Reversible Athletic Bag with Silver-Coated Fabric and Dual-Purpose Strap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current athletic bags are either oversized and inefficient for carrying smaller equipment, and they lack effective antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, leading to the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungi, which can contaminate personal environments.

Innovation Solution

An athletic bag with reversible, dual-purpose properties featuring a silver-treated or silver-embedded fabric on both sides, providing antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal protection, along with a detachable strap that can serve as exercise equipment, ensuring the bag is compact, clean, and resistant to microbial growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If athletic bags are made oversized to accommodate large items, then they can fit more equipment, but they become bulky and inefficient for carrying smaller equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment capacityVSAvoidbag size
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bag is divided into multiple compartments and sections that can be adjusted or reconfigured. This allows the bag to efficiently organize and carry equipment of varying sizes, maximizing space utilization without requiring an oversized bag structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bag incorporates adjustable and flexible elements such as expandable compartments, adjustable straps, and reconfigurable interior sections. This dynamic design allows the bag to adapt its volume and configuration based on the specific equipment being carried, optimizing both capacity and compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If athletic bags lack antibacterial properties, then manufacturing is simpler, but bacteria, mold, and fungi grow on the bag, contaminating personal environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmicrobial growth
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric material is treated with silver nanoparticles or silver ions, which fundamentally change the chemical properties of the material to create antimicrobial and antifungal characteristics. This treatment is applied during the manufacturing process, maintaining ease of production while adding protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The bag combines conventional fabric materials with silver-based antimicrobial agents to create a composite material structure. This composite approach integrates the beneficial properties of both materials: the structural integrity of the fabric and the antimicrobial properties of silver, preventing microbial growth without significantly complicating manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of moving object

If the bag is made compact for smaller equipment, then portability is improved, but it cannot accommodate larger items when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag compactnessVSAvoidequipment compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bag features expandable compartments and adjustable structural elements that allow it to transition between compact and expanded states. When carrying smaller equipment, the bag maintains a compact profile for easy portability. When larger items need to be accommodated, the compartments can be expanded or reconfigured to provide additional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bag is designed with multi-functional features including adjustable straps, reconfigurable compartments, and expandable sections that enable it to serve multiple purposes and accommodate various types and sizes of equipment. This universal design allows a single compact bag to replace multiple specialized bags.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If the strap is fixed and single-purpose, then structure is simpler, but it cannot serve as both carrying strap and fitness equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrap structureVSAvoidstrap functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The strap is designed as a multi-functional element that serves both as a carrying strap for the bag and as fitness equipment. The strap incorporates adjustable length mechanisms, attachment points, and structural features that enable it to function as a resistance band, exercise strap, or carrying handle depending on the user's needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The strap incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable buckles, telescoping sections, or elastic components that allow it to change its configuration and functionality. These dynamic features enable the strap to transition between different uses without requiring separate dedicated straps for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The bag effectively prevents bacterial, mold, and fungal growth on both sides, while being compact enough for smaller equipment, maintaining hygiene and convenience during recreational and travel activities.

Implementation Method 1

The athletic bag comprises a body having antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties on one or both sides of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntimicrobial property of silver:

Data Source

PatentUS11638471B2Antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-fungal reversible athletic bag with dual purpose strap
Publication Date: 2023.05.02 GILDEA LORI
  • US11638471B2 patent drawing
  • US11638471B2 patent drawing
  • US11638471B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An athletic bag comprising a body having antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties on one or both sides of the body and a detachable dual-purpose carrying strap that may also serve as fitness equipment is provided. The bag may be reversible. The body may further comprise a fabric having a silver-treated coating. The body may also further comprise a fabric having an embedded silver component. The bag may also include at least one insert to store various items. The bag may also include a thermal pouch, a compartment to visually and audibly display electronic devices, and an antibacterial monitor that measures the growth of bacteria in the bag. The bag may also include an attachment for an exercise mat.