is in the second state, the spring system is relatively loaded, so that when the closure system is released, the compartment automatically opens. The articulated section includes a movable frame member pivotally connected to the body of the wearable bag and coupled to the spring system; and The hinged section is pivotable relative to the rear portion to create an opening at the top of the wearable bag; and the hinged section is hinged along a joint comprising a flexural support or movable hinge formed in a flexible material. 21. The wearable bag of claim 20, further comprising a static frame member that supports the compartments of the wearable bag in a desired volumetric form. 22. A method for making a bag, comprising: Provide a body that defines a volume for accommodating objects, the body typically having a front surface and an opposing rear surface, opposing side surfaces and opposing top and bottom surfaces, the front surface, the rear surface, the side surface, the top surface and the bottom surface being arranged to define compartments of the bag; The front surface has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including a hinged section hinged to the lower portion, the hinged section having a first state providing an opening to the compartment in the bag and a second state closing the opening to the compartment, wherein the front portion is movable relative to the rear portion by hinge along a joint, the joint being defined by a lower end of the hinged section and a top end of the lower portion of the front surface; Provide a closure system for the package to lock the articulated section in the second state; and A spring system is provided for the package, the spring system being coupled to the articulated section, and the spring system being unloaded when the articulated section is in the first state, and relatively loaded when the articulated section is in the second state, such that the compartment automatically opens when the closure system is released.