Bag with biometric locking system

Abstract

The invention describes a bag (1) with a biometric locking system formed by a lock having a base (41) and a locking plate (42) provided with a pin (421) that enters a hole (412) in the base (41) to prevent the bag (1) from being opened. The bag can only be opened when a fingerprint reader (7) recognises a predefined fingerprint and unblocks the movement of the pin (421).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Bag with biometric locking system

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention belongs to the field of fashion, and more particularly to an opening control system for a handbag.

[0005] The object of the invention is a handbag equipped with a novel biometric locking system that only allows opening after the correct identification of the owner's fingerprint. Preferred embodiments include additional features such as a wireless charging device and a location tracking device.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Theft is a well-known problem that occurs primarily in crowded places where thieves can access the inside of a bag without the owner noticing. Theft can also happen in places where a bag is left in an area accessible to people other than the owner, such as a library or restaurant, as someone can take advantage of a moment of inattention to open it.

[0008] In either case, the result is that the thief gains access to the inside of the bag to steal valuable personal items stored inside, such as wallets or mobile phones.

[0009] Most handbags have some kind of closure, such as a snap, magnetic, or buckle. However, these closures are not secure enough to prevent an unauthorized person from opening the bag if they have the time or skill.

[0010] In view of this problem, there is a need in this field for more secure locking mechanisms that not only prevent this type of theft but, ideally, only allow the rightful owner to open the bag. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] To solve the problem, the present invention proposes equipping the handbag with an opening system connected to a biometric identification device. The opening system acts on the handbag's lock, preventing it from being opened unless the biometric identification device has first identified the owner via her fingerprint.

[0012] The bag with a biometric locking system of the present invention can, in principle, be any type of bag. Generally speaking, in this document, a bag is considered to comprise a hollow body, an opening / closing flap, and a lock.

[0013] The body is the container that holds the objects, and for this purpose, it has an opening at the top that allows them to be inserted. In principle, the body could have any shape and dimensions, and be made of any suitable material.

[0014] The opening / closing flap is designed to allow you to open / close the top opening of the bag. Typically, the opening / closing flap is attached to one of the longer sides of the bag, so it can alternate between a closed position, where it covers the opening, and an open position, where it does not.

[0015] The lock is configured to fix the free side of the opening / closing flap to the body when it is in its closed position, specifically to the side of the body opposite the one to which the flap is attached. To achieve this, the lock comprises two physically separate parts configured to connect with each other:

[0016] A base is attached to one side of the flap and the body. The base is essentially a rigid box, for example, made of metal, and can be any shape, although it commonly resembles a rectangular prism. The base also includes a hole, as described below, intended to receive a locking pin.

[0017] A locking plate is fixed to the other side, between the flap and the body. In principle, the locking plate can have any shape, provided that, as mentioned, it includes a locking pin configured to be press-fitted into the hole in the base.

[0018] Thus, when the pin is inserted into the hole in the base, it is anchored there through a suitable mechanism and, in this way, keeps the bag closed until the owner manually pulls the locking plate to force the pin out of the hole.

[0019] The connection between the pin and the hole can be achieved in different ways. For example, both elements can have complementary shapes that ensure a press fit. In this case, the pin might have an essentially spherical end with a diameter slightly larger than its base, and the hole might be circular with a diameter only very slightly smaller than that of the pin's end. When the owner pushes the pin's end firmly into the hole, a slight deformation occurs in one or both elements, which, when a certain force is reached, allows the spherical end to pass through the hole. To open the bag, the opposite process is carried out.

[0020] Alternatively, the base may contain an internal locking mechanism that can be operated from the outside. For example, it could be a spring-loaded latch mechanism that can be opened by pressing an external button or lever. A key-operated locking mechanism could also be used, in which case the base would have a keyhole.

[0021] In short, the lock can have very diverse configurations, as is known in this field.

[0022] Up to this point, a conventional handbag with characteristics known in the art has been described. However, the handbag of the present invention differs because it also comprises at least the following elements: a locking element, an actuating element, a fingerprint reader, and a processing means. Each of these elements is described in greater detail below.

