Backpack with Integral Weighing Means

Abstract

The present invention is directed to providing a backpack, typically a school bag that includes a weighing means integral thereto for the weighing thereof to prevent overburdening the student. The backpack has shoulder straps, a back contacting panel and at least one storage compartment. A handle attached to an upper surface with an electronic strain gauge mechanism coupled to a processor with a digital display such that by suspending the backpack from the handle causes the weight of the backpack to be displayed on the storage display.

1 . A backpack comprising shoulder straps, a back contacting panel and at least a first storage compartment; the backpack being characterized by a handle attached to an upper surface thereof via an electronic strain gauge mechanism coupled to a processor with a digital display, such that when the electronic strain gauge mechanism is activated, suspension of the backpack from the handle causes the weight of the backpack to be displayed on the storage display. 
   
   
       2 . The backpack of  claim 1  wherein the handle is a loop having two legs, and the electronic strain gauge mechanism comprises a pair of strain gauges in parallel such that each leg of the handle is attached to a separate strain gauge. 
   
   
       3 . The backpack of  claim 1 , being a schoolbag. 
   
   
       4 . The backpack of  claim 1  further comprising an inflated base for padding the contents of the bag and for providing stability. 
   
   
       5 . The backpack of  claim 1 , further comprising inflatable cells on the back contacting panel. 
   
   
       6 . The backpack of  claim 1 , further comprising inflatable cells on the shoulder straps. 
   
   
       7 . The backpack of  claim 1  wherein the processor is further coupled to a clock circuit such that a clock reading may be displayed on the digital display. 
   
   
       8 . The backpack of  claim 1  wherein the processor is coupled to a user interface including keys that enable the user to program the processor to display information. 
   
   
       9 . The backpack of  claim 8  wherein the information includes information regarding user of backpack, selected from the list of name, address, school, class, height, weight, telephone number and email address of the user.