[0023] Locking Element The locking element is housed inside the base of the lock and configured to alternate between two positions: a default locking position in which it prevents the pin, once inserted, from coming out of the hole in the base; and a release position in which it allows the pin to come out of the hole in the base.

[0024] As will be described later in this document, there are several options regarding the mechanical operation of the locking element. That is, the way in which the locking element "grips" or "holds" the pin to prevent it from coming out of the base can be accomplished in different ways. For example, the locking element may have one end that, in the locked position, engages with a hole in the end of the pin. Alternatively, the locking element may be configured so that, in the locked position, it pushes the pin so that a projection on its end engages with a protrusion or edge on the base designed for this purpose.In either case, the main feature of the locking element is that it can selectively move from one position, called the "release position", where the pin is free to come out of the hole in the base, to another position, called the "lock position", where it prevents the pin from coming out of said hole in the base (although it allows it to enter).

[0025] Furthermore, the locking position is predetermined in the sense that, in the absence of external forces, the locking element permanently assumes that position. To achieve this, the locking element typically comprises a thrust member that forces it into the locked position. The thrust member is commonly a spring, although other options are possible, such as an elastic element (e.g., a rubber element), a flexural elastic element (such as, for example, a thin bar), a magnet or electromagnet, or others.

[0026] Actuating element

[0027] The actuating element is also housed inside the base of the lock, and its function is to selectively act on the locking element to move it from the predetermined locking position to the release position.

[0028] The actuating element can have different characteristics depending on the type of locking element used. For example, in the case of a mechanical locking element, the actuating element will be the element that selectively moves it to the release position, whether by pulling, pushing, rotating, or other means. When the locking element is magnetic, the actuating element may be a magnet or electromagnet that moves it out of the locked position.

[0029] Fingerprint reader

[0030] The fingerprint reader is designed to detect a predefined fingerprint. It is a known electronic device that can generally be placed anywhere in the bag of the present invention, provided that the reading plate where the finger rests is in an easily accessible location, preferably near the lock itself.

[0031] Processing medium

[0032] The processing unit is configured to activate the actuating element only when the fingerprint reader confirms the detection of a predefined fingerprint. To achieve this, the processing unit is electrically connected to both the actuating element and the fingerprint reader. Thus, when it receives a signal from the fingerprint reader indicating that the detected fingerprint matches a predefined fingerprint, the processing unit instructs the actuating element to move the locking element to the release position.

[0033] The processing medium can be of any type, provided it has the processing capacity and connectivity to perform the described function. For example, the processing medium could include a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), or others.

[0034] Thanks to this configuration, the handbag of the invention efficiently solves the initially posed problem. When the owner closes the handbag by inserting the lock plate pin into the hole at the base of the lock, the pin is automatically engaged by the locking element, which is in the predetermined locked position. The locking element remains in this position indefinitely: the lock is closed. To open it, the fingerprint reader must detect a predefined fingerprint, typically the owner's. Thus, when the owner places her finger on the fingerprint reader's reading plate, it generates a fingerprint recognition signal. Alternatively, the reader sends signals that characterize the detected fingerprint, and the comparison of that fingerprint with the predefined fingerprint is carried out in the processing unit.In either case, the processing device determines whether the scanned fingerprint matches the predefined fingerprint. Only if it matches does the processing device send an electrical signal to the actuating element, which then performs the necessary action (mechanical, magnetic, electrical, or other) to move the locking element to the unlocked position. The lock opens, and the owner can open the bag.

[0035] In principle, the fingerprint reader can be placed anywhere on the exterior surface of the bag that is readily accessible. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the fingerprint reader is located at the base of the lock. Since the lock base is a rigid housing, it provides internal space to accommodate the reader's electronics, which are thus protected from external damage such as impacts or scratches.

[0036] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the bag of the invention further comprises a wireless charging coil for mobile phones housed within the bag's body and connected to the processing unit. This connection to the processing unit allows, via a suitable interface such as an app, the management of its operation for activation, deactivation, or other functions. Consequently, any wirelessly chargeable device placed in the bag, such as a mobile phone or tablet, can be charged automatically while inside.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, the bag also comprises a satellite tracking device housed within the bag and connected to the processing unit. The device can be of any type, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or others, provided it is capable of determining the bag's geographic position at all times. Thus, through a suitable interface, such as an app, the owner can know its location in case of theft or loss. According to yet another preferred embodiment, the bag of the invention further comprises a cloud communication device housed within the bag and connected to the processing unit. This communication device can be an LTE, CAT-M1, or NB-IoT device configured to upload data, for example, location data obtained by the satellite communication device, to a cloud server, such as an MQTT server.

[0038] In principle, the processing unit and, if applicable, the wireless charging coil, satellite tracking device, and / or communication device, can be located anywhere in the bag, provided they are adequately protected and do not obstruct the insertion or removal of items or occupy excessive space. For example, in another preferred embodiment, these components are housed in a flat compartment along an inner face of a side wall of the bag body. This position is particularly advantageous because many bags have essentially flat side walls of sufficient dimensions. It is also common for many bags to have an inner lining that covers the body walls, which helps to keep these components invisible to the user.

[0039] Preferably, the processing unit and, where applicable, the wireless charging coil, the satellite tracking device, and the communication medium are integrated onto a single circuit board, which, for added protection, may be housed inside a typically flat protective enclosure. In this context, the term "integrated onto a circuit board" does not necessarily imply literal integration, but rather encompasses options where one or more of these elements are separate commercial devices mechanically and / or electrically attached to the board, thus forming a single unit.

[0040] Furthermore, the connection between the processing unit, the actuating element, and the fingerprint reader can be achieved in any suitable manner. In this context, it is important to note that the processing unit is typically located inside the bag body, while the actuating element and, potentially, the fingerprint reader can be situated at the base of the lock. For example, a wireless connection could potentially be used. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, this connection is implemented using a flexible, preferably flat, electrical cable. The use of a flexible electrical cable, particularly a flat one, is advantageous because it can be routed discreetly inside the bag, for example, between the lining and the body (and, if necessary, the flap), connecting the various components of the system.

[0041] Preferably, the bag of the invention shall have a battery connected to the processing unit to power said processing unit, the fingerprint reader, the drive element, and, where applicable, the wireless charging coil, the satellite location device, and / or the communication device. The battery may be located in any suitable position, although it is preferably also integrated into the electronic board.

[0042] Regarding the internal mechanism of the lock, as previously mentioned, it can be implemented in various ways. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking element comprises a sliding claw continuously driven by a spring into the predetermined locking position. Thus, when in this locking position, inserting the end of the pin into the hole causes the claw to initially retract and then return to the locking position, at which point it engages the pin, preventing its removal from the hole.

[0043] In principle, the pin and claw can be secured in various ways, including having a hole at the pin's end into which the claw fits. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the pin has a flared end. Thus, when locked, the claw engages with the flared end of the pin, preventing it from being removed from the hole.

[0044] Furthermore, the actuating element is preferably an electric motor coupled to the locking element to move it from the predetermined locking position to the release position.

[0045] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a handbag according to the present invention. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a handbag according to the invention containing a mobile phone.

[0047] Figure 3 schematically shows the main elements that allow the implementation of the biometric bag closure system.

[0048] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the base of the lock with the pin inserted into the hole according to an example of a handbag according to the invention.

[0049] Figs. 5a and 5b show the inside of the lock base with the locking element respectively in the locked and released positions.

[0050] Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the main elements of a bag according to the invention.

[0051] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0052] An example of a bag (1) according to the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0053] The bag (1) in this example is of the type commonly called a "pochette," and comprises a body (2) usually made of leather in the shape of a parallelepiped, having four side panels, a top panel, and a bottom panel. The two larger side panels are formed by leather plates, one of which is substantially longer than the other, so that the portion extending from the top of the other forms a flap (3). The two smaller side panels, as well as the bottom panel that forms the base of the bag's body (2), are essentially bellows-shaped, allowing the interior volume of the body (2) to expand to a certain extent. The top panel of the body (2) has an opening or mouth through which the interior is accessed, and which is closed when the aforementioned flap (3) is folded over it.The free end of the flap (3), when folded closing the bag (1), is superimposed on the side face of the body (2) opposite to which it is attached.

[0054] The bag (1) also comprises a lock (4) that selectively connects the free end of the flap (3) to the aforementioned side face of the body (2). The lock (4) consists of two separate parts: a base (41), firmly attached to the side face of the body (2); and a locking plate (42), firmly attached to the free end of the flap (3). The base (41) is a square-section metal housing with a circular hole (412). The locking plate (42), in this particular example, is essentially triangular and comprises a pin (421) that is essentially cylindrical with a spherical protrusion at its free end. The diameter of this spherical protrusion of the pin (421) is only very slightly larger than that of the hole (412) in the base (41).

[0055] To close the bag (1), the owner folds the flap (3) over the top opening of the body (2) until the closure plate (42) at its end faces the base (41) in such a way that the pin (421) of the closure plate (42) is directly opposite the hole (412) in the base (41). At that moment, a pushing action on the closure plate (42) causes the spherical protrusion of the pin (421) to force its entry into the hole (412) in the base (41), thus anchoring it.

[0056] According to the invention, this known bag (1) has an integrated biomethicone system to prevent opening by unauthorized persons.

[0057] For this purpose, as shown in Fig. 2, the bag (1) also includes a fingerprint reader (7) housed inside the base (41). The reading plate of this fingerprint reader (7) is accessible from the outside of the base (41) through a hole (413) in it, the diameter of which is approximately 2 cm.

[0058] Furthermore, specially designed means allow the lock (4) to be selectively locked, so that it can only be opened if the fingerprint reader (7) first detects a predefined fingerprint. These means include a locking element (5) and an actuating element (6). Both, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, are located inside the base (41) of the lock (4).

[0059] The locking element (5) comprises an elongated piece (50) that can be moved longitudinally between a forward locking position (P1, see Fig. 5a) and a rearward release position (P2, see Fig. 5b). When in the locking position (P1), a claw (51) located at its forward end is positioned adjacent to the hole (412). Thus, when the pin (421) is inserted into the hole (412), as shown in Fig. 4, the protrusion at its end is engaged by the claw (51) at the end of the elongated piece (50). Conversely, when the locking element (5) is in the release position (P2), the claw (51) at the end of the elongated piece (50) does not engage with the end of the pin (421) when it is inserted through the hole (412). The locking element (5) further comprises a spring (52) that continuously pushes the elongated piece (50) towards the locking position (P1).

[0060] The actuating element (6) is a small electric motor mechanically coupled to the elongated part (50) of the locking element (5). When activated, the electric motor pulls the elongated part (50), displacing it against the force exerted by the spring (52) from the locked position (P1) to the released position (P2). When the electric motor stops, the elongated part (50) returns to the forward locked position (P1).

[0061] The drive element (6) is controlled by a processing means (8) located in the body (2) of the bag (1). As shown schematically in Fig.

[0062] 6. The processing unit (8) is integrated into an electronic board (11) along with several additional components, including a wireless charging coil (9), a GPS location device (10), a communication medium (15), and a battery (14). This electronic board (11) is rectangular and housed within a flat protective casing (12) positioned parallel to one side of the bag body (2) (1), between that side and an inner lining that separates it from the storage compartment. This position is particularly advantageous because it is barely noticeable during normal use of the bag (1).

[0063] The processing means (8) is connected to the fingerprint reader (7) and the actuating means (6) via a flat, flexible cable (13) that runs inside the body (2) of the bag (1). Thus, when a person places their finger on the reading plate of the fingerprint reader (7), the data about the detected fingerprint is transmitted to the processing means (8), which determines whether that fingerprint matches the owner's fingerprint. Only if it does, the processing means (8) activates the electric motor that constitutes the actuating means (6), causing the elongated part (50) of the locking element (5) to retract, against the force exerted by the spring (52), to the release position (P2).Consequently, the claw (51) of the elongated piece (50) ceases to grip the protrusion at the end of the pin (421), which is then free to come out of the hole (412): the lock (4) is open. The owner can open the bag (1) normally by pulling the lock plate (42) to remove the pin (421) from the hole (412) in the base (41).

[0064] In addition to the opening control, the bag (1) of the invention has other additional features. The wireless charging coil (9) allows a mobile phone (100) to be charged while inside the bag (1), as shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the GPS location system (10) allows the bag (1) to be located if it is lost.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A bag (1) with a biometric locking system, wherein the bag (1) comprises a hollow body (2) with a top opening, an opening / closing flap (3) configured to open / close said top opening, and a lock (4) configured to fix the free side of the opening / closing flap (3) to the body (2) when in its closed position, wherein the lock (4) comprises: a base (41) fixed to one of the flap (3) and the body (2), wherein the base (41) comprises an opening (412); and a locking plate (42) fixed to the other between the flap (3) and the body (2), wherein the locking plate (42) comprises a pin (421) configured to be press-fitted into the hole (412) in the base (41), characterized in that it also includes: a locking element (5) housed inside the base (41) of the lock (4) and configured to alternate between: a predetermined locking position (P1) in which it prevents the pin (421), once inserted, from coming out of the hole (412) in the base (41); and a release position (P2) in which it allows the pin (421) to come out of the hole (412) in the base (41); an actuating element (6) housed inside the base (41) of the lock (4) and configured to act on the locking element (5) to move it from the default locking position (P1) to the release position (P2); a fingerprint reader (7) for detecting a predefined fingerprint; and a processing means (8) electrically connected to the actuating element (6) and the fingerprint reader (7), the processing means (8) being configured to command the actuating element (6) only when the fingerprint reader (7) confirms the detection of the predefined fingerprint.

2. Bag (1) with biometric locking system according to claim 1, wherein the fingerprint reader (7) is arranged in the base (41) of the lock (4).

3. Bag (1) with biometric locking system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a wireless charging coil (9) for mobile phones housed in the body (2) of the bag (1) and connected to the processing medium (8).

4. Bag (1) with biometric closure system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a satellite location device (10) housed in the body (2) of the bag (1) and connected to the processing medium (8).

5. Bag (1) with biometric closure system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication means (15) with the cloud housed in the body (2) of the bag (1) and connected to the processing means (8).

6. Bag (1) with biometric closure system according to claim 5, wherein the means of communication (15) is an LTE, CAT-M1 or NB-IOT device.

7. Bag (1) with biometric locking system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing means (8) and, where applicable, the wireless charging coil (9), the satellite location device (10) and the communication means (15), are housed in a flat compartment next to an inner face of a side wall of the body (2) of the bag (1).

8. Bag (1) with biometric closure system according to claim 5, wherein the processing means (8) and, where applicable, the wireless charging coil (9), the satellite location device (10) and / or the communication means (15), are integrated into an electronic board (11).

9. Bag (1) with biometric locking system according to claim 8, wherein said electronic board (11) is housed inside a flat protective case (12).

10. Bag (1) with biometric closure system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a flexible electric cable (13) connecting the processing means (8) with the drive element (6) and the fingerprint reader (7).

11. Bag (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a battery (14) connected to the processing means (8) for powering said processing means (8), the fingerprint reader (7), the drive element (6) and, where applicable, the wireless charging coil (9), the satellite location device (10) and / or the means of communication (15).

12. Bag (1) according to claim 11, wherein the battery (14) is also integrated into the electronic board (11).

13. Bag (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (5) comprises an elongated piece (50) continuously driven by a spring (52) towards the predetermined locking position (P1) and provided with a sliding claw (51) such that, when in said locking position (P1), the insertion of the end of the pin (421) into the hole (412) causes its initial retraction and subsequent return to the locking position (P1), in which said claw (51) is fixed to the pin (421) thus preventing its removal from the hole (412).

14. Bag (1) with biometric locking system according to claim 13, wherein the pin (421) comprises a widening at its end such that, in the locked position (P1), the claw (51) of the elongated piece (50) is engaged with the widening at the end of the pin (421) and thus prevents said pin (421) from coming out of the hole (412).

15. Bag (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive element (6) is an electric motor coupled to the elongated part (50) of the locking element (5) to move it from the predetermined locking position (P1) to the release position (P2).

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